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VOL 19 No. 49
September 18, 2019
Mayor Dan Murphy received the dive team’s assessment report on Monday. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – An i+iconSoutheast construction barge struck and damaged the new Anna Maria City Pier on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Mayor Dan Murphy said the accident occurred between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and the barge struck the southeast side of the pier, about two-thirds of the way out. The accident occurred at a point on the pier where the new Ipe hardwood decking had not yet been installed. “The icon barge was trying to tie up for the night. He was going to go early tomorrow morning to the Kingfish boat ramp to start loading materials to take out there. He came in a little bit too hot, and he rammed into the pier. It’s about 15 to 20 feet of damage,” Murphy said a few hours after the accident occurred. I+iconSoutheast is the marine construction company building the new pier structure, walkway and T-end decking. Its barge is used to transport construction materials from the Kingfish Boat Ramp to the pier
Barge accident delays pier project CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED
On Friday, scuba diver Theo Lucius helped inspect the concrete pilings struck by the barge.
Benac accepts plea deal in shark dragging case BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
TAMPA – Robert “Bo” Benac, 30, of Sarasota, agreed to a plea deal last week when appearing before Judge Mark Wolfe in the 13th Circuit Court regarding his participation in a much-publicized shark dragBenac ging incident in 2017. Benac, Michael Wenzel and Spencer Heintz were arrested on Dec. 12, 2017, on charges stemming from a videotaped incident involving a blacktip shark being dragged behind Wenzel’s boat in the Gulf of Mexico near Egmont Key, approximately two miles offshore of the city of Anna Maria. Nicholas Burns Easterling also was on the boat but was not charged. Benac was originally charged with two third-degree felony counts of aggravated
INSIDE NEWS 4 TURTLES 10 OUTDOORS 18 WEDDINGS 21-22 REAL ESTATE 22-25 SPORTS 26 CROSSWORD 28
animal cruelty and one second-degree misdemeanor count of illegal method of taking a shark. Represented by attorney Justin Petredis, Benac appeared before Judge Wolfe on Thursday, Sept. 12. Benac withdrew his previous not guilty plea regarding one of the two felony animal cruelty counts and instead pled guilty to a reduced misdemeanor animal cruelty charge. He also pled guilty to a misdemeanor violation of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules that prohibit speargunning a shark in a separate incident that occurred that day. FWC rules state the only legal method to catch a shark is using a hook and line. The second animal cruelty charge was dropped. SEE BENAC, PAGE 12
SEE PIER, PAGE 23
U.S. House opposes oil drilling BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
The U.S. House of Representatives passed two bills banning oil drilling off the Gulf coast of Florida and in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans on Sept. 11. The Protecting and Securing Florida’s Coastline Act (H.R. 205) amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to permanently block offshore oil and gas leasing off Florida’s Gulf Coast. The current moratorium, which protects waters up to 235 miles off the coast in the eastern Gulf, is set to expire in June 2022. The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act (H.R. 1941) protects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the Florida Straits. “Representatives (Joe) Cunningham (D-S.C.), (Francis) Rooney (R-Fla.) and (Kathy) Castor (D-Fla.) should be applauded for putting politics aside
and coming together to protect our coasts from offshore drilling,” said Diane Hoskins, campaign director at Oceana, an international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana representatives visited supporters in Holmes Beach last week, the day before the vote. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, The Florida Gulf Coast Business Coalition and Oceana drew dozens of supporters to the Protect Our Coast Happy Hour at Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club in Holmes Beach on Sept. 10. “Write letters to your newspaper,” Robin Miller, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Florida Gulf Coast Business Coalition told the group, urging them to join the coalition at http://www.protectthegulfcoast.org/. SEE OIL, PAGE 11
‘STEEL Magnolias’
DRIFT IN late-night food cart has
opens Sept. 19 at The Island Players. 13
city support. 5
Anna Maria Island, Florida
FIRE district approves residential,
commercial tax increases. 8 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com
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THE SUN
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
THE SUN
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Concerns raised about Bridge Street bar incidents City officials consider a three strikes and you're out policy that could result in the suspension of an establishment’s city-issued business tax license. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORREPSONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Police Chief Sam Speciale and Mayor John Chappie want to make sure the Bridge Street bar scene doesn’t revert back to its wild days of the past. These concerns were discussed at the city commission’s Tuesday, Sept. 10, work meeting and City Attorney Ricinda Perry was directed to draft a new ordinance addressing these concerns. The proposed policy would allow an establishment to be declared a public nuisance and have its city-issued business tax license suspended after three incidents occur within a certain time period that require police department intervention that results in a police report being filed. Chappie said he’s concerned about recent incidents that started inside
a bar and made their way outside of the bar. “I don’t want to see Bridge Street go backwards,” he said in reference to the reputation Bridge Street had in the 1970s and 80s before revitalization produced the Bridge Street of today. “Bridge Street is a destination for families. We have to take some action and get a handle on it,” Chappie said.
CHIEF’S CONCERNS
Speciale said he’s concerned about bar fights, and he requested the three strikes and you’re out policy. Speciale said one Bridge Street establishment needs to do a better job of managing its patrons and trespass those who misbehave, even if they’re regulars. “If they’re not going to do it, then we need to have some type of enforcement ability to do that for them,” Speciale said. He also expressed concerns about patrons being over-served. “If a person appears intoxicated you have the right to refuse to serve them, and that’s not happening,” Speciale said.
“I think we need to try to nip this in the bud. We don’t want your officers hurt, we don’t want the public hurt,” Chappie said. “Seriously, it’s getting into issues with pool cues,” Speciale said. Speciale also said, “I never thought my guys would have to carry Tasers. Now my guys do, and they’ve used them.” Speciale and Chappie would not identify a specific establishment, even when asked during public comment. Police reports obtained by The Sun resemble some of the incidents Speciale mentioned. One specifically refers to a large fight involving pool cues. “A large group of women and men got into a fight at Sports Lounge. Witnesses state everyone was hitting everyone, and there were some pool sticks involved. Holmes Beach police also responded to assist,” says a police report regarding a July 3 incident. When contacted, a representative of the Sports Lounge said the establishment would refrain from commenting at this time.
POLICY QUESTIONS
Vice Mayor Jake Spooner noted someone could get drunk elsewhere and come into an establishment and start trouble after having only one drink there. He also noted some Island establishments ban you for life if you get into a fight. Speciale said many years ago there were bars in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach you would never consider bringing your family into. “I don’t want that to happen; I’m hearing those rumblings on Bridge Street,” Speciale said. Speciale said the three strikes policy would not apply to lesser instances resolved by an officer simply talking to person or parties involved. The chief suggested a tiered fine structure that escalates with a second and third offense. Perry said declaring a business a public nuisance requires a hearing before a special master or some other ruling body and she would not be comfortable suspending a business tax license without such a ruling. This proposed policy will be discussed again before it’s brought forward for potential final adoption.
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ISLAND NEWS
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
Auction to benefit Turtle Watch
IN BRIEF
BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Commission applicants still sought
As of Monday morning, no one had applied to fill the Anna Maria City Commission seat vacated by Brian Seymour’s recent resignation. The deadline to apply is the end of business on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The four sitting commissioners hope to appoint a new commissioner on Thursday, Sept. 26. The commission term formerly held by Seymour expires in November 2020. Commissioners earn $400 a month. Application forms can be downloaded at www. cityofannamaria.com, obtained by email at amclerk@cityofannamaria.com, obtained via standard mail by calling 941-708-6130 or obtained in person at city hall.
Time to clean up the Island The Anna Maria Island Privateers will be participating in the semi-annual Keep Manatee Beautiful Coastal Clean-up Day starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the port of the Privateers’ pirate ship, Skullywag, Bring gloves; garbage bags, safety vests and pick-up grabbers will be provided. For more information, contact Privateer Terry Rapert at 941-705-0199.
National Night Out volunteers needed Holmes Beach police officers are organizing this year’s National Night Out community event and they need your help to make all of the familyfriendly fun happen. Volunteers are needed to help run games, monitor bounce houses and slides, hand out drinks and food, and generally help everyone have a great time. National Night Out is an opportunity for the community to come together and get to know their local law enforcement officers in a fun, safe environment. This year’s National Night Out takes place Oct. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive. In addition to volunteers, donations of toys, bicycles, food and drinks also are welcome. For more information, to volunteer or donate, contact the Holmes Beach Police Department at 941-708-5800.
Water quality report
Bayfront Park North Bradenton Beach Coquina Beach North Coquina Beach South Manatee Beach North Palma Sola Bay South
Source: Florida Department of Heath
Good Good Good Good Good Good
HOLMES BEACH – Enjoy live music, live and silent auctions and good food at the Second Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday on Sept. 25 from 4-6 p.m. at Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive. A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals is teaming up with Hurricane Hanks again to raise funds for the not-forprofit Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring organization, which documents sea turtle and shorebird nesting and hatching on the Island. The first 75 guests will receive a free drink ticket, and Hurricane Hanks will offer 50 percent discounts on appetizers, donating $1 for every food and drink item sold during the event. Mike Sales will provide live music during the event, which features a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and special Tshirts available for a $20 donation. The silent auction will feature items from more than 50 local businesses, and will include jewelry, clothing, dolphin tours, gift cards to restaurants, home furnishings and much more. The live auction will include a Robert Wyland giclee on canvas of a sea turtle in Hawaii worth more than $1,000. The numbered and signed print is #44 in a series of 750. The print was donated by a North Carolina resident who has visited Anna Maria Island several times and follows
CINDY LANE | SUN
From left, Brian Mathae, owner of Hurricane Hank’s, Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, and Sharon Hoatland, of A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals, display some of the items that will be auctioned on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 4-6 p.m. at Hurricane Hanks. Turtle Watch and Island activities on Facebook. “I sit in North Carolina and covet AMI!” said Jeannie Sowers, who will be attending the fundraiser as part of a birthday/anniversary trip to the Island. Last year’s inaugural Turtle Watch Wednesday event drew 300 people and raised about $3,000. This year’s funds will be used for turtle-friendly lighting and community education about the importance of following turtle lighting laws to keep nesting mothers and hatching turtles from becoming disoriented. Turtle Watch has documented more than 50 disorientations of turtle mothers and hatchlings so far this season, Fox said. More than 90 turtle nests are still on the beach waiting to hatch
between now and the end of the season on Oct. 31. “We have lights that will keep both turtles and people safe,” she said, adding that the funds raised at the event will help purchase more. One educational aide in the works is a placemat for kids to color while families enjoy local restaurants. Anna Maria Island Sun cartoonist Steven Borggren is working on the design, which will include Mr. and Mrs. Foster Dribbles and their cat, Tobert, from his cartoon, Beach Nutz, published weekly in The Sun. The Sun and J & J Graphics are cosponsors of Turtle Watch Wednesday. To donate silent auction items or for more information, please call Sharon Hoatland at 941-737-3642.
Holmes Beach adds monthly rentals to VRC BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners may have dropped the business tax receipt requirement for residential rental homes and units, but they’re considering reclaiming some control by adding longer-term rentals to the vacation rental certificate program. Under the city’s VRC program, shortterm rentals, those rented for less than 30-day periods, typically seven days, are required to pay a fee and obtain a certificate to be posted at the rental property after passing an inspection from code compliance officers. Commissioners are moving forward an ordinance to add monthly rentals to that program as well. Currently, vacation rentals must
undergo an inspection and renewal of the rental certificate every two years. To lessen the blow to monthly rental property owners, Commissioner Carol Soustek, who owns a property that’s rented seasonally, suggested finding a way to make the program accessible to owners who may not make as much money from their properties as vacation rental owners. She said that with so few monthly rentals still available on the Island, she doesn’t want to push owners to move toward selling their properties or offering them as vacation rentals. After a little back and forth between her fellow commissioners, Soustek suggested having monthly rental certificates renewed every three years instead of every two years. Earlier in the evening, commissioners voted to approve an increase in cost for
VRC initial inspections and renewals to $695. With monthly rentals included in the program, Mayor Judy Titsworth provided a cost analysis from city Treasurer Lori Hill that put those costs at $545 for monthly and vacation rentals. City leaders estimate there are between 1,100 and 1,200 vacation rental properties and around 300 monthly rental properties in Holmes Beach. At $545, Hill estimated that the cost of the VRC program would be equal to the cost, $751,008 for two years. Before commissioners move forward, they asked Titsworth to go back to Hill and make sure that the $545 fee could support the program with renewals for vacation rentals at two years and monthly rentals every three years.
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
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Drift In food cart has city’s support Allowing a food cart will require an amendment to the Land Development Code. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners support Drift In owner Joe Cuervo’s desire to add a late-night hot dog cart to his business operations. Cuervo and chef Stephen Ascencious discussed the proposed food cart vending operations with commissioners at the Tuesday, Sept. 10, work meeting. Cuervo said the late-night food service would take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night and start around 10 p.m. as to not compete with the nearby restaurants on Bridge Street. Cuervo offered to contribute up to $1,000 toward the city’s efforts to amend its land development code (LDC) to allow for food carts – something city code currently prohibits. “I will pay for it. I think we really need this cart out there for people,” Cuervo said of his desire to make food available along Bridge Street after 10 p.m. The work meeting discussion resulted
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Drift In in Bradenton Beach wants to provide late night food service in the form of a hot dog cart. in Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole, Marilyn Maro and Jake Spooner directing city staff to process an LDC amendment to allow food concession vending carts to operate within the city. The commission also agreed to accept Cuervo’s offer to contribute up to $1,000 to the LDC amendment efforts. The proposed LDC amendment will require preliminary review and recommendation from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board. City Planner Alan Garrett said it might
take until December to get the proposed LDC amendment before a planning board that must have at least three of its five current members in attendance to form a voting quorum. The LDC amendment also will require two advertised public hearings before the city commission. Garrett said the LDC amendment would only allow food carts to operate on private property in the city’s C-2 commercial zoning district. This would apply to food vending carts only and would not eliminate the existing prohibition on food trucks.
City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the food cart operations must take place in the Drift In parking lot and cannot impede pedestrian traffic on the nearby sidewalk. She also said the food cart must be removed each night. Police Chief Sam Speciale said he supports making late night food service available to people out drinking later at night. Speciale said his only concern is to ensure the amended LDC does result in food carts being parked all over the city – or result in a previous practice of having “girls in T-backs” operate hot dog carts at city street ends. Ascencious told the commission he has a catering license, and he only knows of one other fully licensed hot dog cart doing business between St. Petersburg and Venice. Due to the onerous licensing process, Ascencious does not envision an influx of food cart vendors trying to do business in Bradenton Beach. Building Official Steve Gilbert said any other proposed food cart operations would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Before the work meeting, Ascencious’ wife, Katie, said the hot dog cart would also serve Cuban sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, bratwursts and things of that nature.
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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 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/social media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson
Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@ amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter
to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE
For information, call 941708-6130 Sept. 18, 5 p.m. – Special Magistrate hearing Sept. 26, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.
For information, call 941778-1005 Sept. 19, 11 a.m. – Pier Team meeting Sept. 19, noon – City Commission meeting
Sept. 19, 5:05 p.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission final budget hearing Sept. 24, 10 a.m. – City Commission work meeting
HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE
Sept. 24, 6 p.m. – City Commission final budget hearing with regular meeting and work session to follow Sept. 25, 9 a.m. – Comprehensive Plan selection committee follow up meeting
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.
THURSDAY SEPT. 19
Veteran Services Information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Book Club, Island Branch
Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m. Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m. Movie night at the NEST, Rare Creatures of the Photo Ark Part 3, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST 10299
Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 8 p.m.
FRIDAY SEPT. 20
Forty carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Wild FL 101: Biocube Project, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Reserve to 941-742-5923, ext. 6036. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY SEPT. 21
Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteer oyster reef restoration workday, Perico Bayou Bridge, Manatee Ave. W. at Robinson Preserve west parking area, 8 a.m. Reserve at https://new-
2019pericobayou.eventbrite. com. Guided meditation with Sheryl, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Starry night telescope exploration, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 7:45 p.m. Reserve to 941-742-5923, ext. 6039.
TUESDAY SEPT. 24
Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Stroller Strolls, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Reserve to 941-742-5757 ext. 4. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
THE SUN
WEDNESDAY
Sept. 25 Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon. AMI Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 p.m., $5 per member or $10 per future member. Reserve to 941-778-1541. Coquina Coastal Cleanup, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY SEPT. 26
Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Science and Service Book Club: River of Grass, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST,
10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 5 p.m.
FRIDAY SEPT. 27
Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
SATURDAY SEPT. 28
Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon. CPR Training, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. Celebrate National Public Lands Day, Robinson Preserve 1704 99th St. N. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lemur Conservation Foundation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30
new
HAPPY HOUR Monday - Friday 11:00 am- 6:00 00 pm Summer lunch specials under $10 Monday - Friday 11:00 am- 4:00 pm support these other
fine businesses
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THE SUN
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
WMFR approves budget, assessment rate With no comment from the public, fire commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 10 to approve the district’s proposed assessment rate increases and budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) has an approved budget and an approved assessment rate increase for the 2019-20 fiscal year. Commissioners met at the district’s administrative offices Sept. 10 to host a public hearing for both the budget and the assessment rate. No members of the public chose to speak during the public hearing. Commissioners voted unanimously to certify the district’s tax roll, approve the budget and increase the fire assessment for both residential and commercial properties. Residential property owners can expect to see a 1.65% increase, a $3.09 increase in the base rate bringing it to $190.57 for the first 1,000 square feet
of a home. The rate for square footage over 1,000 square feet is being raised from $0.1106 to $0.1124. The total assessment rate for a 2,000 square foot home is increasing from $298.08 to $303, a difference of $1.92. Residential homes make up the majority of the properties in WMFR’s district, which stretches from the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Tampa Bay to the north, Longboat Key to the south and city of Bradenton to the east. The district includes unincorporated Manatee County, Palma Sola, Cortez, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. Commercial property assessment rates will be increasing 5% to help the district come in line with the rates charged by other surrounding fire districts. The base rate for commercial properties is increasing from $451.07 to $473.62 for the first 1,000 square feet of the building. The remaining square footage will be charged at a rate of $0.2051, totaling a $32.32 increase for a 2,000 square foot commercial building. The increased assessment rates are estimated to bring in around $144,203 in increased revenue for the district.
The funds are planned to be used to assist in launching the district’s non-transport advanced life support service at all three stations, purchase a new fire engine and begin work on the district’s new permanent administration building. The district’s proposed total revenue for the coming fiscal year, beginning Oct. 1, is $7,660,461 with $74,900 used in impact fees and $1,910,873 used of reserves to total $9,646,234 in expenses with $4,329,953 left in reserves. An expense carried to the district’s next board meeting is the matter of offering an honorarium to the chaplain. Commissioner David Bishop brought up the idea a month after the district’s new chaplain was sworn in during the August board meeting. After not having a chaplain for 12 years, he said he thinks an honorarium would be appropriate to demonstrate the importance of the position to district staff and firefighters. “I think it’s a valuable resource,” he said. “I just think it’s the right thing to do. Commissioner George Harris agreed, saying, “The chaplain’s role is essential,” to the district staff.
Commissioner Al Robinson suggested offering $100 per month. A decision is expected during the October board meeting. Commissioners are also considering how they want to handle a new cancer bill that was recently passed by the state legislature and went into effect July 1, 2019. Under the new bill, any firefighter who is diagnosed with one of 21 different kinds of cancer within 10 years of leaving the fire service is eligible for a $25,000 cash payout and for their out of pocket treatment expenses to be covered by their fire district. Commissioners discussed purchasing insurance at a cost of $70 per firefighter, totaling $3,000 annually, to cover any of the $25,000 payouts that the district might be required to pay. They also discussed extending the program to recent retirees, something that is not specified in the legislation. In order to qualify for benefits, firefighters must have served in the fire service for at least five years prior to diagnosis. The discussion is expected to continue at the Oct. 15 board meeting.
DOCK & DINE
Cruise to the Pier by land or sea! Boat docking is NOW AVAILABLE at the Pier location! LANDSIDE
6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880
CORTEZ
6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077
ELLENTON
1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773
BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
THE SUN
HB budget jumps first hurdle Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the proposed 2019-20 budget and millage rate.
IN BRIEF Final budget hearing for Anna Maria .... Last week, Anna Maria commissioners adopted on first reading the 2.05 millage rate to be collected from Anna Maria property owners on their ad valorem property taxes during the city’s 2019-2020 fiscal year. Anna Maria’s millage rate remains the lowest on the Island, and the new fiscal year budget and millage rate are scheduled for final adoption on Thursday, Sept. 26.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City leaders are one step closer to having an approved budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year, beginning Oct. 1. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the proposed budget and millage rate during a Sept. 11 special meeting. The final budget public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24. Though city leaders tried to keep the millage rate at the rollback rate of 2.1226 mills, city Treasurer Lori Hill said that with the city’s additional expenses in saving for Bert Harris cases, adding to the funds for stormwater and flooding prevention and other projects, she recommended commissioners approve a 2.25 millage rate.
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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of the proposed city budget for the new fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. Though the millage rate is the same as the previous year, it does result in a 6% increase over the previous year due to increases in property values in Holmes Beach. With carryover and reserves, Hill said the budget ends up at a total of $16,967,913. Out of that number, $6,188,036 is in carryover and reserves with the remaining $10,779,877 in departmental expenditures. Expenses for the mayor and commission are expected to top out at $184,106 with general government expenditures
of $1,796,851. Expenditures for code compliance are budgeted at $476,464. Expenses for the police department are expected at $3,410,457 with public works budgeting $1,830,381, the building department at $912,279, stormwater utility expenses at $1,281,289, fifth cent gas tax expenditures of $520,800, and the half cent discretionary tax expenditures at $367,250. Several categories include a contingency fund which Hill said would be added to the carryover amount at the end of the year if the funds are not used.
.... and for Bradenton Beach On Thursday, Sept. 19, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and the city commission are scheduled to adopt on second and final readings the CRA and city budgets that will maintain the current 2.3329 millage rate used for the collection of ad valorem property taxes. The budget hearing will begin at 5:05 p.m.
Library Friends recruiting The Friends of the Island Library is looking for people who are interested in helping the facility continue to serve residents and visitors, seniors and children. The voluntary Friends of the Island Library board of directors is growing and looking for new members. Those who want to contribute time and energy may call the Island Library in Holmes Beach at (941) 778-6341
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THE SUN
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
OWN YOUR OWN VACATION.
LIMITED RESIDENCES REMAINING! DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN AT ONE PARTICULAR HARBOUR MARGARITAVILLE. 2- AND 3-BEDROOM RESIDENCES FROM THE MID $400s Florida’s last private island is selling out fast! Come enjoy the resort lifestyle any time you wish with exciting activities and all the amenities for a perfect vacation or year-round residence. The choice is yours! • • • • •
State-of-the-art marina Beach Club with poolside cabana bar Fully-equipped fitness center and yoga lawn Views of Anna Maria Sound Across the bridge from Anna Maria Island
COMING SOON
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Visit OPHMintoUSA.com to book your tour today! (941) 229-3860 | OPHMintoUSA.com | 12340 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists’ renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. © Minto Communities, LLC 2019. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2019. CGC 1519880.
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
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Bird nesting season disappointing BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
While sea turtles broke their all-time annual nesting record of 534 nests this month, shorebirds have not been so prolific. Two snowy plover pairs hatched six chicks this nesting season, which is over for birds, although turtles are still hatching, said Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. Snowy plovers are a threatened species in Florida. Two other threatened bird species that typically nest on the
Island, least terns and black skimmers, also turned in disappointing numbers. Black skimmers laid eggs, but they disappeared, possibly eaten by predators or taken by someone who does not want nesting birds in front of their residence, she said, adding that last season, one Island resident chased birds away to keep them from nesting. Least terns did not nest this season, she said, although royal terns and common terns congregated on the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. PETE GROSS | SUBMITTED
Snowy plovers protect their offspring on Anna Maria Island.
OIL: U.S. House opposes drilling FROM PAGE 1
More than 90% of U.S. waters, including Florida waters, are in the federal programs slated for oil and gas drilling and leasing, Hunter Miller, Oceana campaign organizer for the Florida Gulf Coast, told the group, adding that the Florida delegation is united against the practice. The cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, as well as the Manatee County Commission, have expressed their opposition to plans to expand offshore drilling by passing resolutions, joining nearly 100 cities and towns across Florida. Oceana is now calling on the Senate to make the legislation a reality and permanently protect U.S. coasts from the threat of expanded
offshore drilling activities. The “vote to permanently ban offshore drilling underscores the strength of bipartisan opposition to President Trump’s radical drilling plan. Opening nearly all our waters to dirty and dangerous drilling is out of touch with every East and West coast governor,” Hoskins said in a press release. “Offshore drilling threatens our fishing, tourism and recreation industries and everyone who calls the coast home. But the fight is not over, and we must not give up until permanent protections are established or President Trump’s plan is officially off the table.” “I have consistently opposed drilling off the coast of Florida and was a co-sponsor of the bill that passed permanently banning all drilling off
CINDY LANE | SUN
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, The Florida Gulf Coast Business Coalition and Oceana drew supporters to a “Protect Our Coast Happy Hour” at Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club in Holmes Beach on Sept. 10. the Gulf Coast,” Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) said in a press release. “This bill also included my amendment to restore critical safety regulations adopted in response to Deepwater Horizon. As Floridians know all too well, an oil spill can devastate a regional economy and inflict long-term environmen-
tal damage. Southwest Florida is blessed with some of the world's greatest natural treasures. We cannot allow our beaches, wildlife and way of life to be threatened by another oil spill.”
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BENAC: Reaches plea deal FROM PAGE 1
PLEA AGREEMENT
When accepting the plea agreement, Benac gave up his right to the jury trial that was scheduled to begin with jury selection on Monday. According to the plea agreement, Benac will serve 10 days in the Hillsborough County jail. He will serve that time on three consecutive weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and receive credit for one day already served. Benac told Wolfe he would begin serving his jail time on Friday Sept. 13, and Wolfe ordered him to appear at the Hillsborough County jail by 5 p.m. that day. Benac was placed on 11 months’ probation. He must serve 250 hours of community service, with at least 125 hours served at an animal shelter. He can serve the remaining 125 hours in any other allowed fashion or buy out those remaining hours at $10 an hour. Benac must also participate in a psychiatric evaluation and any treatment ordered. In addition, he was ordered to pay $2,500 in court costs in lieu of a fine and his fishing
license is revoked for three years. Wolfe told Petredis he would not accept a no contest plea but would withhold adjudication of guilt on both charges, meaning Benac was not technically convicted of either crime, which his record will reflect.
EVENTS RECAPPED
During Thursday’s hearing, Assistant State Attorney Aaron Hubbard referenced the incidents that occurred aboard Wenzel’s boat on June 26, 2017. “During that time a shark was caught by hook and line by Mr. Benac. Video recovered during the investigation showed Mr. Benac catching that shark with hook and line. While that shark was on hook and line, the video shows co-defendant Michael Wenzel using a handgun, firing on multiple occasions into the shark,” Hubbard said. “There was testimony from Spencer Heintz, and photographs taken, that showed Mr. Benac harvested a shark using a speargun in violation of FWC rules,” Hubbard said in reference to a separate incident that occurred earlier that day.
After the hearing, Petredis said they felt the plea agreement was the best route to take. Petredis noted the animal cruelty charge pertaining to the shark dragging was dropped. He attributed this to the shark likely already being dead – contrary to a criminal investigator’s report citing “a high probability the shark was alive while it was being dragged behind the boat.” Benac’s mother, Betsy Benac, did not attend the hearing, but later that day she reiterated the reduced animal cruelty charge pertained to the shark her son caught and Wenzel shot.
CRIMINAL AFFIDAVIT
According to the criminal affidavit filed in Hillsborough County in December 2017 by Investigator G. McCorkle, FWC received multiple complaints on July 24, 2017, regarding a video observed on Instagram and Facebook that showed a blacktip shark being dragged at high speed. Search warrants provided investigators with time and date stamped video and photographic evidence.
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According to the affidavit, Wenzel, Benac, Easterling and Heintz departed from Wenzel’s waterfront home in Palmetto on June 26 and traveled west toward the Gulf of Mexico in a 22-foot boat. The fates of two different sharks are noted in the affidavit: the blacknose shark Benac speargunned and the blacktip shark Wenzel later shot and dragged behind his boat.
WENZEL PLEA
Wenzel was charged with two third-degree felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one second-degree misdemeanor count of illegal method of taking a shark. In February, Wenzel accepted a plea deal that required him to serve 10 days in a Hillsborough County jail. He was placed on probation for 11 months, ordered to serve 100 hours of community service and pay a $2,500 fine, and his fishing license is revoked for five years. Heintz was charged with two third-degree felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty, but those charges were dropped.
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
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Island Players perform ‘Steel Magnolias’ The box office is open and the first performance will be Thursday, Sept 19. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER tvaught@amisun.com
The Island Players version of “Steel Magnolias,” by Robert Harling, has an all female cast, unlike the 1989 movie where Tom Skerrit tried to shoo birds from a tree in his yard with a shotgun. The cast includes a mother-daughter pair of actresses playing a mother and her daughter This comedic drama is set in a beauty salon in a small Louisiana town where the women come to mingle. Director Mike Lusk, assisted by Priscilla Boyd, directs an accomplished group of actresses: Jennifer Kwiatkowski as Truvy Jones, Tahlia Chinault (first week) and Caitlin Ellis (second week) as Annnelle DupuyDesoto, Cathy Hansel-Edgerton as Clairee Belcher, Corinne Woodland
TOM VAUGHT | SUN
From left to right: Cathy Hansel-Edgerton as Clairee Belcher, Kelly Wynn Woodland as M’Lynn Eatenton, and Belvo as Ouiser Boudreaux. Jennifer Kwiatkowski as Truvy Jones, Corinne Woodland as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie and Tahlia Chinault as Annnelle Dupuy-Desoto. as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, Kelly Wynn Woodland as M’Lynn Eatenton and Sue Belvo as Ouiser Boudreaux Tickets are $23 and the box office is open Monday through through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more
information, see the Island Players’ website at www.theislandplayers.org or call the box office at 941-778-5755. Island Players is located at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.
AME Peace Day has high hopes Peace Day will be celebrated on the front lawn of Anna Maria Elementary School beginning at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20. BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Students at Anna Maria Elementary School will be learning about the concept
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of peace this Friday, Sept. 20. The annual Peace Day is held near or on the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. This year, AME Counselor Susan Tabicman chose “Breath in World, Breath Out Peace” as the theme. Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island President Laurie Beppler will address the crowd. The Rotary Club helped get AME get started and bought flags from countries around the world. Some classes teach what the peace symbol means so some kids might wear it at this event. The Manatee High School Drum Line will march, and students from each grade will perform songs and readings. Peace Day is held each year to impress the concept of finding peaceful resolution to conflicts.
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CINDY LANE | SUN
Stone crabs coming soon Cortez commercial fishermen are preparing stone crab traps for the start of the season on Oct. 15, hopeful that this season will be better than last, which was marred by the worst red tide since the 2005-06 bloom. Commercial traps can be placed in the Gulf on Oct. 5 and harvested on Oct. 15. The season runs through May 15, 2020.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH
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OUTDOORS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
Spain: Madrid and Toledo S
pain was never on my list of places to travel. When looking for a new destination to explore, Chris and I settled on Portugal, and somehow those plans morphed into an adventure in this small country that at one time dominated the known world. As I write this, the bells of the Basilica of Santa Maria Del Coro (circa 1774) Catholic church in San Sebastian are ringing. Many times a day they announce the time and call the faithful to mass and prayer. We began our trip in Madrid, the capital of Spain, where we stayed for four days. While we originally only considered Madrid as a central point to begin our stay, it turned out to be a memorable experience. In four days we explored the central city by bike, enjoyed tapas in the Mercado de San Miguel, made an excursion to the nearby city of Toledo and spent a day viewing some of the world’s finest art in the Prado Museum. I found out before the trip that my
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS old friend Rallis Papas would be in Madrid on business. Rallis introduced me to some of the city’s highlights, including its world famous tapas. A tapa is an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Spain is famous for its tapas bars, and Madrid has some of the best. That first night I got a terrific introduction to this unique and delicious tradition. On our first full day in Madrid we took a guided tour of the city on ebikes and experienced a side of the city that we would probably have never seen. The excursion started in the Plaza de San Miguel with a ride in the Parque Madrid Rio, a 6-kilometer park along the Manzanares river that was
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
The ancient city of Toledo, home to many cultures over the centuries. once a busy motorway. That road was relocated underground and resulted in a delightful park with playgrounds, gardens and public walkways. After touring the riverside park, we headed high over the city to the Casa De Campo public park. “The history of Casa de Campo
began with the decision by Philip II to move the Capital (Court} to Madrid. It was declared a Bosque Real (Royal Forest) under Fernando VI. Carlos III gave it a new twist when he introduced livestock and agriculture as one of its SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 21
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A beachfront wedding Your dream can come true at The Sunset Weddings by Gulf Drive Cafe. This award-winning waterfront venue is one of Anna Maria Island’s most appealing sites for wedding celebrations. Located at the south end of the island, Gulf Drive Cafe overlooks sugarwhite sand beaches, the Gulf of Mexico's turquoiseemerald waters and multi-colored horizon during sunset. The Gulf waves provide a picturesque backdrop when saying, “I do.” There are several options when considering where to exchange your vows. There is always a backup plan for inclement weather with our drop down storm curtains. The rustic Sunset Tiki is a reception space perfectly suited for groups up to 150 people. It has a lovely tile dance floor, but you and your guests are also welcomed to dance barefoot in the sand throughout the night. There is specialty lighting available to add for the perfect glow to your evening. You also have the choice of bar set up during the length of your reception for private use. Their team of experts will work with you on creating and customizing your tropical dream beach wedding. They offer several wedding packages to fit your budget and invite you to visit the property, sample their chef’s creations and learn more about what they have to offer. For more information, visit their website, thesunsetweddings.com, or email any inquiries to thesunsetweddings@gmail.com.
OPEN DAILY 7 AM - 9 PM
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
Tiffany Burton and Shaun Piatchek were married on the beach of Anna Maria Island on Aug. 31, 2019. Chuck Caudill played guitar and ukulele, and sang for their wedding. Tiffany and Shaun honeymooned on Longboat Key before returning home to Nixa, Mo. DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG
Lindsey Dimick and Shawn Fitzpatrick were married at the Sandbar restaurant on Aug. 24, 2019. Chuck Caudill provided the music. In lieu of parting favors, the couple adopted a turtle nest from AMI Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring in the name of all their guests and family. Lindsey and Shawn honeymooned in Fiji before returning home to Maryland.
DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
FROM PAGE 1
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
The Mercado San Miguel in Madrid provides an excellent cast of Spanish Tapas. and as the "City of the Three Cultures for the cultural influences of Christians, Muslims and Jews that are reflected in its history. After touring the Old Town and the magnificent Cathedral De Toledo, we headed south to an authentic farmstead and estate where we were treated to lunch and a ride through the farm in an open-top 4WD truck. The farm is owned by a Spanish Count and encompasses over 16,000 hectares. On our last day in Madrid, we took a tour of
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Plant oysters in Perico Bayou
REEL TIME: Spain: Mercado and Toledo purposes, which would be continued by Queen María Cristina. After the proclamation of the Second Republic, the State donated the Casa de Campo to the people of Madrid (May 1st, 1931), and it has been open to the public ever since.” We enjoyed spectacular views of the city from on high and reveled in the cool and dry weather that greeted us in Madrid. The park is accessible by cable car from the city but was closed on the day we visited due to high (and refreshing) winds. On our second day in Spain we took a tour from Madrid to Toledo, an ancient hilltop town an hour south of Madrid. Toledo was declared a World Heritage site in 1986 for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage. Toledo is known as the Imperial City for having been the main venue of the court of Charle V, Holy Roman Emperor,
THE SUN
the world famous Prado Museum with Jamie, an art historian, who presented a fascinating look at the paintings, the artists, culture and the history of Spain through its art. The tour included an introduction to the paintings of Francisco de Goya, Spain’s most famous artist. The Prado houses the world’s largest collection of Goya’s work as well as of Flemish artists including Hieronymus Bosh and his “Garden of Earthly Delights.” Next week Basque country and south to Sevilla.
Do your part to improve local water quality at an oyster reef restoration volunteer event Saturday, Sept. 21, at 8 a.m. at Perico Bayou. The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Tampa Bay Estuary Program are hosting this morning of community service as part of National Estuaries Week, a nationwide celebration of our bays and estuaries and the many benefits they provide to local communities. Volunteers will meet at the point where Manatee Avenue crosses over Perico Bayou. Participants will work together to create a bucket brigade to place recycled oyster shells. Creating this artificial oyster reef provides a place for juvenile oysters to settle and grow. Similar oyster reef restoration projects have been successful in nearby Robinson and Perico preserves. “This is an opportunity to make a positive impact in our environment and help build a community in the bay literally from the bottom up,” Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources’ Programming, Volunteer and Education Division Manager Aedan Stockdale said. “More oysters mean cleaner water and cleaner water promotes more oysters. These oysters will provide food and habitat for fish, which will in turn attract a diversity of birds and other animals as well as provide recreational and commercial opportunities for people.”
‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE
Oysters siphon water through their bodies to obtain food, cleaning the water by removing excess nutrients. With each individual oyster filtering up to 50 gallons of water per day, every acre of restored oyster reef filters nearly 40 million gallons of water each day. Oyster reefs like this one protect the health of our waterways and help shelter shorelines from storm damage and erosion. Large-scale oyster restoration projects require many partners to be successful. Scientists with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program provided technical support and both Sarasota and Tampa Bay estuary programs have coordinated volunteer logistics. The oyster shells used in this project are recycled from local restaurants as part of the Gulf Coast Oyster Recycle and Restoration Project (GCORR). Shells that would otherwise end up in a landfill are instead delivered to Perico Preserve where they are sun cured until they are ready to be deployed as reef material. The community impact of this restoration project is twofold: habitat is created, and food waste is recycled. The event is open to volunteers ages 10 and up, and students can earn community service hours. Registration is required for all volunteers. Individuals interested in a tough but rewarding program to rebuild our marine community are encouraged to register online at https://new2019pericobayou.eventbrite. com
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REAL ESTATE
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
Luxury ain’t what it use to be
id you ever feel sorry for the really wealthy real estate owners? Well we’re at a point in time when there might be just cause for feeling sorry for them because like all sellers, when your market is slow everyone deserves some sympathy. Wealthy buyers are pulling back from some of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Toll Brothers Inc., the nation’s largest publicly traded luxuryhome builder said that purchase agreements fell 3 % from a year earlier, worse than the expected 1 % predicted. A large slice of this decline is concentrated in California where homes under contract had an average price of $1.74 million in the last quarter. Toll Brothers further indicated their orders in California tumbled 36 % from a year earlier. Some of this decline in the luxury market in California at least, are Chinese buyers pulling back from the market, combined with the federal tax overall limiting deductions for property taxes and mortgage interest. However, what happens in California may stay in
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER California, since Palm Beach, Florida recently had a record sale of over $100 million. In addition, low interest rates, wage growth and record low unemployment are moving first time buyers into the market, creating a demographic shift in the lower price ranges. The luxury market is adversely affected by an improving lower end market since all real estate markets are interconnected. That said, let’s take a look at the threemonth analysis of properties selling over $1 million on the Island and in Cortez for May, June and July. Closed sales are compiled from the Manatee County Property Appraisers Office and available properties from realtor.com as of this writing.
The village of Cortez did not close any $1 million or over properties during May, June and July. In the prior analysis there were two sales. The city of Anna Maria closed 13 properties 1 million or over, ranging from $3,395,000 to $1,075,000. The last threemonth analysis showed 14 properties closed in this price range. Finally, the combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach closed 14 properties $1 million or over during May, June and July, ranging from $3,725,000 to $1,000,000. The last analysis showed 19 closings. Currently on the market or pending in the village of Cortez, there are six $1 million or over properties. For the last analysis there were five. The city of Anna Maria has 48 properties either available or in contract ranging from $5,500,000 to just above $1 million. Besides the highest listing, there are two over $4 million, five over $3 million, 12 over $2 million and the balance below $2 million. The last analysis had 60 properties listed.
Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach currently have 69 properties either available or in contract ranging from $599,000 to $1,149,000. Three are over $5 million, three are over $4 million, two are over $3 million, 15 are over $2 million and the balance are under $2 million. The last analysis had 68 comparable properties. If the luxury market is falling off generally around the country, Anna Maria is not listening, at least not yet. These continue to be pretty impressive numbers for a small island and an even smaller fishing village. And as noted in this paper previously, Cortez is the second least affordable place to live in Florida, according to a study by UnitedSatesZipCodes.org. First place goes to Boca Grande. To be fair the rankings are determined by calculating several factors, and Cortez being a small area with many high- priced homes certainly contributes to this calculation. See you again in three months. In the meantime, it's OK to feel sorry for the very wealthy – the little darlings.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
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PIER: Barge accident delays project COMMISSION UPDATE
FROM PAGE 1
construction site. According to Murphy, the barge was propelled by a tug piloted by Michael Butz. The United States Coast Guard is investigating the accident, and a Coast Guard report was pending as of Monday. On Friday, a three-member scuba diving team from the Seamar company arrived to inspect the submerged portions of the concrete pilings struck by the barge. On Monday, Murphy received the divers’ preliminary inspection report, which he then emailed to the city commissioners.
DIVERS’ REPORT
“We have a copy of the preliminary divers’ report. It indicates that the extent of the damage is limited to the two pilings already identified. Accordingly, the two broken piles will be removed this week – Tuesday or Wednesday – and two new piles will be driven in their place,” Murphy wrote in his email that accompanied the report. “By the end of next week, the stringers and conduits will have been replaced and the pier will be back to its status prior to the hit. Construction of the restaurant and bait shop has been
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED
Coast Guardsmen inspected the damage to the new City Pier soon after the accident occurred. delayed as a result. They are unable to get small equipment out to the pier due to the breach in the walkway,” Murphy wrote. “Our schedule of opening to the public has been set back to mid to late January, unless we can make up some time between now and then. I do not know if the tug captain has been disciplined; that would be a matter between
the USCG and i+iconSoutheast. Our primary concern is restoring the pier to the same condition it was in prior to the hit,” Murphy wrote. The mayor’s email noted the city’s building official, public works manager and project engineer are actively involved in the ongoing inspection and repair process.
Murphy previously provided the commissioners with a damage update during their Thursday, Sept. 12, meeting. During that meeting, Murphy received commission’s approval for the $2,950 per day contract needed to bring in the Seamar dive team. “All of this expense – the divers and everything else – will be paid for by icon, because they’re solely responsible for all the financial aspects of putting this back. Our role as a city is to ensure that we don’t have a weak spot on this pier,” Murphy said. Commissioner Doug Copeland asked how the barge accident impacts the construction of the new restaurant, bait shop and restrooms at the pier’s T-end to be built by Frank Agnelli’s Mason Martin Builders. Murphy said Agnelli’s construction materials had already been delivered to the pier by barge, but the damaged pier walkway would cause some delays. “We can’t get a welder out there because of that break in the pier. That has to be fixed before Frank can start,” Murphy said. Murphy said the welding machine is critical because the framework for the base of the restaurant and bait shop buildings must be welded to the T-end of the pier.
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OBITUARIES Donna Virginia Harris Donna Virginia Harris, age 66, died on Sept. 10, 2019, after a valiant struggle with cancer. A born educator, Donna taught at the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis for many years, worked as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, and taught ASL and writing courses at the University of South Florida in Sarasota. In 1991, Donna received the high honor of being named one of President George H.W. Bush’s Daily Point of Light for creating the nation’s first statewide deaf literacy program in Indiana. After relocating to Florida, Donna established and ran the Brain Gym bookstore in Holmes Beach from 1993 to 1996. Donna’s zest for life continued into her retirement as she spent her days reading, writing, and enjoying the food, drink, and people of Anna Maria Island. This community inspired Donna to write a novel about island life entitled, “Ruff Life.” Donna’s love of connection
and conversation, seemingly fearless nature and gentle manner are qualities we will all miss. Donna is survived by her loving husband, Brian Northam, Holmes Beach; son, David Northam and his wife, Marissa Northam of Terre Haute, IN; daughter, Sabra Northam of Indianapolis, IN); grandchildren, Maridian Comer, Hudson Northam, and Hollis Northam of Terre Haute; niece/ daughter Anya Nyson, of Grand Rapids, MI; as well as siblings, inlaws, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends who became family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wildlife, Inc. at P.O. Box 1449, Anna Maria, FL 34216 in honor of Donna Harris.
Patricia 'Pat' Loudon Thompson Patricia "Pat’" Loudon Thompson, died Sept. 13, 2019, at age 80 in Bradenton, Fla., from a fastmoving and aggressive cancer. Pat was born Aug. 15, 1939, in Detroit, Mich., the only child of Bill and Lee Loudon. Pat had an older halfsister, Marcy, from her mother’s first marriage. Pat’s family moved around the country during her
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
childhood, following her father’s work for the Chrysler Corporation. She graduated with a bachelor of arts in elementary education from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, in 1961, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. In 1962, she married Thomas Weston Thompson, III in Alexandria, Va. They had two children, a son, Thomas Scott, and a daughter, Lee Anne. They divorced in 1986. For the last nearly 20 years, Pat was in a loving relationship with her significant other, Bob Lohse, of Bradenton, Fla. Pat was a long-time resident of Manatee County, Fla., first moving to Anna Maria Island in 1971. On Anna Maria, Pat worked for Welcome Wagon, was a substitute teacher at Anna Maria Elementary School and volunteered with organizations including the Island Players and AMI Chamber of Commerce. In 1979, she earned her real estate license and later her Brokers license. Pat was a wellknown figure in the Bradenton and Anna Maria real estate communities, specializing in seasonal rental management, working for Hendricks Real Estate, Wagner SEE OBITS, PAGE 27
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
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ENTERTAINMENT Family Fun At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Thursday, Sept. 19, a veteran’s services professional will be available to help vets with needs, 9 a.m. to noon; Sunshine, Stitchers knit and crochet, 2 to 4 p.m.
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• Friday, Sept. 20, Forty Carrots Partners in Play, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Saturday, Sept. 21, Guided Meditation with Sheryl, 11 a.m. to noon • Tuesday, Sept. 24, Preschool story time, “My Feelings ,” 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Tech help, 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.
THE SARASOTA POST | SUBMITTED
These representatives of the Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County attended the Giving Back fundraiser at the Swordfish Grill.
Giving Back benefits Healthy Teens Coalition SOLD
The Thursday, Sept. 12, Giving Back fund-raiser in Cortez that more than $35,000 for the Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County. The annual fundraiser was again sponsored by The Swordfish Grill, the Sarasota Post and Sande Caplin & Associates. A Paradise Realty sponsored the live music provided by TC & The Trouble-
Loving Christ
makers, Savannah Brady and Tanya McCormick. Local business donated silent auction and raffle items and attendees purchased $75 tickets in advance. Sande Caplin said this year’s event set a new Giving Back fund-raising record.
Sharing His Grace
Serving All
COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier] COM
SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM
941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch
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SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
Adult sports head into the playoffs at The Center BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
As the second week of September comes and goes, the adult athletes at The Center take the competitive action to the next level on the football field and indoor soccer court progressing toward the leagues’ championship games. In adult flag football, four teams matched up on the gridiron, while the top two teams had a bye week, giving second seed Gulfview Windows and Doors and the regular season top finishers Progressive Cabinetry a break. Before suffering an injury, Moss Builders’ team captain had 11 receptions, including three touchdowns and two extra points from passes by Jon Moss. Moss had four passing touchdowns in the game. The game's MVP, despite her team’s loss, was Lexi Sato for Moss Builders. Sato had 12 catches in the game, getting into the end zone three times with two touchdowns and a point after conversion reception. Her biggest play was a run after the catch, taking the football more than half way down the field and getting past three defenders. With the games’ win, Tim Shaughnessy, captain for Lancaster Designs, had five scoring throws, finding Anthony Mannino for 14 catches. Mannino’s catches included two touchdowns and two extra points, adding to the three touchdown catches by Jay Hoffmeister. In the second wildcard game of the night, both teams used the teams’ rosters for another close game. Team Ugly Grouper could not capture the victory despite spirited play by the team lead by Matthew Manger. Strong defensive play by Manger with a sack against the Hashmark Sports QB and the interception by
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Lancaster Designs' Anthony Mannino made a nice reception entering a swarm of Moss Builders defenders Chad Woods and Lexi Sato. Bradley Coleman just was not enough. Getting into the end zone, Cooper Rosier, Sirkevius Williams and Corey Jakes scored touchdowns, with extra points by Anthony McCance, Cooper Rosier, Williams and Jakes, put 35-points on the scoreboard for Ugly Grouper. Hashmark Sports earned one more week of play with scoring passes by Chase Richardson, Octavious Cole and Tim Holly. Richardson, Holly, Corey Banks, Zach Holder and Kate Simpson put the points up and helped their team to win the head-tohead against Ugly Grouper. Semifinal match-ups start at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, with Progressive Cabinetry facing off against Lancaster Design and Gulfview Windows and Doors playing Hashmark Sports for the second final game position. The four remaining teams fight to the end looking to secure a slot in the cham-
pionship adult flag football game at 9 p.m. Thursday night. In indoor soccer action, team captain and high scorer, Slim’s Place’s Joey Hutchinson put the soccer ball into the net nine times in his game against Moss Builders. Hutchison’s teammate Jose Casaras had five goals, while Clancey Vaughn got past the goalkeeper twice. Staying busy by the net, Robb Marshall had 20 saves in the game, only to be topped by Sato Real Estate’s Mark Rudacille with 24 saves and Ugly Grouper’s keep John Haggerty getting to the soccer ball 27 times. Kevin Roman’s Progressive Cabinetry squad won another one in the second indoor game of the week. Roman had four goals, adding to the scores by Diego Felipe, Steve Oelfke, Murat Akay and Jessica Williams. Despite the loss, Gulfview Windows and Doors’ Jose Bolanos, Freddy Lenhert and
captain Keith Mahoney managed to put eight points on the scoreboard. In the battle of the goalies and the lowest scoring game of the night, Sato Real Estate took the win against Ugly Grouper. Ben Sato and Adam Bujarski led the Sato Real Estate team in the win with four and three goals for each player, with an additional goal by Jason Sato and Ryan Moss. Ugly Grouper’s loss was hard fought. Connor Bystom got his hat trick in the game with three goals, in addition to the single goal by Olaf Krause and pair by Yuri Pereira. Going into playoffs, Progressive Cabinetry topped the ranking as the first seed team, followed by Moss Builders, earning the teams a bye week. This week’s playoff games put Gulfview and Sato Real Estate on the indoor court for the first championship game slot. At 7:30 p.m. Ugly Grouper and Slim’s Place go against each other for the final place in the playoff bracket for the final game of the season to be played on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 9 p.m.
SUN SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, SEPT. 12 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL - WILD CARD GAMES #5 Lancaster Designs #4 Moss Builders
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#3 Hashmark Sports #6 Ugly Grouper
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ADULT CO-ED INDOOR SOCCER Slim’s Place Moss Builders
(1-5) 17 (4-2) 12
Progressive Cabinetry (5-1) 11 Gulfview Windows and Doors (3-3) 8 Ugly Grouper Sato Real Estate
(3-3) 6 (2-4) 9
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Fit Crew Bradenton gives back BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Fitness centers and gyms often become their own communities with the clients and trainers building relationships and finding commonalities beyond working out. A little less than 10 miles from Anna Maria Island, Fit Crew Bradenton’s community is constantly giving back to the Manatee County area and beyond. Known for its performance-based fitness training, the gym near LECOM Park just completed a collection drive for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. Clients brought in diapers, formula, non-perishable food, water and much more, with other members having their own fundraisers and collection efforts. This coming Saturday, September 21, Fit Crew is holding an event at the gym, located at 1611 9th St. W., Bradenton, benefitting the Humane Society of Manatee County. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the doors of the gym will be open
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Realty, Arvida Realty and Coldwell Banker, where she retired at age 78. Pat was a great friend to many. To the very end, she was fiercely independent, a sharp wit and an
for Sweat For Pets. In addition to a workout at 11 a.m. for a $10 donation, animals available for adoption will be on site during Sweat For Pets, along with other pet friendly items for donations. Just one week later, the second annual Ray Day at Fit Crew will draw current and past clients, friends and family to the gym for a fun workout. Initially held to celebrate the 30th birthday of Ray Gardner, Ray Day brought in 177 participants. This year Gardner’s goal is 200 people on the Fit Crew floor for the Ray Day workout and fundraising for Real Men Wear Pink, a group of distinguished group of community leader brought together for the American Cancer Society’s effort to raise awareness and support the mission of saving lives from breast cancer. Gardner and Dr. Chris Davis, Fit Crew client and health and fitness collaborator with the gym through Reveal Vitality, were both nominated to join
the Real Men group. Their fundraising efforts continue past a recent Real Men Wear Pink fashion show held at the end of August. Reveal Vitality will be hosting Fit Crew’s second annual Fit For All Health Fair on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The health fair is an opportunity for the public to learn more about nutrition, general well being, and new approaches to health care and healthy living, not only from Fit Crew and Reveal Vitality but from other local business. Fit Crew’s collaborative effort with Reveal Vitality, located at 2816 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, is a perfect melding of the two entities to enable individuals to take control of their health and fitness. Fall 2019 at Fit Crew Bradenton is starting off opening its doors and hearts to benefit others. Anna Maria Island residents drive to the gym daily not only for the workouts, but also for the community that is Fit Crew.
enthusiastic conversationalist. Pat is survived by her sister, Marcy Clements, of Sebring, Fla.; her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Scott and Loren Thompson, of Arlington, Va., and their sons, Thomas Jacob and Liam Samuel; her daughter and son-in-law, Lee Anne and Robert Hinman, Jr., of Sarasota, Fla., and their son, Matthew James. Pat’s life will be
celebrated at a memorial service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209. Memorial donations can be made to the Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Dept., 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
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Across 1 Cuba, por ejemplo 5 Uncanny 10 Hard-to-describe sensation 14 Évian evening 15 Levels of society 16 A party to 17 Facial feature with a bridge 18 MI5 headquarters named for a London river 20 From Canada's capital 22 Genre that represents things as they are 23 TV show intro tune 26 Asian kebab 27 "Who wants my jellyfish? / I'm not sellyfish!" poet 28 Seeker of "the way" 31 Door hardware 33 Amount defined by a small sewing gadget 37 Play a part (in) 38 Boardroom VIP 40 The Beatles' "__ Mine" 41 Santa __ winds 42 Boss Tweed's caricaturist 46 Splash sound 47 On the same wavelength 48 Meticulous to a fault 50 Humana rival 53 Pushed-in bulletin board hardware 57 Stars and __ 60 Dragster, e.g. 61 Bouquet garni bunch 64 Maggie Simpson's sister 65 Avatar of Vishnu
66 Chef's array 67 Browse (through) 68 What "lama" has, as opposed to "llama" 69 Implant (in) 70 Type of prof. Down 1 Childish comeback 2 Truth, to Shakespeare 3 Hears out 4 Tourist's guide 5 Prefix with centric 6 Historic time span 7 Los Angeles NFLer 8 Old Roman road 9 Let up 10 Break, as laws 11 Aleut relative 12 __ nova: Brazilian dance 13 Foe 15 Hidden loot 19 Red tape, e.g. 21 Director Craven 24 Utmost degree 25 Moo goo __ pan 29 Fail to include 30 "Big Blue" 31 Bowler or derby
Answers to 09-11-19 Crossword Puzzle.
32 Otto's "Oh!" 33 Theater award named after Antoinette Perry 34 Misconceptions 35 Game with Wild Draw Four cards 36 Drink like a cat 38 Savory finger food 39 Wits' end? 43 Least possible 44 Tiny army crawler 45 It might be elementary: Abbr. 46 Kneecap 48 Stockpile 49 "Will & Grace" network 50 The Jetsons' dog 51 Wharton's "__ Frome" 52 "I'm almost afraid to tell you" response 54 Encouraged 55 Barcelona abodes 56 Cheez Whiz maker 58 In __: existing 59 Inbox annoyance 62 Spice mix for ribs 63 Limited-life sculpture material
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ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
GREAT 1200 sf, COMMERCIAL/RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE! Views of Tampa Bay, handicap access, elevator. Nothing else like it on the island. Contact Jay Travis, Re/Max Alliance Group 941-812-7277
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 LAWN, LANDSCAPE & BUILDING Maintenance Full time maintenance position at Island Condominium 40 hours per week. No weekends. Drug free workplace. Call 941778-5915 THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf coast (https://amisun. com), is looking for an advertising director/sales representative to sell ads and lead our successful ad department. The ideal candidate will be a team player well-versed in print and digital ad platforms and skilled at business networking, preferably in our readership area. Generous salary potential based on draw and commission. This is a rare job opening at The Sun and a unique opportunity for a dynamic, self-motivated department manager and sales representative. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher
Join the team at the FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM to preserve Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. Assist with collections, school tours and more! Contact 941-708-6120
BOATS: SALES & RENTALS 50' DOCK FOR RENT Water, electric, boarding ladder and parking. Call or text BJ. 941-224-9255
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-756-1082
CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216
Call us today! 941-778-3986
FISHING CHARTERS
CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
FOR SALE VARIDESK CUBE CORNER 36, two tier design and keyboard deck. Heavyweight base for stability. Color black. Also Varidesk sitting/ standing chair and floor mat. All perfect condition. All pieces new $805. Asking $250. Call Steve 941-724-2728.
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES MOVING SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO! Some collectibles. 3815 117th St W. Bradenton. September 19 & 20 Thursday & Friday 9am-5pm YARD SALE. SELLING IT ALL! House & Yard stuff. 201 Willow 8am-2pm September 20 & 21. Friday & Saturday MOVING SALE! EVERYTHING MUST GO! Furniture, appliances, shutters, wine refrigerator, tools, lamps, pavers, outdoor storage units, TV's, electronics. 507 83rd St, Holmes Beach. Saturday September 21 8am-noon
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MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571
JSAN CORPORATION Renovations and Handyman Services 941-2430995 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Credit Cards Accepted. AMI CONSTRUCTION LLC. Need a new look give us a call. No job to big or small, 30 yrs local experience. CGC#1513514 Call 941705-0000 Free Estimates
HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 10/02/2019, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 1FTYR14V5YPA94240 2000 FORD 1G4HR54K12U270332 2002 BUICK 2C4RDGEG3KR535102
2019 DODGE 3FAHP08199R220297 2009 FORD 5TFDM5F18CX030409 2012 TOYOTA 5UXWZ7C31H0X40536 2017 BMW JT2BG12K1T0363591 1996 TOYOTA KMHDN45D23U469685 2003 HYUNDAI KNADC125846312395 2004 KIA KNAGM4A77F5650314 2015 KIA WBABM5344YJN91896 2000 BMW WBAVB13576KX50891 2006 BMW
LOST & FOUND FOUND DIAMOND RING on Friday July 5 on Coquina Beach. Call Bradenton Beach Police Department 941-778-6311 LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921 LOST EYE GLASSES April 19th. Dark men’s frame. Anthony Peoples Design. Call 269-344-7960 LOST WHITE GOLD 18 carat wedding band on Anna Maria Island on beach near Sandbar Restaurant. Call 352-484-4040 if found. LOST ON AMI near the curve at Bradenton beach in the gulf a small red ricoh underwater camera and a size 14 gold wedding band of 25 years. reward if found. Has very sentimental pictures that I cannot duplicate the camera had a half of a lanyard attached to it and on the clip of the lanyard was my wedding ring. Call 205-223-1548
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
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
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“WIZARD OF WALLS. Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing. Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.
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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
PALMA SOLA VILLAGE, 3BR/2BA, spectacular pool, close to beaches, schools and shopping, by owner 941-284-2598
Call us today! 941-778-3986
WELCOME TO PET FRIENDLY Shell Point 2BR/2BA condo offers tennis courts, pool, kayak racks, putting green offered at $299,000. REMAX Alliance Group. Call 941-224-6339
RENTALS: ANNUAL BAY HOLLOW CONDO Beautiful 2BR/2BA canal front condo just off the Island with views of the water, includes use of a boat dock, updated gourmet kitchen. HOA approval required, furnishings can be included, $2,300/mo. Call Paige 513-382-1992 www.teamduncan.com Duncan Real Estate
ANNUAL RENTALS: 2BR/2BA Furnished, Gulf Front-LBK $2500/mo. 1BR/1BA Duplex-Holmes Beach $1250. 2BR/2BA Furnished-West Bradenton $1200/mo. 2BR/2BA Village Green $1550/mo. Call A Paradise Realty 941-7784800
ANNUAL RENTALSANNA MARIA 1BR/1BA steps to beach, onsite laundry. No pets. $1,400/mo. HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA elevated duplex steps to beach, cov'd parking, W/D,DW $1,850/ mo. HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA Ground level w/carport, storage,w/d hk ups. $1,700/mo. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307. ANNUAL RENTAL AT VILLAGE GREEN Oversized Villa with 2 car garage, premium lake view, 2BR/2BA, fully applianced, unfurnished, very clean. Recent updates include plantation shutters, AC, new paint and large heated pool. First, last plus security. $100 HOA fee. Tenant pays electric/water. Trash and cable included in rent. REDUCED to $1800/ mo. Available NOW. Please Call (owner) Jim 781-603-2861 jimreilly@ townisp.com
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
LARGE EXECUTIVE HOME Perico, close to beach, 3BR/3BA, available August 1st. $3,000/month - 1st, last, and security deposit req'd. 3BR/2BA home, Holmes Beach, pool, furnished or unfurnished. $2,000/ mo.Call Sato Real Estate, Inc at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate.com HOLMES BEACH Elevated 2BR/2BA, en-suite laundry, screened patio, garage, and covered parking in quiet area. Available October 1, pets allowed, $1850/ mo. Call Island Real Estate 941-778-6066 ANNUAL 2BR/1BA 2 story. Tile floors, dinning area, Deck with Gulf view, carport, storage room, W/D. Steps to Beach $1750/ mo + utilities. First, Last & Security. Available Nov. 1 Call 941-778-3427 BRADENTON BEACH ANNUAL rental Steps to Beach and Bay ground level 1 BR/1BA. Furnished unit w/ washer & dryer, utilities included. Small Pet considered. $1450/mo. First and Last w/ $500 Security deposit. Available Oct. 1. Call 703-577-1737
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 941-704-7525 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 WEST BRADENTON 3BR/2BA. Newly renovated. Heated pool, TV’s, Laminate/tile floors, W/D, Dishwasher, large screened lanai. No pets/ No smoking. 10 minutes To AMI. Adults only. Call 941-209-0983
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere. Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured
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