Anna Maria Island Sun April 29, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 29

April 29, 2020

Two care centers, more than 100 COVID-19 cases As of Sunday morning, nine nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Manatee County had reported COVID-19 cases among residents or staff members.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Two nursing homes in Manatee County owned by the same company accounted for more than 100 reported COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, April 21, according to Dr. Jennifer Bencie.

Bencie is the County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Manatee County and she shared this information with county commissioners on Tuesday.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Bencie said 14 of Manatee County’s 33 COVID-19 deaths at that time were “directly related to the nursing homes.”

She also said there were eight nursing homes in the county at the time that reported at least one COVID-19 case with a resident or staff member.

0JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center in Palmetto is one of nine long-term care facilities in Manatee County to report COVID-19 cases and/or deaths among residents or staff members.

As of Sunday morning, nine longterm care facilities in Manatee County reported 181 COVID-19 cases and 18 COVID-19-connected deaths. Manatee

First turtle nest of season early

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

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

INSIDE NEWS 4 STEVE BORGGREN CARTOON 6 OUTDOORS

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RESTAURANTS 15 REAL ESTATE

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SEE FACILITIES, PAGE 11

Pets vulnerable to coronavirus

BY CINDY LANE

ANNA MARIA – A loggerhead sea turtle jumped the gun and laid the first nest of the 2020 season on Anna Maria Island’s north end sometime the night of Sunday, April 19, nearly two weeks before the official start of turtle season on May 1.

Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, said the turtle appeared to have made a false crawl first in the same area, meaning she came ashore to nest but did not do so right away.

“It’s the earliest a turtle has ever come in here, I think,” said Fox, who

County ranked fourth highest in the state in long-term care facility cases and deaths. Only Miami-Dade County, Broward County and Palm Beach

County had more reported long-term care facility cases and deaths. Sarasota County ranked 13th, with 58 reported cases and 14 reported deaths.

According to the latest FDOH updates, 356 long-term care facilities in Florida had reported 2,934 COVID-19 cases and 311 COVID-19 deaths as of Sunday morning.

Saturday evening’s FDOH update included an updated eight-page list of COVID-19 positive long-term care facilities in Florida. That list now includes a ninth facility in Manatee County: The Cottages of Bradenton, an assisted living and memory care center that was not among the first eight facilities in Manatee County named in the initial

CINDY LANE | SUN

Anna Maria Island’s first turtle nest of the season was laid early, on April 19, two weeks before the season’s start on May 1. began monitoring local beaches early, on April 1.

SEE TURTLES, PAGE 18

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - The coronavirus can spread from people to animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The first case of an animal testing positive for the virus in the U.S. was a tiger that had a respiratory illness at a zoo in New York City.

Since then, a small number of pets, including cats and dogs, have been SEE PETS, PAGE 15

SUZI FOX | SUBMITTED

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox and Spike are playing it safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

YOU ‘ CAN MAKE

COUNTY INCREASES

A DIFFERENCE IN THE ‘GIVING CHALLENGE.’ 4

COVID-19 testing capcity 3 ANNA MARIA building

moratorium expires next week. 10

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Anna Maria Island, Florida

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Manatee County increases COVID-19 testing capacities A second round of drivethru COVID-19 testing will take place at the Bradenton Area Convention Center Wednesday, April 29 through Friday, May 1.

MCR HEALTH TESTING

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORREPSONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County residents now have access to six COVID-19 test sites and there are now more test kits available.

On Tuesday, April 21, county commissioners authorized County Administrator Cheri Coryea to spend up to $100,000 to purchase COVID-19 test kits and the personal protective equipment needed to administer the tests.

On Thursday, the county issued a press release that said nearly 800 testing kits had already been obtained.

According to the press release, county leaders worked with MCR Health to purchase 500 test kits. This means county residents can now get tested at five of MCR Health’s locations in Manatee County.

On Thursday, the Manatee County Department of Health announced a second round of drive-thru testing will take place

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Manatee County’s initial four-day drive-thru COVID-19 testing session began on Wednesday, March 26. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center next week. The convention center is located at 1 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto.

Serving up to 80 patients per day, the drive-thru testing will take place Wednesday, April 29 through Friday, May 1.

“I want our residents to know that much more is being done to secure additional

testing for coming weeks. We will continue to do all it takes to get as many people tested as necessary to see a decrease in COVID-19 cases in our community,” Coryea said in the press release.

Additional testing is now available to those who meet the testing criteria. – Manatee County | Submitted

MCR Health is offering COVID-19 collection kits at five Manatee County locations. According to the press release, patient fees for the testing and any associated costs will be determined at the time of the visit.

On Tuesday, Coryea said it costs $107 to get tested at a local MCR Health facility.

Coryea said there is a co-pay for those with health insurance and a sliding fee scale for those without insurance.

The five MCR Health locations in Manatee County are: • East Manatee Health and Wellness Center 1312 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton, 941-708-8700; • Southeast Family Healthcare Center, 919 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, 941-751-8100; • Southwest Health Center, 5325 26th St. W., Bradenton, 941-752-7173; • Lawton Chiles Pediatrics, 1515 26th Ave. E., Bradenton, 941-708-8600; • Edgar H. Price Family & Children Healthcare Center, 12271 U.S. Hwy. 301 N., Parrish, 941-776-4050.

In Thursday’s press release, Public Safety Director Jake Saur said MCR Health locations are ideal for younger people who SEE TESTING, PAGE 7

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

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

The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) seeking companies interested in providing and operating electric, golf-cart-like trams for a parking shuttle pilot program at and around Cortez Beach and the Bridge Street business district. When issued and responded to, the RFP will give the CRA members an idea of what a parking tram program might cost. The CRA is also still waiting on a parking tram plan to be devised by City Engineer Lynn Burnett. When the RFP was discussed in March, City Attorney Ricinda Perry read into the public record a letter of opposition from city resident Terri Gephart. Gephart is among the residents who have expressed opposition to Fifth Street South and Bay Drive South being used as part of the tram route. No timetable has been established to start a parking tram program and the project remains a work in progress that is still in the preliminary planning phase.

CORTEZ – Want to make a difference in safeguarding nearly 100 acres of mangrove-fringed preserve on Sarasota Bay? The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), the Cortez-based grassroots organization that established the FISH Preserve, is participating in the Giving Challenge from noon on Tuesday, April 28 to noon on Wednesday, April 29.

All donations will be matched up to $100 through the generosity of the Patterson Foundation; for example, your $25 donation becomes a $50 donation.

FISH’s main source of funds is the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. This year, the 38th annual festival netted $60,000 for the organization. But John Stevely, one of the original festival organizers, says that “Each year is a roll of the weather dice. A good cold front can wipe us out. Our annual overhead (debt payments, building and property maintenance and management, insurance, etc.) is about $45,000. So,

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer wants to remind everyone that parking at beach accesses, on the right of way and on city streets remains closed through April 30.

Violators will be ticketed and also may be towed at their own expense. In an April 23 press release, Tokajer added a reminder that the parking regulations apply to visitors and residents alike. Everyone is required to have their vehicle parked in the driveway or designated parking space when at home. Residential street parking also is not allowed under the current parking regulations.

Roser gives scholarships The Roser Women’s Guild is offering scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year. Proceeds from the Roser Thrift Store allow the Guild to underwrite scholarships and much more. All of this comes from the sales of such items as 50-cent used caps, 10-cent used tableware, and three-dollar used shirts, small appliances, comforters, bed spreads, jewelry, magazines, books and much, much more. The Guild Thrift Store is an all-volunteer operation, managed by the Roser Women’s Guild.

AGAMI hosts online art project The members of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island have launched a new way to interact with other artists during the temporary closure of their gallery due to COVID-19 precautions.

Art Intertwined is a weekly YouTube video presentation where painters, musicians, writers and other artists come together to give their interpretation of a piece of art. Each week’s episode is unveiled on Friday at noon and is a unique experience meant to uplift viewers and connect them with the local Island art community in a time when meeting in person isn’t an option.

Three Art Intertwined episodes have been released as of April 26 and can be viewed online at www. youtube.com/channel/UCpHPyIE_D65WB6VIdyGGJtQ/ featured. For more information on the guild, visit www. amiartistsguildgallery.com.

APRIL 29, 2020

Help out FISH during Giving Challenge

CRA to issue parking tram RFP

Parking remains closed in Holmes Beach

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

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FISH | SUBMITTED

Aerials show the 100-acre FISH Preserve, just east of the historic Cortez fishing village on Cortez Road West. we live life on the edge.”

The FISH Preserve is the last remaining open space on north Sarasota Bay, and is a unique coastal habitat important to the community and to the commercial fishing industry of the 135-year-old Cortez fishing village, he said.

Established in 1991, FISH’s mission is to preserve the history and future of the village according to its mission statement: “We are dedicated to the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez and Florida's commercial fishing and

other traditional maritime cultures, including the environment upon which these communities depend.

Protecting the coastal environment and the bounty it produces are of the utmost importance, not only for today, but for the generations to come.”

To learn more about the FISH Preserve, watch this video: https:// youtu.be/OYL53-injwI. To donate, go to www. givingpartnerchallenge.org/ organizations/fish-cortez from noon on Tuesday, April 28 to noon on Wednesday, April 29.

Give to help animals at Wildlife Inc.

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The coronavirus pandemic canceled many local events where local non-profits, including Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc., raised funds.

During this year’s Giving Challenge from noon on Tuesday, April 28 to noon on Wednesday, April 29, you can help the organization and its animals.

All donations from $25 to $100 will be matched by the Patterson Foundation; for example, your $25 donation becomes a $50 donation.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of patients that Wildlife Inc. has received has increased by at least 50%.

“The more wildlife we have, the more food we have to buy and the higher the financial cost is to our organization,” co-founder Gail Straight said.

Ed and Gail Straight continue to accept wildlife patients during the pandemic with some new instructions.

They ask that people bring small animals directly to them at 2207 Ave.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Ed and Gail Straight of Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc. with E.T. the barred owl.

B in Bradenton Beach, including songbirds, raccoons, opossums, owls, hawks and small seabirds. Volunteers wearing masks will go out to rescue aggressive species. Call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324 when you arrive with a bird or an animal in distress. While social distancing, one of the Straights will meet you in front by the road. You can place the bird or animal on a table

and they will transfer the wildlife to their cage and fill out paperwork. You can then take your container with you.

Wildlife Inc. recognizes that many people are out of work and can’t help, “but we thank you for caring,” she said. “If you are able to donate to help defray the cost of rehabilitating the wildlife, we would appreciate your help.”

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APRIL 29, 2020

Locals match Center Giving Challenge donations The Melancon and Carter families are matching donations to The Center during this year’s Giving Challenge.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The 2020 Giving Challenge kicks off at noon on April 28 and this year there are a few ways to maximize your financial gift to The Center of Anna Maria Island.

During the 24-hour Giving Challenge, Holmes Beach residents and Center supporters Mark and Mary Catherine Melancon are matching all donations to the nonprofit from $25 to $100 up to $10,000. All donations for the Melancon challenge must be made during the Giving Challenge and through the official Giving Challenge website at www.

GivingPartnerChallenge.org.

During the Giving Challenge, donations from $25 to $100 made

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Anna Maria residents Bob and Carol Carter are matching donations to The Center dollar for dollar from $500 to $1,000 up to $10,000. to area nonprofits, including The Center, are matched dollar for dollar by The Patterson Foundation.

Through the Melancon family’s donation to The Center, all qualifying donations will be tripled during the challenge.

Anna Maria residents Bob and Carol Carter have also issued a challenge to Center donors. The couple is matching dollar for dollar donations from $500 to $1,000 up to $10,000

in a complimentary challenge to the Giving Challenge. The Carter Challenge is ongoing for donations made directly to the nonprofit at www.centerami. org/support, or to The Center’s Director of Development Services Jim McDaniel by contacting him by email at jim@centerami.org or by phone at 413-210-6921.

The Carter Challenge concludes at the end of the Giving Challenge, noon on April 29.

“Please join us in supporting this community organization that is so worthwhile,” Bob Carter said in a video announcing the challenge on Facebook.

For more information on either challenge, visit The Center on social media at www.facebook.com/ TheCenterofAMI or call 941-778-1908.

The Giving Challenge is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with support from The Patterson Foundation. For a list of all of the local organizations participating in the challenge or to make a donation, visit the challenge’s official website.

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Help local nonprofits during Giving Challenge The 2020 Giving Challenge, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, kicks off at noon on April 28. Many local nonprofits are participating in the 24-hour online challenge which helps raise funds for local organizations.

Not only will participation prizes be given out to different organizations during the event, but all donations up to $100 per donor per organization will be matched dollar for dollar

by The Patterson Foundation. There is no charge for an organization to participate in the challenge. The minimum amount to donate during the challenge is $25 and all donations can be made online with a credit or debit card at www.

GivingPartnerChallenge.org from noon on April 28 through noon on April 29.

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Pier lease bids to be discussed at special meeting Due to the coronavirus pandemic, an opening date for the new City Pier has not yet been determined.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The details contained in the two pier lease bid proposals opened in early April are expected to be made public at a special city commission meeting on Wednesday, May 6 at 2 p.m.

Thad Treadwell and Mike Ross from the Ugly Grouper and Sean Murphy, owner of the Beach Bistro and Eat Here, submitted the two bids the city received in response to the request for proposals (RFP) issued in January seeking a tenant for the new pier buildings.

The new pier tenant is also responsible at their own expense to complete the interior buildouts of the city-owned pier buildings.

When the sealed bid proposals were opened in the commission chambers on April 8, Mayor Dan Murphy said the city had 30 days to make the proposals available to the public and the media and that he expected to provide his initial evaluation of the bid proposals to city commissioners on Thursday, April 23 and then to the public.

During the April 23 meeting, Murphy told the commission he needed some additional information from the bidders before he could make his recommendation as to which of the two bidders he recommends negotiating with first.

“As you know there were two bidders. Both were contacted to provide more information as to who would be the responsible party for the lease, on the buildout, as well as us knowing what the financial

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

At some point, the city plans to open the new Anna Maria City Pier to the public while the interior buildouts of the restaurant and bait shop buildings are completed. responsibility pieces are on the bid itself,” Murphy told the commission on Thursday.

Murphy said he expected to have that information by the close of business on Friday.

“I want to incorporate that into the bid and then make sure the commission understands who it is that we’re doing business with.

Once that’s received, I’m going to gather more information, do more research on what we have with these bids, spend a little more time with our consultant. I will then discuss with the commission some of my findings,” Murphy said.

The consultant Murphy referred to is former Sandbar general manager and long-time restaurant CEO Doug Sullivan.

Murphy requested a special city commission meeting be scheduled to discuss the bid proposals, at which time he will bring options

and a recommendation to the commission for a decision.

Murphy also said he would meet individually with each commissioner provide them with an update before the formal public discussion takes place.

“We have until May 8th to make a decision and make a vote,” Murphy said.

With city hall still closed to the public, restaurateur Sean Murphy attended Thursday’s meeting via telephone.

“I’m listening and open to any and all suggestions,” he told the commission.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the opening date for the new pier has not yet been announced. As of Monday, the pier remained closed.

I want to incorporate that into the bid and then make sure the commission understands who it is that we’re doing business with.”

Dan Murphy, Anna Maria Island mayor

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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ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

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TESTING: Manatee county increases capacity

10005 GULF DRIVE

For information, call 941-708-6130 City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 6, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation Board meeting May 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission special meeting

are not typically sick and who may not have a primary care physician, and also for the uninsured or underinsured who might have difficulty finding a physician to provide them with a prescription to get tested.

BRADENTON BEACH

DRIVE-THRU TESTING

107 GULF DRIVE N.

For information, call 941-778-1005 City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting May 6, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting May 7, 10 a.m. – Capital Improvement Plan meeting May 7, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting May 14, 1 p.m. – Department Head meeting

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

For more information, call 941-708-5800 City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 6, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting May 6, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting May 12, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

MARK YOUR CALENDAR All area events are canceled.

The Center of Anna Maria Island is closed.

All Anna Maria Island churches are closed.

The Island Branch Library is closed.

Tingley Memorial Library is closed.

All classes at area parks and recreation areas are closed and parks in Bradenton and Holmes Beach are closed including GT Bray, the Holmes Beach city field complex and the Holmes Beach Community Skate Park. The Holmes Beach Dog Park is open to the public. All area public tennis courts, pickleball courts and basketball courts are closed.

Local preserves remain open to the public including Grassy Point Preserve, Perico Preserve, Neal Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

FROM PAGE 3

In response to requests from county officials, the state has provided COVID-19 specimen collection kits to the Department of Health (DOH) in Manatee County.

These test kits will be used for drive-thru testing at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

The drive-thru testing site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Wednesday, April 29 through Friday, May 1.

The Department of Health has 240 specimen collection kits available for the three-day drive-thru testing session and the department will schedule up to 80 testing appointments per day.

An additional 60 test kits will be withheld for contact tracing or to test those at higher risk due to potential exposure.

Visitors to the drive-thru testing site must have a prescription to be tested for COVID-19. They must also make a testing appointment in advance by calling the Manatee County Health Department at 941-748-0747.

Those who seek testing at the drive-thru location must: • Be in a vehicle. No walk-up patients will be seen; • Drivers must remain in their vehicle at all times; • Drivers must present a photo ID and a prescription for specimen collection that is written by their health care provider – and the name on the ID or proof of address and the name on the prescription must match.

During last week’s meeting, Saur said testing conducted by the health department using test kits received from the state must be done at no cost to the patient. On Friday, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Nick Azzara confirmed that next week’s drive-thru testing will be conducted free of

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

COVID-19 testing is becoming more available to those who meet the testing criteria.

charge.

Anyone in Manatee County who believes they may have COVID-19 should call the Manatee Health Line at (941) 242-6649 before calling 911 or visiting a hospital emergency room.

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APRIL 29, 2020

Floating dock requires substantial repairs The floating dock project remains a challenge three years after it was initiated.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Problems with the floating dock next to the Bridge Street Pier continue to plague the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

During an emergency CRA meeting on Thursday, April 23, it was agreed that Hecker Construction Company – the company that installed the floating dock – would be given a final chance to make significant repairs at no cost to the CRA. Other options discussed include taking legal action against Hecker, paying Duncan Seawall, Dock and Boat Lift $163,797 make the repairs or replacing the floating dock with a fixed dock.

On Monday, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said a crew from Hecker Construction was expected onsite Tuesday.

INSPECTION REPORT

On April 17, Golden Marine Systems President Mike Shanley and Duncan General Manager Steve Porter inspected the dock, joined by Public Works Manager

Tom Woodard and CRA Chair Ralph Cole.

Shanley then provided a written inspection report with photographs.

“The Duncan crew removed many boards in the troubled areas for our in-depth inspections. It was found that the gangway landing platform was not sufficiently attached to the main dock. The installer did not provide enough bolts for proper reinforcement. The bolts provided are a mix of various metals which conflict with the aluminum. Many of the bolts that were in place have now fallen out, which is causing the platform to sag. The lateral support beams underneath the dock have also come loose. Bolts are missing in this area as well,” the report says.

“The float bolts are coming loose because the hardware utilized is insufficient in that the installer did not utilize washers and lock washers. My recommendation is to exchange all bolts with a .5” x 1.5” 300 series stainless bolts. When removing boards today, many of the decking screws heads spun out. The screws are of a sub-par stainless and too thin. Finally, I noticed there are no gangway guide plates to keep the gangway from swaying back and forth,” the report concluded.

CRA DISCUSSION

When discussing these issues on April

CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED

The recent dock inspection revealed many missing bolts.

23, Cole said, “If it was bolted together the way it was supposed to be, we wouldn’t be having this conversation because it wouldn’t have come apart.”

Cole said Hecker should be given a chance to make the repairs before other options are pursued.

CRA member John Chappie said Hecker used Joe Foster as its engineer and he wants Foster to inspect any additional work Hecker does.

“His name’s on this as well. Do I trust Hecker? Not really,” Chappie said. “I’m not willing to put another dime in this floating dock.”

Perry said Foster is willing to help.

Woodard said Hecker didn’t ask Foster to do a final inspection.

“Golden recommended every single

piece of hardware be replaced,” Woodard said. “If we would have done a fixed dock three years ago, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. It was my recommendation then. It’s still my recommendation. We had a floating dock there before and I have had nothing but problems. We could spend $250,000 and have a fixed dock that matches the pier.”

Porter submitted a $163,797 estimate for Duncan to make the repairs.

“You’re essentially asking a company to work over the water, completely disassemble, take it out of the water, assemble it over the water and then reinstall,” Porter said.

Woodard said this requires a barge and crane.

CRA member Ed Chiles questioned spending $167,000 to repair a dock that’s already cost $275,000.

“I just wonder if we’re throwing good money after bad here. Is it time to scrap this?” he said.

THREE-YEAR ENDEAVOR

In early 2017, then-Mayor Bill Shearon and Police Chief Sam Speciale spearheaded a CRA-funded dock replacement project.

The CRA contracted Technomarine to SEE DOCK, PAGE 13

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AMI HISTORICAL SOCIETY | SUBMITTED

Historical scholarship awarded Tori Coover of Holmes Beach has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. Tori is the daughter of Todd and Jennifer Coover. She plans to attend the University of South Florida and become a veterinarian.

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APRIL 29, 2020

Building moratorium expires next week The temporary building moratorium will expire, but the city’s pursuit of an impact fees program continues.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The 60-day emergency building moratorium enacted on March 4 will expire on Wednesday, May 6.

The Anna Maria City Commission reached this decision with a 3-2 vote during the commission meeting conducted telephonically on Thursday, April 23.

Commissioners Joe Muscatello, Mark Short and Amy Tripp opposed extending the emergency moratorium for another 60 days.

Commissioners Carol Carter and Jon Crane supported the extension.

After Crane’s first motion to extend was voted down, he made a second motion proposing a 30-day emergency moratorium instead, which failed by the same 3-2 vote.

The commission currently has no plans to implement a previously discussed six-month moratorium.

WHY THE MORATORIUM?

Adopted before the coronavirus pandemic

impacted Florida, the emergency temporary building moratorium was enacted to slow what was then perceived as a boom in the construction of single-family residences, including vacation rental homes.

The moratorium was enacted to provide the building department time to conduct a comprehensive review of the city’s building codes, and to suggest code revisions and new codes to better address drainage and flooding, construction staging and parking and more.

During Thursday’s meeting, City Planner Chad Minor said he and Building Official Luke Curtis have made significant progress in reviewing those codes.

During a previous commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy said he did not expect the building boom to continue due to the financial impact the pandemic would have on those who invest in vacation rental homes.

The emergency moratorium also provided Murphy time to research the implementation of a new impact fee program to be applied to the construction of new single-family residences.

During Thursday’s meeting, Murphy said he expects to have that program in place as early as August. He said impact fees will help pay for stormwater and

drainage improvements, street and road improvements, recreational improvements and improvements that address sea level rise.

After lifting the moratorium, the commission unanimously authorized Murphy to enter into a $39,100 professional services agreement with Raftelis Financial Consultants. That firm will assist in the creation and implementation of an impact fees program. Murphy said the consulting fees can be recovered through that program.

COMMISSION COMMENTS

“It seems like we’ve got a good handle on this. I am for not continuing it,” Tripp said regarding the moratorium.

Muscatello asked Murphy if he was satisfied with the progress made.

“We’re a lot further ahead than what I thought we would be,” Murphy said.

Crane mentioned the continued volatility that surrounds the pandemic and the pending recovery process.

“It seems to me, with the governor and the county commission relaxing social distancing and other coronavirus communication measures, we may well go back into if not a boom, a quasi-boom,” Crane said regarding the potential demand for new construction.

“If we let the permitting go forward without impact fees, we’re missing out on

the impact fees. We’ve been missing out on impact fees for years and it hurts us. There’s potholes everywhere you turn and there’s flooded streets everywhere you turn. I would like to see the moratorium continue – not just for the rest of the work that Chad’s doing, but also until the impact fees that we decide upon are in effect as well,” Crane said.

“I don’t disagree with what Commissioner Crane said regarding the impact that construction is having on the infrastructure of the Island, but I don’t believe there is a need to continue any type of moratorium with respect to new construction,” Short said.

Carter said she wanted to continue the moratorium for another 60 days because she agreed with Crane’s comments and she wants the building department to have more time to catch up on its backlog of work.

“I would imagine as soon as we stop any sort of moratorium, we will have a great flood of additional applications that would be made,” Carter said.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mason Martin Builders’ owner Frank Agnelli and Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan implored the commission to end the moratorium.

“Clearly we’ve had an issue with this SEE MORATORIUM, PAGE 14

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FACILITIES: Two facilities, more than 100 COVID-19 cases FROM PAGE 1

list released Saturday, April 18.

The facilities list does not distinguish among residents, patients and staff members and does not specify how many cases are associated with any particular facility.

BENCIE’S REPORT

On Tuesday, Bencie said about three weeks ago she became aware of two large nursing homes in Manatee County that were owned by the same company, had a shared capacity of 328 beds and had 103 residents and staff members who tested positive for COVID-19.

“They were owned by the same company. The company took it upon themselves to test all of the staff and clients when they started seeing the uptick. Getting those tests back in the last week, 66 residents and 37 staff in those two facilities were positive,” Bencie said.

“Not only were those staff members working in both facilities, but also going out into other facilities where we’ve since learned other persons have been testing positive.

We had actually had to serve a forced (quarantine) order against one of the employees who knowingly went to another facility and persons became positive,” Bencie said.

Bencie said because those two facilities saw so much COVID-19 activity, the health department immediately submitted a mission request to the state that resulted in the arrival of a three-nurse assessment team.

“Unfortunately, they were only here for three days because they were pushed to the east coast. We re-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN FILE PHOTO

Dr. Jennifer Bencie is the County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Manatee County. ceived eight nurses on Easter morning and they have been with us ever since, going initially into these two facilities, doing assessments, making recommendations, making changes and also moving into the other six facilities that we know have at least one case,” Bencie said.

“Visitors were not allowed to come into these facilities for more than a month now. So, we need to keep an eye on the staff. They’re the ones who are bringing it in. We have made sure they take temperatures every morning of all the employees coming in. We’re hoping we’re catching people who do develop symptoms before they get in and start assisting with the patients,” Bencie said.

Bencie said she also refers to nursing homes and other similar facilities as skilled nursing facilities or SNFs. “Because there are 321 SNFs in Florida currently with at least one positive case, the governor has allowed us to have the National Guard come in and test in SNFs that need further attention. We have put a request in for National Guard to come and test the six sites and many

others. We have about 45 facilities we’re tracking in the county to do testing. We hope that they will come in soon,” Bencie said.

Bencie said she has seven nurses who were previously working in schools that now make daily calls to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, Hospice facilities and dialysis centers to monitor those case numbers and needs.

On Thursday, The Sun emailed Bencie and several Manatee County officials seeking the names of the two facilities that Bencie said produced 103 positive test results. The Sun also sought the name of the individual who received the involuntary order.

Later that day, The Sun received an email from the county records division that said, “The Department of Health is the appropriate entity to respond to this request.”

As of Sunday, Bencie and the FDOH had not acknowledged or responded to The Sun’s requests for information.

FACILITY OWNERSHIP

According to The Sun’s research, two of the nine long-term care facilities in Manatee County that reported COVID-19 cases list ownership by LLCs that share the same mailing address and registered agent.

According to www.medicare.gov, Braden River Rehabilitation Center at 2010 Manatee Ave. E. in Bradenton is owned by Braden River Rehabilitation Center LLC. According to the Florida Division of Corporations, Braden River Rehabilitation Center LLC lists 101 Sunnytown Road, Suite 201, in Casselberry as its mailing address and

Tallahassee-based Cogency Global Inc. as its registered agent.

According to www.medicare.gov, Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center at 926 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto is owned by Sovereign Healthcare of Palmetto LLC – an LLC that lists the same Casselberry mailing address and registered agent as Braden River Rehabilitation Center.

None of the other seven facilities that reported COVID-19 cases share a common mailing address or registered agent.

According to www.medicare.gov, Bradenton Health Care at 6305 Cortez Road W. in Bradenton is owned by 6305 Cortez Road West Operations LLC. Casa Mora Rehabilitation and Extended Care at 1902 59th St. W. in Bradenton is owned by FI-Casa Mora LLC. Manatee Springs Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at 5627 Ninth St. E. in Bradenton is owned by Manatee Operating LLC. Residence at Bay Vue at 105 15th St. E. in Bradenton is owned by Riverfront Acquisition I LLC. Westminster Point Pleasant, 1700 Third Ave. W. in Bradenton is owned

by Presbyterian Retirement Communities Inc. Brookdale Bradenton Gardens and The Cottages of Bradenton are not listed at Medicare.gov.

According to Manatee County Property Appraiser records, the Brookdale Bradenton Gardens property at 5612 26th St. W. in Bradenton is owned by Emerifrat LLC. The Cottages of Bradenton property at 5700 24th St. E. in Bradenton is owned by Louisa Holding LLC.

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12

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

APRIL 29, 2020

For the birds Reel Time

RUSTY CHINNIS

W

ho hasn’t been stirred by the sight or song of a bird?

The haunting sound of a nightingale signaling the arrival of spring, the flamboyant plumage of a spoonbill or egret and the elaborate rituals of herons, terns and other sea birds in breeding season. Have you ever marveled at the graceful flight of a formation of black skimmers, their bills tracing paths across the water’s surface at sunset? Birds not only inspire and uplift us, they also provide a significant boost to Florida’s economy and are a major reason the state ranks as one as the nation’s top wildlife viewing destinations.

With all that birds provide us, it’s alarming to learn that specieswide, we’ve lost the equivalent of one in four birds in the last 50 years.

The major reason is loss of habitat and the seabirds we treasure are particularly vulnerable due to the loss of mangroves for nesting and the practice of many seabirds to lay their eggs and raise their young just above a barrier island’s highwater line.

Birds need our help and there are specific things that anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike can do to help them. One of the most heartbreaking things anyone can experience is a dead or dying bird

garroted in the mangroves by an unsuspecting fisherman’s line.

Anglers who fish the coastal waters of Florida will invariably come into contact with the seabirds that inhabit the estuaries of our state.

Often that encounter is deadly to seabirds if anglers don’t know the basics of avoiding contact with or caring for hooked birds.

Birds live here, it’s their home, and they aid savvy anglers as they search for food. The birds get into trouble when they come in contact with discarded fishing line in the mangroves, or they take line to their roosts after becoming hooked.

The incidence of anglers hooking birds can be reduced or eliminated by following a few simple rules.

First, never feed birds. This trains birds to look for a handout and leads them to often unsuspecting anglers. Secondly, while you’re fishing, be aware of birds that might be eyeing your bait or lure.

It’s easy to pull it out of harm’s way at the last second before a bird dives on it.

If you do hook a bird make sure that you fight them just like you would a trophy fish to prevent them from breaking the line. Trailing line can be a death sentence for the birds when they return to their roost at night. Care should be taken when handling birds due to their fragile, hollow bones and sharp beaks. First, place a towel over the bird’s head. This will calm them and protect the angler from sharp bills. You can then cautiously remove hooks and unwind line before releasing them.

During nesting season (peaking

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A threatened least tern stands over its egg on a local barrier Island. here May through June) birds are particularly vulnerable, especially those that nest on the beaches of our barrier islands. It’s crucial that humans avoid breeding colonies on public beaches and especially the few places designated as offlimits because of their critical nesting potential. Locally protected areas like Egmont Key and Passage Key are often threatened by unsuspecting and careless beachgoers who endanger eggs and young hatchlings. The birds don’t have a voice and it’s left to those of us who appreciate and benefit from them to be their advocates.

If while fishing you see a hooked or tangled bird in an active rookery, don’t approach them during nesting season. Our well-meaning intentions can cause more harm than good by causing startled young birds to fall from the nest.

Taking care of the environment that feeds our passion is everyone’s responsibility. Follow these

simple guidelines: be aware of the presence of seabirds, take care in handling them, and never feed birds. If you see a bird in distress and it's not nesting season, you can free them. If they swim or fly away on their own that's all you'll need to do. If you believe they are too weak to recover on their own, contact one of the local organizations that rescue and rehabilitate sea birds.

On Anna Maria Island you can call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324. To our south call Save Our Seabirds on City Island in Sarasota at 941388-3010. Audubon’s Coastal Island Sanctuaries has an informative web site and can be reached at 813-7943784. You can also join Sarasota Bay Watch’s Annual Fishing Line Cleanup in the fall.

Birds of all kinds are a critical component and bellwether of a healthy environment. Let’s all work together to create a vibrant and safe place – for the birds.

www.amisun.com

APRIL 29, 2020

THE SUN

13

Warm water has inshore bite on CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Despite the recent windy conditions, fishing remains strong. We’ve had some rainy and windy days as of late, but finding the nice windows pays off.

Inshore, the snook, redfish, Spanish mackerel and black drum fishing is great. The warm water temperatures have these fish on the hunt. I assume we’ll start seeing better mangrove snapper moving in as well.

Offshore, amberjack opens up on May 1. These hefty fish are hard fighters and decent table fare. Also, the blackfin tuna, red grouper, African pompano, yellowtail and mangrove snapper are available right now. It’s all about finding the right day to push offshore in these winds. Spanish sardines and pinfish are our live baits of choice. With frozen sardines as our dead and cut bait. Good luck out there!

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had some action catching and releasing snook in the ICW at night and trout on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay on flies recently. In light of the current situation, social distancing and sanitizing procedures were followed on the boat.

Bill Morrison, from Anna Maria, fished Sarasota Bay with me recently and had some action catching and

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Cutline: Robert and Rachel Marcovitch show off a pair of nice redfish. Caught with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters. releasing trout on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly. Port Charlotte winter residents Gerry Tipper and Ted Hesson fished the ICW at night with me and had some action catching and releasing snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Mike Perez and Denton Kent, from Sarasota, also got in on the night snook action on another trip recently.

Fishing shallow flats for catch and release reds and snook is a good option now. Fishing deep grass flats

of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel. Fishing dock lights in the ICW at night is usually a good option for snook and more.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation; please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

DOCK: requires substantial repair ‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

FROM PAGE 8

install a new floating dock for $119,980. Manatee County Commissioners agreed to reimburse the CRA for 50% of the total project costs not to exceed $250,000.

In early 2018, the CRA contracted Hecker to

install the dock project that Technomarine failed to complete. Hecker completed the installation in late July and the new dock opened in early August.

In October, the dock closed because the gangway was coming loose.

In November, the CRA

approved a $69,717 contract with Duncan to make gangway revisions and modifications. In December, the dock reopened.

The CRA recently spent $12,000 to purchase new roller brackets for the future replacement of faulty brackets Hecker provided.

Woodard also recently discovered loose floats and sheared and missing bolts.

According to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, the CRA has spent $275,511 on the dock and has been reimbursed $125,000 by the county.

14

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MORATORIUM: Expiring FROM PAGE 10

pandemic. Our phones have stopped ringing. Therefore, we are still working on what we’ve already had going,” Agnelli said.

He noted the efforts to “jump-start the economy” would start soon and extending the moratorium would add confusion and uncertainty to that process.

“We’re already on our knees. We’re at the point where we are going to be running out of work. People

aren’t jumping to buy or build or do any kind of renovations. There’s a lot of people out of work and I don’t think this is going to help. Half the houses on the Island were taken off the market because everybody knows nobody’s buying. I think this would really hurt us to push this thing another 60 days,” Agnelli said.

“From the real estate sales side of things there is no business going on whatsoever – and

APRIL 29, 2020

being on our knees is an understatement,” Duncan said.

“Regardless of what the governor is going to do, we see no one coming back. I think extending the 60 days does nothing except almost put a bullet in our heads. Our businesses are completely stalled. To think the faucet is just going to turn on with a flood of business is absurd. I just can’t stress enough how devasting this would be to extend it,” Duncan said of the moratorium.

Our building may be closed, but our MINISTRIES continue!

THE GOOD NEWS We invite you to w ship with us online!

www.RoserChurch.com/worship

Every Sunday 10:00 AM Traditional Worship 5:30 PM

soulJourn Praise & Worship

Watch LIVE (interactive) or LATER! Call the office if you need assistance.

Call the church text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

FACEBOOK> follow> see first, join a group. Need help? Call the office!

The FOOD PANTRY is open to assist island residents/w kers in need.

The CHAPEL is open 9:00 to 3:00 weekdays f prayer & meditation.

Send PRAYER REQUESTS to info@r erchurch.com call the office.

Call the church office if you would like to talk to a PASTOR. A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

www.amisun.com

APRIL 29, 2020

THE SUN

15

PETS: Vulnerable to COVID-19 FROM PAGE 1

infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19.

The risk of the reverse - animals spreading COVID-19 to

people – is low, according to the CDC. But to protect pets from getting it from people, CDC advises that you treat pets as you would other human family members and do not let pets interact with people or animals

outside the household.

If a person inside the household becomes sick, isolate that person from everyone else, including pets; don’t put your pet at risk for your own comfort, according to the CDC.

Order Your Local Organic Fresh Produce Box Gamble Creek Farms is now offering two unique produce boxes each week. Pick up your box, packed with a balanced assortment of organic veggies, including salad greens, cooking greens, root crops, fruiting vegetables and culinary herbs.

If you are selecting the Monday box, each also includes a house-made pickled or fermented item from our commissary kitchen examples may include Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Fermented Radishes, Cucumber Pickles, Fermented Sliced Beets.

$30.00 Per Box! gamble creek

To Order Call 941-778-0444

or

SandBarDining.com/ organic-produce

Orders are delivered to the restaurants on Mondays & Thursdays and can be picked up after 12pm. Box contents are farmer's choice and are not individually customizable.

16

THE SUN

W

REAL ESTATE

APRIL 29, 2020

Lockdown creativity

e are so living during a time when creativity can make the difference between just getting through it or getting through it with a bit of flair, and real estate purchasing is opting for the latter.

Back in mid-March just six weeks ago, I read about a couple of real estate financing startups. Since that time, the startups as well as our lives and the lives of all real estate professionals have changed drastically.

Nevertheless, someday it will all be back, so I thought it was worth taking a look at.

Homebuyers who are unable to get traditional financing frequently lack the 20% down payment, don’t qualify based on income and assets or are being shut out of the market by cash buyers. As an alternative, one San Francisco startup created a system where buyers can put down only 10% and the company provides the rest of the purchase price in cash. A deed of trust is established, and the buyer is mandated to pay the taxes and insurance and gives the

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER company a monthly payment used to build equity and ultimately buy out the house.

Another startup also based in San Francisco is using what was previously called “rent with an option to buy,” where an individual homeowner rents to a buyer and a portion of the rent goes towards the ultimate purchase of the home. The company buys the house, assesses a $10,000 nonrefundable fee and sets up a program of monthly payments designed to build equity even allowing for some credit if the home is not purchased.

This is a very short version of more complicated plans, and like any type of creative

financing this can either fill a need for housing for individuals who don’t have the cash or qualifications, or it can be a dicey arrangement. However, it’s still nice to keep your options open.

Well now it’s time for the March sales numbers in Manatee County reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee comparing March of this year to March of last year: Single-family properties are as follows: Median sale price $319,500, up 2.4%, average sale price $390,674, down 0.5%. New pending properties down 33.4%, new listings down 3.3%, pending inventory down 21.7%, active inventory down 14.1% and month’s supply of properties down 19% to 3.4 months.

Condos are as follows: Median sale price $215,000, up 5.7%, average sale price $251,136, up 4.2%. New pending properties down 32.5%, new listings down 5.2%, pending inventory down 26%, active inventory

down 3.8% and month’s supply of properties down 8.3% to 4.4 months.

The numbers are much as has been predicted since basically all business is at a standstill. Closings are still in positive territory, but they reflect transactions that have been in the pipeline for a while. Unfortunately, we can expect more of this in the months ahead.

And as a reminder, Florida is the third most populated state in the country based on July 2019 records. We make up 6.47% of the population of the United States coming in at 21.5 million and are only surpassed by California and Texas. We have passed New York state in population by 2 million and currently have the same number of congressional representatives making Florida one of the major political players. This gives me encouragement for the future of our real estate market.

As always, stay safe and be creative in these stressful times.

www.amisun.com

APRIL 29, 2020

THE SUN

17

Manatee County lifts COVID-19 curfew County officials now await Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decisions regarding his previously-issued executive orders.

COVID-19 is out in front of us. We have a lot of unanswered questions and the best that you can do is mask up and emphasize social distancing.”

Reggie Bellamy, Manatee County Commissioner

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – On Tuesday, April 21, Manatee County Commissioners voted 4-3 to lift the county curfew that was first enacted on April 3 and then extended on April 10 and April 17.

The curfew had been in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Travel during that overnight timeframe was supposed to be restricted to the essential businesses, services or activities set forth in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-91, which some public officials refer to as a “stay-athome” order. That order is currently scheduled to expire on Thursday, April 30 unless extended by DeSantis.

During last week’s meeting, Commissioner Priscilla Trace made the motion to lift the controversial and

much-debated curfew. Commissioners Vanessa Baugh and Steve Jonsson supported Trace’s motion to end the curfew. Commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore opposed the motion. Voting last, Commission Chair Betsy Benac cast the deciding vote to lift the curfew.

In doing so, it was noted that Manatee County remained among the highest in Florida in terms of COVID-19 cases and the county has not yet hit its anticipated peak, which is now expected during the week of May 3.

“We’re removing the curfew, but I would like to focus on the sense of responsibility individually in making sure that you’re protecting yourself,

making sure you’re protecting your loved ones and be mindful of social distancing,” Bellamy said.

He then said lifting the curfew does not mean it’s “time to party” or time to start engaging in late-night activities.

“COVID-19 is out in front of us. We have a lot of unanswered questions and the best that you can do is mask up and emphasize social distancing,” Bellamy said.

“I agree 100%,” Benac said. “This was not a message to anyone to let up on the gas, to let down your guard. The fact of the matter is we haven’t hit our peak. We need to continue to try to slow the spread so we don’t have a long plateau because that would be very bad for our community.”

It was noted that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ essential services (“stay-at-home”) order remains in effect until Thursday, April 30 unless he lifts it or extends it.

The countywide state of local emergency remains in effect. So does the countywide burn ban, which allows residents to have fires in their home fire pits.

The commission was scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, April 28 to discuss the county’s continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic and any new or newly-anticipated developments regarding DeSantis’ plans to lift his executive orders pertaining to essential services and activities, vacation rentals, restaurants and bars.

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

APRIL 29, 2020

TURTLES: First nest of the season early FROM PAGE 1

A vastly reduced crew of Turtle Watch staff is monitoring the beaches by ATV this season – for their own safety, no beach walkers will be allowed to volunteer to spot nests on foot due to the coronavirus pandemic, much to the dismay of some volunteers, Fox said.

Every volunteer on an ATV has a mask, Fox said adding, “We are using hand sanitizer and wipes. We want as few volunteers as possible on the beach for their safety.�

Due to social distancing concerns, Fox requests that if anyone sees a Turtle Watch ATV, please do not flag down the driver to chat. Instead, call 941-778-5638, email director@islandturtlewatch.com or visit the organization’s new website, www. islandturtlewatch.com or its Facebook page.

Fox also asks that people observe turtle lighting regulations to keep turtles and people safe – light sources should not be able to be seen from the beach – and that people don’t leave their beach chairs on the beach after sunset because they can entrap nesting sea turtles – and, in a few months, their hatchlings.

Beach chairs should not be an issue because beaches remain closed in Manatee County due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Nicholas Azzara.

Beach renourishment is still planned for this summer, and Turtle Watch will work around the project, which turtles need as much as people do as beaches erode, leaving less room to nest, Fox said.

Last year, a record number of turtle nests was laid on the Island - 544, beating the 2018 record of 534.

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 disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can 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 888404-FWCC (3922).

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 1 (Record: 534 in 2018) False crawls: 1 Nests hatched: 0 Hatchlings hatched: 0 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 0

Turtle Trail scavenger hunt is on Just in time for the beginning of the sea turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island on May 1, the Turtle Trail scavenger hunt has begun.

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is launching the Turtle Trail to provide residents and their families with a safe and enjoyable activity to take part in while socially distancing.

In partnership with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, the CVB is encouraging residents and business owners to put stuffed animals, figurines, statues, photos or illustrations of sea turtles in windows, on mailboxes or in other visible places for families to search for while out on walks together.

For those in need of a turtle to display, the CVB has created a printable coloring page that can be downloaded at: https://www. bradentongulfislands.com/turtle-trail.

Those who take part by putting a sea turtle on display or heading out with family to follow the trail are also encouraged to share images of their turtles or those they find on Instagram using #BradentonAreaTurtleTrail.

“Children everywhere now find themselves at home, unable to see family members or attend school with friends, and parents are looking for fun ways to keep them engaged while also following guidelines and remaining safe,� CVB Director of Communications Kelly Clark said. “Our Turtle Trail is a simple idea designed to raise awareness of the animals we share our shores with and provide an entertaining activity for all. We hope many consider putting a turtle up on display and also heading out to track them down.�

Clark also hopes the initiative will shine a light on the many Bradenton Area nonprofits continuing to press on with limited resources during this time. “AMI Turtle Watch is one of the many non-profit organizations that continues to do all it can to achieve its mission, even during this time of uncertainty. Much like our hotel, attraction and restaurant partners, we must remember to support these groups in order to ensure they too are in a position to continue their good work long after this crisis has passed,� Clark added.

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APRIL 29, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

19

SUBMITTED

Studying trees and the Earth Anna Maria Elementary third-graders studied the environment in time for Arbor Day and Earth Day this year. The students made posters. Layla Quesenberry, left, detailed the benefits of trees. Lily Plummer posed with her poster in front of a tree.

20

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THE SUN

APRIL 29, 2020

Online fun at the libraries Manatee County Libraries presents its Creative Writing Workshop Series on Mondays, May 4, 11 and 18, from 10 to 11 a.m.

The schedule is: How to Read a Short Story on May 4; Introduction to Flash Fiction on May 11; and Writing with Prompts on May 18.

The class is facilitated by Julieanna Blackwell via Zoom (video and audio conferencing). Blackwell is a writer of short stories and essays appearing in Lunch Ticket, Ragazine CC, Slippery Elm Literary Journal and elsewhere. Her stories have been featured in SCENE Magazine’s yearly beach read issues.

The Naples Daily News published her humorous column of personal

BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA No new reports

BRADENTON BEACH No new reports

CORTEZ

No new reports

HOLMES BEACH

4/17, stolen items recovered, 3900 East Bay Drive. The officer was notified by the

essays. She is also an editor for 805 Lit+Arts Journal (published by Manatee Libraries), the first literary journal published by a public library in the country. Through the library, she developed and leads the Elements and Arcs series of writing classes and workshops.

Students must preregister by emailing jyna.johnson@mymanatee. org.

REVIEW BOOKS

Join the Virtual Books on Tap Club to read and review “Wilder Girls” on Wednesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. via Zoom to discuss the book

by Rory Power. This virtual Books on Tap is limited to 20 people.

Participants must preregister. Email kimberly.barbour@mymanatee.org to reserve your space.

A Virtual Book discussion of "The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle”

by Stuart Turton is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 from 10 to 11 a.m.

The event is limited to 20 people.

Pre-registration is required. Email callie.hutchison@mymanatee.org to reserve your space.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is the topic for Wednesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. This virtual Books on Tap is limited to 20 people. Participants must preregister.

Email kimberly.barbour@mymanatee.org to reserve your space.

license plate reader of a vehicle with a stolen plate. He spoke with the driver who said the plate was stolen from his boat trailer six months ago. He went back the next day and found it, he thought. The plate was seized until the driver did not steal it.

4/J17, fraud, Jessie’s Island store, 5424 Marina Drive. The victim had placed a check in the mail from Jessie’s’ Island Store to be delivered to his church.

The church contacted him and asked if he had mailed the check, as they had not received it. The victim checked his bank account and learned that it had been cashed by someone other than the church. He reported the fraud to

City hurrying to finish utility line project Work continues on the utility line undergrounding project and the installation of brick pavers and new streetlights in an effort to get everything finished before COVID-19 restrictions are lifted or modified by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

A remaining portion of the underground boring was completed in heavy rain Friday. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the wires and transformers were scheduled for installation on Tuesday and a patch of Bridge Street is scheduled for repairs on Wednesday. The second phase of boring for the street light replacement project is scheduled for Friday. The installation of brick pavers in the city-owned parking lot on First Street North is tentatively set for next week. Perry said due to recent rain delays, Superior Asphalt has pushed back its resurfacing of Bridge Street until the week of May 11. The brick paver project punch list items are set to be addressed after the street resurfacing is done.

the bank and provided documentation of the checks.

4/17, violating the ban on dogs on the beach, 5200 Gulf Drive. The officer answered a complaint of a man with a dog on the beach. He found the subject with his dog and issued a code violation citation and told him to leave the beach with his dog immediately.

4/18, aggravated battery, 3800 Gulf Drive.

The officer answered a complaint of a large fight. He was directed to102 39th St,. When he got there he observed people yelling and screaming at the victim, who was located inside the residence. Two other officers tried to get inside and the victim’s sister

opened the door. The victim was intoxicated and bleeding. The police had to use handcuffs and restraint holds on the victim who wanted to fight, The victim’s uncle and father arrived to try to calm him down.

RMS arrived and took him to Blake Medical Center. The police interviewed a witness and are sorting out what happened.

4/21, Violating the code against camping, 752 Manatee Ave. Around 1:45 a.m., the officer spotted a female who was a known to be homeless. He said she could not stay at the boat ramp and he drove her off the Island.

APRIL 29, 2020

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Barista's concoction 6 Domino dots 10 Rotating rod 14 Construction rod 15 Square __ 16 Skirt with a flounce 17 Tall display of dishwashing liquid?

19 MiG developer 20 Wee 21 Soy sauce taste 22 Sleuth of radio, movies and TV 23 Sitcom star from Melmac 25 Sticker 27 Global donation of dishwashing liquid?

32 Set in a golf bag 34 TV exec Arledge 35 Barcelona bear 36 Short dog, for short Answers to 04-22-20 Crossword Puzzle.

37 Or so 38 1956 crisis site 39 Chest-beating beast 40 Darts 41 Slow, to Ravel 42 Rock band's preferred dishwashing liquid?

45 "Supergirl" actor Jon 46 It can be thin but not fat 47 Glance through 48 Goaded, with "on" 52 Seed used in smoothies 56 "O brawling love! O loving __!": Romeo 57 Using dishwashing liquid in the shower?

59 "__ that a lot" 60 One likely to snap 61 Spree 62 Like everything in a

THE SUN

she shed 63 Ballpark figure 64 Aconcagua's range Down 1 Pram pusher 2 Son of Leah 3 Black, to a bard 4 Zero, quaintly 5 Martini specification 6 Dance with a queen 7 Captain Kirk's home state 8 Common greeting card content 9 Far from soothing 10 Masonry finish 11 Bully 12 "Everything's ready to go!"

13 Chance at the spinner 18 Clump of dune grass 24 Fleur-de-__ 26 Baa ma 27 One whose work is laughable 28 Heavenly path 29 Gear bit 30 Word with hot or dog 31 Zonk out 32 Tablet with Air, Pro and Mini models 33 Update the look of, as a product 37 Like some bistros 38 1957 Coasters chart-

topper with the refrain "Gonna find her" 40 Opponent 41 Fragrant chain 43 MLB team with Mr.

and Mrs. mascots 44 Duchamp genre 47 __ Tzu 49 Trusted advisor 50 Pesky bug

51 Goes back 53 Rear 54 "Picnic" playwright 55 Forever 58 Placeholder abbr.

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CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMPUTER SERVICES

GLORIA DEI CHURCH Drive Thru Food Collection on Saturday, May 2nd from 10-12 at the Circular drive in front of the church (6608 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach). The food will be delivered to local food banks.

EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around.

Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and nonperishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

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

Commercial & Residential.

Call now for free preinspections 941-778-2882.

Serving the area for 20 years. Dries in hours not days!

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

Call us today! 941-778-3986

EMPLOYMENT THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https:// amisun.com; www. facebook.com/ AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island.

The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website.

Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus.

Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or

by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed.

Quality workmanship.

Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-778-1115 www. kernconstructioninc.com

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-2667500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 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.

HOME MAINTENANCE. Tile and Laminate installation.

Popcorn ceiling removal, Drywall repair, texturing and painting. Call 941-7259876 COASTAL INTERIORS Trim, paint, repairs and more 27yrs experience Local 786-318-8585

HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile.

Bathroom and shower.

Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www. thehardwoodstop.com GREEN INSTALLATIONS VOTED #1 by Yelp for last 3 years! Call 786-318-8585

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941778-4823 or Veronik 941526-7941

APRIL 29, 2020

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LOST & FOUND LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068

MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers!

Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.

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

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

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-7940455 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

POOL SERVICES

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty!

Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941228-6086 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 28 years.

Proven track record brings you results! 941725-1589 MOBILE HOME in 55+ community 1975 Fully furnished, excellent rental history, 1BR/1BA, 50 steps from beach. $72,500. Call 813-6793561

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY May 3. 1pm-4pm. 7920 4th Ave W. Bradenton.

Pine Bay Forest Condo.

Gorgeous 1300 sq.ft.

2BR/2BA Condo.

Completely remodeled.

Beautiful coastal glam style with vinyl plank floors. Recessed lighting.

Brand New Kitchen.

Custom Touches like barn wood slider doors. MOVE RIGHT IN. $225,000 Call 941-7136531

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 WARES CREEK AREA. 3BR/2BA on Wares Creek $1700/mo Available NOW. First, & 1 ½ security deposit. Credit check required. Call 941-8092488 HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX 2BR/1BA 2 blocks to beach. Washer/Dryer hook ups, I Year lease. $1300/ mo First, 1 &1/2 months security deposit. Available May 1. Credit check required. Call 941-8092488 ANNUAL RENTAL BUNGALOW with miniloft. Vaulted ceilings.

Utilities included, Washer/ Dryer. Steps to Beach. Pets considered. $1395/mo.

First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-1096 ANNUAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH 1BR/1BA 2 blocks to beach. Nice back yard. $1,150/mo. No pets.

Contact Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307 for details.

www.amisun.com

APRIL 29, 2020

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

PAINTING

HOME SERVICES TRANSPORTATION

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL 2BR/2BA furnished or unfurnished all updated available now Call 551-427-0248 ANNUAL 2BR/2BA duplex off Cortez, 3.5 mi to beach.

Fenced yard, W/D hook ups, covered parking, non-smoking, pet friendly. $1,100/mo. 941-721-8480 M-F 9-5, or email mehall@ nclaimsadjusters.com ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL Big POOL, Small Complex.

1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Water, Electric, Cable, Wifi included. $1550/mo. No pets. Call 941-704-7525 ANNUAL RENTAL 1BR/1BA spacious duplex. Steps to beach. Ceramic & laminate floors. Small pet considered. Available June 1. $1050 + utilities. Call 941-251-4731

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION Bradenton Beach available NOW 2BR/2BA all updated monthly. Call 551427-0248. 04/01/201/31/2021

ROOMMATE WANTED WANTED ROOMMATE 3BR/2BA condo overlooking water. Near Anna Maria Island. $800/ mo. Non smoker. Call or text Lisa 704-491-6977

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. 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. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

APRIL 29, 2020

the Team Duncan Difference!

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Dee Munn Broker Associate

Katie Self Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate

Martha Jones Sales Associate

April Green Sales Associate

Pat Short Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Joey Hutchinson Sales Associate Sales Associate

✔ Local-Area Expertise ✔ Outstanding Customer Service ✔ Experienced Professionals ✔ Proven Performance

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304