Anna Maria Island Sun April 28, 2021

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VOL 21 No. 29

April 28, 2021

County approves Piney Point deep injection well County Commissioner James Satcher proposed free well testing for those who currently live near the Piney Point property.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – County commissioners have approved a construction agreement for a deep injection well as part of the efforts to permanently close the Piney Point property.

Located in Palmetto, near Port Manatee, the Piney Point property served as a phosphate processing plant from 1966 to 1999.

Current owner HRK Holdings bought the vacated property in 2006.

After a leak was detected in one of the plant’s gyp stack retention ponds last month, 215 million gallons of polluted water were released into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee to prevent an accidental spill of even more wastewater.

County commissioners voted 6-1 on Tuesday, April 20 in support of a construction agreement with Youngquist Brothers Inc.

for an injection well to hold the remaining contaminated water at a total cost not to exceed $9.35 million. Commissioner Reggie Bellamy opposed the agreement.

On April 6, the county commission authorized acting County Administrator Scott Hopes to secure the services of the Tampa-based ASRus firm to complete the design, permitting and construction-phase services for an underground deep injection well on county-owned property, and to secure a qualified party to construct the new well.

SEE PINEY POINT, PAGE 28

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The remaining water contained in this Piney Point retention pond will be treated and later injected deep into the ground.

More fines added to treehouse owners’ tab with Holmes Beach Owners of Angelinos Sea Lodge are now facing heavier fines from the city of Holmes Beach until they can come into compliance with outstanding code issues on the property, namely their beachfront treehouse.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen are no strangers to having issues with city leaders after having ongoing litigation for nearly a decade over their beachfront treehouse. Now, those issues are carrying an even heavier price tag.

During an April 21 code compliance special mag-

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istrate hearing, the couple was once again before Holmes Beach special magistrate Michael Connolly, this time for Connolly to assess fines over non-compliance with the city’s codes.

In March, Connolly heard a case from city code officers where the couple, owners of the Angelinos Sea Lodge, were accused of renting their four vacation rental units without a vacation rental certificate.

Despite arguments from the couple’s attorney, Bruce Minnick, Connolly found that they were in violation of the city’s codes and warned that if renting of the units continued without valid VRCs they would face fines. During the April hearing, Connolly ruled that they were still in violation of city codes and handed SEE TREEHOUSE, PAGE 28

RED TIDE is detected in Manatee

WHAT’S IN a

recipe? A lifetime of memories. 23

Anna Maria Island, Florida

CINDY LANE | SUN

The owners of Angelinos Sea Lodge were ordered by the city’s special magistrate to stop renting their four vacation rental units until they clear up code issues on the property related to the treehouse.

County. 4 TOURISM REBOUNDS as

visitors extend their stays. 11

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Piney Point containment, water testing continues Water quality testing remains a top priority in the ongoing Piney Point response.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Attempts continued this week to fully seal the liner of the leaking gyp stack retention pond at Piney Point.

As the containment efforts continue, multiple agencies and organizations are monitoring the water quality at and around Port Manatee, where more than 200 million gallons of polluted wastewater from the breached Piney Point retention pond were recently discharged into Tampa Bay.

DEP UPDATE

An update from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Friday said, “DEP started placing stone aggregate underneath the steel plate that is covering the liner seam separation on the east wall of the NGS-South compartment (the breached containment pond). The placement of this aggregate is one tool that will help reduce the low-level seepage flow, minimize

erosion and provide a stable foundation for continued repair activities.

Field operation crews will continue to monitor the plate and aggregate using sonar and video technology.

“DEP has been methodically relocating water among the lined storage basins onsite to safely manage water, respond to rainfall events and prepare for water treatment. Discharges to Port Manatee ceased April 9 and have not resumed at this time. It remains DEP’s priority, if possible, to ensure any future necessary discharges are pretreated to minimize ecological impacts.

Approximately 193 million gallons remain in the NGS-South compartment,” according to Friday’s update.

“DEP continues to monitor and sample surrounding waterways following previous discharges. At this time, bloom conditions have been observed in the localized area of previous discharges.

To date, results have ranged from nondetect to trace levels of cyanotoxins.

“Red tide conditions in the Gulf of Mexico were detected prior to previous discharges, but outside of the immediate discharge area. This past week, results were reported detecting red tide in lower Tampa Bay, west of

to exacerbate these algal blooms, and increased sampling is ongoing. DEP continues working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Department of Health to monitor algal blooms and water quality in the area. Thus far, there are no reported fish kills,” according to DEP’s Friday update.

COUNTY DISCUSSION

SUBMITTED | DEP

The conditions below the surface of the Piney Point retention pond continue to be monitored. the Manatee River. Based on results of water quality monitoring and utilization of Ocean Circulation Models, the red tide conditions in these areas are not thought to be a direct result of the Piney Point discharges. However, elevated nutrients have the potential

During the Tuesday, April 20 county commission meeting, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resource Director Charlie Hunsicker and acting County Administrator Scott Hopes provided Piney Point updates.

“We’ve been monitoring the situation every day,” Hunsicker said, noting there are at least 25 to 30 sampling points offshore of Port Manatee.

“To date, we’ve found high nitrate concentrations in and around the port.

We’ve all probably seen circulation models that predict the drift and movement of the over 270 million gallons that have been discharged from the site up until this point, but no discharges are occurring,” Hunsicker said.

SEE WATER, PAGE 30

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

BY CINDY LANE

Food Truck festival this Saturday The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is holding its 5th Annual Beach ’n Food Truck & Music Festival this Saturday, May 1, at Holmes Beach city field. A wide variety of fare from local food trucks will be available, and there will be live music all day, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be classic cars on display, and plenty of arts and crafts. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from this family friendly event will benefit the Chamber’s scholarship fund.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide has been detected in Manatee County in low concentrations for the first time since the Piney Point disaster earlier this month.

Red tide-related respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County, and fish kills were reported in Sarasota County to the south, according to the most recent Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

Environmental officials say that the nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen, which feed toxic red tide algae blooms, were present in the 215 million gallons of polluted water discharged into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee from one of the inactive Piney Point phosphate plant’s retention ponds, built into a gypsum stack. The emergency release, which ended April 9, took pressure off the compromised stack to avoid an accidental spill of even more of its contents.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reports that

Holmes Beach officials will celebrate National Arbor Day April 30 with a tree-planting ceremony at Prince Park. The event is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. and the public is invited to attend. A red cedar will be planted at the park, which is dedicated to Holmes Beach’s most beloved feline resident, Prince. The park is at 121 52nd St. in Holmes Beach behind the S&S Plaza. Parking is available on the street and at the 52nd Street beach access. For more information, visit www.holmesbeachfl.org.

Restaurant site plan review put on hold Changes are being planned for the existing Ugly Grouper restaurant’s site plan, but those changes aren’t quite ready to be reviewed by Holmes Beach city commissioners. During an April 13 commission meeting, Commissioner Jim Kihm said a review of the restaurant’s site plan as listed on the meeting agenda would not take place that evening due to an email received from attorney Scott Rudacille representing the owners. In his email, Rudacille said his client would like the public hearing continued to a future, unspecified date so that the restaurant owners can consider further changes to maximize the parking lot space and potentially increase the number of patron seats in the Ugly Grouper.

APRIL 28, 2021

Red tide detected in Manatee County

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

Holmes Beach officials to celebrate Arbor Day

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the red tide is “not thought to be a direct result of the Piney Point discharges, however, elevated nutrients have the potential to exacerbate these algal blooms, and increased sampling is ongoing.”

Low concentrations of red tide were found at Mead Point (Perico Island) in lower Tampa Bay, and very low concentrations were detected at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, also in lower Tampa Bay, School Key (Key Royale), and the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Sarasota Bay. Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health. Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water, go inside to an air-conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds.

Consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.

Florida red tide events more than 6 months long 1952-53 1953-55 1980 1995-97 1997-98 2001-02 2002-04 2004-06 2006-07 2012-13 2015-16 2016-17 2017-19

8 months 18 months 7 months 17 months 8 months 8 months 21 months 17 months 10 months 8 months 8 months 8 months 15 months

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Health officials also warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue leading to the Island.

Blue-green algae detected in Tampa Bay

Golf tournament to benefit scholarship fund The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 22nd Annual Golf Tournament is set for Friday, May 14 at IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton.

Proceeds go to the Chamber’s scholarship fund.

Foursomes are still available, with fees of $500 per team or $135 per golfer. The registration fee includes golf, lunch, gift bag, greens fees, cart fee, beer and beverages on the course and dinner following the tournament. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for this event. Contact the chamber at 941-778-1541 or online at info@amichamber.org to enter or inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION | SUBMITTED

Blue-green algae was detected in 17 water samples taken in Tampa Bay (indicated by blue dots) from April 8-21 in response to the recent release of polluted water from the Piney Point phosphate plant in Tampa Bay, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s latest blue-green algae report.

Analysis has revealed trace levels of cyanotoxins, neurotoxins that are produced by blue-green algae.

Exposure to cyanotoxins can cause hay fever-like symptoms, skin rashes, respiratory and gastrointestinal distress, and, if consumed, liver and kidney damage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The closest sample to Anna Maria Island was taken northwest of Robinson Preserve in Palmetto.

Bloom conditions continue to be monitored.

APRIL 28, 2021

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Where’s Bortie?

Loggerhead sea turtle Bortie has traveled north from her April 17 location west of Anna Maria Island, where she was satellite-tagged after laying a nest in June 2018 on Coquina Beach (see the red star on the map). Turtle watchers thought she might nest again on AMI, but on April 24, she was west of New Port Richey, perhaps avoiding her favorite Island because of the expanding Piney Point pollution plume. The plume is from the recent emergency discharge into Tampa Bay of 215 million gallons of wastewater from one of the Piney Point plant’s gyp stack ponds. (See accompanying pollution forecast graphic). In addition, red tide also appeared in local waters last week.

Bortie competed in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 11th Annual Tour de Turtles in 2018, placing 10th out of 13 contestants with 351 logged miles. Turtle nesting season begins locally on May 1.

SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY | SUBMITTED

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MARINE SCIENCE | SUBMITTED

Piney Point pollution forecast Scientists at USF’s College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg are forecasting where the plume of polluted water from Piney Point will be on April 28 based on tides, currents and wind. The areas of most concern are indicated in orange and yellow. 215 million gallons of polluted water were released into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee earlier this month from one of the inactive Piney Point phosphate plant’s gyp stack retention ponds to take pressure off the compromised gyp stack and avoid an accidental spill of even more of its contents. The water is an acidic blend of saltwater and debris from a Port Manatee dredge project, stormwater runoff, rainfall and “legacy process water” - wastewater from phosphate processing that contains nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which feed toxic red tide algae blooms. An accidental leak detected on March 26 led to the discharge, which ended April 9.

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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

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 28, 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.

May 13, 2 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 28, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting May 5, 9 a.m. – Capital Improvement Plan meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

May 5, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting May 5, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting May 11, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

ISLAND-WIDE

May 10, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive MARKYOUR CALENDAR April 28 – May 11 The Island Branch Library is open at 60% 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 28

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

THURSDAY APRIL 29

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

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

Career night at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6 to 8 p.m. Face masks required.

Reservations recommended at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/145561459243.

FRIDAY APRIL 30

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

SATURDAY MAY 1

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

Beach ‘n Food Truck Festival benefitting the AMI Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SUNDAY MAY 2

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.

TUESDAY MAY 4

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

WEDNESDAY MAY 5

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

Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 2:45 p.m. tee time, 5:30 p.m. bible study and dinner, $40 for golf and dinner, $20 for dinner.

Reservations required. Reserve to www.roserchurch.com/g4g/.

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FRIDAY MAY 7

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

SATURDAY MAY 8

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

SUNDAY MAY 9

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.

MONDAY MAY 10

Prevention Plus health screening, Soiree Room, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, costs vary by test. No prescriptions required. Reserve to 1-888-667-7587.

THURSDAY

TUESDAY

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

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

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

MAY 6

MAY 11

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APRIL 28, 2021

Historical Society awards $2,000 scholarship The scholarship is now named after AMI Historical Society co-founder Pat Copeland.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Alexandra TexidorAbel is the winner of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s Pat Copeland Scholarship.

According to the historical society’s press release, Texidor-Abel moved to the Island in third grade, attended Anna Maria Elementary School and will soon graduate from the Manatee School for the Arts with honors. Alexandra plans to attend Florida Atlanta University and major in the health field with hopes of becoming an emergency room doctor.

As a high school student, she’s been a member of the Healthy Teens Coalition, the National Honor Society, the Health Occupations Students of America, and the school dance team.

Outside of school, she works at Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream Shop and at Scott’s Deli.

The winner of this year’s $2,000 scholarship was announced at a recent AMI Chamber of Commerce event held

AMI HISTORICAL SOCIETY | SUBMITTED

Pat Copeland, above left, chairs the committee that selected Alexandra Texidor-Abel as this year’s scholarship recipient. on the museum grounds in Anna Maria. The scholarship money was raised by the sale of Settler’s Bread baked by several volunteer bakers and sold each Tuesday at the farmer’s market at City Pier Park. According to the press release, 986 loaves of bread were baked

and sold this year.

The scholarship has been named for former Sun reporter Pat Copeland, who co-founded the AMI Historical Society with Carolyne Norwood and who has served as the scholarship committee chair since the committee’s inception.

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WMFR staff celebrates four promotions

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

BRADENTON – There was a festive atmosphere among the crowd gathered for West Manatee Fire Rescue District’s April board meeting as commissioners and staff celebrated the promotions of four firefighters.

Kicking off the celebrations were the promotions of firefighters Ashton Jasinski and Max Pollock from reserve to third-class firefighters with the district. These two promotions were especially touching for the gathered crowd because both men are legacy WMFR firefighters and both received their badges from their fathers.

First up was Pollock, who received his badge from his father Brett. Brett Pollock retired as the district’s deputy chief in January 2016. Max Pollock started his career with the district more than two years ago as a reserve firefighter.

Next Jasinski was honored with his promotion to firefighter third-class and awarded his badge by his father, WMFR Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski.

“This is probably one of the proudest moments of my career,” Battalion Chief Jasinski said before hugging his son in congratulations in front of the assembled crowd.

Also celebrating a promotion with his family present was firefighter Frank Agresta. Agresta, who has been with the district for five years, was promoted to firefighter first-class.

Another firefighter celebrating during the April 20 district board meeting was Paul Hopkins who was promoted to captain after serving for four years with WMFR. All of the promotions received a round of applause from the group of friends, family and district staff in attendance with WMFR’s commissioners and Chief Ben Rigney also offering a hearty congratulations to each firefighter.

SUBMITTED | WMFR

Clockwise above, Captain Paul Hopkins celebrates his promotion with his family after the promotion ceremony at WMFR. The Jasinski family celebrates Ashton Jasinski’s promotion to firefighter third-class during an April board meeting at WMFR’s administration office. Newly-promoted firefighter third-class with Max Pollock celebrates the career milestone with his family. Firefighter Frank Agresta celebrates his promotion to firefighter first-class with his wife pinning his new badge on his dress uniform.

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APRIL 28, 2021

Manatee County to close COVID-19 vaccine site After months of operation, the Tom Bennett Park COVID-19 vaccine site will close to first-dose patients after an April 28 drive-up event.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – With the demand for COVID-19 vaccine first doses lessening, Director of Public Safety Jacob Saur says the county is shutting down its vaccine efforts to focus on the looming hurricane season.

“The county-operated vaccine sites have been extremely successful and I'm proud of the teams of people who helped make Manatee County's field operation a model for the entire state to follow,” Saur said.

“But with the demand for doses declining, the public safety staff who have been coordinating the logistics for our drive-thru operations need to turn their focus toward hurricane season, which begins June 1.”

Manatee County began offering COVID-19 vaccines in late December 2020.

Now a drive-up event at the Tom Bennett Park vaccination site will be the final time that Florida residents can get a first dose

of a COVID-19 vaccine from the county, though there are plenty of other vaccination opportunities in the area.

The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Bennett Park, 400 Cypress Creek Blvd. in Bradenton. No appointments are required, just drive up and get the shot while remaining in your vehicle. Anyone who attends the drive-up event will have their second shot of the Moderna vaccine at the park on May 26. Anyone who can show proof of Florida residency and is age 18 or older is eligible for a first vaccine dose through Manatee County.

Vaccines will be distributed on a firstcome-first-served basis.

Anyone who has already received a first dose of the vaccine at the county-run site and has not been scheduled for a second dose at the Public Safety Center location will receive their second dose approximately 28 days after the first dose at Bennett Park. The Public Safety Center vaccination site is planned to close before the end of April.

Saur said only about 330 people attended the first drive-up vaccination clinic at Bennett Park held April 21, though the county had vaccine doses to distribute to up to 1,000 people.

"As someone who has volunteered, it takes an army to man it," Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said of the vaccination site. "This week's walk-up was dismal. If something changes, I am sure we will reconsider. I am referring to all pharmacies, Health Department and MCR Health."

As of April 22, about 134,000 people had been vaccinated through the Manatee County vaccination sites so far, with an estimated 161,326 Manatee County residents vaccinated in total. In 2020, the U. S. Census Bureau said that there were 412,119 residents in Manatee County.

"I am concerned that it is soon," Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said of the vaccination site's closure. "I do not have enough information to provide a very educated opinion, for example, staffing availability, etc. I would hope that there could be pop-up sites as an alternative throughout the county to reach out to all citizens in need."

If you can’t make it to the April 28 vaccination clinic but still need your first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, there are still plenty of options available.

The Department of Health in Manatee County will continue booking vaccination appointments into the summer. Call

941-242-6646 to make an appointment.

The DOH is located at 410 Sixth Ave. E. in Bradenton.

The DOH also is working with partner organizations to reach those Manatee County residents who are home-bound, migrant workers and others. Any organization interested in partnering with the DOH to distribute COVID-19 vaccines can call 941-748-0747 for more information.

Locally, vaccines also can be obtained through CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie pharmacy locations.

To find out where a nearby vaccination site is, visit the Florida Department of Health’s vaccine locator online at www.floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/ vaccine-locator/.

"If they're not going to give the vaccines anymore they should take the responsibility for continuing to advertise that's it available elsewhere," said Cortez resident Mary Green, adding that she adheres to the CDC's recommendation that vaccinated people continue to wear masks when they're with other people.

As of April 25, Manatee County has had 37,553 COVID-19 cases and 655 COVIDrelated deaths.

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APRIL 28, 2021

Tourism rebounding; visitors staying longer

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - After struggling to stay afloat throughout the worst of the COVID pandemic, area businesses may be getting some relief with people once again coming through their doors.

In her monthly state of tourism update, Anne Wittine, director of quantitative research for Research Data Services (RDS), released data showing tourism is increasing on Anna Maria Island and surrounding tourist destinations.

“In January we saw a turnaround - we saw more out-of-state visitors than Florida visitors,” said Wittine. “A lot of this has to do with the public perception of air travel, as well as more Americans being vaccinated. These numbers would be much higher, but Canada and Europe are still locked down, so international tourism is almost nonexistent at this time. That could change as early as May or June, but there is no guarantee. Statistics are showing that the largest number of out-ofstate visitors are coming from the Southeast.

“The data we are seeing implies that as we move through the summer, we are going to see longer stays,” Wittine added, noting a comparison of February 2020 to February 2021 visitation showing an increase in length of stay. The research suggests this will be a trend for months to come.

“People have felt like they’ve

missed out, so when they get to take that vacation, they really want to make it count,” she said.

RDS also released the March traveler sentiment study, which is done every month and gathers data from respondents who are planning to visit the area. The March study showed that 37.1% of respondents currently have a trip booked. According to Wittine, this is the highest number since they started the survey, and up from 25.2% in February. In addition, 24.4% of respondents said they were planning to travel in the next 30 days, up from 16.6% in February.

Another statistic of interest in the RDS study was how optimistic would-be travelers are about personal health, with more than 81.3% of respondents saying they are optimistic about personal health. Wittine noted there isn’t 81.3% of the public vaccinated, so it shows a general increase in optimism overall.

“In terms of feeling safe, we’ve got 50% saying they feel safe dining in a restaurant, 61% saying they feel safe shopping, 38% are OK with visiting indoor attractions, and taking a domestic flight is at 35%. All of these numbers are the highest we’ve seen since we started this,” Wittine said.

If the trend continues, area businesses can look forward to more tourism dollars, more rentals booked, and a much-needed boost to the Island’s economy.

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Sarasota Bradenton Int’l Airport soaring despite COVID

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun

SARASOTA - While many of the nation’s airports are seeing a small to moderate rebound after last year’s record low air travel numbers due to COVID 19, Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ) is experiencing something entirely different.

SRQ Chief Operating Officer Mark Stuckey addressed the Manatee County Tourist Development Council’s monthly meeting last week to give an update on how the airport is performing.

“As we see this vaccine roll out, it’s making a huge difference in the number of passengers flying, and also the load factors on the aircraft. We’re a little different than a lot of airports across the United States, we’re recovering much faster. This is partly due to our geographic location, partly due to the Governor’s open for business policy, and also the added service by Southwest Airlines makes a big difference,” said Stuckey.

Fitch ratings, one of the three nationally recognized statistical rating organizations designated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, recently projected the nationwide recovery for airlines probably won’t happen until the fourth quarter

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

SRQ is seeing a large number of air travelers, far outperforming the national average. of 2023, or possibly well into 2025. According to Stuckey, that is not the case at SRQ. “SRQ Airport is not only 100% recovered, but we are breaking all time records in the history of the airport for the month of March,” Stuckey said, reiterating how much the addition of Southwest Airlines flights has spurred growth.

The airport saw 277,000 passengers in the month of March, and according to Stuckey, they are on track to have 350,000 in April. The numbers are higher than 2019, which was pre-COVID. One of the ways of measuring the number of air travelers at any given airport is the TSA Checkpoint Throughput.

Nationally, the Throughput data shows an average of 60% of the volume compared

to two years ago. At SRQ, that number is in excess of 100%. Since Southwest began service at SRQ on Feb. 14, they have already increased service to 11 destinations and have two priority gates. As Southwest, as well as other airlines such as Allegiant, continue to expand to more destinations, these numbers are expected to continue to grow.

Stuckey also pointed out that Delta, one of the nation’s largest carriers, is still blocking middle seats, meaning that 33% of each plane’s capacity is currently not being used. This restriction is set to be lifted on May 1, which should further increase the number of arrivals and departures from SRQ.

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APRIL 28, 2021

Anna Maria Princess offers plenty to laugh at The Anna Maria Princess Comedy Cruise offers guests laughs and relaxation aboard an authentic paddlewheel vessel.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Visitors come from all over the world to the white sand beaches of Anna Maria Island to enjoy the Island’s many amenities. I was recently invited to visit Bradenton Beach to take a ride and enjoy an evening of laughs on one of the area’s most unique attractions - the Anna Maria Princess Sunset Comedy Cruise.

The trip proved to be simultaneously hilarious, as well as relaxing.

The Anna Maria Princess is the only authentic paddlewheel boat sailing the waters of AMI and Longboat Key. With no supplemental form of propulsion, the boat’s two large paddlewheels offer guests a true riverboat experience, reminiscent of a trip along the Mississippi.

“This 2002 Skipper Liner was purchased in Pickwick, Tennessee. It took us 22 days to get it down here to Bra-

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

The Anna Maria Princess preparing to depart Bradenton Beach Marina. denton Beach,” said Lexi Deleon, the Princess’s first mate, and Sun “Readers’ Choice” award-winning bartender.

Deleon serves up cocktails from a bar situated in the rear of the lower level of the boat, with a large glass window looking out to the stern, where guests can watch the dual paddlewheels churn up the water.

“Make sure you check out the view from the window behind the bar,” said

Mike Bazzy, owner of Bradenton Beach Marina, who invited me on the cruise.

The boat casts off from the Marina and travels south along the Intracoastal Waterway through Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, returning north along the same route.

The evening I attended, the Comedy Cruise featured three comedians as well as Dick Gordon, who serves as the resident emcee. Guests begin board-

ing at 5 p.m. and are free to enjoy a cocktail and mingle before the Princess leaves the dock at 6 p.m. The boat has two levels, with the lower level being indoors with ample windows to enjoy the spectacular views, as well as air conditioning and plenty of seating. The comedy show takes place on the upper level, which is open-air, but covered to protect guests from the elements.

First Mate Deleon began the evening by welcoming guests and posing the question: “Where does a boat go when it gets sick? A dock.” Deleon then introduced Dick Gordon, who serves as emcee for the shows. As a former stand-up comic, I know how difficult it can be for the emcee to get the crowd warmed up, but he did an excellent job and was certainly up to the task.

As each comedian took the stage, the crowd was attentive and looked to be enjoying themselves. It would seem the beautiful mangroves, dolphins jumping out of the water, and other sights would prove distracting, but the talented comics did a great job of working these things into their acts. Emcee, Gordon would often say “Look, everybody, SEE PRINCESS, PAGE 13

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a manatee!” and then point out there was, in fact, no manatee.

Passing boats blow their horns and wave throughout the performance, at which time passengers and comics on the Princess would wave back. This certainly wasn’t like any other comedy club I had ever been in.

“I love it. It’s unique, and the staff does a great job,” said headlining comedian Michael Murillo. It’s not unusual for a venue to have a comedy show, but not keep the focus on the show. Whether it be a distracting television playing a sporting event at the bar, or another event happening within earshot, it can really take the attention away from the performer, something Murillo and I have both experienced many times. This isn’t the case on the Princess.

They do a great job arranging the seating and eliminating distractions, which enhances the comedy experience.

Featured comedian, Vien Phommachanh (who goes

by Vien, because apparently nobody can pronounce his last name), echoed the sentiment that the Princess is not only unique but an excellent venue in general. Vien is a local ear, nose and throat doctor who caught the comedy bug a few years ago.

“There really aren’t many circumstances where I can work comedy into my everyday life as a doctor; it’s a profession

where you have to be serious.

However, I can work my job as a doctor into my comedy quite easily,” said Vien. South Florida has a lot of comedic talent, including Nathan Gelardi, the opening act the evening I attended. Originally from Detroit, Gelardi moved to the area a few years ago and finds it to be a great place to pursue a career in comedy.

“I was booked to do a show on the Princess more than a year ago, but it never happened because everything closed due to COVID,” said Gelardi, who was pleased to get the call that things were getting back to normal, and he would be performing on the Princess. People from all walks of life, including comedians and paddleboat captains, have been affected by this pandemic. Everyone I spoke with was very happy that something like attending a comedy show was now, once again, a possibility.

“I think we will no longer take things like getting my hair cut, or a sunset comedy cruise, for granted. The pandemic has made me really appreciate things now that I’ve gone without any form of live entertainment for so long,” said Walter Sterling, who attended the show. Everyone I spoke to appeared grateful that getting out and enjoying a show was even an option after the events of the past year. The fact the show was enjoyable, and the staff was so

accommodating, seemed to be the icing on the cake.

“I was worried the water would be choppy,” said Beth Scammon, who was attending with eight of her friends and family celebrating their friend Mari’s 60th birthday. “I love the fact that it was smooth and the staff and crew are amazing.

Knowing how accommodating this boat is, I can bring my parents for a future show. They are older, and I was worried it might be too much for them.

Certainly not the case.” The ladies even had custom pink shirts made for the event, which the comedians had a good time with.

With a seating capacity of 80, it is recommended tickets be purchased in advance because The Sunset Comedy Cruise often sells out. For more information, or to get tickets, visit bradentonbeachmarina.com or call (941) 778-2288. There is also plenty of free parking.

It should also be noted that this is not an “R” rated show.

The crew of the Princess prefers to keep the subject matter a bit less racy in nature than you may experience at a traditional club. Dick Gordon invited this reporter to return to the Princess and tell a few jokes. It’s been a while, but I fully intend to take him up on his offer and will take the stage in the coming weeks. I look forward to getting back on this beautiful boat.

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APRIL 28, 2021

Estate donates 22 acres to Holmes Beach Nora Scholin and the estate of Cedar Hames are donating approximately 22 acres of property to the city to be used as open space.

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

HOLMES BEACH – After nearly a year of delays, commissioners have worked out an agreement between the city’s leaders and representatives of the Cedar Hames estate for a donation of about 22 acres of property adjacent to Grassy Point Preserve to be used for open, green space, climate change and flood mitigation and the preservation of wetlands.

The property, located behind Avenue B and to the north of 28th Street in Holmes Beach, includes 26 acres total, with some parcels in upland areas and some as submerged lands. The estate’s beneficiaries are keeping four of the 26 acres located on buildable lots, to sell as residential property.

Led by Nora Scholin, the estate’s executor, the effort to donate the property to the city was greatly delayed by the

SUN FILE PHOTO

The Hames Estate is donating 22 acres of land to Holmes Beach to be used as green space.

COVID-19 pandemic. Now with commissioners agreed on the terms of the donation, which will cost the city about $41,200 in legal fees and other costs, the Hames Preserve is finally becoming a reality. Though the land donated to the city will be known as the Hames Preserve in honor of the family, Mayor

Judy Titsworth said the city will not seek to reclassify the land as preserve land because of the limitations it would put on what the city can do with the property. Currently there are no plans to develop walking trails or any other amenities at the site.

Both parties agreed on a 45-day due

diligence period with an anticipated closing date of May 28.

Speaking for Scholin, attorney Maggie Moody said the donation was “very near and dear to Nora’s heart.” She added that Scholin is looking forward to the city taking over as steward of the 22 acres.

Scholin said that she was happy to be able to make the donation happen and see the land preserved rather than broken up for mitigation.

Commissioner Kim Rash thanked Scholin for her generosity, stating that he’s glad the land donation has become a reality for the city.

“Thanks, Ms. Scholin, for your generous donation to the city and its citizens,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said.

Commissioners Jim Kihm, Carol Soustek and Jayne Christenson also took turns thanking Scholin, her family and those who put in months of work to make the donation happen.

“I think it will have a positive impact on the environment going forward,” Kihm said of the donated property.

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APRIL 28, 2021

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Commissioners formally oppose state bills Holmes Beach commissioners are weighing in on items being considered during the current state legislative session.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Some bills being considered by the Florida Legislature during the current session have Holmes Beach commissioners concerned, and they want their opinions on the record.

In two unanimous votes during an April 13 meeting, commissioners formally support the removal of pre-emption by the state regarding the removal of trees on a residential lot and oppose the removal of the ability for code officers to investigate complaints made anonymously.

The tree bills, Florida Senate Bill 596 and House Bill 6023, would repeal section 163.045 of Florida Statutes, a pre-emption on tree pruning, trimming and removal on residential property. The pre-emption removes local governing entities’ ability to

regulate tree pruning, trimming and removal on residential lots and effectively put an end to the grand tree ordinance Holmes Beach commissioners were working on to protect the city’s trees from lot clearing by developers. If those bills pass and the state’s pre-emption is removed, commissioners said they could once again begin work on an ordinance to protect the city’s older, larger trees from unnecessary removal.

While Senate Bill 596 has yet to be acted upon, House Bill 6023, which is identical, had its first reading in the Florida House of Representatives on March 2.

Also, now on the record is the commission’s opposition to Florida Senate Bill 60 and House Bill 883, which would take away code enforcement officer’s ability to investigate anonymous complaints.

While some code enforcement complaints are difficult to substantiate without a witness or injured party on the record, such as noise complaints, City Attorney Patricia Petruff said other complaints don’t require complainants to give their name, such as seeing rats over-

taking a building. She said that with the animosity and violence in today’s world it is important that code officers be able to investigate complaints made anonymously and that some complainants be able to remain anonymous to avoid retribution.

Though not identical, Senate Bill 60 and House Bill 883 are similar enough to warrant the same concern from commissioners.

House Bill 883 was found favorable with the Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, the Public Integrity & Elections Committee and most recently, the State Affairs Committee on April 15. It has not yet made it to the Florida House of Representatives floor for a vote.

Senate Bill 60 passed the Community Affairs, Governmental Oversight and Accountability and Rules committees before making its way to the Florida Senate, where it passed in a 27-11 vote on March 25.

The 2021 Florida legislative session concludes on April 30.

THE SUN

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Updating continues on comprehensive plan HOLMES BEACH – Planning commissioners met on April 7 to continue updating the city’s comprehensive plan. One of the goals is to make the document more reader friendly.

During the meeting, planning Commissioner Gale Tedhams said the average Holmes Beach resident would likely find it a challenge to navigate. Her fellow commissioners agreed the document needs to be easier to understand. However, City Planner Bill Brisson cautioned that many of the more technical aspects of the document were meant to be read and used by certified planners, building officials and other professionals to carry out the goals outlined in the plan.

Working with a team from La Rue Planning, Holmes Beach planning commissioners have embarked on a more than year-long project to update and modernize the city’s comprehensive plan, originally written in 1989. Planning commissioners are moving through each element of the plan to make adjustments before presenting the project in its entirety to city commissioners.

The city’s comprehensive plan is comprised of a number of goals for the future of the city, including infrastructure, population, parks and natural resources, roads and transportation and preservation, among others.

To view the progress being made with the comprehensive plan, visit https://larueplanning.com/ holmesbeach/.

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APRIL 28, 2021

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CINDY LANE | SUN

A royal tern brings a fish to his intended mate.

Birds pairing up Shorebirds are starting their spring mating rituals on Anna Maria Island’s newly-renourished beach, which now has plenty of room for birds and people, says Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox. Royal terns are mating on AMI, but typically nest near Port Manatee, the

site of the recent Piney Point wastewater release, she said.

Wildlife officials are watching hopefully as black skimmers congregate in Holmes Beach; they have not nested on the Island in many years, Fox said. The species is threatened in Florida.

APRIL 28, 2021

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Special magistrate rules in two code cases Holmes Beach code compliance officers held a special magistrate hearing on April 21 to seek resolution to outstanding code violations in the city.

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

HOLMES BEACH – When code compliance officers held an April 21 hearing, special magistrate Michael Connolly ruled on two cases, one an ongoing issue for the city.

First up was a case concerning rentals without a valid vacation rental certificate (VRC)vat units A and B at 208 Peacock Lane. Realtor Adam Neumeyer appeared on behalf of the owners, Thomas and Evelyn Varn.

Code Compliance Officer James Thomas presented the case to Connolly, saying the renewal costs of the two VRCs were paid but that the agent didn’t contact the city to arrange for the required code inspections of the two units until April 19. The VRCs expired in January and Thomas said that despite multiple attempts to contact the agent, the property was continued to be advertised and rented without valid VRCs. When code officers finally were able to get into the units for the inspections, he said the units failed because they do not have an operating landline as required by Holmes Beach city codes.

Neumeyer said he had been unaware the units had to have an inspection at the time of VRC renewal and when the fees were paid, he thought they were cleared to be rented. He added he had previously been awarded VRCs for the units with cellphones in the vacation rentals instead of a landline. Now knowing the city’s stance on the landline, he said he had contacted the cable company to have them installed.

Connolly ruled that renting and advertising the two vacation rental units without valid VRCs was in violation of city code and ordered the owner or agent to pay administrative fees of

$127.24 and bring the property into compliance with landlines and VRCs by 4 p.m. on April 30 or face fines at a future special magistrate hearing.

The next case on the docket concerned poolside cabanas installed without permits at the Anna Maria Beach Resort, formerly the Blue Water Beach Club. Attorney Aaron Thomas was on hand to represent the resort’s owners.

Code Compliance Officer Thomas presented the case, saying the owners of the resort had failed to submit and gain approval for a site plan amendment after installation of the cabanas.

In August 2020, Connolly first heard the case and ruled that the owners were to get after the fact permits for the construction of the cabanas from the city and obtain a site plan approval.

Because the cabanas also were constructed west of the erosion control line, the resort ownership also was required to get a letter from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approving the construction.

Attorney Thomas said that his client has reached out to the DEP multiple times to request the letter but has not yet received a response. He added that his client cannot get a letter of no objection as required for the site plan approval from the local fire department without the letter from DEP. Thomas also said a contractor on the project submitted the site plan approval application to the city Nov. 25, 2020.

Attorney for the city Erica Augello said the application was put in as a permit application, not a minor site plan review as required, and that it needs to be submitted correctly and the appropriate fees paid. Building Official Neal Schwartz said that the resort’s representatives had been apprised of the issues with the application by email in October.

Connolly said that since it seemed that both sides were trying to work out the issues that he was not finding the property in violation at this point but would revisit the case in the future if necessary.

“I believe both parties are working in good faith,” he said.

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THE SUN

APRIL 28, 2021

Having a ball at The Center’s fun day T

he Center of Anna Maria Island hosted a family fun day on April 24 in honor of longtime supporters Chuck and Joey Lester. The “Celebrate The Center” day, held outdoors on the nonprofit’s sports fields, featured music from Trevor Bystrom, rides on a mini train, an obstacle course challenge, a giant rock wall to climb, bungee trampolines and lots of fun for the whole family. Food for the event was provided by Small Town Creamery, Duffy’s Tavern and the Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Students from Eckerd College and volunteers from Mote Marine Laboratory were on hand to discuss their water quality projects and the local sea life. Though the event was free to the public, donations were welcome. The event was the kick-off to The Center’s push to raise $100,000 to balance out budget shortfalls and raise money for the annual fund.

A matching challenge continues through May 31 with every monetary donation to The Center being matched up to $50,000. Sponsors for the matching funds challenge include Carol and Bob Carter, Remi Drigan, the Robert and Kathleen Dobkin Intuitive Foundation and the Eisenbarth Trust.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Families take a ride on the mini train at The Center.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Above left, Aris Thompson and Jim McDaniel from The Center hang out with the day’s guests of honor, Joey and Chuck Lester.

Above right, students from Eckerd College participating in a water quality study at The Center took the day off to display their equipment and talk about some of the sea life making their homes in the mini reefs in and around the waters on AMI.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Above left, volunteers from Mote Marine Laboratory display examples of some of the area’s sea life. Avobe right. music for the Celebrate The Center festivities was provided by Trevor Bystrom with James Hershey on drums.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Above, it’s a race to the top of the giant rock wall at the Celebrate The Center Fun Day.

Left, a young boy competes in the race to finish The Center’s obstacle course with the fastest time.

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APRIL 28, 2021

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TDC supports Bradenton Beach dock expansion The up to $850,000 funding request still requires county commission approval.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) supports the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) funding request for the expansion of the public dockage near the Bridge Street Pier.

On Monday, April 19, the TDC members unanimously recommended future county commission approval of CRA’s request for up to $850,000 in matching tourist tax funds to expand the length of the existing floating dock, attach additional perpendicular finger docks to the expanded floating dock and replace the aging dinghy dock near the foot of the pier boardwalk. No date has been set yet as to when the CRA’s request will be presented to county commissioners.

When addressing the TDC members, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the CRA has already issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a contractor to take the lead on the project. The RFP does not address the restroom improvements to be pursued as a separate phase of the project.

Perry said the floating dock

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Above left, the new finger docks would extend perpendicular from the existing floating dock. Above right, the existing dinghy dock near the Bridge Tender would be replaced with a new one. currently provides enough dockage for approximately seven vessels and the expanded dock and new fingers docks would provide temporary dockage for approximately 26 vessels.

Perry noted that in addition to recreational boaters, the existing dock is currently used by local tour boats, fishing charters and other commercial operators to pick up and drop off passengers. Perry said the hope is to someday have a water taxi service the dock as well.

“We have stood ready, willing and able to support a water taxi if that would in fact come to fruition in Manatee County,” Perry told the TDC members.

As is currently the case with the floating dock, the additional finger docks would be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, with no overnight mooring allowed.

The finger docks were

originally proposed by City Commissioner and CRA member Jake Spooner in 2016 to accommodate more boats and encourage alternative means of transportation to the pier and the nearby Bridge Street business district.

Perry said the additional dockage would help support the pier-based businesses that include the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Paradise Boat Tours and the Tide & Moon Jewelry store, and would also benefit other businesses in the Bridge Street area.

Serving as a replacement to the existing dinghy dock, the new dinghy dock will provide temporary dinghy dockage for liveaboard and transient boaters who anchor in the waters south of the pier.

CRA and TDC member Ed Chiles said the dock expansion project falls right in line with the purpose of the Bradenton Beach CRA and the allowed use of the Tourist Development Tax

revenues. Chiles also stressed the need to finally implement a water taxi program.

TDC member and Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown agreed and said, “It brings opportunity for the water taxi that we’ve been talking about for so long.”

TDC member and Island resort manager Eric Cairns said, “A few years ago, when I got on the TDC, I brought up a water taxi and it just wasn’t the right time. I totally feel it is the right time now. It would be a great opportunity for all the cities on the Island,” Cairns said.

TDC member Rahul Patel asked Perry about the anticipated service life of the new docks.

Perry said the materials used for the dock expansion project are expected to last 30 to 50 years. She also noted this was also concern with the existing floating dock that was installed in 2019 using matching Tourist Development Tax funds.

“This particular area of

water has a lot of wake action.

I believe it was designed to withstand category 3 hurricane wave action and we would require the same standards for the installation of the additional floating dock segments,” Perry said.

“With the last tropical storm that went through, we had a number of vessels that broke loose from their moorings and crashed into our floating dock and did damage to some of the pier and the dock. That is a hazard we anticipate,” Perry said.

She noted the Bradenton Beach Police Department conducts regular marine patrols of the waters south of the pier in an attempt to ensure those vessels comply with the state boating regulations.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said the city’s partnership with the county and the West Coast Inland Navigation District has resulted in 56 derelict, abandoned or non-compliant vessels being removed from those waters since 2012.

TDC chair and County Commissioner Misty Servia expressed support for the funding request and also for a potential water taxi service that would originate in Bradenton.

“Any way that we can remove cars from the roadway going to the Island is such an exciting thing, and I look forward to the city of Bradenton developing a water taxi from their end,” Servia said.

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OUTDOORS

APRIL 28, 2021

Get ready and get involved Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

T

arpon were the sirens that lured the first tourists to Florida, and their mystique is still in full sway today.

While fly fishing for tarpon holds a mystique of its own, the vast majority of anglers pursue them with conventional tackle.

The go-to bait for spin anglers is a live crab. Small blue crabs can be purchased at most bait shops during tarpon season and pass crabs can be dipped from the local passes on a falling tide. Other effective baits include pinfish, threadfin herring and pilchards. Artificial lures like the DOA Bait Buster and the 4- and 6-inch shrimp, jigs and even top water plugs can be effective.

Patience is a critical factor when fishing for tarpon, especially when fly fishing. The most successful anglers find the edge of a sand bar or other underwater feature that tarpon track, anchor in casting range and wait. Sometimes tarpon come at a steady rate, but just as often there are long periods of time when the only thing to look at is the water and the bottom. This really separates the great anglers from the good anglers.

There are times when you need to move but knowing when and where is a skill that is developed, if never mastered.

Once set up, the angler must be able to make a 40- to 50-foot cast to a location the size of a dinner plate. Placement of the fly cannot be overemphasized, because tarpon will seldom vary a foot or two from their path to eat a fly. Although there is always the rare exception, a fly must never travel

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

It’s tarpon time again in the Gulf of Mexico. in a path towards the intended target. A tarpon’s prey species wouldn’t survive long if it moved toward its aggressor, and tarpon know it. Besides moving away from the fish, the fly must move at the proper pace, be at the proper depth and never slow down when a tarpon is tracking it.

Conversely, you can’t move the fly too fast, taking it out of a tarpon’s range.

Conventional anglers usually look for rolling fish in the near-shore Gulf and motor well ahead of them to intercept their path. Trolling motors can be effective for following a school in deep water but will spook them in the shallows. Knowledgeable guides that have “mastered” multiple presentations to a school of moving fish provide their clients some spectacular results. One thing that all tarpon anglers should practice is courtesy. Often a boat has been working long and hard to get properly set up for a shot and a boat running up on the fish will spoil the day for everyone.

Fortunately, once a tarpon decides to eat, there’s no need to make a lightning-fast

hook set. The right set is called a “strip strike” in fly fishing, which involves letting the line come tight and immediately setting the hook with a combination of the line hand and the rod. Conventional anglers should also have the patience to let the line come tight before attempting to hook the fish.

Then the angler must at once work to set the hook in the cement-like jaw while being ready for the fish to bolt away from the boat.

Tarpon are not trout, and attempting to raise the rod to set the hook is a cardinal mistake.

After a fly angler sets the hook, attention must go immediately to clearing the line (getting the loose line off the deck). In most cases, the angler has been stripping in line when the fish bites and the hook is set. That line can easily foul on the angler, the rod or the reel. Disciplined anglers (successful ones) take their attention from the fish to the line at your feet. They know to hold the rod away from their body and let the excess line pass through their stripping hand with a circle made with the thumb and the forefinger. Once the line is “on the reel,” the

hook is set again with several more strip strikes. Conventional anglers often use circle hooks, which don’t require a hook set. Conventional hook sets also require letting the line come tight with the addition of several quick jabs to set the hook. In all cases, the tarpon cannot be aware of the angler before the hook set.

While it’s important to exert maximum pressure on the tarpon during the fight, anglers must yield on jumps. On the jump, the standard maneuver is to thrust the rod forward to relieve pressure on the line.

This prevents the tarpon from breaking off if it lands on a taut line. This maneuver is known as “bowing to the king.”

It’s customary to start the engine and get as close to the tarpon as possible after the initial and subsequent long runs. This allows the angler to apply maximum pressure. If a tarpon is a hundred yards from the boat, the stretch of the line makes it impossible to apply any real pressure. Keep the pressure on throughout the fight, but don’t clamp down and try to force the fish to the boat.

The thought that these next few months, the highlight of mine and many other angler’s year, might be sacrificed to the onslaught of a harmful algae bloom is a painful reminder. While there are many bad actors to blame for this misfortune, if we don’t speak up and act, nothing will change until after a disaster. Piney Point is the perfect example. Call your elected officials, attend commission meetings, write letters to the editor, and more importantly, become an active advocate.

Perhaps the best strategy of all is to get excited about, look forward to and get ready for a magical time of the year. While we’re at it, we’ll let the passion fuel our determination to protect it.

APRIL 28, 2021

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Inshore action good despite wind CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Will the wind ever stop!? That’s the question local guides are asking themselves lately. The winds have kept us from fishing offshore. But luckily, we find places to hide for a bit for our inshore charters.

We’ve been doing well on snook, trout, and redfish.

It’s not unclipped lately for our anglers to get the “slam” lately. All three of these species are catch and release right now.

For anglers wanting some groceries, we’re targeting Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, and black drum. The snapper are starting to show up a little bit more every day. And they’re getting bigger as well!

We’re starting to see a few tarpon here and there, as well. We get excited about these guys! Hopefully, this one will stabilize and we will be able to start chasing large schools of these fish on the beach.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Tarpon fishing will take off during May as migratory fish arrive along our beaches. Also, look for Spanish mackerel, tripletail, cobia and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf. Snook will move into passes and the surf and reds and trout should feed heavily on shallow flats as baitfish become more plentiful. Trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more should be good options on deep grass flats.

Resident tarpon are usually the first to show up as they make their way out of rivers and creeks. As migratory tarpon start to arrive this month, we should have schools of these fish moving both north and south along our beaches. Early arriving tarpon may be more aggressive due to less fishing pressure early in the season. Set up in their line of travel and wait for schools to move past and cast a DOA Baitbuster, a 4” CAL Shad, a live crab or pinfish to them. Once you’ve seen the first school of fish you can concentrate your efforts in that “lane,” since other schools should be following the same route. When they aren’t showing well on the surface, a live bait under a float in their travel lane may score. I’ve also done well blind casting a DOA Baitbuster or Swimming Mullet when there wasn’t much showing on the surface. Be quiet and use your electric trolling motor sparingly.

Even though your 4-stroke outboard sounds quiet, it is no substitute for an electric trolling motor. Give other anglers at least several hundred yards of space and keep in mind that fish can be moving either north or south, so setting up too close to another angler may affect their flow of fish.

Fly anglers should do well with a variety of baitfish or crab fly patterns fished on floating or intermediate sink tip fly lines. Staking out or anchoring in

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Kelly French, of Anna Maria, shows off a beautiful red grouper with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters. shallow water on their travel route should result in some shots at fish. The best angle is a “head on” shot, followed by a quartering shot. A perpendicular shot may work if it’s timed perfectly, although casting too far beyond their line of travel will usually spook them. I use a push pole with an occasional assist from a trolling motor if I need to adjust my position to make a cast.

Snook, reds and spotted seatrout remain closed to harvest on the west coast of Florida. The Florida FWC has extended a temporary modification of regulations for reds, snook and trout, in the areas affected by the recent red tide. The area extends from Pasco County, south to the south bank of Gordon Pass in Collier County. Reds, snook and trout are catch and release only in that zone until May 31, 2021. Full details including exact boundaries can be found at https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/extended-cnr-220/.

This is current as this is being written, however the temporary modification may be extended. Check www.myfwc.com for the latest regulations.

Snook will be spawning this month so use tackle heavy enough to catch and release them in a timely manner and handle them gently. Larger snook will mostly be females and should always be supported horizontally rather than hung vertically by the jaw.

You’ll find them in passes and in the surf. They will also stage around docks and bridges close to passes.

Casting CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms or DOA shrimp around docks and bridges close to passes should be effective. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, work well at night. One of the most fun ways to target snook is to walk the beach and cast CAL jigs, DOA Shrimp or flies to them in the surf.

Higher tides this month will mean that reds will spend more time feeding on shallow flats. Look for them along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high and in potholes or along sandbars when the tide is low. When fishing shallow water for reds, be as quiet as possible. I prefer to use a push pole or wade. Reds are one of the most challenging species to catch on a fly. Since they can be very spooky, I often wade for them when fly fishing to keep a lower profile.

You’ll also find big trout in many of the same shallow areas that you find reds. They will be plentiful on deep grass flats. I prefer to cast CAL jigs and flies on sink tip fly lines for trout. A DOA Deadly Combo also works very well. Drifting and casting ahead of the drift is usually the most productive method. Look for flats that have a good mix of grass and sand and good tidal flow.

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Turtle lighting regulations take effect May 1

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It’s time for loggerhead sea turtles to begin their six-month nesting season, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds residents and visitors to follow lighting laws designed to protect them.

Most of Florida’s sea turtles nest and hatch at night, according to Dr. Robbin Trindell, who heads the FWC’s sea turtle management program. When nesting mothers and newly-hatched turtles see artificial lights, they can become disoriented and crawl away from the water, which can result in their dehydration and even death.

To protect them, state law requires that lights cannot be seen from the beach. Special turtle-friendly light bulbs meet this requirement, but closing blinds, curtains or shutters

after dark also works.

Keep lights low, long and shielded, according to the FWC. Fixtures must be mounted as low as possible and still be appropriate for their purpose. Bulbs must produce the lowest wattage necessary and produce only long wavelength light (560 nanometers or greater, which is amber, orange, or red).

Fixtures must be directed completely downward and shield the bulb, lamp or lens from the beach.

Beachgoers also should not use flashlights, lanterns, cellphones or camera flashes on the beach at night, or set off wish lanterns or fireworks.

“As beachgoers, we can all do our part to help sea turtles survive,” Trindell said. “By keeping beaches dark, we can help ensure that these amazing animals keep returning to our beautiful state.”

TDC backs two Holmes Beach projects TDC members voted in favor of supporting two financial requests from Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – When members of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council met on April 19, one of the items on their agenda was a presentation from Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth asking for the board’s support in requesting financial assistance from Manatee County commissioners.

Titsworth came before TDC members to ask for help with two projects – the ongoing improvements at city center and an addition to Grassy Point Preserve.

The city center improvements were up first on the agenda.

Titsworth asked for a reimbursement of up to $282,910 for an erosion control seawall along the marina on Marina Drive. Though the seawall typically wouldn’t be covered by tourist tax dollars, the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Elliott Falcione, said the seawall in Holmes Beach is unique in that it not only provides erosion control

for city center, it also provides access to boats in the marina, many of which are tour boats. It also serves as a raised sidewalk, he added.

Titsworth said the city would use the reimbursement funds to invest in lighted crosswalks, sidewalks and bicycle lanes in the city center intersection of Gulf and Marina drives, all of which would be a benefit to residents and tourists though not an allowable expense for the TDC to recommend.

Other ongoing plans for the intersection include the addition of stormwater infiltration trenches, replacing drainage pipes and raising the road for stormwater resiliency. Titsworth also said there are plans to add landscaping and to install more lights in the area to make it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians at night.

Additional plans also are being considered to add sidewalks along Gulf Drive through the beachfront A-1 district.

TDC members passed the motion unanimously, agreeing to support the financial request to Manatee County commissioners.

The mayor’s second request was for up to $41,200 to help with an expansion of Grassy Point Preserve.

During an April 13 meeting, Holmes Beach commissioners gave Titsworth

approval to accept a donation of 22 acres of property from the estate of Cedar Hames in exchange for paying for mitigation points associated with the sale of three other adjacent lots owned by the estate’s beneficiaries.

The 22 acres is located to the south of the existing Grassy Point Preserve and adjacent to that property. Titsworth said the tourist tax dollars would be used to build boardwalks, install educational signs and make path improvements to the land to join the upland acreage with Grassy Point as a passive park. She acknowledged that some of the donated land is submerged and not accessible. Titsworth added that while Grassy Point’s primary entrance is on a little-known back street, plans are underway to add an entrance from East Bay Drive to draw more attention to the park.

“I believe this is something the TDC should embrace wholeheartedly with the city of Holmes Beach,” member Eric Cairns said.

With both funding requests getting the TDC’s stamp of approval, they now must go before Manatee County commissioners at an upcoming meeting for discussion and a vote before the funds can be released to Holmes Beach city leaders.

APRIL 28, 2021

APRIL 28, 2021

FOOD & WINE

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What’s in a recipe?

Brian Mathae

Kaiserschmarrn Serves 4

Ingredients

HURRICANE HANKS

3 large eggs 1 cup flour 1 cup milk 1 cup applesauce 5 tbs butter 4 tbs granulated sugar 2 tbs powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch salt

R

ecipes are more than just lists of ingredients and directions to follow.

Recipes have voices that want to teach us and tell us a story.

Intrinsically, recipes convey many things. For one, they are tried and true.

Someone has created something to make our lives easier. In that context, a recipe is a teaching no different than the Golden Rule, the Ten Commandments, or many other codes of conduct. Follow the recipe and your life will be better for it. The trouble starts when you take shortcuts and don’t follow the recipe. Trust those recipes that you know come from a reliable source, like your family.

Speaking of family, it’s through the voice of recipes that family traditions can live on. It’s when we enjoy these dishes that we also remember special moments with those we have lost. Whether you remember your loved one’s favorite meal, or the circumstances when you enjoyed it with them, recreating that meal is a perfect tribute to them.

As I am writing this I am sipping on a glass of wonderful red wine. It was gifted to me by a great customer and a great friend. Thank you, John. He gave me the bottle of wine weeks ago, but with the height of tourist season upon us, I didn’t have the time to properly sit down and enjoy it. Too often, like my father, I focus on the work to be done. Only after that can we sit down and enjoy ourselves.

Today, I find myself purposely stepping back and sitting down and drinking the

Directions

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From left, Derrick Mathae, Brian Mathae, Theresa Mathae and Emil Mathae. wine as a toast to my father. While he didn’t drink often, red wine was one of his favorites, so it’s a fitting tribute to a man who passed away suddenly yesterday. He was a great teacher and life recipe-maker for me. Some readers may recall that my mother passed away just over a year ago and I paid tribute to both of my parents in a Food and Wine article at the time. Sadly, due to COVID travel restrictions, I have not been able to visit with my father since my mother’s passing.

The gift of the wine was with what seems to have been foresight now. It’s almost as if John knew what was to come.

Earlier this year we were talking about life and he asked me if I felt that my mother’s voice in my head was diminishing with time. As soon as he said it I recognized it to be true. He suggested that I write about

www.TheFeastRestaurantAMI.com

those voices before they disappear. And here I am experiencing the convergence of voices, wine, teachings and life recipes.

My father was not a cook by any definition. He would only cook when my mother was working night shifts. There were only one or two dinners he could make for my brother and I but because he was home from work and spending time with us, those were some of our favorite meals. We are all influenced by our past. The recipe I’m sharing today is for a dish called Kaiserschmarrn. It’s named after the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I, who was said to be very fond of this dish. It’s simply shredded pancake served with applesauce but represents a time and tradition from the past. Just like it did for my father, the recipe conveys a lifetime of special memories for me. I hope you enjoy it.

• Separate the egg whites from the yolks, retaining both.

• In a large bowl, mix the egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks form.

• In a second bowl add egg yolks, 3 tbs. melted butter, 2 tbs granulated sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Mix well for about 3 minutes. Slowly add the milk and flour alternating between each, being careful not to over mix the batter.

Fold in the egg whites and combine just until well mixed.

• Heat remaining butter in a saute pan over medium heat. Pour the mixed batter into the pan and cook until the pancake browns underneath. Sprinkle the top of the pancake with remain-ing granulated sugar and chop into small 1 inch pieces with a spatula. Add more butter if necessary to keep the pancake pieces from sticking and turn occasionally until browned on all sides. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve in the pan with the applesauce on the side.

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OBITUARIES Frederic G. “Rick” Catlin Frederic G. “Rick” Catlin, 74, of Bradenton, Fla., passed away April 8, 2021, with his family by his side. Born in Battle Creek, Mich., Rick later moved to Grand Cayman, where he worked as a journalist and met his wonderful wife, Jenifer, before moving to Bradenton in 2001. Rick loved and was loved by his family and many friends.

He enjoyed sports, music, history, and most importantly his family. Rick was a U.S. Army veteran and was very proud of his country, as well as a teacher at Ave Maria prep school, where he loved his job, his students and was passionate about education. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Predeceased by his parents, Virgil and Docia Catlin, and siblings Brooks and Dody.

Rick is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jenifer; son, Christian; daughter, Codyann Sterrenberg; son-in-law, Tim Sterrenberg; brother, Kim; and most recently his beautiful granddaughter, Lilyanna Sterrenberg. A Celebration of Life was held on April 16 at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Bradenton.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, Fla., 34207 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Karen Perry Karen Perry, 79, formerly of Holmes Beach, died on March 14, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Block, of Los Angeles, Ca., and three grandchildren. Karen lived in Holmes Beach for almost 20 years and loved the Island life.

Her Island home was always open to her many friends, where she loved sharing stories

about her years spent in New York and California and the celebs she met. A private memorial will be held at a later date.

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

4/4, petit theft, Bridge Tender Inn, 135 Bridge St. An unknown juvenile reached into a tip jar, took some cash and ran.

A patron followed the subject but lost him at Church Street.

4/5, burglary to a vehicle, 1107 Gulf Drive S. A burglar broke into an unlocked vehicle and took cigarettes valued at $80 and a roll of quarters worth $10.

4/6, 1:20 a.m., robbery, 107 12th St. S. Three people were arrested for entering the residence and robbing the victims, homeinvasion style. One of them broke into a car at the residence, prompting the residents to call police. One officer found a pickup truck that belonged to a suspect parked around the corner from the house. Personnel from the Holmes Beach Police Department and Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office joined in the search for suspects, forming a perimeter around the scene. They later found the three suspects in Cortez, trying to get into a hired Uber. During the robbery, they threatened a teenage girl. She was called to the scene of the capture and positively identified the suspects.

4/6, 11:13 p.m., noise complaint, 106 7th St. S. 4/8, noise complaint, 2500 Gulf Drive.

HOLMES BEACH

3/31, no motor vehicle registration, 4300 Gulf Drive. The officer noticed a motorist not using a seat belt and attempted to stop him, but he attempted evasive action, pulling into a parking garage. He was captured and ticketed.

3/31, traffic violation, 4300 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver for making an illegal turn and found his license was suspended and he had no proof of insurance.

3/31, 8:18 p.m., DUI, 6600 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver and noticed signs of intense intoxication. He was tested and arrested.

4/1, alcohol violation, 3700 Gulf Drive. Officers responded to reports of a large number of subjects who were trespassing on the beach after hours. The subjects took off running and police rounded them up. They found alcohol on some of the spring breakers and released them to their parents.

4/3, driving with a suspended license, 4700 Gulf Drive. The license plate reader identified the defendant.

4/3, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, 5200 Marina Drive. The officer observed the subject drive very aggressively, passing cars illegally and ignoring the rules of the road.

He finally caught up with the errant motorist and found out his license was suspended. He was ticketed and had to find a ride home.

4/5, 10:57 p.m., noise violation, 215 64th St. The renter got a noise citation and a Holmes Beach welcome pamphlet.

4/7, warrant arrest, 303 72nd St. While officers were responding to a woman at that address, a male came out of the house.

The officer ran a computer check on the male and found he was wanted on a warrant from Manatee County. He was arrested.

4/7, grand theft, 72nd Street beach access. Stolen rental bicycle.

4/7, 10:10 , p.m., noise violation 5710 Carissa Drive. The house renter said he was unaware of the noise ordinance.

4/8, 11:50 p.m., noise violation, 210 65th St.

APRIL 28, 2021

APRIL 28, 2021

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Volunteers needed for program at The Center Volunteers are needed at The Center of Anna Maria Island for a one-on-one mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. With the program, volunteers are asked to give one hour a week for mentoring in The Center’s after-school program for younger, school-aged children. The only requirement is that mentors have a desire to make a difference in their community and in the lives of children.

Mentors work with kids to reach their potential and complete school assignments, promote self-confidence and develop friendships. Mentorships take place Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mentors must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass a background check. For more information, or to sign up to be a mentor, contact Melissa Ferlazzo at 941-746-7000 or mferlazzo@bbbssun.org.

Bradenton Beach to update master drainage plan The city of Bradenton Beach will issue a request for proposals (RFP) seeking an outside firm to assist the city with the preparation of a Master Drainage Study update. The selected contractor will be asked to 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

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to be included in the updated study report. During the April 8 city commission meeting, 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 to the city’s stormwater and drainage systems.

Turtle Tips

During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

• Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and can disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand and level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can obstruct or trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

• Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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REAL ESTATE

APRIL 28, 2021

Home prices, new construction soaring I

t seems like new home construction and home renovations are taking over Manatee County. If you dare to take a ride east of the beach, you’ll run into new construction starting on Cortez Road, then on El Conquistador Parkway, and don’t even ask about Lakewood Ranch and Parrish. Even the new construction and major renovation projects on Anna Maria Island are making the traffic out here worse than in recent years.

There is a lot of construction activity not only here in Florida, where it seems everyone wants to move, but also around the country. This demand is adding to a shortage of lumber and an increase in lumber prices. The National Association of Home Builders reported that there has been an unprecedented spike in lumber prices, adding more than $24,000 to the price of the average new single-family home and $9,000 to the price of a multi-family home.

Basically, there is a shortage of domestic lumber since lumber mills have closed because of COVID-19. There is also a short-

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER age of Canadian lumber because of COVID as well, but also because of a recent United States tariff on imports from Canada. In addition, although builders have increased activity in the past year, they are hampered by shortages of labor as well as all materials - not just lumber.

A deficit of new construction, as well as the continuing shortage of resale properties, has made the U.S. housing market 3.8 million short on single-family homes. This figure was determined by Freddie Mac after a recent analysis. This single-family home shortage is especially damaging for entry-level buyers who can’t keep up with the ever-increasing sale prices and competition from cash buyers.

Across the country, housing prices are climbing at the fastest pace in 15 years. The January average national home price grew 11.2% from last year. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Schiller National Home Price index reported the price growth rate in two major cities in Florida. Tampa’s prices increased 11.9% and Miami increased 10.4% for single-family homes since last year.

We’re certainly not immune to any of this, as you can see from the March sales statistics for Manatee County reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

March single-family properties closed 37.8% more than last March. The median sale price was $395,000, up 23.6%, and the average sale price was $536,981, up 37.4%.

The median time to contract was nine days, 79.5% less than last year, and the month’s supply of properties is 0.7% months, 79.4% less than last year.

March condos closed 63.7% more than last March. The median sale price was $245,000, up 14% above last year, and the

average sale price was $299,824, 19.4% higher than last year. The median time to contract was 19 days, 55.8% less than last year, and the month’s supply of properties was 0.8 months, 81.8% less than last year.

Cash sales were up for both single-family homes and condos - 75.4% for single-family homes and 40.3% for condos. Unfortunately, this makes buyers who require financing less competitive, resulting in a serious negotiating disadvantage.

The Manatee County housing market continues to surpass all pre-pandemic levels for March, according to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. They go on to say that half of all single-family homes are closing above list price, and lack of inventory continues to be the biggest challenge to our real estate market.

If the amount of new construction and the soaring sales prices bring a little shiver to your spine, you’re not alone. I spend several days a week wondering where exactly we’re headed; as always, be careful what you wish for. Stay safe.

APRIL 28, 2021

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AMI Locals implementing vacation rental parking restrictions AMI Locals is voluntarily limiting its vacation rental guests to no more than four motor vehicles.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – AMI Locals has begun limiting the number of vehicles that can park at the vacation rental properties the company owns and/or manages on Anna Maria Island.

Representing AMI Locals owner Shawn Kaleta, General Manager Eric Pullen appeared before the Bradenton Beach City Commission on April 8.

“We currently manage about 225 properties on the Island. I wanted to tell you about the new process we recently implemented to help alleviate some of the issues we’ve all come to face when it comes to traffic. We try to address the issue by limiting the total number of vehicles to four vehicles per property,” Pullen told the commission.

Pullen provided the commission members with an example of the language AMI Locals now includes in its online rental listings: “Please note: Four cars maximum are able to park at

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

AMI Locals General Manager Eric Pullen recently addressed the Bradenton Beach City Commission. this home. We ask our guests to please plan accordingly and coordinate with your group. There is no overnight parking available for additional vehicles.”

Pullen said AMI Locals currently manages approximately 66 properties on the Island that offer five or more bedrooms.

“By capping the number of cars that are allowed at each of these properties, we potentially reduce the total number

of vehicles by about 7,000-plus per year,” he said.

“I appreciate the effort. It’s a positive step,” Mayor John Chappie told Pullen.

“If people do bring more vehicles, what do you guys end up doing?”

Chappie asked.

“We would actually have them move them off-site,” Pullen said.

“I met with Shawn Kaleta,” Chappie noted. “I got into discussion with Mr. Kaleta about the noise, the trash cans and cars parked everywhere. He mentioned restricting the number of vehicles they allow on their property.

He’s followed through with what he said he would do.”

PARKING ISSUES

Commissioner Marilyn Maro mentioned a rental property AMI Locals manages near her home on the north end of Bradenton Beach.

“There isn’t just four cars there.

They’ll come with six, seven, eight cars all over the place. There must be like 30 people in the house at one time,” Maro said.

Maro said there was a recent occasion when five large golf carts were also parked at that same vacation

rental property.

“I hope it goes better because people are really mad,” Maro said in regard to that vacation rental.

In reference to the large rental home Maro mentioned, Pullen said, “This is a newer thing for us. People who booked six, eight months ago weren’t under those polices. So it will take a little time to get it going. But all new reservations are signing these new terms.”

City Attorney Ricinda Perry asked Pullen if the four vehicles per property limit includes golf carts. Pullen said AMI Locals’ current language doesn’t address golf carts, but that is something that could be considered.

“That would further the fix you’re trying to create. It’s certainly not something we can force you to do,” Perry noted.

Commissioner Ralph Cole said it’s the vacation rental property managers and owners who have the most control over the behavior that occurs on their properties “I appreciate you guys doing what you can to minimize the impact,” Commissioner Jake Spooner added.

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APRIL 28, 2021

PINEY POINT: County approves deep injection well TREE HOUSE: More FROM PAGE 1

The construction agreement calls for one, 11.75-inch “nominal diameter Class I injection well” with a total depth of up to 3,500 feet. The well will be completed with a final carbon steel outer casing cemented to land surface, with a fiberglass reinforced plastic inner casing to land surface. Both the inner and outer casings will extend to the same approximate depth of 1,950 feet. The agreement also calls for one, 6-inch nominal diameter dual zone monitoring well with an anticipated depth of about 950 feet.

According to a summary document included in the meeting packet, “Youngquist Brothers, as recommended by ASRus, is the appropriately qualified party to construct the well. The construction cost is $8.5 million; however, a 10% contingency is incorporated to account for any unforeseen circumstances and shall be used with the approval of the county. The substantial completion time is 330 calendar days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed Construction, which allows for the time necessary to obtain the FDEP permit.”

The Piney Point wastewater will be treated before it’s discharged into the earth.

“We manage three deep wells right now. We have three and Tropicana has one. I’ve never gotten a complaint or concern about those three deep wells,” Commissioner Carol Whitmore said.

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said the deep well at the county’s 66th Street utilities plant in Bradenton can handle 15 million gallons of wastewater per day.

DRINKING WATER CONCERNS

Skye Gundy provided the commissioners with the perspective of a resident who lives near the Piney Point property.

“I’m here to talk about the ongoing disaster at Piney Point.

I am one of the closest residents to the actual breach and leak. I am a lifelong community member of Manatee County, born and raised. After I came home from the University of Florida, I came home to serve the community that raised me. I bought my own slice of heaven. I own three acres of paradise – everything

SUBMITTED

Resident Skye Grundy asked the county to test the wells of those who live near Piney Point. we love about Manatee County right there on three acres. This disaster has broken that tranquility and caused me to be angry and disillusioned at the governing bodies that are supposed to protect me, and quite anxious.”

Grundy also addressed the future safety of those impacted residents and property owners.

“I have three children and no one has tested my well water – or anybody on my street, or anybody in my community. We pay for private well testing and for the tests that we’ll have to do now it will be in the thousands of dollars; and if you’ve got a water treatment system, it will be thousands of dollars. I’m urging you to consider giving us public water or to help pay for our private water testing,” Grundy said.

District 1 Commissioner James Satcher later made a motion for the county to provide emergency well testing for residents living within a certain distance of the Piney Point property.

“We’re not the ones living there drinking that water. If we were, we’d want to get it tested.

They didn’t create this issue,” he said.

Hopes said well testing is the responsibility of the Department of Health and he offered to coordinate those efforts with that state agency before spending county resources.

Van Ostenbridge suggested Satcher’s motion be amended as follows: “The board directs the county administrator to expedite the coordination of well testing near Piney Point.”

The amended motion passed by a 7-0 vote.

Satcher also shared his views on the future of phosphate mining in Manatee County.

“I understand the company that put this stack there is out of business, but if any company is

doing anything similar to this, we’re going to have to change the rules and put our foot down.

I don’t plan on voting for any more permits. I understand people need to eat and farmers need fertilizer, but not at the cost of our citizens; not at the cost of our bays; not at the cost of our beaches. That doesn’t cut it any longer,” he said.

Regarding the Piney Point property, Van Ostenbridge noted: “It was never a mine. It was a phosphorus processing plant that started back in the 60s. The company went bankrupt and here we are. There are no other processing plants in Manatee County.”

County Attorney Bill Clague provided additional clarification and said, “Our local mining ordinance prohibits the construction of any new gyp (phosphogypsum) stacks or phosphorus plants in Manatee County. It has since 2004. Our local regulations do not allow them to ever build one of these again in Manatee County. This is the only one in Manatee County.

The other mountains that you see on mines are clay settling areas, they’re not gyp. Are they environmentally great? No, but they’re not the same level of concern as a gyp stack.”

According to the Manatee County website, “There are currently over 17,000 acres of land approved for phosphate mining in Manatee County. Only one company is actively mining phosphate in Manatee County: Mosaic Fertilizer.”

Before the discussion ended, Satcher made another motion proposing access to county water service be extended to those who live near Piney Point who are not currently serviced by county water. This prompted a discussion on the significant costs that the county and the impacted property owners would incur.

As an alternative, Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh suggested the following future action: “We are asking public utilities to give us a report on that particular area by Piney Point – the residences and business there who are on well and what it might take to change that, if possible.”

Satcher accepted Baugh’s suggestion. The commission also extended its local state of emergency declaration regarding Piney Point.

fines added FROM PAGE 1

out a fine of $125 per day from March 18 until the property can be brought into compliance. This new fine is on top of a longstanding $50 per day code fine that, as of the March 17 special magistrate hearing, topped out at $198,485.17, according to City Treasurer Lori Hill. Now that total is more than $200,000, not including the additional $125 per day along with legal fees.

Though the issue of short-term rental units without VRCs is now a code problem on the property, the primary issue is the beachfront treehouse at Angelinos Sea Lodge, which has been a point of contention between Tran and Hazen and the city for years. City leaders allege the treehouse was built without permits, not in compliance with city building codes and on the erosion control line, which is not allowed without prior authorization from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Tran and Hazen argue that they went to the city building department before constructing the treehouse to ask what permits they needed and were told by an employee at the time that none were needed. Practically since it was built, the fate of the two-story structure has been wrapped up in litigation.

The only way, according to city code compliance officers, to clear up the code issues on the property is to remove the treehouse and pay all outstanding fines and costs against the property. Once that is done, the owners can start the process of having their VRCs renewed by the city to rent the four vacation units.

Before Connolly made his ruling, Minnick appealed to him for leniency for his clients, saying that continuing to fine them without giving them a way to make a living was creating a no-win situation for both parties.

Litigation concerning the treehouse is still ongoing with cases before the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County on May 3 and another before the U. S. Supreme Court to deteamine if that body will hear the case.

Speaking on behalf of the city, attorney Erica Augello said the two code issues were separate and have no bearing on each other except that they exist on the same property. She added that the code fines against the treehouse were not a subject of litigation. Minnick argued that they do intermingle because the VRC issues cannot be resolved without first resolving the treehouse issue and that by not allowing his clients to rent the units the city is taking away their ability to generate income.

While he said he could convince his clients to pay the special magistrate hearing costs of $127.24, they would be unable to pay for the hefty fines attached to their property due to the ongoing code issues and would be unable to even sell the property because the code fines would be transferred to a new owner. Minnick said that if the special magistrate chose to assess additional fines and city leaders were not willing to work on a settlement agreement with his clients that litigation would continue between the two parties.

“Let my people go,” Minnick pleaded. “I’m on bended knee. Let my people go.”

In an email to The Sun after the hearing, Tran said that if the petition to the Supreme Court failed that the couple will continue to pursue all other available legal recourse.

“The city is giving us no choice, taking away our basic rights and liberty and treating us like criminals,” she said in the email.

If all legal options fail, Tran said the couple would remove all of the trees and the treehouse on their property, seek out investors, build a “monster luxury three-story multi-family wedding cake place” and sell to someone else to pay the fees and fines levied against the property.

During the hearing, Augello said the time for settlement talks was over.

APRIL 28, 2021

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Center’s Go Green 2 campaign is well underway ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Go Green campaign officially launched its phase two in November 2020 and four months later, it’s still going strong with a new matching fundraiser and the launch of a collaborative research study with Eckerd College and Mote Marine Laboratory.

A $50,000 matching challenge launched on April 9 and continues through May 31.

Throughout the challenge, monetary donations made to The Center are matched up to $50,000 for a total potential donation to the nonprofit of $100,000.

More mini reefs are being installed throughout the waters in and around Anna Maria Island as a part of The Center’s campaign. Not only does the purchase of a mini reef help The Center financially, they also provide a place for sea life to grow with the potential to help filter thousands of gallons of water over

SUBMITTED | JIM MCDANIEL

Two mini reefs from Ocean Habitats are installed underneath the dock at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Bradenton Beach. the lifespan of the reef.

The mini reefs from Ocean Habitats and installed as a part of the Go Green campaign also are the subject of a collaborative research study with students from Eckerd College.

Students come out to Anna Maria Island to take water samples and photographs of the reefs and investigate what sea life takes to the reefs to use it as a nursery or make their home there.

They take samples back

to an onsite space at The Center for analysis.

As more research opportunities arise for the mini reefs, The Center’s staff is poised to lend a helping hand and work with other community organizations to help study the current water quality and effects of the reefs on the environment.

To find out more about The Center’s environmental and fundraising efforts, visit www. centerami.org.

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WATER: Piney Point containment, testing continues FROM PAGE 3

Hopes said in the past week more than 20 million gallons of water were removed from the southern containment pond and placed in another retention pond on the Piney Point property.

“Nclear is beginning to process the water to make it suitable for further disposal or discharge in a safe way.

Everything is staying onsite to this point,” Hopes said.

Hopes referenced an algae boom near Port Manatee and Piney Point that has recently appeared on satellite imagery provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“There has been an algae bloom.

We’ve been fortunate to date that it hasn’t been a substantial algae bloom.

Over a week ago, the discharge ceased and it’s our hope that the environment can handle it,” Hopes said.

WATER QUALITY MONITORING

On Thursday, April 22, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Nick Azzara distributed an email to numerous county and city officials that contained the header: “Water monitoring in Tampa Bay.” “The discharged release of process water from Piney Point earlier this month has prompted what is probably the most thorough water quality monitoring operation in Tampa Bay history.

Routine water quality monitoring in and around Port Manatee waters periodically performed by the county environmental protection staff is now occurring on a daily basis. In addition to our own water sampling, a host of other local, regional and state agencies are doing the same, including Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) and Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP). The combined effort from these agencies is being tracked and updated daily on the TBEP website created specifically for the Piney response” Azzara wrote.

In his correspondence to city and county officials, Azzara included an email he received from Rob Brown.

Brown is the manager of the Environmental Protection Division, which is part of the county’s Parks and Natural Resources Department.

“All of the regional partners are getting questioned about the extent of water quality, benthic, seagrass, fish, etc., monitoring in local waterways moving forward. I can assure you that all of the bay managers are just as concerned as the citizens are about where the effluent is going and what kind of environmental responses we expect to see,” Brown stated in his email.

“Manatee County maintains a rigorous ambient monitoring program that

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Friends hold library book sale Above, patrons peruse the selection of books at the annual Friends of the Island Library Book Sale April 10. This year’s event was held outside in the parking lot of the library to allow for COVID-19 precautions. Right, two patrons look over a selection of novels available for purchase.

we developed 25-plus years ago based on EPA’s stratified random approach for large open water bodies. These local monitoring programs are designed to match with similarly designed programs in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties so we have a seamless monitoring grid for both Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay,” Brown wrote in his email “I wanted to assure the commissioners and administration that Parks and Natural Resources Department Environmental Protection Division staff is prepared for this type of situation and is flexible to changes as they arise as we have dealt with similar releases in 2001 and 2011,” Brown noted in conclusion.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko is among those who are out on the water monitoring the water and algae conditions.

When contacted Saturday, Tomasko said, “It’s too early to be drawing too many conclusions, but so far we’re not seeing evidence of a huge impact.

There has been, on and off, algal blooms in the water off of the port.

There does appear to be elevated macroalgae at the mouth of Piney Point Creek, but no evidence, yet, of a widespread catastrophe. Maybe that changes. Hopefully not. Our monitoring efforts are designed to detect either outcome.”

APRIL 28, 2021

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APRIL 28, 2021

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

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Local family donates time to Kids 2 Kamp The Salvation Army of Manatee County hosted its first Kids 2 Kamp golf tournament fundraiser on April 10 at Rosedale Golf and Country Club in Bradenton, and Holmes Beach Commissioner Jayne Christenson and her husband, Joe, were on hand all day to help with the event. With a turnout of 108 golfers, more than $20,000 was raised for the summer camp program to help provide low- and no-cost camp services to local families in need. Though the tournament is over, donations are still welcome and can be made by calling 941-757-5775 or mailing them to the Salvation Army at 1204 14th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205.

To learn more about the Kids 2 Kamp program, visit www.salvationarmyflorida.org/manatee-county/#kids-2-kampgolf-tournament.

SUBMITTED | JAYNE CHRISTENSON

Holmes Beach Commissioner Jayne Christenson volunteers April 10 at the Kids 2 Kamp golf tournament fundraiser benefitting local families in need by providing low- or no-cost summer camp services through the Salvation Army.

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SPORTS

APRIL 28, 2021

Two wins, two teams: Slim’s Place and Flynn Law

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA - The rain kept the Island kids off the soccer field last Tuesday night, but the adults enjoyed the weekly competition at The Center on Thursday night for week two action.

At the end of the night, Slim’s Place and Flynn Law were at the top of the leaderboard with two wins.

In the first game of the night, Slim’s Place went up against the Sato Real Estate squad with a fresh roster, still hungry for their first season win.

Despite seven saves by Rico Beissert for team captain Josh Sato’s team, the solid team could not find the net against Slim’s.

The single Sato goal was scored by Ben Sato, typically found in the goal. B. Sato showed why he is a force, not only protecting his team’s goal, but also on

the other side of the field taking shots.

Brother J. Sato was credited with the only assist in the game for his team.

Keith Mahoney scored two solid goals for the Slim’s Place team, with a single by teammate Raul Loera.

Steve Oelfke helped his team with the victory with nine recorded saves for Slim’s Place to keep them undefeated.

Flynn Law’s offense kept Killer Bait’s goalkeeper, Erik Shulz, busy in the second game of the night. Shulz finished the night with 17 saves.

The Killer Bait squad, despite two points by Ethan Hampton, just could not surpass the firepower of the Flynn Law team. Eric Pullen and Hakan Toka both hit single shots for goals, while Damir Glavan continued to evade the goalie, scoring two points in the game.

Glavan leads the league in total points scored so far this season with five goals.

Mark Long, Flynn’s goalie, helped solidify the win with seven saves in the record book.

In week three, Slim’s Place will face C.A.B.B. with a 1-0-1 record and Flynn Law matches up against Salty Printing with a 1-1-0 record.

Rounding out the individual league leaders are Tyler Brewer and Yuri Pereira topping the charts for assists, with three each.

The league’s goalkeepers are led by Connor Haughey with 19 saves, closely followed by Ethan Hampton and Tuna McCracken with 17 stops.

This season marks McCracken’s first season in the adult co-ed soccer league after numerous youth seasons, where he was awarded Goalie of the Year honors for most of his career.

The season is young, with plenty of regular-season soccer action to come.

Who will end up on top in June?

SUN SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, APRIL 22 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER WEEK #2 Sato Real Estate Slim’s Place

1 3

Killer Bait Flynn Law

2 4

Beach Bums C.A.B.B.

3 3

Salty Printing Sandbar

5 3

APRIL 28, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Devices at one's fingertips 8 Bowl over 11 Old NCAA football ranking sys.

14 Music genre for Ladysmith Black Mambazo and King Sunny Adé 15 Chemist's garb 17 __ kick: martial arts maneuver 18 Adriatic country whose flag has a double-headed eagle 19 Corp. bigwig 20 Pen pal greeting?

22 Impudent 23 Split __ soup 25 Apples on teachers' desks 28 "The Wire" actor Idris 30 Very thin 31 Floorboard-ruining Answers to 04-21-21 Crossword Puzzle.

insects 33 2005 slasher film sequel 38 Rather cross 39 Some losers 41 Food truck fare 42 Tiny organisms 43 18-Across capital 46 Premier League soccer team, to fans 47 Soccer powerhouse from Spain 52 "Middle" note 53 Flowery rings 54 Young newts 55 Epidemic-fighting agcy.

57 Prohibited 59 Go along with 63 Bony thoracic structure 64 Place setting item 65 Eastern principle 66 __ object

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67 Waters near the South Pole Down 1 Some grad students 2 Org. with Colts and Broncos 3 Curios assortment 4 Take a beating 5 __ salts 6 In addition 7 Toothed wheel 8 Post-rehab support group 9 Bit part 10 Retreat, as the tide 11 Ugly mistake 12 Tahrir Square city 13 Sports data 16 Abner drawer 21 Venerated bird in ancient Egypt 23 __ four: teacake 24 Justice Kagan 26 Italian bubbly 27 Bandleader Kay known as "The Ol' Perfessor" 29 Playground comeback 32 Orch. piece 34 Nuclear energy source 35 ISP service 36 Dancer Castle 37 Magazine copy 39 "Jurassic World" beast

40 Volunteer's words 42 Brewer's supply 44 Film franchise with a saber-toothed tiger named Diego 45 Involuntary, as a

reaction 47 Tease 48 "Queen of Salsa" Cruz 49 "The Hobbit" hobbit 50 "Wait __!"

51 Lots of land 56 Sanctuaries 58 Oxygen or hydrogen 60 Classic muscle car 61 Make fast 62 Lisbon greeting

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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

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AMI TURTLE WATCH needs donations & silent action items for our FUNDRAISER. We can pick up! Call or text 941-713-6531 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.

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

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

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License # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 941-7781115 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 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.

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

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ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

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References available.

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THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570

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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

FOR SALE COUCH LIKE NEW 6 feet with 3 cushions, pale floral print. $150 or best offer.

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Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

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

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, Additions, Drip, Timer Head Adjustments. Call Rick today Cell 720-299-1661 Office 941518-6326

LOST & FOUND FOUND SUNGLASSES at 77TH Street parking lot in Holmes Beach text 613401-2318 Contact Tim LOST ON MANATEE BEACH. 18" herringbone chain (4mm thick, square link, round clasp, 10k) with 3/4" Spanish gold coin pendant.

Please call 585-755-3894.

Contact Dennis

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.

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

APRIL 28, 2021

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096 40-YEAR PAINTER from Kentucky. Hourly rate guaranteed savings over contractor price. Neat, dependable, equipped, insured. Highly productive. A+ rated by Better Business Bureau for 40 years. 502-817-6786. aapressurewash.com

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + 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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE GULF FRONT CONDOS Vista Grande, WestWinds– CANAL FRONT HOME Holmes Beach –DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK big Alan Galletto 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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1BR 6 months $1550/mo. redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525.

AMI UPDATED 5 Star Condo for Rent- Available May to November. (Multimonth discount) Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2B, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis (smoke free) marketreps@aol. com

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

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Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

ANNUAL 2BR/2BA STEPS to Beach. Tile floors, dining area, deck with Gulf view, carport, storage room, washer/dryer. $1850/ mo. + utilities. First, last & security deposit. Call 941778-3427

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PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

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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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

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