Anna Maria Island Sun April 10, 2024

In 2023, “No Trespassing” and other warning signs were posted in the canal near the Cortez Village Marina.

Property owners seek stop to kayak tours

A Holmes Beach couple is seeking an injunction to stop a kayak tour company from bringing clients near their property.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Residents

Roger and Irene Alvarez are hoping for help from the legal system to prevent kayaking clients from Fun Florida Tours from trespassing on their property and causing what they call a nuisance.

In a complaint filed on March 29 in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County, the couple alleges that tours conducted by the company, which occur daily about every 1.5 hours from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., are causing irreparable harm to their quality of

GOOGLE MAPS | SUBMITTED Sportsman’s Harbor is a small inlet on the east side of Holmes Beach surrounded by residential properties.

life and damaging their property. The home at 201 North Harbor Drive is on an inlet off Anna Maria Sound called Sportsman’s Harbor, which borders a residential district in Holmes Beach. In the lawsuit, the couple alleges that the kayakers are SEE

Marina clients face inclusion in canal lawsuit

The 2022 lawsuit seeks to prohibit marina clients from using the Hunters Point canal.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Cortez Village Marina clients who use the privately-owned Hunters Point canal may soon be named as additional defendants in a 2022 canal dispute-related lawsuit.

The Sun recently obtained a letter sent to a marina client. The letter was written by attorney Susan Martin, who represents Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty’s Cortez Road Investments and Finance (CRIF) ownership group. When completed, the Hunters Point development will include 86 solar-powered homes.

According to Gobuty, approximately 50 marina clients received the first wave of letters eventually sent to all known marina clients who use the

Commissioners deny paid parking lot

Bradenton Beach commissioners denied a request to make a parking lot on Gulf Drive south of the Shell gas station.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners denied an application for a temporary use paid parking lot at 2509 Gulf Drive N. at their April 4 meeting.

The application, which stated the property was in an R-2 (residential) zone, was submitted by Rick Munroe, of Sarasota-based Palm Parking, on behalf of property owner Mark Toomey for a 19-space paid parking facility.

“We feel we’re providing a service for short-term accommodations,” Munroe said. “We’re asking for a 24-hour operation.”

“We have nothing that has been presented by FDOT (Florida Depart-

ment of Transportation), FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), SWFWMD (South Florida Water Management District)” - the state agencies that conduct review processes on such proposals, Mayor John Chappie said.

According to building official Darin Cushing, a site plan was not presented with the application.

“We need more documentation, a parking plan,” Cushing said. “We need a better idea of what the full plan is.”

Toomey said the site plan had been submitted with the application.

“I delivered the site plan myself. I don’t know how that piece of paper didn’t arrive. There’s two site plans on there,” Toomey said.

Toomey said he attempted to have a home built on that property four years ago and it was denied by the commission.

Another Reimagining Pine Avenue decision looms

City officials continue to search for a contractor for the Reimagining Pine Avenue project.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – For the fourth time, commissioners will soon be asked to accept or reject a Reimagining Pine Avenue bid proposal submitted by the CSquared construction company.

On March 25, City Clerk LeAnne Addy opened the only bid received in response to the city’s fourth request for proposals (RFP) since 2022. Despite being previously rejected three times, Sarasota-based C-Squared CGC Inc. again submitted the only bid.

The RFP sought proposals to construct a one-block Reimagining Pine Avenue prototype between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive. The proposed prototype area would include the same safety improvements desired along the entirety of Pine

Avenue - brick paver sidewalks along both sides of the street, new crosswalks and new streetlights.

The sidewalks and crosswalks are to be funded using a $1.28 million state appropriation that the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved in 2022. An additional $1.4 million state appropriation was approved in 2023 to expand the project to include similar safety improvements along Spring and Magnolia avenues, although no formal plans for those two additional streets have been presented.

While seated in the commission chambers, Addy opened C-Squared’s sealed bid with only a C-Squared representative and The Sun present. In accordance with previously-established city protocol, only the name of the bidder was made public. No additional details, including the proposed price, were made public. The bid details will be made public when C-Squared’s proposal is presented for city commission discussion and consideration. The agenda for the

commission’s April 11 meeting includes a Pine Avenue RFP update but it doesn’t indicate whether any formal commission decision-making is expected.

If the commission ultimately rejects C-Squared’s latest proposal, the city could issue a fifth RFP, this time seeking bids for all of Pine Avenue or the entire expanded three-street project. In February, Commissioner Mark Short noted the city has until the end of the calendar year to spend the appropriation funds approved

in 2022. Although unlikely, the mayor and commission could abandon the project and forego the state funds if a contractor can’t be secured.

C-Squared hasn’t done any previous projects for the city of Anna Maria, but the company has completed city projects in Bradenton Beach and in Holmes Beach. Several years ago, CSquared replaced the failing brick paver crosswalks on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach that were installed by another company.

C-Squared completed the city center project for the city of Holmes Beach in 2023. The company is currently named as a co-defendant in a civil lawsuit pertaining to the 2023 death of pedestrian Miriam Trotter, who was struck by a vehicle driven by Michael Ritchie in a C-Squared work zone and traffic management area associated with the city center project. The lawsuit alleges C-Squared and Ritchie share responsibility for the fatal accident and alleges C-Squared failed to maintain a safe work zone. According to court documents, Ritchie denies responsibility for the accident and faults C-Squared for not maintaining a safe work zone; and C-Squared denies responsibility for the actions of Ritchie and Trotter.

PAST PROPOSALS

None of the four Reimagining Pine Avenue RFPs produced bid proposals from any firm other than C-Squared.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Some portions of Pine Avenue provide no sidewalks for pedestrians.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

IN BRIEF

CBD, dogs, Pine Avenue on Thursday’s agenda

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet Thursday, April 11 at 2 p.m. After general public comment on non-agenda items, the commission will continue its discussions about revising the city’s prohibition of the sale of CBD and hemp products. The commission will be presented with the second and final reading of an ordinance that will allow dogs in City Pier Park. The mayor will provide an update on vacation rental legislation that as of Friday had not yet been transmitted to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his approval or rejection. The mayor will also provide an update on the Reimagining Pine Avenue prototype RFP and the single bid received. The commission will continue its discussion about installing an additional wind sculpture near City Pier Park. The single-item consent agenda includes a special event permit request and fee waiver for the AMI Privateers’ Fourth of July parade on July 4. Thursday’s meeting can also be attended by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280. To make a public comment, press *9 on your phone.

Roadwork starting at Manatee Avenue merge lane

Traveling in the merge lane on Manatee Avenue west of 75th Street headed toward Anna Maria Island is changing with roadwork beginning this week, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. FDOT workers are removing the merge signs and pavement markings at the merge point to encourage drivers to use both lanes during traffic congestion. Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins said he’s spoken to FDOT representatives about ways to improve traffic congestion coming to the Island. He said that using both lanes during high traffic times could reduce the one-lane backup of beach traffic on Manatee Avenue. Using the new layout, the merge point will be where the two lanes meet at the entrance to the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue. Vehicles are intended to alternate, one from each lane, to travel west down Manatee Avenue.

Town hall on consolidation postponed

Holmes Beach city leaders have postponed the planned April 9 town hall meeting to discuss the ongoing Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability study regarding the consolidation of the three Anna Maria Island cities. City Clerk Stacey Johnston said that the town hall is postponed pending a meeting tentatively set in a month between Mayor Judy Titsworth and Florida Rep. Will Robinson Jr., one of the supporters of the OPPAGA study. Representatives from OPPAGA are looking into four possibilities concerning the three AMI municipalities: Leaving them as is, combining them into one new city or eliminating the three Island governments and annexing them into unincorporated Manatee County or the city of Bradenton. Based on recent visits from OPPAGA representatives, Titsworth believes the option being considered most strongly is the one that annexes the three cities into Manatee County. She is among the AMI city leaders opposed to consolidation.

Commission denies another parking lot

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners denied a temporary use application for a paid parking lot next to the Gulf Drive Café at an April 4 commission meeting.

The application for 900 Gulf Drive N. was submitted by applicant Joshua LaRose on behalf of property owner Wendy Kokolis.

Julian Botero represented the applicant at the commission meeting.

“We’re looking for paid beach parking, 27 spots on the south end of Gulf Drive Café at the white fenced-in lot,” Botero said. “This is a C-2 (commercial) zone, similar to everything else going on on the Island.”

Botero noted that the parking area would give visitors direct access to the beach.

“We got an application for a paid parking lot,” City Building Official Darin Cushing said. “This is again a case of where it got started before it was requested. We told them to halt construction, we had to have a permit.”

Mayor John Chappie cited a number of his concerns about the application.

The property is seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line, he said.

“Several state agencies need to chime in on this after-thefact application. This is something we’re cracking down on,” Chappie said. “These are the problems you run into when you do something without asking and it creates problems with the city.”

The applicant requested that hours of operation for the parking lot be approved for 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and that it could be used as additional parking for the Gulf Drive Café.

“None of this jives. It makes me wonder what’s going on here,” Chappie said.

Chappie expressed concerns about the health, safety and welfare of the public in a high-

These are the problems you run into when you do something without asking and it creates problems with the city.”

John Chappie Mayor

density, high-traffic area.

“This is two blocks from the Cortez Road intersection, one of the busiest on the Island and the busiest in Bradenton Beach,” he said. “It’s high density with condos to the south. I’m concerned about that and the traffic.”

Chappie said there are no crosswalks in the immediate area, which has high pedestrian activity.

“I don’t see how the negative impact can be mitigated,” Chappie said, also taking issue with the proposed hours of operation and the potential for lights on the beach to disorient sea turtles during nesting season, which begins May 1. Cushing said that the application for the parking lot would require approval from multiple agencies prior to the city considering approval.

“You’re under an FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) permit for an addition to the restaurant, this would require this as well,” he said. “There’s no way we can say yes. There’s the FDEP sea turtle division. SWFWMD (the Southwest Florida Water Management District) would also have to get involved. There are state agencies that have required permits before we can even take a look at this.”

PUBLIC OPPOSITION

During public comment, several people spoke in opposition to the application to which Botero replied, “We feel precedent has been set, such as the parking lot at the Beach House, which is the same distance from the Cortez Bridge intersection. We could change the time of operations,” he

said. “City lights were attracting turtles. All the other lots that have been approved have been in residential areas. Ours is not.”

“When you’re dealing with a temporary use permit every application stands alone,” Chappie said, adding that not all applications for temporary parking have been approved, and those that were have come with stipulations to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry said Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby objected to the parking lot and said it would cause excessive vehicular traffic in the area.

“The chief specifically objected to turning on a southbound lane from a parking lot because it will likely back up traffic,” Perry said. “To travel in the northbound lane will require a vehicle to travel across three lanes of traffic and that is very dangerous, especially without traffic control devices.”

Perry added that without an FDOT study and without support of FDOT, the proposed parking would create a dangerous situation.

“People need to stop doing things before they come to the city, period, it’s not going to be tolerated. We have rules and regulations and we treat everybody the same according to our land development regulations and our comprehensive plan and it creates problems, and creates a tremendous cost to the taxpayers when things happen the way they should not happen,” Chappie said.

See related story, page 1

Disputed, then approved beach home being built

With state approval, the new beachfront home is being built seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Construction is well underway on Fedora Campbell’s new beachfront home at 105 Elm Ave.

Campell’s new home is being built in front of and seaward of the neighboring home at 107 Elm Ave. formerly owned by Wendy and Robert Jordan’s North Carolina-based WAJ Rustic Vacations LLC.

In April 2021, the Jordans purchased the $4 million beachfront home and property at 107 Elm that at the time offered a mostly unobstructed view of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico.

A few months later, after learning of Campbell’s plans to build a new beachfront home in front of their home, the Jordans launched a muchpublicized, but ultimately unsuccessful, Preserve AMI opposition campaign that included a website and an online petition drive. The website and petition

drive opposed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) ruling that allowed for Campbell’s new home to be built seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line, on a property that currently had no direct street access to Elm Avenue because the street ended at 107 Elm.

The Preserve AMI campaign also included signs placed along the beach walkway that encouraged Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy to “do the right thing,” even though the mayor had no legal grounds to overrule the FDEP permitting decision unsuccessfully challenged by a group of neighboring

property owners, who were later joined by the Jordans in the dispute.

In June 2022, Campbell and her attorney, Kevin Hennessy, addressed the Anna Maria City Commission while seeking a right of way use permit that would allow Elm Avenue to be extended to connect to Campbell’s property at Campbell’s expense.

Hennessey noted Campbell’s property was platted in 1912 and purchased by her father in 1925. Campbell, a Bradenton resident, said she began visiting Anna Maria and that family’s vacant beachfront property when she was about 2 years old.

review by FDEP, the city commission approved the right of way use permit that later allowed for the issuance of the other city-issued building permits needed to construct the new beachfront home.

Around that same time, the Jordans put their house and property on the market. In December 2022, the Ohio-based Depalma Corporation Inc. bought the 107 Elm home and property for $4.15 million and it’s now being rented as a short-term vacation rental.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Above, the pink house on the right is being built in front of the 107 Elm Ave. home on the left. Right, the Elm Avenue home once had an unobstructed view of the Gulf.

Joe Hendricks

Louise Bolger

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. Owner/CEO

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 EVENTS

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

April 11, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

April 24, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting

April 25, 6 p.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.

April 17, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

April 18, noon – 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.

April 10, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

April 23, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance Special Magistrate meeting

April 23, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

ISLAND-WIDE

April 15, 9 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

April 16, 5 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue workshop with board meeting to follow, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

April 17, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

Building a burrow, Robinson Preserve education and volunteer office, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Holy Yoga, Roser Church outdoor stage, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m.

Mah-jongg for beginners, 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.

Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

RoserRobics, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

One-on-one Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon.

Homeschool Creature Feature: Gopher Tortoise, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. to noon.

OneBlood Blood Mobile, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

AMI Chamber Luncheon, Westminster Point Pleasant, 1533 Fourth Ave. W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $22 for members or $30 for prospective members

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

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

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Tram tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve expansion parking lot, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8-10 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 15

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

Digital sketchbook studio, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. RoserRobics, Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Tram tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Jack and Betty Dietrich's home on Magnolia Avenue was known for the football viewing parties held on their large, screened-in porch.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Like so many others on Anna Maria Island, the ground-level house at 101 Mangrove Ave. that long served as home to the late Jack and Betty Deitrich and their family has been demolished.

Dietrich home demolished

The demolition took place March 25-27. Jack, a former principal at Anna Maria Elementary School, passed away in August 2022 at the age of 92. Betty passed away in February 2010. Betty’s father built the home in 1925 and it was renovated and expanded over the years. The property is located at the beach end of the street, near a beach access point.

The former Dietrich property is now owned by 101 Mangrove LLC, which lists Adam Guy, of Columbia, Missouri, as its manager. In March 2023, Guy and the LLC purchased the property from the Dietrich children for $3.6 million.

Between the time of the sale and the demolition, the home was a short-term vacation rental. After the sale, the Dietrich children – Beth Conner, Jan Smith and Greg Dietrich – rented their parents’ former home on two different occasions to spend some final time there together before it was gone.

After receiving photos of the demolition taking place, Conner, via text message, said, “So sad. My grandfather built that house in 1925 for his

family to summer there. Many generations have so many wonderful memories there. It was the gathering place for our family and friends. Selling it was one of the most difficult things my siblings and I have ever had to do. We’re so grateful for having grown up there and sharing it with our children and friends. The house and the famous porch were a family affair. If you were there, you were family. The memories are

too many to count and will be with us until we are torn down ourselves.”

After the house was demolished, a family friend grabbed five pieces of wood from the pile of rubble to give Conner the next time she visits.

Family friend and former Anna Maria resident Rick Lewis spent many hours on the Dietrichs’ porch.

“They had family gettogethers, birthdays and holiday parties, but one

thing that was huge for many years was the parties on “The Porch,” during football games. Of course, it was the Bucs and the ‘Noles games, but there were always big games to be celebrated. FSU vs. Miami was a big draw, but the big daddy of them all was FSU vs. UF. Those games would bring 15 or more fans from both sides. So many highlights and the memories will never go away,” Lewis said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Jack and Betty Dietrich hosted many parties on their large screened-in porch. By March 27, most of the rubble had been removed.

Bradenton man arrested for allegedly selling cocaine

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - A tip from a witness about a suspected drug deal on March 29 led to the arrest of a Bradenton man on multiple charges, including felony possession of cocaine with intent to sell.

The incident began at 11:36 p.m. when Holmes Beach Police Department (HBPD) Officer Andrew Adkins was dispatched to the 5300 block of Holmes Boulevard after a witness called dispatch, saying she saw a man sell cocaine to another person near a dumpster, according to the police report. The caller said she saw a white male with red dreadlocks wearing a black hoodie and baggy khaki pants selling the drugs near a restaurant.

At the scene, Adkins recognized Robert Riddick, 35, of Bradenton, who was familiar to Adkins from previous interactions with the HBPD.

“Upon arrival, I turned from

Gulf Drive on Holmes Boulevard northbound. I immediately saw Robert wearing a black hoodie and baggy khaki pants smoking near the front of Vinny's Italian Kitchen and walking away from the CBD shop that Officer Christopher Liotti just pulled up by,” Adkins wrote in his report. “Robert looked at me, put his hood up over his head, and started walking towards the Freckled Fin Irish Pub (also in the 5337 Gulf Drive plaza). I stopped my vehicle and started walking up to Robert. Robert kept walking away from me and walked inside the Freckled Fin Irish Pub so I followed him. While walking behind Robert I could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from him. Inside the bar Robert stopped so I approached him. The odor of marijuana increased the closer I got to him. Due to this I had Robert step

outside. I knew that Robert's medical marijuana status was suspended from a previous encounter and that he is also on pretrial release. Robert didn’t initially want to go with me and made comments asking about what he did and how he just got here.”

Adkins said Riddick eventually complied and stepped outside with him, where Riddick continued to deny smoking marijuana and said he had just arrived in the area and only smoked a cigarette. Adkins told Riddick that due to the strong odor of marijuana, he was going to search his pockets for illegal substances. Adkins reported finding a cigarette pack with a marijuana joint inside, as well as a phone wallet containing $111 in cash, six small baggies containing a white powder substance in his left cargo pant pocket and $228 in cash in his right pocket. A field test of the

Orms named Officer of Year

Bradenton Beach Police Department Officer Kyle

Orms has been named the department’s 2023 Officer of the Year, according to Police Chief John Cosby.

A traffic stop by Orms led to multiple felony charges, including barbiturates distribution, felony possession of a controlled substance,

misdemeanor possession of drug equipment and felony possession of a fake driver’s license.

According to Cosby, Orms was conducting traffic enforcement last July and observed a driver not wearing a seatbelt. He made a traffic stop, and, as he approached the vehicle, smelled a strong odor of

cannabis coming from the driver’s side window.

Orms conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered approximately 73 grams of cannabis packaged for sale in six baggies, along with paraphernalia.

Orms’ diligence continues to keep illegal substances off the streets, according to Cosby.

BBPD | SUBMITTED

BEACH BEAT

HOLMES BEACH

3/26, 7:30 p.m., petty theft, 7308 Gulf Drive. The officer responded in reference to a bicycle theft. The female victim said that sometime over the previous 24 hours, her bicycle was stolen from the parking garage at her resort. There were security cameras in the area, but none captured the theft. The victim said the value of the bike was $550. No suspect has been identified.

3/30, 9:34 p.m., Code ordinance violation, alcohol, 3100 Gulf Drive. While on patrol, the officer observed three individuals who appeared to be juveniles loading a backpack with what appeared to be Mike’s Hard Lemonade. The officer stopped to talk to the subjects and find out their ages, and whether or not it was alcohol they had put in the backpack. The three disclosed they were 17, 17 and 16 years old and admitted to having alcohol. The officer also learned one of the juveniles purchased the alcohol with a fake ID. A review of store security footage revealed the clerk did ask for ID during the transaction. The three juveniles were issued citations for possession of alcohol by a minor, then released to the custody of their parents.

4/1, 5:50 p.m., trespass, 3900 East Bay Drive. The officer responded to Publix in reference to a subject yelling at customers in front of the store. Upon arrival, the officer saw the male subject, who was still yelling at random people. The store manager said he wanted the subject trespassed from the property. The officer said the subject continued to be verbally abusive and was ordered to leave. A trespass warning was entered by HBPD dispatch.

Bradenton Beach Police Officer of the Year

Kyle Orms visits with children at Bradenton Christian School last September.

Riddick

COCAINE: Bradenton man arrested for allegedly selling cocaine

substance was positive for cocaine, which had a weight of 10.7 grams. Riddick was placed under arrest for felony possession of cocaine with intent to sell and violation of his pretrial release on charges related to a March 12 arrest. He was also charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams.

“I know based off of my training and experience, when items like that are used together it is indicative of illegal drug sales,” Adkins said. “Also, conditions of Robert's pretrial release are not to violate any new laws, not

take illegal drugs and no possession of prescription medication without a prescription.”

Riddick was taken to HBPD for processing, and after being read his Miranda warning, said he was not selling cocaine, but did know his medical marijuana card was suspended, according to the report.

Once paperwork was completed, Riddick was transported to the Manatee County Jail where he remains in custody on $3,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear before Manatee County’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Teri K. Dees on Friday, May 24 at 9 a.m.

CANAL: Marina clients face inclusion in canal lawsuit

facility that provides wet and dry storage for approximately 275 boats.

The marina is located just east of the portion of the canal privately owned by CRIF. In 2016, Gobuty purchased the undeveloped Hunters Point property and the man-made canal created in the 1950s.

The canal provides marina clients with their only direct access to the nearby Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The canal also provides ICW access for several canal-side homeowners and to visitors at the Buttonwood and Holiday Cove RV resorts.

Dated March 20, Martin’s letter says, “CRIF is involved in a lawsuit with MHC Cortez Village LLC, aka Cortez Village Marina, regarding the unauthorized use and trespass upon the private canal owned by CRIF. Upon information and belief, you are storing a vessel at the marina and utilizing the CRIF private canal to access the Intracoastal, Anna Maria Sound or the Gulf of Mexico. There are ‘no trespassing’ signs posted on the private canal that are disregarded by the marina’s boat slip lessees and customers. Each trip down the canal by marina lessees is a separate trespass for which CRIF is seeking compensation in the circuit court.

“You are not authorized to utilize the CRIF private canal. You must immediately cease your use of the private canal. Any additional use of the private

canal by you or another person utilizing your vessel with your consent is considered by CRIF to be an additional act of trespass. CRIF intends to amend the complaint to include lessees of the marina utilizing the CRIF private canal,” the letter says.

On April 4, The Sun emailed MHC Cortez Village attorneys Matthew Chait and Devon Woolard seeking their comments on the letter. As of April 7, neither Chait nor Woolard responded.

DISPUTE HISTORY

In 2021, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) issued CRIF an environmental resource permit that was supposed to allow for the construction of 49 boat slips along the triangular-shaped Hunters Point property. The docks have not yet been built.

MHC Cortez Village challenged the permit based on the assertion that the new docks would impede navigation for marina clients using the canal and negatively affect marina revenues.

In May 2022, in response to the permit challenge, CRIF filed the still-pending civil lawsuit that seeks a court order prohibiting Cortez Village Marina clients from using the canal.

Less than a week later, and in response to MHC Cortez Village’s concerns about the canal being too narrow to accommodate two-way boat traffic, CRIF filed a separate lawsuit against several canal-side homeowners along

“ This place has an amazing collection of spirits.” Josh

the western end of the canal.

That still-unresolved lawsuit alleges those homeowners’ docks and boat lifts violate county code by extending more than 25% into the canal. In their legal responses, those homeowners contend their docks and lifts were legally permitted by Manatee County when installed and did not extend more than 25% into the canal when installed.

PERMIT HEARING

In late 2022, administrative law judge Bruce Culpepper presided over a multi-day hearing pertaining to the marina’s permit challenge.

During the hearing, it was established through documents and expert testimony that CRIF owns the portion of the canal that extends from the western edge of the Cortez Village Marina property to the humpback bridge at 127th Street West.

The hearing featured much

testimony and debate about the potential impact the Hunters Point docks would have on canal navigability. As a safety precaution, Gobuty offered to implement one-way boat traffic on the canal at timed intervals for all incoming and outgoing boats.

In January 2023, seven wooden pilings were placed in the canal near the marina basin. Some signs say, “You Are Entering a Private Canal, Please Monitor VHF Channel 9,” “Inbound Traffic Every 15 Minutes on the Hour,” and “Outbound Traffic Every 15 Minutes on the Hour.” To date, specific one-way travel times and intervals have not been established or enforced.

PERMIT RULING

In March 2023, Culpepper issued a written recommended order in favor of CRIF, to be forwarded to the SWFWMD governing board for a final ruling.

“Spent t he week in Anna Maria Island and out of all the liquor stores on t he island, t his is by far t he best one, wit h t he best prices and t he most selection. The staf f was very friendly ” Heat her

“ The guys here was very helpful and knowledgeable. They had some great choices on bourbon.

“ These guys had t he best selection , decent prices, and were overall just good people.”

Matt hew

“All witnesses agree that following construction of the dock, boats will still be able to freely travel through the canal one at a time. The proposed dock will not interfere with or prevent a single boater from traversing from the bridge to an upland property. The evidence shows that the dock will not reduce the safe navigational width of the waterway any more than the (humpback) bridge at the entrance to the canal, which is 15 feet wide; or the narrow bottleneck just before the marina, where mangrove growth restricts safe movement to one boat at a time,” Culpepper’s order said.

“It is uncontroverted that the placement of the dock in the canal will affect navigation to some degree. Similarly, the evidence and testimony do not show that the construction of the dock will cause more than a mere inconvenience to boaters, much less result in a significant impediment to navigation. Based on the evidence and testimony presented, the undersigned finds that Cortez Road and the district presented competent substantial evidence establishing Cortez Road’s entitlement to the permit. Conversely, the marina did not meet its burden of demonstrating that the district should not issue the permit,” Culpepper’s order said.

MHC Cortez Village appealed the SWFWMD governing board’s ruling and the upcoming oral arguments in the appeal case are scheduled for Tuesday, April 23.

“Great assor tment of spirits and competitive prices.” Nyor

“Amazing selection knowledgeable staf f and best ser vice on t he island” Vicky

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The canal extends to the humpback bridge on 127th Street.

Dean Jones is once again a member of Anna Maria’s city staff.

Dean Jones returns to Anna Maria

Former Anna Maria Public Works Manager Dean Jones is Anna Maria’s new Building Department Manager. Jones began his new assignment on April 9, and now oversees the city planner, building official, building department administrative assistant and the building inspectors. Jones spent many years working in Anna Maria before accepting a job with the Bradenton Public Works Department in 2022.

Annie Silver Community Center to host Arbor Day observance

Bradenton Beach Commissioners approved a proclamation designating Friday, April 26 as National Arbor Day in Bradenton Beach.

An Arbor Day observance will be held at 10 a.m. at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N. for a ribbon cutting of newly-planted trees and landscaping as well as outdoor amenities.

Arbor Day began in 1872 when J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture a special day be set aside for planting trees.

The request was made by Scenic WAVES Chairperson Ingrid McClellan, who read the proclamation: “Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska… Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community; and trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,” the proclamation states in part.

Seventh Street South closed for sewer project

As construction on the Bradenton Beach sewer project continues, the contractor is installing sewer pipe eastward on Seventh Street South and that road is closed to vehicular traffic.

To accommodate the construction, residents and renters on Seventh Street South are required to park in the reserved parking area on the west side of Gulf Drive South. A complimentary parking shuttle will be provided from the parking area to residences. The

shuttle will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The project will replace and relocate a portion of the gravity collection system in south Bradenton Beach to new locations within the public right-of-way. The installation of the new sewer pipe across Gulf Drive is complete and traffic on Gulf Drive South has been returned to its original configuration.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Cortez Cultural Center hosting free Earth Day activities

The Cortez Cultural Center will host an Earth Day event with free hands-on environmental learning activities for children and families on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Center, 11655 Cortez Road W. and the adjacent FISH Preserve. Attendees will learn about protecting natural resources and the history of the Cortez commercial fishing village. Prizes will be given to the first 50 children to complete the eco-adventurer’s scavenger hunt. Food will be available for purchase and parking will be free at the FISH Preserve.

Spring break breaking up

It’s that time of year when the last spring

CINDY LANE | SUN

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

CHRIS SEMAN | SUBMITTED Clockwise above, a white pelican takes off at Robinson Preserve. Like many snowbirds do this time of year, the white pelicans are leaving for their northern homes. Spring breakers on Anna Maria Island enjoy a beach volleyball match. The line to get ice cream at Island Scoops in Bradenton Beach was out the door and winding down the sidewalk on April 5.

Tips for an amazing AMI vacation

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce offers the following tips for a great time on the Island:

• Be diligent about the use of sunscreen and reapply often. The sun can be intense and no one should miss a single vacation day because of a sunburn.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The combination of fabulous sun, Gulf breezes and beach activity can dehydrate you quickly. Bring plenty of water and consider using refillable water bottles. Less plastic is fantastic!

• Each year, hundreds of sea turtles arrive to lay their eggs on AMI beaches. Digging holes in the sand is a lot of fun, but please remember to fill the holes in before you leave the beach for the day. Our turtles’ lives depend on it. Sadly, mother turtles and hatchlings often fall into the holes left behind and are unable to climb out, not

to mention the hazard for beachgoers.

• Beach chairs, check; umbrella or tent, check; cooler, check; games, towels, toys, check. A lot of stuff to carry to the beach, right? We get it, but please note that we have ordinances against leaving anything on the beach overnight, including trash. Turtles can become entrapped in items left on the beach or may even choose not to dig a nest because of obstacles.

• Speaking of wildlife, we also are host to many kinds of shorebirds, some of them imperiled. While it does seem like fun to throw food and watch the gulls go into a “feeding frenzy,” it is never a good idea. Not only is this bad for the gulls due to lack of nutrition for them, it also causes them to become dependent on humans for food. They become more aggressive and have been known to grab food out of someone’s hand.

Once the gulls and crows start growing in numbers to get a free meal, they start to invade the nests of our other, more delicate bird species and will become more prone to disease because of the increase in their population. Chasing the birds seems like fun, too, but if they start to feel harassed or threatened, they won’t lay eggs. The shorebirds are such a beautiful addition to our beaches, let’s appreciate them from a distance.

• Because the Island is a designated turtle nesting and shorebird sanctuary, we do not allow dogs on the beaches. The only exception is for licensed service dogs - not emotional support animals. Want to take your pup to play on the beach and in the water? You can go to the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue so they can have fun in the sand, too.

For 10 % tours & rentals use code: “Sun” 941-778-2288

Rotary, Ringling team up for ecological film series

Reel Time

he Rotary Club of Longboat Key is nearing completion of a short documentary film series created in collaboration with Ringling College of Art and Design’s film department. Partners include the Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay, Save our Seabirds, Longboat Key Turtle Watch, Mote Marine Laboratories, the Town of Longboat Key, Oyster River Ecology (ORE) and Suncoast Waterkeeper.

On March 24, I had the pleasure of working with seniors in the film department as part of the series highlighting the work of the Sister Keys Conservancy and Longboat Key in protecting the islands and the work of Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK). I picked up the SCWK patrol boat early that morning and, after an interview about the Sister Keys and Suncoast Waterkeeper, we took a boat ride on Sarasota Bay and a tour of the Sister Keys.

As part of the project, an introductory short film is being developed regarding Rotary’s initiative to net-

work with conservation organizations in support of environmental sustainability and stewardship via educational outreach. Once completed, the films will be available to organizations including district Rotary clubs, other civic and conservation organizations,

and academic institutions. Exemplary people in action will be highlighted.

Two additional short films will illuminate the unique grassroots history and real-time examples of sea turtle and shorebird conservation, research and education services provided by the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, Mote Marine Laboratories, Save Our Seabirds, SCWK, ORE and other environmental groups.

The effort intends to establish a multi-year film documentary program with the Ringling film department to highlight contemporary coastal ecology and sustainability issues and solutions.

Additional future topics anticipated include micro-foresting, eco-restoration and Sarasota Bay conservation.

A summer internship at Ringling College is being established to facilitate the development of short film documentaries and provide students with a meaningful work/study experience.

I’ll keep readers apprised of the progress of the series and the date the film series will be premiered.

TM

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

The Ringling film crew took a tour of the Sister Keys with Rotary Immediate Past President Dr. Jeffery Driver, far left, and Terri Driver, third from right.

RUSTY CHINNIS

Learn to fly fish with Capt. Rick Grassett

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters will hold an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing school on Saturday, April 13.

The course, which will be the last one until fall, is designed for begin ning and intermediate fly casters.

It will focus on basic fly casting principles, saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construction and fly selection, and for intermediate anglers, improving casting skills and correcting faults.

I will be the instructor of the class, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. The cost is $225 per person and includes the use of fly tackle, a workbook and lunch.

Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941-349-4400 to make reservations.

Anglers fishing with me recently out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had decent action with reds and trout in Charlotte Harbor and trout in Sarasota Bay.

Dave Reinhart, of Massachusetts, fished a couple of trips in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me, catching and releasing several reds and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails and grubs. Mike Perez, of Sarasota, and Dennis Kinley, of Indiana, also fished that area with me and caught and released numerous trout on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Anglers fishing Sarasota Bay on several trips with me caught and released trout on Clouser flies and

CAL jigs with shad tails.

Look for reds, trout and snook in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout and seasonal species such as pompano and Spanish mackerel.

Our natural resources are under

constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Dave Reinhart, of Massachusetts, with a red and a trout caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.

FOOD & WINE

If it’s spring, it’s salad time

Brian Mathae

’m loving these warmer, sunnier days. Our beloved Sunshine State experienced an unusual winter and spring. Florida had one of the cloudiest winters on record. According to the meteorologists, this was due to a very active subtropical jet stream induced by El Nino.

The weather was certainly a setback for all the visitors hoping to spend time on our beautiful beaches. Instead, they got to enjoy our amazing grouper sandwich and other delicious menu items! But I can appreciate their hearts were set on the beach. Just as ours are. One would hope our suffering of cold, rain and wind would pay dividends by way of a reduced risk of hurricanes in the coming months. But the experts are also saying that as El Nino loses steam, La Nina will be picking

Springtime salad

Ingredients - Dressing

1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/2 garlic clove

up. La Nina and Atlantic Ocean temperatures that are way above normal could lead to another challenging hurricane season. Our house was flooded twice in 2023,

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients - Salad

2 fresh bunches asparagus

4 cups spring mix or spinach

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/2 clove garlic, grated

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Freshly ground pepper

3 radishes, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh or frozen peas

so the thought of more high water is extremely distressing. When I’m stressed, I eat!

All these months indoors and stress eating has not really helped

Directions - Dressing

1/4 cup pine nuts or roasted hazelnuts

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbed

Fresh mint or basil leaves for garnish (optional)

shape my “beach bod.” But these beautiful blue skies have changed my mood and inspired me to get back in the game, so to speak.

So, let’s look at some healthy options that take advantage of fresh products that are currently readily available. Asparagus is plentiful right now and is a spring superfood! Not only is it low in calories, it also contains soluble and insoluble fiber that helps you feel full. It also happens to be the highest tested food containing glutathione, one of the most potent cancer fighters, according to the National Cancer Institute. It’s also loaded with vitamins and minerals if cooked properly. Overcooking it will eliminate many of its benefits, so I recommend briefly steaming or even microwaving are the best methods to retain the nutritional value. In this recipe, you can use raw asparagus or cook it for no more than a minute or two and then submerse it in ice water to stop the cooking process. Add toppings to the salad that are of interest to you and make it a meal! We do hope you enjoy.

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy. Transfer to a container and refrigerate.

Directions - Salad

Snap off woody ends of asparagus. Using a Y peeler, carefully slice from the cut end toward the tip of the asparagus to obtain

long ribbons of asparagus. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper until well mixed. Add the asparagus, spring mix, radishes and peas to the bowl and gently toss. Transfer to serving dishes, top with dressing, nuts and cheese.

SUBMITTED

HURRICANE HANKS

KAYAK: Property owners seek stop to kayak tours

loud, disruptive and damage their property by constantly grabbing onto and pushing off their dock, seawall and boat. The couple states that they’re concerned that someone could be hurt on their property during one of the tours, making it a liability issue for the private property owners. They also say they must constantly monitor the kayakers when the tours are brought by their home.

In addition, they allege that the nighttime tours feature brightly illuminated kayaks which cause more of a disturbance, along with noise.

The couple is seeking damages of $50,001 along with an injunction to prevent the kayak tours from being conducted in Sportsman’s Harbor.

As of press time for The Sun, the case had no hearing date set, but was

assigned to Judge D. Ryan Felix.

In an April 3 email from a Fun Florida Tours representative, an agent with Manatee 311 wrote that navigable waters of the state are not time-restricted for paddlers, with the exception of waters located entirely within a preserve or park property, which in Manatee County are open from sunrise to sunset.

The Fun Florida Tours website lists clear kayak tours during day and nighttime hours, along with a sunset tour, with the nighttime tours featuring kayaks with 10,000-lumen LED lights on the clear kayaks to help view sea life. The website also offers LED paddleboard tours around Anna Maria Island, though paddleboards are not mentioned in the lawsuit.

FUN FLORIDA TOURS | SUBMITTED

A photo shows what a clear kayak tour with LEDs looks like on the water during a nighttime tour with Fun Florida Tours.

Roser Church offering scholarships

The Roser Women’s Guild is offering scholarships for the 2024-25 school year. Proceeds from the Roser Thrift Store allow the Guild to underwrite scholarships and much more. The sum of $500 per semester will be awarded to qualified part-time students enrolling in six to 11 credit hours of undergraduate courses. The sum of $1,000 per semester will be awarded to full-time students enrolling in 12 credit hours or more of undergraduate courses. The scholarship will be limited to $2,000 per year and be available for four years of undergraduate courses. The scholarship will be paid directly to the school in which the applicant

is enrolled and be dispersed by them. It will be used for tuition, books, supplies and fees, be limited to courses leading to undergraduate degrees and be awarded to students maintaining a 2.75 cumulative grade point average. The deadline for applications is May 24. More information and application forms are available online at RoserChurch. com/roser-guild-scholarships. Established in 1997, the Roser Guild Thrift Shop is located across the street from the historic Roser Memorial Chapel at 511 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. For more information go to RoserChurch.com/ministries/ womens-roser-guild/.

PARKING: Commissioners deny paid parking lot

“The option is to have an additional 19 spaces here,” Toomey said. “Coquina Beach is full every day. We’re giving people an additional option. If I could have a permanent permit, I would do so. If that doesn’t work, I’ll have to sell it to one of the developers on the island.”

A copy of the site plan was then presented to commissioners at the meeting.

“I’m not sure how it wasn’t included in the package,” Cushing said. “I don’t know if we can consider it (the application) without the other agencies.”

“There’s a procedural component to offer the applicant the opportunity to continue this to the next commission meeting so the commission can review the site plan,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said. “The site plan for whatever reason didn’t make it into the packet, they’re entitled to have that reviewed by the commission. The proper step is to ask if they would like to continue this to the next meeting so the commission can receive and review the site plan or are they prepared to move forward and allow the commission to make their decision tonight?”

At that point, Toomey stated the property was in C-2 (commercial) zone, despite the application indicating it was in an R-2 (residential) zone.

opportunity to come back so we have a full packet?”

“You have the full packet,” Toomey said. “The site plan magically disappeared out of the application so I don’t think in two or four weeks you’re going to change your mind.”

“We’re not here to argue, we want to be sure it’s a clean presentation and have a key component of your application,” Chappie said.

plan as a diagram showing spaces as they fit into the lot, without showing dimensions. He said the document did not show emergency vehicular access, ingress and egress, or a drainage plan. There was one handicapped-accessible parking spot shown.

Several people spoke during the public comment session of the meeting.

“We need a moratorium on paid parking because you’re going to set a

Bob Bolus said, also asking the city to govern parking fees.

“I think it’s clear the applicant doesn’t have his ducks in a row until those other agencies are approached,” John Lutz said.

“There was a public comment stating the city is inviting litigation by issuing temporary use permits,” Perry said. “This does not invite litigation. Every single application is considered on an individual basis on the characteristics of the surrounding properties, the testimony from the public, the location. Everything is a specific decision. There is no precedent set approving one location and denying another.”

She also noted there is a Florida statute that preempts the ability of cities to regulate what anyone can charge for parking.

“You will have to make the decision based on testimony you received today,” Perry advised the commission.

“We don’t have information from FDEP, FDOT or SWFWMD,” Chappie said. “The site plan doesn’t provide adequate information to make a clear judgment.”

The applicant left the chambers prior to the commission vote in which commissioners Jan Vosburgh, Marilyn Maro and Deborah Scaccianoce along with Mayor Chappie unanimously voted to deny the application.

See related story Page 4

SUBMITTED

The proposed parking lot is south of the Shell gas station and convenience store near the Bradenton Beach/ Holmes Beach border.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN

Sun watch

Above, a line forms to grab free eclipse glasses at the NEST at Robinson Preserve on April 8, the day of the solar eclipse. Above right, Islander and stargazing hobbyist Bryan Clifford sets up for the Solar Eclipse Watch Party at the NEST. Right, George Grimm, a member of the Suncoast Stargazers, prepares for the big event.

New world of home sales

The world is changing so fast with artificial intelligence, electric and self-driving vehicles and instantaneous information on every subject at our finger tips. For professionals who are members of the National Association of Realtors, their world has just been upended.

Last week we reviewed the National As sociation of Realtors’ landmark settlement regarding the agent commission system. The major conclusion of this settlement is that compensation in the form of commissions will no longer be shown on the multiple listing services. Listing agents can still negotiate commissions through private conversations and written agreements, but these agreements cannot be shown on the multiple listing website.

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

The disadvantage for sellers is that buyer’s agents do not know what their commission will be immediately and some of them may be reluctant to show the property to potential buyers without this information. Regardless of what many people believe, commissions have always

been negotiable between the seller and their agents, the difference now is that this percentage is not obvious to buyers’ agents immediately. In an effort to work with this new ruling, brokers and their agents are looking for new payment models. Starting in July, sellers won’t need to make an upfront offer for how much they will pay a home buyer’s agent. Sellers and their agents could, however, continue using the selling model that has been in place for generations and share the agreed-upon commission, it just won’t become part of the published listing agreement and will require buyer’s agents to call the listing agent and ask what their share of the commission is,

another layer to an already busy job.

Flat fees for service provided might work as a new commission model. Under this approach, buyers would agree to pay their agent directly, but they could still choose to ask the seller to cover this cost. Asking sellers to cover the cost of mortgage points for the buyer has always been a part of the negotiation on a property in addition to other fees or a portion of property taxes, therefore, asking to pay buyers’ brokers is not a stretch for sellers.

Many customers like the flexibility of flat fees or hourly rate models which can significantly lower the fees paid to a buyer’s agent and might also work for selling agents. This would require the buyer or seller to perform more of the work to close out a transaction themselves but save on commissions.

It’s not as easy as it sounds. Paying for advertising, open houses and following up on inspectors, mortgage commitments and title companies is something realtors are accustomed to doing every day. Taking

time out of your workday may not look as attractive once you have to make all of the phone calls yourself and the savings in money may not justify the time spent.

The National Association of Realtors provided these statistics: 86% of buyers purchase their home through a real estate agent or broker; 89% would use their agent again or recommend them; 51% found their home on the internet and 29% found their home through an agent; and for sale by owner properties accounted for only 10% of home sales in 2021.

No doubt agents will leave the business rather than deal with the complications of the changes and that’s a good thing. Since COVID there has been an influx of new inexperienced agents to the business. It’s not an easy job and anyone who has done it will understand that. No matter how much the world spins with changes every day, you can’t take away the importance of in-person contact with other humans, and that’s what realtors bring to the table.

Island Players closing out season

“The Woman In Black” by Susan Hill and Stephen Mallatratt will close out the Island Players 75th season, running May 2-12. The cast includes Tom Horton, making his way back after several years’ absence from the Island Players stage, Mark Woodland, last seen in the Players’ production of “Same Time Next Year” and Tahlia Chinault, who played in last season’s “I Ought To Be In Pictures.”

February

Anna Maria

“The Woman in Black” is a gothic story told by the character of Arthur Kipps (Horton), who cannot find peace without airing the horror that has haunted him for decades. The incident begins with an appointment to settle the affairs of an elderly woman in an English coastal town.

The story takes place on an eerily sparse stage designed by Jan VanWart, lit by lighting designer Ethan Vail. Music and sound

2024 tourist tax collections compared to February 2023

Bradenton Beach

Holmes Beach

Manatee County Total*

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)

effects are designed by Mike Lusk. The director is Kelly Wynn Woodland and the stage manager is Kristin Mazzitelli. Bortell’s Lounge is the co-producer.

Tickets are available online at www.theislandplayers.org or from the Island Players Box Office beginning on April 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 941-778-5755.

OBITUARIES

Walter “Wally” Lawrence Jr.

On the morning of Sunday, March 31, 2024, a beloved member of our family, Walter “Wally” Lawrence Jr., passed away after a long battle with cancer. Wally was born in San Jose, California, on Oct. 26, 1960, and was a resident of Bradenton, Florida for the past 17 years.

Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in February and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in March. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/ tdt-evader.cfm.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

Prior to retirement, Wally was a talented carpenter who had a creative eye for design - he created many beautiful spaces both indoors and out. Wally’s greatest gifts were his loving heart, his positivity and humor and his colorful style. Wally adored his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to show his love for others through acts of service, a kind word, a special gift or a hug. Because of his generous and loving spirit, Wally made friends wherever he went, and he will be missed greatly by everyone he knew.

Wally is survived by his partner of 42 years and loving husband, Mike Fish; his siblings, Gloria Appleby, Susan Duarte, Steve Lawrence and Cindy Dalton; as well as many nieces and nephews; and his precious cat, Lola. Memorial services for Wally are being planned, and it is requested that anyone wishing to make a donation in his honor please send it to the church he attended: Harvey Memorial Community Church, “In Memory of Wally Lawrence,” P.O. Box 243, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217; 941-779-1912.

PINE AVE: Decision looms

The initial feasibility study and planning process began in mid-2021 with contracted project engineer Gerry Traverso leading those efforts.

During a series of public meetings, several ideas and concepts were proposed, discussed and in some cases rejected. The rejected ideas included transforming Pine Avenue into a one-way street, with Spring or Magnolia also serving as a one-way street. The commission also rejected installing a roundabout/delivery truck turnaround area at the end of Pine Avenue, near the City Pier.

The commission discussed potentially eliminating approximately 50 parallel parking spaces along Pine Avenue to create space for bike paths and/or multi-use paths. Some past and present commissioners expressed support for doing so, but eliminating those parking spaces has never garnered the majority support of the city commission.

In February 2022, the commission approved Traverso’s conceptual plans for the sidewalks and crosswalks.

The following month, the commission authorized the issuance of the first Reimagining Pine Avenue RFP for the installation of new sidewalks, crosswalks and streetlights along Pine Avenue. That RFP produced a single C-Squared bid for approximately $2 million, with a significant portion of the proposed costs associated with streetlighting.

In May 2022, the commission voted 4-0 in favor of rejecting C-Squared’s first bid and issuing separate RFPS for the sidewalks and the streetlighting, with the city self-installing the crosswalks. In response to a second RFP later issued for the Pine Avenue sidewalks, C-Squared bid $1.09 million to install brick paver sidewalks or $1.22 million to install rubberized Flexi-Pave sidewalks.

In July 2022, the commission

authorized Murphy to engage in further fact-finding discussions with C-Squared regarding their second proposal, and that month Gov. Ron DeSantis approved the city’s $1.28 state appropriation request.

In August 2022, Murphy received a letter from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) informing him that FDOT would oversee the expenditure of state funds and the Reimagining Pine Avenue plans and RFPs required FDOT review and approval. That led to the second C-Squared proposal being rejected, even though Murphy said it was a good proposal.

It was later learned that using state funds to install new streetlights would subject the city to FDOT’s less aesthetically pleasing lighting standards. The commission agreed to instead use leftover federal American Rescue Plan funds to pay for the streetlights.

In March 2023, the city issued a third RFP, again for the Pine Avenue sidewalks and again producing a single bid from C-Squared. When Murphy initially reviewed that bid with the commission the following month, he said it was approximately $418,000 higher than the previous bid.

Murphy said the increase could be partially attributed to the RFP requesting crushed granite, rather than crushed concrete, be used as fill material for the drainage trenches below the new sidewalks. Murphy noted labor costs also increased since the previous bid was received.

Later that month, the commission voted 4-1 in favor of rejecting C-Squared’s third proposal. Commissioner Jon Crane opposed rejecting the bid because he didn’t feel the city would get a better proposal.

In November, Murphy proposed the one-block Reimagining Pine Avenue prototype. In February, Murphy told the commission

Traverso estimated the one-block prototype might cost $425,000 to $450,000. Murphy said the prototype area would serve as a test area that would provide additional insights as to what unexpected challenges and obstacles might be encountered along the rest of Pine Avenue. Murphy acknowledged that he wasn’t sure the smaller-scale prototype project would attract any or many bidders.

In late February, the city issued the fourth RFP that produced the latest bid from C-Squared, which brings the city to its current juncture with the long-delayed project.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN City officials are concerned about bicyclists’ safety along Pine Avenue.

donates to children’s library

The Kiwanis of AMI Foundation presented a $500 check to the Friends of the Island Library on Saturday to be used in the children's section of the library. From left are Sandy Haas-Martens, foundation secretary/treasurer, Aaron Drake, branch supervisor of the Island Library, Debbie Wartschlager, president of the Friends of the Island Library, Lynn Kruse, foundation president and Darrel Shinn, foundation vice president.

Additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine recommended

Adults 65 years old and older should receive an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose, according to CDC Director Mandy Cohen, who has endorsed the recommendation by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The CDC says that older adults have an increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 and that an additional dose of the vaccine may restore protection that has waned since a fall vaccine dose. The age group is disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with more than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations from October to December 2023 occurring in the age group.

Horseshoe victors

From left, Dom Livedoti and Tom Farrington won the day’s competition on April 3 at AMI Horseshoes after posting the only 3-0 record during pool play. On April 6, two teams met in the final: Bob Lee and Tim Sofran earned the day’s bragging rights after a 24-5 win over Billy Silver and Ron Hooper.

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Youth spring soccer starts at The Center

ANNA MARIA – April brings youth soccer back to The Center’s fields with the oldest players starting off the season with fun scrimmages on jamboree night. The 8- to 10-year-old league played their first games of the season.

The six teams went head-to-head last Tuesday night, with two teams earning their first wins. Team The Intuitive Foundation and Solid Rock Construction each defeated their opponents.

Ending in a tie, Emily Moss Design and Isola Bella Italian Eatery finished their opening game 0-0.

The Intuitive Foundation easily won against the Shady Lady Horticultural Services squad 8-2. Joseph Caballero and Leo Tyler each got past the goalie for Intuitive. Teammate Simon Messinger had seven saves in the game.

Scoring for The Intuitive Foundation were Parker Svoboda, Silas Whitehead, Sawyer Leibfried and Gunnar Maize. The group had a total of eight points, contributing to the team’s win.

Playing keeper for the Intuitive team, Leibfried and Svoboda each had a single save, along with Maize’s single assist in the first game of the week.

Ending in a tie with no goals scored, Emily Moss Design and Isola Bella Italian Eatery go into week two of spring soccer seeking their first win.

Waggoner, Risner win KRC tournaments

Sixteen ladies at Key Royale Club competed over four weeks in the 2024 Handicap Match-Play nine-hole single-elimination tournament. In the final match of the tournament, Lori Waggoner, right, defeated Linda Dorsey, left, with Waggoner crowned the champ and Dorsey finishing in second place.

The men completed their 2024 Handicap Match-Play 18-hole single-elimination tournament, with 38 golfers beginning the competition that played out over six weeks. In the final match of the event, Gary Risner, right, defeated Tim Donnar, left, to become the men's KRC champion for 2024.

Goalkeepers Miles Moss, with seven stops, and Isola Bella’s Carson Long, making six saves, enforced the strong defensive action of both teams.

In a close battle, Solid Rock Construction came out on top with a single goal by Everly Chaplinsky against the AMI Coconuts team.

Protecting the goal for Solid Rock, Samuel Raulerson had six stops and Elijah Roadman made two saves.

Goalie Andre Harwood had five saves,

hope to earn their first wins on Thursday night.

while teammate Owen Serra recorded a stop of his own to help keep their team in the game.

Adult soccer action puts teams Sato Real Estate and Progressive Cabinetry at the top of the ranks with two wins. Team Beach House Waterfront Restaurant and Salty Printing share a one-win-one-loss record.

With one win and a tie, Pool America is in the

Forty women participated in the Fourth Annual KRC Women's Member-Member golf tournament on March 27. Challenged by gusty winds, everyone had a wonderful time and shot some terrific scores. Winners of the Blue Flight were Debi Wohlers and Lori Waggoner with a net score of 27.1. Jenny Huibers and Ann Hackinson took second place with a net score of 27.6. Winners of the Orange Flight were Barb Rinckey and Pam Lowry with a net score of 24. Cate Foy and Debra DuVernay took second place with a score of 24.1. Winners of the Green Flight were Billie Jean Pinson and Annette Hall in a play-off tie with second-place winners Judy Menchek and Jane Perkins with net scores of 24. Flag prizes went to Laura Purcell for closest to the line on hole #5, Cate Foy for closest to the pin on hole #8 and Meredith Slavin for the longest putt on hole #3. A tasty cocktail hour followed with appetizers and a complimentary wine tasting.

FUN IN THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE

PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

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

BOAT DOCK WANTED

ISO BOAT DOCK W/LIFT.

Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

UNIQUE, ONE of a Kind, Factory Custom 2001 45' Trident Tri-Toon w/ Bar, heat/air, twin engines.

USCG Inspected 21 Passengers with crew. Endless Possibilities for an Individual or in addition to an existing business. $149,900 727-224-8977

CARE GIVER

CAREGIVER LOOKING TO provide help for that special someone. Cooking, shopping, cleaning, Dr. appts. etc. Local on island. 30+ yrs. experience. References. Call 941-374-1227.

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

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

SALON SUITE / TREATMENT ROOM Available in Anna Maria Body & Sol Spa and Wellness has a private office for rent. Perfect for a hair stylist (shampoo bowl and plumbing in place), acupuncturist, or counselor/therapist. Looking for a monthly rent, not a per use fee. Please text the biz owner, Amanda, at 941-896-2222

CLEANING SERVICE

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

EMPLOYMENT

TWO SIDES OF NATURE - Anna Maria Island's Largest Little Beach Shoppes... is now hiring full time and part-time associates. Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends.

Retail Experience Preferred. Great Pay, Great Fun! Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd. Unit A-1, Anna Maria.

A/C SERVICE TECH, seasoned, able to work well with others. Input is appreciated, hard work is rewarded. Salary negotiable. 40hr + work week. Paid Holidays and vacation. West Coast Air Conditioning & Heating. Call 941-778-9622

A/C INSTALLER. Change outs. Experienced, High work ethical standards a must. Year round work. No layoffs. Benefits. West Coast Air Conditioning & Heating. Call 941-7789622

ESTATE SALE

ESTATE SALE - Upscale Furniture from Name Brands, Beautiful Antiques, New Patio Sets, Home & Garden Decor. All looking for a new home. Priced to Sell. Sunday 10-5 707 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria

GARAGE SALES

MULTI-FAMILY SALE 9am1pm Friday and Saturday, April 12-13. Coastal furniture, decor, chairs, mini trampoline, decorative floor tiles, bike rack, trailer, clothing, much more! 708 Gladiolus Street, Anna Maria

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

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.

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

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

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

BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE

28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980

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

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

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

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 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 941-5653931.

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

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

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

NEW PRICE! New roof! New Floors! New paint!

New Ceiling! CONDO for sale, 2BR/2BA, 1639 SF, 6904 10th Ave. W., Village Green on cul-desac. 1-car garage, large Florida room, dine-in kitchen plus dining room, large pantry, built-in china cabinet, walk-in closet, lots of storage, laundry room, lush landscaping, pool, walking/running track, 5 miles to AMI, near medical, shopping, preserves. Price Reduction! $335,000. Lisa Varano, Wagner Realty, 941730-9060.

FOR SALE - PERICO BAY

CLUB Waterfront Beauties! 2 & 3 bedroom models w 2 car garages! Call Today for more info!

Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

FOR SALE - 5400 GULF

Completely updated coastal beauty! Gulf Front 55+ neighborhood community! Call Erin Leathem at The Anna Maria Sales Team at Island Real Estate 941-448-5616

FSBO NORTH-END ANNA MARIA 3BR/3BA, canal home, 2 car detached garage, fireplace, dock, quiet dead-end street 941-3457429.

ANNA MARIA HOME

$2,900,000 1 house from beach 3 bedroom pool & spa 2 years old. Christine Kourik Remax 314-440-7574

2BR/2BA ALL NEW PAINT, windows. Quartz countertops, new kitchen, all new laminate flooring, New master bathroom, sunroom, washer dryer, New shaker doors, new baseboards. New A/C & New water heater. Move in condition.

$329,900. Sharon Hightower Re/max Alliance group 941-330-5054.

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FOR SALE BY OWNER: Paradise Bay Estates (55+ Community), Mobile Home, 1 BR/1BA, turnkey, partially furnished, epoxy flooring in lanai, stamped concrete driveway, $143,000. 1 mile to beach. 614-230-5520

FOR SALE PINE AVE . Historical Home /store/ office./pool First time to mkt for 24 years. Very cool ! Brenda Boyd May Broker /Owner 941.730.8589 or Scott May 941-238-8377.

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTALS

WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

ANNUAL GROUND LEVEL, 1BR/1BA condo, pool, close to the beach. $1800 monthly. Call 941-7784800

IN OVER 55 COMMUNITY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND.. Totally remodeled 2BR/1.5BA, ground level cottage with adjacent parking. Stacked W/D and three air/heat mini splits. Heated pool on site; pickleball courts one block away. Gulf is 300 steps and the bay 200 steps from your porch. Rent includes all utilities and Wi-Fi. Annual rent $2,500 per month. 6 month rent is $4000 per mo. Call Tim 507-382-8880.

ANNUAL RENTAL: Located in beautiful Perico Bay Club, just 2 miles from Anna Maria Island. Gated community with 24 hour security. This villa home has 2 bedrooms, 2 updated bathrooms, updated kitchen, end unit, screened deck and 2 car garage. Unfurnished/No pets. Text 908-875-0299 for more information.

ANNUAL RENTAL, $2750, 2BR/1BA cottage w/ porch, NEW A/C, close to beach, washer/dryer, updated kitchen w/DW. Dolores Baker Real Estate 941-778-7500.

FULLY FURNISHED 3BR/2BA home in Holmes beach. Annual rental only. Great location. $4,000. per month. Contact us at 941 778-4410.

HOLMES BEACH, ANNUAL RENTAL, 3BR/BA, large balcony, W/D, storage shed, parking for 2, Call 603-969-6840.

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent

Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

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

FOR RENT (SUMMER AT THE BEACH) AMI updated 5 star condo. Available May to November (monthly with Multi-month discount). Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2BA, beautiful water view deck, walk to beach, pool, tennis (smoke free/no pets) Owner/ renter email NOW marketreps@aol.com or 570-239-0431

HOLMES BEACH - 2BR/2BA Bayside Condo. POOL, Tennis, Pickleball, Beautifully updated. 2024 Summer & Fall Monthly Rental. Call Julie at 312-835-3054 or email shellpointhaven@gmail.com for photos and details

TRANSPORTATION

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095