Garden club hosts
‘Flower Power’
fashion show
Steve Oelfke joins Holmes Beach Commission
His appointment to the city commission creates a vacancy on the planning commission.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Former city commission candidate and planning commissioner Steve Oelfke has been appointed to fill the remainder of Pat Morton’s two-year term that expires in November.
After 22 years in office, Morton announced his resignation during the city commission’s Feb. 11 work session. During the brief discussion that ensued after Morton’s announcement, the mayor, city attorney and city commissioners discussed appointing Oelfke to serve the remainder of Morton’s term – in part because Oelfke received the
third highest number of votes in the 2024 election that resulted in Dan Diggins being elected to serve another term and Carol Whitmore being elected to rejoin the city commission after a long stint as a county commissioner.
DeSantis’ DOGE task force may impact Island governments
Using public records, the DOGE task force will review county and municipal spending.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Island cities could be affected by the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force that Gov. Ron DeSantis created by executive order on Feb. 24.
A press release issued by the governor’s office said the task force, patterned after the federal government department, will “eliminate redundant boards and commissions, review state university and college operations and spending, utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to further examine state agencies to uncover hidden waste and even audit the spending habits of local entities to shine the light on waste and bloat.”
County exploring Anna Maria ferry landing options
When the damaged City Pier reopens, it will not be able to accommodate the county’s larger ferry boat.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Manatee County officials are developing scenarios to install a permanent, county-funded landing between the Anna Maria City Pier and the Lake La Vista jetty for the Gulf Islands Ferry.
On Feb. 27, Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short informed city commissioners of the county’s efforts to develop and install a new stand-alone ferry landing to accommodate the new, larger and partially enclosed ferry boat the county plans
to put in service later this summer.
The new ferry boat will have nearly twice the capacity of the two 49-foot pontoon boats that currently operate between the Riverwalk Day Dock in downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Beach Pier three to four days per week.
Using the now-destroyed boat landing at the T-end of the City Pier, the downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Gulf Islands Ferry service began in January 2024 and a month later was expanded to include Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria ferry service was discontinued after Hurricane Milton wiped out a 75- to 100-yard section of the City Pier walkway in early October. The City Pier remains closed for the foreseeable future and will not
PAT SHORT | SUBMITTED
The models gathered for a group photo as the fashion show came to an end. See story on Page 9.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Steve Oelfke is now a Holmes Beach city commissioner.
City officials seek funding for pier repairs
No timetable has been given as to when the pier repairs will begin.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Mark Short estimates that it will cost approximately $8 million to repair the damage that Hurricane Milton inflicted on the City Pier in 2024.
During the Feb. 27 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, he said the city recently submitted a funding request to Manatee County that lists $8 million as the anticipated total cost to replace the missing pier walkway and make any additional repairs needed.
Short said the application form submitted to the county notes the city could provide up to $1.5 million (20%) in matching funds.
The funding will come from the $252.7 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded the county.
According to the HUD website, “CDBG-DR grant funds are appropriated by Congress and allocated by HUD to rebuild disasterimpacted areas and provide crucial seed money to start the long-term recovery process.”
Short said he met with County Administrator Charlie Bishop, County Commissioner Tal Sid -
dique, Manatee County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione and three or four other county staff members on Feb. 25.
“It was a meet-and-greet but we spent a lot of time talking about our pier and what’s in front of us,” Short said, “I came out of that feeling very comfortable that the county is helping
us any way they can getting this pier rebuilt. I feel very positive.”
During past discussions, it’s been stated that additional pier repair funding sources might include county commission-controlled tourist development tax revenues and funding assistance from the state.
Short said the George F. Young engineering firm has completed its structural and geotechnical inspections and submerged land surveys but the firm has not yet provided the requested analysis of what specific factors caused the pier walkway to fail during Hurricane Milton.
City General Manager Dean Jones told commissioners that solar lights were installed at the T-end of the pier, in part to make it more visible to boaters. The T-end of the pier currently has no electricity and cannot be accessed on foot due to the missing walkway.
No timetable has been provided as to how long the pier repairs will take or when the repairs will begin. The pier will remain closed until the repairs are made.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Hurricane Milton destroyed 75-100 yards of the walkway that leads to the T-end of the pier.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
CITY
OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED
Palmer new building official
Bill Palmer was sworn in as the new Bradenton Beach Building Official on Feb. 26 by City Clerk Terri Sanclemente. He replaces former Building Official Darin Cushing, who was suspended by the city in January and fired by his contract employer, M.T. Causley. Palmer, the former building official for Manatee County, began work immediately after his swearing in.
Planning commissioners won’t review site plans
The Holmes Beach City Commission has formally rejected the Planning Commission’s request to review site plan applications, including major site plans. On Feb. 11, city commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of adopting Ordinance 25-02. The adoption of the previously-debated ordinance means planning commissioners will not be given the additional responsibility of reviewing site plan applications and recommending city commission approval or denial of those plans. At the advice of City Attorney Erica Augello, quasi-judicial site plan applications will no longer be discussed at a city commission work session before being presented to city commissioners for approval or denial. Commissioner Terry Schaefer cast the lone opposition vote to adopting the ordinance after expressing his appreciation for the planning commission’s expertise and insights on development matters.
Drift-In hearings set for Thursday
The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board will consider a major development consisting of improvements to the Drift-In, 120 Bridge St., built over and within a city easement, and modifications to that easement at a public hearing on Thursday, March 6 at 1 p.m. in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N. A public hearing before Bradenton Beach commissioners will follow at 6 p.m.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Key Royale Drive parking restriction proposed
City officials want to limit streetside parking to the north side of Key Royale Drive.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Parking along Key Royale Drive between Marina Drive and the bridge may soon be restricted to the north side of the street.
Holmes Beach city commissioners discussed the proposed parking restriction on Feb. 25. Public Works Director/City Engineer Sage Kamiya, Mayor Judy Titsworth, Police Chief Bill Tokajer and the majority of the city commission support the parking restriction while Commissioner Carol Whitmore opposes it.
Per commission consensus, the Key Royale Drive parking restrictions will be set forth in a city resolution to be presented for final adoption at a future city commission meeting that will allow for public input. Due to ongoing safety concerns, Tokajer suggested the parking restriction be imposed sooner rather than later.
KAMIYA MEMO
Kamiya also serves as the city’s traffic engineer and on Feb. 14, he sent Titsworth and Tokajer a memo about the Key Royale Drive parking concerns.
“During a recent homeowner's meeting it was brought to the city’s attention that the parking of vehicles along Key Royale Drive from Marina Drive to the bridge is becoming a concern for residents,” the memo says. “After investigation with the chief of police, we’ve determined that the significant use of the street for parking on both sides of the streets is causing a safety concern. The majority of parking is being done by landscape and construction companies, which is limiting, even prohibiting, to emergency vehicles.”
The memo notes that Key Royale Drive serves as a main thoroughfare for approximately 340 residents.
“We recommend prohibiting parking on the south side of Key Royale Drive from Marina Drive to the bridge and requiring any parking in this area to be along the north side of the road,” the memo says.
The memo states that ‘No Parking’ signs would be installed along the south side of the street and rocks, plantings and landscaping borders would need to be removed from the
Key Royale Drive.
“Residents are not being asked to move mailboxes or driveways,” the memo says.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION
When addressing the commission, Kamiya said the city’s code of ordinances already restricts parking on major roadways and landscaping and construction vehicles should not be parked on that portion of Key Royale Drive. He said prohibiting parking on one side of the street would help ensure two open travel lanes remain open for motorists; and at least one lane would remain open if the other lane is occupied by one or more emergency vehicles.
Whitmore opposed taking any formal action until residents are given more time to respond to the proposed restriction. She said similar issues occur along several other city streets where parking is allowed on both sides.
Whitmore said she would be “really ticked off” if she lived along the north side of Key Royale Drive and was told she had to remove landscaping elements installed and maintained at the homeowner’s expense.
Although Key Royale Drive is not heavily used by beachgoers and tourists, Whitmore said the parking restriction would eliminate existing parking spaces.
Tokajer disagreed and said, “There is no parking on the south side of the road because there’s a sidewalk there. You can’t park there because you can’t get all four tires off the road.”
Tokajer said he recently received a call from a resident who almost got hit head-on because two vehicles were traveling in the same lane. Tokajer said motorists can’t see around trucks and trailers parked on the street and that forces them to blindly enter into those restricted travel lanes.
“We need to take some type of action. It’s a safety issue,” he said.
to divided lanes on the other side of the bridge. He suggested every potentially impacted homeowner between Marina Drive and the bridge be individually notified of the proposed parking restriction. City Attorney Erica Augello advised against mailing notices to each potentially impacted property owner because that’s only done for rezoning requests and other major development matters.
Newly-appointed Commissioner Steve Oelfke said his concern pertains to homeowners on the north side of the street bearing the burden of the proposed parking solution.
Due to public safety concerns, Commissioner Dan Diggins supports the parking restriction but he wants it implemented in a methodical manner that makes potentially impacted residents fully aware of the city’s intentions. He noted the city could remove the right of way obstacles at no expense to the homeowner, but the removed items would be discarded, and if a homeowner wishes to relocate and preserve those items, they could incur personal expenses.
“At some point, we have to let them know because they think that property is their own,” Diggins said.
“And they maintain it,” Whitmore added.
Titsworth acknowledged the proposed parking restriction will surprise homeowners on the north side of the street, but she noted the city has the authority to use and preserve city-owned rights of way.
“Unless we need it, we pretty much let people enjoy the use of it. This is one of those cases,” she said of other right of way obstructions that go unaddressed.
Commissioner Carol Soustek said homeowners on the south side of Key Royale Drive were impacted by a previous sidewalk installation and now those on the north side of the street will share the public safety impacts.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Vehicles parked on Key Royale Drive reduce the width of the available travel lanes.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
City Attorney Erica Augello advised city commissioners not to include the planning commissions in the site plan application review process.
Commissioners appoint vice mayor, CRA leaders
Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce was appointed vice mayor.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission appointed CRA leaders and liaisons to community organizations at its Feb. 20 meeting, and appointed Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce as vice mayor.
“What we have done in the past is rotated who is vice mayor,” Chappie said. “In the past it has gone to the next person with seniority. Debbie Scaccianoce is the next one in line. I think she’ll be a great vice mayor and has already proven her worth in a number of areas in the city and that would be my recommendation.”
Commissioner Ralph Cole was the previous vice mayor.
According to the city charter, when there is a vacancy in the office of the mayor, the vice mayor succeeds to the office of
mayor until the next election.
“Next item is CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) chairman, we haven’t rotated that very much for quite a while,” Chappie said. “I think Scott (Commissioner Scott Bear) would be good. We all know the good job Ralph has done.”
Bear was appointed chair and Cole was appointed CRA vice chair.
“I think Ralph knows how it’s run if Scott’s not available,” Chappie said.
“We do have several projects that are in the works that are moving forward, but with the hurricane they kind of set on the back burner,” Cole said. “So, as we get rolling and follow up on finishing up on some the projects, we could start new projects as they come up anytime. If something new comes up that we can add to the CRA district, then we need a chair or vice chair to run the meetings. Lately we’ve been trying to get
will be liaison to the Scenic WAVES committee and Keep Manatee Beautiful.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
From left, Commissioner Ralph Cole, Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Scott Bear and Deborah Scaccianoce discuss 2025 liaison appointments at the Feb. 20 meeting.
some of the projects we’ve got going completed before we dive into new ones.”
Operating with its own budget, the CRA is a separate but related agency of the city government. All five city commission members, including the mayor, serve on the CRA board. In the past, the CRA board has also included a representative from the Bradenton Beach business community and a city resident.
“The CRA boundaries are the northern border of the FDOT right of way for Cortez Bridge and Fifth Street South, the south property line of the
properties on Fifth Street South from water to water,” Chappie said.
Chappie recommended Scaccianoce to help with the building department reorganization.
“To me that is a definite liaison position where she is taking on that extra task to help with the building department and working with our building official and floodplain manager,” he said.
Scaccianoce was also appointed to the liaison position with the Manasota League of Cities.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh
Bear will be the liaison to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, the Annie Silver Community Center and The Center of Anna Maria Island.
Cole was appointed the liaison to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
Chappie will be liaison to the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association, the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center, the Island Transportation and Planning Organization and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
All commissioners participate in pier team meetings and department head meetings and can attend meetings of the Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Manatee Council of Governments, Manatee County Commission and Manatee County Tourist Development Council.
OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff
Owner | CEO
Mike Field
Editor
Cindy Lane
General Manager
Bob Alexander
Reporters | Photographers
Joe Hendricks
Leslie Lake
Columnists
Louise Bolger
Rusty Chinnis
Contributors
Steve Borggren
Capt. Rick Grassett
Layout Ricardo Fonseca
Advertising Director
Shona Otto
Classified Ads
Bob Alexander
Graphics
Elaine Stroili
Ricardo Fonseca
Distribution
Bob Alexander
Connor Field
Tony McNulty
Brian Smith
Accounting
Leslie Ketchum
Co-founding publishers
Mike Field
Maggie McGinley Field
Family-owned since 2000 ©2025
Longboard Communications Inc.
Like us on our Facebook
email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
Drop us a line
Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail
ON THE AGENDA
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. March 13, 10 a.m. - City Commission meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information. March 6, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting
March 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. March 5, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting
March 5, 3:30 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting
EVENTS
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.
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
Florida Maritime Museum Nautical Flea Market, 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez. New and used fishing gear, sailing equipment, beachy crafts and nautical décor will be available for sale. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Musicians are invited to join the community jam session. 2-4 p.m.
SUNDAY, MARCH 16
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Holmes Beach City Hall to The Center of Anna Maria Island along Gulf and Marina Drives and Pine Avenue. 4-6 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 18
Anna Maria Island Historical Society, Heritage Day Festival, 402 Pine Ave., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
OELFKE: Joins Holmes Beach Commission
The four remaining commissioners expressed their unanimous support for Oelfke but the appointment could not be made during a commission work session.
During the Feb. 25 city commission meeting, Whitmore nominated Oelfke to fill the vacancy. Commissioner Terry Schaefer seconded the motion and Diggins and Commissioner Carol Soustek supported the nomination with no other nominees.
“Welcome Steve,” Diggins said.
Before City Clerk Stacey Johnston swore Oelfke in as a city commissioner, City Attorney Erica Augello said he had to first resign from the planning commission.
“As much as I hate to leave the planning commission, I will have to relinquish my position,” Oelfke said.
After being sworn in, Oelfke took his seat on the commission dais and signed some required documents.
After congratulating Oelfke, Schaefer said, “You served the city very well on the planning commission and I can’t think of a better proving ground. After
the election, you never lost interest in the city. You were here, I believe, every (city commission) meeting, paying attention and observing. I think that’s a tribute to your sincere effort to serve our city.”
“I think we all concur on that,” Diggins added.
Speaking for the first time as a city commissioner, Oelfke said, “It’s just an honor to be here with you all and I look forward to being able to contribute and help make the city great.” He then participated in the rest of the meeting.
PLANNING COMMISSION
VACANCY
Oelfke’s appointment to the city commission creates a vacancy on the planning commission, which meets the first Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. Planning commissioners review land use ordinances and issues and make non-binding recommendations to the city commission.
The city is currently accepting applications for the open position on the planning commission. Applicants must be qualified electors (voters) of Holmes Beach and must have lived in the city for a minimum of two years.
Applications should be submitted to the city clerk’s office no later than Wednesday, March 19. Applications are available at the city’s website under Departments/ City Clerk/Boards and Committees and those interested can also contact Johnston at cityclerk@ holmesbeachfl.org or by calling 941-708-5800, ext. 226.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN City Clerk Stacey Johnston swore Steve Oelfke in as a city commissioner.
Bradenton Beach permitting issues prompt home rule discussion
Manatee County
Commissioner George Kruse says he can’t intervene in city issues.
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The appeals of two Bradenton Beach businessmen frustrated by city permitting issues launched a discussion about home rule, consolidation and steps citizens can take when dissatisfied with local officials at Manatee County
Commissioner George Kruse’s Feb. 19 town hall meeting.
Walter Loos, owner of Island Scoops, a Gulf Drive business that was hit hard by 2024 hurricanes, said permitting issues have slowed down the rebuilding of his shop.
“We’re at the point of not being able to rebuild effectively,” Loos said. “We still aren’t able to get to the point of rebuilding before the next storm season.”
Loos brought up the issue of home rule and county intervention in what he said was the absence of effective local leadership.
“I get home rule, but you can’t stand behind that. We need effective leadership, whatever that means. If we can’t do effective leadership for our general community, then maybe something does have to change,” he said.
“Here’s what I’ll say, when everybody didn’t want to be consolidated, everyone talked about wanting home rule, we want our individual cities to be able to control things and don’t let the county come and dictate our development codes, etc., but then when it’s not convenient, it’s, 'When is my county coming and fixing this?' ” Kruse said. “I’m a big proponent of home rule, that’s why I pushed back on the parking garage and the consolidation.”
“Right now, home rule is not working for us. I hate to say that, but it’s not. I’m not saying toss it, but there has to be other solutions,” Loos said. “I can’t put dinner on a plate, because I can’t find a way to open my businesses.”
Kruse said the county cannot supersede a city and has to
respect the individual municipalities.
“I couldn’t go to Mayor Chappie and say “Open up this bridge.’ I don’t have the authority to do that,” he said.
Drift-In owner Derek Williams spoke about his permitting issues in Bradenton Beach. The Drift-in tiki hut permit was approved by the former city building official, but the city has pulled back that approval and is requiring a major development hearing for the structure.
“In my situation, I just want to share with you, I got a permit, I worked with the city, I worked
with the city planner, I worked with code enforcement on a daily basis,” Williams said. “I’m trying to figure out the different rules and regulations and trying to trust government.”
Former Bradenton Beach Building Official Darin Cushing was suspended on Jan. 22 and was recently replaced by former county employee Bill Palmer.
“I’m not picking sides with the building official or anyone,” Williams said. “I’m saying there’s a government and those people have roles, and those roles are building official or floodplain administrator and they’re paid
to make decisions. We were following those folks.”
Williams said he has reached out to Rep. Will Robinson, Sen. Jim Boyd, Sen. Vern Buchanan and Gov. Ron DeSantis for help. “Who do we reach out to? The government is here to serve the people,” Williams said. “We can’t reach out to you? We have real people, real employees hurting and I just want to continue to pound the pavement on that.”
Williams said the Bradenton Beach city attorney threatened him about coercing commissioners.
“I’ve been fearful to talk to any commissioners,” he said. “That’s on record.”
“That’s a different story if she wants to say that,” Kruse said. “We’re in an interesting situation here. I have to respect each of your municipalities, but you’re also a resident of Manatee County. At no point in time are you also not my constituent. At no point in time can anyone ever admonish you for speaking to a county commissioner.”
T ASTIN GA TT HE CENTER
WINE SF ROM DOWN UNDE R
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Commissioner George Kruse spoke at a Feb. 19 town hall meeting, above left. Above right, Derek Williams, left, and Walter Loos spoke about their permitting issues.
Garden club hosts ‘Flower Power’ fashion show
The Anna Maria Island Garden Club hosted its annual luncheon and fashion show at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Feb. 26. Attended by nearly 300 people, this year’s theme was “Flower Power.” The soirée began with drinks, appetizers and pop-up shopping opportunities. Attendees enjoyed a buffet luncheon prepared by Harry’s Continental Kitchens before the main event began - the annual fashion show that featured approximately 40 local citizens modeling fashions offered for sale by participating Island area retailers. Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short modeled a day at
the beach outfit that included pink shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses from AMI Outfitters and a carry-along cooler. “I thought the fashion show was fabulous,” Short said. “The garden club did a magnificent job putting it on. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I think my wife (Pat) may have bought what I modeled.” Garden Club member and City Commissioner Kathy Morgan-Johnson said, “I thought it was a big success. We had almost 300 people there. Felcia Goett, from Blooms by the Beach, helped with the decorations, along with the Garden Club members, and everyone had a great time.”
AMI Historical Museum reopens soon
The Anna Maria Island Historical Museum hosted a soft reopening celebration on Feb. 25 that highlighted the museum’s ongoing recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Inside the museum, attendees viewed restored historical exhibits and a digital photo collage of the hurricane damage. Outside the museum, attendees enjoyed free wine, snacks and live music. Located in a city-owned building at 407 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, the museum is staffed by AMI Historical Society members and volunteers. Historical Society President Carolyn Orshak said, “We are so blessed to be at this point today with the museum. Our job is to preserve history and so many people in this community have helped. It looked like a bomb went off inside. Our artifact displays were crushed with the artifacts in them. I saved and restored our archeological items but we lost some clothing and a lot of written history. But because of the Island newspapers, we’re able to re-access
that history.” The Anna Maria Island Sun print archives are stored at the museum. Orshak said grant money is being used to scan historic documents and photographs and preserve them digitally. The annual Heritage Day festival will be held at the museum on Tuesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and regular museum operations are expected to resume before then. The weekly Settlers Bread sales will also resume soon. The city of Anna Maria paid for the repairs and renovations and Mayor Mark Short attended the soft reopening. “The museum is an instru mental part of this city,” he said. “We’re excited about the renovations and the museum soon being open again. This checks another box in the city’s recovery.” Museum docent David Haddox said, “The museum sustained a fair amount of damage. We lost some things, but we preserved a lot of one-of-kind items and this soft opening is an opportunity to make the community aware that we’re here.”
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN AMI Historical Society members and volunteers are happy the museum is reopening soon.
PAT SHORT | SUBMITTED
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short modeled this beachy ensemble.
PAT SHORT | SUBMITTED Above left, AMI Garden Club member Jana Samuels modeled for Island Cabana. Above right, The Center’s Morgan Blackburn modeled for Island Cabana. Left, Doctor’s Office employee Emily Mulling modeled for Vintage Beach.
KRUSE: Permitting issues prompt home rule discussion at town hall
FROM PAGE 8
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth pointed out that city charters do not allow county overreach, but also said there are steps citizens can take if they’ve lost confidence in their city leaders.
“There’s charters in the cities that the county can’t really overstep certain things, but when you look at the charter of the city, it tells you the steps that the people can make if you lose confidence in your city leadership,” Titsworth said. “What you want to do is elect good people in office that have your back.”
She weighed in on Bradenton Beach’s permitting process.
“I feel horrible for what you all are going through, it’s terrible that they allowed that backlog in permitting,” she said. “It’s terrible who they had in those positions, they didn’t have enough people in the positions. You have to be prepared for those situations. Your staff has to have
the support to be there when things go bad and Bradenton Beach didn’t have that, and I feel really bad for the citizens about how long they’re still waiting for permits.”
“It’s situations like this, and I don’t know every single fact, so I’m just going to make a blanket (statement), it’s situations like this that gets the state to come in here and threaten the consolidation,” Kruse said. It’s situations like this that get them to pass pre-emption laws against people of the state of Florida. If they perceive there’s a theoretical bad actor someplace, then it puts a black cloud over everybody. And if they say ‘Hey, wait a minute, businesses are being driven out, residents are being driven out, for reasons that are not on the up and up,’ then you risk them coming back in and saying let’s look at the OPAGGA study again, if there’s one rogue here we might as well just clean house. And they start passing pre-emption laws everywhere. They’ll pull permitting rights from the cities that are doing it right.”
Roser Church
beautiful place to explore your faith...”
John M Campora, ChFC®, CRPC™ Financial Advisor 6400 Manatee Ave West, Suite B Bradenton, FL 34209 941-779-2499
COMMUNITY AUDITIONS
Roser Youth Performing Arts invites all children and youth ages 4 - 15 to audition on Monday, March 10, and Friday, March 14, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM for the upcoming community-wide spring musical,
IN THE IMAGE
by Mark Burrows. No acting experience needed!
Rehearsals for the musical will be Mondays and Fridays, and will begin at the end of March. The musical will be presented on Mother’s Day weekend on FRIDAY, MAY 9, AT 7:00 PM.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
8:30 & 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY
• Program for children and youth ONLINE • Watch LI VE or LATER on YouTube.com/@RoserChurch RoserChurch.com
• News & Notes for coming events RoserChurch.com/contact-us
• Contac t sta (the o ce is closed)
• Sign up to receive the eBulletin
• FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch
941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria
DOGE: Task force may impact Island governments
Andrew Kalel is a government affairs consultant for the Sunrise Consulting Group and serves as the city of Holmes Beach’s contracted state lobbyist. In a Feb. 24 email to Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, he wrote, “The governor has created Florida DOGE via executive order. The new Florida DOGE Team shall use ‘publicly available information to identify and report unnecessary spending within county and municipal governments’ and recommend legislative reforms to promote efficiency, maximize productivity and eliminate waste in state and local government.”
life for their citizens,” Titsworth told The Sun.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Section 1 of the executive order alludes to consolidation, specifying that the DOGE team shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the executive order and identifying, reporting and recommending “administrative or legislative reforms to promote efficiency, maximize productivity and eliminate waste in state and local government, including recommendations to leverage modern technology and to eliminate the duplication of services, reduce fees and cut overhead.”
“I seriously hope that the governor allows the city’s elected officials, who have the boots on the ground, to know what is best as they provide public health, safety, and, most importantly, quality of
Kalel’s email included a bulletpointed summary of some of the anticipated DOGE actions and the potential implications for the city of Holmes Beach and other Anna Maria Island and Florida cities:
• “He’s created a new DOGE Task Force modeled after federal efforts to reduce government waste.
• “He will eliminate over 70 state boards and commissions deemed redundant or ineffective.
• “A push to further reduce spending, despite population growth and inflation.
• “A continued focus on tax relief, including the elimination of Florida’s unique tax on business rent.
• “Efforts to use artificial intelligence for auditing state contracts and eliminating ideological spending.”
Kalel’s email also listed potential actions aimed specifically at local governments.
Local government spending:
The governor stated that while Florida’s state government has reduced spending, many local governments have increased their budgets and imposed higher property taxes.”
Andrew Kalel, Holmes Beach lobbyist
• “The governor stated that while Florida’s state government has reduced spending, many local governments have increased their budgets and imposed higher property taxes.
• “Homeowners are overburdened due to rising property tax assessments, particularly affecting seniors on fixed incomes. He suggested Florida could shift more tax burden to visitors and seasonal residents rather than relying on permanent homeowners.”
Local government audits:
• “DOGE task force will review county and municipal spending using publicly available records.
• “The governor is requesting legislative power for the task force to enforce audits at the local level.”
Regarding legislative action to improve local government transparency, Kalel wrote:
• He (DeSantis) is pushing for laws that would force local governments to comply with audits by the state’s efficiency task force.
• The task force would also use
AI technology to detect wasteful spending.
Regarding local government spending on diversity, equity and inclusion and other programs, Kalel wrote:
• The governor noted that at the state level, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have been eliminated, but suggested local governments may still be funding similar initiatives under different names.
• “He emphasized that AI auditing tools will be used to flag contracts that continue DEI-related spending under new labels.”
Regarding infrastructure and local services, Kalel wrote: “The state has been accelerating infrastructure projects to keep up with population growth and tourism and he suggested that local governments need to be more efficient in their own infrastructure spending.”
DeSantis’ Feb. 24 press conference can be viewed at www. TheFloridaChannel.org.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Anna Maria Island after Hurricane Helene.
Fishing Festival nets 10,000 attendees
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Nearly 10,000 people attended the 43rd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival on Feb. 15-16.
Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) Treasurer Jane von Hahmann said on Feb. 26 that final financial numbers are still being tallied. Attendance figures for this year’s festival were only slightly less than 2023.
“Attendance was down a little, but earnings are looking good,” she said. “Not as good as 2023, and remember, in 2024, Sunday was a washout, but really quite good.”
This year’s celebration of local com-
BEACH
BEAT
BRADENTON BEACH
Feb. 25, Gulf Drive S., 9:17 p.m. Disorderly intoxication and resisting officer. A 30-yearold North Towanda, N.Y. man was reportedly involved in physical altercations with patrons of a Gulf Drive bar and was ver-
mercial fishing heritage was the festival that almost wasn’t, due to the back-to-back hurricanes that impacted Cortez in 2024.
In November, the FISH board reached out to Cortez residents to see how the community felt about holding the street festival in 2025. It was agreed by most that the festival would have a much-needed uplifting effect.
The two-day festival, themed “Swamped but Never Sunk,” was centered around Star Fish Co. and featured live music, arts and craft vendors, educational activities and local seafood.
Festival proceeds go toward maintenance of the 98-acre FISH Preserve, as well as community projects.
bally abusive toward staff. He was told to leave the bar by staff and initially refused, but then left on foot and was intercepted by police as he was walking south on Gulf Drive. Police reported he became verbally abusive toward officers and refused to put his arms behind his back. He was warned that he would be tazed and he reportedly said, “Don’t taze me bro,” before laughing. Police say he then complied and was placed under arrest.
Two temporary lifeguard towers added at Cortez Beach
The Manatee County Department of Public Safety placed two temporary lifeguard towers at Cortez Beach on Feb. 21. When construction in the Cortez Beach parking lot is completed in the coming weeks, Manatee County Beach Patrol lifeguards will go on duty, providing supervision and medical care. “This initiative is part of our continued commitment to public safety and ensuring a safe beach experience for both residents and visitors ahead of the 2025 beach season,” according to a press release from the Department of Public Safety. “It's also a symbol of Manatee County's ongoing recovery from the impacts of the 2024 hurricane season.”
MANATEE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY | SUBMITTED
In support of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14-172, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced on Feb. 27 the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
The change will apply to all maps, forms, rules and other commission materials under Florida Administrative Code Chapter 68, according to an FWC press release.
Among the divisions, offices and programs that will convert to the new name are the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the Division of Law Enforcement.
The Jan. 20 Executive Order states in part: “Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior shall, consistent with 43 U.S.C. 364 through 364f, 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 boundary with Mexico and Cuba in the area formerly named as the Gulf of Mexico.”
Following the guidance of the Associated Press, the Anna Maria Island Sun will continue to refer to the Gulf as the Gulf of Mexico.
SPRING IS ALMOST UPON US AND IT’S HEATING UP!
The Gulf of Mexico off Anna Maria Island.
Kiwanis helping food pantry
Kiwanis of Anna Maria presented $1,000 to the Roser Church Food Bank last week. From left are Sandy Haas-Martens (secretary/treasurer of the foundation), Sharon Wiesniewski (Roser Church) and Darrel Shinn (vice president of the foundation).
Pastor celebrates jubilee
Father Phillip Schweda, pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach, celebrated his 45th jubilee anniversary as a priest with parishioners and other friends at the Lazy Lobster in Longboat Key on Feb. 23.
Local spring break starts soon
Anna Maria Elementary School students will be on spring break from March 17-21, along with all Manatee County students, with an early dismissal on Friday, March 14. Local law enforcement asks motorists to keep an eye out for kids.
SUBMITTED
JOSEPH REUWER | SUBMITTED
OUTDOORS
The honorable harvest
Reel
hile reading a chapter in Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer this morning, I came across the chapter entitled, “The Honorable Harvest.” Kimmerer, an American scientist, acclaimed author and Native American member of the Potawatomi Nation, speaks about the tenets which guided the way her people historically interacted with the natural world. It made me think about how we as fishermen treat fish and the natural world that sustains them and us. Their values included never taking more than was needed, harvesting in a way that minimizes harm, being grateful for the gifts of the earth and sustaining the resource for future generations.
We live in a very different world today where most people buy their fish from refrigerated cases or frozen, wrapped in plastic and sitting in grocery store freezers. As fishermen, we still harvest our catch from the natural world much as the first Americans did. Can we also honor
our harvest, and how might we do that? We can easily take only what we need to feed ourselves and our family, minimize harm by the way we handle the fish we release, and be grateful for the gifts of the sea.
We can work to sustain the resource today and for future generations in these ways and by joining with others who appreciate and value of the natural world. A few of the most active and effective local organizations include Suncoast Waterkeeper, Oyster River Ecology, Sarasota Bay Watch and Suncoast Aqua Ventures. Suncoast Waterkeeper’s mission is to defend our coastline through advocacy, water quality, community engagement and legal action. In addition to an active water quality monitoring program and habitat protection efforts, in the summer of 2024, SCWK instituted an initiative to protect and preserve our local bays through the “Love Your Bays Consciously” campaign. This campaign is a year-long effort to recruit, manage and train volunteers to proactively and reactively tackle ever-growing threats to clean water in our local bays. Their stated aim is, “Together, we can create a future where clean water and thriving ecosystems are the norm, not the exception.”
Oyster River Ecology’s mission is to improve water quality, restore oyster habitats and increase the public’s understanding of natural systems. One way they accomplish this is by engaging the public, including youth,
the
through hands-on experiential learning projects. A good example is the creation of Oyster Rag Pots that are made by volunteers and installed in areas where ORE has attained permits to restore large areas of oyster reef, the largest being a 10-acre site in the Manatee River east of I-75.
Time
RUSTY CHINNIS
SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 17
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Honoring
harvest today will assure families like Rusty and Erin Blair and future generations have some of the same opportunities that we’ve had.
REEL TIME:
The honorable harvest
FROM PAGE 16
Sarasota Bay Watch is dedicated to restoring coastal ecosystems through citizen participation. You can become an active participant by joining as a member and volunteering in Sarasota Bay Watch’s ongoing effort to protect and restore this valuable natural resource. Their goal is to initiate innovative and effective action grounded in selfless and comprehensive planning to assure the sustainability of Sarasota Bay, its stakeholders and all its inhabitants. They aim to establish collaborative relationships with other environmental organizations, scientists and NGOs. They strive to forge partnerships that allow Sarasota Bay Watch to accomplish its goals while enhancing the effectiveness of every person and group that benefits from the natural assets of the bay system.
Suncoast Aqua Ventures is focused entirely on cleanup events. They work to keep our coastal and underwater ecosystems free from human trash and debris. They initiate and participate in several cleanups throughout the year to promote this cause. Through these and other efforts, including letter writing, attending governmental meetings and advocation for the environment, it’s possible to honor the harvest today and into the future for the benefit of the fish and the natural marine world that sustains our passion.
CAPT.
Time for early season tarpon
RICK GRASSETT
There should be good action with reds, trout and snook in skinny water in March as baitfish become more plentiful. Look for Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, tripletail and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf. Night snook fishing in the ICW should also be a good option this month.
Spotted seatrout regulations have changed in southwest Florida to a three-fish-per-person bag limit and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15”-19” with one allowed per vessel over 19”. In my opinion, it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Full regulations and details for all species can be viewed at https:// myfwc.com/.
This should be a good month for snook fishing at night around lighted docks and bridge fenders in the
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED
Dave Smid, of Missouri, with a red caught and released on CAL jigs with shad or grub tails while fishing Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous March.
ICW. DOA Shrimp, CAL jigs with shad tails and small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, usually work well at night since glass minnows and shrimp are the predominant bait. Focus on shadow lines where light meets dark and fish strong tides for the best action. Although snook may be found in rivers, creeks or canals in March, they will
also start to move onto shallow flats, particularly on sunny afternoons when it’s warm. I like larger lures like CAL jigs with jerk worms, CAL 4” Shad Tails, DOA Baitbusters and the DOA PT soft plastic top water lure or wide profile flies like Clousers, Deceivers and EP flies for snook on the flats.
Look for early season tarpon that may start
to show in backcountry areas. These are usually adult resident fish that are making their way out of rivers and creeks. They may be “laid up” or rolling on deep grass flats, on edges of shallow flats or along bars when it is calm. An accurate cast with a DOA Shrimp, a Deceiver or Tarpon Bunny fly may result in an explosive strike! Look for them in areas of Sarasota Bay, lower Tampa Bay or in Gasparilla Sound on some of the same deep grass flats where you find trout. Reds should be more active as the water warms and baitfish become more plentiful. Higher tides, as we head into spring, will allow them to spend more time feeding in shallow water. Look for them over shallow grass, along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high.
REAL ESTATE
Life-changing events can reset priorities
To say that a combination of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton less than two weeks apart changed the lives of everyone on Anna Maria Island and most of the coastal areas of Manatee County would be a gross understatement. Some areas came back sooner than others, but everyone was influenced by the storms and shocked at the amount of cleanup and repairs needed to get their lives back fully on track.
Castles in the Sand
month’s numbers, it’s probably time; please note the listings include all variety of properties.
Last week we reviewed the Manatee County sales statistics provided by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee along with their accompanying news release. Essentially, they’re saying our real estate market all over the county is changing to a buyer’s market, no surprise there. The surprise is how fast it happened and how fast fortunes can disappear.
I haven’t made a comparison of listings compared to pending properties in a long time, but in view of this
Starting with the City of Anna Maria, as of this writing, there are 70 properties available for sale ranging from $20 million to $549,900. There are nine in the upper range above $6 million, 38 in the mid-range and 23 at $2 million and lower. The upper range listings had no pending properties, the mid-range had three pending properties and the lower range had five pending properties, for a total of eight pending properties out of 70 listings.
The combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach had 232
listings as of this writing, ranging from $16,750,000 to $60,000. There were 14 properties in the upper range above $6 million, 46 properties in the mid-range and 30 properties in the lower range below $2 million. The upper range did not have any pending properties, the mid-range had two pending properties, and the lower range had 32 pending properties. The total listings combined in the three cities on Anna Maria Island were 302 with 40 pending - you do the math.
The village of Cortez had 32 properties listed ranging from $3,899,000 to $79,500 with two pending.
Although we experienced devastating storms, giving our real estate market an unexpected blow, the country as a whole is also experiencing a downward market. Data from the real estate analytics firm CoreLogic shows nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market after they failed to find a buyer in the final month of last year.
Sellers are reluctant to take lower prices especially if it means giving up their ultra-low mortgage rates. Home sales in 2024 were at their lowest level in nearly 30 years. Eventually sellers will slowly be more realistic if they need to sell because of a job, growing family or other life events that can’t be delayed. Green Street, another analytics firm, predicts that U.S. home prices are vulnerable to a correction.
On the other hand, the luxury home market is putting a lot of pressure on the entry level home market. As prices go up in the luxury market, it takes everything below right along with it. This is true in the Miami area with their influx of the super-rich moving the annual number of home sales above $1 million up 147% compared to 2019. Sometimes life-changing events are good to reset our priorities in life and remind us how quickly things can change. Keep cleaning, keep painting and be happy - you still can.
LOUISE BOLGER
Huibers win KRC couples tournament
Key Royale Golf Club held its annual couples handicap tournament with 36 couples competing. Starting in January and ending on Feb. 22, each couple played four rounds of golf for a total of 36 holes in a Pinehurst format. Finishing in first place were Jenny and Ron Huibers with 115.4. Finishing a close second at 116 were Laurie and Marty Hicks. Lisa Edmonds and Tony Donnelly claimed third place
SUBMITTED
Ron and Jenny Huibers won the 2025 couples handicap tournament at Key Royale Golf Club.
with a score of 116.6 followed by Nina and Robert McSparren at 118 in fourth place.
Jenny Huibers won the long drive contest and the putting contest for the ladies. Brian Hogan captured the long drive contest for the men and Jim Hitchen won the putting contest for the men. Winners of closest to the pin on Hole #3 were Sue Porterfield and Rob Ellis while capturing the event on Hole #8 were Andi Saia and Richard Brown. A delicious buffet followed the event along with the golfers’ favorite beverage.
FUN IN THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THRIVE BEACH YOGA: All Levels Welcome! 100 Pine Ave on AMI. 8:30am every Saturday & Sunday, Wednesdays (Oct-May). $15 PreRegistration required at ThriveYogaFit.com
BRIDGE GAMES AT THE CENTER on Magnolia Ave., Fridays, 11:30 AM to 2:30
PM on a first come, first serve basis. Call 314 324 5921 for additional details.
BOATS
BOAT ARE SELLING
VERY WELL. Season is here. Northerners are shopping now. Great Timing! We Also Buy Boats. Please visit- IslandBoatSales.net- 942-2283489 -Boatsalesflorida@ Gmail.com
27' COM-PAC MK/II
SAILBOAT - 1989 in v/ good condition, no storm damage, ready to sail. New bottom paint and Genoa, 2yr old autopilot, chart plotter, 20A smart charger, enclosed head, propane stove w/oven, 6'1'" headroom, more info online. $21,500. 727-479-4919
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO RENT all inclusive executive office space in Holmes Beach. Great frontage and advertisement visibility. Great for realtors, contractors, accountants, lawyers, etc. Electric and water included. 3 offices available. Suite 101 Approx. 200sf. $700.00 month $500.00 deposit Suite 104 Approx. 400sf. $800.00 month $500.00 deposit Suite 106 Approx. 400sf. $650.00 month $500.00 deposit. Call 941-746-8666
CLEANING SERVICE
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
EMPLOYMENT
SHAMPOO ASSISTANT
P/T for busy island salon, retired professionals welcome. 941-387-9897 Irina
EXPERIENCED NAIL TECHNICIAN and hair stylist, call for appointment. A Hair Day 941-195-5227
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST
ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115. NEW OFFICE ADDRESS: 1878 59th Street W Bradenton, FL 34209
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.
BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585
MOVING & STORAGE
CCS DRYWALL REPAIRS
We are local. Family owned & operated since 1991. Free Estimates. Licensed/Insured/Bonded. License # SCC131149803 Call 941-713-6531.
HURRICANE DAMAGE?
I’m an Island resident. Pressure washing, tree work, fence repair, mailbox replacement. Also see ads under “Landscaping & painting. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
FROM HOME TO BUSINESSES, we build it all. You’re Reliable General Contractor for new construction, water damage, restoration 941-894-7549 or email at@ constructionatr.com
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bimonthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
DEVINE DESIGN LANDSCAPE - Professional Landscape and Design Services for your entire property. Irrigation services, Tree Removal and trimming, Sod, Mulch, Fencing, Pavers and Landscape Lighting. Commercial and Residential. Call 941-4656015 DevineDesign7@ yahoo.com
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
PEST CONTROL
ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL Call 941-778-1630
POOL SERVICES
OUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-565-3931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
FOR SALE, 1BR/1BA full Gulf front condo on Bradenton Beach, second floor, undamaged by hurricanes, new A/C, wood floors, on-demand water heater, all-in-one W/D. $595,000. 941-778-5070.
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTAL minutes to beaches 2BR/2BA Condo. Water/cable included, pool, washer/dryer. $1795/mo First Month Free. Call 941-713-6743
ANNUAL RENTAL in Holmes Beach. 2BR/2BA Ground Level, all new appliances. 2 off street parking spaces. $2500 mo. First Month and Security. Call 941 565-8407
HOLMES BEACH 209 83rd St.: 1BR/1BA efficiency apartment. Small but cute! $1700/ mo. 2BR/2BA private pool, large screened lanai! $3500/ mo. Water, trash, lawn care included. Also pool care. Annual, unfurnished. 1 Year lease. 1st, last & security. Call 941-809-2488
FULLY FURNISHED
4BR/3BA Recently Remodeled Bayfront view and 7 min walk to beach Condo in Holmes Beach. Includes Heated pool, tennis court, fishing pier, cable, WiFi, water and trash. Electric in your name. One year lease $5000 month. Call Nedra :352-875-6094
FULLY FURNISHED Nice home 6 min walk to beach on 63rd St. 3BR/3.5BA with private heated pool, office, elevator in Holmes Beach.One year lease available. Tenant must pay all utilities. $5000 per month plus deposit. Call Nedra 352-875-6094.
BRADENTON BEACH two 2BR/1BA apartments available to rent. $2500/ mo. First, last and $1000 security deposit. Renovated/updated. No pets. Adults only. Call 941-7054737
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
FULLY FURNISHED 2BR/2BA Condo in Holmes Beach. Includes all utilities, cable, internet, and trash. Seasonal, monthly or 6-month lease available March 1, 2025. Call Jack at 312-835-2323
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190
BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT QUIET renovated condo 2BR/2BA seasonal $4750/ month. On pond Perico Bay Club: pool, tennis, pickleball, gym, parking Min from AMI beaches Call 952818-4685
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
RENTAL WANTED
ANNUAL RENTAL WANTED by retired single gentleman. Seeking 1 BR close to St. Bernards Catholic
Church, Manatee public beach and Publix. No smoking, no pets. 20-year island resident, A+ rental history. June 1 occupancy. 941-444-0513.
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets
welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095
PAGE 1
reopen until the missing walkway that connects to the T-end of the pier is replaced.
When the new boat joins the Gulf Islands Ferry fleet, it will be used to make the Manatee River run between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The two original pontoon boats will then be used exclusively to shuttle passengers between the Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach ferry landings; and maybe someday to the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach as well.
In late October, the state provided the county with a temporary ferry landing that consisted of a spud barge and a walkway that connected to the Anna Maria shoreline, but the wind, waves, water depth and weather conditions left the ferry captains leery of using the temporary landing even after additional spud barges were installed. In January, the state demobilized the privately-owned spud barges provided as part of the state’s hurricane response.
NEW SCENARIO
Due to the size of the new ferry boat, the idea of a stand-alone ferry landing in Anna Maria predates the 2024 hurricanes. During the Feb. 27 meeting, Short said when the City Pier is repaired and reopened it will not be able to accommodate the larger ferry boat.
The agenda packet for that day’s meeting contained a single-page diagram of the
ferry landing concept being developed by county officials and those assisting them.
“What you see is one scenario,” Short said. “They are working on other scenarios. This is not the only thing they’re looking at but this is one scenario they have actually taken to a point of putting on paper. They want to be able to land this boat near the city of Anna Maria.”
Short said the county hired
FERRY: County exploring Anna Maria ferry landing options
a third-party firm to study the wave action, wave heights, currents and sand movement in that area. He noted the scenario presented includes extending the rock jetty further out into Tampa Bay and installing a wall-like wave attenuator that protects the landing area from the waves and currents that present navigational challenges in those waters.
Short told county officials
they must appear at a city meeting and present their proposed plans to the commission and the public before the commission will consider approving the county’s request to build a stand-alone ferry landing that connects to the Anna Maria shoreline.
Short said he would share additional details with the commission as they become available.
Commissioner Chris Arendt asked Short if the county would assume the city’s current financial responsibility to periodically dredge the channel the connects Lake La Vista and Tampa Bay. Short said the county is studying the dredging needs that might exist in that area and dredging may be needed where the ferry landing would be built. Short also noted the city previously received a $75,000 resiliency grant and is seeking additional grant funds for a yet-to-be-initiated study that would help identify a longterm solution that eliminates the need to dredge the channel every four years or so.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
