Anna Maria Island Sun April 14, 2021

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VOL 21 No. 27

April 14, 2021

The Piney Point discharge into Tampa Bay ceased on Friday, April 9.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

Piney Point crisis averted; environmental concerns grow MANATEE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT | SUBMITTED

PALMETTO – The wastewater discharged into Tampa Bay from a breached Piney Point retention pond near Port Manatee ceased Friday, April 9, but concerns linger regarding the potential environmental impacts to Tampa Bay and other area waterways.

“We’re already seeing signs of an algae bloom in that area, captured through satellite imagery,” Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) Executive Director Dave Tomasko told Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth in an email last week. “There does appear to be an algae bloom about 10 square miles in size and it’s centered around Piney Point. We just don’t know where it’ll go, how big it will get and how long it will last.”

On Thursday, April 8, the Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach city commissions declared preemptive local states of emergency in anticipation of potential environmental impacts of the Piney Point discharge, which occurred less than 20 miles from Anna Maria Island. The city of Holmes Beach is expected to enact a similar declaration this week.

Last week, city, state and federal officials continued their response to the breached Piney Point phosphogypsum stack, which contains a retention pond that until recently held about 480 million gallons of water containing high levels of phosphorus and nitrate.

Formerly the site of a phosphate plant that first opened in 1966, Piney Point was purchased by HRK

The Public Safety Department Tweeted this photo of Piney Point on Tuesday, April 6, showing the liner that leaked and the lowered water level in the Piney Point gyp stack retention pond.

Spill may have ripple effect on Island tourism Some who plan to visit AMI in the near future are considering canceling their trips due to fears stemming from the Piney Point wastewater spill.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The potential harm from the Piney Point wastewater spill could go beyond impacting water quality and wildlife to affecting tourism.

Some soon-to-be visitors from around the country are reconsidering their vacation plans due to fears brought on by the lack of solid infor-

INSIDE NEWS CALENDAR OUTDOORS RESTAURANTS REAL ESTATE CROSSWORD CLASSIFIEDS

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mation about the potential of a serious red tide event in the near future.

Piney Point is a closed phosphate plant in northern Manatee County with retention ponds built into gypsum stacks that contain polluted wastewater. A leak in one of these ponds was discovered last month, prompting a response from multiple state and federal agencies, including the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers. Officials identified a leak in a containment wall that put the structure at risk of collapsing, resulting in Gov. Ron DeSantis declaring a state of emergency and the county ordering the evacuation of SEE TOURISM, PAGE 27

SEE PINEY POINT, PAGE 28

Parks committee members eye former Wells Fargo site Parks and Beautification Committee members are researching turning the property into a city park in Holmes Beach.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Members of the city's Parks and Beautification Committee are working on a proposal which, if approved by city commissioners, could create an acre of green space at the city's commercial center.

A recent business casualty in the area, the permanent closure of the

city’s Wells Fargo branch, has given parks committee members the idea of turning the old bank property into a city park. Unfortunately for the city, the project could carry a hefty price tag.

After briefly discussing the possibility of acquiring the vacant property during their March meeting, member Alec Graham said that he’d done some research into obtaining the property and turning it into a city park. He estimates the cost of demolition for the current building to be about $500,000. He suggested city leaders could use part or all of SEE GREEN SPACE, PAGE 26

THIS COD STEW

COUNTY TO end COVID-19 vaccine

won’t dissapoint. In Food & Wine. 17

appointments. 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

A PERSONAL view of an unfolding

environmental tragedy. 18 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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County to close vaccine appointments, site Manatee County officials closed registration for the COVID-19 vaccine standby pool and will shut down the Public Safety Center vaccination site at the end of April.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – If you’ve been waiting to get a COVID-19 vaccine at the county-run Tom Bennett Park vaccination site, your chances to get that first shot are about to be limited.

County officials recently announced that with vaccine doses becoming available through local pharmacies and doctors’ offices, they’re closing the standby waiting pool for vaccine appointments. The final patients still in the waiting pool who respond to the automated phone call, text and email sent on behalf of Manatee County are scheduled for first-vaccine appointments April 13-15 at Tom Bennett Park.

Registration for the standby waiting pool closed at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 12.

If you miss your opportunity to get an appointment for your first vaccination through Manatee County, officials will be hosting a first-come, first-served vaccination clinic from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 21. Anyone receiving a first vaccine dose during the April 21 event will receive their second dose on May 19.

For anyone who’s already had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine through Manatee County, the second

dose vaccination site at the Manatee County Public Safety Center will remain open through the end of the day April 30. After that, the remaining second doses will be administered at Tom Bennett Park.

For more information on receiving a second vaccine dose through Manatee County, or to download a consent form, visit https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/public safety/coronavirus_information/covid-19_vaccine/second_ dose_information.

To receive a second dose at one of the Manatee County sites, patients must show their card showing the first dose of the vaccine, valid photo identification and a completed copy of the vaccine consent form available to download online.

For more information on receiving a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine through Manatee County, visit www.vax. mymanatee.org or call 311.

All Florida residents aged 18 and older are eligible to receive a vaccine through Manatee County.

County officials will continue to monitor the demand for first dose administration at the Tom Bennett Park site through the end of the month to determine if that site needs to remain open for COVID-19 vaccination first doses.

COVID-19 vaccines are available for ages 16 and older, with parent or guardian permission for those under 18, through area CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and WinnDixie locations.

For a vaccine appointment at CVS, visit the pharmacy online at https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-banner-1-coronavirusvaccine.

SOURCE: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Appointments at area Publix locations open at 7 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week. Appointments booked on Wednesdays are for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Appointments booked on Mondays and Fridays are for Moderna vaccines. For more information, visit them online at https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida.

For appointments through Walgreens locations, visit https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid19?ban=covid_vaccine_landing_schedule.

To book an appointment at a local Walmart pharmacy, visit https://www.walmart.com/cp/flu-shots-immunizations/1228302.

Appointments at Winn-Dixie locations can be booked online at https://www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine.

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APRIL 14, 2021

IN BRIEF

Tickets on sale for Center concert series Tickets are on sale now for the Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series, presented by the Bradenton Area Convention Center and Visitors Bureau and sponsored by The Sandbar restaurant. Shows at The Center include The Marshall Tucker Band May 13, Crystal Gayle June 11, Steve Augeri June 17 and The Grass Roots with special guest Donnie Iris July 2. Currently, all shows are planned to be held outside, rain or shine with tickets sold in pods of two to six.

Concert attendees are asked to bring their own chairs and wear masks unless in their pods, which will be socially distant from one another.

No smoking or vaping is allowed. No food or drinks are allowed but The Sandbar will have a cash bar onsite for every concert. Gates open at 6 p.m. with all shows starting at 7 p.m. Free valet parking and street parking will be available.

For more information, or to book your tickets, visit www.centerami.org/events.

Help locals in need at Gloria Dei food drive Get your spring off to the right start by helping local families in need during the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church spring food drive. On Saturday, April 17, the church will be open to collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations from 10 a.m. to noon. All donations collected will go to benefit Loaves and Fishes and the Roser Food Pantry, both serving local community members in need. Gloria Dei is at 6608 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. For more information, contact the church at 941-778-1813 or visit www.gloriadeilutheran.com.

Center seeks summer camp counselors Summer camps are coming back to The Center of Anna Maria Island and the nonprofit’s staff is hoping to add some new camp counselors to their ranks.

Anyone who loves working with children, is upbeat, motivated and willing to work outdoors is welcome to apply. Counselors should be prepared to support and motivate campers, lead groups through activities including field trips, respond to incidents including behavioral problems or accidents, maintain required records and plan events. Counselors should be enthusiastic, responsible, organized, possess strong leadership skills and plan events. Most importantly, camp counselors provide a fun and safe camp experience for little campers. Summer camp runs from June 7 to July 30 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A week of training for new counselors will start June 1.

For more information or to submit your resume for consideration, contact Youth Program Director Kathryn Palmer at youthprograms@ centerami.org.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This marine construction vessel and barge have been working offshore of Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.

Longboat Key project causes concern in Anna Maria On April 2, the beach at Bayfront Park was temporarily closed because three large pipes broke free from one of the offshore vessels.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – A large marine construction vessel bearing the Weeks Marine company logo was no longer present offshore of Bayfront Park in Anna Maria as of Sunday.

But according to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, a large barge containing a crane remained anchored offshore Sunday between the new $6.8 million City Pier and the nearby Rod & Reel Pier.

According to the town of Longboat Key’s website, Weeks Marine Inc. is participating in the beach renourishment and north end structural stabilization project and is conducting hydraulic dredging and beach disposal from the Passage Key ebb shoal.

The Bayfront Park beach was temporarily closed on Friday, April 2, after three large pipes broke free from one of the vessels associated with the project. The pipes came to rest in the shallow water just offshore of the beach at Bayfront Park. According to Murphy, high winds caused the pipes to break loose overnight.

Murphy contacted Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer that day and asked the town to provide security guards to enforce the temporary beach closure until the pipes were removed. The security detail proved unnecessary because the pipes were retrieved that afternoon and no longer posed a threat to public safety. According to Murphy, more pipes broke free the following day.

“Longboat Key runs that project. They said they were endeavoring to have everything moved out of there this week. I was hoping by today, perhaps tomorrow,” Murphy told commissioners April 8. He said he had also received complaints about the light coming from the vessels and that the company had tried to address that.

“This whole thing has not gone very well,” he said. “It was bungled from the very beginning.”

According to Murphy, neither he nor Manatee County

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

On Friday, April 2, the first pipes that broke free were recovered.

Parks & Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker received advance notice that project vessels would be staged several miles north of Anna Maria.

“Charlie would have notified me if he had known something. He was caught just as much off-guard as I was. This seems to be one that kind of fell through cracks,” Murphy said.

When asked why vessels associated with a Longboat Key project were positioned offshore of Anna Maria, Murphy said, “They have a borrow pit off of Passage Key, but it’s miles offshore. It’s not here.”

As for the pipes that broke free, Murphy said, “It was a catastrophe waiting to happen. I think what bothered me the most was getting a response saying when the weather improves, we’ll move the pipes. They have an 85-foot tugboat out there. I’m familiar with operating a large boat and anybody could have operated a boat in that weather to pull those pipes up. I can’t explain it.

Complete incompetence on the part of Weeks dredging company. I can understand pipes breaking loose once.

To have the pipes break loose a second time, there’s just no excuse for that.”

When contacted later, Murphy noted those offshore waters do not fall under the jurisdiction of the city of Anna Maria.

“We don’t control those waters,” Murphy said, noting that’s why he sought cooperation from the town of Longboat Key.

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City seeks $31,645 from last Sunshine suit defendant Former Planning and Zoning Board member Reed Mapes is the only defendant remaining in the civil lawsuit.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city is seeking $31,645 in attorney fees, paralegal fees and legal costs from lawsuit defendant Reed Mapes.

Mapes is the only defendant who has not settled with the city in the 2017 Sunshine Law-related civil lawsuit in which the city prevailed.

In July 2019, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas ruled that Mapes and five other former city advisory board members violated Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law by discussing official city business at their non-city-affiliated Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meetings in 2017.

The Sunshine Law requires members of the same elected or appointed governmental commission, committee or board to conduct their official business in properly noticed public meetings. It prohibits members of the same elected or appointed body from com-

municating with each other privately about their official business.

In October 2020, Nicholas ordered Mapes, Tjet Martin and John Metz to pay the city a total of $369,498 for the recovery of the city's attorney and paralegal fees. When issuing that ruling, Nicholas relieved co-defendants Patricia Shay, Rose Vincent and Bill Vincent of those shared financial responsibilities after learning the three of them had agreed, before the trial began, to settle with the city for $500 each and an acknowledgement that Sunshine Law compliance errors were made.

The city commission then rejected those settlement offers because Mapes, Martin and Metz had not agreed to similar settlements which would have brought the case to an end before it went to trial.

In November, Martin and Metz reached a settlement agreement with the city that resulted in the pair paying the city $350,000 and dropping their appeals of Nicholas’ 2019 ruling. In separate actions, Shay and the Vincents agreed to pay the city $500 each, with the Vincents also agreeing to drop their appeals. Shay did not appeal Nicholas’ ruling.

FINAL HEARING

On Monday, March 29, a virtual hearing on fees and costs was held via Zoom, with Nicholas presiding. Assisted by paralegal

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Former Planning and Zoning Board member Reed Mapes has until April 16 to file any formal objections he has to the recovery fees sought.

Michael Barfield, Robert Watrous again represented the city. Mapes represented himself at the hearing, which lasted slightly more than 30 minutes.

Watrous noted the amount sought is in accordance with statewide uniform guidelines for the taxation of costs and civil actions. Watrous said he would provide the court and Mapes with a cost summary and detailed supporting documents that verify all legal fees and costs billed to the city of Bradenton Beach through the conclusion of the 2019 civil lawsuit trial.

“Mr. Mapes is the only remaining defendant. We have settled with Mr. Metz. We have settled with Ms. Martin. The other defendants we have settled with also,” Watrous told the judge.

Watrous said the $350,000 payment made

by Metz and Martin and the $1,500 received from Shay and the Vincents total $351,500, leaving a remaining deficiency of $17,998 in unrecovered attorney and paralegal fees.

“It’s our position that those would be the responsibility of Mr. Mapes because he is the only remaining defendant,” Watrous said.

Watrous and the city seek an additional $13,647 in legal costs that include court reporter fees, court reporter transcription fees, photocopying and other non-attorney, non-paralegal costs.

“It’s our position that Mr. Mapes be responsible for the costs,” Watrous said.

Nicholas then provided Mapes a chance to respond.

“I find it interesting that Mr. Metz and Tjet Martin paid $350,000 to end their issues.

Then, after all of this time, Patty Shay and the Vincents settled for $500. I can’t quite figure out why I wasn’t offered the same. It seems somewhat odd to me that they settle with these three people that we know have very little funds. I have no funds. I’m a little bit befuddled about that and can’t quite figure out how they got such a good deal at the last minute,” said Mapes, who was dealing with health issues before and during the 2019 trial.

SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE 15

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OPINION

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reaping what is sown It’s horrible what's happening at Piney Point; thank you for your story. No one has even considered what will happen when it gets to be the rainy season. How does

Piney Point deal with the extra volume of water? It really pains me to think that their only solution is to dump toxic waste into the bay. Did our government never think this could happen? The powers that be have not only turned their backs on the environment,

but on ALL life that shares it. Ain't no goin’ back. "So shall you sow, so shall you reap." Thank you again for your story.

Captain Richard Correa Cortez, Florida

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 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.

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APRIL 14, 2021

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

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

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

April 22, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

April 21, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting April 22, noon – City Commission meeting

MARKYOUR CALENDAR The Island Branch Library is open at 40% capacity. Please wear a face mask/covering.

The Tingley Memorial Library is open.

The Center of Anna Maria Island is open with social distancing and face masks required.

The Holmes Beach dog park (Scentral Park), skate park, basketball courts, pickleball courts and tennis courts are open.

Local preserves are open, including Grassy Point Preserve, Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

Local beaches are open.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 14

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THURSDAY APRIL 15

HOLMES BEACH

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

City hall is open to the public by appointment only. Please visit www.holmesbeachfl. org or contact city hall for more information.

April 22, 11:30 a.m. – Police pension board meeting April 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting followed by work session

ISLAND-WIDE

April 20, 4:30 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board budget workshop with regular meeting to follow at 6 p.m., administration offices and on Zoom, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. For more information, visit www.wmfr.org.

April 21, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Anna Maria City Hall

Farmer’s Market, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

AMI Chamber Member Networking Luncheon, Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay, 1414 69th Ave. W., Bradenton, Thursday, April 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP at 941778-1541. Cost is $18 for members; $30 for non-members. Face masks required.

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

Neal coastal cleanup, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Reservations required. Reserve to Michelle Leahy at michelle.leahy@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923 ext. 6035.

AMI Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, Locals Realty, 102 48th St., Holmes Beach,

5 to 7 p.m. with ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m.

Face masks and reservations required.

Reserve to becky@amichamber.org or 941778-1541.

Wildlife Spotlight: Shorebirds, Coquina Beach Café, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Reservations required at www.eventbrite.com/e/145556123283.

FRIDAY APRIL 16

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach south jetty, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Reserve to www.eventbrite. com/e/144506588095.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SATURDAY APRIL 17

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

Spring food drive, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon.

MONDAY APRIL 19

Red Cup Kickball League, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY APRIL 20

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thrift Shop yard sale, Roser Guild Thrift Shop, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to noon.

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WEDNESDAY APRIL 21

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THURSDAY APRIL 22

Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour, Leffis Key, 2351 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 8 a.m. Capacity limited to 12 participants and reservations required. Reserve to kathydoddridge56@gmail.com or 941-705-3862.

Farmer’s Market, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

AMI Chamber of Commerce April Business Card Exchange and AMI Historical Society Scholarship Awards Presentation, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 5 to 7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members.

Reserve to 941-778-1541.

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

FRIDAY APRIL 23

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SATURDAY APRIL 24

Master Gardner Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m.

Reserve online at https://perico_preserve. eventbrite.com.

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

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APRIL 14, 2021

Anna Maria eyes stormwater fee hike If implemented, the increased stormwater fees would appear during the 2022 tax cycle.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria property owners may see their stormwater fees increase beginning in 2022.

The city commission on April 8 unanimously approved a stormwater rate study to be conducted by the Raftelis utility and public sector consulting firm, at a cost not to exceed $44,505.

The Raftelis firm previously helped the city with the road and recreation impact fees that took effect in late 2020. Assessed only to new construction and renovations that increase interior building space, the city’s impact fees do not produce revenues for drainage improvements.

“Drainage projects are notoriously difficult to justify on the impact fee basis and it only applies to new growth,” Raftelis Vice President Tony Hairston told the commission. “The city should look at its current stormwater assessment for an opportunity to provide more equity and potentially fund some of the infrastructure projects.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The new infiltration trenches being installed along North Shore Drive are filled with granite instead of lime rock.

Hairston said Anna Maria’s stormwater fee is $10 per year per 1,000 square feet of land area. The fee is assessed regardless of impervious or pervious surfaces and other factors that impact stormwater retention and drainage.

According to Hairston, the annual average stormwater fee in Anna Maria

is $90.84 per parcel – and the fee for a typical 5,000 square foot parcel containing a 2,000 square foot structure equates to $4.17 per month.

A similarly sized property and structure in Holmes Beach, he said, was

Bradenton Beach to update master drainage plan The city of Bradenton Beach will issue a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a firm to help prepare a Master Drainage Study update. The selected contractor will review the stormwater report issued in 2006, provide an independent assessment of the city’s existing stormwater drainage and retention systems, offer improvements to the existing stormwater infrastructure, and work with city staff to provide feedback and assessments to be included in the updated study report. City Commissioner Ralph Cole said the city would benefit from a third-party evaluation that helps assess what’s working, what’s not working and what improvements might be made. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the request for an independent review of the city’s drainage plan and methods should not be construed as a criticism of City Engineer Lynn Burnett.

SEE STUDY, PAGE 23

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1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773

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

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Celebrating Easter at Roser Church Parishioners gathered April 4 in the parking lot behind Roser Memorial Community Church for an outdoor, socially distanced Easter Sunday service. The outdoor service was held at 10 a.m. with an indoor traditional service at 8:30 a.m. During the outdoor service, Rev. Dirk Rodgers’ wife, Liz, passed out Easter treats to the young and young at heart.

SUBMITTED | PEGGY NASH

Clockwise above, dozens of people grabbed their camp chairs and came out to celebrate during the 10 a.m. outdoor Easter Sunday service April 4 at Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria. Director of Music Ministries Craig Ramberger performs a musical solo. Senior Pastor Rev. Dirk Rodgers preaches the sermon during the Easter service. Associate Pastor Rev. Neil Crowell is joined by Associate Director of Music Ministries Brandon Kouri and Senior Pastor Rev. Dirk Rodgers around one of two flower crosses decorated by parishioners.

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APRIL 14, 2021

City further limits potential Cortez Bridge lawsuit costs City officials expressed concerns about the potential financial impact of the city joining the federal lawsuit.

court that would formalize the city’s intent to become the fifth plaintiff.

CITY’S CONCERNS

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The Bradenton Beach City Commission has lowered its spending limit from $15,000 to $5,000 as potential co-plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit challenging a state plan to replace the Cortez Bridge drawbridge with a larger, fixed-span bridge.

Mayor John Chappie and City Attorney Ricinda Perry recommended the move, which was approved by the commission on April 8 in a 4-1 vote.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh cast the lone dissenting vote.

On March 18, the commission voted to support original plaintiffs Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann in the legal challenge. The commission at that time said its financial contributions to the case would not exceed $15,000.

When making his March 18 request, McClash said the city would essentially be joining the lawsuit “in name only,”

FDOT | SUBMITTED

This rendering illustrates one of several potential designs for the pillars that would support the new fixed-span bridge. and he would continue to do most of the legal legwork on behalf of himself, von Hahmann and co-plaintiffs Linda Molto and Joe Kane.

Filed in March 2020 with the United States District Court Middle District of Florida Tampa Division, the lawsuit names the Florida Department of

Transportation (FDOT), FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, the United States Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration Administrator Nicole R. Nason as defendants.

As of Monday, the city had not yet filed a notice of joinder with the federal

Perry told the commission at that March 18 meeting that she did not have time to represent the city in this matter. She recommended the city seek the legal services of attorney Chuck Johnson.

Perry told the commission last week that Johnson declined the case.

“Chuck did not feel there could be a limited appearance in the way Mr. McClash suggested could be the case for the city. He said that when you’re an attorney representing a client, you’re obligated by the Florida Bar rules to represent the client to the best of your ability. He was not willing to accept the case on the condition that it’s basically an appearance in name only,” Perry said.

Perry said former Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ralf Brookes contacted her and offered to take the case for $15,000.

“That would be ‘no,’ in my opinion,” Chappie quickly responded.

SEE BRIDGE, PAGE 20

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APRIL 14, 2021

THE SUN

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New banners help promote Old Town Tram The Old Town Tram provides free park-and-ride shuttle service at Cortez Beach and throughout the CRA district.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Banners are now in place as part of the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) ongoing efforts to make more people aware of the free Old Town Tram service.

The free park-and-ride shuttle service is provided within the CRA district that extends from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South and includes the Bridge Street business district.

One banner is at the entrance to the city at the west end of the Cortez Bridge. Another is south of the Gulf Drive/Bridge Street roundabout at the Fourth Street South JOE HENDRICKS | SUN intersection that marks the north end of the This Old Town Tram banner is located just north of the Cortez Beach parking lot, which is among the locations served by the free parking trams.

Cortez Beach parking lot, where drivers are encouraged to park and catch the free tram to their destination.

A third banner is located near the east end of the Cortez Bridge in hopes of catching the eyes of folks headed over the bridge and into Bradenton Beach.

The free electric trams also serve the parking areas near the Bradenton Beach Police Station and the Bradenton Beach Marina, the city hall parking lot after normal business hours, Bridge Street, the Bridge Street Pier and elsewhere throughout the CRA district.

Traveling a designated route, a tram is expected to pass by any given point along the route every 10 minutes or so – and the ringing of a ship’s bell signals a tram’s approach.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Upon parking, pickup can also be arThe Old Town Trams make frequent passes by the Cortez ranged by calling 941-404-6240. More Beach parking lot, south of the Bridge Street/Gulf Drive interinformation, including a tram route map, is section. available online at www.oldtowntram.com.

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APRIL 14, 2021

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Essential Truths WHY THE BIBLE?

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

The CHAPEL is open during Who Wrote the Bible? Weekly YouTube presentations office hours for prayer & meditation. or Zoom class! www.RoserChurch.com/Dirk 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

FILE PHOTO | SUN

Chuck and Joey Lester, center, celebrate the 2018 annual Lester Family Fun Day at The Center of Anna Maria Island with Center staff member Aris Thompson and board chair David Zaccagnino.

Family fun day returns to The Center Lester Family Fun Day may have been canceled in 2020, but family fun is returning to the Island with a Celebrate The Center Day on April 24.

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

ANNA MARIA – It’s a much-needed return to good, old-fashioned family fun at The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Celebrate The Center Day. The event, hosted in honor of lifetime supporters Chuck and Joey Lester, takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 at The Center’s campus at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

Everyone is invited to attend to enjoy Duffy’s hamburgers, hot dogs from Anna Maria Oyster Bar and live music from Trevor Bystrom. The festivities are also planned to include a bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, trackless train rides and more for everyone in the family to enjoy. A 50/50 drawing will take place during the event and the collected monetary pot will be split between The Center and one winner.

There also will be a table set up with student members of the Eckerd College water research team and representatives from Mote Marine Laboratory.

Here, attendees can get more information on the mini reefs installed in the waters in and around Anna Maria Island as a part of The Center’s Go Green project.

Admission to the event is free, though donations to the nonprofit are welcome. The Center is in the midst of a $50,000 matching fundraising challenge to help make up for $100,000 in lost revenue over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge continues through May 31.

The one-day event will take place outdoors on The Center’s field. Temperatures will be checked and face coverings or masks required. Hand sanitizer stations will be placed at each of the two entrances to the event. All CDC COVID-19 outdoor protocols will be enforced. No alcohol will be served during the event.

Volunteers are needed to help make this family fun day a success. To view volunteer opportunities and sign up to help out, visit www.signupgenius.com/ go/10c0f44a8af22a4fe3-kick.

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APRIL 14, 2021

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Bell resigns CVHS presidency The Cortez Cultural Center was created under the auspices of the Cortez Village Historical Society.

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

CORTEZ – Kaye Bell is resigning as president of the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) while remaining on the board and continuing to volunteer at the Cortez Cultural Center, which she was instrumental in creating.

“It has been my honor and a pleasure to serve my community in this position,” she said. “I take great pride in the many projects this group of volunteers has achieved.”

The group created the Cortez Cultural Center from a Bradenton Beach cottage slated for demolition that was saved and relocated to Cortez.

Bob Landry's team of volunteers renovated the 1947 cottage, including new flooring, walls, ceiling, rewiring and a disabled access ramp. They built a utility shed to store maintenance materials, converting a portion of the shed into a restroom. They also built a bike rack to serve bikers in the FISH Preserve.

New volunteers Jim McGinnis and his son, Scott, repaired and repainted portions of the house, deck and ramp, she said.

The center is working on expanding the story of Cortez history with a gift from the Florida Maritime Museum of four glass showcases, Bell said.

“We had been collecting pieces of Cortez history for many years and we’re now able to showcase the story of Cortez and the fishing industry in a new, cozy, impressive museum,” she said.

Two large TVs and a DVD player are available to facilitate educational programs, oral histories and historical videos, and a computer is available for the Ancestry Program, which allows anyone to trace their genealogical history.

Volunteers created a reference and resource library with many books, both fiction and historical, about Florida, Bell said. The books have been placed in Manatee County libraries and school systems. Landry also made and placed seven little libraries around Cortez village and the center keeps them stocked.

Several local author book signing events also have been held at the center to increase book sales.

A large pavilion was added adjacent to the renovated cottage to accommodate meetings, speaker events, holiday gatherings and group dinners, she said. Most of those events were pre-COVID-19.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Kaye Bell has been a driving force in the Cortez Cultural Center since its inception.

“Karen Carpenter and her team founded a community garden and have been successful and very productive,” Bell said. “Karen has also been most helpful and effective handling publicity for our events.”

The center also holds an annual yard/art/craft/bake sale as a fundraiser and to create publicity for the center.

The center partners with The Center of Anna Maria Island to use its van and driver to conduct tours of Cortez, narrated by local history buff Alan Garner.

Volunteers wrote an after-school/summer environmental program for children, “From Your Waters To Your Table,” partnering with The Center of Anna Maria Island.

The center participates with the Manatee County Community Service Worker program to use workers needing service hours and was awarded a grant from the Manatee County Neighborhood Enhancement Program to design, make and distribute historic house markers for qualifying homes in Cortez.

The Cortez Cultural Center participated in Manatee County’s Giving Challenge, raising funds for operating expenses and displays.

They also created a mailing list of members and maintain a file of Cortez-related newspaper items since 1985.

Bell credits center volunteers for its success, including Linda Molto, Dale Beaumariage, Ardith Black, Robin MacDonald, Jamie Gannon, Carolyn Baker, Rosie Wiley, Barbara Duncan, Linda Hoffman, Karen Carpenter, Cindy Rogers, Lynn McGinnis, Liz Nelson and Pat Potts.

“Liz is our creative jewelry lady and donates all her sales to the center,” she said. “Pat Potts has been very ambitious and now sits on the center board.”

“We all love our museum and take pride in the work we accomplish,” Bell said. “We look forward to the day we can have a ‘Volunteer Appreciation Day’ get-together, and return to our frequent community holiday celebrations.”

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APRIL 14, 2021

Longboat Key police chief resigns The town of Longboat Key is in search of a new police chief.

According to a press release that Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer issued on March 31, “Police Chief Kelli Smith has submitted her resignation effective April 30. She has accepted the police chief position at Florida Gulf Coast University. We are disappointed that she will be

moving on, but thankful for her efforts to bring positive change after Chief Cumming retired. We appreciate her hard work to enhance training and Smith update departmental policies and practices. We understand this was an opportunity that was presented to her, and hard to

turn down. We wish Chief Smith well in her new position and look forward to working with her over the next several weeks to help prepare the police department for the transition. An interim chief will be appointed during the transition to a new chief.” Former Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming retired in October.

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Center staff works to overcome financial challenges Cost-cutting and the generosity of the community are helping keep The Center of Anna Maria Island in good financial standing despite hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

ANNA MARIA – It’s been a tough fiscal year so far, but the staff at The Center of Anna Maria Island is rising to the challenge.

After releasing the February financial statements for the nonprofit, Executive Director Chris Culhane acknowledged that the 2020-21 fiscal year has been a difficult one.

In an email to The Sun, Culhane said revenue is down $208,000 from the previous year due to COVID-19 restrictions, closures and event cancellations.

The Center cut operating expenses nearly $160,000 and with an ongoing $100,000 donation challenge, along with the return of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series to The Center’s campus this summer, he said he hopes the nonprofit will be able to finish the fiscal year June 30 on a positive financial note.

The end of February saw The Center with a net income deficit of $92,508 after all operating, capital and administrative expenses. Though a negative number, it’s still $5,473 better than the same time the previous year, which was the last pre-pandemic month for the nonprofit’s 2019-20 fiscal year.

The fiscal year to date in February 2021 saw The Center’s revenue from programs end the month at $256,981 with direct costs of $158,878 for a positive outcome of $98,103. Fundraising came in with $258,275 in revenue and $109,786 in direct costs for a positive income of $148,488. Af-

ter general, indirect and administrative expenses of $327,509, The Center’s net ordinary income came in at a fiscal year-to-date loss of $80,918, $114,483 less than a budgeted income of a positive $33,565.

Capital expenses for the year through the end of February topped out at $11,591.

Though financial statements are not yet available for March, Culhane said the month was the busiest one to date for the fiscal year.

For the final few months of the fiscal year, The Center is returning more to normal operations with sports leagues ongoing, plans for summer camps emerging, concerts returning and a $50,000 matching fundraiser challenge continuing through May 31. During the challenge, donations to The Center will be matched up to $50,000 for a total possible donation to the nonprofit of $100,000.

For more information on The Center, visit www.centerami.org.

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LAWSUIT: City seeks fees FROM PAGE 5

Mapes owns a home in Parrish which, according to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, has an appraised value of $501,732. In 2018, Mapes and his wife sold their Bradenton Beach condominium for slightly more than $1 million.

Regarding the rejected settlement offers that Shay and the Vincents signed before the trial began, Mapes said, “I didn’t sign the document that came out in 2019 because I knew good and well John Metz was not going to agree to it. I saw no reason to sign something I knew was not going to go anywhere, but all of a sudden it went someplace at the very end with Patricia Shay and the Vincents.”

Nicholas did not ask Watrous to do a line-by-line review of the costs and fees sought, but he did ask Watrous to swear that the information contained in the summary of costs was true.

Nicholas directed Watrous to provide Mapes with copies of the cost summary and the supporting documents. He also ordered Watrous to file a sworn affidavit regarding the remaining $17,998 in attorney and paralegal fees sought.

“I’m not going to rule today with regard to this issue. I have to review the summary of costs in more detail now that it’s sworn to,” Nicholas said.

Nicholas gave Mapes until Friday, April 16 to file any objections he has regarding the fees and costs sought.

In closing, Nicholas said, “This case is almost at the finish line and I’m not inclined to have any more hearings. I don’t think that it’s necessary. I’m not likely to make any decisions prior to April 16.”

As of Sunday, April 11, Mapes had not yet filed any formal objections to the fees and costs sought.

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Murphys celebrate wedding anniversary Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and his wife, Barbara, celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary after the Thursday, April 8, city commission meeting. The couple was married at St. Jude Cathedral in St. Petersburg on April 8, 1967.

Artist Guild gallery closing temporarily HOLMES BEACH - The Artist Guild of Anna Maria Island will be closing temporarily for renovation to its gallery at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. The renovations will include new paint, a new ceiling and flooring, and updated lighting. The gallery will be open through Saturday, April 24, with artwork being removed between April 25 and April 30. Completion of the project is set for May 24 and the Guild hopes to reopen by June 1.

The Artist Guild was established in 1989, and is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

APRIL 14, 2021

APRIL 14, 2021

FOOD & WINE

THE SUN

17

This cod stew won't disappoint

Brian Mathae HURRICANE HANKS

T

he foodservice industry is a behemoth. The amount of food “engineering” is astonishing, particularly to someone like me who joined the restaurant industry out of a passion for food and entertaining but who doesn’t have the background education to understand the multitude of product terminology and offerings. The price-versus-quality dilemma is real. Meeting our customers’ perception of value is important to us, but so, too, is meeting our core beliefs of offering quality ingredients. Let me try to explain.

While Jefferson was clear in his intent when he penned “all men are created equal” as part of the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776, I can’t help but relate that phrase to much of the food we buy today. For example, with only one of our suppliers (and we have many) we have available to us 79 different cod products. While most of these options have to do with portion size, there are some real differences in the processed product. Trying to understand how the cod has been handled and changed from the time it was swimming in the ocean to the time it arrives in our kitchen

is a lesson in science. That’s why I say all cod may have been created equal, but by the time it ends up on your dinner plate, it is anything but!

At Hurricane Hanks, we choose to buy cod that was caught in the cold waters surrounding Iceland, frozen at sea within hours and remaining that way until we unthaw, portion and prepare it for you.

It’s pretty simple - it’s the fish in its most natural form. But this particular product costs about 25% more per pound than many alternatives. These alternatives have been specifically processed to be less expensive.

Sodium tripolyphosphate is a preservative that is often added to seafood, meats and poultry.

It’s also added to detergents to act as a water softener! When it comes to food, acting as an emulsifier, it binds additional water to the natural oils in the protein. This commonly increases the food’s weight by 15% but sometimes by as much as 30%. That eight-ounce portion of protein you think you are getting may actually be only six to seven ounces of protein and one to two ounces of water.

Additionally, after being caught, some cod is shipped halfway around the world for cheaper labor to process it.

Frozen at first catch it must be thawed for processing and then refrozen for shipping to the consumer. The fish is usually labeled as twice frozen. The

SUBMITTED

repeated freezing and thawing has an impact on the taste and texture of the fish.

I think cod is one of the best fish to make a stew with because of its density and gentle flavor. It holds up well even after being cooked and has a nice, mild taste and smell. With a little bit of research, you too can be cooking with fish that will wow your family or guests.

If you can’t find the fish you are looking for, keep this recipe in your back pocket for your return home from your next fishing trip. I’m sure your fresh catch will have never tasted better. You won’t be disappointed!

www.TheFeastRestaurantAMI.com

Cod Stew Serves up to 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs cod, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes • 5 red potatoes, cut into 3/4 inch cubes • 1 white onion, thinly sliced • 14 ounces stewed tomatoes • 14 ounces chicken stock • 1 tbs olive oil • 3/4 tsp salt • 1 bunch spinach, coarsely sliced • Fresh chopped cilantro

Directions

In a large saucepan on medium heat add oil, onion and salt. Cook until the onion is soft but not browned.

Add potatoes, tomatoes, broth and one cup of water and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the potatoes are softened.

Stir in the cod and spinach and cook an additional five minutes until the cod is cooked through. Portion into bowls, top with cilantro and serve with fresh torn bread.

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OUTDOORS

APRIL 14, 2021

An unfolding tragedy Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

R

ounding a mangrove corner into Clam Bar Bay on the edges of Tampa Bay, I had the sensation of a place remembered.

I had first visited Moses Hole on a kayak outing in 2013. But this time, something seemed oddly different, and a disquieting feeling enveloped me. It was only later that I fully appreciated that emotion.

I was surveying and documenting the conditions in an area south of Port Manatee that represents the most pristine region of Florida’s largest - and now most threatened - estuary. Days before, a legacy phosphate stack at nearby Piney Point had ruptured and a catastrophic collapse was deemed imminent. Over the past week, millions of gallons of water containing 10 times the nutrients of raw sewage had been released into Tampa Bay at the port in an attempt to avert the sudden release of 480 million gallons.

That day I saw a Tampa Bay in crisis, even before the effects of this latest failure are being felt. The shallow waters from Cockroach Bay to Robinson Preserve were covered in algae and large areas were devoid of seagrass.

In addition, and totally unexpectedly, I was stunned at acres of mangroves in Miguel Bay, near Terra Ceia, that I observed. A large swath of the mangrove shoreline, once over 12 feet high, had been trimmed to barely three feet high, with large dead stumps bleached by the sun from previous cuttings.

Returning home, I looked through my photographs and found an image I had taken that day in 2013. I was consumed by a feeling of sadness. What I experienced that day was disheartening, but only reinforced my resolve to expose the inaction of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in doing their mandated work to protect the public good.

The failure at Piney Point, a facility owned by HRK Inc. and overseen by the FDEP, was preventable.

The state agency knew of the problems at the facility long ago but failed to address it adequately. Although this has been a disaster in the making for decades, the agency mandated to protect Tampa Bay allowed water levels to increase from a near-empty stack in 2007 to an accumulation of over 700 million gallons of water and dredged material.

FDEP failed to provide the resources needed to remove the water from the stacks at the site and knew as early as 2013 about the need to remove the water.

The discharge required by the inaction far exceeds water quality standards for the Tampa Bay Estuary and is delivering excess nitrogen and phosphorus to Bay waters. Both nutrients are known to fuel harmful algae blooms such as red tides. At the current rate of wastewater discharge, nearly 500 tons of nitrogen are on track to be released in the course of about a week. This is equivalent to approximately 50,000 bags of fertilizer or 28 years of population growth in the region. This far exceeds the goals established by the FDEP to protect the public resources used for recreational and commercial activities.

In a joint press release, Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper expressed dismay that the rights of the people of Florida have been jeopardized by the failure of our state. They demand that the governor and Legislature act, holding all responsible parties accountable and establishing a statewide commission for phosphogypsum stack operations and closure. They stipulate that the commission should be composed of Waterkeepers, environmental advocates, state, federal and other stakeholders.

Additionally, they specify that the state fund the closure of all Piney Point stacks, including removing the existing water and capping the site to prevent any water containment onsite, and process the seepage water after closure to prevent degradation to Bishop Harbor and Cockroach Bay, Outstanding Florida Waters that bracket the site.

The final outcome of this latest insult to the waters that surround us and provide us our solace as well

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Steve Traves paddles into Moses Hole in 2013. as supporting our economy won’t be felt for several weeks or months. I hope we’re not too late.

Get involved by joining and supporting the efforts of Suncoast Waterkeeper and make sure your elected officials get the message that we will hold them responsible.

APRIL 14, 2021

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THE SUN

19

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Nate Coleman, of Bradenton, shows off a beautiful blackfin tuna caught on the first cast of the day with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters.

Good fishing greets tourist crowds CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

We’ve had a great streak of weather to accompany the droves of spring break guests here on the Island. Fishing both inshore and offshore has been stellar.

Inshore, Spanish mackerel are everywhere. Making it easy to fulfill fish taco orders for our

trips. There’s also some perfect eating sized black drum around.

The snook and redfish have been pretty cooperative as well.

Nearshore, the kingfish and bonita have been lurking, along with some big bull sharks for clients that want a real fight.

Offshore, the red grouper, man-

grove snapper, yellowtail snapper and blackfin tuna are biting well.

The winds have been down, so it’s been pretty pleasant out there.

Spring is coming alive and the fishing is great.

Let’s hope our water quality stays good and we can look forward to more good fishing.

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APRIL 14, 2021

BRIDGE: City further limits potential lawsuit costs FROM PAGE 10

Perry then said she was also contacted by Angela Tucker, chief counsel for FDOT. Perry said Tucker told her FDOT was not interested in going to court to resolve this matter and would prefer instead that Perry and FDOT’s attorneys participate in a conference call on Friday, April 16.

Perry said her role in the conference call will be to present to FDOT the city commission’s concerns regarding “aesthetic damages” that could occur as a result of FDOT replacing the existing drawbridge with a fixed-span bridge.

When contacted later in the week, Perry said McClash, von Hahmann, the other plaintiffs, the media and the general public will not be allowed to participate in the FDOT conference call.

During the commission discussion, Chappie asked Perry to contact FDOT Transit Project Manager Roxann Lake and request that she sit down with McClash and the other plaintiffs to discuss their concerns with the fixed-span bridge.

Perry referenced the Bridge Aesthetics Committee which Lake is a member of. The committee, which also includes several residents, provides FDOT with recommendations regarding the aesthetics and appearance of the intended fixed-span bridge. That committee does not provide input on the alternative drawbridge sought by the plaintiffs in the 2020 settlement offer that followed the filing of the federal lawsuit.

“I think that committee has done a nice job of trying to get to where it wants to be,” Perry said. “At the end of the day, the bridge is going to be there, or it’s not going to be there – you cannot get away from the adverse impact and the taking (of land) that’s going to occur to the Cortez fishing village and to the end of the street (where Cortez Road intersects with Gulf Drive),” Perry said.

“I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to placate the concerns

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

FDOT plans to replace the existing drawbridge with a higher, larger fixed-span bridge. that are out there – or resolve all the hurt and angst, especially that the Cortez village has with this bridge that’s coming – but I at least want to put a foot forward and have a good conversation,” Perry said regarding her pending conference call with FDOT. “This is our best chance to try and resolve it amicably. Mr. McClash said he was hoping to have them (FDOT) sit down at the table. When they heard we were joining the lawsuit they called me and asked me if I’d have a seat at the table with them. His goal has been accomplished,” Perry said.

Cole was not present when the commission first voted to join the lawsuit.

“When we join into this lawsuit, could we end up bearing the burden of the cost?” he asked Perry.

“We will be incurring costs,” Perry responded.

When contacted later and asked about the commission’s desire to limit its potential financial exposure to no more than $5,000, Perry referenced her phone call with Johnson.

“He was not comfortable with the representation that Joe McClash offered the city – to take a minor and “in-name-only” role in the lawsuit. Chuck said you’re either all in or you're all out, thus the financial exposure to the city is unknown,” Perry said.

Chuck said you’re either all in or you’re all out, thus the financial exposure to the city is unknown.”

Ricinda Perry, City Attorney

According to FDOT officials, the bridge replacement project is expected to be put out to bid in late 2025, with construction starting in 2026.

PAST LESSONS LEARNED

In 2017, a previous commission voted in favor of filing a civil lawsuit against six city advisory board members who were later ruled in court to have violated Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law. When approving that civil action, the commission originally established a not-to-exceed limit of $5,000. Although the city prevailed in the case, the city spent more than $500,000 on attorney fees, paralegal fees and other legal costs.

To date, the city has recouped $351,500 from five of the six plaintiffs and additional fees and costs are still being sought from the lone remaining defendant.

APRIL 14, 2021

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THE SUN

21

TRACY ECKERT | SUBMITTED

Brad Lisk remembered at Rays’ home opener Shane and Tanner Pelkey spread the ashes of their late father, Brad Lisk, on the warning track at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg during the Tampa Bay Rays home opener on Friday, April 9, that saw the Rays beat the Yankees by a 10-5 margin. Accompanied by Shane’s wife, Annie, and former Bradenton Beach resident Tracy Eckert, the group brought with them the commemorative T-shirts that feature a photo of Brad at a long-ago Tampa Bay Bucs’ game holding up a sign that said, “Will Q.B. For Beer.”

Brad, a longtime D coy Ducks’ bartender, passed away on March 25, 2020.

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H

REAL ESTATE

APRIL 14, 2021

Are we in a boom or a bust?

appy tax day! Well, maybe not, since tax day has been extended another month. With so much going on in the world and in the country, it’s easy to forget about some things that are traditional and ingrained in our psyche, like April 15 being the most dreaded day on the calendar.

Until a few years ago, April 15 represented a real benefit to homeowners with mortgages. Mortgage interest on primary homes and secondary homes has always been a staple of the real estate industry.

Buy a home, take out a mortgage and deduct the interest at the end of the year.

However, because of a change in the tax code, deducting mortgage interest may not be as attractive now to homeowners with an increase in the standard deduction and a cap on the deductible amount of mortgage interest.

Believe me, this is not a reason not to purchase a home and take out a mortgage. Mortgage rates are historically low,

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER even if they have ticked up in the last two months. But finding a home to purchase right now will be a challenge with or without a mortgage.

Today’s real estate market is making history every day, breaking records on sales prices and eating up every single property that comes on the market. Are we in a boom, or are we getting ready for a bust? Typically, you could ask five different economists and get five different answers, but most of them now will say that longerterm trends are at play that should keep the housing market hot.

Why is this? For one thing, even with the pandemic on the brink of being over,

COVID-19 has forced the workforce to rethink where they live and why they live there. People who moved last year weren’t just thinking of a temporary place to escape during the pandemic, but a real re-evaluation of their lives, and that’s not going to change.

Millennials are also a big influence in the future real estate markets. They are chomping at the bit to buy a home, start families and settle down in a community.

But unless their grandparents’ generation finally sells their forever homes, there will be no forever for this generation.

Countries around the globe that are experiencing the same type of housing market have the same worries about the same type of bubble. However, the consensus is that the buying is being driven by real demand rather than speculation, with families looking to upgrade to larger properties in suburban areas as they work more from home.

What’s going on now is the inverse of the previous housing boom in the mid2000s. At that time, lending standards were downgraded, allowing buyers to purchase properties beyond their means using risky mortgage products.

According to the National Association of Realtors, between 2006 and 2014, about 9.3 million households went through foreclosure, gave up their home to a lender or sold as a distress sale. We are nowhere near that type of activity; in fact, mortgage qualification standards are at the highest they have been in most of our memories.

The biggest threat to the housing market now is mortgage rates going up substantially and a serious lack of inventory, which will slow down sales considerably.

At least for this year, you can put off the only thing besides death where you have no choice. As for me, I’m facing it dead on and paying up on April 15, but that’s me why spend another month thinking about the inevitable? Stay safe.

APRIL 14, 2021

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THE SUN

23

STUDY: Anna Maria eyes stormwater fee hike FROM PAGE 8

assessed a stormwater fee that equated to $19.67 per month in 2020, and a fee that equated to $29.33 per month in Bradenton Beach.

Hairston said Anna Maria’s current stormwater fee structure generates about $160,000 per year. He said this allows the city to maintain its existing stormwater and drainage systems, but does not provide the funds needed for the additional drainage improvements that are supplemented by ad valorem property taxes.

Henrietta Locklear assisted Hairston with his presentation. She said the proposed study would assist in determining whether the city wants to change its existing rate structure and make it more equitable in terms of who pays what. She said the study could also help bring the city’s existing fee structure more in line with other cities.

Locklear said the study could result in a stormwater fee based on a property’s hard surface area rather than the size of the parcel, adding that a typical home in Anna

Maria might have 2,500 square feet of impervious surface area. She said a large parking lot or commercial structure that has 10 times the impervious surface area would be charged 10 times as much as a typical residential structure using a fee structure based on hard surfaces.

Locklear said the revised stormwater fees would have to factor in the revenues needed to complete future drainage projects.

The $44,505 study fee would be recovered by the increased fees that would appear on a property owner’s 2022 tax bill, Mayor Dan Murphy said.

“We’re using a method now that’s based upon dollars per square foot,” he said. “We’ve been supplementing our drainage projects with ad valorem taxes. We could change the existing fee that we have without all of this study. We pretty much did that in 2015 – the fee you see today.”

“It’s easier to keep the same thing, but I think we need to face this problem head-on. It’s a problem that’s got to be addressed. Do want to address it or kick it down

We’re using a method now that’s based upon dollars per square foot. We’ve been supplementing our drainage projects with ad valorem taxes.”

Dan Murphy, Anna Maria Mayor

the road?” he added. “This is an extensive study. It goes beyond the existing formula. His deliverables include looking at various models of how to do it. That’s the reason the price tag is high.”

With Commissioner Joe Muscatello absent, the commission approved the stormwater rate study by a 4-0 vote.

Hairston said the study would begin next month and the findings would be presented toward the end of this year.

DRAINAGE TRENCH UPGRADES

During the stormwater fee discus-

sion, it was also noted that the new vertical infiltration trenches being installed along North Shore Drive feature 30 inches of hard, black granite in-fill material instead of the softer white lime rock previously used as fill and surface material.

In areas heavily used for parking, lime rock tends to get crushed and compacted in a manner that reduces drainage. Six inches of white lime rock will still be used as the surface material because it’s considered to be more aesthetically pleasing than black granite in a beach environment.

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THE SUN

APRIL 14, 2021

Cheri Coryea lands position with Patterson Foundation Former Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea has accepted a position with The Patterson Foundation. On Thursday, April 8, The Foundation announced Coryea will serve as an initiative consultant.

In that role, she will collaborate with foundation staff members and other consultants on three initiatives about strengthening individuals, organizations and communities in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Coryea will work directly with the foundation’s Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Digital Access for All and Suncoast Villages initiatives.

“For decades, Cheri has worked tirelessly for and with the people of Manatee County,” Patterson Foundation President and CEO Debra Jacobs said in the written announcement. “Her knowledge of the realities faced by people and

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Cheri Coryea has a new job with The Patterson Foundation. organizations, along with her heart for possibilities, aligns with The Patterson Foundation’s mission.”

Coryea said in the announcement: “Focusing on mutual

aspirations that strengthen people, organizations, and communities is the type of work that lights up my soul.”

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APRIL 14, 2021

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FEBRUARY 3, 2021

GREEN SPACE: Bank land targeted FROM PAGE 1

the estimated $1.8 million expected from federal COVID-19 relief funds to purchase the property. After sending his suggestions to Mayor Judy Titsworth, Graham said he hadn’t yet received a reply.

City Commissioner Carol Soustek, the commission’s liaison to the parks committee, said that she understands that the land, located at a prime intersection on the Island, is very valuable and doesn’t believe that it will be for sale long. She added that while the city’s leaders are looking at making land acquisitions, most of those are for greenspace and preservation of wetlands that can be primarily left in as-is condition without the need for

construction or demolition. In contrast, Soustek said the Wells Fargo property would be “a massive undertaking” for the city.

“It’s not undoable,” she said, “but it’s a dream you have to work on.”

The Wells Fargo bank property, 5327 Gulf Drive, is for sale through JLL, a realty company, for $2.4 million.

The 1.66-acre site is situated on two parcels with a two-story bank building and 71 parking spaces, some of which are rented to the adjacent marina and Waterline resort. The property is zoned C3 for high-density commercial use.

Parks committee members meet on Wednesday, May 5 at 10 a.m. Holmes Beach City Hall for their final meeting before their customary summer break.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Spring is here Baby ducks abound in Bimini Bayou, a sure sign that spring is here.

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APRIL 14, 2021

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TOURISM: Ripple effect feared from Piney Point FROM PAGE 1

more than 300 homes and businesses in the area for fear that a total collapse could cause a major flooding event.

Concerns among residents, environmental officials, and now, tourists, center around a potential red tide algae bloom. Red tide can kill marine life, cause the water to be murky and have an unpleasant odor, and pose a health threat to humans.

WAIT AND SEE

The Sun asked three people from three states about the Piney Point spill’s effect on their travel plans.

“We had to cancel last summer’s vacation to Anna Maria Island due to COVID. This summer we have a reservation for two weeks, and we may have to cancel it. I’m starting to think I’m bad luck for the Island,” said Darrah Gohring, of Marion, Ohio.

Gohring has been following the local and national news related to Piney Point very closely. Her family has been looking forward to what she described as “two weeks in paradise” ever since having to cancel last year.

They are first-time visitors, and have

already paid in advance for their rental near Bean Point.

“This probably wouldn’t be as much of an issue if it weren’t for the fact that both me and my daughter are severely asthmatic, and we really don’t want to wind up in the hospital,” Gohring said, emphasizing how excited her daughter has been over this family trip.

For now, the Gohring family is going to see if the rental owner will refund their payment. The owner doesn’t appear to be legally obligated to refund the payment, but Gohring is hoping the owner will be sympathetic to their unique situation. For now, the family will continue to follow the news, and intends to make a decision soon.

FIRST TRIP TO AMI

A father of two young children from Atlanta asked that we only use his first name, Clay. Along with his wife and two children, ages 2 and 5, Clay’s family vacation to the Bradenton Beach area is scheduled for June 26-July 3, and will be their first trip to the Island. Like others, Clay said the possibility of a red tide bloom due

to the Piney Point spill is of serious concern to his family.

“We’ve done Panama City and some other beaches farther north, but this will be our first time to Anna Maria,” Clay said. When asked why he and his family chose AMI for this vacation, he said it was totally random.

They Googled Florida beaches with white sand, clear water and a laidback atmosphere, and Anna Maria Island kept popping up. It was enough for Clay to book with a good deal of confidence he had found the right place for his family to relax and enjoy the sun.

Clay said that even though they are watching the situation closely, and may change their decision, for now, the trip is a green light and they plan to visit as scheduled. While Clay and others purchased travel insurance, it appears that as long as beaches are open and no evacuation order has been put in place, the insurance will not cover a cancellation.

‘A TROPICAL PARADISE’

Kim Reynolds, of Detroit, Mich., and her husband and college-age son and daughter are already here enjoy-

ing their vacation in Holmes Beach.

The Reynolds family will be heading home Saturday, April 17.

“I feel really bad for people who have to make the tough decision of whether to risk it, and hope for the best, or possibly lose a lot of money canceling a nonrefundable beach rental here on the Island. God knows it’s not cheap!” she said. “I’m a public school teacher, and we save our money all year to stay at a nice place and eat at nice restaurants when we visit Anna Maria. Suffering through the brutal Michigan winters is a little easier when the light at the end of the tunnel is a tropical paradise like this.

I honestly don’t know what we would do if we were in that situation, but I have a feeling we would come regardless, and hope for the best.”

Gohring expressed a sentiment common among all three visitors - a genuine concern for local residents.

“I feel so bad for you guys; we are just coming for a couple of weeks, but you live there, this is your home,” Gohring said. “I really hope everything is ok and it’s far better than a worst-case scenario.”

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APRIL 14, 2021

PINEY POINT: Environmental concerns grow FROM PAGE 1

Holdings in 2006. In addition to the retention pond, the property also contains two additional compartments that contain 400 million gallons of more heavily polluted water.

The long-term plan is to treat the remaining water and build a nearby deep water injection well that in a few years will be used to inject the treated water deep into the Earth.

According to the Sunday, April 11 FDEP update on Piney Point, “Yesterday, 217 million gallons remained in the NGS-South compartment (the breached containment pond). The site received 0.6 inches of rain, thus increasing the volume in the compartment to 221 million gallons.”

According to the Saturday, April 10 update, “DEP deployed diving companies and submersible cameras that identified a seam separation on the east wall of the NGS-South. Dive operations have strategically placed a steel plate on the seam separation to temporarily repair this identified source of concentrated seepage. To date, 215 million gallons were discharged to the port.”

During a Tuesday, April 6 press conference, acting County Administrator Scott Hopes said, “This is very much under control now. The risk has been lessened to the point that people will be able to return to their homes.”

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

The SBEP, Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper are among the organizations monitoring the potential

There does appear to be an algae bloom about 10 square miles in size and it's centered around Piney Point.”

Dave Tomasko Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

environmental impacts.

“We are in the early stages of this, but it has the potential to be the worst environmental impact to our local waters in my career, which dates back to the 1980s,” SBEP’s Tomasko wrote to Titsworth. “Early model runs suggest that over the next few days to weeks, the waters being discharged will make their way down along the southern shoreline of Tampa Bay and it is expected to enter into Terra Ceia Bay, the Manatee River, northern Anna Maria Sound and even Palma Sola Bay,” he wrote.

“Preliminary data from the discharges has given us nitrogen concentrations that are about 100 times as concentrated as urban stormwater runoff and about 10 times as concentrated as raw sewage. Just in the first few days, the load of nitrogen to the bay was equivalent to about 40,000 bags of fertilizer,” Tomasko wrote.

When contacted Saturday, Tomasko said the fertilizer equivalency was now closer to 70,000 bags of fertilizer.

Tomasko said he’s more concerned about other forms of algae blooms than he is about a potential red tide outbreak at this time. He said the algae

blooms he’s most concerned about impact water clarity and water quality and could potentially lead to more manatee deaths and the potential loss of fishing habitats.

On April 7, the Suncoast and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper organizations issued a joint statement that in part said, “The current discharge of water is far exceeding water quality standards for the Tampa Bay Estuary and delivering excess nitrogen and phosphorus to bay waters. Both nutrients are known to fuel harmful algae blooms such as red tides. This disaster was preventable.

Permit conditions were ignored, water accumulation was not addressed when state funds were available to remedy the conditions.”

FDEP updates and water quality sampling data can be found at: https:// protectingfloridatogether.gov/PineyPointUpdate

STATE COMMITTEE MEETING

On Wednesday, April 7, FDEP Secretary Noah Valenstein appeared before the Florida House of Representatives’ Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee to discuss Piney Point. He participated via web conferencing from

the Emergency Operations Center in Bradenton and Hopes traveled to Tallahassee in person.

Regarding FDEP’s initial response, Valenstein said, “The department immediately set up intense monitoring for nearby freshwater bodies as well as Tampa Bay. That allowed us to have a very detailed baseline of water quality in the area to ensure that we can hold HRK fully accountable for any impact to our resources.”

In regard to holding HRK responsible, Valenstein said, “We are actively looking at our litigation options.”

When asked what lessons can be learned from the Piney Point crisis, Valenstein said, “Piney Point has a history as a legacy site of the state recognizing that it needs to come in, and that it’s the party with the funds to clean the site up. There’s always been sort of a partial clean-up, but not closure by the state. The first lesson is when you have the opportunity you need to close the site. This legislature, this department and this administration has the opportunity to make the decision to close the site fully and be done with it, as opposed to a partial closure and possible reinvention of the site with continued risk.”

Hopes shared a less optimistic view and said, “It’s unlikely a company like this has not structured themselves in a way that with Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 (bankruptcy) it’s going to be very difficult,” he said. “In the meantime, we have to be the parties that solve this problem permanently.”

APRIL 14, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Grazing area 4 Islamic mystic 8 Would rather have 14 Rock concert gear 15 Mellowed in a cask 16 Novelist __ de Balzac 17 *New Year's Eve headwear 19 Offshore driller 20 Loses speed 21 Absorbed 23 Treats with a cold pack 24 Weather-affecting current 26 Vinyl record feature 28 Building sites 30 Comprehensive 33 France, under Caesar 36 "And __ what happened?"

38 Relative via marriage 39 Sprint Answers to 04-07-21 Crossword Puzzle.

40 *Billiards stick 42 "SNL" alum Poehler 43 City near Syracuse 45 "Trees," for one 46 Parting words 47 Compound cry of dissatisfaction 49 Agile 51 Common workday starting hr.

53 OSHA's "S" 57 Indian royal 59 Powerful engine 61 Patty Hearst's SLA alias 62 Florida fruit 64 September 2, 2019 ... and what the first words of the answers to starred clues commemorate 66 "Hannibal" villain 67 Jacob's twin 68 Outfielder's asset 69 Muslim ascetics 70 Sunrise direction

THE SUN

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71 ___ Bo: fitness system Down 1 Moment of forgetfulness 2 Online shopping mecca 3 Cook's protection 4 Refuses 5 "That stinks!"

6 Fright 7 Suitcase tie-on 8 Kind of "Star Trek" torpedo 9 King, in France 10 Give some pep to 11 *Ground out on which the fielder needn't tag the runner 12 Canal across New York 13 Rules, briefly 18 Woven fabric 22 Harry and William of England 25 Enzo's eight 27 Slobbery comics pooch 29 Frequents, as a store 31 Get under control 32 Interstate rds.

33 Vittles on the trail 34 Prefix with correct 35 *Great Britain's flag 37 Symphonic rock gp.

40 Ache 41 Infield quartet 44 Italian wine favored

by 66-Across 46 Substantially 48 Cuts off, as diplomatic ties 50 Inform on 52 Big fight

54 Continue until 55 Jewel-studded topper 56 "I did good!"

57 Massage deeply 58 Rectangle measure

60 Mission Control org.

63 Olympic country code alphabetically just before GHA 65 Music majors' degs.

30

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CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FISHING CHARTERS

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

CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

ANNOUNCEMENT: Who wants to play bridge outside on the patio, or in the park, social distanced and face-masked, Call Kathleen at 314-324-5921 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning.

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COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 4 UNIT RESORT style 4-plex: $1,999,900 Holmes Beach fixer upper with View of beach on Gulf Dr. Duplex Near Beach Totally renovated near Beach $795,000. Island Real Estate Call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

EMPLOYMENT SOLO’S PIZZA LOOKING for part time evening cook.

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FOR SALE FOR SALE ONE of a KIND. Oval shaped expandable dinning room set with 4 chairs. Made in Denmark. $250. Like new Royal carpet cleaner $50. Call 941-778-3926

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/21/2021, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1GNCS18X53K123632 2003 Chevrolet 1HGCM56815A167532 2005 Honda 2C8GF68465R502367 2005 Chrysler 2G2WS522851150471 2005 Pontiac 3FAHP08Z09R173800 2009 Ford 4TM13GF17BB001396 2011 TRAILSTAR 4TM15PK25BB001373 2011 TRAILSTAR 5GAEV23708J236313 2008 Buick JTJBM7FX5D5055401 2013 Lexus NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/28/2021, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FALP65Z0VK145799 1997 Ford 1FMPU17L74LB45688 2004 Ford 1FTEF15N4SNB68907

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1995 Ford 1FTNX21F01EA35786 2001 Ford 1G2AL18F187234312 2008 Pontiac 1HD1GYM17CC330169 2012 Harley-Davidson 3GNKBFRS4KS673354 2019 Chevrolet 4JGAB57E63A410793 2003 Mercedes-Benz 5YFBURHE1KP911934 2019 Toyota JKAEX8A17GDA27073 2016 Kawasaki

LOST & FOUND FOUND SUNGLASSES at 77TH Street parking lot in Holmes Beach text 613401-2318 Contact Tim

MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates.

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Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

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

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Call for Details

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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

PAINTING

TRANSPORTATION

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

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941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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