Duncan awarded Super Bowl tickets
Anna Maria residents Darcie Duncan and Alex Harllee are headed to the Super Bowl.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan’s hard work and good deeds have earned her two tickets to the Super Bowl.
Featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LIX will be played at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, Feb. 9. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. and Duncan, an Anna Maria resident and business owner, will be there.
On Jan. 9, Duncan received a call from a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ representative who asked her to visit the AdventHealth Training Center at the team’s One Buc Place headquarters in Tampa the following day to receive an unspecified award. Duncan was not told the award included two Super Bowl tickets, which came as a surprise to her and the two other award winners, Tampa Bay Billboards owner Troy Stevenson and Chef Gaston Meredith of Gaston’s
Diggins, DeRusso join TDC
The reconfigured TDC will meet for the first time on Monday, Feb. 24.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – Anna Maria Island once again has an elected city official serving on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC). The last elected Island official to sit on the TDC was former Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland, who helped secure TDC-supported funds for the construction of the new City Pier completed in 2020.
On Jan. 28, Manatee County Commissioners appointed Holmes Beach Commission Chair Dan Diggins to fill the elected official’s seat recently vacated by former Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant.
Commissioners discuss restructuring building department
The
suspension of Building Official Darin Cushing has led to talk of restructuring the building department.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission made progress last week on restructuring its building department after suspending Building Official Darin Cushing.
Cushing was suspended in part for making derogatory comments about the city on social media after the city questioned his approval of a permit for the tiki hut at the Drift-In on Bridge Street.
The commission unanimously passed three motions on Jan. 28: To
have Cushing’s contracted employer, M.T. Causley, provide a new building official until the city can make a permanent decision on Cushing; to authorize city staff and Mayor John Chappie to pursue emergency services for building department and planning services with Joe Payne Inc. and Integrated Solutions Consulting; and to authorize staff and Chappie to coordinate with Holmes Beach for any additional services that cannot be fulfilled by M.T. Causley.
“In the past, the building official was an employee, and we changed that in 2015” to hiring a contractor to supply the building official, Chappie said.
He said the pros to hiring an employee as a building official are continuity of care, getting to know
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS | SUBMITTED
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers awarded Anna Maria businesswoman Darcie Duncan two tickets to Super Bowl LIX.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins (top) and Palmetto Marriott Resort Managing Director Tony DeRusso are the new members of the TDC.
County to review Annie’s rebuild
Manatee County officials and staff are looking at ways to save Annie's Bait and Tackle after the 2024 hurricanes.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON – Following a strong showing of public support to save Annie’s Bait and Tackle at a Jan. 28 Manatee County Commission meeting, the commission voted unanimously to direct county staff to explore ways to bring the hurricanedamaged building up to code.
“I feel like we keep beating around the bush on this,” Commissioner Jason Bearden said. “We’ve had people come here in public comment today that have made the decision they want to keep Annie’s. Therefore, let me show you how to get it done. County Administrator (Charlie) Bishop, I need you to figure out how to get that building up to code so that Annie’s can continue, period. No ifs, ands or buts.”
Annie’s Bait and Tackle is part of the Seafood Shack parcel that was recently purchased by the county with the intent of creating a public boating facility.
Commissioner George Kruse asked
Bishop to work with his staff to bring back a discussion about the feasibility of bringing Annie’s up to code.
“They have to speak with FEMA. They have to talk to general contractors, and they have to figure it out.” Kruse said. “It’ll be as soon as feasibly possible they will bring it back.”
“Let’s make a motion then to confirm it,” Bearden said. “I want to make a motion to have something back with regards to what we need to do to get Annie’s back up to code within 30 days.”
The motion passed 7-0, bringing applause from meeting attendees who spoke in support of Annie’s.
Prior to the public comment portion of the meeting, Deputy County Administrator Brian Parnell gave commissioners an update on what is now being called the Cortez Marina property.
“Before the acquisition was finalized, the hurricanes, as anyone can see, caused extensive damage, destroying the boat slips, the restaurants and the bait and tackle,” Parnell said, adding that structural inspections revealed that the repairs would be more than 50% of the structures’ value, triggering FEMA regulations ensuring that any rebuild would be to current code.
“The current status is they are red-
about the building,” said Anna Gaffey. “My parents Bruce and Kim bought Annie’s Bait and Tackle Jan. 1, 1996. They worked hard over the years to turn it into a place where families could come and eat, buy bait and tackle and learn about fishing.
“Over the years, they have watched kids coming in to buy bait and have watched them grow up and now we get to see those kids all grown up bringing their kids to eat and get bait,” she said. “It’s one of the pleasures of being in a business like this, generations of love and passion for fishing.”
“Annie’s has always been an older historic building and that’s what’s important out there. We’d like to see if it’s at all possible to protect it,” Karen Bell said.
tagged, they are condemned,” Parnell said.
“We did have those discussions prior to the hurricanes when the previous board directed us to purchase the property, we discussed how we could keep operations going on the marina for the two and a half years before we can build something new and get something in place,” Parnell said. “Post-hurricanes, it’s not an option for us anymore.”
PUBLIC COMMENT
“My dad is Bruce Shearer, he owns Annie’s. I understand what you’re saying
“Annie's is very important to Cortez,” tour boat Capt. Kathe Fannon said. “It’s historical and a lot of people depend on it. I think taking two and a half years is not acceptable. I think we need to give him the opportunity to put the place back together.”
Following the meeting Shearer said, “It’s an iconic place, I hope to get longer than two and a half to three years.
“They’re giving us 30 days, so I’ll be getting a bid from my contractor and bringing it back to them,” he said. “I’m hoping to put it back together and get back to business.”
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Annie’s Bait and Tackle in Cortez on the county-owned Seafood Shack parcel sustained damage during both 2024 hurricanes.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Temporary ferry landing removed
On
installed near the hurricanedamaged Anna Maria City Pier to serve as a tempo rary Gulf Islands Ferry landing were removed last week. The state of Florida installed the rarely, if ever, used temporary landing at the county’s request in late October. In January, county officials were told the county would have to pay $500,000 a month for the third-partyowned barges to remain in place. Gulf Islands Ferry service to Anna Maria is discontinued until the missing City Pier walkway is restored or a permanent county-funded ferry landing is installed between the pier and the Lake La Vista jetty. Ferry service continues as usual between downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier.
Anna Maria meeting times revised
Anna Maria City Commission meetings will now take place at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. instead of 2 p.m. or 6 p.m., with the exception of two state-mandated budget adoption public hearings to be held in September at 5:01 p.m. The commission generally meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The Feb. 13 meeting will start at 10 a.m. and the Feb. 27 meeting will start at 1 p.m. The new meeting times were approved during the commission’s Jan. 23 meeting, when it was noted that holding city commission meetings during regular city hall business hours alleviates the need for city staff to work after their regular workday ends.
Commissioners to discuss extending free building permits
Bradenton Beach commissioners will discuss extending free building permits due to ongoing hurricane recovery efforts at a city commission meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. On the consent agenda is the approval of invoices from M.T. Causley, Woodruff and Sons, Ricinda Perry and Manatee County. Under attorney business, a discussion is scheduled on extending the franchise agreement for Waste Pro. The meeting will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Sun wins five statewide awards
Three Anna Maria Island Sun staffers were honored with five awards at the 2023-24 Florida Press Club's Excellence in Journalism Competition awards banquet in Ocala on Feb. 1.
Editor Cindy Lane won first place for the editorial, “Public Comment Fiasco Avoided – Somewhat,” about a Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning commissioner’s battle to keep a public hearing open to the public. https://amisun. com/public-comment-fiascoavoided-somewhat/ Lane won second place for the editorial, “Strange Changes,” mourning the loss of beloved island landmarks and encouraging appreciation of AMI in the face of inevitable change. The editorial was published six months before the island was decimated by two hurricanes. https://amisun.com/editorialstrange-changes/ Political cartoonist Steve Borggren took home second place for his editorial cartoon, “Stay away from the light,” depicting fish disoriented by illuminated kayak tourist tours. https://amisun.com/ political-cartoon-4/ Correspondent Joe Hendricks won third place in the breaking news category for his Hurricane Idalia coverage, “Idalia swamps island.” https://amisun.com/ hurricane-idalia-floods-annamaria-island/ Lane won third place for her feature on swimmer Diana Nyad’s Anna Maria Island Sun connection in “Nyad film celebrates historic swim.” https://amisun.com/filmcelebrates-nyads-historicswim-from-cuba-to-key-west/
FILE PHOTO
Cartoonist Steve Borggren won second place for this editorial cartoon about nighttime illuminated kayak tours.
PHOTO
Editor Cindy Lane won third place for a feature on swimmer Diana Nyad and her connection to the Anna Maria Island Sun, and first and second place awards for editorials.
Correspondent Joe Hendricks won third place for coverage of Hurricane Idalia.
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED
Jan. 30, the city of Anna Maria provided this photo of the spud barges floating near the City Pier.
Concerns raised about Waste Management’s performance
The city of Anna Maria’s contract with Waste Management expires in June 2026.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Residents and city officials are displeased with the level of trash and recycling collection services being provided by Waste Management. When addressing city commissioners about various city-related projects and concerns on Jan. 23, Anna Maria General Manager Dean Jones said, “We’re in talks with Waste Management. We want to bring them in for a meet-and-greet with the new administration and set some expectations for them. We expect high levels of customer service and we want to make sure they get that message.”
Mayor Mark Short then
said, “We have, over the last several few weeks, received an unusual number of complaints about Waste Management service – stuff not getting picked up for sometimes weeks at a time, or they pick up my trash and not my recycling, or they didn’t get my landscaping. The volume of complaints we have received about Waste Management services has significantly increased over the last several weeks. So, we’re scheduling a meeting with ‘the boss,’ trying to get him out here and have a little conversation about improving the quality of
right. That’s part of the quality of service. For those, they are to go get it, dump it and take it back. We’ve also seen where they go get them but they’re leaving them out at the street, and in some cases in the street. That’s part of our soon-to-be meeting and conversation. We need to see some improvement in quality of service,” Short said.
Commission Chair Charlie Salem asked when the city’s current exclusive contract with Waste Management expires. Jones said the current contract expires on June 28, 2026: “We have about 18 months.”
service which has, in our opinion, deteriorated.”
Commissioner Chris Arendt asked if shortterm vacation rentals are required to use the sidedoor trash and recycling service – a service provided at an additional cost which entails Waste Management employees retrieving and
returning trash and recycling receptacles to the side of the house.
“That hasn’t been happening,” Arendt said.
After clarifying the sidedoor service requirement pertains to all non-homesteaded residential properties, and not just vacation rentals, Short said, “You’re
Salem noted Waste Management’s quality of service will be considered when it’s time to discuss renewing that contract.
The cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach contract with Waste Pro for their trash and recycling services.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
These trash and recycling receptacles are a common sight along Willow Avenue.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The city has received several complaints about Waste Management’s recent level of service.
OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff
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Editor
Cindy Lane
General Manager
Bob Alexander
Reporters | Photographers
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Contributors
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Capt. Rick Grassett
Monica Simpson
Layout
Ricardo Fonseca
Digital Editor
Kristin Swain
Advertising Director
Shona Otto
Classified Ads
Bob Alexander
Graphics
Elaine Stroili
Ricardo Fonseca
Distribution
Bob Alexander
Connor Field
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Accounting
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Co-founding publishers
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thanks for protecting AMI
As homeowners in Holmes Beach for 25 years this very month, we write to congratulate and thank those who led our city successfully through the stressful process culminating in the OPPAGA study.
The attacks on “home rule,” including the threat of a parking garage, were led ironically by elected Republican Party representatives with minimal to no appreciation for the special character of our Island. So, we
are heartened to read now that current elected officials have come to understand and support BOTH the distinctiveness of our three small cities AND to urge proactive, constructive cooperation and - when appropriate - consolidation to benefit residents. It is important we recognize such efforts were and are underway, as we hope also there will be a review of targeted additional parking spaces near our precious beaches.
Our special thanks to Mayor Judy Titsworth, someone with a long-time investment in our city and Island’s welfare, who was
Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email
The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail
unwavering in her leadership. Also, to Terry Schaefer and his fellow commissioners, for being voices of reason as well as passionate advocates for their fellow citizens. To Barbara Ehren and others who organized grassroots protests and to Sean Murphy, whose community-mindedness, hospitality and humor are always so welcome… and fun. And finally, to the staff of The Sun, for extensive coverage of the news and the back stories throughout this period.
a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
Helen and Tom Flynn Holmes Beach
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941708-6130
Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
Feb. 13, 10 a.m. – City Commission meeting
Feb. 17, all day – City offices closed, Presidents Day
Feb. 27, 1 p.m. – City Commission meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Feb. 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
Feb. 17, all day – City offices closed, Presidents Day
Feb. 19, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting
Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting
Feb. 20, noon – City Commission meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941708-5800
Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Feb. 5, 3:30 p.m. –Planning Commission meeting
Feb. 11, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
Feb. 17, all day – City offices closed, Presidents Day
Feb. 25, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
ISLAND-WIDE
Feb. 18, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5
Coquina Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Moroccan spice blending, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.
Holy yoga, Roser Church, outdoor stage, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m.
One-on-One Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEB. 6
AMI Chamber sunrise breakfast, Harry’s Grill, 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 8 a.m., $15 for members or $20 for prospective members
Friends of the Island Library 2025 Lecture and Travel Series: NY Times
Author Patricia Gussin, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEB. 7
Forty Carrots toddler playtime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Feed the Peeps Arts and Crafts Show, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave.,
Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Coquina Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
Paper crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Finding Romance in Nature sunset program, Robinson Preserve north entrance, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 5:45 p.m.
Game night, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, FEB. 8
Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Feed the Peeps Arts and Crafts Show, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LEGO Challenge, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Paper crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
SUNDAY, FEB. 9
Coquina Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MONDAY, FEB. 10
Boggle our mind, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.
Gentle Yoga with Delphine, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Tai Chi, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, FEB. 11
Anna Maria Community Farmers Market, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12
Mom’s Café, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.
Coquina Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Holy yoga, Roser Church, outdoor stage, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m.
Mah-jongg for intermediate players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Golfing for God, IMG Academy, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 2:45 p.m., $22 Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEB. 13
Galentine kayak adventure, Robinson Preserve kayak launch, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Toddler Playdough Fun, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Creative writing workshop, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon Friends 2025 Lecture and Travel Series: Mote Marine, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Gulf of Mexico referenced in new waterways ordinance
The Anna Maria code of ordinances references the Gulf of Mexico 23 times.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – On Jan. 23, Anna Maria City Commissioners adopted on second and final reading an ordinance the amends the city’s seawall regulations referencing the Gulf of Mexico.
The ordinance was adopted three days after President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14172, an order declaring that the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed the Gulf of America.
As recommended by the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board, Ordinance 24938 says, “Prior to issuance of a building permit, proposed seawalls and bulkheads along the Gulf of Mexico or Tampa Bay must furnish a permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and/or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or proof of a permit exemption.”
The adopted ordinance includes new language that makes a determination by the building official or designee that a seawall is unsafe a violation of the city's code.
At the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board, the adopted ordinance includes the following definitions:
“Bulkhead means a shoreline stabilization structure separating land and water areas and retaining soil. Seawall means a shoreline stabilization structure separating land and water areas, retaining soil and intercepting wave action.”
The new language replaces previous language included in the Anna Maria code of ordinances that said, “The specifications are not intended to apply to seawalls or other structures on the Gulf of Mexico or Tampa Bay shore, for which, because of occasional heavy storm wave action, special consideration must be given.”
GULF OF AMERICA
“I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America,” the presidential order says. “As such, within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior shall take all appropriate actions to rename as the ‘Gulf of America’ the U.S. continental shelf area bounded on the northeast, north, and northwest by the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida and extending to the seaward.”
WORLD ATLAS | SUBMITTED Most maps still refer to the Gulf of Mexico.
During public input at the city meeting, City Attorney Becky Vose was asked if the ordinance would have to be amended or revised to reference the Gulf of America.
Commissioner Gary McMullen said he wondered about that, too.
Vose said the adopted ordinance could later be revised administratively by city staff if so desired and doing so would not require a city commission-approved ordinance amendment because the revision would not change the intent of the ordinance.
Mayor Mark Short noted that Gov. Ron
DeSantis, on Jan. 20, issued Executive Order 25-13, an executive order pertaining to a winter weather system expected to impact north Florida that used the new name.
“Whereas, an area of low pressure moving across the Gulf of America, interacting with arctic air, will bring widespread impactful winter whether to north Florida beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21…” the governor’s order says.
The mayor and commissioners made no additional comments about the presidential order or name to be used by the city.
Anna Maria’s code of ordinances currently references the Gulf of Mexico 23 times. The Holmes Beach code of ordinances currently references the Gulf of Mexico 16 times and the Bradenton Beach code of ordinances currently references the Gulf of Mexico 10 times.
Google Maps intends to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of America. On Jan. 27, Google issued a statement on the X social media platform that said, “We will update Google Maps in the U.S. to quickly show Mount McKinley and Gulf of America.”
As of Jan. 31, Google Maps still referenced the Gulf of Mexico and did not yet reference the Gulf of America.
A Gulf by any other name
President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” is more than historically inaccurate, it is unnecessarily confusing and will no doubt cost taxpayers millions to implement, then reverse in the next administration.
Where to begin?
Well, there’s that bugaboo, history. The Gulf of Mexico has been called by that name since more than 200 years before there was a United States of America, according to “The Gulf, the Making of an American Sea,” by Jack E. Davis, who wrote, “The unknown maker of a 1541 map called it Seno de Mejicano, the ‘Mexican Gulf,’ ” noting that subsequent names were quickly tried and dropped, with mapmakers settling on Golfo de Mexico, or Gulf of Mexico.
Then there’s cultural sensitivity, or its reverse. The United States is not the only America. Remember Latin America, South America, North America?
Trump’s order states, “The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico (shades of Prince) has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America,” then goes on to mention its oil and gas value, which gives a clue as to one reason for the name change.
The Associated Press said in a statement that it will continue
Cindy Lane
using the “Gulf of Mexico” in its Stylebook, used by most U.S. newspapers, including The Anna Maria Island Sun.
Amanda Barrett, AP’s vice president of standards and inclusion, wrote, “The Gulf of Mexico has carried that name for more than 400 years. The Associated Press will refer to it by its original name while acknowledging the new name Trump has chosen. As a global news agency that disseminates news around the world, the AP must ensure that place names and geography are easily recognizable to all audiences.”
Barrett notes that other countries are not bound by the executive order.
There are geographical precedents for calling the same body of water by two names.
What Iran calls the Persian Gulf, Arab nations call the Arabian Gulf, according to the publication Al Jazeera, which notes that the sea that is bound by Japan and the Korean peninsula is called the Sea of Japan by Japan, while both North and South Korea call it the East Sea.
But what is the Town of Longboat Key going to call its main road, now known as Gulf of Mexico Drive?
The current AP Stylebook entry for the Gulf of Mexico is “inlet of the Atlantic on the southeast coast of North America bounded by the U.S., Mexico and Cuba.”
So why not the Gulf of Cuba?
The U.S. has ignored Cuba for the better part of the past 65 years, to the extent that for decades after its revolution succeeded in 1959, TV weather maps showed the island, but did not name it.
To this day, the U.S. embargo of Cuba remains in effect, punishing people who never knew their great-grandparents who fought the revolution and may only adhere to its politics publicly, by mandate.
We could take a cue from the brave Cubans who, in every generation, resist their government and its politicians.
Granma, the newspaper that calls itself the official voice of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, would probably not cover such a resistance movement, at least until it was squelched, and has not yet mentioned Trump’s new name for the Gulf in print.
But Cuba will probably agree with Mexico, which says it will not recognize the new nomenclature.
The Sun stands with Mexico and the AP – not to mention real, verifiable history – and will continue to call it what it is, the Gulf of Mexico.
Now, can we talk about ditching LECOM Park for McKechnie Field?
Demolition begins for Island Bazaar project
The demolition of the old Wells Fargo bank building in Holmes Beach is underway to create space for Jake Spooner’s city commission-approved Island Bazaar project at the corner of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive. In addition to ground-level retail space and a miniature golf course, the mixed-use development will include a second-story restaurant, the Fudge Factory candy and ice cream shop, an arcade and a tour boat landing.
Lake La Vista jetty rehabilitated
On Jan. 23, Anna Maria General Manager Dean Jones told city commissioners the south side of the Lake La Vista jetty that provides water access to and from Tampa Bay has been repaired by the Woodruff and Sons construction company. Jones said the south side of the jetty, near the humpback bridge on North Bay Boulevard, was badly washed out and Woodruff and Sons placed white riprap (rocks piled on top of one another) to rehabilitate and stabilize that embankment. “They did a fantastic job rebuilding that whole side of the Lake La Vista inlet,” Jones said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The old Wells Fargo bank building is being torn down.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The south side of the Lake La Vista jetty was recently repaired.
CENTER NOTES
Ice Bath Wednesdays
Ice Bath Wednesdays with Devinne Whittaker of Devs Bevs at The Center of Anna Maria Island are back for the season. Take a few minutes out for yourself at 407 Magnolia Ave. on
BEACH BEAT
HOLMES BEACH
Jan. 27, 5000 block of Gulf Drive, Reported sexual offender address. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is reporting that registered sex offender Gregory Alan Maker, 62, is residing at 5603 Gulf Drive N. unit 203, Holmes Beach.
BRADENTON BEACH
Jan. 24, Avenue C, 11:03 p.m., structure fire. Police and fire units responded to a structure fire at a four-unit duplex. Police reported that a male resident was attempting to put the fire out using a fire extinguisher. The man and a juvenile were told by police to evacuate the residence. Officers then went up to the second floor to evacuate
Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. Ice baths can reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve sore muscles, improve exercise recovery, improve mental health and support immunity. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. To register for Center programs or for more information, email The Center at hello@centerami.org or call 941-7781908.
those residents. One resident was unaware of the fire and gathered up pets before evacuating. Officers forced entry into another unit to ensure nobody was inside. Manatee County Fire Rescue firefighters extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported. The building was deemed unfit for occupancy due to fire damage. A resident told officers the fire may have started due to an unattended candle. Residents were referred to the Red Cross for assistance. Jan. 26, 500 block of Gulf Drive, 12:18 a.m. warrant arrest. Officers reportedly observed a pick-up truck traveling southbound on Gulf Drive at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was initiated south of the Longboat Key Bridge. When officers checked the status of the male driver’s Texas license, they discovered the man had an extradition warrant for felony failure to appear from Texas. He was transported to the Bradenton Beach Police Department and later transferred to a Manatee County deputy for transport to jail.
beautiful place to explore your faith...” SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 & 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY
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Team Adrian Griffin Interiors shuts out opponent
BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
ANNA MARIA – Under a clear winter sky last Tuesday night, families and friends cheered on the 8- to 10-year-old flag football players at The Center who took the field for the first night of competitive play. After the season kickoff jamboree night, the flag football play was interrupted by a winter storm, delaying week one play. Last week, the elementary schoolage youth took to Field 1 at the community center while the 4- to 5-year-old players learned the game on the small field. Running the field before sundown, team AMI Coconuts and the Slim’s Place squad warmed up with volunteer coaches Bobby McGraw and Sammy Romero and ran plays.
The older kids took their first snaps of the season in games leading to the playoffs starting in March. Solid Rock Construction and The Fish Guy Aquarium Services teams faced each other to start the season, with Solid Rock taking home the first win, 24-7.
Elijah Roadman, the Solid Rock quarterback, threw four touchdown passes for the victory. Ruby Kesten and Samuel Raulerson each made two scoring catches for their team. On the other side of the football, Kesten caught the pass of The Fish Guy’s QB for an interception.
Everett Hood passed for a touchdown to receiver Bruno Peerani, giving The Fish Guy team six points. Adding to the team’s score, Graeme Bekkerus caught the only point after conversion pass in the game for either team.
Despite the deficit on the scoreboard, The Fish Guy Aquarium Services team fought hard on the field
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
Teams Slim’s Place and AMI Coconuts learn the basics in the 4- to 5-year-old flag football division at The Center of Anna Maria Island last Tuesday night.
for two halves of play.
The Moss Builders team could not find the end zone in their matchup against Adrian Griffin Interiors, who won their on-field battle 18-0. In the three-score game, Grayson Hinckle threw a scoring pass to Jackson Kesten. Kesten added six more points to the score with a rushing TD.
Teammate Asher Patel used his speed to run the football into the end zone while playing on offense. Defensively Patel dominated with four flag pulls and an interception, helping to secure the team’s first win of the season.
Moss Builders’ Owen Mahoney was his team’s standout defensively with nine big stops. Parker Svoboda showed he has reliable hands with three catches and an interception. Juliette Sato and Louis Bacon had defensive stops, exemplifying the efforts of the Moss team despite the loss.
Team Diamond Turf had the bye week to start the winter youth flag football season for the division.
SUN SCOREBOARD
JAN. 27: 11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD DIVISION - WEEK 3
Jiffy Lube (3-0) 27
Salty Printing (1-2) 10
Solid Rock Air Conditioning (2-1) 34 Poppos Taqueria (1-2) 26
Sato Real Estate (3-0) Win by Forfeit Shady Lady Horticultural Services (0-3)
TO 17-YEAR-OLD DIVISION - WEEK 3
COFFEE | FOOD | WINE | BEER | SPIRITS
BUILDING: Commissioners discuss restructuring building department
the public and being the supervisor of the city’s building department. The cons include the city having to pay for errors and omissions insurance.
“It is my opinion that it would benefit Bradenton Beach to have an inspector in-house rather than outside,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said.
“I think M.T. Causley should come up with a solution,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “We have them under contract until June.”
“It would be a difficult road to hire somebody,” Chappie said. “It could take a lot of time. Right now, M.T. Causley is willing to work with us. They’re working on a game plan to try to get somebody here all the time.”
PUBLIC COMMENT
“I’ve been a property owner since 1995 and have done numerous building projects. I just wanted to add my two cents about Darin Cushing,” Keith O’Neill said. “I will tell you I was very supportive of him, he was very supportive of our project and
regardless of everything I want to speak on his behalf and say he did a great job for the projects I was engaged in.”
“Darin is approachable, he was knowledgeable,” Pines Park homeowner Elayne Armaniaco said. “I think
the fact that he was so approachable was really helpful because as you all know we went through a terrible situation and through it all he was fair and kind.”
Michael Silberge, president of West Coast Air Conditioning, spoke in support of Cushing.
“My comments today are to support Darin Cushing,” he said. “I have never had any problems with M.T. Causley. Steve Gilbert is a saint in my opinion, and so is Darin Cushing.”
“I’m concerned. There’s been no discussion up here about Darin,” hotelier Angela
Rodocker said. “What he did on social media is wrong. If I had an employee that did that I would put them on leave too. But I wouldn’t be up here talking about him being gone. I was shocked. There’s been no discussion about a man that has worked in this community and has an amazing reputation. That’s why you hired him in the first place.”
“What’s going on here today seems like a bit of a witch hunt,” Neil Lind said. “Has counsel or Bradenton Beach staff made mistakes in the past? If so, were you terminated? No.”
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Bradenton Beach Commissioners discussed building department restructuring at a work meeting last week. From left are Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Ralph Cole, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Scott Bear and Deborah Scaccianoce.
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival coming soon
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – With a theme of “Swamped but Never Sunk,” in recognition of the historic fishing village’s recovery following backto-back hurricanes last year, the 43rd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is on tap for the weekend of Feb. 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The festival features local seafood, live music, local art and educational dock talks.
All proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and its mission to preserve Cortez and continue the conservation of the 95-acre FISH Preserve to its east.
Dock talks by the University of Florida IFAS Florida Sea Grant
program will be held all day both days at the Fulford Fish House.
The festival will be on 46th Avenue at the end of 123rd Street in front of the A.P. Bell Fish Co. and Star Fish Co.
Admission is $5, with kids 12 and under free.
The Boy Scouts, in partnership with FISH, will offer on-site parking at the FISH Preserve, one block east of the village off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation. Bus and golf cart transportation to the festival entrance at 123rd Street Court West will be provided.
Off-site parking will be available at Cortez Road Baptist Church located between 99th and 100th Street and Cortez Road, with a free shuttle to the festival provided by The Monkey Bus. In
Entertainment
SATURDAY, FEB. 15
10-11 a.m.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1-2 p.m.
4:30-6 p.m.
SUNDAY, FEB. 16
10:30 a.m. to noon The Music on the Porch Gang Noon to 2 p.m. Soul-R-Coaster 2:30-4 p.m.
4:30-5:30 p.m.
previous years, MCAT bus service was available from G.T. Bray Park to the festival. Due to the construction on Cortez Road, that service will not be available this year.
YOUR COMFORT ZONE?
MANATEE COUNTY – West
Manatee Fire Rescue staff and commissioners came together with community members and families on Jan. 21 to celebrate the department’s annual awards.
Firefighters Kyle Elliott, Matthew French, Gavin Johnston, Sarah Joseph, Page Larson, Dane Miller, Zackary Misiura, Brian Pease, Nicolas Riffe and Tyler Snyder were all honored for completing their first year in the fire service at WMFR.
Firefighters Lisa Kiernan, Max Pollock, Aaron Reese and William Thomas were honored for five years with the department.
Firefighter Ashton Jasinski
WMFR celebrates best of department
was recognized for 10 years with the department.
Battalion Chief Chad Brunner was honored for 15 years in the fire service with WMFR.
Inspector Keith Miller and firefighters William Kimbrell and Jeffrey Taylor received recognition for 20 years in the fire service while Battalion Chief Ryan Moore was honored for 25 years and Capt. James Leigh was honored for 30 years.
Taking home meritorious awards were firefighters Crystal Bercot and Christopher O’Kelly.
Snyder took home the Rookie of the Year award.
Pollock was honored as the district’s Firefighter of the Year
with Lt. Andrew Lauricella taking home the Officer of the Year award.
Battalion Chief Derek Bill took home the final award of the night, the Soteria Award for his work during the two 2024 hurricanes that affected the area.
WMFR staff also recognized Commissioner Derrick Warner for his service as chairman for the 2024 calendar year.
The Sertoma Club of Bradenton also presented the district with a $5,000 donation that Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said would be used to purchase fire alert devices for people with vision and hearing problems.
staff at West
Fire
21. From left are Chief Ben Rigney, Lt. Andrew Lauricella, Deputy Chief Jay Johnson, firefighter Ashton Jasinski, firefighter Crystal Bercot, Battalion Chief Ryan Moore, Battalion Chief Derek Bill, firefighter William Thomas, firefighter Max Pollock, firefighter Kyle Elliott and firefighter Tyler Snyder.
John M Campora, ChFC®, CRPC™
Financial Advisor
6400 Manatee Ave West, Suite B Bradenton, FL 34209 941-779-2499
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
The
Manatee
Rescue celebrated the district’s annual awards on Jan.
Pine Avenue sidewalk project begins
The long-awaited Reimagining Pine Avenue sidewalk installation project has begun. Working as a subcontractor for the Longboat Key-based Eason Builders Group, Classic Brick Construction started installing the permeable brick paver sidewalks along Pine Avenue last week. The first phase of the multi-phase sidewalk installation project extends from North Shore Drive to the Pine Avenue street-end near the Gulf of Mexico. The new sidewalks are being installed along the side of Pine Avenue where
no hard-surfaced sidewalks currently exist. Where applicable, the new sidewalks will follow the meandering paths that lead inward toward the commercial buildings. Also intended to improve drainage, the brick paver sidewalks will sit atop newly-installed vertical infiltration drainage trenches comprised of granite rock, 89 stone and mesh filter fabric. The first phase of the project is expected to take about a month, with future phases to follow along the rest of Pine Avenue.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The sidewalk installation began near the corner of North Shore Drive and Pine Avenue. The sidewalks are being installed atop new vertical infiltration drainage trenches.
Fishing for fun
hen we introduce children to fishing, we should make the experience uncomplicated and as much fun as possible. Creating unrealistic expectations can discourage young anglers and be the difference between kindling a passion for fishing or an aversion to the activity. The basics of fishing are easy to teach and don’t require expensive equipment. If there’s a cardinal rule to getting kids interested in fishing, it’s to keep them engaged. Children are naturally curious; they love to play in and on the water and are fascinated by the creatures they find there. Catching fish isn’t their main objective and you shouldn’t make it the focus of an outing. It’s important to plan a
trip that includes other activities like swimming, wildlife identification and snorkeling as well as fishing. Being on the water provides an excellent opportunity to teach kids about their environment and boating safety skills. It’s important to let kids be a part of the adventure and getting them involved is a great way to interject a lesson in responsibility. Let them drive the boat even if they’re just sitting on your lap while you steer. Introduce them to navigating the Intracoastal Waterway and give them things to be in charge of such as making sure everyone knows where the safety equipment is.
Don’t start children out with cheap fishing rods and reels. Provide them with decent equipment that’s light and manageable. An ultra-light rig with 6-pound test line is a great way to start. Try and think like a kid when fishing. Children would rather catch a dozen pinfish in a half hour than wait hours for a chance at a bigger or better fish. Action is paramount;
CHINNIS | SUN
Learning about fishing doesn't have to be limited to the water. Knot tying skills are an important component.
kids are easily bored and distracted. Consider starting kids fishing with a small popping cork that they can watch for signs of action. If you can start teaching kids that the enjoyment
SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 17
Fly fishing schools begin this month
CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, will hold Orvis-endorsed fly fishing schools on Saturday, Feb. 22, Saturday, March 8 and Saturday, April 12. The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly casting principles, improving casting skills, correcting faults, fly line management and wind casting. Instructor Capt. Rick Grassett will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection. The cost for the class, which will run from 8 a.m. to approximately noon, is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle and a workbook. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also available for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941-3494400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.
RUSTY
RUSTY CHINNIS
REEL TIME:
Fishing
for fun
FROM PAGE 16
of the adventure isn’t measured by the number or size of fish you catch, you’ll teach them an important lesson that many fishermen never learn. If you can make the experience interesting for them, even if they don’t catch anything they are more likely to want to do it again. Kids might be more interested in collecting shells, counting crabs or looking for manatees or dolphins than fishing, so be sensitive to what’s bringing them pleasure.
It’s also important to emphasize safety, bending down barbs and making them aware of fish with sharp teeth and stingers like catfish and stingrays. These first experiences on the water are very important and you should consider a plan of action in advance in case the fishing isn’t great. The last thing you want to do is bore kids by sitting on a spot too long. Keep your eyes and ears open and if you’re lucky, you might learn a lesson or two from them!
DUNCAN: Awarded Super Bowl tickets
FROM PAGE 1
Culinary Services. The Bucs treated the award recipients to lunch and Duncan received a football autographed by Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans.
Later that day, Duncan posted a Facebook message that said, in part, “Today, I learned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Glazer family reached out to the Tampa Bay Area looking for three small business owners who assisted in hurricane relief. No idea that I had been nominated by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. I’m going to Super Bowl 2025. I’m beyond grateful. Thank you so much for this incredible gift.”
In their Jan. 28 press release, the Bucs and the Glazer family formally announced the Super Bowl ticket recipients: “Earlier this month, the Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recognized three deserving community members for their extraordinary efforts following hurricanes Helene and Milton. Local chambers of commerce were asked to nominate small business owners who went above and beyond to support the Tampa Bay region in the aftermath of the hurricanes.”
The press release also says, “Darcie
FROM THE PREHISTORIC TO THE PRESENT,
I’m beyond grateful. Thank you so much for this incredible gift.”
Darcie Duncan, Duncan Real Estate owner
Duncan, of Duncan Real Estate, put her community first through a number of different efforts. Following Hurricane Helene, Darcie mobilized her team and activated a new Facebook group, Anna Maria Island Hurricane Relief, that quickly became the central hub for sharing vital information related to storm recovery needs. This group has attracted more than 8,000 members and has been instrumental in coordinating relief efforts across both in her immediate neighborhood as well as all of Anna Maria Island.”
The press release notes Duncan played a critical role in transforming The Center of Anna Maria Island into a hurricane relief distribution site and she was a driving force behind The Center’s Rock ‘N’ Support hurricane relief concert and grant program and the “Let’s Give Thanks Together” Thanksgiving dinner.
When speaking to The Sun on Feb. 1, Duncan said, “I am so humbled to
be chosen among so many deserving individuals.”
When asked which team she’ll be rooting for, Duncan said, “I would have loved to be rooting for the Bucs. Then it was the (Buffalo) Bills, so now it’s ‘Fly Eagles Fly.’ I am taking my sweetie, Alex Harllee. He and I have been a great team and he is just as deserving. I love football. This has been a bucket list item for me and I am so excited.”
At their own expense, Duncan and Harllee will fly to New Orleans on Thursday and spend Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans.
“It’s the same weekend I planned to move back into my house in Anna Maria,” she said of the hurricane-damaged home she and Harllee share.
On Feb. 27, Duncan will receive the Pat Glass Community Leadership Award from the Manatee Tiger Bay Club.
REAL ESTATE
Lipstick on a pig
At the risk of having all of Anna Maria Island and most of Manatee County mad at me, it looks like our current housing market is a bit of a pig. Pigs can be adorable, or they can be nasty, so I hope that our pig is trending to the adorable side.
The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee published its year-end real estate market report a few weeks ago. Their job is to analyze the Sarasota and Manatee region and to put the best possible spin on the data.
Castles in the Sand
the effect that the storms and fires will have on homeowner insurance.
high taxes, so it’s not surprising this may be increasing.
Their position is that the market is transitioning toward a balance following the significant disruptions of the pandemic years. Certainly, there is increased time on the market and higher inventory. Nevertheless, this is a sign of normalization of the market similar to the pre-pandemic market of 2019.
They point to median sale prices being well above 2019 levels but there are still price declines from 2023. Transactions
are slower with longer time to sale and longer time to contract increasing year-over-year. As we know, inventory has increased, shifting toward a more buyer-favorable market. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales fell 0.7% in 2024 from the prior year.
Nationwide, U.S. existing home sales fell in 2024 to the lowest level since 1995. Much of this is due to higher interest rates, which just topped 7% a couple of weeks ago, a psychological tipping point. Higher home insurance rates all over the country and property taxes are adding to the pain of buyers, and we are yet to see
Since the country is still trying to dig out of a recession, the weak housing market is just adding to that problem. Everyone in the real estate industry - including contractors, furniture retailers and appliance stores - is hurting. It will also have an impact on the Federal Reserve’s decision on lowering interest rates.
I’ve talked about this many times, but although to a lot of buyers 7% interest rates are incredibly high, they’re not. The real estate market has survived years with double digit rates and people still bought houses. The financial markets are very fluid and homeowners can always refinance down the road if there is a drop in rates.
One other piece of news I found that I thought was worth mentioning is California residents looking to Florida as either a temporary or permanent relocation. There has been a flurry of California transplants trickling into Florida for a while to escape
Brokers have reported a lot of inquiries from California residents who need immediate housing or some who were already interested in the Florida market and are now getting serious after the wildfires. Florida is one of the top locations the fire victims are looking at for refuge along with Texas, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Nevada.
Anna Maria Island in many ways is perfect for California residents with our beautiful beaches and many available properties to invest in. If indeed we see this activity, keep in mind these buyers are high-end buyers and are smart, so don’t overprice properties.
My usual optimistic outlook about real estate is waning a little. I’m probably suffering the same malaise as so many of us. However, after four months, it’s time to get back on the horse or the pig and move forward.
LOUISE BOLGER
4
Celebrating the life of Roque Pastorius
Former Monkey Bus owner and Anna Maria Island resident Roque Pastorius passed away in his sleep on Jan. 30.
Roque’s wife, Kathy, and daughter, Cassandra Johnson, invited friends and family to attend the “Honoring Roque: A Sunset Celebration” memorial sunset gathering on the Gulf at Coquina Beach South in Bradenton Beach on Feb. 4.
Friends and family were invited to continue the celebration that evening at the Swordfish Grill in Cortez, where glasses were to be raised in honor of Roque’s well-lived life. Memo -
Shank, Sofran on top
On Jan. 29, Adin Shank, left, teamed up with Tim Sofran and came out on top after a three-way playoff at AMI Horseshoes. In the semi, they won 237, taking out Bob Hawks. The team won the final 24-6 over Tom Farrington and Tom Skoloda, with Sofran ending the game like he did in the semi - with a double-ringer. Sofran was back in the winner's circle on Feb. 1, this time teamed with Farrington after winning the final 22-4 over Dom Livedoti and John Poccynek.
donations can be made at the “Together for Kathy,
rial
Mourning
Roque” GoFundMe page.
PASTORIUS FAMILY | SUBMITTED Roque Pastorius was a beloved member of the Anna Maria Island/Cortez community.
SUBMITTED
FUN IN THE SUN
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OUTDOOR YOGA at Roser Church returns January 15th! Experience the Holy Spirit in a whole new way. All levels, no experience necessary. Bring a mat and a friend! 11:30am-12:30pm info@Roserchurch.com
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Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
TDC: Diggins, DeRusso join TDC
FROM PAGE 1
County commissioners appointed Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa Managing Director and minority owner Anthony “Tony” DeRusso to fill the hotelier’s seat recently vacated by Anna Maria Island businessman Ed Chiles.
Diggins, Palmetto Mayor Dan West and Longboat Key Town Commissioner Debra Williams sought the vacant elected official’s seat.
DeRusso, Anna Maria Island developer and hotel owner Shawn Kaleta, Wagner Realty rental property manager Lisa Varano and Realtor/ Short Term Florida Rentals LLC owner Damien Hernandez sought the vacant hotelier’s seat.
Serving as an advisory board to the county commission, TDC members make non-binding recommendations regarding the proposed tourismrelated expenditures of the revenues generated by the county’s 6% tourist development tax. The tax applies to all lodging stays of six months or less in Manatee County and last year it generated approximately $30 million in tax revenues. Per state law, tourist development tax revenues can only be spent on projects and initiatives that promote or enhance tourism.
THE APPOINTMENTS
District 3 County Commissioner Tal Siddique nominated Diggins to fill
the elected official’s seat and District 6 at-large Commissioner Jason Bearden nominated West. Before the vote occurred, County Commission Chair George Kruse said he previously reached out to West to explain his support for Diggins.
“The islands (Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key) have not had an elected official representative on the TDC during my time on the board,” Kruse said. “They have not been given fair representation considering the disproportionate amount of capital and funds they contribute. I talked to Dan West and he understood.”
Kruse noted that Eric Cairns also sits on the TDC. Cairns manages the Cedar Cove Resort in Holmes Beach.
Commissioner Amanda Ballard expressed similar support for Diggins.
“For much the same reason, I will be backing Dan Diggins. I don’t want all these north county people represented with no representation from the islands when they provide so much in the way of our tourist economy,” she said.
The commission voted 5-2 in favor of Diggins, with Bearden and Mike Rahm supporting West.
Diggins’ TDC term will expire in June 2028.
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the hotelier appointee would fill the TDC seat that Chiles held for more than 25 years, but
would only do so until June, when all four current hotelier terms expire and become open for reappointment or appointment.
Bearden nominated DeRusso and with no further discussion or additional nominees, the commission voted 7-0 in favor of DeRusso’s appointment. Kaleta did not attend the meeting and no meeting attendees offered public input on any of the applicants.
APPOINTEE'S INSIGHTS
Diggins attended the morning session of the county meeting but left before the TDC appointments were made late that afternoon.
The following day, he said, “I think it’s an asset for an elected official from the Island to be on the council because the Island contributes as much tourist tax revenues as the rest of the county combined. I have a very good relationship with Elliott (Falcione) and I really appreciate the trust the county commission has in me. I’ll do a good job representing the Island and the county.”
Tourist tax revenues were used to launch the county-contracted Gulf Islands Ferry service and subsidize that ongoing public transportation operation. Diggins supports having a ferry stop in Holmes Beach.
“We live on an Island. It makes sense. The two current boats are starter vessels and they’re getting a
third boat built that’s enclosed and designed for the waters, currents, winds and weather we have out here. Elliott and I have talked about a ferry stop at the Kingfish Boat Ramp. The county would have to put some money into it and we should use TDC funds to do it,” he said.
Standing outside the commission chambers after his appointment, DeRusso said, “I’m humbled by the appointment and I’m honored to be sitting at the table – especially in the seat of a legend like Ed Chiles. The Island’s ‘old Florida’ experience was the first thing I fell in love with when I came here from northern California nine years ago. Protecting that experience for the residents and future visitors is important and we also need to continue to invest in the Island and enhance it.”
DeRusso noted the Palmetto Marriott Resort is located near the entrance to the county’s urban core and next to the county-owned convention center; and Falcione has frequently expressed his desire for a ferry stop near the convention center and the new hotel.
“We need to make sure we have a diversified ‘tool belt’ to attract visitors and weather the different types of storms, literally and figuratively, we experience here in Manatee County," he said. "I look forward to diversifying the investments that help grow tourism in this area.”
