Anna Maria Island Sun September 20, 2023

Bioluminescence dazzles

AMI beachgoers

The light show may be part of the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The bioluminescent glow coming off the water in recent nights may be related to the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, according to one local expert.

“This could be related to the nutrient pulse from Idalia,” said Dr. Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. “The water came up and much of the grass clippings and yard debris on our landscape got dragged back out into the bay as the water receded. So our water took a little bit of a hit.”

Tomasko said there are several types of organisms that could be responsible for the glowing flashes in local waters.

“It seems most likely to be a dinoflagellate called gonyaulax,” he said. “That’s a type of singlecell organism that’s known to

Idalia erodes Island beaches

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed a damage assessment of the shoreline following Hurricane Idalia.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT |llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane Idalia's storm surge eroded the Island's renourished beaches, but the full extent of the damage and when it will be repaired is not yet known. “It could be months before any decision on what efforts will be undertaken is made,” Manatee County

spokesman Bill Logan said in a Sept. 8 email to The Sun.

The first step of the processevaluation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - has been completed.

“Jacksonville District completed preliminary damage assessments of all federal shore protection projects Sept. 1-3,” according to David Ruderman of the USACE Jacksonville Corporate Communications Office.

“Non-federal sponsors of federally authorized and constructed coastal storm risk management projects

SEE EROSION, PAGE 9

WEDDING IDEAS for a cozy beach honeymoon. 20

cause California red tide, but not here. Our red tide here is caused by a different organism.”

Another organism, noctiluka, which comes from the Latin meaning “shines by night,” could also possibly be the cause of the glow, Tomasko said.

Tomasko said the organisms are not harmful to humans.

“It’s thought that this lighting is a protection against predators,” he said.

“The neat thing about these organisms is they create light from an enzyme they have that takes chemical energy and turns it into light,” he said. “It has to be there in a high enough amount to see the glow. It’s a neat little show.”

The best time to see the phenomenon is when the sky is darkest, he said.

Tomasko said the bioluminescence has often been seen south of Coquina Beach in Longboat Pass.

County takes no action against dog owner after multiple attacks

After two recent dog attacks and at least two older incidents, victims have more questions than answers from Manatee County Animal Welfare.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY - A 140-pound mastiff that has killed one dog and injured at least three people and three other dogs remains at home with his owner.

Rudy, owned by Anthony Santamauro, of Bradenton, attacked a small

dog owned by Deanna McCollian, of Illinois, on Aug. 9 at Island Time Bar and Grill in Bradenton Beach, leading to the small dog's death, according to police reports. During the attack, the unleashed mastiff bit McCollian and Island Time employee Sean Hamrick.

Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) served quarantine paperwork to Santamauro following the incident and began an investigation on Aug. 10.

According to a report from MCAW officer Kevin Mitchell submitted on

“One way to stir them up is to kick at the water, or the waves from a boat will do it,” he said. “I would not advise swimming at night though.” SEE DOG, PAGE 25

FLAMINGOS FLOCK TO FLORIDA after Hurricane Idalia. Meet Peaches. 8

CORTEZ FISH PRESERVE restoration is completed. 11

DAMON POWERS PHOTOGRAPHY | SUBMITTED Bioluminescence, a possible side effect of Hurricane Idalia, is especially visible when water breaks against structures like the groin at the south end of Coquina Beach in Longboat Pass.

Investigation continues into SeaPort Manatee oil spill

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

PALMETTO – As the clean-up and investigation into the Aug. 31 oil spill at SeaPort Manatee progresses, there is continued uncertainty about the source of thousands of gallons of oil that tainted the water.

SeaPort Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras and a representative from the U.S. Coast Guard, which is investigating the spill, updated Manatee County commissioners on Sept. 12.

“The cleanup as it stands today is 99% complete. The seawall remains to be cleaned,” Buqueras said. “Once the Coast Guard gives the all clear, the seaport will resume total and complete operations.”

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector St. Petersburg’s (SSP) Response Department was notified on Aug. 31 through the National Response Center that there was a visible discoloration of the water at the SeaPort, in north Manatee County on Tampa Bay, and began cleanup and investigation at that time.

The USCG reported on Sept. 8 that

more than 19,000 gallons of an oil/ water mixture had been removed. Of that, approximately 3,500 gallons were heavy, unrefined oil. Another 6.4 tons of oily debris was disposed of from the SeaPort’s inner basin.

The source of the contamination has not yet been identified by the Coast Guard.

“That will take a while,” Buqueras said. “They’re conducting the equivalent of DNA tests on the fuel they found and comparing them to ships and sources that were at the port. Nothing yet has been identified.”

He said there will be follow-up actions and appropriate legal actions against the company or companies that caused the spill.

Twenty-six oil samples were taken from not only the spill in the water, but also from potential sources, U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Eric Garza said.

“I took a sample from the water and then I took a sample from the boats in the facilities and see which one matches the sample I have from the water,” Garza said. “That will tell me where that oil came from.

“No stone is left unturned,” he

said.

“It takes approximately 3-5 days to process three of these samples. We are still awaiting results,” Garza said. “The sample office is in Connecticut. We have to get the samples processed as evidence. There’s a chain of custody. They have to be packaged

in an appropriate way to be shipped because it’s considered a dangerous cargo. It’s flammable.”

BOCC Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge asked Garza to speculate as to what the potential sources could be.

“Potential sources are the two foreign freight vessels that were there,” Garza said. “The Canelo Aero, the Seastar Victory, the Quantico Creek and the two facilities we took samples from, FPL and Trans Montagne.”

Van Ostenbridge asked if the land-based facilities were the source, and whether or not there was a way to stress-test the infrastructure to determine if that is leaking.

Garza said there is not an active leak at the port.

Commissioner Ray Turner asked Garza if the spill could have originated outside the port and collected there.

“This is a natural collection point,” Garza said. “Debris often blows in that area. In addition to the oil, there was a lot of trash, a lot of seagrass. We just went through a hurricane and a king tide. That could be the case. It’s definitely a possibility.”

SUBMITTED | U.S. COAST GUARD

Crews clean up an Aug. 31 oil spill at SeaPort Manatee. The source of the spill is still unknown.

IN BRIEF

Canal dispute hearing postponed

The scheduled Sept. 5 Hunters Point canal dispute hearing before 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas is postponed until Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. The hearing pertains to a civil lawsuit the Hunters Point ownership group, Cortez Road Investments & Finance Inc. (CRIF), filed in 2022 against eight canal-side property owners who have docks and boat lifts located in the western portion of the Hunters Point-owned canal in Cortez. During the Oct. 30 hearing, defendants Wendy and George Kokolis and Jonathan and Shiela Graham will seek a court order to dissolve or amend the lis pendens claims CRIF placed on their properties. A lis pendens claim puts other parties on notice of a lawsuit against real estate, and those property owners may not be able to sell, obtain financing or obtain title insurance for their properties until the claim is removed.

Closures expected for Anna Maria Bridge work

BRADENTON - Crews are working on the Anna Maria Bridge on Manatee Avenue to perform normal updates and maintenance, requiring overnight lane closures east and westbound from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The work includes the completion of mechanical rehabilitation as well as coatings and concrete repairs. The water main repair work on the Anna Maria Bridge has been rescheduled for late September due to a delay in delivery of materials. Lane closures and one-way traffic can be expected from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. once work resumes. FDOT advises motorists to expect delays and consider alternate routes.

Commissioners to discuss pickleball courts, turtle lighting

The Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21 at noon will include a discussion of adding pickleball courts at Herb Dolan North Park, an FPL agreement regarding turtle-friendly lighting, library summer hours, the first reading of Ordinance 23-550 amending sections 302 and 307.4 of the Land Development Code, and Resolution 23-967 regarding the employee handbook policy. The meeting will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

City budget approval expected Thursday

Anna Maria’s 2023-24 fiscal year budget includes $1.74 million for stormwater drainage projects and maintenance.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city commission will host a second and final public hearing for the adoption of the city’s $17.89 million 2023-24 fiscal year budget on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 5:01 p.m. During the coming fiscal year, the city expects to receive $14.68 million in revenues, including $4.2 million in ad valorem property tax revenues generated by maintaining the current 2.05 millage rate. The budget includes $3.2 million in existing fund balances reserves, net and assets carried over from the 2022-23 fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

The $14.68 million in budgeted expenditures includes $2.84 million for general government expenses, $1.36 million for law enforcement and public safety, $4.42 million for the public works department, $984,506 for the planning and development department, $454,525 for parks and recreation, $1.74 million for stormwa-

ter and drainage improvements and maintenance, $2.6 million for capital outlay projects, and $192,344 in debt service.

The budget includes 6% wage increases for all city employees, including 3% annual salary increases and 3% one-time lump sum wage payments due Oct. 1.

The proposed expenditures include $1.74 million for stormwater and drainage improvements and maintenance, and approximately $3.3 million for the expanded Reimagining Pine Avenue project that will include new sidewalks, crosswalks and streetlights.

The proposed capital expenditures include $306,000 to install shade sails above the children’s playground at City Pier Park, to expand the existing shade sail structure and to

install shade sails at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier.

The proposed capital expenditures also include $200,000 for city hall consolidation and improvements, $275,000 to study permanent alternatives to dredging the Lake La Vista channel entrance every two or three years, $500,000 to install a standalone public restroom facility on the city hall/city parking lot property, $21,200 to redesign the Island Players parking lot, $75,000 for a stormwater pumping station design study, and $500,000 to extend the existing multi-use path along Gulf Drive.

The 2023-24 budget also includes $75,000 to potentially study if and how incentives can be given to retain and attract full-term residents and long-term renters.

Holmes Beach Commissioners approve budget first reading

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

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s new budget and millage rate has received unanimous support from commissioners during an initial public hearing and vote.

Despite Commissioner Terry Schaefer’s absence, city commissioners had no trouble getting the two items passed during a Sept. 16 meeting.

The proposed millage rate was dropped to 2.05 mills, a reduction from the previous year’s 2.15 millage rate but still 12.18% higher than the 1.873 mills rollback rate.

The millage rate is the rate charged per $1,000 of assessed property value for city taxes. The rollback rate is the millage rate that would bring in the same amount of revenue as the previous year.

“I don’t know how you all did it,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said. “The quality of services that people expect here are high and you kind of have to keep that up. But you all

have just done a phenomenal job. It got lower than I thought it would go,” she said of the millage rate.

Soustek said that she hopes property owners understand that by lowering the millage rate from the previous year, commissioners provided a tax cut even though the city’s ad valorem tax revenue actually did go up due to an increase in property values. She added that it was unfortunate that the price tag has increased for city property owners, however, she added that increases across the board in costs make it impossible for the city to use the rollback rate to bring in a lower amount of tax revenue.

Commissioner Greg Kerchner asked if language could be added to the millage rate ordinance that explains how the tax rate works, but the idea was shot down by City Attorney Erica Augello who said it would be inappropriate to add such wording to an ordinance.

The budget presented during the first budget hearing totals $25,121,957 including $10,960,076

in reserves. The city treasurer noted that with a modest increase in reserves, Holmes Beach will have 24.5% in unrestricted reserves, just under the recommended 25% in unrestricted reserves recommended for coastal cities. The unrestricted reserves are used to run the city in case of an emergency, such as a hurricane, if the tax base for Holmes Beach is decimated. The funds also can be used to help cover unexpected expenses throughout the year with commission approval. There was no public comment offered during the meeting.

The public has one more chance to weigh in on the budget before commissioners vote on it again. A final budget public hearing and vote is scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. While meetings can be viewed online, anyone who wants to speak must appear in person in commission chambers.

The 2023-24 fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN George and Wendy Kokolis’ boat lift is part of an ongoing canal dispute.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Anna Maria City Commission supports the 2023-24 fiscal year budget presented by Mayor Dan Murphy.

Pines Trailer Park sold

According

to a letter sent to Pines Trailer Park residents, the property will continue as a mobile home park for the foreseeable future.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Developer

Shawn Kaleta’s Pines Park Investors LLC has purchased the Pines Trailer Park in Bradenton Beach.

Formed on May 5, Pines Park Investors lists the Najmy Thompson law firm as its registered agent and Kaleta as its manager.

According to a warranty deed dated Aug. 25, Pines Park Investors completed its long-rumored purchase of the 2.78-acre waterfront mobile park property from The Jackson Partnership LLLP for $16.25 million. The Pines Park property contains 86 or 87 residential units and a shared clubhouse area.

According to the mortgage and security agreement dated Aug. 25, Pines Park Investors secured an $8.25 million mortgage with Jackson. According to the mortgage terms, “Borrower shall not remove or demolish any building or other property forming a part of the

mortgaged property without the written consent of the lender.”

LETTER TO RESIDENTS

Pines Park Investors emailed and mailed a letter to park residents dated Sept. 12. The letter indicates Pines Park Investors currently has no known plans to redevelop the Pines Trailer Park property for an alternative use.

“We are writing to you today with some exciting news regarding the future of Pines Park. We are Pines Park Investors LLC – a group of trailer park owners and operators. As you may be aware, we have recently acquired Pines Park and we wanted to take this opportunity to assure you that we are committed to preserving and improving the park in hopes of ensuring long-term success,” the letter says in part.

“First and foremost, we are thrilled to announce Brien Quinn, our outstanding park manager, will remain on board. Brien has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication, and we believe that his continued presence will greatly contribute to the smooth transition and ongoing management of Pines Park,” the letter says. “We want to emphasize that your satisfaction and well-being are our

top priorities. We believe that the future of Pines Park is bright, and together we can continue this thriving community that you are proud to be a part of.”

FUTURE LAND USE

According to the city of Bradenton Beach’s zoning map, the Pines Trailer Park property is currently zoned M-1 (mobile home park). According to the future land use map and Building Official Steve Gilbert, the accompanying underlying land use for the Pines property is partially retail/office/ residential and partially commercial.

According to Gilbert, the property owner would have to obtain a city-commissionapproved comprehensive plan change, and likely a city-commission-approved rezoning approval as well, to redevelop the

property as anything other than a mobile home park.

Earlier this year, the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association and the park residents were unsuccessful in their efforts to form a co-op and secure the financing needed to purchase the land their mobile homes are located on. Those efforts included several homeowners’ association and resident meetings held in the Pines Park clubhouse.

Prepared by Homeowners’ Association Secretary Kathy Diskey, the minutes for the April 18 homeowners’ association meeting addressed a potential rezoning of the Pines Park property and stated, “The new purchaser of the park will have to get the property rezoned to change the land use from a resident park to something else. It is hard to guess how long that process would take.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Some Pines Trailer Park mobile homes have waterfront views.

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO

Mike Field Editor

Cindy Lane

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Reporters/Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Jason Schaffer

Kristin Swain

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

Steve Borggren

Jason Gargiule

Capt. Rick Grassett

Isis Mavenyengwa

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

Capt. David White

Anne Yarbrough

Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Advertising Assistant

Pamela Lee

Classifieds

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

Connor Field

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Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers

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Family-owned since 2000

Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Stop the parking garage

In December 2021, my wife and I fulfilled a dream. We closed on our new townhouse in Lakewood Ranch. We are Pennsylvania residents for now, with the townhouse being our stepping stone towards moving to Florida and becoming full-time residents. We love the area and it was important for us to live near Anna Maria Island. We love the hometown feel and laid-back atmosphere of the Island and enjoy a couple of weeks every other month, shopping, grabbing some food and drink at the Daiquiri Deck, taking drives the length of the Island and relaxing on Holmes Beach. Many days we stake out a place by the water and then head to the Cafe' for breakfast. Summer months, you'll need to drive there early to avoid heavy traffic. We've been following all developments involving the proposed garage with extreme concern. The current roadway, intersection and parking can only handle so much. Our fear is what will happen by inviting even more traffic with the added garage capacity. It will not solve any current parking and traffic conditions, but rather, cause even more congestion without totally altering the drawbridge, intersection and roadway. The added beachgoers will also turn

Holmes Beach into a sardine can of overcrowded space. This is a very bad idea. The allure of Anna Maria Island is its intimacy and non-commercialized approach. Stop this idea now or our beautiful beaches will be ruined forever.

Jim DeCesare Pittsburgh/Bradenton

Reader commends Reel Time’s Rusty Chinnis

I read Reel Time every week and really enjoy it.

My husband and I have lived in Manatee County for 42 years and have enjoyed boating in the Gulf and bay. We now live in Flamingo Cay and have for 18 years, so the health of our water is important to us.

I did attend the commission meetings about the wetlands and felt sad and disgusted. I will be active in getting the word out and voting these idiots out.

I just wanted to thank you for continuing to write about it in The Sun; many people are just now starting to wake up to this issue so I hope you will be able to keep writing about it.

Thank you for your work.

Barb Stubbers Bradenton

Share Island parking with the mainland

A large number of the Anna Maria Island beach parking problems could be solved by building a satellite parking garage at the southeast corner of Manatee Avenue West and 75th Street West, where Albertsons and SunTrust used to be. This parking lot is such an eyesore now that few could argue a parking garage would make it look worse. Beachgoers could conveniently park in a shady garage, and free trolley service would transport them to the Island. The parking lot at the Island beach could be left as is, sparing our beautiful Gulf views, as well as dozens of mature trees.

Parking at this mainland garage would be free, while a nominal per-car fee could be charged at the Island lot. This would encourage visitors to park in the 75th Street garage, or carpool if they prefer to drive to the beach. The reduction of traffic jams on the drawbridge as well as the streets of Anna Maria Island would be a great benefit to everyone.

Patrice Shannon Bradenton

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 21, 5 p.m. – Budget hearing with City Commission meeting following

Sept. 27, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 20, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

Sept. 21, noon – City Commission meeting

Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

Oct. 4, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Oct. 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 26, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing

Sept. 26, 5 p.m. – City Commission budget hearing and meeting with work session to follow

Oct. 4, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

Oct. 4, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. – Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting, Bradenton City Hall, 101 12th St. W., Bradenton

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 20

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

Tree Tots, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Island Morning Book Club, bring your own book, 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, 1 p.m.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Holocaust Speaker Series with Ginette Hersh, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Music on the Porch, Fisherman’s Hall, 4515 124th St. W., Cortez, 2-4 p.m.

Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve expansion parking lot, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 7:30-10 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 25

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

TUESDAY, SEPT. 26

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

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27

Explore Nature: Tower Talk, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 2-4 p.m.

Town Hall with Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

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

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

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

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Seashell shore walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 2

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

Manatee County Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee meeting, Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 3

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

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

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Flamingos flock to Florida during hurricane

Audubon Florida attached a transmitter to Peaches to track her movements.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

TAMPA BAY - Hurricane Idalia’s Category 3 landfall in late August brought rain, wind and – surprisingly – flamingos to Florida.

American flamingos were commonly seen in Florida until about 1900 until they were hunted to near-extinction. Today, they are numerous in Mexico and Cuba, where they breed, with a few straying to the Everglades and Florida Bay in winter.

As Hurricane Idalia passed between the Yucatan Peninsula

and Western Cuba, strong winds likely swept up flamingos from this region, carrying them to Florida’s coast, according to Audubon Florida.

Sightings have been reported in the Keys, Sanibel Causeway, Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, Clearwater, Treasure Island, Siesta Key and Tarpon Springs, along with locations north of the state.

One flamingo was rescued by boaters in the Gulf of Mexico off St. Petersburg Beach. Nicknamed Peaches, the bird was brought to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tampa Bay and was then transferred to the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores for rehabilitation.

After a week, Peaches was self-

feeding and becoming active.

Before releasing Peaches on Sept. 9 at Ft. DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, Audubon Florida tagged her with a satellite transmitter in the hopes that scientists could learn more about the movements of these birds during storms.

The public is asked to give this and all flamingos in Florida space to rest and feed undisturbed.

“We want these flamingos to stay and raise their families here,” Audubon Florida’s Director of Research Dr. Jerry Lorenz said. “If we give them their space, restore their habitat, and keep their water clean, we can hope for a pink future in Florida.”

Peaches the flamingo wades in the waters off Fort DeSoto after being rescued and rehabilitated following Hurricane Idalia, which drove flamingos to local shores from Cuba and Mexico. Photojournalist Scott Wilson said he was devoured by no-see-ums and mosquitos while getting the shot, but it was worth it.

@SCOTTWILSONPHOTOS | SUBMITTED

Turtle nesting season wrapping up on AMI

The sea turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island is winding down.

“There are no changes in our nesting numbers (from last week),” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said. “There were no hatches to document this week.”

Mazzarella said Turtle Watch volunteers continue checking the five remaining nests that are posted on the beach.

“We continue to work on the data,” she said, adding that it will take several weeks to confirm this season’s final numbers.

The official end of the season is Oct. 31.

Turtle Watch volunteers remain busy in outreach and education.

“This week we had a booth at the Anna Maria Centennial Celebration,” Mazzarella said. “We really enjoyed educating the public about sea turtles and look forward to continuing to do so over the winter at the Anna Maria Farmer's Market and other outreach events.”

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 405 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls: 438 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched: 295 (Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchlings hatched: 22,995 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Hatchling disorientations: 89

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

EROSION: Idalia erodes local beaches

FROM PAGE 1

which sustained damages resulting from Hurricane Idalia have until Oct. 1 to apply for rehabilitation assistance under Public Law 84-99,” Ruderman said in an email to The Sun.

As of Sept. 15, Ruderman said requests have been received from Manatee and Pinellas counties.

During the Aug. 29 hurricane, storm surge reached 3-4 feet in coastal areas in Manatee County.

“This is the beginning of what I am told is a long process whereby the beaches are hand-measured, staked-out and surveyed for damage estimates from the storm and what measures may be needed to renourish any impacted areas,” Logan said in the Sept. 8 email.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) Director Dr. Dave Tomasko evaluated the impact from Hurricane Idalia on the SBEP website.

“With Idalia, even though it was about 100 miles offshore, we were on its strong side, and thus we got the storm surge, even though we mostly experienced just tropical storm level winds,” he wrote. “This storm surge came a few hours before the peak of the full moon high tides.”

Water levels were retreating as the tide was coming up, Tomasko wrote.

“So, the dreaded ‘high tide on top of a storm surge’ did not happen,” Tomasko wrote. “That is lucky, because that could have added another foot or two. Still, water

LESLIE LAKE |SUN

Above, the south side of Coquina Beach experienced some beach erosion following Hurricane Idalia. Right, this area of the Palma Sola Boat Ramp shows evidence of erosion following Hurricane Idalia.

levels were about 3’ higher than they would have been otherwise.”

The last major beach renourishment locally was the 2021 Coquina Beach Storm Damage Restoration project, which placed approximately 74,805 cubic yards of sand at Coquina Beach.

“Beach renourishment projects not only provide recreational beach width for the benefit of residents and visitors, but during storm events, the sand also provides critical protection for structures and infrastructure landward of the beach. In addition, the beach provides critical habitat and nesting areas for protected species such as sea turtles and shorebirds,”

Since 1992, Manatee County has participated in eight beach nourishment projects.

Approximately 6.9 million cubic yards of sand from offshore borrow areas have been placed as a result of the county’s and USACE’s beach preservation efforts.

Stone crabbers preparing for season’s start

Stone crab traps are cleaned and repaired at A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez in preparation for the Oct. 15 start of stone crab harvest season.

FISH board sees aerial video of preserve

Environmentalist

Rusty Chinnis urges board members to get involved in maintaining water quality and vote for candidates who are environmentally responsible.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ - As the improvements to the FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve are progressing, a discussion about the environment was fitting at the monthly FISH board meeting.

The 98-acre preserve on Cortez Road is familiar from a ground-level perspective to board members. At their Sept. 11 meeting, however, they saw it from a new perspective - a bird’s eye view.

Rusty Chinnis, board member of the environmental advocacy organization Suncoast Waterkeeper and The Sun's outdoors columnist treated the FISH board to his Aug. 13 drone video of the preserve, which showcased multiple wetland areas and mangroves. The preserve is one of the only undeveloped waterfront properties on Sarasota Bay.

“What a wonderful job you’ve done with the FISH Preserve,” he said. “It’s fantastic.”

Chinnis was invited to speak to the board about the Manatee County comprehensive plan and land development code changes on mangrove and wetland protections.

“I don’t have to tell you what kinds of problems we’re having with our water these days,” he said. “Right now when we should be doing more and more to protect the water qual-

ity, unfortunately Manatee County is doing just the opposite.”

Chinnis referenced the Aug. 17 meeting in which Manatee County commissioners voted to approve a comprehensive plan amendment that would reduce wetland buffers.

“Not one person (at that meeting) got up and spoke in favor of it,” he said. “As soon as public comment was done they voted 6-1 to approve it.”

He noted the FISH board was comprised of fishermen and others familiar with the local waters.

“You see what most people don’t appreciate. You can see that slow, steady decline in the health of the water, with algae and the loss of the fish,” Chinnis said. “We need to get the water quality right.”

He urged the board members to vote for candidates who have a record of protecting the environ-

ment.

“Either we get involved or we suffer the consequences,” Chinnis said.

Chinnis’ FISH Preserve Progress video is posted on YouTube at https://youtu.be/qryw1tZ3nwc

In other FISH board business, the theme was announced for the Feb. 18 and 19, 2024 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

“The theme will be ‘Cortez Commercial Fishing - It’s a Way of Life,’ ” FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann said.

Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co., gave a monthly fishing report.

“It’s been a pretty rough summer,” she said. “The guys aren’t seeing what they normally see. They’re seeing a little more activity following the storm. Shallow water opened up fine Sept. 1.”

FISH Preserve restoration completed

The finishing touches are being put on the long-awaited final phase of site work at the 98-acre FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve on Cortez Road. Beginning in 2000, the FISH organization and community members came together to raise the money to purchase the land immediately east of the village, a little at a time. “This parcel of land is one of the only untouched waterfront properties on Sarasota Bay and one of the last true working waterfronts in the state of Florida,” according to the FISH website. “The preserve came close to getting paved over by developers, however, the community came together to purchase the property just in the nick of time.” Due to seating constraints, an invitation-only ribbon cutting will be held there on Friday, Nov. 3.

LESLIE LAKE |SUN Rusty Chinnis of Suncoast Waterkeeper and The Sun's outdoors columnist speaks to FISH board members about the importance of maintaining water quality.

District moves ahead with vacation rental software purchase

MANATEE COUNTY – The staff at West Manatee Fire rescue is ready to launch the district’s new fire safety inspections for short-term rentals, now including those located in residential districts.

The program is set to launch in October, and Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski is adding another item to the fire prevention staff’s toolbox. District commissioners voted

unanimously to allow staff to enter into an agreement with Granicus to purchase software that will help locate vacation rentals in the district. When first approached by Kwiatkowski in June, representatives for the software company quoted him nearly $160,000 for the first year, including implementation. After district commissioners opted to go out to bid for the software, Granicus came back

WMFR receives donation for fire alarm

with a $30,000 discount from the originally quoted price.

Commissioner Billy Burke, who worked with Kwiatkowski on the software selection, said that after taking several meetings with representatives from various software companies and learning about all the options, he agreed with Kwiatkowski that Granicus offers the best option to help meet the district’s goal of correctly identify-

WMFR’s open house returns for fall

Billed as the “hottest event of the year,” Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski says the West Manatee Fire Rescue open house is happening again this fall. The community event is open to all and free to attend. It features an obstacle course, dunk tank, food, games and tours of the fire station and apparatus. Information booths for local organizations will also be onsite along with first responders who can answer all your questions. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at WMFR’s Station 1 at 407 67th St. W. in Bradenton. For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact Kwiatkowski at rod@wmfr.org.

ing every short-term rental property in the fire department’s jurisdiction. With a software vendor chosen, Kwiatkowski said he expects training on the new software to continue through the end of the year with full implementation in January. The software implementation will not affect the planned October launch of the fire district’s safety inspection program for short-term rental properties.

Fire district passes 2023-24 budget

West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 13 to pass the proposed 2023-24 fiscal year budget. They also voted to approve the certification of the fire assessment roll for the coming year. Commissioner Derrick Warner was absent from the meeting. The district's total budget is $17,446,601 including $5,719,148 in reserves. The certification of the fire assessment rate included an increase for all vacation rental properties in the district. Due to the extra expenses that district staff plan to incur due to starting up rental fire safety inspections, short-term rental properties are now classified as commercial properties for the purposes of the fire district. The reclassification does not affect the zoning of any property for any other taxing authority.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Members of the Sertoma Club of Bradenton present West Manatee Fire Rescue with a check for $1,000 to assist in the purchase and installation of bed shaker fire alarms for the hearing impaired.

AME joins in bi-coastal cleanup

Fourth-grade students from Anna Maria Elementary School headed to the 50th Street beach access in Holmes Beach last Thursday to participate in a bi-coastal cleanup called “Changing the Tide,” a new project headed by Brightmark and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation focused on addressing the issue of plastic pollution in the ocean. Above right, mom Johanna Hendrickson, Zofia Hendrickson and Aria Thomas assisted in the Sept. 14 event. Above left, Betty Bergnes, director of education for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, addresses the class. Carol Leibfried and her son, Sawyer, participated in the cleanup, held simultaneously with students from Sonoma County, California as they cleaned up their beach.

In honor of International Coastal Cleanup Day, Mrs. O'Neill's fourth-grade class at Anna Maria Elementary School participated in the bicoastal shoreline cleanup effort. Dozens of beach toys, plastic bottle caps, cans and other trash was removed from the sand and dunes on Holmes Beach.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN

Chamber members breakfast at Beach Cafe

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe Manager Kelley Gross welcomed Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members for breakfast at Manatee Beach on Sept. 7.

Chamber Business Card Exchange at Slickers

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its next business card exchange at Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 5-7 p.m. The fee is $5 for members and $10 for prospective chamber members. Make

sure to bring plenty of business cards; anyone who brings a raffle prize will be recognized when their prize is given

Cortez coffee chat

Sharon Otis and former Holmes Beach Police Chief Rick Maddox chat over coffee at the Sept. 12 Cortez Village Historical Society Coffee Social. The non-profit CVHS hosts the coffees quarterly at the Cortez Cultural Center at 11655 Cortez Road W.

Roser Church

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LESLIE LAKE | SUN

‘Farce of Nature’ begins Players’ 75th season with laughs

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - Director Mike

Lusk’s talented cast brings plenty of laughs as the Island Players’ first performance of their historic 75th season hits audiences in the funny bone with “Farce of Nature,” the first of five plays in the 2023-24 season.

The story takes place in the Ozarks area of Arkansas. Wanelle Wilburn (Janet Salem) and D. Gene Wilburn (Rick Kopp) are an older couple who run a fishing lodge that usually isn’t filled to capacity. Their grown son, Ty (Jeffery Allen Steiger), is away in Chicago, trying to become an actor, and picked an interesting time to come home.

Ty’s girlfriend, Jenna Sealy (Jennifer Kwiatkowski), lives with them at the “Reel ‘Em Inn.” Wanelle’s sister, Maxie (Laura Morales), an incompetent cop trying to get back in the good graces of her department, lives there too. This week, she’s been

safe, which will prove more difficult than she bargained for. His name is Carmine DeLuca (Joseph Mammina), and his testimony against a mafia associate named Sonny Barbosa (Michael Sacco) sent him to jail for five years. Maxie decides that the best way to keep Carmine safe is to have him stay at the lodge.

wants nothing more than to get back to Chicago away from trees, wild animals and everything else he hates about “the sticks,” but tries to be a good sport, even when Ty comes home to his parents, followed by both his employer, Lola Barbosa (Sharon Bartley), who runs a Chicago dinner theater, and her dangerous husband, Sonny.

To provide much more information would be a spoiler, but pay close attention to the painting D. Gene gifted his wife, Wanelle; it should be given co-star credit in this story that is well acted by one of the larger casts of any play in recent Island Players history.

“Farce of Nature” begins a bit slow, but quickly evolves into a laugh-a-minute solid comedy that leaves the audience wondering what could possibly happen next. Will they all be killed by wild animals? Everybody is having an affair, or are they? What’s that smell? And where do they keep all that vodka? All are questions that unravel as a talented cast nails a well-written play by Jones, Hope and Wooten.

“Farce of Nature” runs through Sunday, Sept. 24 at the Island Playhouse, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Tickets are available at www. theislandplayers.org for $30 or at the box office for $28. Box office hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Order by phone during box office hours by calling 941-778-5755.

'Farce of Nature’ runs through Sunday, Sept. 24 at the Island Players.

Suncoast Waterkeeper to host ‘Value of Wetlands’ panel

campaigns. The BOCC members claim there is no science supporting buffers and state minimum standards will protect the local environment.

RUSTY CHINNIS

evelopment and the environment can be compatible. While I know that might seem like an antithetical statement, when greed and power don’t cloud the big picture, it becomes obvious that sustainable growth and a healthy ecosystem must co-exist. In coastal communities like Manatee County, wetlands have never been more important to the health and economy of the region. Rising sea levels, more powerful storms and mushrooming harmful algae blooms like red tide and lyngbya make the point. The time for quick action has never been more urgent and, if you’re not on the water like local anglers, the collapse of the Indian River Lagoon on the east coast and images of starving manatees serve as the proverbial “canary in the coal mine.” Unfortunately, at a time screaming for enlightened leadership, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 6-1 to roll back wetland protection, with Commissioner George Kruse dissenting. The move is a not-so-veiled attempt at payback to developers that financed their

Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK), reacting to the attempt, convened a panel of experts to explain the detrimental effects on coastal water quality, drinking water quality, habitat and coastal resiliency within Manatee County. In a statement posted to their website, social media and mailed to local news outlets and members, they encourage citizens to get involved in an issue that is sure to impact the lives of countless generations of Manatee County citizens.

Join the discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Woman's Club and learn the facts from scientists who study wetlands and water quality in our region. The BOCC claims insufficient science to support the language currently in the comprehensive plan, so SCWK is asking researchers who study these issues to give the public facts. Go to www.suncoastwaterkeeper. org/save_our_welands to learn how you can get involved and protect our vital coastal resources. You can also sign their petition and sign up to volunteer. Volunteers will be given scientific information presented by panelists to read into the record at the Oct. 5 county commission meeting. In the words of Abbey Tyrna, SCWK’s executive director, let's flood them with facts!

Robinson named one of 14 Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trails

More than 200 bird species have been recorded at Robinson Preserve.

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Robinson

Preserve has been named by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conser vation Commission as one of 14 Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trails, the only site named this year in Manatee County.

The trails are selected based on their unique wildlife viewing opportunities and ecological significance, educational opportu nities, public access and resilience to recreational use, according to the FWC.

“This is a highly valued designa tion,” said Charlie Hunsicker, director of Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department. “Visiting birders will be rewarded with a great experience.”

Manatee County’s Leffis Key Preserve in Bradenton Beach and Emerson Preserve in Palmetto also are on the trail list, a network of

viewing sites across the state.

Every year, millions of residents and visitors participate in wildlife viewing activities, contributing billions of dollars to Florida’s economy. The goal of the trail is

species.

At the mouth of the Manatee River, at 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, Robinson Preserve is a recreation area where more

than 200 bird species have been

“Numerous wading birds, shorebirds and migratory songbirds are routinely observed at the site,” according to the FWC. “Watch for wood storks, white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, clapper rails, southeastern American kestrels, great horned owls, bald eagles, ospreys, double-crested cormorants and a variety of ducks, herons, egrets, sandpipers, plovers, gulls

Robinson Preserve has more than 13 miles of pedestrian and multi-use trails, several boardwalks, water overlooks and a 40-foot observation tower offering views of lower Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island and Egmont Key.

“Habitats represented include extensive mangrove swamps, high marsh, salt tern, coastal grasslands and developing hammocks,” according to the FWC. “Two kayak launches provide access to extensive sheltered bayous with paddle access to Tampa Bay and Palma Sola Bay.”

FWC | SUBMITTED

A white pelican swims at Robinson Preserve.

Beachfront, award-winning rooms

As long as you’re getting married on the beach, why not stay on the beach?

Bungalow Beach Resort, 2000 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, has won the Top Romance award in the US by tripadvisor.com, and it is located right on the beach – the perfect place to escape between the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony and the reception. With the Gulf of Mexico just steps from your lushly landscaped cedar bungalow, it’s a great place

for an extended stay after the bride and groom leave for their honeymoon. If the bride and groom want to continue their stay, Bungalow Beach Resort, which also won the 2013 Excellence Award from tripadvisor. com, is a very popular honeymoon destination. Originally a group of beachfront army barracks, each of the Bungalow Beach Resort units retains the old Florida charm that is Anna Maria Island, with modern conveniences inside. And you will

stay in luxury with personal touches like baskets of embroidered towels, flowers and candy. Whether you’re getting married or part of the wedding party, pick award-winning Bungalow Beach Resort as your home base where you will cherish those moments when you’re not involved with the ceremony. You’ll want to return when there is nothing to distract you from your stay. Call Bungalow Beach Resort at 1-800-7793601 or log onto www.bungalowbeach.com.

Tamela Behm and Peter Vrinios were married on South Coquina Beach on August 5, 2023. The reception was at MarVista.

The following hotels and motels accept pets. Some have limitations on species, number, size and breed, some require pets to be caged before housekeeping services are rendered, some require deposits or extra charges, and some have special pet amenities, such as grassy areas for walking. Call ahead to find accommodations that match your needs, and make a list of several hotels in different parts of the state to be prepared for storms from any direction.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Anna Maria Dream Inn 2502 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach 941-209-1420

Anna Maria Island Resorts Tortuga Beach Resort 1325 Gulf Dr. Bradenton Beach 941-778-6611

Anna Maria Motel 808 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria 941-778-1269

Queen’s Gate 1101 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach 941-778-7153

ARCADIA Knights Inn 504 S. Brevard Ave. 863-494-4884

Holiday Inn Express 2709 Southeast Hwy. 70 863-494-5900

BRADENTON Best Western Plus 2215 Cortez Rd W 941-238-0800

Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound 12324 Manatee Ave W. 941-741-9700

Courtyard Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront 100 Riverfront Dr. W. 941-747-3727

Days Inn 3506 1st St. W. 941-746-1141

Days Inn Bradenton – I75 644 67th St Circle E 941-746-2505

Fairfield Inn & Suites Lakewood Ranch 6105 Exchange Way 941-552-4000 Hampton Inn & Suites 309 10th St W 941-746-9400

Hyatt Place Sarasota/ Lakewood Ranch 6021 Exchange Way 941-748-3100

Motel 6 660 67th St. Circle E. 941-747-6005

Spring Hill Suites Bradenton Downtown Riverfront 102 12th St. W. 941-226-2200

BROOKSVILLE Days Inn 6320 Windmere Rd 352-796-9486

Microtel Inn 6298 Nature Coast Blvd 352-796-9025

Quality Inn 30307 Cortez Blvd 352-796-9481

CAPE CORAL

Holiday Inn Express 1538 Cape Coral Pkwy E 239-542-2121

Hampton Inn & Suites 619 SE 47th Terrace 239-540-1050

DAYTONA BEACH

Homewood Suites By Hilton 165 Bill France Blvd 386-258-2828

Residence Inn Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport 1725 Richard Petty Blvd 386-252-3949

DELAND Comfort Inn 400 E International Speedway 386-736-3100

ELLENTON Hampton Inn 5810 20th Ct. E. 941-721-4000

Red Roof Inn 4915 17th St. E. 941-729-0600

ELLENTON

Super 8

5218 17th St. E. 941-729-8505

FORT MYERS

Baymont Inn & Suites 9401 Marketplace Rd

239-454-0040

Hyatt Place

2600 Champion Ring Rd

239-418-1844

La Quinta Inn 9521 Market Place Rd

239-466-0012

Residence Inn

20371 Summerlin Rd

239-415-4150

Travel Lodge

13661 Indian Paint Ln

239-561-1117

GAINESVILLE

Best Western 4200 N.W. 97th Blvd.

352-331-3336

Home Hotel & Suites

3905 S.W. 43rd St.

352-376-0004

Motel 6 4000 S.W. 40th Blvd.

352-373-1604

Residence Inn by Marriott

I-75

3275 SW 40 Blvd

352-264-0000

KISSIMMEE

Ramada Gateway

7470 HWY 192 407-966-4410

Motel 6 5731 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. 407-396-6333

LAKELAND

Hilton Garden Inn

3839 Don Emerson Drive 863-647-0066

Motel 6 3120 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-682-0643

Residence Inn 3701 Harden Blvd. 863-680-2323

LAKE BUENA VISTA

Marriott Residence Inn 11450 Marbella Palm Court 407-465-0075

LAKE CITY

Baymont Inn & Suites

3598 US 90 W 386-752-3801

Days Inn

3430 N US Hwy 441

386-758-4224

LAKE MARY Extended Stay America

1040 Greenwood Blvd 407-829-2332

Hyatt Place

1255 S International Pkwy 407-995-5555

La Quinta Inn

1060 Greenwood Blvd. 407-805-9901

Residence Inn 825 Heathrow Park Lane 407-995-3400

LEESBURG Best Western Plus

1321 N. 14th Street

352-460-0118

Hampton Inn 9630 Us Hwy 441

352-315-1053

OCALA Comfort Inn 1212 S Pine Ave 352-629-7300

Hampton Inn & Suites 3601 SW 38th Ave

352-867-0300

La Quinta Inn & Suites 3530 S.W. 36th Ave.

352-861-1137

Microtel Inn & Suites 1770 Southwest 134th St

352-307-1166

Equus Inn

3434 SW College Rd

352-854-3200

Residence Inn 3601 S.W. 38th Ave.

352-547-1600

Sleep Inn and Suites

13600 S.W. 17th Court

352-347-8383

ORLANDO Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd. 407-503-2000

Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista 13351 State Road 535 407-239-4500

La Quinta Inn - Universal Studios 5621 Major Blvd 407-313-3100

Motel 6 - Winter Park 5300 Adanson Street 407-647-1444

Motel 6 International 5909 American Way 407-351-6500

Residence Inn Seaworld 11000 Westwood Blvd. 407-313-3600

Staybridge Suites 7450 Augusta National Dr 407-438-2121

Townplace Suites 11801 High Tech Ave. 407-243-6100

PLANT CITY

Comfort Inn 2003 S Frontage Rd 813-707-6000

Knights Inn 301 S Frontage Rd 813-752-0570

PORT CHARLOTTE Comfort Inn

812 Kings Hwy 941-421-7548

Days Inn 1941 Tamiami Trail 941-623-9404

Knights Inn

4100 Tamiami Trail 941-743-2442

Sleep Inn & Suites 806 Kings Highway 941-613-6300

PUNTA GORDA

Four Points by Sheraton 33 Tamiami Trail 941-637-6770

RUSKIN

Holiday Inn & Suites 226 Teco Rd. 813-922-4561

Ruskin Inn 3113 College Ave 813-641-3437

SANFORD Best Western Plus 3401 S Orlando Dr 407-320-0845

SARASOTA Comfort Suites

5690 Honore Ave 941-554-4475

Comfort Inn & Suites 5931 Commercial Way 941-342-8778

Courtyard Sarasota Bradenton 850 University Pkwy 941-355-3337

Embassy Suites by Hilton 202 N. Tamiami Trail 941-256-0190

Even Hotel – Lakewood Ranch

6231 Lake Osprey Dr 941-782-4400

Hampton Inn & Suites 8565 Cooper Creek Blvd 941-355-8619

Hibiscus Suites

1735 Stickney Point Road 941-921-5797

Hyatt Place Lakewood Ranch 6021 Exchange Way 941-946-2357

Hyatt Place Sarasota 950 University Pkwy 941-554-5800

La Quinta Inn & Suites 1803 N. Tamiami Trail 941-366-5128

Residence Inn 1040 University Pkwy. 941-358-1468

Days Inn 5000 N. Tamiami Trail 941-351-7734

Sleep Inn 900 University Pkwy. 941-359-8558

SEBRING

La Quinta Inn 4115 US 27 South 863-386-1000

Magnunson Grand 6525 US 27 North 863-385-4500

Residence Inn 3221 Tubbs Road 863-314-9100

Severn Sebring Hotel 150 Midway Dr 863-655-7200

SPRING HILL

Motel 6 6172 Commercial Way 352-596-2007

TALLAHASSEE

Best Western Pride Inn

2016 Apalachee Parkway 850-656-6312

La Quinta Inn North 2905 N. Monroe St. 850-385-7172

Motel 6 Downtown

1027 Apalachee Parkway 850-877-6171

Motel 6 West 2738 N. Monroe St. 850-386-7878

Quality Inn 3090 N. Monroe St. 850-562-2378

Red Roof Inn

2930 Hospitality Street 850-385-7884

Red Roof Inn 6737 Mahan Drive 850-656-2938

Residence Inn

1880 Raymond Diehl Road 850-422-0093

Residence Inn Universities 600 W. Gaines St. 850-329-9080

Sleep Inn 1695 Capital Circle N.W. 850-575-5885

Staybridge Suites 1600 Summit Lake Drive 850-219-7000

Suburban Extended Stay Hotel 522 Silver Slipper Lane 850-386-2121

TAMPA

Quality Inn-Busch Gardens 2701 E. Fowler Ave. 813-971-4710

Holiday Inn Express 8610 Elm Fair Blvd 813-490-1000

Holiday Inn Express 8310 Galbraith 813-910-7171

Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa/Brandon 10240 Palm River Road 813-685-7099

Hyatt Place Tampa Airport 4811 W. Main St. 813-282-1037

Residence Inn 4312 W. Boy Scout Blvd. 813-877-7988

Sheraton Tampa East Hotel 10221 Princess Palm Ave 813-623-6363

TEMPLE TERRACE Residence Inn 13420 N Telcom Parkway 813-972-4400

Towne Place Suites by Marriott 6800 Woodstork Rd 813-975-9777

WINTER HAVEN Howard Johnson Inn 1300 3rd St SW 863-294-7321

Lake Roy Beach Inn 1825 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-6320

Roadway Inn & Suites 1911 Cypress Gardens Blvd. 863-324-5994

Property owners with equity may tend to overpay Castles in the Sand

Feeling pretty flush, are you? Most of us who have owned property for several years are pretty happy with the equity we have accumulated. But if you are selling and purchasing another property, be careful. That equity can slip through your fingers at lightning speed.

A recent study by UCLA Anderson School of Management discovered that for every dollar of equity gain that a seller receives, he or she overpays by 7.9 cents on the next home purchase. There are a few theories about why this is happening, one of which is that with higher equity comes lower capital constraints, allowing buyers to consider larger homes they are willing to pay more for. Also, a buyer with a nice equity cushion can offer more and sometimes will pay more to avoid a time-consuming search for a new home or to place themselves at an advantage above other buyers. Either way, these actions are driving offers higher than they should be.

LOUISE BOLGER

Naturally, overpaying contributes to escalating housing costs, compounding the effect of fewer homes on the market and pushing up selling prices. This is more bad news for buyers who are competing with high equity buyers who are cornering the market with a lot of equity and cash bidding up prices. Buyers who overpay for a property are risking that the property values will stay high when the time comes to resell. If a buyer is in the property for the long haul, it might be a smart risk to take for a property you want. However, if a buyer is looking at a short-term purchase they could get caught in an unexpected downturn of the market.

With residential mortgage interest rates approaching 7.5%, not only are buyers caught in the vice, but banks are also starting to see their profit margin caught in the same vice. Applications for home purchase mortgages dropped to their lowest levels since 1995 a few weeks ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Buyers aren’t buying because of low inventory and high rates and potential sellers aren’t selling and giving up their ultra-low mortgages - a perfect storm in a not-so-perfect real estate market. But there are still high-end buyers who are jumping into the real estate market. The only difference is the jumbo loans these buyers typically are looking for are not as available as they once were. A jumbo loan is a non-conforming loan that exceeds the conventional loan limit set by the government housing authorities. The limit is currently set at $726,200 or higher in some high-cost areas in the country. For instance, Hawaii

would be considered a high-cost area. These loans typically were considered low-risk loans the banks kept on their books that attracted wealthy customers, many of whom used the same bank for additional business transactions.

These loans usually carried lower rates than regular mortgages. However, the lower preferential rates for jumbo loans have reversed in recent months and now the jumbos are also approaching 7.5%, forcing home buyers to reconsider their financial options or even whether it’s a good time to buy. Since we’re living in an area with many high-end properties for sale, these higher rates could influence our market.

Whether you’re buying a car or a pair of shoes, it’s the same. If you have more, you pay more and if you pay more, you borrow more. Americans love the best of the best. Be careful that the money doesn’t slip through your fingers.

DOG: County takes no action after multiple attacks

Aug. 17, the behavior appears to be a longstanding pattern.

“I was advised that Rudy is highly aggressive and killed multiple puppies in the past. I was then advised that they attempted to take Rudy to a trainer and the trainer advised that the dog should not be in public unless it's leashed and muzzled, or both,” Mitchell wrote in a report after speaking to Santamauro’s estranged wife.

Reports obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by one of the dog’s victims show more incidents.

The FOIA request yielded two previous attacks, one in 2020 and one in 2021, in addition to the most recent attack which left Holmes Beach resident Evalena Leedy injured with six puncture wounds to her arm on Aug. 21.

MCAW has continued to decline requests to comment on any of them.

According to a report on June 8, 2020, Bradenton resident Dorgas Skein stated that while walking her leashed dog, an off-leash dog from a neighboring house ran towards her dog, causing injuries to her dog that required surgery. The dog was confirmed to be Rudy, owned by Santamauro, who was issued a citation for an animal causing injury.

The second confirmed attack took place

on April 12, 2021 on Columbia Drive in West Bradenton. According to the MCAW report on the incident, Alberto Seda, of Bradenton, was walking his dog on a leash along the road when Rudy ran into the road and attacked the much smaller dog.

“Anthony Santamauro was very apologetic and said he offered to pay the vet bill. Anthony said he had given them $300 for the vet visit, and they said it might be another $1,300,” MCAW Officer R. Duckworth wrote in his 2021 report.

“Anthony had asked if he signs the dog over, would it get put down? I said most likely not. I said to sleep on it and I will call him tomorrow. I advised him if he is worried about the liability issues, he should put up two fences with gates in them to contain the dogs from getting out to the street and this shouldn’t happen again. I educated him on the laws, told him with prior history, he might receive a ticket.”

The fourth confirmed, and most recent, attack took place on Aug. 21, 2023, reported by The Sun in its Aug. 30 edition.

Evalena Leedy was taking her 9-pound toy poodle, Alonzo, for a walk about 8:30 p.m. when unleashed Rudy approached rapidly from nearby bushes. In an effort to protect Alonzo from the animal that was more than 14 times its size, she grabbed him and put him on the roof of a nearby car.

Alonzo was unharmed, but Leedy wasn’t as

“The dog repeatedly lunged at me and bit said. “The dog kept coming, I was trying to protect myself and Alonzo and was unsuccessfully attempting to kick the dog away.”

Leedy said after she had been bitten, the dog’s owner, later identified as Santamauro, arrived and pulled the mastiff off of her.

Leedy has remained frustrated with MCAW and their handling of the situation. According to the FOIA reports she requested, and later provided to The Sun, Rudy was only ordered to quarantine

after the Island Time incident. In the most recent report, involving Leedy’s case, no quarantine was issued and Rudy remains free.

According to Florida Statutes, if an investigation finds a dog to be dangerous, and it further attacks humans or other domestic animals, the owner is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor and the dog is confiscated by animal control and humanely destroyed after a 10-day period (Florida Statute 767.13 (1) ). If a dog deemed dangerous attacks, causing serious injury or death to a human, the owner is guilty of a third-degree felony and the dog is humanely destroyed after a 10-day period (Florida Statute 767.13 (2) ).

MCAW has refused to comment on any of these cases and has offered Leedy little information on what actions are being taken beyond what is contained in the reports she obtained from the FOIA request. She wants answers, but isn’t holding out a great deal of hope based on past actions by MCAW.

“It seems that from reports, Animal Control does little or nothing to follow up after attacks,” Leedy said in a Sept. 13 email to the Sun. “Where is Santamauro and Rudy? Why was the quarantine not required after my bite? Why is there only one dangerous dog listed on Manatee County’s website? What will it take for Manatee County to act? Another dog dying, or God forbid a person?”

FILE PHOTO

Holmes Beach resident Evalena Leedy, with her dog, Alonzo, says she’s lucky they are alive after the attack.

Water taxi agreement on Thursday’s agenda

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet on Thursday, Sept. 21. The regular city commission meeting will begin immediately after the conclusion of the final budget hearing that will start at 5:01 p.m. After general public comment on non-agenda items, the mayor will provide an update on the Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvements. The mayor and city attorney will then present the latest proposed interlocal agreement with Manatee County regarding the use of the City Pier as a water taxi/ferry stop. The mayor will also present a vulnerability assessment resiliency

grant agreement. Thursday’s meeting can also be attended by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280.

Club

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Manatee County proposes using the City Pier boat landing as a water taxi/ferry stop.

Adult soccer heats up with two ties, two blowouts

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – With the sun’s heat pounding on The Center of Anna Ma ria Island’s field, the two teams slated to play the week’s opening soccer match walked onto the pitch looking for their first win of the season.

Both the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits and Slim’s Place teams were defeated in week one action.

After more than 40 minutes of play, both teams walked off the pitch still seek ing a victory. Ending in a 3-3 tie, team captains Jake Parsons and Yuri Pereira will take their squads into the third week of Island soccer ready for a win.

Spreading out the scoring among the Sandbar team, Justin Fields, Matthew Staggs and Parsons put up a goal each for their team. Fields is also given a tick mark on the score sheet for an assist.

On the other side of midfield, Pereira’s team saw points put up by Kali Richardson, Helio Gomez, and Lindsey Styka for Slim’s Place. The team’s recorded scoring assist came from Richardson.

Team goalies Robb Marshall and Steve Oelfke helped keep the score tied with amazing stops and aggressive play. With six and 11 saves respectively, the two veteran keepers showed why they are a hot commodity in the league.

In 7 p.m. soccer action, Gulf Drive Café and Pool America also started the week looking for a W. Like their opponents before them, the game ended in a 3-3 tie, resulting in a four-way points tie for last place.

Missing the first week, Gulf Drive Café’s captain Kevin Roman was the high scorer in the second game of the night with two goals. Teammate Eliza Faillace, returning this season after

a brief break, scored the additional point for the Gulf Drive team.

Charles “Tuna” McCracken made 13 huge saves in the game showing his quick reflexes and reaction time. Roman finished with two saves.

Team Pool America showed a different side of the team after a volatile first showing last week. With emotions in check, the team's three goals came off the boots of Murat Akay, Landon Ellis, and Luca Vecchio. Austin Nutting and Akay were credited with assists in the game.

The four squads at the bottom of the ranks go into the third week of play to fight for a win.

Pool America starts the plight against Sato Real Estate. The Sato team sits in first place with a 2-0-0 record with a win against Gulfview Windows & Doors, 9-2. In the blowout victory, Amy Ivin knocked out four goals in the game, topping teammate James Noblett, who had a hat trick.

Jamal Duzgun and goalie and team

Above, Sandbar defenders Jacek Czajkowski and Justin Fields put the heat on against Slim’s Place’s Yuri Pereira, playing in the Island’s co-ed rec league in the second week of action.

Left, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits’ Jake Parsons settles the soccer ball with old Manatee High School classmate Helio Gomez, playing for Slim’s Place, during last Thursday night’s match-up at The Center.

captain Josh Sato had solo goals against Gulfview. With three saves, Sato shared the duties with Daniel Tonkin. Tonkin had a single save in the game.

Team captain Keith Mahoney shot and scored both points for his team. Keeper responsibilities were shared by Gulfview’s Raul Loera, with eight saves, and Curtis Bickler, stopping five shots.

Sandbar goes up against team Ross Built Custom Homes this week in the second game of the night. Ross comes off a big loss against the Moss Builders team. With the final score of 8-3, the team played without their captain Greg Ross.

In the final game of the night last week, Daniel Hampton got the soccer ball across the line for two points for Ross Built, while Nicola Manni had a goal of her own.

Max Gazzo, playing goal for the team again last Thursday night, had eight nice saves against the tough Moss Builders offense.

Two hat tricks for the Moss team helped

secure the big win. Erica Nielsen and Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos each scored three goals in the 40-minute match. Rex Kesten and Brandon Rolland hit the other two strikes that got past Gazzo. Team captain Ryan Moss held down the defense in goal, stopping seven Ross Built shots. Rounding out three plays, Gulf Drive Café meets Sandbar and Gulfview matches up against top-ranked and undefeated Moss Builders, hoping to shake things up in the standings heading into the October schedule.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

EMPLOYMENT

EXPERIENCED HAIR STYLIST NEEDED! Take over a full book of Business. Please stop by for an interview. A Hair Day 9516 Cortez Rd. 941-795-5227

FISHING CHARTERS

CAPT. MAC GREGORY

Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783

U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941726-3077

RENOVATION SPECALIST

ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995

Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.

ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.

HOME SERVICES

CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways, pool decks, concrete grinding. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

LOST & FOUND

LOST WALLET AROUND Judy’s Restaurant. Please call 313-310-3290. REWARD

LOST KEY FOB at Pickle ball courts in Holmes Beach. Please call 941778-2919.

LOST GOLD RING High School Graduation with PA on Top. Please call 941243-1444

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING

LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

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

PRESSURE WASHING &

WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured. Driveways/sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fences, House (soft wash/ downstream). Call 813638-7636. tandbpressurewashing@yahoo. com Family owned and operated.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

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 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

112 OAK ANNA MARIA

$1,450,000 4 bedroom cottage on rental program. Good income. Sold furnished Christine Kourik Remax 314-440-7574

TIRED OF HURRICANE SEASON & want to sell? Call Kelly The Kelly Gitt Team Proud Veteran Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299

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 Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

SUNNYSHORES/ SAGAMORE ESTATES

AREA: Annual rental, home with 3BR/1.5BA. Includes washer, dryer, screened in patio, parking under carport, and access to boat ramp and park by Palma Sola Bay. $1,900 per month.

ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH 4BR/3BA $3980/mo (12 month minimum) + utilities. Walk to restaurants, shops, beach. Please Call 860-922-3857.

ANNUAL RENTAL BRADENTON BEACH Bungalow with mini loft cathedral ceiling. Electric, water, WIFI, lawn care all included. Washer/Dryer. Pets welcome Steps to beach & intercoastal. Sunrise/ Sunset over water. First, Last months rent, $1000 deposit $200 pet deposit. $2195/mo. Call 941-7411096.

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

VACATIONERS ANNUAL RENTAL Bradenton Beach. Steps to beach, intercoastal. Sunrise/Sunset over water. Pets welcome. Stay longer, come down anytime. Electric, water, WIFI, lawn care included. Washer/Dryer. No utilities to set up. No bills to pay. Cleaning, grocery delivery available. Mini Loft with cathedral ceiling. First, last $1000 deposit. $200 pet deposit. $2195/mo. Call 941-741-1096

TRANSPORTATION

AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/ Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941-447-8372, www.amitaxi.com GOLF CART RENTALS

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095

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Sales Associate Martha Jones Robel Sales Associate April Green Sales Associate Michelle Laade Sales Associate Cindy Jones Broker- Owner

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