FREE
VOL 15 No. 45
September 9, 2015
Labor Day full house
MAGGIE FIELD | SUN
There weren’t many parking places on the water Sunday as hundreds of boats anchored near the sandbar east of Longboat Pass and Beer Can Island to celebrate Labor Day. More holiday photos are on Page 24.
Amended rental ordinance adopted Commissioners cap the grandfather provision that allows for greater occupancy limits. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – To the joy of some and the chagrin of others, city commissioners adopted the amended vacation rental ordinance last week. In doing so, the City Commission unanimously agreed to alter the open-ended nature of a previously debated grandfather clause that allows occupancy levels greater than
INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey turtles OUTDOORS Police reports real estate sales classifieds
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the eight-person maximum stated in the ordinance. Additional occupancy will be allowed if the property owner or representative can prove an existing rental unit sustained a greater average occupancy during a four-month period. Commissioner Dale Woodland has repeatedly opposed an exemption that could potentially allow 15 or 20 occupants, and last week he finally garnered some support from the other commissioners. As a legislative placeholder, the commission agreed to cap the grandsee ordinance, page 36
Find great
food and fun at The Freckled Fin. 14
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Moratorium on hold The mayor will host a citizen’s panel discussion on Wednesday morning. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners are taking a deliberate and measured approach in response to citizens recently requesting the enactment of a building moratorium in Bradenton Beach. Last week’s City Commission meeting began with Mayor Jack Clarke informing attendees that the agenda item calling for commission discussion on a possible moratorium had been removed. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh later explained that she asked that her requested agenda item
be removed out of concern that acting too quickly could result in the city being sued. Later in the meeting, it was decided that City Attorney Ricinda Perry would conduct a preliminary legal view before the commission moved forward with the potential enactment of a six-month moratorium on the construction of residential structures containing four or more bedrooms. In order to avoid costly lawsuits, Perry told the commission the enactment of a moratorium would require a new ordinance, which in turn would require two public hearings. She said this process would take approximately a month to complete. She also referred to the Anna Maria see moratorium, page 36
An unexploded BOMB IS FOUND NEAR PASSAGE KEY. 3 Get in the game and play The Sun’s
Football Fever 2015! 18-19
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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Damato remains in race Five candidates will continue contending for three commission seats. BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – John Damato will remain a candidate in the race for three open Anna Maria City Commission seats, and barring a court order, his name will appear on the city ballot. Responding to concerns raised by residents when the qualifying period ended on Aug. 28, Mayor Dan Murphy consulted with City Attorney Becky Voyes regarding Damato’s compliance with the city charter’s two-year residency requirement for commissioners. “At this point, I’ve reviewed the information with my attorney, and I do not intend to challenge his eligibility with reference to residency at this point, based upon the information I have,” Murphy said on Friday. “He has a sworn affidavit that he’s a resident of Anna Maria, and he has a home homesteaded in Bradenton; that’s a homestead issue and not an issue with the city. That’s an issue he might have with the either the state or the county, but not with me. His sworn affidavit trumps the homestead,” Murphy explained. “I knew I was qualified. Had I not been a qualified candidate, I would not have applied,” Damato said, noting that he and his wife are considering putting their Bradenton home on the market.
Damato, a retired Sheriff’s Office deputy, now works for Sato Real Estate. When his residency was questioned in a letter sent to the city by an anonymous group that referred to themselves as Concerned Residents Damato of Anna Maria, Damato provided Murphy with a copy of the lease for the Anna Maria home he has rented for the past two years, as well as additional documents that pertained to his residency status. If the concerned residents wish to continue their challenge of Damato’s residency, they would have to do so Nalor in a court of law. The supervisor of elections office has already declared Damato a qualified candidate. Joining Damato as a challenger to incumbent Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland and Dale Woodland is Penelope “Penny” Naylor. Making her first run at a public office, Naylor is an artist and author with a professional background in marketing and advertising. All five Anna Maria candidates are expected to state their respective positions during a candidates’ forum to be hosted by the League of Women Voters of Manatee County, tentatively scheduled to take place on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 30.
MANATEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE | SUBMITTED
Bombs away This unexploded bomb was discovered in about two feet of water near Passage Key Sunday morning and later safely detonated in place by a regional bomb squad whose expertise includes underwater explosives. The Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office were among the agencies involved in the successful discovery, containment and detonation efforts. Because of Anna Maria Island’s history as an offshore bombing range and target practice area during the World War II era, the discovery of old munitions is not unusual, although undetonated bombs are rare. Passage Key is off Bean Point in Anna Maria and is a protected bird sanctuary.
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ISLAND NEWS
in brief
Survey for tall bridge coming The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has notified property owners within 300 feet of the right-of-way of the Anna Maria Island Bridge of upcoming survey work. Survey work will begin Thursday, Sept. 10, and FDOT staff members or agents may enter those properties to conduct the survey and collect environmental and/or geotechnical data, as authorized by Florida statute. The FDOT project is for the design of a highlevel fixed-span bridge with a 65-foot vertical clearance to be built south of the existing bridge. The replacement bridge will include two 12-foot lanes, two 10-foot shoulders, and 10-foot sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. The design is funded, however, right of way acquisition and construction are not currently funded.
Organizations score with Giving Challenge The Anna Maria Island Community Center received donations of $16,850 during the recent two-day Giving Challenge sponsored by the Community Foundation of Sarasota Community and the Patterson Foundation. The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra received donations in the amount of $7,550 during the Challenge. However members will not know the match for some time, said Executive Director Jeannie Pickwick The annual event encourages people to donate to member non-profit organizations, and the foundations match donations that meet certain criteria.
Resident questions 25 mph speed limit Questions continue to be raised in Holmes Beach about the legality of the city lowering the speed limit between the Manatee Beach and the Island Branch Library. Resident Ellen Stohler said in an e-mail last week, “I just looked at the city charter, and if I read it correctly, the commission is the only one that can change codes or laws in the city. The police chief has no authority to change laws, even traffic laws.” City Attorney Patricia Petruff responded that the city code “authorizes the traffic engineer to alter speed limits in conformance with Section 316.189, Florida Statute. That section states that a municipality may set a maximum speed limit of 20 or 25 mph on local streets and highways after an investigation determines that such a limit is reasonable.” She said there are two potential issues: • Are all the streets where the speed limit has been altered or changed local streets? • Was an investigation done to determine that the speed limit is reasonable? “If so, a copy of the investigation is a public record and should be made available to the public,” she concluded.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
Center areas remodeled and refreshed
New offerings include a new project-based art program and Medicare’s Silver Sneakers program. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Executive Director Kristin Lessig told board members at last week’s board meeting how Center employees are moving forward with making its space more usable for members by remodeling areas and adding amenities. She said the after school room was redone using a donation from a board member. Colorful new chairs, tables, rugs and accessories make the room pop, and new programs for the children from 5 to 11 focus on creative activities. Each day has a theme – Movement Mondays, Technique Tuesdays, Whimsical Wednesdays, Theatrical Thursdays and Fantastic Fridays, and Lessig said experts in the themed areas would be brought in to work with the kids. The Soiree Room, where Sissy Quinn’s AMI Community Connections hosts fellowship each Wednesday at 2 p.m. as well as socials and pot luck dinners, has been remodeled. There is a new art room off the gym, complete with kiln and pottery wheel, and Lessig said a dedicated art program is being developed by artist Janet Kingan, who plans to offer project based programs beginning with making a bottle lamp on Sept. 15. Chef Molly O’Connor, aka the Traveling Gourmet, will be in charge of the kitchen, Lessig said, adding, “She’ll be renting the space, and we’ll be experimenting with how it goes. She’ll be providing some breakfast items, and hopefully in October, she’ll be able to provide some meals for the sports program.” Lessig said the Center also hopes to offer snacks in the outside snack area in the future. Upstairs, walls have been removed to make an open area for
pat copeland | sun
Above, the Soiree Room has been revitalized and, at right, the after school room has a new look. yoga, stretching and the like, and the former administrative office area has become a fitness area with exercise machines. Medicare’s Silver Sneakers program is set to begin in October and will include health and fitness classes. Prospective members can learn about it at Silver Sneakers Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. in conjunction with the Center’s monthly pancake breakfast.
pat copeland | sun
The fitness room is in the former administrative office area on the second floor.
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Center board of directors seeks new members Treasurer Jim Froeschle also presented the 2015-16 budget. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Bill Shuman, the new chair of the Island Community Center board, said with the resignation of three board members, the board is seeking new members. “Blair (Schlossberg), Cindy (Thompson) and Jason (Sato) resigned, and we have two board seats to fill,” he said at the board meeting last week, adding that one seat is being filled by Lindsay Sauls, AME PTO president. Mike Coleman, of the governing board, said there has been a suggestion to reduce the number of board members, which can be up to 17, and Shuman said it should be an odd number to prevent voting ties. Ed Chiles said the board’s two major functions are fundraising and outreach and stressed, “We need the people that have the mox-
ie to reach out and assist with the most important charitable institution in their community. I want to be bigger rather than smaller.” Dave Welch pointed out that if they reduce the size of the board, it puts a greater burden on the rest of the members, and members agreed in consensus to leave the number at 17. Coleman reported that the three Island mayors had asked for seats on the board and on the governance committee. Shuman suggested that the governance committee review the request and come back with a recommendation. Shuman also reported that a donation of $25,000 was fully funded by board members, and another $25,000 match has been offered.
Budget presented
Treasurer Jim Froeschle presented the 2015-16 budget and stressed, “I want to make a point of how hard Kristin (Executive Director Kristin Lessig) and her staff worked on this. It’s not just numbers. The reality is every
We need the people that have the moxie to reach out and assist with the most important charitable institution in their community.” Ed Chiles Center board member number you see here has detail, and the program managers are accountable, so there’s an ownership down into the program areas. “I think that is going to be a huge change in the way the Center operates. We have a big community responsibility, and we’ve got a huge asset here that we need to
continue running. “We’ve taken the efficiencies as far as we could and now its time to aggressively grow the Center, bring in more people, more programs. This budget is an aggressive investment in the future.” The budget shows a 37 percent increase in revenues due to program fees, a major marketing effort and a “hoped for ” increase in funding from the Island cities. Froeschle said the budget shows expenses up in two areas – introducing and advertising new programs and investing in the structure such as hiring grant writers and tech experts and investing in computer upgrades and marketing. He said the budget shows a small, positive net income of $5,000, which “is remarkable when you consider the fact that we lost $1.2 million in the last six years. For the first time since 2008, we anticipate being in the black." He said the goal is to build the cash reserve to take the Center through the lean months.
We’re all winners! We love to support the Anna Maria Island Community Center! When they win, we all win!
Team Air & Energy - 2015 Bowling Tournament
Simply Better.
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff
Classified ads Bob Alexander
Editor/CEO Mike Field
Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca
Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin
Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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Ad assistant Chris Boniberger
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Outraged over regulation I have been reading with much interest and much more dismay - with regards to the Holmes Beach vacation/residential saga and the potential for over-regulation. I really enjoyed and appreciated the letters column of The Sun (Sept. 2 edition) regarding this overblown issue - overblown by a highly-monetarily-privileged, un-empathetic, self-absorbed group of protectionists (and I was being extremely kind in choosing that term). Every time I read a quote from someone like the brash, narrow-scoped Judy Titsworth, extolling the elitist, subtle-yetdangerous chant of un-American freedomcrushing - "You're staying in a residential neighborhood. For people who have lots of family that want to stay together, that's what motels are for." - I become more appalled and infuriated. What? (Commissioner) Titsworth has the absolute gall to disparage all those underprivileged souls looking for just a morsel of the paradise she and others were fortunate enough to stumble upon in their lineage or occupation. So, Ms. Titsworth - a family trying to sneak away for a week to AMI on a "school-tuition-nightmare budget" from a state without the Island's absolute beauty and God-given ambiance. We all should feel blessed to be able to experience this equally. And I'm not even talking about the offensive, ridiculous, pea-brained notion of telling people how large their bedrooms can be. You have got to be kidding me. What nerve to
actually concoct such un-American, freedomripping codes. I have been getting sick over reading about it the last several weeks. If you ask me, it's time for a code blue on some of AMI's old-money/new-money residents who should be spending more time enjoying - as George Harrison sang - "the beauty that surrounds them" - instead of trying to regulate how much enjoyment a tourist family can experience on everyone's island. As a resident of Bradenton, not far from the Island, I take great pride and am totally humbled and grateful to be able to drive five minutes into paradise on AMI every day. I have great family members and friends who fall in love with this area every time they come to visit. My condo's spare bedroom is filled to the gills many times a year with people just dying for a taste of the AMI experience ... something to take home with them as they return to their tough, challenging lives of scrimping and saving for their next chance to come and visit. I think those who insist on cementing unfair rental regulations into place for the sake of nothing but selfish protectionism should remove their heads from the Gulf beach sand long enough to see and perhaps even experience the real world and America's freedoms for a change. You bored board members should stop trying to dictate how the rest of the free world wants to lawfully enjoy AMI. You are truly blessed to be able to afford to live there - you should stop acting like it is your birthright to unfairly regulate those who
don't share your privilege or place. Bernie Czarniecki Bradenton
Notification needed I am very disappointed that the citizens of Holmes Beach were not notified on two major projects or actions that affect the residents. The speed limit has been decreased with no notice to Island residents at all. Anna Maria must pass through the areas where the speed limits were reduced, as well as Holmes Beach. Since the speed limit has decreased, at least once a day I see someone being pulled over. The Chief justified the decision by stating to the media that most traffic travels at that speed. If so, why so many tickets? The county is in the process of decreasing and increasing speeds on thoroughfares all over Manatee County. The county also has held public work sessions and will be going to a public hearing very soon before any decisions are made. Holmes Beach is in the process of a drainage project, and thanks to the Mayor for calling me and some of my neighbors, we now know what is going on. If you drive down 85th Street, you will see four-foot to five-foot wide areas where vegetation and landscaping was replaced with rocks. The Island's drainage system in Holmes Beach has been the swale method since incorporated. The cities new contracted engineer had recommended what appear to be rocks? No swales to collect water, just grading the right
of way and placing rocks, probably to the outfalls. I realize that there does need to be an improvement in the drainage (my house has never flooded) but you would think we would want the Island to continue to have vegetation with swales to collect drainage to percolate but no, we will have rocks. As former mayor, I know this is the city right of way and they can do whatever they want with it but I am almost positive that if any of the commissioners had this in front of their houses, we would have done the swale method of improving the drainage. Yes, we do have our beloved home for sale, but my heart is still with the city and Island and I am disappointed in the lack of communication to the citizens on both of these issues. I want to thank the Mayor for responding to me on this matter. He is a good man and I think his staff should have taken the extra step to communicate with the citizens. Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach
Preservation not anti-tourist I was disappointed to see the letter from Rex Hagan in last week’s issue. Rex has been a good citizen of the Island for many years. On this issue, though, he is misled and misleading. The effort to preserve this Island as real, authentic, old-Florida is not an anti-tourist effort. Tourism is the SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
THE SUN
the sun survey
mark your calendar
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: What do you think of the moratorium on front yard swimming pools in Holmes Beach?
Note: Events are free unless indicated.
80%
Wednesday Sept. 2
It's a bad idea. Some properties don't have big enough back yards for pools.
AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m. Tween Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.
Thursday Sept 3
Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Friday Sept. 4
Senior Adventures trip to Mazzaro’s Italian Market and Store, St. Petersburg, meet at Annie Silver Senior Center, 103 23rd Street N, Bradenton Beach. Van leaves at 10 a.m. Please reserve.
20%
It's a good idea. Pools belong in back yards.
Monday
THIS WEEK’S SURVEY
Sept. 7
• In favor of it.
Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.
• Oppose it.
Tuesday
Bradenton Beach is considering imposing a building moratorium. Do you favor this idea or oppose it?
Sept. 8
Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
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Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday Sept. 9
AMI Community Connections fellowship, AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m. DNA and 9/11 presented by Tom Bode, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Thursday Sept. 10
Sunset starlight paddle, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 6;30 to 9 p.m. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 7.
Friday Sept. 11
Senior Adventures trip to SRQ Airport tour and lunch, Bradenton/Sarasota, meet at Annie Silver Senior Center, 103 23rd Street N, Bradenton Beach. Van leaves at 10 a.m. Please reserve. Alzheimer’s caregivers’ group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
on the agenda
To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone. LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun
Anna Maria
Holmes Beach
9/2: City Commission special meeting, 6 p.m. 9/9: City Commission first budget public hearing, 6 p.m. 9/10: City Commission work session, 6 p.m. For information, call 7086130.
9/8: City Commission meeting, 7 p.m. 9/10: City Commission work session, 7 p.m. For information, call 7085800.
10005 Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
FROM PAGE 6
industry of the State of Florida and increasingly of Manatee County. I can only speak for myself as a city commissioner, but my effort always is to find a balance between visitors and residents. It is important that we Islanders have some control of
the manner in which our visitors will be housed. The question is, do we want visitors to fit seamlessly into the fabric and ambiance of the Island, or do we want eightbedroom rental houses littering residential neighborhoods with terrible effects on neighbors. It was nice of Rex to speak up for his friend. It would have been better if he revealed that he has
a substantial amount of money invested with/loaned to Mr. Kaleta. I would not assert this had Rex not told me so himself. Everyone has the right to an opinion, but financial alliances should be made clear. Jean Peelen Holmes Beach commissioner
9/2: CIP/City Commission, 10:30 a.m. 9/2: Pier Team, 11 a.m. 9/3: Community Redevelopment Agency, 5:15 p.m. 9/3: City Commission first budget public hearing, 5:45 p.m. 9/3: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m. 9/9: Planning and Zoning Board, 1 p.m. For information, call 7781005.
5801 Marina Drive
Labor Day, Sept. 7
The administrative offices of the Anna Maria Island Community Center, the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District and the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach will be closed. There will be no Waste Management or Waste Pro solid waste or recycling collection. All residential collections for Waste Management will be one day later than usual for the entire week. All residential collections for Waste Pro will resume the next regularly scheduled collection day.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
Congestion committee reviews parking ordinance The ordinance would ban parking on the rights of way between Manatee Avenue and 52nd Street west of Gulf Drive except for residents with permits.
ing the marked streets tow away zones, however, Soustek said there must be a sign stating that, and tow trucks take a long time to respond. Members agreed not to seek tow away zones.
BY PAT COPELAND
Adding streets
SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Island Congestion Committee members met recently to review the city’s draft ordinance to establish permit parking on streets in a test area. The ordinance would ban parking on the rights of way between Manatee Avenue and 52nd Street west of Gulf Drive except for residents with permits. Chair Jaynie Christenson said in Section 2 there is no fine listed for violations. Commissioner Carol Soustek noted that the current parking fine is $35, but the committee discussed making it more “to get their attention.” Resident Gary Fenstemaker said it should be consistent with what other cities charge, and if they make it too extreme, “We’re sending a message that we really don’t want any of you out here.” The committee agreed in consensus to recommended $50 with a vehicle to be ticketed every two hours it is illegally parked. Christenson also suggested mak-
Christenson said that all the streets that the committee had recommended were not listed in Section 3 of the ordinance. She suggested adding Manatee Avenue north to 43rd Street (east of Gulf Drive). 74th Street to 81st Street west of Gulf Drive, 77th Street between Gulf Drive and Palm Avenue and all of Aqua Lane. The others agreed. Christenson pointed out that the same section also has different hours of enforcement – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. – than the 24 hours recommended by the committee. “The reason being is that on Aqua Lane people sleep in their cars at night and also the weddings are after six and the valet services start,” Christenson explained. Member Pam Leckie said 24 hours would be easier to manage and control, and committee members agreed. Christenson took issue with Section 4 that allows only two permits per address. She said the committee recommended that every vehicle registered to the address should
You can’t put restrictions on the residents.” Jaynie Christenson Congestion committee chair
be entitled to a permit and added, “You can’t put restrictions on the residents.” The others agreed and said residents of the city but not the permit area can get decals, but they must pay for the decals, while the decals should be free for residents of the permit area. There was a discussion on whether to allow residents of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach to get permits, but members agreed on Holmes Beach residents only.
Exemptions
Christenson said Section 4 does not exempt golf carts and the committee had recommended that they
be exempt and added, “We want to encourage people to use golf carts.” The consensus was to ask that golf carts be exempt. According to the ordinance, contractors doing business on the street may park in the right of way for not more than three hours, but Soustek asked what to do about volunteers for Turtle Watch and Wildlife Inc. Christenson suggested they refer to “contractors and people doing business” and require them to have a business sign on their vehicle. She also suggested that workers only be allowed to park “on said property,” and if it’s not possible, “they have to car pool.” According to the ordinance, contractors and subcontractors working in the permit only area “must submit a parking plan to the traffic engineer of the city (police chief) if the right of way is necessary for the parking of workers.” Richard Brown said there also should be an exception for handicapped individuals. The ordinance scheduled for discussion at the Sept. 24 city commission work session. Copies are available in city hall. Christenson set the next committee meeting for Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. at the AMI Beach Café at Manatee Beach.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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Chamber card exchange From left, Lois Gift, of Hancock Bank; Kathryn Vejins, best costume winner; Melissa Raburn, of Hancock Bank; and Jackie Braglin, of Hancock Bank; enjoyed the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce business card exchange at Hancock Bank last month. SUBMITTED
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
SUBMITTED
What storm? The Bennati triplets and an unidentified Canadian friend are determined to go swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and are not bothered at all by the dark storm clouds rolling in.
AM I O UTFITTERS Coastal Gear & Apparel YOUR PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR STORE PADDLEBOARDS & KAYAKS FLY-FISHING INSTRUCTION TECHNICAL CLOTHING
Owner Steve Traves Outdoor Pro
• • • • • • • • • • • •
7 days 9 to 6 505 Pine Ave. Anna Maria amioutfitters.com 941-254-4996
TIP-OFFS TO POTENTIAL RIP-OFFS
If you must act now, the offer is probably to good to be true. You pull the permits? - NO Solici ng door to door – “Just finished a job down the street”- NO Unmarked vehicle – NO No physical address for the office/shop – NO Be sure the contractor’s phone number is listed in your local directory. Discount as your’s is a “demonstra on home” – NO Pay everything up-front for a discount? – NO Ask to see your contractor’s license and check with the FL Dept of Business & Professional Regula on to verify. Check with your neighbors and friends – Have they used this contractor before? Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Ask for proof of insurance, both General Liability (to protect your property) and Workers Compensa on (to cover anyone who would get hurt on your job). Get an es mate/proposal in wri ng. Make sure it specifies work to be performed.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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THE SUN
11
andy price | submitted
A crew from Woodruff & Sons began installing stormwater filtration/percolation systems in the right of way along 85th Street last week.
Drainage work proceeds in Holmes Beach After 85th Street residents complained of not being notified, the mayor ordered door hangers for affected areas. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Residents of 85th Street told Mayor Bob Johnson that they were upset that they were not notified of drainage work to be done on their street last week. Johnson agreed that it was an oversight and said the city is producing door hangers to notify residents of future work. According to the notice, the work is part of the city’s capital improvement program for stormwater. The city’s construction contractor, Woodruff & Sons, will be installing stormwater filtration/percolation systems along and within the city’s rights of way of the following streets:
• 85th Street (south side only) under construction • Marina Drive from 85th Street to Palm Drive • 500 block of 77th Street (both sides) • 500 block of 75th Street (both sides) • 500 block of 74th Street (both sides) • 500 block of 72nd Street (both sides) • 500 block of 71st Street (both sides) • 500 block of 70th Street (both sides) • 500 block of 69th Street (both sides) • 500 block of 68th Street (both sides) The contractor also will be repairing and replacing stormwater outfall pipes within existing drainage easements. Detailed maps and cross sections are available at city hall. In addition to these drainage improvements, there will be sidewalk repairs and replacements along 85th Street and Marina Drive to Palm Drive. For further information, contact Lynn Burnett, of LTA Engineers, at 941-5263375.
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THE SUN
Surfboard donated Anna Maria Island native Joe Webb donated this surfboard to the 30th annual NKF Rich Salick Pro/ Am Surf Festival, which was held in Cocoa Beach over the Labor Day weekend. The board, along with many other items, was auctioned for kidney patients and proceeds from the board were dedicated to fiveyear-old Blake Adams, who is waiting for a kidney transplant. Pictured here are Anna Maria Island natives Joan Mills and Phil Salick, twin brother of Rich and co-founder of the festival. CINDY LANE | SUN
SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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Lobbyist to shepherd fire district legislation The legislation includes revisions to the commission’s election schedule and assessment procedure. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Commissioners at last month's meeting approved hiring a lobbyist to shepherd legislation through the state Legislature despite a protest from Commissioner Al Robinson. “Let’s roll the dice without a lobbyist,” Robinson said. “That’s a dirty word to me, and $50,000 gags me.” Board Attorney Jim Dye explained that the legislation includes revisions to the commission’s election schedule to reflect the current practice of how terms are staggered and clarifies the procedure for establishing the annual assessment rate. He said Rep. Greg Steube would sponsor the bill and a lobbyist would cost $25,000 to $50,000. “When you’re talking about funding
Let’s roll the dice without a lobbyist. That’s a dirty word to me, and $50,000 gags me.” Al Robinson Fire commissioner you can get a critical eye in Tallahassee,” he said, and Fire Chief Tom Sousa said it has to travel through five committees. “Why do it?” Robinson asked, and Dye said to avoid problems in the future. Robinson asked Dye’s fee for the work, and Dye said probably $1,500. Robinson asked what would happen
if the legislation were not approved. Dye said there could be a challenge to a commissioner’s election and the assessment rate, and the district could lose $1 million just this year. “Let’s buy a couple of cases of wine and go up there and do it ourselves,” Robinson remarked. After the motion to hire a lobbyist was approved, Commissioner Randy Cooper remarked, “It’s a nasty, perverted process, but that’s the way it is.”
Other business
• The Manatee County Building Department is reviewing the site plan for rebuilding Station 4. • The board will hold a work session on the West Coast Inland Navigation District boat grant in September. • Board rules and procedures were approved with minor revisions. • Sousa put a suggested assessment study on hold. • The board approved a step plan and job descriptions for the administrative services staff.
Fire commission workshop and budget hearing The West Manatee Fire Commission will hold a workshop on Thursday Sept. 17, at 5 p.m. at the administration building at 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, to discuss the WCIND boat grant. This will be followed by two public hearings beginning at 6 p.m. – one for the second reading and adoption of the 2015-16 budget and another for appeals of the 2015 fire assessments. Following those will be the regular monthly meeting. • The board will create a committee to study purchasing new air packs. • The chief will entertain offers for the ladder truck and negotiate price. The board plans to replace the truck because maintenance has become costly, and it is hard to get down the Island’s narrow streets.
Center revamping membership fee structure The membership fee structure will be simplified and include classes and special discounts. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Island Community Center is revamping its membership fee structure to be more user friendly. “We realized the way we do it is very a la carte,” Executive Director Kristin Lessing told the board of directors last week. “It did not encourage people to be part of the Center as a whole. We want to engage families and residents to participate in multiple programs." Treasurer Jim Froeschle added, “We want to be fair to the members and to
encourage people to come join and participate and not feel like they are not being nickeled and dimed. We hope to have the new fees in place by Nov. 1.” Program Director Jennifer Griffith said fees have not been substantially increased in 20 years and that with the current system, a person has to buy a membership and then pay extra for classes, specialty classes, tennis, pickleball and the fitness center. “We want to move away from that – you’re either a member or you’re not – and become more of a holistic center,” she said. She said she investigated other programs and learned that per year, per adult Sanibel Recreation Center charges $435, Lakewood Ranch YMCA charges $564, G.T. Bray Recreation Center charges $395
and AMI Health and Fitness charges $678. She said Sanibel is most like the Island because it has residents, seasonal residents and tourists and increased traffic during season. She said the biggest difference is that the recreation center is 80 percent supported by the municipality.
Types of memberships
The Center plans to offer the same types of memberships as Sanibel – visitor, resident, on island employee and member guest and within those types will offer categories of adult, senior, youth and family. “This is very early in the process,” Froeschle stressed. “The principles are there, but how it translates into rates is not finalized.” He said payment could be daily, weekly,
monthly or annually, and those who make an annual commitment could pay by the month but would get the annual rate. Griffith said membership benefits include socials, reduced registration fees on sports programs, discounts on specialty classes, event pre-sale opportunities for special events, open gym time, unlimited fitness and wellness classes and a monthly newsletter. Froeschle said he would chair the membership fee committee and welcomes input from residents and visitors. Board member Amy Talucci said, “It’s hard to justify what you get when you come here as a family as compared to the Y.” SEE CENTER, PAGE 29
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Food and fun at The Freckled Fin BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRITER | lbolger@amisun.com
Spotting a fin in the waters around Anna Maria Island doesn’t take very long, but spotting a freckled fin could take a little more time unless you make your way to the Bridge Street Circle. On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, the Legend of The Freckled Fin began on Bridge Street when Eileen and Scott Lubore opened their restaurant and public house named after their daughter. Like so many other Anna Maria transplants, the Lubores and their two children were done with the cold winters and stress of living near a big city. They sold their furniture business in Maryland and found themselves on the shores of Anna Maria Island two years ago and unpacked. They loved the Island vibe and the friendly walk able street that Bridge Street offered and wanted to be part of that. So when the opportunity presented itself they dove into the restaurant business on one of Bradenton Beach’s prime corners
and even inherited the wooden angel figurehead that flies over the bar. The Lubores hired two of Anna Maria’s best to help them run The Fin, Chef Pete Barreda and manager Steve Shannon both with years of restaurant experience, both on and off the Island. The outside of the The Freckled Fin with its lime green paint and colorful patio umbrellas fits perfectly into the Key West feel of Bridge Street. Inside the aqua walls, the interesting bar, and of course, the the Flying Cloud Angel will put you in the mood for a fun night. There are high top tables in the bar area, four cozy booths and a larger dining room with regular tables. The Lubores have a daily happy hour this time of year starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m. with half off gourmet pizzas and well spirits. There is also entertainment on the outside patio most nights; check their Website for the live music schedule. The Freckled Fin has a full bar and 16 beers on tap as well as a mid range wine list and house wine by the glass. Their menu ranges from
Investment Corner
THE FRECKLED FIN 101 Bridge Street Bradenton Beach 941-251-3930 Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. www.thefreckledfin.com All major credit cards accepted burgers and wraps to full dinner entrees like crab cakes, grouper, jumbo shrimp, grouper tacos and more, as well as daily specials starting soon. There are lots of appetizers and starters including wings, peel and eat shrimp, coconut shrimp, chicken tenders and one of the restaurant’s see freckled fin, page 16
From left, manager Steve Shannon and owner Scott Lubore serve drinks under the Flying Cloud Angel.
TOM BREITER
A bucket plan for your bucket list
F
or most in retirement or beginning to prepare for retirement, there will be two types of income – guaranteed and investment. Guaranteed income includes Social Security or pensions earned during the working years. Investment income is generated by our savings which ends up invested in stocks, bonds or other productive investments. There are two primary ways to approach retirement income planning for the investment plan, which we’ll explore here. Social Security and pension income sources are generally secure and may have inflation adjustments built in depending on the pension plan issuing the payments. Income from investments can range from dividend and interest payments to capital gains from price appreciation or even rental income from investment property. It is the investment income portion that requires the most planning to ensure the assets and income last for your entire retirement at a level which allows you a dignified existence, and hopefully the lifestyle you desire. When designing your plan for drawing income from your investments, there are two approaches to consider. Probably the most widely used is the Systematic Withdrawal Approach. In this method, the investment pool is viewed as one amount and a percentage of the value is used as income each year. The widely accepted safe withdrawal rate is in the range of 4 to 5 percent, and the amount can be adjusted for inflation as the cost of goods and services goes up. Somewhat less well known is the Bucket Approach. In the bucket method, specific investments are made for specific times of your retirement. It is a process of matching investments to your need for income, considering the best time horizon for each type of investment. Bucket #1 is known as the short-term bucket, it is designed to provide safety of principal and income for the first five years of the plan. Investments commonly used in this phase are annuities that provide guaranteed income, short-term government bonds and even certificates of deposit. The idea is that Bucket #1 will be used up during the first five years and that higher yielding but more aggressive investments in Bucket #2 and Bucket #3 will have time to grow. From year 6 to years 12 through 15, the income from Bucket # 2 is used to replace the income from Bucket #1, which may now be empty with the possible exception of lifetime annuity income, if annuities were purchased. Bucket #2 commonly holds longer-term bonds, which have higher yields, real estate related investments and possibly very conservative stock holdings. The beauty of not relying on Bucket #3 until the 15th year or beyond is that you fill Bucket #3 with the investments that provide the most growth potential, but which may also periodically be the most volatile. Investors who understand that see breiter, page 16
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
Share your photos, win a vacation Past visitors to Anna Maria Island and the surrounding area are invited to share photos from previous trips in a throwback social media event to win a vacation package to visit again. The inaugural “Throwback Go Back” social media campaign created by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a play on the popular trend of posting old throwback photos and is designed to generate awareness of the destination among potential new visitors and remind past visitors of what makes it a top vacation choice. Those posting a photo taken during a past visit to the area and utilizing the hashtag #ThrowbackGoBack will be entered to win a Throwback Go Back vacation package valued at $2,000 that includes the following: •Three-night stay at Bridgewalk for up to four guests; •Sunset Dolphin boat tour with Paradise boat tour for four; •Four one-hour paddleboard rentals with Coastal Watersports Paddle; •Massage on the beach for two with Serenity Spa;
•Four one-hour Segway rentals from Segs by the Sea; •Putt Putt at Fish Hole Miniature Golf for four; •Dinner for four at Island Time Bar & Grill; •Dinner for four at the Blue Marlin restaurant; •Dinner for four at the Bridge Tender Inn; •Dinner for four at the BeachHouse; •A luggage bag full of things they’ll need on their trip. Three finalists will be selected, and the Bradenton Area’s Facebook followers will vote to select a winner, who will a trip back and have the chance to recreate their winning photo. Finalists will be selected on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and voting begins on Wednesday, Sept. 30, ending on Sunday, Oct. 4. To vote, followers will leave a comment stating which photo is their top choice. Only one vote per user will be counted. The photo with the most votes wins. The winner will be announced on Monday, Oct. 5. For more information, visit: www.bradentongulfislands.com/throwback-go-back/
THE SUN
July resort tax collections
Manatee County’s 5 percent resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50 percent of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20 percent allocated to beach renourishment. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in July and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in August. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit www.taxcollector.com/services_resort_tax_tips.asp. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
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CVB wins four tourism awards The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau won four Flagler awards at the 48th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Tampa Convention Center last week. Named for Henry Flagler, the awards were established in 2000 to recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida and honor individuals and organizations that help maintain and improve Florida’s position as one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. The awards are first place in Resource/Promotional Material – Trade for the Bradenton Area Sports Playbook; third place in Niche Marketing for the Bradenton Area Dog Days of Summer promotion; third place in Resource/ Promotional Material – Consumer for the Bradenton Area Agri-Tourism Mobile Tour Guide and Best of Show in Marketing Budgets between $500,000 and $2 million for the Bradenton Area Sports Playbook.
freckled fin: Find food and fun FROM PAGE 14
specialties –12-inch, thin crust, gourmet pizzas made in their brick ovens. The Freckled Fin also offers Sunday brunch, a kids’ menu, take out service available all day and can cater private parties in the restaurant. And one very important thing, The Freckled Fin has its own parking lot behind the restaurant, a rarity on Bridge Street. On Sept. 19 The Freckled Fin will be hosting a half way to St. Patty’s Day party with Irish bands, Irish dancers, the Bradenton Bagpipers, corned beef and drink specials. Watch for the ad in this paper for details about the day’s events. The Freckled Fin mermaid crossed the ocean from Ireland and found her way to Anna Maria Island like so many of us. She saved many sailors during her trip and earned the gratitude of one captain who honored her with a winged angel on the stern of his ship. As they say at The Freckled Fin, “Let the ‘Fin’ begin and the legend continue.”
breiter: Bucket lists FROM PAGE 14
they don’t need to access Bucket #3 for a long time are less likely to panic and sell their stocks during a market correction. The science behind the system is based on the fact that there has never been a 15-year period of time where stocks lost money. In fact, the average return for stocks over all 15-year periods is about 8 percent a year. The main advantage of the bucket approach is that the investor can identify specific investments supporting specific income needs during particular periods of time. This should result in a higher level of confidence and more sound decision making. Tom Breiter is President of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www. breitercapital.com
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New mascots Island Lumber's Becky Garbus holds the company's two new mascots, Duke and Woody. Island Lumber is located at 213 54th Street in Holmes Beach. CHANTELLE LEWIN | SUN
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Congratulations to AMI S.W.A.T. (Successful Women Aligning Together)’s Woman of the Month, Karen Conkel, of Rodan and Fields, for her work with Southeastern Guide Dogs. She trains them from the time they are puppies until they are ready to help guide their new masters. She’s pictured with 10-monthold Levi. SUBMITTED
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Turtles dig the dark BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – A new sign designed in part by Elaine Stroili, a graphic artist at the Anna Maria Island Sun, informs motorists approaching the Island on Manatee Avenue to keep sea turtles in the dark. The sign was a team effort to prevent sea turtle disorientations, including Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring; Fox’s colleague, Bruce Drye, of St. Andrews Island; Cindy Richmond, a summer Island resident; and Stroili, who also obtained funds from the WAVE Foundation for the signs. “Our goal is to remind visitors arriving later in season that sea turtle friendly lighting is in effect until Oct. 31,” Fox said, asking resort owners and rental agents to inform visitors of turtle lighting laws designed to keep lights from causing nesting sea turtles to abandon their nesting attempts and attracting hatchlings away from the water. The effort was prompted by a tragedy last year, Fox said. Resorts began replacing their turtle-friendly lights with incandescent bulbs two months before turtle season ended last year, draw-
ing hundreds of loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings to their deaths. One Holmes Beach resort killed even more hatchings than those that hatched in front of the business because their lights drew hatchlings from several blocks up and down the beach, she said. Fox got approval from Holmes Beach officials to locate the sign west of the Kingfish boat ramp during turtle season, May 1-Oct. 31. The organization hopes to add another sign in Bradenton Beach. Turtle Watch, a 33-year-old, not-forprofit group, has donated thousands of volunteer hours to turtle and bird preservation on the Island with its Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Certified State Monitoring Survey Program. The group also funds the design and printing of free educational materials, some designed by Stroili, including posters, rack cards and temporary turtle tattoos, and distributes them to businesses. Turtle Watch also holds free Turtle Talks and nesting beach excavation tours each turtle season. Island city governments, police departments and businesses all contribute to the effort to save the turtles,
ing surveys; Mr. Bones, whose owners’ son painted the stakes used to mark the turtle nests; Rudy's, which baked cookies for Turtle Watch to give to people who volunteer with the group; J n’ J Graphics, which donated the layout design for shirt logos; and businesses, including repeat donors Island Coffee Haus, that donate funds to the popular Adopt-a-Nest program.
Nesting News SUBMITTED
Father and son team Skip and Joe Coyne installed a new sign last week that greets motorists coming onto the Island on Manatee Avenue warning them to keep beachfront lights off for sea turtles. Fox said, including Ginny and Jane E's store, which displays Turtle Watch shirts and donates 100 percent of sales to the group; Beaches Realty, which makes monetary donations and has an owner who walks the beach doing nest-
Sea turtles Nests laid: 354 False crawls: 440 Nests hatched: 135 Hatchlings to Gulf: 10,440 Overwashed (nests that had water over them): 74 Standing water (nests that were inundated with standing water): 50 Partial washout (some eggs, but not all, missing from nests): 17 Complete washout (nest and all eggs washed away or all stakes identifying nest location washed away): 51 Nest disorientations: 13 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
Submitted
Where’s Amie? Loggerhead sea turtle Amie is still in last place – in true turtle form – in the Tour de Turtles race, sponsored by the Sea Turtle Conservancy to see how far satellite-tagged turtles migrate. Amie, who is playing in the Gulf off the Everglades, was satellite tagged in June on Coquina Beach after nesting.
CINDY LANE | SUN
For the birds A new sign at the beach access leading to the shorebird nesting area at the Bradenton Beach/Holmes Beach line explains how to co-exist with nesting shorebirds, particularly black skimmers, which nest in large numbers on Anna Maria Island. This year’s chicks have flown, and the nesting area is now open to beachgoers until next spring.
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Fifteen-year-old angler makes waves
Chasten Whitfield wins tournaments and donates her prize money to charity. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Chasten Whitfield entered her first fishing tournament in seventh grade because the kids made fun of her for being the only girl that fished. But Chasten, now15 and a student at Manatee High School, had the last laugh. “It was the Fire Charity Tournament at the Bradenton Yacht Club, and I got first place in the ladies division,” she recalled. “I fished with mom and dad and got a snook, a redfish and a flounder. Then I was on three TV shows and was in the paper.” The next summer, she fished the same tournament with two other girls and again received first place in the ladies division. Next came the Kiddie Pole Classic, a fun tournament started by a friend of her father where participants fish with kiddie poles, and also
submitted
Above, Whitfield teaches a boy to throw a cast net at the Chick fil-A Family Fun Night. At right, Whitfield shows some of her fishing trophies. several local tournaments. “After I appeared on ‘Florida Insider Fishing Report’ in Miami, I shot through the roof,” she said. “‘Florida Sportsman’ magazine contacted me,
and I began getting sponsor deals.” Sponsors include Penn, Hardy Fly Fishing, Mustad Hooks, Under Armor, Bull Bay Rods and Ocean Tamer. This year came two big tournament
Pat Copeland | sun
wins. Whitfield and her team – Emma Moneuse, Olivia Galvan, Aaliyah Rudrud and Sami Costello – won first see whitfield, page 22
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Find snook around bridges, docks Captain Rick Grassett
A fly angler fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook, trout and tripletail on flies in Sarasota during the past week. Gary Mintz, from Colorado, fished a predawn snook/flats trip in Sarasota with me on Wednesday morning. Despite a good tide, fish weren’t that aggressive. We worked lighted docks to start where he hooked up with a tarpon and caught and released a nice snook on my Grassett Flats Bunny fly. We moved to the flats after daylight and caught and released a few small trout on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly Submitted fished on a sink tip fly line. He finFour yellowfin tuna, all over a 100 pounds, were caught aboard the charter boat Miss ished the day by catching and releas- Anna Maria out of Galati's Marina. Captains were Chris Raible and Craig Clark and ing his first tripletail on a shrimp fly anglers were Scott Rickert and Eric Leigh. pattern. Although it was a small one, still a great sight-fishing opportunity. the west coast of Florida, I’ll continue Harbor. You may find trout, SpanSnook fishing around lighted docks to ask that all snook be released on ish mackerel, blues and Jacks on and bridges close to passes with my boat. Tarpon are moving to inside deep grass flats, particularly close to flies or DOA Lures should be a good waters, where you may find them passes. Look for reds, snook and big option as we head into September. around lighted docks and bridges trout mixed with mullet schools on Although snook season is open from or on deep grass flats of Sarasota shallow flats and edges of bars. September through November on Bay, Tampa Bay and upper Charlotte
whitfield: Makes waves FROM PAGE 21
place in the ladies division at the prestigious Sam Crosswaite Fishing Tournament in May and first in the ladies division and third in the juniors division at the Fire Charity Tournament in June.
Giving back
Earlier this year, she and her 4 A Cause fishing team participated in Family Fun Night sponsored by Chick fil-A in Bradenton, where they taught kids the basics of fishing. “It's an amazing feeling when you ask a little girl if she can throw a cast net and she says no. Then I always ask, ‘Would you like to try?’� Whitfield said. “The answer is always a big smile and a yes. To watch the kids, especially girls’ self esteem, when they leave after throwing a cast net is unexplainable.�
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In August, she taught a Kids’ Fishing Camp at Bayfront Park and the Anna Maria City Pier for the AMI Community Center summer campers. The class attracted 20 enthusiastic kids. In addition to traveling the state with “Florida Sportsman� teaching kids how to throw cast nets, she teaches at local tackle stores such as West Marine and Discount Tackle and at expos, the next one in Tampa on Sept. 12 and 13.
Kiddie Pole Classic
Her next tournament is the Kiddie Pole Classic set for Saturday, Sept. 27, by the boat ramp on the Causeway. Check in is at 7:30 a.m. and shotgun start is at 8 with only character fishing rods allowed. The entry fee is $25, and all ages are invited. “I’m taking a group of autistic children fishing on my dad’s boat for this
tournament,� she said. Whitfield, who donates all her prize money to charity, will be donating this money to Face Autism, a local autism resource group. Another group that receives donations from her is Prospect Riding Group, which provides horse therapy for disabled children. Of her life as a 15-year-old professional angler, Whitfield said, “It’s crazy, it’s fun but it’s time consuming, and it’s hard work. I try to plan a fishing event every other weekend with my family. We have fished together since I was little.� Whitfield said she has a Plan A and a Plan B for the future, Plan A is to continue fishing and have her own television show to encourage kids to fish. Plan B is to become a marine biologist. “Anything to do with the water,� she said.
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Island Time remembers 9/11 This year’s event will feature children’s activities and educational opportunities. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – On Saturday, Sept 12, Island Time Bar & Grill and Bridge Street Bistro will continue its tradition of honoring first responders and past and present military personal with the Never Forget 5th Annual 9/11 Fundraiser. “This is our fifth year hosting this event. We don’t ever want to forget what happened on that day in 2001,” owner Bill Herlihy said. The Never Forget event will take place downstairs at Island Time, 111 Gulf Dr. in Bradenton Beach, from noon until 4 p.m. All EMT, police, active and retired military, firefighters and other first responders with a valid ID will receive a complimentary all you can eat American-style buffet featuring barbeque ribs, chicken wings, burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni and potato salads, beer, wine and soft drinks. As a fundraising mechanism, the buffet will also be available to the general public for $15, when tickets are purchased in advance, and for $20, when purchased the day of the event. Drink specials will also be offered. Sponsored in part by The Sun,
File photo
Last year, New York City Fireman Richy Evers, in foreground, and Southern Manatee Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Herb Smith, at rear, accepted a $3,035 check from Island Time owner Bill Herlihy on behalf of the Manatee County Emergency Services Memorial Fund. Also pictured, from left, were Island Time staff members Kit Bradman, Eric Fleishman, Jordan Ward, Christina Merenda and Paula Riley. proceeds will benefit Manatee County Emergency Service Memorial Fund. Last year’s event raised more than $3,000. “We all need to stand united as Americans, having pride in our country, our active and retired military personnel, our first responders and our local police, firefighters, EMTs and paramed-
CINDY LANE | SUN
Natives in Bloom The native beautyberry is in full bloom at Anna Maria City Hall.
ics. We want to thank them and let them know how much we appreciate them,” Herlihy said. The events of Sept. 11, were the deadliest incident in American history for firefighters and law enforcement officers, with 343 firefighters 72 law enforcement see island time, page 35
During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. • Don’t use sky lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
Labor Day, Island style Despite a flurry of thunderstorms rolling through the Bay area, Anna Maria Island was still the destination for thousands of enthusiastic, though sometimes soggy, visitors over the three-day holiday.
LOUISE BOLGER | SUN
MAGGIE FIELD | SUN
Members of the Sheriff’s mounted patrol, above, take refuge beneath the Longboat Key Bridge during a downpour. Right, visitors make their way down to the beach. Below, Sgt. Rob Hendrickson talks to a passing motorist at Coquina Beach.
Above, a double-rainbow appeared over the Gulf Monday morning. Left, Alma Ayala, from Hardee County, throws her cast net near the Longboat Key Bridge. Below, traffic backs up as storms prompted many visitors to leave all at the same time. MAGGIE FIELD | SUN
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Ordinance regarding treasurer questioned Adoption of the ordinance raised questions about the lack of commission discussion.
BRADENTON BEACH – A divided City Commission last week passed on second reading a new ordinance that clarifies the employee handbook in a manner that will result in the next city treasurer, when hired, reporting to the city clerk instead of the mayor. Mayor Jack Clarke, Vice Mayor Ed Straight and Commissioner John Shaughnessy voted in favor of the ordinance and Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Janie Robertson opposed it. Ordinance 15-457 repeals a 2014 ordinance the commission adopted when Bill Shearon was mayor. That ordinance created the treasurer’s position and established the treasurer as a department head who reported to the mayor. The new ordinance supports an administrative decision recently made by Clarke that resulted in City Clerk Terri Sanclemente being given additional oversight over City Treasurer Sheila Dalton, which, in turn, factored into Dalton’s decision to
resign. Ordinance 15-457 states, “The city commission has determined that maintaining two separate departments within the administrative offices of the city is inefficient and results in duplication of efforts.” It also says, “In an effort to clarify and provide for less expense, better streamlining and accountability over the four-person administrative staff, the city commission hereby desires to create a unified administrative department under the supervision of the city clerk who shall serve as its department head. The administrative department should also be provided with a city treasurer and a minimum of two deputy clerks to assist the entire administrative department as needed.” When asked about the new ordinance later in the week, Vosburgh said, “My experienced opinion is that the treasurer should report directly to the mayor and not the city clerk. I also think the deputy clerk assisting the treasurer should report to the treasurer, with the understanding that she would also assist the clerk.” Clarke said, “While the treasurer’s position consists of a set of clearly defined tasks, overall responsibility for the administration department must be centered on one individual. In a small city such as ours,
town crier
is limited, so reservations are a must. Contact Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945 to reserve a spot
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPODENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
Sunset starlight paddle Enjoy the salt marshes of Robinson Preserve at 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest in Bradenton at the sunset and starlight paddle on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This is an easy paddle that can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers Take advantage of low tide to watch the sunset from the sandbars of the Manatee River. Bring your camera for great shots of egrets, herons, and roseate spoonbills. The program is suitable for all ages. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. All participants must wear a life jacket. Children age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required; call 941742-5757, ext. 7.
Senior Adventures takes field trips Senior Adventures takes a field trip to SRQ Airport for a tour and lunch on Friday, Sept. 11, and Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery, Parrish, on Friday, Sept. 18. The cost varies according to the activity. Meet at Annie Silver Senior Center, 103 23rd Street N, Bradenton Beach. The van leaves at 10 a.m., and space
Alzheimer’s group meets If you have a loved one or close friend that suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, join the Alzheimer’s caregivers support group on Friday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
Master Gardener Tour Let an expert lead you on a Master Gardener tour at Riverview Pointe Preserve at the end of 75th Street in Bradenton at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. Learn about the plants that grow in this beautiful preserve. Reservations are required; reserve to 941-722-4524.
Origami at the library Learn the Japanese art of paper folding on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. at Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
PTO welcome reception The Anna Maria Elementary School PTO will hold a welcome reception for members and potential members at Island Gourmet Grill, 5910 Marina Drive,
My experienced opinion is that the treasurer should report directly to the mayor and not the city clerk.” Jan Vosburgh Commissioner
the city clerk is the most logical and effective person to do so. This provides for clear lines of communication and responsibility.” In Holmes Beach, City Treasurer Lori Hill reports directly to the mayor. In Anna Maria, Finance Director Maggie Martinez reports directly to the city clerk, and indirectly to the mayor if the clerk is absent. When City Attorney Ricinda Perry presented the ordinance for first reading at the Aug. 20 meeting, Vosburgh said, “I have problems with this and would like to rec-
Holmes Beach, on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 4 p.m. Get involved, learn about various fundraising committees and become a PTO volunteer.
Community Connections fellowship Meet your neighbors and others who want to celebrate the joy of being an Island resident at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at AMI Community Connections at the AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
SWAT meeting Successful Women Aligning Together will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, Sept 17, at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members pay $12, and guests pay $17. RSVP to swatami@gmail.com
Pancakes galore The Anna Maria Island Community Center will hold an all you can eat pancake breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8 to 11 a.m. at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Breakfast is $6. Children 5 and under eat free. For more information call the Center at 941-778-1908.
ommend we have a work session on this.” Robertson agreed. Shaughnessy, Straight and Clarke said they were prepared to vote on the motion and without further discussion the motion passed on first reading by a 3-2 measure. Before the second reading took place at the Aug. 3 meeting, Vosburgh said, “I still think we need to have a work session on this.” Robertson said, “It seems that it’s being done backwards. The commission should have requested that an ordinance be drawn up rather than having one plopped down in front of us. I understand why Commissioner Vosburgh wants to have more discussion.” During the public input period that began last week’s meeting, JoAnn Meilner addressed the lack of discussion at the previous meeting. “I don’t think the test of a mayor or a leader is how quickly we get through a meeting. I think that the test of a mayor is that he listens to the people and he listens to the other commissioners. I was mightily disappointed at the last meeting when two commissioners expressed concern on an issue, and the mayor and the other two commissioners didn’t even care to hear what their comments were,” she said.
Join coastal cleanup Volunteers from all over the world will come to clean up Coquina Beach and Leffis Key on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. They will be collecting trash and recording findings for a global impact report. Bring your water shoes and sense of adventure. The program is suitable for volunteers of all ages. To register, e-mail michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or call 941-748- 4501, ext. 6035. The program sponsored by Ocean Conservancy, in partnership with Bank of America and Keep Manatee Beautiful. Visit http://www.oceanconservancy. org/our-work/international- coastalcleanup/ to learn more.
Learn about insects Ever wanted to explore the insect world and become a bug sleuth? Come to the Island Branch Library, on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. for “Library Learning Insectigatons.” Discover how these critters send their secret communications and detect enemy intruders. Explore the incredible world of insects through games, activities, and an exciting buggy adventure. The program is sponsored by the Manatee County Library System and Parks and Natural Resources Department and is suitable for all ages.
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THE SUN
SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
BEACH BEAT Holmes Beach
8/23, 7:44 a.m., possession of cocaine, flee to elude and DUI, 5000 block of Marina Drive. An officer parked near Keyes Marina observed the driver of a black Ford truck acting suspiciously when exiting Jessie’s Island Store and heading north, darting across Marina Drive and onto the sidewalk. With the officer and another officer in controlled pursuit, the driver proceeded toward 56th Street, drifted off the road onto the grass. After nearly striking a trolley stop pavilion near the fire station, the truck clipped a pedestrian crossing sign before striking a business mailbox on the 500 block of Key Royale Drive. The officer had recognized the driver and believed he was trying to make it to his home on Key Royale Drive. When exiting the truck the driver stumbled twice and nearly fell down. The officer noticed the driver had urinated himself and was flush in the face, but did not smell of alcohol. The officer determined the suspect to be under the influence of something that impaired his ability to drive and arrested him for fleeing to elude a marked patrol car with lights and sirens activated. While patting the suspect down, the officer discovered a clear glass vial containing a white powdery substance and a small baggie containing a similar substance. The officer recognized the white powdery substance to be consistent with cocaine. During a search of the truck, the officer documented numerous prescription drugs in the defendant’s name, including the sleep aids Ambien and Lunesta. The officer booked the defendant for possession of cocaine, fleeing to elude, DUI for his driving between the 5500 and 6600 blocks of Marina Drive, and DUI with property damage for crashing into the mailbox on Key Royale Drive. The driver consented to a breathalyzer test that resulted in a 0.000 alcohol level and he told the officer he was diabetic, but not taking insulin.
pat copeland | sun
Parking puzzle The top photo shows vehicles parked along North Bay Boulevard during the Memorial Day holiday weekend and the bottom photos shows the same roadside during the Labor Day holiday weekend, leaving some residents puzzled about what caused the difference in visitors.
New programs at Center in September The following programs are being offered at the AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, in September: • The Art of Meditation in partnership with Kadampa Meditation Center Florida with instructor Gen Kelsang Demo, Buddhist nun, on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:15 p.m. beginning Sept. 9, $10. The purpose of meditation is to make your mind calm and peaceful. If you train in meditation, your mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and you will experience a purer form of happiness. • Belly Dancing with instructor Candy Allison on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., members pay $10
and non-members pay $15 per session. This class will introduce participants to the art of this dance with basic movements needed for a solid foundation in belly dancing. Tap into your creativity while developing muscle control, self-confidence and coordination. • Movement Matters for parents and children with instructor Kelly Janssen Smith, RN, BSN, on Tuesdays, 10 to 11 a.m. beginning Sept. 15, $50 a month for members, $75 a month for non-members, drop ins $25, registration required. This interactive class will focus on developing movement patterns for lifelong benefits. Parent and child
will explore movement to nurture physical, emotional and cognitive development. The class is most appropriate for children up to 3 years old. • Art project – making a bottle lamp with local artist Janet Kingan, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., supplies included, members pay $25 and nonmembers pay $30. • Rex’s Roaring 40’s Dance will be held the first and third Saturday of the month starting Saturday, Sept. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. The class is free to all members. Contact Jennifer Griffith at 7781908, ext. 9204, for more information.
8/23, 12:42 p.m., theft/shoplift, Publix, 3900 East Bay Drive. An officer responded to the Publix Supermarket in reference to a shoplifting incident. The store manager said she was downloading a recording of a shoplifting that had occurred approximately 30 minutes ago, when two males entered the store separately, met in the beer section, placed three 24 packs of beer in a shopping cart and left without paying for it. The manager said the suspects boarded at trolley at approximately 12:42 p.m. The manager provided the officer with a printed sales slip that indicated a total value of $68.67 for three cases of beer. On Aug. 24, the defendants were identified by Publix employees, charged with shoplifting and transported to jail. 08/22, 10:37 p.m., battery, 200 block of 54th Street. An officer was dispatched after receiving a report of a fight in the street involving two females. Upon arrival the victim stated she was in a fight with her mother, who was intoxicated and arguing with everyone in the rental house. The victim offered to take her mother back home to Tampa, but the mother became irate and physically struck the victim on her arms and hand. The mother told the officer that she was in a fight with her daughter and a witness said the mother was intoxicated and arguing with her boyfriend. Further investigation revealed the mother to be the aggressor, and she was taken into custody and transported to the police station before being transported to the county jail. Photos were taken and the victim was provided a domestic violence packet.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Pundit’s piece 5 Schoolmarmish 9 Something to draw before bedtime 13 Skedaddles 15 Four-ring-logo company 16 Mélange 17 Many a Wilde play 18 *Health and prosperity 20 Sparkly accessory 22 Toughens 23 Pour like crazy 24 Glimmers 27 Miss identification 29 *It might require treatment with an EpiPen 31 Skinny swimmers 32 Loophole 33 Wolverine portrayer Jackman 34 Most reasonable 36 *Dramatic way to go out
Answers to 09-02-15 Crossword Puzzle.
38 Novelist Graham 41 Homer’s son 42 Route word 45 Realizes 46 *Fabergé item auctioned for $9.6 million in 2002 48 Manipulate 49 Serious depression 51 Cubemaster Rubik 52 Exploratory spacecraft 54 Make rhapsodic 56 Plane measures ... and, literally, what can be seen in the answers to starred clues 59 Word before box or card 61 List catchall 62 Slender wind 63 Seamless transition 64 Remove from a manuscript 65 Road runner
THE SUN
66 Parks on a bus Down 1 Hiker’s spray brand 2 Flat highland 3 Most spine-tingling 4 Put out the fire, pack up the tent, etc. 5 Offer from Rover 6 Line on a Québec map 7 Waiting at a light, perhaps 8 Eeyore creator 9 Dutch South African 10 Property recipient, in law 11 Adds holiday glitter to 12 Hardly a sharer 14 Msg. from the pulpit 19 Clear tables 21 Quick on the uptake 23 Tango need 25 __ school 26 Occupy 28 Ballpark fig. 30 Climb, in a way 31 Subj. including grammar 34 1964 Nobel Prize decliner 35 Kitty starter 36 “The Grand Budapest Hotel” director Anderson 37 Destructive agent 38 Serengeti grazer 39 Time to catch one’s breath 40 Neverending
42 Reeling feeling 43 Like volcanic rock 44 Gone by 46 Sushi bar condiment 47 Study hall occupant,
often 49 “Blue Bloods” network 50 Transplant to a new container 53 Look up and down
55 Fleur-de-__ 56 Get hitched 57 Neither partner 58 Understand 60 It may be iced
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
South Coquina shoreline still active The no entry zone soon to be enforced along the bayside coastal area south of the South Coquina boat ramp in Bradenton Beach afforded kayakers, swimmers and other users at least a few more days of recreational activity during the Labor Day weekend. County staff recently decided to extend the no entry zone that applies to the south end of Coquina Beach to the bayside coastline that extends north from the Longboat Pass inlet to the South Coquina Boat Ramp. Enforcement of the new no entry zone will commence when new signs and other control measures are put in place. Nancy Nutting is among those who objects to the decision made by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department Director Charlie Hunsicker and others, so she spent part of her holiday weekend collecting petition signatures in hopes of getting the decision reversed or modified.
NANCY NUTTING | SUBMITTED
On Saturday, plenty of folks continued to use the shorline south of the South Coquina Boat Ramp for recreational purposes. Nancy Nutting gathered petition signatures during the weekend.
Join Roser children's choir Joyful Noise, a free after school community choir for children in kindergarten through 5th grade, will meet on Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4 p.m. at Roser Church beginning Sept. 9. On Wednesdays when there is early dismissal it will meet from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Children will learn vocal technique, beginning sight-reading concepts and performance skills. The choir is directed by Kristen Stanton, director of Music Ministries at Roser. Snacks are included. There will be van transportation from AME and to the Community Center or the School for Constructive Play after choir practice. Performances are usually once a month and at various community events. The choir meets
Joyful Noise sang at Anna Maria Elementary School last year. ROSER CHURCH | SUBMITTED
September through May. Register online at www.RoserChurch. com > MUSIC MINISTRY > JOYFUL NOISE or stop by, call or e-mail the church and request a Joyful Noise brochure. Roser Community Church is near the Anna Maria City Pier at 512
Pine Avenue. For more information call the church office at 941-778-0414, e-mail info@ roserchurch.com, go to www.roserchurch.com or Facebook at www. facebook/roserchurch.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
S
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Sunday, September Septemb ep 13th
FREE
John Joh
“Grandma�rita a or “Grandpa�rita On Us!
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Limit one per person, per visit. Expires 9/13/2015. With this coupon & purchase of entrĂŠe. Good at all three locations. Cannot be combined with any other coupon. Ages 21+ only.
Daily 2pm – 5pm
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY! 11am-5pm & 8pm-close LANDSIDE
CORTEZ
ELLENTON
941.758.7880
941.792.0077
941.721.7773
(1.5 miles north of SRQ Airport)
(5 min from Anna Maria Island)
( Take I-75 Exit 224 west)
6906 14th St. W. on US 41
6696 Cortez Rd.
1525 51st Ave. E.
Lynn
Gary
THE SUN
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CENTER: Revamps membership fee structure FROM PAGE 13
Board member Lindsay Sauls added that there are not many classes for younger kids and said, “We need to focus on families. There’s a bunch of families that want to be here, but there’s nothing for them.� Griffith said she is working on adding more classes for kids and families and said she would meet with Sauls and Talucci to discuss the issue.
Marketing plan
Lessig also presented a marketing plan to the board and said it was the result of a staff reevaluation of the Community Center. “We want to rebuild confidence and trust in the Center, and our mission is to make it a place for people to come together and make friends. Our first priority will be our local families, but not lose sight of our seasonal visitors and residents.�
She said promises to the community include: • To create a family friendly atmosphere; • To offer healthy lifestyle programs and activities; • To provide experiences that are welcoming and stimulating; • To be a socially responsible member of the community. Strategies to accomplish this are: • To develop consistent brand messaging; • To go beyond the walls of the building; • To develop partnerships and collaborations; • To improve communications; • To constantly reevaluate. Mike Thrasher presented four concepts for a new logo, and board members told him to continue to develop one using elements of the two that featured turtles.
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REAL ESTATE
SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
Home building, closings up in July
very time I say enough with the boring sales statistics I find that I’m not really bored with the number. So here we go again. Try and stay awake as you read this. Believe me, you’ll be happy you did. I’m writing this column shortly after the stock market plunged over 500 points at the end of a down week with speculation that we haven’t hit bottom yet. Blame the Chinese, global warming, violence in the Middle East or your grandmother’s apple pie. The one thing you can’t blame is the real estate market. Nationally, July was a good month for both new home construction and re-sales. U.S. home building ticked up in July to 2.1 percent from June and the highest since October of 2007. Economists are hoping the surge in construction of single-family homes is the latest sign of continued momentum in the housing market. As we know, new homes are an import ingredient in the health of
Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger the overall housing market, since many existing homeowners move up to new construction freeing up their properties to sell. The state of Florida also is up compared to July of last year. Single family home closings are up 21.8 percent, the average sale price is up 4.2 percent, but the available inventory is down 2.2 percent. There are similar numbers for Florida condos – closed sales are up 13.9 percent, the average sale price is up 4.3 percent and the available inventory is down 2.0 percent. And Manatee County continues to be in very positive territory except when it
comes to available listings. Single- family home sales were up 13.8 percent from July of last year. The average sale price was up 13 percent from $262,220 to $296,181. The number of median days on the market was down 4.1 percent from 83 last year to 49 this year, and the average percent of list to sale price was up 1.9 percent, meaning that sales that closed in July of this year were getting 95.2 percent of list price. In addition, the number of active listings were down 8.6 percent resulting in only a 3.6 months’ supply of available inventory, down 19.4 percent from last year, Condos equally have done well with closed sales up 15.7 percent, average sale price up an impressive 26.3 percent to $212,125 and days on market down also an impressive 30.3 percent to 53. The average percent of list price to sale price is 94.1 percent, up 1.7 percent, but active listings were up 6.6 percent. And finally the months’ supply of condos was
also at a very low 3.9 months down 2.1 percent. Florida, of course, continues to be a very popular place for retirees and vacation home buyers, but there is another big market opening up. New businesses and self-employed people are waking up to the fact that Florida has no state income tax and a business friendly environment. This puts the Florida housing market in a whole new light that can only have positive results. If you’re sleeping, time to wake up. You’re at the end of my column. Even if you skipped some of the repetitive numbers, I hope you got the general idea that in spite of the insane stock market, real estate values keep trudging along nationally, statewide and in Manatee County. Our biggest problem is the lack of inventory, which is no small thing and could have a profound effect on future markets.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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Commissioners promote residents’ revival An Island-wide meeting to be led by a professional facilitator is planned for Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Three commissioners discussed their proposal to create a residents’ revival at the August meeting of island elected officials. Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter, speaking for herself and Bradenton Beach Commissioner Janie Robertson and Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen, said they have initiated a grass roots organization to celebrate residents and attract new residents to the Island. “We have about a dozen
charter members and have been meeting every two weeks for the last two months,” Carter explained. “Our name is Home Sweet Home and our slogan is ‘Anna Maria Island: Love here? Live here!’” She said they are creating working groups that include social media/blogging, electronic newspaper, promotion/ advertising, corporate/ HR interface, TDC liaison and real estate investment. They also are planning to hold an Island-wide meeting led by a professional facilitator on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. at St. Bernard Church. Outcomes for this meeting are to inform residents of this initiative and seek their input, set strategies and define tactics to support the mission and recruit volunteers for the working groups.
Robertson said their goal is to get the group started and then the elected officials would “fade into the background and let the residents take this over.” Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said they should encourage the Manatee County Tourist Development Council to “sell this message,” and Peelen said she had talked to TDC officials about using the group’s slogan. “The TDC does a great job of bringing tourists here, but we also have to focus on people who have never been here,” Peelen pointed out. “That’s our thought about social media and reaching out.” Holmes Beach Commissioner Carol Soustek agreed and said they need to reach young people through networking.
PAT COPELAND | SUN
Top producer Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson, at left, and Police Chief Bill Tokajer, at right, present Officer Joel Pierce an award from the Florida Department of Transportation and the NHTSA for being the top producer in the Click It or Ticket campaign.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
Little feet on the field: Youth soccer underway at AMICC BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
For years the Anna Maria Island Community Center has brought kids of all ages on the soccer field for the fall sports season. Recreational sports at the Community Center has always been about learning the game, loving the game and learning to win and lose the game. For many, the next generation of Island players came out to play last week. Tryouts at the Center Wednesday saw the youngest youths take the field with Youth Sports Manager Ray Gardner running, kicking and laughing. The 3- to 5-yearold instructional division had more than 20 kids register to play on the little pitch. Gardner walked players through listening drills using their
Monica simpson | submitted
Above, the littlest players gather around Youth Sports Manager Ray Gardner listing to important instructions. At right, as volunteer parent coaches observe on the side lines, the 3- to 5-year-old soccer players look down field to start a skills assessment. knowledge of colors. The kids showed their fancy footwork, dribbling the ball around the field, while volunteer parent coaches watched on the sidelines. In the perfect spirit
of the recreational sports atmosphere at the Center, the coaches drafted their teams, striving for parity and fun. With approximately 100 area children playing soccer at the
Center, weekday nights and Saturday events will provide a wonderful community atmosphere once again. Games will start in the coming weeks, leading up to the division playoffs for the older
teams that will ultimately lead to this year’s championship games. For more information about the youth sports program at AMICC, contact Gardner at 941-778-1908.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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Real estate transfers of July 2015 •Sponsored by Alan Galletto, Island Real Estate Source: Mid Florida Multiple Listing Service
6101 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH
Sold Date List Price Anna Maria 07/31/15 540,000 07/29/15 495,000 07/10/15 455,000 07/06/15 550,000 07/31/15 629,000 07/15/15 649,000 07/28/15 2,499,000
Sold Price Property Address
SFUA
Lot Size
BR/BA
Property Type
500,000 485,000 446,000 515,000 588,000 649,000 2,200,000
515 South Dr. # A 519 Villa Rosa Way 239 Lakeview Dr. 242 Gladiolus St 150 Crescent Dr. 265 Gladiolus St 830 S Bay Blvd A
2265 66x100 DUP 75x113 SFR 1152 2BR/2 BA Bank Owned SFR 832 2BR/1 BA None SFR 1765 3 BR/2 BA None SFR 1601 2 BR/3 BA None SFR 3570 4 BR/4.5 BA None SFR
Bradenton Beach 07/02/15 369,900 07/02/15 369,900 07/17/15 775,000 07/14/15 150,000 07/31/15 199,900 07/23/15 319,000 07/31/15 472,000 07/02/15 369,900 07/21/15 389,900
340,000 340,000 700,000 150,000 226,150 305,000 440,000 340,000 350,000
2314 Ave.B # A 50 X 100 None Mix 2314 Ave.B # A & B 864 50x100 None DUP 2401 Ave.B 2820 50 X 100 None DUP 2315 Ave.C # 3 488 1 BR/1 BA None Condo 1325 Gulf N Dr. # 125 675 2 BR/1 BA Bank Owned Condo 1801 Gulf N Dr. # 270 1080 2 BR/2 BA None Condo 248 17th St # 248 1268 2 BR/2 BA None Condo 2314 Ave.B # A 864 2 BR/2 BA None SFR 1108 Bay N Dr. 1544 2 BR/2 BA None SFR
Sold Date 07/27/15 07/16/15 07/28/15
List Price 499,000 749,000 869,000
Sold Price 445,000 744,000 845,000
Property Address SFUA Lot Size 2110 Ave.A 1490 2302 Ave.B 2145 102 7th S St 1948
BR/BA 3 BR/2 BA 3 BR/2.5 BA 5 BR/4 BA
Property Type None SFR None SFR None TH
Holmes Beach 07/30/15 449,000 07/21/15 515,000 07/27/15 472,500 07/24/15 549,000 07/21/15 599,900 07/31/15 644,000 07/15/15 669,000 07/10/15 689,000 07/13/15 719,000 07/31/15 689,000 07/28/15 1,050,000
425,000 490,000 502,000 525,000 589,000 610,000 640,000 669,000 690,000 690,000 1,050,000
221 85th St 1470 6250 Holmes Blvd # 72 1536 210 76th St 981 203 82nd St 1132 626 Foxworth Ln 2532 303 74th St # B 1340 518 77th St 2096 90x108 409 73rd St 1482 312 61st St # A 2212 3705 Gulf Dr. # A 1216 213 84th St 2193
2 BR/2 BA None SFR 3 BR/2.5 BA None TH 2 BR/1 BA Bank Owned Villa 2 BR/2 BA None SFR 3 BR/2 BA None SFR 4 BR/2.5 BA None SFR 3 BR/3 BA None SFR 3 BR/2 BA None SFR 3 BR/2.5 BA None SFR 3 BR/2 BA None SFR 4 BR/3 BA None SFR
Cortez 07/17/15 479,000 07/09/15 595,000
455,000 580,000
3905 Mariners Walk # 814 1840 3948 Mariners Way # 221 2393
3 BR/2 BA None Condo 3 BR/2.5 BA None Condo
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THE SUN
Park to get bathrooms City Pier Park is about to get more comfortable. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – City Pier Park will soon have brand new bathrooms. Last week, city commissioners authorized Mayor Dan Murphy’s request to execute an $87,239 contract with Kern Construction to build a comfort station in the city park. Murphy told commissioners Kern Construction submitted the lowest initial bid of $110,000 and two other bids received from local firms came in at $160,000 and $135,000. Murphy said all three bids were higher than he hoped for, but FEMA regulations regarding waterproofing standards, four-foot footers and other requirements contributed to the higher
briefs FDOT Island congestion study Island officials received a notice from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that it plans to do a comprehensive study of congestion on the Island as requested by the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization. “In an effort to improve existing conditions, the department is preparing a comprehensive scope to identify all key issues, as well as possible alternatives and recommendations,” said Tricia Labud, FDOT traffic studies/ analyst specialist, in an e-mail. “The department’s goal is to develop a master plan through coordination with local stakeholders to result in improving overall operations and circulation on the Island.” Labud asked for officials to provide information regarding traffic operations, land use, circulation, parking limitations, bicycle/pedestrian interaction, transit and the like.
Tower lease transfer OK’d The Bradenton Beach Commission approved a land lease amendment last week that allows Florida Tower Partners to transfer its lease with the city to Delaware-based SBA Towers. In exchange, the city will receive a flat fee of $10,000. The commission denied two previous requests to transfer the lease because Verizon remains the only carrier currently providing service on the cell tower located on leased city property. Florida Tower
than anticipated costs. “I decided to do it in phases and we took some things out of the original proposal to lower the price, such as tiles on the walls and things of that nature. We can always come back and do that later,” Murphy said. Commissioner Doug Copeland said he was suffering sticker shock in regard to spending $87,000 to build a bathroom, but he then made a motion to authorize the contract, which was unanimously supported by the rest of the commission. Murphy said construction would begin the week of Sept. 21. On Friday he sent out an e-mail that said a groundbreaking ceremony would take place on Monday, Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
President Brett Buggeln said a larger company would have a better chance of securing additional carriers. He also said the recently-installed exterior panels would gradually fade and match the color of the original material that blew off in a wind storm.
BBQ needs team members The Community BBQ Honoring Veterans is seeking team members to create the vision for this year’s event. The BBQ is set for Saturday, Nov. 14, at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To volunteer, contact the office at CrossPointe Fellowship, 941-778-0719. Visit nhnami.com for a look at last year’s flyer and a link to pictures from the event.
Community Center golf tourney The AMI Community Center is holding its 7th Annual Golf Tournament at Longboat Key Club Islandside/Links on Friday, Oct. 2. The fee is $150 per person or $500 for a foursome, which includes cart range balls and lunch. Registration begins at 11 a.m., lunch is at noon, shotgun is at 1 p.m. and a reception with cocktails is at 5:30. There will be hole-in-one and putting contests and Mulligans are available for purchase. Space is limited. To register call the Center at 941-778-1908 or get the forms on-line at www.islandcommunitycenter.org. For more information, contact Wende Webb at 941-778-1908, ext. 9203, or wendew@islandcommunitycenter.org.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
ISLAND TIME: Remembers 9-11 FROM PAGE 23
officers killed. The Never Forget fundraiser will feature live music from True Blue, a local band consisting of Manatee County firefighters. There will be a 50/50 raffle and silent and live auctions. The grand auction prize will be a Bridge Street Excursion valued at $800. The grand prize package includes a two-night stay at the BridgeWalk Resort, dinner for four at the Bridge Street Bistro and a one hour sunset portrait photography session. Additional auction items will be provided by local businesses and restaurants, including those that
are members of the Bridge Street Merchants association. This year’s event will also a feature an increased focus on children’s activities. “A lot of these kids weren’t even born when the 9/11 tragedies happened 14 years ago, so this is a chance to make them aware. We also want to provide a public service by offering an educational program. In the lot across the street there will be a fire engine and firefighters, an ambulance and the Bradenton Beach Police boat,� Herlihy said. “They’ll be giving out stickers, fire hats and educational material; and the kids will get to meet the firefighters in their gear. It’s
important for kids to know that in case of an emergency the firefighters are there to help. Young kids in a dark, smoky, disorienting situation might be scared when they see a firefighter coming toward them wearing a mask, oxygen tank and full bunker gear. We want them to know these are their friends,� he explained. The children’s activities will also include games, complimentary face painting, cotton candy, and water balloons. For advance tickets stop by Island Time or call 941-782-1122. You can also visit Island Time and Bridge Street Bistro on Facebook and at www.islandtimebarandgrill.com.
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briefs Dredging OK'd
The Anna Maria City Commission authorized the dredging of the mouth of Lake La Vista, at an estimated cost of $87,860. Mayor Dan Murphy told the commission last week that this would be a temporary fix in anticipation of a longterm solution devised by the West Coast Inland Navigation District that calls for a jetty that will extend out into Tampa Bay. Murphy said the sand removed would be used to renourish the eroded beach near the Anna Maria City Pier and he hopes to have the work done as soon as possible.
Center golf tourney set
The AMI Community Center is holding its 7th Annual Golf Tournament at Longboat Key Club Islandside/Links on Friday, Oct. 2. The fee is $150 per person or $500 for a foursome, which includes cart range balls and lunch. Registration begins at 11 a.m., lunch is at noon, shotgun is at 1 p.m. and a reception with cocktails is at 5:30. There will be hole-in-one and putting contests and Mulligans are available for purchase. Space is limited. To register call the Center at 941-778-1908 or get the forms on-line at www.islandcommunitycenter.org. For information, contact Wende Webb at 941778-1908, ext. 9203, or wendew@ islandcommunitycenter.org.
(941) 778-6066 WWW.CALLTHE ISLANDERS.COM
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MORATORIUM: On hold in Bradenton Beach FROM PAGE 1
City Commission's moratorium that resulted in that city being hit with a lawsuit. “This commission does not want to go down that path. I advised them to reject an immediate moratorium,” she said. During the general public input that began the meeting, Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen said her commission is taking a two-pronged approach that addresses how large of a structure can be built in residential zones and how many people can occupy those structures. Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board member Frank Harrison said he was disappointed that the commission decided to remove the moratorium discussion from the agenda. When discussing the remaining agenda item pertaining to Clarke’s previous suggestion that a citizen’s panel be formed to assist the city in
the moratorium discussions, resident Joanne Keir said, “That’s a great idea, but I think it’s best put in place after the moratorium. I think it’s essential to the put the moratorium in place now and not waste any time.” In regard to the number of bedrooms suggested for a proposed moratorium, resident JoAnn Meilner said, “I think making a moratorium for four bedrooms is excessive. You heard Commissioner Peelen say they stopped at five bedrooms (in Holmes Beach). There are people with three children that would like to have a four bedroom home. Once you get beyond that I think you get into the rental homes.” Sandpiper Resort resident Ted Baird said he opposes enacting a moratorium simply because 15 residents are in favor of it. He said it may already be too late to correct the exodus of full-time residents and he suggested consolidat-
This does not mean I reject a moratorium out of hand, but I want to take a reasoned approach to it.” Jack Clarke Bradenton Beach mayor
ing all three Island cities and forming the singular city of Anna Maria Island. Lisa Kelly opposed the moratorium and said the commission needs to change the zoning laws rather than create what amounts to a tax on property owners who exceed a certain number of bedrooms. Commissioner Janie Robertson said more structure and specifics were needed. “I think we need to do this and I just hope it’s not too late already,” Vosburgh said. After noting that a large
number of big houses are being built near his home, Commissioner Ed Straight said he favors a moratorium but asked if the suggested six-month time frame could be shortened if need be. Commissioner John Shaughnessy said most of the complaints he hears pertain to noise, and he does not feel limiting the number of bedrooms would adequately address those concerns. “I’m not against a moratorium, as long as it’s not too long,” he concluded.
Clarke said, “Now I’ve heard both sides here tonight, I still think we need to have a group to have a free exchange of ideas on both sides. This does not mean I reject a moratorium out of hand, but I want to take a reasoned approach to it.” It was agreed that Clarke would serve as the commission liaison and help facilitate public workshops with citizens in attempt to clarify what is being sought in regard to a moratorium. The workshops will be open to the public and the first one will take place Wednesday, Sept. 9 at city hall at 11 am. In the wake of the commission’s decision to refrain from enacting a moratorium Thursday night, developer Shawn Kaleta submitted four additional building permits Friday afternoon, according to Building Official Steve Gilbert.
ORDINANCE: Amended rental ordinance adopted FROM PAGE 1
father allowance at five years, with the understanding that this could extended an additional five or 10 years based on an expert’s review of actuary earning figures regarding potential lost income and recouping one’s initial investment. Prior to Thursday’s meeting, the grandfather clause had no expiration date. In order to qualify for the occupancy exemption, the property owner must meet the one-time Dec. 15 application submission deadline. If missed, the property will no longer qualify. If city staff verifies the application to be accurate, final occupancy will be established by special magistrate. If staff fails to confirm the requested occupancy level, the applicant has 20 days to request a hearing. If the applicant provides intentionally false or fraudulent documentation, the applicant would be disqualified to serve as a rental agent for one year, and the property would not receive a rental license for one year.
Upon further review
The recent efforts to amend the original ordinance adopted earlier this year were an attempt to address complaints listed in the first of two ordinance-related lawsuits filed against the city. The 30-minute agent response time to a complaint has been increased to one hour, and property owners can also opt out of retaining a rental agent if they chose. Those who operate a rental without an agent are still required to adhere to all provisions in the ordinance, except for the one hour response time and weekly inspections. The property will also be subject to all other applicable city ordinances and regulations. A property that receives three unresolved violations or six total violations in a 12-month period would lose the ability to serve as a rental for one year. Greater violation allowances are also in place for rental agents and agencies. Violations include noise, parking, exceeding maximum occupancy and failing to post a list of current occu-
pants and registered vehicles inside each unit. Using a federal data base, the property owner or representative is expected to ensure that no guests are registered sex offenders. The ordinance no longer regulates pool use, but a separate citywide pool-specific noise ordinance is in the works. As of Jan. 1, a $1,000 vacation rental license will be required for each vacation rental operated in the city. Owners are encouraged to file their license applications beginning Oct. 5, with street-specific filing deadlines in place during November and December. A second application period will begin on Jan. 4. Operating a vacation rental without a license would violate city ordinance. Once a license is issued, advertising for the licensed property must disclose its maximum occupancy. The ordinance applies to short-term rentals that are rented for less than 30 days at a time. Funded by the new license fees, the city’s 2015-16 fiscal year budget calls for approximately $512,000 in code enforcement expenditures, which is a
significant increase from past years.
Public divided
Public input given was again divided. Debbie Kilichowski expressed fears that the ordinance would diminish property values. Jill Morris suggested greater control of rentals would lead to increased property values. She also compared the constant presence of weekly renters to Chinese water torture. Janet Aubrey said it is important for the commission to do what it can to offset reductions in home rule authority legislated by the state, and Bill Iseman thanked the commission for enacting the ordinance. John Castellano called the ordinance disgusting, and Rosalind Covine likened it to communism. Michael Trauner said the primary reason he and many others rent their properties is to pay their property taxes. After the meeting, some who still oppose the ordinance suggested a third lawsuit may be forthcoming.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your community by giving of yourself. Various positions available. Call 941-778-1908 ext 0 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688. ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).
BABY SITTER BABY SITTER. Honor student with own transportation. Experienced, References available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219 RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student. Call or text Isabel 941-5457995
BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well! Over 75 sold to date. We Need Boats! “Business On A Hand Shake.” www. Islandboatsales.net We Also Buy Boats. 941-228-3489
CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570 PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc. Call 941-251-5948
COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216
COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424
EMPLOYMENT
CARPET CLEANING
NOW HIRING WAITSTAFF for the upcoming season. Must be able to work days and or nights. Apply in person between the hours of 8am to 11am or 3pm to 5pm. Key Royale Club,700 Key Royale Dr Holmes Beach
QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
MARKETING ASSISTANT PART-TIME Busy office, strong communications skills, computer skills. Need to be flexible. Send Resume to PO Box 1394, Anna Maria FL 34216
BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088
CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512
Call us today! 941-778-3986
FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store. Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUE SHOP. 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling jewelry 20% to 50% off. Select Gifts, Sea Art, Vintage & Costume jewelry, Bric-Brac, Books, Miniatures 35% to 80% off. Collection of Old Beer Steins, Hand made scented soaps, Large selection of Driftwood. Open 7 days 9:30am-5pm.
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HOME SERVICES DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
ROSER THRIFT SHOP-. The shop & annex closed September. 511 Pine Ave. Anna Maria.
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
WE'RE MOVING YARD SALE September 12 & 13, 9am4pm, 315 Hardin Ave, Anna Maria. Household goods, camping gear and more!
ELI’S IRRIGATION New install/repair. Pumps, pools, irrigation, landscape lighting and pressure washing. Call 941-580-2054
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077
LOCKSMITH
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073. KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/ Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www. kernconstructioninc.com
ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”. Licensed/bonded/insured. Call 941-778-1661 or 941713-4414
“HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services. 35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com
LOST FAMILY HEIRLOOM during Wedding at Sandbar Restaurant on Sunday March 29. Gold wedding band with Diamond pendant near high water mark. Please contact 407-7609033
CONSTRUCTION, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, Remodel O.T.A.R., LLC “On Time & Right” Licensed & Insured Rob Wooten 941-812-8557 otarllc@gmail.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194. HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates. “No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806
LOST & FOUND LOST 11’ JOBE PADDLE Board white, lime green and black. Please call 813486-5110
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777. TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www. WalyPrecisionPainting.com
PERSONAL SERVICES SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518 THE TINT GUY." Commercial, residential, automotive, marine. Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-2012649
PETS ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available. Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. {Chemical Service} Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com
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AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates. References available "Let me do what you are unwilling or unable to do." Call Cindy 941-812-2238 zicker8@aol.com
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts. Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitchen & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered parking and private storage. Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455 DON’T MISS THIS ONE! Beautiful updated 2BR/2BA w/carport & lanai. A Popular West Bradenton over 55 community. 1 pet friendly. Move in ready. You will love coming home to this condo. $144,500 Katharine Pepper, RoseBay Intl. 941-792-9459
DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND, Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay, Renovated condo on Private Island, 2BR/2BA/2CG with water views. Do not miss this beautiful condo. Pet Friendly. $309,900. Katharine Pepper, RoseBay Intl. 941-792-9459 LOOKING TO BUY or SALE a home? Contact Darcie Duncan for a personal approach to your real estate needs that will always make you feel at home. Discover the Duncan Difference. 941-779-0304 4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty
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REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE HOLMES BEACH 10,000 sf residential lot with deeded boat slip. No bridges to open water. $374,900 Mary Collandra Wagner Realty 941-704-7095
RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. CONDO 2BR/2BA UNFURNISHED year lease. Sabel Palms 2727 75th St W. Heated pool, club house. First floor, new carpet, minutes to shopping and beach. First, last & security $1000/mo Call 941-7784451 3BR/2BA FURNISHED CONDO in gated community Mariners Cove. Full intercostal views. W/D in unit $2300/mo. Annual lease. Contact A Paradise 941-778-4800
Call us today! 941-778-3986
ANNUAL RENTALS2BR/1BA elevated unit, Gulf View. One property from beach. W/D, D/W $1,500/mo. NO pets. 2BR/2BA River Front Condo, Pool, Clubhouse. No Pets. $1,250/mo. For details call Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-7782307. WEST BRADENTON RENTALS: Wares Creek Historic District Bungalow. 2216 8th Ave W 2BR/2BA One car detached garage, fenced yard, hardwood floors. Cute!! $1300/mo. Duplex 2BR/1BA/1CG 4715A 34th St W $950/mo. Both Available September 1. First/last & security deposit. 1 year lease. Application fee. Call 941-8092488 for Appointment FABULOUS HISTORICAL HOME Pine Ave for rent to conscientious person! 3BR/3BA, pool . Featured in the Sarasota Magazine July 2015! Extremely cool! Broker/ owner Brenda Boyd May Boyd Realty llc. Www.boydrealty.com 941-730-8589 HOLMES BEACH: 2 BR/2.5BA town home with community pool, carport, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms. $1700/mo. Available now. Key Royale: 3 BR/2BA home on canal, new paint and flooring. $2200/mo. Includes landscape. Quiet neighborhood. Ready Oct. 1. Palma Sola Harbour: 1BR/1BA furnished villa w/community pool, boat docks, & fitness center. $1500/mo. includes all utilities. Ready now. Contact junew@islandreal. com or call 941-345-1295
PARADISE FOUND! SHARE 2BR/2BA $600/ mo includes all. Steps to private Gulf beach, water views. Serenity. No smokers. Call 845521-5759
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 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub! MONTHLY RENTAL SPECIALS on AMI! 3BR/2BA fully furnished home with pool and elevator! Call Duncan Real Estate for details! 941-779-0304 LARGE 2BR/1BA. See Beach from your kitchen table. Available until January $1600/ mo or $650/wk. All utilities included except electric. Turnkey. Call 816-729-5146
SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941225-0072 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur at taxi prices! Airports (1person $75, 10 people $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere. Credit cards accepted. Call Phil 941-3201120 admiraltowncar@ gmail.com, admiraltc.com Licensed & Insured
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner
Cindy Jones Sales Associate
Michelle Laade Sales Associate
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2015
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Vacation Rentals s Sales s Property Management
TeamDuncan.com s 941.779.0304
310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216