Anna Maria Island Sun September 22, 2021

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 21 No. 50

September 22, 2021

County commissioner proposes beach parking garage County commissioners are discussing building a parking garage in Holmes Beach – but they’d need city leaders’ approval first.

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

One giant leap ...

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Skying high for a flag football catch is Kari Hawkins of team TMT. Story on Page 28.

SEE PARKING, PAGE 25

Rash triumphs in state investigation After being accused by his former neighbor of abusing his position as an elected official, Commissioner Kim Rash has been absolved of any wrongdoing by the State of Florida Commission on Ethics.

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

HOLMES BEACH – At the conclusion of a four-month-long investigation by the State of Florida Commission on Ethics, Commissioner Kim Rash is breathing a

INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OUTDOORS 16 REAL ESTATE 22-26 OBITUARIES 23 CROSSWORD 29 CLASSIFIEDS 30

long-awaited sigh of relief.

Rash was accused of violating a section of the Florida Constitution by his former neighbor, Anastasios “Tosh” Tricas, in early May. Among other things listed in a May 1 complaint filed with Holmes Beach police following a noise complaint at Rash’s Holmes Boulevard residence, Tricas accused Rash of abusing his position as a city commissioner by stating that he did not have to comply with laws and regulations because city departments and staff members “work for him.” A hearing held Sept. 10 in Tallahassee found that there was no probable cause

HOLMES BEACH – Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge wants a new parking garage to be built on Manatee Beach’s sand parking lot, but the mayor of Holmes Beach so far appears unlikely to sign off on the project.

During a Manatee County Commission meeting last week and in a letter to Holmes Beach city officials, Van Ostenbridge said that he would like to look at the possibility of building a parking garage on the county-owned property at the beach at the end of Manatee Avenue to provide more public parking for beachgoers. The garage would potentially be built in the primary parking area in front of the snack bar building at the entrance to the beach on Gulf Drive.

Van Ostenbridge also stated that he wants Holmes Beach city leaders to dismantle their permit parking program for residents, opening up more street parking in residential areas for public use. He also has demanded that public beach parking be allowed at the Island Branch Library and Anna Maria Elementary School when those facilities are not otherwise in use. Providing

Have fun, help turtles at Hurricane Hanks

to substantiate the claims made by Tricas, and his complaint against Rash was dismissed.

With the conclusion of the investigation comes a measure of peace for Rash and his family. In speaking with The Sun, Rash said that the accusations against him and the following investigation caused a tremendous amount of stress for his family, who supported him throughout the entire process.

Unable to discuss the investigation until it officially concluded, Rash said that without the support of his wife, Theresa, and daughter,

HOLMES BEACH – If you love sea turtles, shorebirds, good food, live local music or auctions, you won’t want to miss the Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday!

Hosted by Hurricane Hanks at 5346 Gulf Drive, the fundraiser for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring is set for Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 4-6 p.m. to raise money to protect sea turtles and shorebirds on Anna Maria Island beaches.

Loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species, and green sea turtles, an endangered species, both nest on Island beaches, as do least terns, a threatened shorebird species.

SEE RASH, PAGE 26

SEE TURTLES, PAGE 6

GLAZED lemon squares

CITIES DISCUSS Island-wide

are fresh, light and tart.

Recipe in Food & Wine. 21

road rules for carts, scooters. 4-5

Anna Maria Island, Florida

KNOW where to go with your pets

when storms approach. 19-20 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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THE SUN

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

THE SUN

No new COVID cases among AME students or staff Anna Maria Elementary School reports no new COVID-19 cases among students and staff over the past week.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - For the first time since Manatee County schools began reporting positive COVID-19 cases among students and staff, Anna Maria Elementary reports no new cases among either students or staff for the week of Sept. 13-17.

AME remains one of only three schools in the county that have had no staff members test positive since the beginning of the school year on Aug. 10. Although the number of positive cases among students is one of the lowest in the county, until last week there had been at least one student case each week with a total of 12 testing positive for COVID-19 since the start of the 2021-22 school year.

Countywide, 2,644 students and staff have reported positive COVID-19 cases since the start of school.

While Manatee County schools con-

tinue to report COVID-19 cases, the Florida Department of Health stopped reporting detailed statistics, including cases by zip code, in June. As a result, Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) and the Florida Center for Government Accountability filed a lawsuit on Aug. 30 in Leon County Circuit Court against the department, alleging it violated public records laws by ceasing to provide detailed data about the COVID-19 pandemic.

The department had been posting detailed daily reports on COVID-19 cases on its website until Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered a change in June.

The site then began posting weekly information focused more on vaccination rates.

Meanwhile, the subject of mask mandates in Florida schools remains a heated topic. The School District of Manatee County's mask "mandate" contains an opt-out clause, but Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has already made good on his threat to withhold funds from districts that have mask mandates without an opt-out clause. Since school board members are not paid by the state, the governor’s plan is to withhold an amount of money equal to the salaries of the board members

and superintendent’s salaries in the district in question.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced last week that she was working with the White House to find a way to support schools that challenge the governor’s order.

“I’m so grateful to President Biden for responding to our appeal for supplemental funding for Florida schools and protecting the rights of our local school districts,” Fried said.

“My office and I have been working with the White House to find ways to support school districts that have had their funding threatened by our Governor’s unconstitutional effort to prohibit them from following public health guidelines.

"There is a large pot of money that was allocated to our state through the American Rescue Plan that has not yet been distributed," Fried said, "and we are working with the Biden Administration to see if this funding could be used to help schools and teachers who are standing up to do the right thing.”

The governor’s ban was blocked on Aug. 27 by Leon County Circuit Court SEE AME, PAGE 9

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Eligibility expands for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots MANATEE COUNTY – Eligibility is opening up for those waiting to receive a COVID-19 booster shot.

Beginning Sept. 20, anyone who has already received a first and second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can receive a booster, or third dose shot. The catch is that to receive the third dose, you must have received the second dose of the vaccine at least eight months ago. Anyone who received their second shot of the vaccine on or before Jan. 20, 2021, will be eligible to receive the booster shot on the first day it’s available to everyone.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a statement on Aug. 18 that while it’s expected that recipients of the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine will also require a booster shot, they’re still compiling data to determine when those shots need to be given.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was first administered in March 2021.

Though the vaccines have all been proven to help prevent COVID-19 infection and reduce symptoms, hospitalization and death in those who do contract the novel coronavirus despite being fully vaccinated, the CDC acknowledges that the effectiveness of the vaccines is reduced over time, requiring a booster shot.

For anyone eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, there are multiple places to receive them throughout Manatee County, including at local CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Publix pharmacies, and at the Manatee County branch of the Florida Department of Health by appointment only.

For more information, visit www.manatee.floridahealth.gov.

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THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Piney Point lawsuit in negotiations Five conservation groups are in negotiations with Gov. Ron DeSantis, acting secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Shawn Hamilton, Piney Point owner HRK Holdings LLC and the Manatee County Port Authority to settle an environmental lawsuit filed on June 24.

The suit claims the release of 215 million gallons of wastewater into Tampa Bay this spring from a compromised phosphogypsum stack at the closed Piney Point phosphate fertilizer plant endangers the public, marine ecosystems and protected species.

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa granted the parties’ motion on Sept. 9 for additional time to negotiate “to determine if the parties might have a path forward that would involve an agreed-upon stay of all or part of this action,” according to a court filing.

A separate lawsuit by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection against HRK Holdings LLC in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County is pending, seeking injunctive relief to prevent any more discharges of wastewater, plus damages and civil penalties, claiming that HRK failed to safely operate the gyp stacks and protect surface and groundwater.

Symphony on the Sand cancelled This year’s Symphony on the Sand concert has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra said in a statement that the Nov. 13 performance at Coquina Beach will not take place and that a date for next year’s concert will be announced as soon as possible.

“With the health and safety of our patrons, volunteers, and talented musicians in mind, we know erring on the side of caution is the correct course of action during this time of uncertainty” the statement says. “We regret to inform you that we cannot keep the integrity of the event with the challenges we are experiencing.”

David Marshall memorial service is Saturday A memorial service for the late David Marshall will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Harvey Memorial Community Church in Bradenton Beach. The church is located at 300 Church St. N. The memorial ceremony will be followed by a celebration of life at the Drift In beginning at 2 p.m. The Drift In is located at 120 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Those attending the celebration of life are encouraged to bring a covered dish to share.

Correction David Marshall’s step-daughter, Martha Michael, lives in Manchester, New Hampshire. A story in last week’s Sun said she lived in a different state.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

City seeks Island-wide micromobility regulations

Bradenton Beach’s new micromobility moratorium ordinance is scheduled for final adoption on Oct. 7.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city hopes to work with Anna Maria and Holmes Beach to enact Island-wide regulations on rented scoot coupes, scooters, golf carts, low-speed vehicles and other motorized micromobility devices.

On Thursday, Sept. 16, the Bradenton Beach City Commission approved the first reading of Ordinance 21-538. The ordinance extends for another 90 days a moratorium that temporarily prohibits the issuing of any new permits for renting scoot coupes, scooters and other similar vehicles.

Established by Ordinance 21535, the previous micromobility moratorium covered the rental of scoot coupes and motorized scooters. The new regulations may also address golf carts and golf cart-like low-speed vehicles.

The extended moratorium gives city officials time to work with officials in the other two Island cities to create rental regulations that are consistent Island-wide.

Neither the city’s new ordinance nor the previous ordinance seeks to prohibit the operation of these vehicles on city roads. The Bradenton Beach ordinances currently pertain only to the rental of such vehicles.

“Rather than have three separate sets of regulations, the recommendation by staff is to coordinate the efforts to work with the other two Island cities so all this activity is similarly

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Rented scoot coupes are among the micromobility devices that concern city officials in Bradenton Beach and Island-wide. enforced and there isn’t a lot of question as to what’s allowed here versus what’s allowed 50 feet up the street,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry told the commission.

“The extension of the moratorium is to allow the city to take what’s been created by staff and start working with the other two Island cities. Holmes Beach just adopted a moratorium to allow them to take an opportunity to regulate the subject matter, and I’m told Anna Maria is interested in pursuing it as well,” Perry said.

Mayor John Chappie told the commission he attended an Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting the previous day and there was discussion there about low-speed vehicles and golf carts.

“The other mayors and elected officials agreed to work together, and for our attorneys to communicate so that we would have more unified ordinances throughout the Island.

That way, our residents and the

visitors don’t have to worry as much when they’re going from one city into the other and (encounter) totally different set of rules,” Chappie said.

Chappie showed the other commission members the decals Anna Maria now provides to companies that rent out golf carts and scoot coupes. The Anna Maria stickers reference four state laws on the legal operation of golf carts and lowspeed vehicles.

“Lt Cosby has looked at this and really likes it – so people know these are the rules,” Chappie said, of Bradenton Beach’s acting police chief.

The commission agreed the new ordinance would be presented for final adoption on second reading during the Thursday, Oct 7, meeting that will begin at 6 p.m.

No date has been established yet for the public hearings on adoption of the actual ordinance that would regulate micromobility rentals.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

THE SUN

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LSV safety a priority for Island mayors All of the Anna Maria Island mayors are willing to work together to establish low-speed vehicle regulations that are consistent throughout the Island.

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

ANNA MARIA – The Island’s three mayors may not agree on everything, but one thing they do agree on is that there need to be more safety regulations in place Island-wide for the operation of low-speed vehicles.

All three Island mayors agreed that not only do there need to be stringent safety regulations, but the three cities also need to work together to come up with regulations that are the same across the Island to reduce confusion. They also agreed that there needs to be a public education component to whatever regulations are enact-

ed so everyone from residents to renters knows how to safely operate low-speed vehicles.

Holmes Beach Commissioner Jayne Christenson gave a presentation during a Sept. 15 meeting about the vehicles and some of the safety concerns that arise from their operation on Island streets including bicyclist and pedestrian safety, the safety of children who are either not buckled in or riding in rear-facing seats on the golf cart style vehicles and traffic congestion.

While many of the vehicles can go up to or over 25 miles per hour, the speed limit on some stretches of the Island is up to 35 miles per hour. Also, the addition of more people to the vehicle limits how fast its maximum speed is due to additional weight. One of the concerns cited by several members of the public is road rage from vehicular drivers stuck in traffic behind low-speed vehicles. A few stories were shared where the driver of a car or truck sped

FILE PHOTO

Officials in Anna Maria Island want to pass Island-wide regulations for driving golf carts and other low-speed vehicles on Island streets. around traffic in the opposite traffic lane or forced other vehicles into bicycle lanes or off the side of the road to get around a low-speed vehicle or golf cart.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said he’s looking at the possibility of lowering the speed limit along one section of Palm Drive between Holmes

Beach and Anna Maria from 35 to 25 miles per hour to help reduce road rage incidents and increase safety along the corridor.

A low-speed vehicle may look like a golf cart or one of the mini-cars on Island streets.

A golf cart is designed for golf course use and does not have a license plate. They’re currently

only allowed to be used on city streets in Holmes Beach. A lowspeed vehicle has a license plate and is considered street legal by the state of Florida.

While the vehicles are considered to be street legal, another issue the three Island mayors discussed is that of insurance in case of an accident or damage caused by one of the low-speed vehicles. Though many of the rental companies currently operating on Anna Maria Island require renters to give them proof of vehicle insurance when renting a low-speed vehicle, unless you own such a vehicle at home that’s covered by your car insurance, the one you rent likely isn’t covered. This leaves the vehicles and their operators largely uninsured in the event of an accident or damage other than the basic liability insurance required by the state to issue the license plates for the vehicles carried by the rental company.

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THE SUN

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Jason Schaffer Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors Editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Leslie Ketchum Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

TURTLE: Fundraiser at Hurricane Hanks FROM PAGE 1

The indoor-outdoor event will provide plenty of room for safe social distancing with an outside bar, and newly-designed Turtle Watch masks will be available free to everyone who attends.

Limited VIP seats will be available inside Hanks to follow COVID-19 precautions, and will include a T-shirt, swag bag, free drink specials and more for $75; call 941-778-5788 for reservations.

Appetizer specials will be served during the event, with $1 donated to Turtle Watch by Hanks for every food item or drink sold.

The first 75 people to attend will receive a complimentary first beer or wine courtesy of A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals.

Volunteer auctioneer Bob Slicker will emcee silent and live auctions, and a 50-50 donation raffle also will be up for grabs. New Turtle Watch T-shirts will be available for a $20 donation.

SUBMITTED

Local musician Mike Sales will provide the entertainment and has a special surprise for attendees, who will be the first to… well, you have to attend to find out!

Ample parking will be available this year courtesy of Hancock Whitney Bank next door.

The first event in 2018 raised $3,000, with the total increasing to $13,000 in 2019. The event

SUBMITTED

was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Sponsors are A Paradise Realty, Mike Sales Entertainment, J n’J Graphics, Florida Underwater Sports, CabanUp, Harbor Lane Court Vacation Rentals and The Anna Maria Island Sun.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

Oct. 12, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

MARKYOUR CALENDAR

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 22, 2 p.m. – Reimagining Pine Avenue Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission budget hearing with regular meeting to follow Oct. 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

THURSDAY, SEPT. 23

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

Oct. 6, 9 a.m. – Capital Improvement Plan meeting Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 28, 5 p.m. – City Commission budget hearing with regular meeting and work session to follow Oct. 6, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification committee meeting Oct. 6, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Breakfast, Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach, 7:30 a.m., $10 for members or $18 for prospective members. Registration required at 941-778-1541 or email info@ amichamber.org.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Participants are asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Music on the Porch Saturday Jam Session with Soupy, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez, noon to 2 p.m.

Paper mola craft, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-3 p.m. Reservations required at https://manateelibrary.

THE SUN

libcal.com/event/8222980.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 26

Master gardener volunteer mobile plant clinic, Robinson Preserve 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon.

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/ wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

Participants are asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Reserve to https:// manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996411?hs=a Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 1

Stroller Stroll, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Participants are asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Seashell shore walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Reserve at 941-742-5923 ext. 6036.

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve to https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7958987.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/7996688

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 29

SATURDAY, OCT. 2

TUESDAY, SEPT. 28

Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday benefitting Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 4-6 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 30

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

International Coastal Cleanup, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. to noon.

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SUNDAY, OCT. 3

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/ wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

TUESDAY, OCT. 5

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome.

Participants are asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 10 a.m. Reserve to https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8303014 Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/7996689 Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3-3:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996154

Red tide returns in low concentrations

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide has returned to local waters after a two-week respite, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

The toxic algae began appearing in midApril near Piney Point after 215 million gallons of contaminated water were dumped into Tampa Bay. The water contained the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, which act as a fertilizer for red tide.

The discharge was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to prevent the collapse of a compromised gypsum stack containing the contaminated water. The former phosphate plant – the subject of two pending lawsuits - is in receivership and is slated for closure and the disposal of the remaining contaminated water.

Red tide dissipated in Manatee County from Aug. 30 until Sept. 14, when low con-

centrations were detected in water samples taken at the Rod n’ Reel Pier in Anna Maria.

Very low concentrations were detected at the Longboat Pass boat ramp, and background concentrations were detected at Key Royale (School Key) and the Palma Sola Bay Bridge, according to the report.

No fish kills or respiratory irritation related to red tide were reported in or offshore of Manatee County over the past week but were reported in Pinellas County to the north and Sarasota County to the south.

Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water and go inside to an air-conditioned space with closed windows and a clean A/C filter. Wearing masks, especially during onshore winds, is also advised.

High

RED TIDE REPORT

(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)

Very low

(possible respiratory irritation)

Background

Medium

(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

(no effects)

None

(no red tide present)

Low

(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills) Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Health officials warn against swimming near dead fish and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of red tide. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.

Officials also warn that consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.

Updated red tide forecasts are available at habforecast.gcoos.org and at visitbeaches.org.

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THE SUN

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

County budget includes tax cut, infrastructure investments The new fiscal year budget is accompanied by a $997 million, five-year capital improvement plan.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Commissioners have unanimously approved the county’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget, which will take effect when the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

When adopting the budget on Tuesday, Aug. 14, commissioners also approved a plan set forth by County Administrator Scott Hopes that will reduce by .2 mills the ad valorem property tax rate assessed by the county next year. According to a press release issued by the county last week, this will be Manatee County’s first property tax cut since 2008.

The millage rate decrease will result in many owners seeing an approximate $50 decrease in their next property tax bill, according to another release.

“The millage reduction is made possible largely by another year of significant increases in local property values. Under the current tax rate, rising values would have resulted in a

$21 million increase in revenues over the current fiscal year. Instead, commissioners unanimously approved the .2 mill reduction, which returns $8.3 million to taxpayers,” the press release states.

“The board of county commissioners also approved the largest five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in Manatee County’s history, totaling more than $997 million dollars of investments in infrastructure, public safety, parks and our environment. The county commission is investing $350.3 million in transportation projects, $80.3 million in parks, and $39.1 million in public safety projects,” the press release notes.

“Even with the millage reduction, the budget invests heavily in local infrastructure improvements. Nearly $350.3 million in transportation and road projects, plus significant investments in public safety and law enforcement highlight the $923 million budget. The adopted budget includes new investments in the county’s workforce to respond to increased capital projects workloads and service levels,” according to the press release.

• 63rd Avenue East from U.S. 301 to Tuttle Avenue ($16.2 million).

• 75th Street West from 20th Avenue West to Manatee Avenue ($11.1 million).

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS THE ANTICIPATED WORKFORCE INCREASES INCLUDE:

• 14 new sheriff’s office deputies, one resource assistance program deputy to focus on homeless issues, one body-worn camera deputy to lead the education and training for new technology and one school resource officer.

• 14 new positions in the Building and Development Services Department.

• 12 new paramedics.

• One new 911 telecommunicator, two 911 customer services representatives and one customer services representative for 311 data entry.

The list of county roads to be widened from two lanes to four lanes as part of the five-year CIP plan includes: • 59th Street West from Cortez Road to Manatee Avenue ($23.4 million).

In one of the press releases, County Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh stated, “I think Dr. Hopes and (Chief Financial Officer Jan) Brewer have done a fabulous job in this budget. It is wonderful to be working on such a large infrastructure program to help the traffic congestion in our county because of the population growth and to give the citizens a reduction in millage for the first time since 2008.”

“We have embarked on an aggressive road improvement campaign while simultaneously cutting taxes. Major road improvements have been budgeted for District 3,” District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge stated in the release.

“With the increase in property values, we were fortunate to have $100 million more than we did last year. With the values on the rise and all the new SEE BUDGET, PAGE 9

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LANDSIDE

6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880

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ELLENTON

1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773

BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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THE SUN

9

BUDGET: includes tax cut, infrastructure investments FROM PAGE 8

construction, we were able to lower taxes and leverage a line of credit to get these roads and critical transportation needs going,” Holmes Beach resident and At-Large Commissioner Carol Whitmore stated in the release.

“You are seeing things move in the county at a rate in the county that you haven’t seen in some time. We are going to get a lot of things done,” Hopes stated in the release.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

According to the press release, “The largest one-year investment in the bud-

get remains in the areas of law enforcement and public safety. Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells’ annual budget will increase by $12.6 million to cover funding for 14 new deputies, an additional patrol boat to expand marine responses, one resource assistance program deputy to focus on homeless issues, one body-worn camera deputy to lead the education and training for new technology, one school resource officer and one Domestic Violence Unit Detective.”

“In partnership with Sheriff Wells, we have identified an increased investment to meet the safety needs of our rapidly growing population,” Hopes stated in the press release.

AME: no new Covid cases FROM PAGE 3

Judge John Cooper, but Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee ruled on Sept. 10 to uphold the governor’s ban on mask mandates in schools.

Currently, 13 counties have defied the governor’s order by implementing mask mandates that do not have an opt-out clause, including Sarasota and Hillsborough locally.

COVID-19 PROCEDURES IN MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS

• All students and employees who are sick or who have symptoms will be sent home until they are symptom-free.

• Temperature checks will be taken daily for all employees and randomly for students.

• Reinforce and practice proper hand-

washing techniques among students and staff.

• Provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Deep clean and disinfect schools and school buses daily, or in between uses as needed.

• Make every effort to social distance as much as possible in schools.

• District employees visiting schools, other than their own, must wear masks during the school day.

• Provide plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias where possible.

• All employees will answer COVID-related questions daily upon arriving at work.

• Limit non-essential visitors and volunteers to school campuses.

• Everyone eligible to be vaccinated is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

10

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THE SUN

Holmes Beach budget passes first approval

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

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders have one more hearing and the public has one more opportunity to comment on the city budget before it goes into effect Oct. 1, if it passes a final vote by commissioners.

During a Sept. 15 budget public hearing, commissioners voted 4-1, with Commissioner Kim Rash dissenting, to approve the first hearing of the proposed budget. Rash said he could not approve a budget that he felt has ballooned out of control over the past several years and he doesn’t feel all Holmes Beach residents’ support.

No one from the public offered any comment during the meeting.

This year’s proposed budget of $22,226,876, including carryovers and reserves, includes $1,078,000 in American Recovery Act federal funding. The 2021-22 fiscal year budget was figured using a 2.25 millage rate, the same rate as last year though this year represents a 6.24% raise in taxes

for city property owners over the rollback rate of 2.1178 mills. The rollback rate would give city leaders the same amount of tax revenue as the previous fiscal year.

The raise in taxes comes from an increase in property values as determined by the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office. Holmes Beach commissioners were unable to lower the millage rate for this tax year as a condition of receiving the federal funds. With the receipt of the federal funding, which can be used for stormwater repairs and replacement, Commissioner Carol Soustek said taxpayers may receive a cut in other ways, such as a lowered stormwater fee.

There was no other about lowering stormwater fees.

The public has one more opportunity to voice opinions on the budget when it goes before commissioners for a final vote on Sept. 28 at 5 p.m.

To speak during public comment, you must be present at the meeting in chambers at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Mayoral candidates file latest campaign treasurer reports The winner of the mayor’s race will be determined during the city elections that will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – As of last week, incumbent Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie held a $655 fundraising advantage over first-time mayoral challenger David Galuszka.

Chappie According to the campaign treasurer’s report Chappie filed with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office on Sept. 12, the incumbent mayor had raised a total of $2,050 in campaign contributions – but those contributions included $700 Galuszka from Chappie himself and $1,000 from his brother, Joe Chappie. Chappie also received $100 contributions from two Holmes Beach

residents. Chappie’s most recent report also lists a $300 in-kind contribution from the candidate himself for campaign materials and signs. As of Sept. 12, Chappie had spent $649 on a campaign mailer and other campaign expenses.

According to the treasurer’s report he filed on Sept. 17, Galuszka had received 19 campaign contributions totaling $1,395 – including those Galuszka donated to his campaign. Except for Galuszka himself, none of Galuszka’s contributors listed Bradenton Beach addresses – although some of those donors may be seasonal Bradenton Beach residents.

Six of Galuszka’s donors listed Bradenton addresses, two listed Holmes Beach addresses, two listed California addresses, two listed Michigan addresses, one listed a Texas address, one listed a Tennessee address and one listed a Washington address.

As of Sept. 17, Galuszka had spent $813 on campaign signs, a campaign website, online fees and other campaign expenditures.

The mayor’s race will be decided in the city elections that conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

THE SUN

11

Holmes Beach leaders and Bali Hai owners face off There’s no conclusion on the horizon between Holmes Beach city leaders and owners in the fight over operations at the Bali Hai beachfront hotel.

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

HOLMES BEACH – No agreement has been reached concerning the operations of the Bali Hai Beach Resort between the hotel’s owners and the city of Holmes Beach, despite a pending court case, numerous code compliance hearings, fines and a pending site plan amendment approval.

Attorney Louis Najmy, representing the resort’s owners, including local developer Shawn Kaleta, appeared before commissioners on Sept. 15 for a site plan approval hearing. Due to issues with the site plan and a lack of compliance with city regulations, the site plan approval was postponed to the first meeting in October. This would allow the resort’s representatives additional time to work with city staff to create a site plan proposal that meets all of the city’s requirements and determine what action needs to be taken by the resort to come into compliance with city regulations until the proposed site plan for activities on the resort property.

During the Sept. 15 meeting, city commissioners agreed that they were unable to approve the site plan as presented but that they’d rather provide at least a partial approval instead of outright denying the presented site plan and risk going to mediation in the court system. Najmy argued that the

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The Bali Hai resort’s operations are still a point of contention, with city leaders fighting it out with hotel owners in court and in front of commissioners. site plan as presented has met all of the city’s expressed requirements. He said that his client has not complied with the code compliance order from a special magistrate to cease operations at the restaurant’s bar and lounge, obtain after-the-fact permits for construction work done and cease operations at an installed spa or cease holding special events at the resort. His reasoning for the non-compliance is that he thought his client should be able to continue with operations as-is until a site plan was approved and then the resort’s operations would have to come into

5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 | hurricanehanks.com

compliance. City commissioners said that was not the case and that compliance has to be achieved and fines paid before the resort would be considered to be operating in good faith.

Najmy said he believes the $1,000 per day fine currently in force against the resort due to non-compliance with city codes was enacted erroneously and he is contesting it.

The issues between the city and the Bali Hai go back over a year to when work was done at the resort without permits from the Holmes Beach building department and a bar and spa were

opened on the property for guest use without an approved site plan for the change in use.

The work done on the property includes installation of railings on the second floor of the resort, the demolition of an owner’s unit on the second floor of an accessory building and a storage room on the bottom floor of the same building, the conversion of those spaces into an office and bar/lounge area and the conversion of a resort laundry facility into a spa.

On behalf of his clients, Najmy argued that the resort's owners do not need site plan approval from the city to open a bar/lounge on the property. City Planner Bill Brisson said he can find no record that a bar/lounge was ever approved for the site, meaning that a site plan approval from city commissioners is required for the amenity to operate legally within Holmes Beach city limits.

Najmy said that his client is seeking to operate in good faith with the city, though commissioners pointed out that his client is still operating the resort in violation of city regulations.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said that there can be no approval of the site plan without the resort’s owners being willing to first come into compliance with city regulations. She added that a path forward needs to be determined to bring the issue to a conclusion before the courts truly get involved.

Though there is a court case pending in Manatee County Circuit Court, a hearing was not scheduled as of press time for The Sun. The site plan is scheduled to come back before commissioners on Oct. 12.

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12

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THE SUN

AID returns to in-person meetings

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

HOLMES BEACH – The members of All Island Denomination, a group representing all of the Anna Maria Island churches, met for the first time in person since March 2020 on Sept. 8.

The meeting, held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach, was full of new business. Assembled members discussed funding, with President Cornelia Zanetti expressing thanks for funds donated from the Trolley Grant Awards and the now-defunct Anna Maria Island Home Sweet Home nonprofit.

Member Jack Brennan reported that his wife, Lynn, is now managing the group’s food pantry at Roser Memorial Community Church on Pine Avenue. Forty-nine bags of food were distributed to local needy families in August from the food pantry. Brennan added that the blessing box attached to the outer wall of the Roser Food Pantry is consistently being used and replenished by the community. The blessing box is open to anyone who needs food and for anyone to donate shelf-stable, nonperishable food items. If a location in

SUBMITTED | PEGGY NASH

Twelve members of All Island Denominations met in person for the first time in more than a year Sept. 8. at St. Bernard Catholic Church. A blessing box outside of the Roser Food Pantry is open to anyone who is in need to take from and for anyone to supply with donations of nonperishable food items.

Bradenton Beach or Holmes Beach can be identified, Brennan said he would be happy to provide a blessing box for those additional locations.

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, AID members elected to cancel the annual Thanksgiving service for the second year.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

THE SUN

13

Bradenton Beach budgets finalized The Bradenton Beach City Commission and the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) have finalized and adopted their 2021-22 fiscal year budgets. The budget adoptions occurred during the final city and CRA budget hearings held separately on Thursday, Sept. 16. Both the city and CRA’s budgets maintain the current 2.3329 millage rate. The new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

Study scheduled for Gulf Drive improvements

2021

Long-awaited changes to Gulf Drive have made it onto the Florida Department of Transportation’s radar. During a Sept. 13 Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting held at Holmes Beach City Hall, members discussed an upcoming PD&E (Project Development and Environment) study planned to look at making Gulf Drive a complete street. A complete streets project includes different modes of transportation, such as vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and public transportation - in this case, the Manatee County Area Transit buses and trolleys that travel along Anna Maria Island. The project will take place along the Island’s state road corridor. FDOT representative Jesten Abraham said the study is planned for the coming fiscal year and will be followed by design, engineering and construction phases, with the final phase planned to begin in fiscal year 2025.

Public input will be taken once the project gets closer to the design phase.

Grant funds approved for HBPD boat purchase

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Grant funds are on the way for the purchase of a new Holmes Beach police boat. The money, coming from the West Coast Inland Navigation District and totaling $216,000, will be used to replace the department’s aging response boat, which has been on the water for about 10 years. Chief Bill Tokajer said he plans to replace the boat with a Yellowfin model that will allow for faster police response time and allow for better navigation in the channels and waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. Commissioners voted 4-1 to accept the grant funds for the new boat, with Commissioner Kim Rash dissenting.

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THE SUN

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The Center ended the fiscal year June 30 on solid financial ground and got the new year off to a strong start in July.

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

ANNA MARIA – The summer is coming to a close and with it the 2020-21 fiscal year at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

The nonprofit’s fiscal year ended June 30 with The Center on good terms, financially. Closing out the year, The Center had a net income of $53,492, which is $2,308 over the planned budget of $51,183.

Over the 2020-21 fiscal year, programming brought in $199,301

after $263,863 in direct costs and general, direct and administrative fundraising ended the year with expenses of $49,402, The Center’s $335,447 in income after $273,266 operations ended the month with in direct costs. After $501,447 in a loss of $15,483. In fundraising, general, indirect and administrarevenue came in a $30,913 with tive expenses, along with capital direct costs of $29,605 to end the income ending at $20,191 after month with $1,308. $16,652 in expenses, the total for After $1,244 in capital expenses, the fiscal year in net income came The Center ended the month with out to $53,492. a net income of -$15,419.

ALSOwas AVAILABLE! Despite the negative net income The end-of-year net income $44,731 higher than the previous amount, the end of the first month year’s ending total of $8,761. of the fiscal year brought good 3 FINISHES; LEDnonprofit LIGHT The Island financial news for The Center’s & REMOTE kicked off INCLUDED the new 2021-22 fiscal year July 1 board and staff. with a strong start, despite it being a At the end of July, The Censlower time of year for The Center. ter’s net income was $21,436 Programming brought in higher than the previous year and $75,158 in revenue. With direct $22,358 higher than budget. costs of $41,239, the cost center For more information, or to view came out ahead for July with a The Center’s financials, visit www. positive income of $33,919. After centerami.org.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

THE SUN

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Drinks flow in Island Players 73rd season premiere After more than a year since their last live production, Island Players kick off their 73rd season with “The Savannah Sipping Society.”

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - As the title implies, there’s plenty of drinking going on in “The Savannah Sipping Society,” directed by Mike Lusk and presented by The Island Players. The play is set to run until Sept. 26 at the Island Playhouse on the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue.

Four women form a strong bond and an unusual friendship after meeting at a hot yoga session, at which none of them excel in any way. The lead character, Randa (played by Jennifer Kwiatkowski), meets Dot and Marlafaye (played by Cathy Hansel-Edgerton and Laura Morales, respectively) after their

failed attempt at hot yoga. They decide that a meeting at Randa’s second-floor downtown Savannah veranda is a much better idea, albeit a far less healthy place to meet for an impromptu happy hour after the ladies find they may have more in common than they first thought.

After agreeing to meet at Randa’s, Dot throws a bit of a curveball into the situation by inviting a new friend, Jinx (Susie Lowe), a “beauty technician” who also claims to be a life coach, although she appears to have little training for the job - but is very enthusiastic. This sets the stage for a budding friendship and plenty of laughs.

Each of the ladies has a life issue that has made them question whether they would ever regain the zest for life they once had. But Jinx offers to be their life coach and help them regain their passion for living, although she has her own issue that isn't revealed until late in the performance.

All of the ladies are over 50 and

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

From left, Laura Morales (Marlafaye), Susie Lowe (Jinx), Cathy HanselEdgerton (Dot) and Jennifer Kwiatkowski (Randa) form a bond and a strong friendship in “The Savannah Sipping Society.” this provides the platform for many of the show’s laughs. Other comedic platforms include rolling with the punches after getting fired from a professional position (Randa) with restraining order included; a long-range run from a philandering husband (Marla

Faye); recovery from the death of a spouse (Dot); and a lifelong search for family (Jinx).

Although some of the topics are dark, they are treated with a heavy dose of self-deprecating humor in a way that only southern women can deliver. Anyone

who has ever watched The Golden Girls will feel a familiarity with “The Savannah Sipping Society.” That conclusion is logical since the play was written by the trio of Jessie Jones, Nicolas Hope and Jamie Wooten, who not only wrote for “The Golden Girls” but also authored “The Dixie Swim Club,” a similar story that is “Sipping Society’s” companion piece.

In the case of “The Savannah Sipping Society,” the friends aren’t looking for a relationship with Mr. Right, but rather a refreshment of life and a path to sanity and sympathy. This hilarious production is a treat for the audience and a perfect kick-off to the 73rd season of Island Players.

The production runs through Sunday, Sept. 26 at the Island Playhouse in Anna Maria.

Showtimes are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. All tickets are $25 and are available at the Island Players box office. Call 941-778-5755 for more information.

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Pick up some trash, win some cash Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS PALMETTO - Suncoast Aqua Ventures will hold its 5th Annual Reef and Beach Cleanup the weekend of Oct. 2-3 at the Bradenton Yacht Club, 4307 13th St. W. Suncoast Aqua Ventures was formed in 2016 when a few friends were scuba diving. Upon surfacing, the divers all commented on the amount of trash they had seen underwater, trash that most people aren’t aware of. That day they made a pact to get some friends together and “clean this stuff up.” Three months later they had their first Reef and Beach Cleanup.

“Over the years, we would add an interesting twist to a typical cleanup event," said Cheryl Huntsinger, who heads the event. "Knowing how competitive the human spirit can be, we added a little cash to the equation, gearing this like a fishing tournament with cash and prizes.” During the inaugural event in 2016, 40 people recovered over 1,800 pounds of trash. In 2019, 170 participants recovered just shy of 19,000 pounds of trash and debris from Manatee County waters during the twoday event.

SUBMITTED

Participants from the 2019 cleanup pose with their "catch." The participants create a shoe tree every year from the shoes they find underwater.

The event is free to enter and kicks off Saturday, Oct. 2. Registration is from 8-10 a.m. After registration, there’s a free breakfast, and cleanup supplies will be distributed. “Weighin” is Sunday, Oct. 3 from 1-3 p.m. at the Yacht Club. Food will be served, and there will be parking lot vendors, kids’ activities, and a mermaid for photo ops. The cleanup encourages volunteers as well as spectators to come to the event.

"Come see what’s found out there that shouldn’t be in the water!" Huntsinger said.

Participants are eligible for over $5,000 in cash paid in 18 categories.

Entry is free for all participants. First Place winners take $500, Second Place takes $250 and Third Place takes $100 for fishing tackle, nets, rope, recyclables, chain and other metals, trash and anchors. $300 will be awarded for the most tires and $300 will be awarded

for the most unique item on land or sea determined by the judges.

Register online in advance to ensure the group has enough food, supplies and T-shirts at www.suncoastaquaventures.com. For more information, call Cheryl Huntsinger at 941-962-1488 or Troy Brown at 941-737-3165, email suncoastaquaventures@gmail.com, visit their website or follow them on Facebook where there will be frequent posts leading up to the event!

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

THE SUN

17

Flood control project engineering continues Colliers Engineering is reviewing, revising original plans for state-funded flood control project.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@ amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Colliers Engineering & Design has been authorized to prepare 60% completed plans for a pending $2.1 million flood control project in Bradenton Beach.

The project, initiated by the city and funded by the state, calls for flood control improvements to be made in the north side of the city at and around portions of 20th Place North, 21st Place North, 22nd Street North and Avenue B. Collier’s Engineering is revising and reengineering the 90% completed plans previously submitted by longtime City Engineer Lynn Burnett and her LTA Engineers firm.

During the Bradenton Beach City Commission work meeting on Thursday, Sept 16, five motions on the pending flood control and drainage improvement project were adopted.

“Our main goal and objective is to get to the deadline that’s been adjusted by the state,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said.

She was referencing the design and engineering period that was recently extended by the state at the city’s request.

The commission then ad-

opted the five recommended motions Perry suggested regarding the engineering services being provided by Colliers Engineering as a subcontractor of the Largobased Utility Consultants of Florida consulting firm.

That company was selected earlier this year to review and potentially revise Burnett’s past and current engineering efforts.

The first adopted motion directed Colliers Engineering to prepare 60% completed plans for the flood control project. Colliers is to present the 60% plans by the end of October.

The second motion directed Colliers to prepare a stormwater and drainage-related maintenance and equipment plan for the city’s Public Works Department. That plan is to include estimated costs and how often maintenance is required to maintain the city’s stormwater and drainage systems.

The third motion directed Colliers to incorporate removal of the existing power lines and to widen the elbow area at 21st Place North and expand the flood control project into Avenues A and B as the budget allows.

The fourth motion directed Colliers to address stormwater drainage outfall issues in the requested 60% plans and to provide the commission with options regarding those drainage outfalls.

The fifth adopted motion directed Perry and Colliers to provide the commission with a list of relevant easements that might be needed

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Improving drainage at the south end of 22nd Street North, near the Runaway Bay condominiums, is one of the flood control project priorities. from private property owners to complete the flood control project. The motion also authorizes any surveying and other work needed to acquire those easements.

No construction timetable for the flood control project has been established yet.

As he’s done in the past, Senior Project Manager Greg Stevens represented Colliers Engineering & Design at Thursday’s work meeting.

When addressing the commission, Stevens said the lower-lying areas in the eastern half of the city, along Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Sound, are much more flood-prone than the western half of the city that’s located closer to the Gulf of Mexico.

Regarding previous drainage improvements made along Avenue B, Stevens said, “That area has a drainage system. It is not currently functioning properly. That’s due to a number of factors: being partially blocked, but also there is just some errant design – it’s not up to current standards and it’s probably not able to handle those loads either.”

MAYOR’S INSIGHTS

When contacted later in the week, Mayor John Chappie provided some additional insight on the flood control improvement methods that will signal a departure from the vertical infiltration trenches favored

by Burnett.

“Everybody is pleased with what Collier’s is coming forward with, using underdrains, catch basins and swell curbs that resemble gutter-like Miami curbs,” Chappie said.

Chappie said one of the primary goals is to ensure that rainwater and tidal waters are properly transported to the outfalls that discharge into Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Sound – rather than accumulating and ponding on and around privately-owned residential properties.

Chappie said this can be accomplished, in part, by improving the drainage and water flow in the vicinity of 22nd Street North and the northern end of the nearby Runaway Bay condominium complex. Chappie said the goal is to get more rainwater in that area to discharge into the canal at the end of Avenue A.

18

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THE SUN

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

SUNDAY WORSHIP • 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

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JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

The Veteran’s Wall at the Cortez Cultural Center is one of many exhibits about the fishing village’s history.

Cortez Cultural Center to host music, arts events The Cortez Cultural Center hosts regular musical events, an arts and crafts show and a Veteran’s Day event.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ - The Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., invites everyone to enjoy its fall events, including Music on the Porch, an Arts and Crafts sale and a Veteran’s Day Weekend Salute.

Open to the public every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the center hosts Music on the Porch with local musicians who welcome others to jam with them at the tiki hut located between the center and the Florida Maritime Museum next to the Bonefish Bridge on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

An Arts and Crafts Sale is set for Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring local artists and their paint-

ings, prints, colorful crafts, hand-crafted jewelry, baked goods, books and more.

A Veteran’s Day Weekend Salute in November will feature a tribute to Cortez veteran Albert Few Jr., who passed away this summer at the age of 100. The commercial fishing village of Cortez is home to veterans who have served in all branches of the U.S. military, and the organization showcases the impacts of those who went to war as well as those who went to sea to fish; many did both.

The center has an extensive collection of historical records related to the rich history of Cortez and its residents, including artifacts, books, documents, records and other items related to the families and individuals who have shaped Cortez, past and present.

Visitors are welcome to stroll through the FISH Preserve next to the center, formerly a 1940s Bradenton Beach cottage that has been relocated and repurposed into an exhibit space. Admission is free.

Cortez Nautical Flea Market coming in October If you love boats, marine equipment or have saltwater flowing through your veins you don’t want to miss the Cortez Nautical Flea Market. This event will be held at the Florida Maritime Museum and Cortez Cultural Center Saturday, Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to noon.

There will also be a nautical arts and crafts sale at the Cortez Cultural Center located to the east of the museum.

Free parking is available at the F.I.S.H. Preserve, located on Cortez Road next

to the Cortez Cultural Center.

Nautical vendors are still being sought, but space is limited so early registration is encouraged. Registration forms can be downloaded at floridamaritimemuseum.org. Nautical-themed arts and crafts vendors are also invited to participate at the Cortez Cultural Center. Contact Kaye Bell at (941) 5380945 or email cvhs2016@aol.com for details and to reserve your space.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

FOOD & WINE

THE SUN

Citrus squeeze

Glazed Lemon Squares

Brian Mathae

(approximately 8 servings)

Ingredients

2/3 cup butter, softened 2 eggs 1 1/4 cups flour 1 cup sugar 4 Tbs fresh squeezed lemon juice Zest of 2 lemons 1/2 tsp salt

HURRICANE HANKS

I

love lemon! It’s fresh and it’s light. I can’t recall when I first acquired the taste for everything lemon, but I can recall back to when I was a child and we spent our summers at the lake. We would ride our bikes to the general store that just happened to sell many tempting ice cream products for us kids. My favorite was always the lemon chiffon ice cream.

Rich and creamy and slightly tart, it was heaven on earth!

Like all good things of the past, it’s hard these days to find a true lemon ice cream product. Sure, there are lemon sherbets and sorbets, but next to no lemon ice creams to be found.

I am a creature of habit and when I find something I like, I tend to stick to it. My love of lemon has extended to the scent of it. After all, it conveys freshness and cleanliness whether it’s in the form of cologne or even a cleaning product. As a cologne I never find it offensive as some heavier colognes with notes of sandalwood, patchouli and spices can be. I’ve used Clinique Happy for Men for years and still get many compliments on it. It’s a proven winner!

Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar 3 Tbs fresh squeezed lemon juice Zest of 1 lemon

Directions

SUBMITTED

Thinking back to when I was a kid, there were less product choices around than there are today. That’s the case for virtually everything as we have become a consumer-driven society and economy. Fortunately, there is an oldie but goodie cleaning product still around. Yes, I’m talking about Mr. Clean (the original Summer Citrus formulation of course). Ironically, all these years later I have a resemblance to Mr. Clean! I remember this being the standard cleaning product in our house as I was growing

up, and every Saturday the house would be filled with the scent of it as mom cleaned the house.

That reminds me that as we got older and stayed out late on Friday nights and wanted to sleep in on a Saturday morning, mom would come into our rooms early Saturday morning. She was usually using the loud carpet cleaning attachment on the vacuum as the first warning to get out us out of bed. And when that didn’t work, she would throw open the windows no matter how cold it was outside to

“clear the air” as she would say. It was annoying at the time, but in hindsight it was a powerful lesson in responsibility.

We have a killer key lime pie at Hanks which has a well-balanced citrus taste. But I still prefer lemon and am happy to share this recipe with you.

I’m confident you will enjoy the moistness and chewiness of them along with the bright and tart lemon taste. We may have to feature them at Hanks so you can easily enjoy some summer freshness. Enjoy!

Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat an 8x8 pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugar until well mixed.

Gradually add in the eggs until just mixed - do not overmix or the squares will be too firm.

Finally stir in the flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until you have a soft batter. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, until the top is set and slightly golden brown in color. Remove from oven and cool completely. Once cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until you have a spreadable glaze. Pour over the bars and smooth out.

Sprinkle remaining lemon zest and let the glaze set before cutting into squares and serving.

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Home renovations not for the faint of heart

S

o, you think you want to renovate, and you think you should do it before you sell. You're done with the nasty old bathroom and a large kitchen island has been on your wish list forever. But do you have the stamina and patience required?

If you want to do home renovations, bathrooms and kitchens are the most popular; for your personal use, that’s one thing, but if you’re doing it to enhance your resale, that’s another. The philosophy of doing renovations prior to putting your home on the market is one of those calculations that depends on who you talk to and on the existing real estate market.

Right now, housing inventory is at a historic low and sellers tend to feel they can sell anything, so why go through the expense and hassle of renovating? Some of that is true - in today’s market, everything will sell eventually, no matter what condition it’s in. The issue is, do you want to attract the most qualified buyers in the fastest time frame and get the most money?

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER Many buyers today want a turnkey home in move-in condition, and are willing to pay a premium for a property that’s ready to go; this is why new construction always sells. They want to avoid the headaches involved in the renovation process, especially if it’s a retirement home or a second home. With so many $1 million and over properties on Anna Maria Island, buyers for these properties are going to be picky, even in this market. They will focus on the smallest detail and will look for high-end finishes and sleek modern baths and kitchens. If you’re in a position to give them what they want, do it; you’ll get the best offers and come out ahead in the end.

Whether you’re renovating for personal use or resale, the process can be tedious, long and fraught with problems. This happens to be something I know about since I just completed a primary bath renovation, converting a dated jetted tub to a walk-in shower stall.

When you start a project, sometimes the thing you think is the easiest is actually the most complicated. My energy was spent picking out tile, vanity, showerheads, mirrors and ceiling fans. When it came to the plumbing and electric work involved, I didn’t have a clue about the process or the cost. Well, that was my first shock, which also involved several issues to iron out from day one.

Some of it was funny, listening to the vendor, in before the last one, complaining about how they did their job, but most of it was annoying. Be ready for anything from a shortage of tiles to cracked tiles that require removal and placement of new ones, light fixtures that didn’t fit because of

a plumbing line we didn’t know about and a missing toilet. The final insult was when my microwave decided it had had enough after less than five years; at this point, I had had enough after only three months.

The day of the cracked shower tile I said to my husband, this is the reason new construction and gut renovation properties sell at a premium; I think by then he understood.

Finally, everything took much longer than I expected. Every professional trade company is blow-out busy; it appears everyone is coming out of the pandemic with money in their bank accounts and a pent-up desire to renovate. Also, expect to wait up to two weeks for appointments with most vendors.

I’m done for now, and maybe forever.

Just keep in mind why buyers, even in a tight market, want move-in ready and why it might be a good idea to do the work before selling, as painful as it is.

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

OBITUARIES Theodore H. “Ted” Geeraerts Theodore H. “Ted” Geeraerts, of Holmes Beach, Florida, passed away September 6, 2021, at the age of 72. Ted was born to Harold and Eleanor Geeraerts on July 5, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated from Richwood’s High School and Northland College in Wisconsin. Ted is survived by his wife, Kathy (Tobin); his three children, Lindsey Patterson (Mike), Zack and Sage; two grandchildren, Finn and Hayes Patterson; his sister, Jodean Sarins (Juris) and several nieces and nephews.

He was a devoted husband and father.

His terrific sense of humor and wittiness never missed a day. He was always present to support family, friends, and everyone around him. Ted will be loved and deeply missed by many. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com

James”Junie”Guthrie, Jr James”Junie”Guthrie, Jr. was born on July 27, 1930 and left this world on Sept. 13, 2021 at the age of 91. He was born and raised in the village of Cortez, Florida. He was the son of J.O. "Jim" Guthrie, Sr., and Grace Mae Fulford Guthrie who have since passed from this world.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Louise Guthrie. Junie was married to his beloved wife for 68 years and they lived their entire married life in Cortez. Together they had three children; a son, Jimmy (Sandy) Guthrie of Plant City, Florida, Carol (Allen) Haas of Deatsville, Alabama and Peggy (Stephen) Barr of Scottsville, Kentucky.

They had nine grandchildren, 23 greatgrandchildren and one great-greatgrandson.

Junie worked his entire career in the commercial fishing industry. As a lifelong faithful member of the Cortez Church of Christ, he served the congregation as elder and trustee.

He passed away in Scottsville, Kentucky, where he lived with his family for over three years. Prior to living in Kentucky, he lived 88 years in Cortez, being recognized as a descendant of the original pioneer families who settled Cortez.

There will be a graveside funeral

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THE SUN

service open to all family and friends at the Palma Sola Historical Cemetery in Bradenton, Forida, on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at 10 a.m. The service will be facilitated by Brown & Sons Funeral Home in Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Kentucky, at 5872 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42104.

Paul Michael Shovlin Paul Michael Shovlin passed away on Wednesday, Sept.1, 2021. He was 63 years old and a native of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where he was raised on Lake St. Clair. He graduated from South Lake High School in 1976.

Before moving to Florida, Paul worked in manufacturing in Michigan for the "Big Three" while attending courses at Macomb Community College.

After moving from Michigan to St. Petersburg, Forida, Paul began a career in sales specializing in automotive and boat sales. He then relocated to Anna Maria Island because of his love of the water. His final venture was becoming franchise owner of a cleaning company, which led to a move to Bradenton. Paul enjoyed growing up on Lake St. Clair

23

and the Great Lakes. He loved yachts and boating and captaining yachts in his 20s. He always had a passion for yacht design and admired many of these vessels. He collected many nautical prints. He enjoyed fishing, boating, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and cooking his catch. He enjoyed his family, friends and pets, especially his dog, Sampson.

He was a devoted son to his mother. He was preceded in death by his father, James Bernard Shovlin (2006) and is survived by his mother, Mary Ellen Shovlin; brother, James T. Shovlin; sisters, Christine (Michael) Bruneel, Jean Shovlin (Joe Pachy), Lori Shovlin & Tim; niece, Jennifer Nawrocki (Matthew); great-nephews Michael and Matthew and greatniece, Elizabeth.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Paul’s visitation from 1 to 2 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 16, with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. West, Bradenton, Florida, 34209. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. A memorial service in Michigan will take place at a later date. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

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THE SUN

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

9/10, 1:45 p.m., burglary of a vehicle, 1400 Gulf Drive S. The victim reported she had parked at the Coquina Beach parking lot and placed her wallet under her seat, locked the car and went to the beach. When she returned to her vehicle, the wallet was not there. An officer was dispatched to the scene and saw no signs of forced entry and nothing disturbed in the vehicle. The officer and the victim searched the area for the wallet but nothing was found.

No further action was taken.

9/10, 11 a.m., theft, 903 Gulf Drive S. The victim came to the police department claiming two rental bicycles were taken from their property the previous day. The bicycles were located at the rear of the property and locked together by a lock provided by Beach Bum Rentals. Other people were at the property during the time the bikes were taken, but nobody saw or heard anything suspicious. The serial numbers were put on file with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and no further action was taken.

9/12, 3:42 a.m., domestic disturbance, 100 Bridge St. The officer was dispatched to the Bridgewalk Resort in reference to a domestic disturbance.

Both parties had called 911 after the female subject was locked out of the room by the male subject after she went out to the balcony. The male

admitted he locked her out after becoming angry she had left the room during an argument. Alcohol was involved so the male subject agreed to go to another hotel for the night to let things cool off. The female remained at Bridgewalk and no charges were filed.

9/13, 7:48 a.m., warrant arrest, no address stated. The officer on patrol observed a man stumbling down the sidewalk drunk and almost naked. The officer made contact with the man and found him to be heavily intoxicated wearing only shorts that were inside out with his backside exposed. The defendant’s name was run through dispatch and came back with an active warrant.

After putting the man in handcuffs, he was falling to the ground and the officer was forced to support all of the man’s body weight. While the officer was doing this, he heard and felt something in his forearm tear and immediately felt pain. The defendant was taken to the police department to be processed and the officer was sent to Blake Medical Center to be treated for his injury.

HOLMES BEACH

9/8, 9 p.m., DUI, 100 81st St. The officer observed a vehicle at an intersection that was blocking the officer’s path. The officer flashed his lights and blew his horn, but the vehicle failed to move.

When the officer drove up to check on the driver, he observed a stop sign sticking out of the back of the vehicle. The driver said he did not know how the stop sign got there.

After backup arrived, the driver was observed to have bloodshot eyes and slow speech. The driver failed several field sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI. 9/10, 11:11 p.m., city ordinance violation, marijuana, 5200 Gulf Drive.

After observing a golf cart driving erratically while being followed by a grey Toyota, the officer concluded the teenage girls on the cart were playing some sort of game. The officer then observed one of the girls either fall or jump off the cart and then get bumped by the Toyota that was following, at which time she wound up on the hood. After stopping both vehicles, the officer smelled marijuana in the car and also found an unopened box of alcohol. One of the juveniles was cited for possession of marijuana and another was cited for underage possession of alcohol. The remaining juveniles were released to their parents.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

www.amisun.com

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

THE SUN

25

BEACH: Parking garage proposed FROM PAGE 1

public parking at the school requires permission from the School District of Manatee County and either a special permit or site plan amendment approval from the city of Holmes Beach. Public parking at the county library branch would require an amendment to the lease between the city and county for the land under the building.

If city leaders refuse, Van Ostenbridge said he’d consider refusing to provide beach renourishment funds for the Holmes Beach coastline. However, Manatee County commissioners have limited control over the disbursement of beach renourishment funds, which come primarily from federal and state resources - including the Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection - and a portion of Manatee County Tourist Development Tax collections.

Though Van Ostenbridge has repeatedly said he would pull beach renourishment funds from the city to try to force Holmes Beach leaders’ hands regarding parking, it

could be a double-edged sword for Manatee County, opponents say.

Any reduction in beach renourishment could shrink the county’s beaches on Anna Maria Island due to rising sea levels and erosion, potentially reducing tourism to the area and damaging businesses throughout the county. Anna Maria Island generates the majority of tourism funds for Manatee County.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said a parking garage is not an approved land use in the city and would potentially require the approval of an ordinance to allow the use or a special exception from city commissioners. The parking garage also would have to meet city requirements concerning maximum height (three stories), setbacks, stormwater retention and drainage and other building codes.

Titsworth has said while she’s happy to have conversations with county leaders about parking, she doesn’t feel that Holmes Beach and its residents should bear the majority of the responsibility for providing beach parking for the entire county and its visitors.

While the mayor has mentioned the possibility of the county building a parking garage in past talks concerning beach parking, she suggested building that garage off of 75th Street in Bradenton and using public transportation to get beachgoers to and from Manatee Beach.

PARKING PROGRAM SCRUTINIZED

Van Ostenbridge is among those who led the charge against the city of Holmes Beach regarding the public parking available for beachgoers in the Anna Maria Island city. The disagreement between county commissioners and Holmes Beach city leaders has gone on for months, stemming from a decision on the part of city leaders to enact a residential permit-only parking program on some residential streets located next to beach access points following a COVID-19-related shutdown of beach accesses in early 2020.

The permit parking program was planned for several years before becoming a reality and was designed to help lessen the negative impacts of large num-

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LONGBOAT KEY 25 Lighthouse Point Drive 4 Beds 6/1 Baths 6,025 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4503359 $5,600,000

SARASOTA 473 Partridge Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,226 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4511642 $3,095,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 520 77th Street 2 Beds 2/2 Baths 3,241 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo & Lynne Callahan 941-545-4430 A4508576 $2,650,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $7,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2719 Gulf Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,119 Sq. Ft. Melinda Alvarez 941-704-0633 A4506596 $1,749,000

BRADENTON 1523 1st Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,500 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4505327 $1,050,000

BRADENTON 5107 55th Street Circle W 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,348 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4511629 $549,000

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

If Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge has anything to say about it, this sand and shell lot at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach could be turned into a multi-level parking garage. bers of beachgoers in residential areas. Some issues that residents reported include people trespassing on their property, damaging property and landscaping, using exterior water hoses and pools without permission and leaving trash and other debris on lawns.

Despite Van Ostenbridge’s claims that city leaders have reduced the number of public parking spots by about 2,000 spaces, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, who helped implement the parking permit program, said that claim is false.

Tokajer has stated that before the COVID-19 parking closures, which have been lifted, the city had about 2,400 parking spaces, including those at beach access

BRADENTON 1510 Scarlet Oak Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,825 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4511677 $499,000

points, public parking areas and along the side of streets within a quarter of a mile of the beach. Now there are 1,261 parking spots that do not require a parking permit and 642 on-street parking spots that require a permit but become available to the public daily after 5 p.m. About 497 on-street parking spots were removed by city leaders in residential areas as a part of the parking changes.

Under an agreement with the county, the city provides many more spaces than the 500 or so that are required to receive beach renourishment funding, according to city officials.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $4,350,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 102 Cedar Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,290 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4507978 $4,200,000

BRADENTON 5948 Riverview Boulevard 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,091 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4504528 $2,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 647 Marbury Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,651 Sq. Ft. Sandi Layfield 941-914-2807 A4503569 $1,799,000

SARASOTA 3424 Dante Drive 2 Beds 1/1 Baths 1,024 Sq. Ft. Susan Katanic 941-400-0601 A4510741 $275,000

BRADENTON 4421 19th Street Circle W A & B 1,259 Sq. Ft. Louise Hollander 941-224-4483 A4507731 $240,000

941.896.9981 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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THE SUN

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

RASH: triumphs in state investigation FROM PAGE 1

Melissa, the situation would have been unbearable. Now, he’s just happy to have the hearing and investigation over with and to publicly be cleared of the accusations.

“I’m just happy it’s over,” he Rash said, adding that he can now move forward in his duties as a commissioner with a renewed focus on the residents he represents.

In a written statement, Rash said he wished taxpayer funds could have been put to better use than investigating the claims made by Tricas.

“I believe the unfounded allegations against me by my former neighbor, Tosh Tricas, were the result of retaliation following my family’s decline of the Tricas’ request for a shared pool,” Rash said in the statement. “Electronic and photographic evidence, as well as testimony from direct witnesses, show that allegations submitted

by Mr. Tricas to the Florida Commission on Ethics were fabricated. I demonstrated item by item with a wealth of documentation that each of Mr. Tricas’ allegations were categorically false. I fully cooperated with this investigation and was 100% confident that there would be a full exoneration of

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

This Holmes Beach duplex became a battleground in late April/early May between Commissioner Kim Rash and former neighbor, Tosh Tricas. these false and damaging allegations.”

Rash said he feels that the issues between himself and his neighbor began when Rash had a pool installed on his side of the duplex lot the two shared until Tricas sold his side of the building in late June. Rash said that Tricas and his family wanted to go in on the pool so that it would be shared with the two units. For resale purposes, Rash denied the request, putting the two neighbors at odds. When Tricas sold his side of the

duplex, plans were shown on the listing for a courtyard pool that could potentially be installed on his property, however, Holmes Beach building records show that no one applied for permits for that pool.

Tensions between the neighbors came to a head early in the morning of May 1 when officers responded to the Holmes Boulevard property just after 6 a.m. to a noise complaint. Tricas said that a stereo left playing in Rash’s living room while that family was

out of town was disturbing his neighbors for a few days before calling the Holmes Beach Police Department to report the noise.

Videos from Rash’s security camera system show HBPD officers, joined at one point by a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy, blocking traffic in front of the residence and walking the property while investigating the issue.

Rash sent a friend over to turn off the stereo and was issued a warning by officers, which would have ended the issue, but Tricas gave a five-page written statement to officers outlining other issues between himself and Rash. It was those complaints that made their way to the state ethics board as Tricas escalated the complaint.

Tricas could not be reached for comment.

With the conclusion of the ordeal, Rash said he’s happy to finally be moving forward and putting this issue behind him.

“Throughout this whole ordeal, I have continued to work and advocate for the residents of Holmes Beach. That is why I was elected, and this has continued to be my focus,” Rash said in his statement. “I am glad I finally have the opportunity to speak so that the residents of Holmes Beach finally know the truth. I am grateful for the support that I have received from so many of our Holmes Beach residents.”

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000 VENICE | 941.412.3323

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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Chamber to host business card exchange at Compass The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a business card exchange this Thursday, Sept. 23, from 5-7 p.m. at the Compass Hotel, 12324 Manatee Ave., Bradenton.

The business card exchange is a way to network with fellow business own-

Visit us today!

Happy Hour is from 2pm until 5pm!

9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria FL. 34216

ers and operators in a relaxed setting.

The cost is $5 for Chamber members and $10 for future members. There will be lite bites and a cash bar available.

Go to www.amichamber.org for more information. This event is limited to 40 attendees.

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THE SUN

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

WTBL downs TMT in emotion-charged game

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Victory slipped through the fingers of the TMT squad in the quarterfinal adult flag football game last Thursday night. In an action-packed contest, the number one team going into the playoffs, We The Best Lending (WTBL), had a tough battle against the number eight team until team TMT appeared to implode in front of the spectators, teammates and referees.

Chase Richardson and his We The Best Lending team scored first, getting past defenders to put six points on the scoreboard.

A failed point-after attempt left the score at 6-0.

TMT quickly matched their opponents with a touchdown with 11:45 left on the clock before halftime.

On offense, WTBL quickly lost possession of the football with an interception, putting TMT on the WTBL one-yard line. TMT was able to take advantage of the picked Richardson throw, promptly scored, making it 12-6.

TMT then went for a two-point conversion, handing off to Connor Haughey for a nice run into the endzone, giving TMT an eightpoint lead 14-6.

Fighting hard against the team with the best record in the league, TMT gave up another six points to WTBL, moving the score to 14-12.

Closing in on the TMT lead, WTBL’s Richardson sacked

quarterback Haughey in a critical defensive play. Richardson responded with a touchdown pass that was nullified when he was called for flag guarding.

On the next play, a TMT Hail Mary pass by Sir Williams was not caught by receiver Haughey, who had two WTBL defenders in his face.

At the end of the first half of the game, TMT’s lead remained at 14-12.

The clear underdogs, team TMT was looking solid and on their way to giving We The Best Lending a challenge all the way to the last second of the game.

TMT quickly marched down the field with the first offensive possession of the second half of play. A possible game-changing inadvertent whistle by the referee Tristan Szabo could have given TMT six points and muchneeded momentum in the game.

Szabo blew the whistle when he anticipated Kari Hawkins stepping out of bounds. This rare error in the action-packed game appeared to start the unraveling of the ever-fighting TMT squad.

Sending a clear message, We The Best Lending’s Dom Otteni then nabbed a Richardson pass for a quick touchdown and completed a two-point conversion throw to Soultatos.

Down by six, TMT then went three-and-out on the next series, giving the ball back to WBTL. After rushing yards by Richardson, Cory Banks got the call, making a first-down catch with

regular season, faces third-seeded Rays Ramblings at 7:30 p.m. in the last game of the night.

The championship game is scheduled to be played on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m., with an all-star game to follow.

SUN SCOREBOARD MONDAY, SEPT. 13 ADULT CO-ED BASKETBALL

Moss Builders (2-1) W

by forfeit Blue Lagoon (0-3) Sandbar (0-4) Beach Bums (3-1)

44 93

Sir Williams works to slide by We The Best Lending's Jonathan Soultatos, giving TMT critical yardage in the semifinal game at The Center.

Paddy Wagon (3-1) Slim’s Place (2-1)

77 68

12 minutes left in the game.

With TMT’s Hawkins on him like glue, Soultatos made the next touchdown catch, widening his team’s lead to 28-12.

WTBL’s next offensive run ended with a tide-turning contested call on the touchdown play. TMT argued their defense pulled the flag of the WTBL receiver before he crossed into the end zone.

Seemingly the mental straw that broke the camel’s back after what was perceived by the TMT players as a number of bad calls, the TMT emotions ran high for the remainder of the game.

Referee calls were in the heads of the players both on the field and on the sidelines. Non-stop verbal snipes and sneers re-

Solid Rock Construction (2-1) bye

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

sulted in two TMT players being ejected from the game by referee Andy Szabo.

With the win in their grasp at one point in the game, TMT saw their chances of moving on to the semifinal round of the playoffs and capturing their first win of the season slip through their hands. Avoiding the upset, We The Best Lending proved once again why they finished the regular season on top as the final second ticked off the scoreboard showing the final score of 28-14.

At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, they meet fifth-seeded TBT, who beat fourth-seeded Sandbar by five points in their quarterfinal match-up. Team Catalyst, who finished with the same record as WTBL in the

TUESDAY, SEPT. 14

Youth Soccer Games rained out – to be rescheduled

THURSDAY, SEPT. 16 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL QUARTERFINAL PLAYOFF GAME #8 TMT #1 We The Best Lending

14 28

#3 Rays Ramblings 21 #6 Cortez Deep Sea Fishing 6 #7 Beach Bums #2 Catalyst

12 20

#5 TBT #4 Sandbar

24 19

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Little more than a drop 11 Gossip 15 Simile for "luve" in a classic poem 16 "__ the valley of Death ... ": Tennyson 17 C.S. Lewis, for one 18 High seas adverb 19 Declared one's innocence, say 20 Over and done with 21 Trio in H2O 22 Varnish option 23 "I'm innocent" 24 __ Brava: Spanish tourist site 28 Emailers, e.g.

30 Bentley of "American Beauty" 31 Nadya Suleman, in 2009 headlines Answers to 09-15-21 Crossword Puzzle.

33 No-frills flight feature 35 Martial artist/musician Steven 36 Straighten up 37 Instruments also called rumba shakers 39 Genetic identifiers 40 Connections 41 Isabella I's birth city 43 To the point 44 Snake targets 46 Factor of diez 48 More than just eats 49 Texter's "May I say" 50 "__ Before Chanel": 2009 film 54 Military group 55 "Sgt. Pepper" collectible 57 Shakers, but not movers 58 Workers behind bars

THE SUN

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59 Deuce topper 60 Connect with by nailing, say Down 1 Yap 2 Inferno 3 Not occupied 4 '60s role for Bamboo Harvester 5 Entreat 6 Parkinson's drug 7 Post-printing problem 8 Palms off (on) 9 Company co-founded

by J.P. Morgan 10 Reason for a court replay 11 Likewise 12 Like a stereotypical cannibal captive 13 Claudius and Porky Pig 14 Stable judgment?

21 Be called 22 "Dream a Little Dream of Me" singer 24 Matter of space 25 Port-to-port connector 26 Scott Hamilton venue 27 Cover-up in Nero's time 29 Novelist Jaffe 32 Scandinavian patron

34 Art buyer's concern 38 Strait of Messina isola 39 It often follows a breakout

42 Transitional situations 45 Big name in oil 47 Title in a Dumas title 50 Lake of Lombardy 51 Spot for pots

52 Marriage doc.

53 Roughly 55 Loser to Franklin in '36 56 Spam holder

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CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ESTATE SALE

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

ESTATE SALE: SEPTEMBER 26, SUNDAY. 9AM - 2PM. 505 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria. Outdoor furniture, art, 10 dining chairs, end tables, misc.

FOR SALE 10KW 3-PHASE ALTERNATOR. 60hz 220v. $265 OBO Call 941-538-8460.

AMI TURTLE WATCH needs donations & silent action items for our FUNDRAISER. Accepting Donations at Holmes Beach City Police Department at the back door. We can pick up! Call or text Linda 863-287-1133 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.

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941565-3931

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

EMPLOYMENT TIMBER CREEK GOLF COURSE challenging scenic Par 3. PT pro shop/cashier position. Golf privileges included. Call Dave 941405-9199

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

HEALTH CARE HOME CARE PROVIDER with Dennis Church a nursing assistant. 8+ years of experience. Licensed in Florida. SAFER at HOME. Call 815-519-3993

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

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 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.

“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money.

941-778-3206

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience.

Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you.

Call 941-524-8067.

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 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

40-YEAR PAINTER from Kentucky. Hourly rate guaranteed savings over contractor price. Neat, dependable, equipped, insured. Highly productive. A+ rated by Better Business Bureau for 40 years. 502-817-6786. aapressurewash.com

LOST & FOUND

POOL SERVICES

FOUND TURTLE INLAYED silver/platinum ring with inscription ( Pease identity text to confirm). Found on Palm Harbor Dr near Manatee Public Beach. Call 540-312-5299.

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

LOST ON MANATEE BEACH. 18" herringbone chain (4mm thick, square link, round clasp, 10k) with 3/4" Spanish gold coin pendant.

Please call 585-755-3894.

Contact Dennis LOST MEN'S GOLD wedding band in shallow water just south of new rock groin on beer can island.

Very sentimental. Reward, call 941-504-0526

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 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

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 REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran.

Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

PALMA SOLA PARK. 3BR/2BA 2 car garage.

Large yard. Move in ready. $525,000 make offer. Call 941-405-7138

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 513-3821992.

PRIVATE BEDROOM/BATH. Share Kitchen, lanai, living room. Bedroom opens patio doors to garden and pathway out. Fee negotiable (care giving help needed) includes all utilities. Use of W/D, ample storage. Private parking.

Walk to pool and club house. Call 845-521-5759

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 941201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Updated 5 Star Condo for Rent- Available September October November. (Multimonth discount) Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2BA, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis (smoke free) marketreps@aol. com Boat/jet ski dock available AVAILABLE JAN.-APRIL 2 BR/1BA stilt home, located west of Gulf Dr. 120 Peppertree Lane, $3,000 per month.

Contact:nelsonluis97@ gmail.com or 813 3623967

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. 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

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

www.amisun.com

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PAINTING

THE SUN

31

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

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021