Anna Maria Island Sun April 5, 2017

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VOL 17 No. 25

April 5, 2017

Vacation rental bill takes another step The House bill is now one step away from a final vote.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

Kristin Swain | Sun

City engineer Lynn Burnett and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer take questions from the audience March 29 at the second city bicycle path forum.

Education leads bike path plans

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

HOLMES BEACH — Public education is slated to be a large part of enacting City Engineer Lynn Burnett’s new bike route plan in Holmes Beach.

More than two dozen community members gathered March 29 for the last of two bicycle path forums at Holmes Beach City Hall.

The discussion at the first forum related primarily to the route the bicycle path is planned to take, winding through neighborhoods to make use of already installed sidewalks and keeping cyclists out of the path of much of the Island’s vehicular traffic. The second forum’s discussion focused primarily on safety.

Burnett hosted the forum with

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey SEAN MURPHY OUTDOORS SPORTS REAL ESTATE OBITUARIES

4 6 7 21 26-28 29 36-42 43

TALLAHASSEE – Mike La Rosa’s vacation rental bill, HB 425, is headed for a final committee review before being voted on by House members as a whole.

On Tuesday, March, 28, the Careers and Competition Subcommittee ruled favorably on the bill by a 9-6 margin. Unless a workshop is scheduled to discuss potential amendments, the bill’s last stop will be the 30-member Commerce Committee that includes Rep. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton).

The House bill filed by La Rosa (R-St. Cloud) seeks a return to 2011 law that prevented local governments from adopting new vacation rental regulations. A 2014 amendment returned to local governments the limited ability to regulate vacation rentals.

“I believed local governments would not take advantage of this, but that’s not what’s happened,” La Rosa said.

His bill would require local laws to treat vacation rentals the same as any other residential property, and he painted an incomplete picture of the vacation rental industry when addressing the subcommittee.

“Most of the time they’re a second home that somebody outside of the area owns. They use the property when they come down and vacation. When they’re not here, they rent it out. This gives opportunities for families across our county see bill, page 30

Kristin Swain | Sun

Attendees at the Holmes Beach bicycle path forum ask questions and get a closer look at proposed path routes through residential areas.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer. Burnett said the bike path is being routed through neighborhoods to take advantage of already installed sidewalks which can be

grassy point preserve ready to

reopen. 14

Anna Maria Island, Florida

widened to 8 feet to accommodate a multi-use path. Another consideration is the lack of intensity of see path, page 30

www.myflhouse.gov | Submitted

State Rep. Mike La Rosa is receiving initial legislative support for his vacation rental bill.

the BEACH’N FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL ROLLS IN THIS SATURDAY.

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CORTEZ schooner owner gives up

the ship. 22 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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Suit accuses developer of fraudulent behavior Shawn Kaleta has been named in lawsuit pertaining to the construction of a home at 109 Pine Ave.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun

ANNA MARIA – Developer Shawn Kaleta has been named in a lawsuit that alleges he failed to meet his financial obligations and fraudulently provided the fake signature of his investment partner.

In response to the complaint, Kaleta’s attorney, Louis Najmy, said, “It’s a baseless claim and unfortunately it is being twisted by the other side. In fact, we are preparing a countersuit for monies rightfully owed to Mr. Kaleta that have remained unpaid and in default.”

On March 10, the lawsuit was filed with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Bradenton on behalf of plaintiff Ratnamani Lingamallu, a female physician

from Lakeland.

The lawsuit names Kaleta and Pine View Gulf LLC as defendants.

“This is an action for fraud, Kaleta breach of contract, breach of standard of conduct and contribution for money damages in an amount greater than $15,000,” the complaint states.

According to the complaint, Kaleta and Lingamallu formed the LLC in September 2014 as equal partners for the purpose of purchasing the lot at 109 Pine Ave. and building a house for future rent or sale.

Lingamallu and Kaleta were each supposed to contribute $300,000 for the purchase the property, which Lingamallu did.

“After the agreement to contribute, Kaleta advised plaintiff he was unable to contribute cash and would need to mortgage the property. As equal members and decision-makers

joe hendricks | SUN

This home at 109 Pine Ave. is the subject of a legal dispute between Ratnamani Lingamallu and Shawn Kaleta. of the LLC, plaintiff allowed Kaleta to mortgage the property with the understanding that Kaleta would be solely responsible for all payments toward the mortgage,” the complaint states.

Kaleta executed his mortgage in December 2015. He and Lingamallu were then supposed to contribute an ad-

ditional $450,000 each for the construction of the house by Kaleta’s Beach to Bay Construction company.

The complaint states the plans for the house included high-end finishes and an elevator that was never installed. It also states the square footage was reduced without the Lingamallu’s consent.

“Plaintiff contributed $383,750 for construction of the house. Kaleta has not made a monetary contribution for the construction of the house,” the complaint states.

“On or about May 15, 2015, Kaleta caused a declaration of land restriction to be forged with a fake signature of plaintiff without knowledge of plaintiff,” the complaint states.

The complaint states that Kiri Stewart, a former Kaleta employee or associate, notarized that document.

“On or about April 2, 2016, Kaleta caused a restrictive covenant to be forged with a fake signature of plaintiff without the knowledge of plaintiff. The witnesses, John Schneider and Casey Schneider, and notary, Casey Schneider, are employees of contractor or otherwise associated with Kaleta,” the complaint states.

The restrictive covenant with the city of Anna Maria would see fraud, page 13

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ISLAND NEWS

in brief

Pedestrian hit at four-way stop An unidentified woman was hit by a car at the fourway stop at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue on Wednesday, March 29, around 5:40 p.m.

According to an incident report, the driver of a car turning left from Pine Avenue to Gulf Drive hit the woman and knocked her down. She was transported to the hospital for treatment and released. The driver of the car said he was blinded by the sun and distracted. A witness confirmed the driver’s report.

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APRIL 5, 2017

Soft opening scheduled for Grassy Point Preserve

Holmes Beach city leaders are ready to reopen Grassy Point Preserve to the public after being closed for renovations.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER

Visit Florida agrees to more financial disclosure Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida have signed agreements with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to post the value of contracts on their websites prior to their being signed.

Tourism promoter Visit Florida agreed to disclose contracts of $500,000 or more, while Enterprise Florida agreed to disclose contracts of $1 million or more.

In the wake of the discovery of Visit Florida’s $1 million secret contract with rapper Pitbull for a music video promoting the state, the Florida House of Representatives approved a bill in March to allow the Legislature to reject proposed Visit Florida contracts worth $750,000 or more.

The House has proposed cutting Visit Florida’s budget to $25 million a year from $76 million, and eliminating funding for Enterprise Florida, while the Senate has proposed $76 million for Visit Florida, and $80 million for Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development agency.

Gov. Rick Scott has asked the Legislature for $76 million for Visit Florida and $85 million for Enterprise Florida in the state budget, still in negotiations. Florida’s legislative session ends May 5 unless lawmakers vote to extend the time.

HOLMES BEACH — It’s an event that’s been several months in the making — Grassy Point Preserve is about to reopen to the public.

“This is a real sweetheart of a project,” said Mary Buonagura, city human resources specialist.

Buonagura presented commissioners with a tentative plan for a soft opening of the preserve March 28 during a commission meeting.

With commission input, the soft opening is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Wednesday, April 19, at the preserve’s entrance on the north end of Avenue C. The soft opening is planned as an invitation-only event to thank the people instrumental in creating the park and its new expansion, which includes a boardwalk, extended trail and deck for viewing Anna Maria Sound.

Matthews to stand trial Attorneys in the Eugene Matthews second-degree murder trial agreed last Thursday to go to trial on May 15 for the man who allegedly shot and killed Rebecca Rawson, a woman who had a long history of working on Anna Maria Island.

Matthews, who has been in jail since Matthews the Jan. 10 incident, has petitioned the court to have his bail lowered so he could come home before the trial. Judge Deno Economou delayed a decision on the request at a March 3 hearing where attorneys for both sides argued over possible evidence in the case. That hearing will resume on M ay 19. The court has received a number of letters from Rawson’s friends asking that the judge deny Matthews’ bail request.

Matthews shot into a car occupied by Rawson, after she showed up on his property with family members to retrieve Rawson’s late husband’s dog that had been staying with Matthews’ family. When Rawson asked for the dog, Matthews pick up the animal and took it inside, he reappeared in the doorway with a shotgun and fired three rounds. One of them struck Rawson in the face.

Her family sped away, crashing into a fence.

Kristin Swain | Sun

The new boardwalk at Grassy Point Preserve in Holmes Beach is scheduled to be unveiled to the public April 19 following a soft opening event.

The park will be opened to the public immediately after the soft opening concludes.

“This soft opening is a ‘thank you’ to some very special people,” Buonagura said.

The soft opening is planned to include a ribbon cutting at the new boardwalk, tours of the park and a luncheon for attendees.

Buonagura said city public works employees would have the two new lots purchased on the east side of Avenue C graded and

covered in shell to provide parking for the festivities.

“I’m excited about this,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said.

“We’ll get to thank a lot of people.”

She added that, as the commission’s liaison to the preserve, she would like to hear from community members what features and events they’d like to see at Grassy Point going in the future.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Commissioner Jean Peelen said. “I’m so glad we’re doing this.”

Arrest made in auto theft The teenaged grand theft auto suspect was also arrested on additional charges, including carrying a concealed weapon.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – An arrest has been made in connection with an auto theft that occurred in Anna Maria on Friday, March 24.

According to Sgt. Russell Schnering, from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the second of two stolen vehicles, a Chevy Suburban, has been recovered in Hillsborough County. The first vehicle, an Audi,

was recovered on U.S. 19 in Palmetto the day after the two vehicles went missing.

“An arrest was made in connection with the theft,” Sch- Remaley nering said Monday morning. “Based on that arrest, our detectives are following up with the information.”

According to Schnering, the suspect’s name is Sebastian Remaley, and the 16-year-old was arrested on a felony charge of grand theft auto.

According to a spokesperson with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Remaley was arrested on Wednesday, March 29, and also charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of marijuana

under 20 grams and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The spokesperson said Remaley has a criminal record that dates back to May 2016 and includes burglary, grand theft, grand theft auto, petty theft and possession of burglary tools.

The March 24 incident in Anna Maria involved two stolen vehicles and six other vehicles being burglarized. In addition to the two vehicles, the thieves made off with a loaded .45 caliber handgun, a Vera Bradley wallet containing cash, a restaurant apron containing cash and some loose change.

According to Schnering, the stolen and burglarized vehicles were all left unlocked, and the keys were left in the vehicles stolen.

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APRIL 5, 2017

THE SUN

Food truck fest this Saturday

John Horne honored

A portion of the proceeds from the festival goes to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Anybody who has worked construction or outdoors jobs should be familiar with the food truck that pulls up around lunchtime serving anything from burgers to burritos, hot dogs to chili.

The Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a salute to those trucks on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the Beach’N Food Truck and Music Festival at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., just south of the Coquina Beach Café.

There will be arts and crafts, a lineup of local musical artists, a classic auto show and a fun kids’ zone. Most of all, bring an appetite because the aroma emanating

submitted

The food trucks lined up and served a wide variety of food at last year's event, before the rain came. from the food trucks will have no mercy on a full belly.

Mike Sales will emcee the music for this free daylong event featuring Renegade, Dr. Dave, Whiskey Blind, SoulRcoaster and the Karen & Jimmy Band. There will be a dance area in front of the stage.

The food lineup is too large

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to describe and there will be, of course, refreshments for all ages, so bring your ID. There is plenty of parking at the county’s largest public beach or the Island trolley stops nearby and will run until 10:30 p.m.

For more information call the Chamber at 941-778-1541.

This year the Leadership Manatee Alumni will be presenting John Horne, owner of Anna Maria Oyster Bar, as its Distinguished Alumni of the Year, who will receive the Kent Schulz award.

According to a Leadership Manat- Horne tee press release, this award was first given in 1996. Kent C. Schulz was a Leadership Alumnus who was always involved in the community and never hesitated to lend a hand. He understood the importance of paying it forward.

Helping others was not something he had to think about. Making another's life better one day at a time, one project at a time and loving his family is what he lived for.

He lost his battle with cancer several years ago and as a tribute to his involvement in Manatee County, the Leadership Manatee Alumni Association created an award that is presented each year to a Leadership alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding service in the community and professional achievement.

Horne’s wife, Amanda, was given the award in 2011. Leadership Manatee is a program under the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Foundation that offers leadership training to men and women in the business community.

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OPINIOn

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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APRIL 5, 2017

GUEST COLUMN Downgrading threatens manatees

BY PATRICK M. ROSE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SAVE THE MANATEE CLUB

T

he U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has issued its final rule to downgrade the status of the West Indian manatee from endangered to threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. The rule affects both the Florida and Antillean subspecies and was pursued despite strong scientific and legal evidence that shows the downlisting of manatees is not warranted at this time.

It is important to stress that the FWS’s reclassification decision was not supported by any of the Scientific Peer Reviewers who were asked to formally comment on the proposal that now leaves manatees and their habitat exposed to attacks and could ultimately preclude the species' recovery.

Save the Manatee Club is opposed to this unwarranted and unjustified action. We continue to strive for the full recovery of the manatee population throughout its range and will look forward to celebrating such a time when manatees are no longer in danger of extinction or in need of the vital protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act. This is not the time.

S

adly, we can’t accept a decision to prematurely reclassify manatees that places manatees in even greater peril when neither the science nor the law presently support reclassification. Therefore, it is imperative that we take immediate prudent measures to compel the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to comply with the intent of the Endangered Species Act as written. Ultimately, the very fate and purpose of the Endangered Species Act itself is being placed at risk should this action be allowed to prevail.

Please watch for future updates on this issue and, above all, stay active in the fight to protect manatees and their aquatic habitat.

We greatly appreciate your continued help and support.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Tourism vital to Island As I sit in the rental unit that my mother in law has rented for our Westbrook family, I am reading the local AMI Sun and having my coffee.

I see the articles about the woes of the residents that continue with the surge of renters like us. The substantial construction that goes on like building next door to the unit we are renting, with hammering and sawing beginning at 7 a.m. as vacationers like me were trying to catch up on sleep, effects all around. Past and present, construction noise is the same until a property is complete, annoying while it is happening and nice when it is complete.

As I catch up on my rest after my grandchildren have headed back to Colorado after spending their week here with us, I would like to give the residents a vacationers perspective.

My 84-year-old mother in law plans this family trip every year as she has for over seven years. She brings in her children, grand and great grandchildren from all around. When she became a widow, this beautiful Island helped to pull her out of a deep depression. It was family time that was severely needed that the Island was able to provide. She is from Illinois and her family is spread out in Oklahoma, Colorado, Minnesota and New Jersey.

It is family closeness that doesn't come often. This Island allows her to rent for a month and all the rest of us to rotate in and out as they can find time away from work, school and all that life

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.

demands.

Relaxation and fun that can't be found at home is found here. Thank you for that. We have enjoyed nearly all it has to offer, shopping, dining, parasailing, dolphin watching, fishing, and paddle boarding. Some plan on scheduling some yoga and other adventures before this trip ends. This is great cousin bonding time.

Knowing that residents are near we have always abided by the rules and kept the noise down as much as we can. We make sure to recycle, keep the pool clean and things picked up.

With that said I would like to discuss the lifeblood of this Island: It is the visitors, the ones who cause the traffic congestion and seasonal headaches.

I remember a time in January of 1991 when the Gulf War started, all military was deployed away from Oahu, Hawaii and visitors wouldn't fly for fear of some type of terrorism. With thousands of military gone, families withdrew children from schools, moved back on the mainland and no tourists came, causing lots of businesses to close and so people lost their livelihoods. The islanders that once wanted the tourists and military to leave then realized how vital military money and tourist money was to the local way of life.

I see the same happening on Anna Maria Island. I too, love the quaint feel of the Island that is fading away and dislike the traffic and construction noise, but I am sure homeowners like the increase in property value that the popularity of the Island and construc-

tion brings.

Upon my very first visit I had an intense desire to purchase a cottage here and had found one for $80,000 several years back. My husband wanted to wait until we retired to move here. This same cottage will now fetch $650,000 and up. A home the size we currently live in would be well over a million, therefore pricing us out of the AMI market.

The flow of cash the vacationers spend feeds your economy. One fisherman said his boat is in such demand that he doesn't have to work half the year. That can't be said about my job.

How lucky! Without the tourists lots of people would be out of work. Shops on Pine and elsewhere possibly could not stay open, surely one could say they would not turn a profit.

Lisa Westbrook Moore, Oklahoma

Your thoughts?

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 several ways to doit. Visit our website at www.amisun.com and click on the “contact us” link at the top of the home page. Or, e-mail The Sun directly at news@amisun.com. You can mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, 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. Letters also may be edited for length and content.

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APRIL 5, 2017

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the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think of state efforts to reduce home rule rights for Florida cities?

Anna Maria

1%

42%

<What's home rule?

Good idea. It will help protect property rights for everyone.

10005 Gulf Drive.

4/6: City Commission special meeting, 6 p.m.

4/11: Planning and Zoning Board meeting, 4 p.m.

4/27: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

4/5: CIP meeting, 9:30 a.m.

4/5: CRA meeting, 10 a.m.

4/5: Pier Team meeting, 11 a.m.

4/6: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

4/11: City Commission workshop, 1 p.m.

4/13: Department head meeting, 1 p.m.

4/17: Special master hearing, 9:30 a.m.

4/19: Planning and Zoning Board meeting, 1 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

57%

Terrible idea.

Local elected officials have to have a measure of control over their communities.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Do you think noise has become a significant problem in your neighborhood?

• No. The noise level is about the same as it always has been.

• Yes, the noise has gotten worse over the years and is making us miserable.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive.

4/5: Parks and Beautification Committee meeting, 10 a.m.

4/5: Planning Commission/ City Commission joint meeting, 6 p.m.

4/11: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

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4/13: City Commission work session, 6 p.m.

4/25: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

4/27: City Commission work session, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

Island-wide

4/5: Palma Sola Scenic Highway, Bradenton Beach Scenic WAVES and Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway committees joint meeting, Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization offices, 7632 15th Street East, Sarasota, 1:30 p.m.

4/10: Island Transportation Planning Organization, Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, 2 p.m.

4/19: Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5701 Marina Drive, 2 p.m.

Holiday Schedule

The administrative offices of the cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach will be closed April 14 for Good Friday. The Island Branch Library will be closed April 15. Solid waste, recycling and yard waste collections

by Waste Management and Waste Pro are not affected.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

Wednesday April 5

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Tom Vaught

Layout Ricardo Fonseca Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Susan Otto Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene Cindy Lane

Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Contributors Steve Borggren Monica Simpson Rusty Chinnis

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Einstein’s Circle discussions, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $12. Space limited.

Gulf Coast Writers, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 12:45 p.m.

Thursday April 6

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10

classes, $100.

Knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Zumba for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

8

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mark your calendar From Page 7

St. N., Bradenton Beach, 7 to 9 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase.

Friday

Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 2:30 p.m. Reserve to Amy May at amy.may@ mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923, ext. 6044.

Sunday April 9

April 7

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

Bridge refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Computer class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday April 8

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

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

Gopher tortoise day celebration, Perico

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday April 10

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Tuesday April 11

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday April 12

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Einstein’s Circle discussions, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $12. Space limited.

Coloring club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

Lunch and learn, “Annuities – Everything you need to know,” Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd floor, Longboat Key, noon, $10. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Chess club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m.

Sunset starlight paddle, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, 7:30 p.m.

Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 7.

Thursday April 13

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

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

Zumba for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive,

PY HA P U R H Oy D ay !

Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 7 to 9 p.m.

Refreshments available for purchase.

Friday April 14

Bridge refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday April 15

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

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APRIL 5, 2017

CHANTELLE LEWIN | SUN

New owner Shawn Miller congratulates Travis Keith, the new owner of Back Alley at 108 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach. They closed the sale on March 31. Travis has relocated here with his wife and two daughters from Crystal Lake, Ill. Stop in to say hello.

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APRIL 5, 2017

Noise causes problems for Holmes Beach residents, commissioners Residents request quieter neighborhoods and stricter enforcement of the city’s noise ordinance.

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

HOLMES BEACH — Residents are done being quiet about noise issues in their neighborhoods.

During the March 30 commission work session, residents asked commissioners to reconsider how the city’s noise ordinance is enforced and provide more relief for fulltime residents living near shortterm vacation rentals.

“Neighbors are leaving the Island because of noise issues,” Kim Rash said.

Margie Motzer said she feels part of the disconnect between residents and responding police officers is the use of a decibel meter to determine whether or not someone is in violation of the noise ordinance.

“It doesn’t truly reflect the problems, and it doesn’t solve the is-

sues,” she said.

Motzer also said she feels the city is on a “slippery slope” with residents because continuous loud noises can cause hearing loss, creating a potential health problem.

“Please solve the problem,” she said.

Residents aren’t the only ones voicing concerns.

Commissioners Jean Peelen and Marvin Grossman both said they were concerned about the lack of enforcement by Holmes Beach Police officers during the day when residents call to complain about continuous loud noise from neighboring pool areas.

“I don’t care if it’s kids screaming or elephants screaming,” Peelen said, “we have a decibel limit during the day.”

The city’s noise ordinance sets a maximum daytime decibel at 65 with a 50 limit after 10 p.m.

Code enforcement officer James Thomas said it’s hard for officers to get a good reading during the day due to ambient noises such as traf-

fic, lawn care equipment and other common noises.

“The decibel reading isn’t the right application all the time,” he said.

In addition to using the decibel meter, the ordinance lists seven criteria officers can use to determine if someone is in violation of the noise ordinance. Criteria include the volume, intensity and duration of the noise, proximity to residential sleeping quarters and whether the sound is usual or unusual.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she would rather rely on the seven criteria versus the decibel meter.

“The human brain is a lot better than a machine,” she said.

The ordinance also offers officers discretion whether or not to issue a ticket when someone is found in violation of the ordinance. The first ticket is $75 with fines increasing up to $750 for a fourth violation within a 365 day period.

Peelen suggested officers use the decibel meter, then move to the seven criteria, issuing a ticket if the

complaint is found to be a violation.

HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer said one of the issues officers experience with the decibel meter is the way noise is distributed. With elevated homes, he said the noise can project similar to the way it does in an amphitheater, causing officers to get a different meter reading on the ground than if they were in the raised residence.

At residents’ suggestion, commissioners asked Tokajer to instruct officers responding to a noise complaint to ask the complainant’s permission to enter the property and experience the noise in the same way the resident does. They also asked officers to provide more daytime enforcement of the ordinance and create an informational handout for visitors to educate them on the city’s regulations.

Tokajer agreed and committed to providing commissioners with a progress report at an upcoming meeting.

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APRIL 5, 2017

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Observations on rental legislation Anna Maria residents are making their voices

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria resident Ruth Uecker drove to Tallahassee last week to address the Florida House of Representatives’ Careers and Competition Subcommittee.

After returning home, Uecker shared her observations on the efforts taking place locally and statewide to defeat or amend a pair of vacation rental bills that would prevent the Island cities from enforcing vacation rental regulations after June 2011.

Uecker addressed a subcommittee that later ruled the House Bill 425 favorable by a 9-6 margin.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to go to Tallahassee and be a part of and see first-hand the political process that governs us. Our obligation as citizens is to stand up and let our voices be heard, whether it’s in agreement or

not. If we sit back and do nothing, we lose either way,” Uecker said.

There is growing concern among local elected officials, professional lobbyists and citizen activists that the parallel vacation rental bills do not appear to be in danger of being rejected in their entirety. This realization has raised questions as to whether the remaining lobbying efforts should stay focused on defeating the bills or focus instead on getting the bills amended to at least allow for occupancy limits and registration/inspection programs.

“If we lose this fight, we have to deal with the situation as best we can. But, I will tell you this: I would not hesitate for one minute to hold our vacation rental ordinance up as a model for any city in this state. It is fair and equitable across the board for every person or business,” Uecker said.

“If we do lose this time, it does not mean we have to give up the fight entirely. The political landscape changes.

One party may be in a powerful position today and in the next election

FRAUD: Developer accused FROM PAGE 3

have prohibited the property from being used as a short-term vacation rental for five years, in exchange for building permits that were issued while a building moratorium was in effect. But ensuing complications with the paperwork led to delays that resulted in the building moratorium expiring before the restrictive covenant took effect.

The property received a certificate of occupancy in

December and is properly registered with the city for use as a vacation rental.

“The city of Anna Maria and the mortgage holder relied on Kaleta’s fraud,” the complaint states, noting that Lingamallu is seeking monetary damages, attorney fees and court costs. The complaint also alleges the value of the property was diminished, and it requests the dissolution of the LLC, with Lingamallu to be the recipient of the LLC’s assets.

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Anna Maria resident Ruth Uecker shares with subcommittee members her thoughts on the House vacation rental bill. another may achieve the upper hand.

We can speak up; we can demonstrate; we can have our letters published in our newspapers; and we can speak out at our local commission meetings.

These are things we can do and should do. And, those actions can change the landscape of our political processes,” Uecker said.

After this week, the Senate bill will be subject to one more committee review before it reaches the Senate floor for a final vote. The House bill also has one more committee stop.

“I would urge every citizen in our three cities to continue writing those letters, making those calls to the legislators, sending those e-mails and speaking up for what each one of you believes to be the right thing to do,” Uecker said.

She also shared her observations on the professional lobbying efforts taking place in Tallahassee on the city’s behalf.

“Our lobbyist, Chip Case, is a dedicated, experienced, hard-working person who fights tooth and nail every day for us. He’s right there on the front lines.

He’s well-respected and he’s doing everything within his power to help us.”

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy joined Case in Tallahassee recently and Anna Maria resident Amy Tripp made the trip to the state capitol this week to address the Senate’s Community Affairs Committee on Monday.

Breakaway boat On Thursday, March 30, a sailboat broke free from its anchor and struck the protective pilings that protect the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale said the boat is properly registered, which is not always the case, and the police department is trying to track down the owner so the boat can be removed from its temporary dockage alongside the pier. Speciale and Mayor Bill Shearon said the pier was not damaged thanks to the protection provided by the pilings.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

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THE SUN

APRIL 5, 2017

City's legal fees mount The Metz-Kokolis hearing will resume on Monday, April 17.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – John Metz’s challenge of permitting and land use decisions issued by Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert has thus far cost city taxpayers $6,175, according to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson.

When contacted last week, Thompson said that total did not include legal fees associated with the nearly six-hour special master hearing that took place at city hall on March 13, which will continue Monday, April 17, at 9:30 a.m.

Last month, Metz’s attorney, Nelon Kirkland, and witness Rick Bass alleged the city-issued permit for the renovation of a vacation rental at 308 Gulf Dr. S. was based on an inaccurate initial cost appraisal. Metz and Kirkland are also claiming the two-story structure owned by George and Wendy Kokolis should be declared abandoned in terms of being used as a vacation rental because it sat vacant for more than 18 months

joe hendricks | SUN

City Attorney Ricinda Perry, left, cross examines John Metz during a hearing presided over by special master Lisa Gonzalez Moore. while being renovated.

Representing the Kokolis', attorney Robert Lincoln countered by saying the alleged inaccuracy of the appraisal and its relation to FEMA’s 50 percent renovation rules became invalid once the city permit was issued and not challenged in a timely fashion. City Attorney Ricinda Perry made a similar argument regarding Metz’s

original efforts to challenge a permit almost a year after it was issued.

Attorney Lisa Gonzalez Moore is serving as the special master in this case and presiding over the hearings. She will have two weeks to issue her ruling once the testimony concludes.

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APRIL 5, 2017

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THE SUN

Holmes Beach amends waste removal contract The Waste Pro contract now includes non-vegetative storm debris removal.

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

HOLMES BEACH — City leaders and Waste Pro are working together to make sure residents and property owners are covered in the event of a storm.

During a March 30 work session, representatives from Waste Pro and Holmes Beach commissioners met to discuss the terms of the city’s contract with the waste removal service. The intent was to make sure non-vegetative waste removal was included in the contract for after-storm pick up.

It might only be a minor change in wording, but it does require the company to remove trash after a storm, including vegetation, construction materials and other damaged items.

City attorney Patricia Petruff said her only hesitation with the amended contract was the not-to-exceed rates for storm debris collection provided by Waste Pro. The amounts quoted were $14.50 per loose cubic yard for items which could not be compacted and $24 per compacted cubic yard. An additional fee also would be incurred for disposal based on the prevailing rate at the time.

Keith Banasiak, regional vice president of southwest Florida for Waste Pro, reassured Petruff and commissioners the not-to-exceed rates were quoted at an industry standard rate. After a storm he said Waste Pro’s goal would be “to get the city back in working order and move forward,” not to collect a profit.

“We would work to get the best disposal rate possible,” he said. “We’re here to help.”

Representatives from Waste Pro also took the time to answer questions from commissioners about services, particularly the side door and extra bin services offered vacation rental owners and residents at an additional rate.

Commissioner Marvin Grossman was relieved to learn that properties with less trash were not paying for the excess trash created by some rental properties.

“It just seemed somewhat unfair,” he said.

Holmes Beach code enforcement officer James Thomas said code enforcement is working closely with the waste disposal company to identify potentially problematic properties.

“We have a great relationship with Waste Pro,” he said. “We’re working together on ways to improve getting trash off the Island.”

Come on out to the ballgame The Bradenton Marauders host Anna Maria Elementary School Night on Saturday, April 8, as they face the Charlotte Stone Crabs. If you purchase tickets through the school, for $8 per person, attendees will get an infield box ticket, a free Marauders baseball cap and a free souvenir cup and drink. There will be pirates and princesses horse and carriage rides, a face painter, a balloon artist and fireworks after the game. Check with Anna Maria Elementary School for tickets or call 941-708-5525.

APRIL 5, 2017

APRIL 5, 2017

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APRIL 5, 2017

SUBMITTED

One year celebration The ribbon flies as Ali Severson, owner of Aqua Aveda Salon and Spa, at 5311 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, celebrates her grand opening with Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce officers and salon staff Saturday evening. Along with discounted product offers, there was a raffle, tasty snacks, beverages and music.

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Joe Hendricks | Sun

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Huge snook Captain Mac Gregory helps Sandy Solton, of Pennsylvania, display a huge snook she caught while fishing nearby waters with Gregory.

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21

The riddling rack

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

My uncle George was the fountainhead for much of my instruction in the facts of life.

George kept Playboys in his basement in a big wooden crate. Once the cousins found the crate, the stork was history.

George explained the “Wine Facts of Life” to me when we started making wine.

Uncle George had desecrated his suburban front lawn and covered it with horse poop and planted blueberries. It turned out that blueberries love horse poop. George discovered that if we made wine from the blueberries then he would be a vintner, and we were off and running. George began to speak of his vineyard and vintages and fellow vintners.

That blueberries grew on bushes

and not vines was an alternative fact.

George was overjoyed when I asked how wine was made. He loved stuff that was iconoclastic. He showed me some grains of yeast and explained, “It’s called fermentation.

These little yeasties drink the sugar in blueberry juice and pee alcohol until they pass out in the alcohol.

They also pass gas.”

It sounded a lot like one of our Irish birthday parties.

It occurred to George as we were bottling the wine that if he added a little extra yeast and sugar he might get more alcohol. This started what is known as second fermentation.

George had invented blueberry champagne.

The myth of real champagne’s creation is as odd as my Uncle George story.

The credit is accorded to a couple of monks - Dom Perignon, a big tall guy, and Dom Ruinart, his little helper. Dom Perignon was a cellar master in a monastery in Champagne, a province of France. He probably stumbled upon making champagne

by putting wine in a container that had leftover sugar in it. After the good father mastered the basics of bubbles, he tried to keep it a secret, but his little helper took off down the road to the next monastery and started making his own champagne.

The bubbles were on the loose.

The champagne the boys made had stuff floating around in it and looked more like cloudy beer than bright and sparkling champagne. It took a woman to make champagne beautiful – surprise. The neighborhood widow, Mrs Clicquot – in French the veuve Clicquot – radically improved the look of champagne by inventing the riddling rack.

A riddling rack is big board with holes in it. You stick the bottle of champagne sideways in one of the holes. All the junk slides down to the bottom side of the bottle. The bottles are turned and increasingly inverted until the bottle is upside down and the junk is in the neck. Then the neck is frozen, the frozen junk is removed – degorged – and the bottle is recorked and wired shut again.

The widow’s portrait is still on the famous orange label of Veuve Clicquot. She is kind of scary looking.

She spent a lot of time in the basement.

When George invented blueberry champagne, he left out the wiringthe-cork-shut part.

The bottles did not blow all at once. It was spread out over a few days. Most of them blew in basements and sheds, so it wasn’t too bad. One unfortunate bottle exploded in Aunt Mary’s dining room. Mary was the sister who almost became a Sister. She damn near killed Uncle George.

If you are inclined to see a real riddling rack, I bought a couple and used them to make sliding doors at the Doctor’s Office, our new little craft bar.

Sean Murphy is the head coach of the incredibly talented team that runs the Beach Bistro; its little sister, Eat Here; and their new craft cocktail bar, The Doctors Office. Some of his articles can be found on the Bistro’s web-site, www.beachbistro. com

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APRIL 5, 2017

Schooner owner gives up the ship Hope remains that the San Francesco can be salvaged

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Rick Stewart has abandoned his efforts to raise and restore the 66-foot wooden schooner that sits sunken in front of the Seafood Shack restaurant.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Stewart signed over ownership of the San Francesco to the restaurant and marina owned by VanDyk group of companies. The local Seafood Shack management group now hopes to salvage the ship.

Stewart is also resigning as manager of the nearby Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH) Boatworks, effective May 1, and he’s already resigned from the FISH Board. FISH had no direct involvement with the schooner, but Stewart hoped to one day transport the schooner by land to the Boatworks so he could replace the hull.

Repeated sinkings torpedoed those plans, and last week Stewart said he was “throwing in the towel.” He attributed the ship’s lack of historic ties to the village of Cortez and Anna Maria Island as factors that contributed to his fundraising challenges, and he will continue operating his non-profit Cortez Classic Yacht Guild at a new location.

Ship’s history

The San Francesco was built in in Italy 1870 and originally used to transport granite. After falling into disrepair, it was converted into a luxury sailing yacht in the mid1960s. It arrived in Clearwater in 2008 and Stewart bought it in late2014. He had the schooner towed by sea to the Seafood Shack, where he began restoring the deck and interior in hopes of it eventually serving as a living, breathing nautical museum.

The San Francesco sank at its dock in January 2016 when a bilge pump stopped due to a power outage during a heavy rain. The schooner sank again during Tropical Storm Hermine in September 2016. Attempts to raise the ship in November and again in December provided unsuccessful and led to

joe hendricks | SUN

The San Francesco once sailed the seas of Europe. It now rests on bottom of the waterway in front of the Seafood Shack restaurant. the recent transfer of ownership.

The future awaits

On Friday, Seafood Shack’s Chief Operating Officer Jed Lippincott discussed the schooner’s future.

“We are looking at our options … floating the boat and getting it up and out of the water so no more damage can occur. We understand there’s going to be a lot of water damage, but we won’t know until we see what the hull looks like.

Right now, it’s just sitting on its keel. We like the boat, and we’re trying to salvage as much of it as we can. Our goal is not to dismantle it completely,” Lippincott said.

“I’m a big history buff,” he added, citing the village of Cortez’s emphasis on marine history and his own desire to preserve the schooner.

He hopes to have an action plan in place within two weeks.

“With how long it’s been down there, we have to be quick. The worst-case scenario is we would have to dismantle the boat. I truly hope that’s not the case, but there always is that possibil-

www.seafoodshack.com | Submitted

Above, Seafood Shack’s Jed Lippincott is now leading the efforts to salvage the schooner.

Right, former schooner owner Rick Stewart also is resigning as the FISH Boatworks manager.

Joe Hendricks | Sun

ity. We’re partnering with other individuals that are going to be able to help us. The parent company isn’t getting too involved. It’s really the marina and the restaurant that are taking ownership and trying to raise the boat,” he said.

“We tried to give Rick every opportunity we could, but it ultimately

came down to timing and liability, and we had to get some kind of resolution. Rick did an excellent job maintaining the boat. He’s a very smart guy, and he knows a lot about wooden boats. He’d get it floating and something else would happen.

He knew what he was doing, but it just didn’t work out.”

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APRIL 5, 2017

briefS Jetty dredging on agenda The Anna Maria City Commission will hold its first meeting of the month on Thursday, April 6, rather than Thursday,

April 13, due to spring break and the Easter holiday. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. City Attorney Becky Vose will present additional Bert Harris claim settlement offers. Mayor Dan Murphy will present a nomination for Bob Carter to join the Planning and Zoning Board. City Engineer Lynn Burnett will present an agreement for dredging services at the jetty near the Anna Maria City Pier.

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THE SUN

23

fee waived by the City Commission for a $2,400 job that involved repairing and replacing rotted deck boards and wood at the T-end of the Anna Maria City Pier. Mayor Dan Murphy said he could not support fees being waived for money-making operations, and the commission unanimously supported that position.

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APRIL 5, 2017

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APRIL 5, 2017

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

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OUTDOORS

APRIL 5, 2017

You don’t know until you go

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

S

pring is a wonderful time on Gulf coast inshore waters and can be filled with pleasant surprises.

You never know what you might encounter, so it’s a good idea to carry a number of rods, reels, lures, plugs and flies. You’ll still want to go out with a plan of action, but be flexible and able to change plans when the opportunity arises. Kingfish, cobia, Spanish mackerel, little tunny, and triple tail are just a few of the species that inhabit the Gulf in spring.

Most of these require a different approach, and you don’t want to miss an opportunity because you are not prepared.

One day recently that very scenario presented itself. AMI Outfitters owner Steve Traves and I had been on a mission to target cobia that were purported to be swimming the local passes and the beaches over local nearshore reefs. The plan was to check Longboat Pass and then head to New Pass check-

ing crab trap markers and an artificial reef along the way. We had 10-weight fly rods rigged for cobia, but had eight-weight outfits on standby. We checked the markers in Longboat Pass, but despite a favorable tide, didn’t locate any cobia or see signs of any other action. The next stop on our plan was an artificial reef about five miles south of the pass. We decided to run a line of crab trap markers looking for cobia and tripletail on the way.

Once again, the Gulf was seemingly barren, but when we pulled up to the artificial reef, we were excited to find large schools of baitfish hovering over the structure. In addition to the baitfish, the sonar showed a number of large fish suspended over the bottom. Conditions looked perfect as I tied on a popper to investigate. Traves elected to use a Clouser, and we set up a drift and worked our flies over the structure. I’ve fished this reef on a number of occasions under similar conditions and had some spectacular action on large Spanish mackerel. While I haven’t caught a cobia over the reef, I have seen a number of them nearby.

There was only one problem. The fish didn’t have any interest in our flies. Just as we were trying to make up our minds what our next move would be, Traves noticed a cluster of birds diving about a

STEVE TRAVES | SUBMITTED

The lines of a little tunny hint at their incredible speed and power mile off the beach. Thinking it might be a school of Spanish mackerel under the birds, we headed out to investigate. We found some mackerel, but really got excited when a group of little tunnies crashed through the bait. We broke out our eight-weights see REEL TIME, page 27

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27

Fishing stellar on AMI flats Captain Dave White

If I had to choose a word to describe the fishing this past week around Anna Maria Island, it would be phenomenal. We here at Anna Maria Charters have been able to cater to all of the species requests that we've been thrown. The fishing is stellar on the flats as well as offshore. Spring has sprung, and it seems the fish know it.

Inshore, snook, trout, flounder, redfish and Spanish mackerel are going crazy in this warm water. I've had a few slot snook this past week and tons of schoolie sized fish to keep you busy. Big trout are present on the deeper flats and so are the Spanish mackerel.

Offshore, the cobia and kingfish are making their presence known by screaming big reels with big baits. We've been getting mangrove, lane, vermillion and yellowtail snapper around the local limestone ledges. Limits of red grouper are getting caught in the deeper waters on big pinfish, threadfin herring and sardines. Whatever you're in the market for, it's pretty much biting. Check your gear, the weather, and get out there.

Captain Rick Grassett

This is a great month for snook on shallow flats or around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW at night.

Reds and trout will also be more active as the water

captain DAVE WHITE | SUbmitted

Castor Engelbach and Burton Etchison, of Stewart, Ind., show off a perfect sized cobia caught with David White, of Anna Maria Charters. warms and baitfish become more plentiful. You might find Spanish mackerel, blues and pompano in passes or on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Look for Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia and tripletail, in the coastal Gulf this month. Tarpon should also make an appearance in back country areas and in the coastal Gulf later in the month. see captains, page 28

reel time: Surprises abound inshore FROM PAGE 26

again, but despite or best efforts, could not get close to the fish that were up and down faster than we could react.

More than a little frustrated, we decided to

continue with our plan and head to New Pass.

We would look for triple tail and any signs of cobia or little tunny along the way. During the run, we did see several schools of tunny, but they too were up and down and spread out. When we got to New Pass empty handed, we were a bit dispirited, but that changed quickly. Just outside the pass, schools of little tunny were ravaging shoals of glass minnows. Breaking out our eight-weights again, we were pleasantly surprised to find the fish staying on the surface long enough to give us a chance. We ran up to several schools and both had a number of follows, but the fish turned off at the last minute.

On my next cast, I hooked up with a fish that took me close to 300 feet into my backing.

The fish was so strong that thinking it might eventually spool me, we started the motor and gave chase. After retrieving enough backing to spot my fly line, we

stopped the boat to fight the fish again. Incredibly, the little tunny took off on another explosive run before my line went slack. I had screwed the drag down trying to stop the fish, and I expected to find that the leader had parted or the fly had pulled free. I still had a fly but when I inspected it, it had been straightened. Long runs into the backing are a common occurrence with little tunny. Generally they will run off a maximum of 200 feet of backing before turning and racing back towards the boat, but I had never experienced one with the power to take so much backing so fast or straighten a hook.

When we returned to the area, the fish were still on the surface, and we hooked up again on the fourth cast. This time as the fish took off, a big ball of fly line got jammed in the guides, and the line parted.

Another fish gone! The third time was a charm, and I watched as a large tunny chased my Clouser,

inhaling it right at the boat. This time I was able to clear the line and settled into an actionpacked fight. Several long runs and several passes around the boat later, we were able to land photograph and release the little tunny. The long fight had taken us far south of the pass, and when we returned the tide had changed, and the fish had disappeared. We searched for half an hour, but there was no sign that any fish had ever been there, so we decided to head back north before the sea breeze blew up.

On the way back, we saw several schools that were up and gone so fast we didn’t even attempt to chase them. I had hopes that when we got back to Longboat Pass, the big outgoing tide would yield some action, but it wasn’t to be. Still we were happy with the action we did have. Little tunny hadn’t been on the radar when we headed out, but we were ready for them when they did appear.

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APRIL 5, 2017

captains: Watch for tarpon FROM PAGE 27

Tarpon will become more plentiful this month as resident fish make their way out of rivers and creeks and early arriving migratory fish begin to show along beaches, particularly by the end of the month. Water temperature in the Gulf is a key factor, with 80 degrees being an optimum temperature. As the water warms towards that, fish will become more plentiful. Resident fish may be rolling on deep grass flats in some of the same places that you find trout, laid up on edges of shallow grass flats or along sand bars.

Spin anglers might score with a DOA Shrimp, Baitbuster or 4-inch CAL Shad Tail while fly anglers might connect with a black Deceiver or Tarpon Bunny fly. Keep your tarpon tackle, rigged and ready, this time of year so you’re able to take advantage of any opportunity that arises.

Snook season remains open this month, but will close on April 30 (full regulations can be found at www. myfwc.com). Personally, I’ll continue to ask clients to release them, since they are such a magnificent gamefish. They should be staging on flats, around sand and oyster bars, on points of islands and around docks and bridges close to passes in the ICW. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails including the 4-inch CAL Shad, DOA Baitbusters and Airheads or surface walking top water plugs.

Fish the edges of bars and potholes when the tide is low and mangrove shorelines or points of islands when the tide is high. You’ll also find snook around docks and bridges in the ICW. Night snook fishing should be productive with small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow fly, CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms, DOA Shrimp and Tiny TerrorEyz. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action. Docks and bridges in the ICW from Sarasota to the Venice Inlet are usually productive for snook in the spring Reds will spend more time feeding on shallow flats due to more plentiful bait.

Look for them in potholes, the edges of bars and around docks when the tide is low. You’ll find them higher on flats

over shallow grass or around mangrove shorelines when the tide is high. I like CAL jigs with shad tails for reds in shallow water. They are easy to fish in shallow water and are a good way to find reds. My Grassett Flats Minnow is my go to fly for reds. It fishes well in shallow water and its bend back design makes it very weedless.

You may also find big trout in skinny water in many of the same places that you find reds. The same lures, flies and techniques used to find and catch reds will also work for big trout. I like the flats of north Sarasota Bay for reds and big trout in April.

Trout should be plentiful on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails or DOA Deadly Combos. Fly anglers should score with weighted flies on sink tip fly lines. I tie Clousers with Ultra Hair on long shank hooks so that they are durable and will hold up to toothy and rough mouth fish. Deep grass flats with a good tidal flow like the Middleground, Radio Tower and Marina Jack flats are usually good due to their close proximity to passes and good tidal flow.

You might also find blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano or flounder mixed with trout on deep grass flats. The same lures, flies and techniques that you use to find trout on deep grass will work for these species, too. You’ll need to tip your leader with wire or heavy fluorocarbon when blues and mackerel are around. I prefer heavy fluorocarbon and long shank hooks whenever possible, since that usually won’t affect the trout bite.

Blues and mackerel usually don’t feed on the surface in the bay like they do in the open Gulf, but you may see bait showering or boils indicating fast moving fish, feeding just below the surface.

Pompano may skip when you run or drift past them giving their location away. When that happens, circle back upwind and drift the area. Flounder are often found in potholes, on the edges of bars or on mud bottom.

There should be good action in the coastal Gulf this month with Spanish and king mackerel, false albacore (little

captain rick grassett | SUbmitted

Above, Lindsey Lewis caught this nice Spanish mackerel while fishing Sarasota Bay with Captain Rick Grassett, and Mark Nichols, below, shows off the huge redfish he landed.

tunny), cobia and tripletail. Look for Spanish mackerel or albies feeding on the surface. You might find tripletail or cobia around crab trap floats. Your tarpon spin or fly tackle can do double duty for cobia and medium spinning tackle or an 8 or 9-weight fly rod will cover everything else. Artificial reefs or natural areas of hard bottom may hold any of these species. When fishing these areas you will need to get your lure, fly

or bait down in the water column to the level where fish are located.

April is one of my favorite months.

There should be good action in Sarasota Bay on both shallow and deep grass flats, in the coastal Gulf for mackerel, albies, cobia and tripletail and with tarpon by the end of the month. I like early season tarpon, since they are usually aggressive, but there should be lots of other options, too.

tide chart for anna maria city pier-april 5-12 A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

Wed 4/5

10:12a 1.42

2:25a -0.20

7:23p 1.95

1:28p 1.27

7:16-7:50

Thu 4/6

10:30a 1.52

3:23 -0.15

8:49p 1.91

2:57p 1.07

Fri 4/7

10:50a 1.63

4:07a -0.07

9:54p 1.89

4:00p 0.83

Sat 4/8

11:07a 1.72

4:42a 0.05

1-:45p 1.85

4:48p 0.60

Day Date

7:15-7:51 7:14-7:51 7:13-7:52

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Sun 4/9

11:22a 1.82

5:11a 0.20

11:29p 1.78

5:29p 0.40

7:12-7:52

Mon 4/10

11:36a 1.92

5:37a 0.36

Tues 4/11

12:09a 1.70

6:01a 0.51

11:51a 2.02

6:44p 0.10

Wed 4/12

12:50a 2.11

6:25a 0.65

12:11p 2.11

7:21p 0.00

6:07p 0.23

7:11-7:52 7:10-7:53 7:09-7:54

SPORTS

APRIL 5, 2017

THE SUN

29

Truly Nolen closes the season as champs

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO SUN

After delays due to weather and school performance conflicts, the championship game in the eight- to 10-year-old youth flag football league was finally played on Monday, March 27. Struggling to make it happen on the gridiron, Team Lancaster Design Group lost in the final game of the season against Team Truly Nolen.

Finishing the season with successes and growth, both team coaches proudly stood with their teams as the players recited The Center’s Youth Sports Core Promises. Coach Gary Harlan guided Team Lancaster Design Group through 40 minutes of regulation play, encouraging players through each snap of the football.

Coach Rick Hurst showed sportsmanship as his team had a seemingly easy time of it on the field. With powerhouses Dante Tillelli and Aiden Templeton on the bench for most of the last minutes of the game, Hurst made sure all of his players had playing time in the game of the season.

With Finley Duncan behind the center as the quarterback for most of the game, Truly Nolen showed its diversity on the field. Duncan’s first receiver was Tori Hurst, the coach’s daughter.

An unfortunate miscalculation landed the football in the hands of Payton Harlan, giving him an interception near the opponent’s half of the field.

Lancaster Design Group started its offensive possession in the pass only zone of the field with quarterback Andrew Hyman ready to move the football. In three plays, Hyman led the team toward the end zone with a catch by Kieran Cloutier, Caleb Kinkle and a final catch of the ball just outside of the end zone by Layla Yavalar.

Ending their hold on the ball without a score, Truly Nolen showed skill and energy on the field with a nice run after the short catch by Tillelli, stopped only by the flag pull of Cloutier. Jackson Kruse took over the helm for a play with a nice reception by Templeton for the first score of the championship game. Unable to execute the point after, the score remained at 6-0.

The first snap of the next series for Lancaster Design found Kinkle the go to guy, running the ball to near midfield. After pass attempts, Hy-

monica simpson | SUN

Truly Nolen took the 8- to 10-year-old league championship last Monday night against Lancaster Design to close out the flag football season at The Center. man found Ava Harlan, who carried the ball to within three yards from the first down. Templeton showed his defensive moves by batting down Hyman’s pass on third down.

Taking over the ball on downs, Truly Nolen made one play work for it. With the ball in hand, Tillelli went the distance with Hyman chasing him into the end zone, adding six more points to the scoreboard. The strong Lancaster Design defense once again stopped the point after attempt.

Hyman attempted a bait and hook play using Yavalar as the bait, hoping to draw the defenders to her, but Tillelli did an excellent job reading the play and quickly pulled Hyman’s flag ending the play.

Regrouping the huddle, Hyman decided to go to P. Harlan, one of his consistent play makers. Harlan took the ball behind the line of scrimmage giving him the option to run or pass.

Keeping the ball, he took his team seven yards short of the first down line with the flag pull by Duncan.

One minute was left in the first half of the game as Harlan again ran the ball, gaining a much needed first down. Coach Harlan called the first of two timeouts in the half.

Running the ball, Harlan gained short yardage. As the clock ran down, Kinkle got the call as his team faked the double reverse. Unable to get out of bounds to stop the game

clock, seconds ticked off until finally the second and final timeout was called with only six seconds left on the clock. A Hail Mary pass was thrown with fingers crossed, but no catch to end the first half of play.

With only 20 minutes left in the game before naming a champion, Team Lancaster Design Group started with the football in hand. Hyman looking for the open man hit A. Harlan in the forehead. The ball bounced off her with a thud, as she laughed it off right into the huddle.

Showing they are still kids who play at The Center to have fun, sidelined teammates were witnessed playing with water bottles, spraying each other for amusment. Others were on cheering and chanting rooting on their teams with enthusiasm.

P. Harlan took the ball to the 23yard line with Templeton finally making the stop. On third down, with the fake handoff, Hyman’s throw went off the hands of P. Harlan for the incomplete pass, giving Truly Nolen its first offensive possession of the second half.

Always showing field presence and calm, Duncan threw an accurate pass to Alex Cox, who took the football with the run after the catch for Truly Nolen, but was called for flag guarding, putting the ball back on the five-yard line. On second down, Tillelli caught the lateral pass behind

the line of scrimmage. After a quick delay, Tillelli eluded the flag pull of Yavalar at the sideline managing to stay in bounds.

Tillelli’s natural athletic ability shined all season and in the championship game as he raced the defense down the field to score the third touchdown of the game. Truly Nolen’s inability to get the ball into the end zone on the extra point attempts kept the score at 18-0.

Team Lancaster Design took over the ball hoping to put something together with more than 10 minutes left on the game clock. On second down, P. Harlan took the snap only to be immediately stopped by the quick play by Tillelli.

Again with the snap to P. Harlan on third down, the ball was handed off to Hyman, who ran the ball for good yardage as he was being pursued by Templeton, to make the stop before the first down mark on the field.

Mixing it up on the field, Truly Nolen looked to Hurst as its designated receiver. With a catch and rushing yards, A. Harlan and Cloutier made critical stops for the Lancaster Design squad.

With Tillelli on the bench, as Truly Nolen went on defense, Kinkle was the intended receiver down field.

Kinkle could not hold on to the Hyman pass, taking it to second down.

P. Harlan took the snap for the next two downs hoping generate momentum on the field for his team. Unfortunately, the first pass to Hyman was short and third down play did not get it the yardage needed, giving the ball back to Truly Nolen with five minutes left to play.

Templeton took the ball for a fiveyard gain with a Cloutier flag pull.

P. Harlan made the next defensive stop for Lancaster Design, stopping Templeton again.

Bringing the championship game to an end, Kruse threw the ball to Templeton for a first down, with Kyle Samuels and Tristan Duncan combined their efforts on offense with three nice catches and runs nearly getting their team another score before time ran off the game clock with the final score of 18-0 nd Team Truly Nolen as the victor.

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bill: Closer to a vote FROM PAGE 1

and across the globe to come in and visit some of Florida’s greatest assets,” he claimed.

He failed to note that many vacation rentals are owned by local, regional, national and international investors and operated solely for commercial purposes.

“The average vacation home is owned by an individual, by a family. They don’t exactly have the money to start lawsuits when their values have been diminished by local government,” he said, when addressing Bert Harris claims filed by vacation rental owners.

Withdrawn amendments

Halsey Beshears (R-Monticello) and Randy Fine (R-Palm Bay) filed potential amendments to the bill, but then withdrew them from consideration.

Beshears’ amendment called for all short-term vacation rentals to display their statueissued certification, with daily fines for owners who fail to register their properties with the state, including those who use Airbnb and HomeAway to advertise their rentals. His amendment also proposed daily fines for advertising unregistered rentals.

“This leads to a bigger picture

APRIL 5, 2017

path: Education If you buy home and choose to rent it over and over again you’re no longer a residential property.

You’re now a hotel.”

Randy Fine State representative

and perhaps a bigger argument.

I think that we will perhaps workshop this another day,” he said.

La Rosa agreed that local governments should know which properties are vacation rentals, and he suggested the state provide that information to cities.

Fine’s amendment called for short-term rentals to be classified as commercial properties, which would subject them to local zoning restrictions – like the comprehensive plans in Anna Mara and Bradenton Beach that prohibit commercial activities in residential zones.

“If you buy home and choose to rent it over and over again you’re no longer a residential property. You’re now a hotel,” Fine said.

Anna Maria Island Mayor Dan Murphy recently cited Rep. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) as an ally

in the efforts to retain occupancy limits and local registration programs, but Gruters did not speak during the subcommittee discussion and he voted favorably on the bill presented.

Local input

When addressing the subcommittee, Anna Maria resident Ruth Uecker said, “I oppose 425. We are not opposed to vacation rentals and we do not stifle tourism. We do not want to over-regulate usage or interfere with property rights, but we do want to retain the tools we have to solve local problems. One of those major tools is our ordinance, which is a very good ordinance. Please don’t take away the means by which we are able to maintain our community’s integrity. Our local ordinance is working well, why alter it?”

FROM PAGE 1

vehicular traffic on side streets which can be made into sharrow roads where no bicycle or multi-use facilities exist.

Burnett estimates the project to cost $1.39 million and be fully implemented within the next five years. Funds for the local road portions of the project are planned to be budgeted by city commissioners while Burnett is still seeking options for the state road portions and road segments available for federal assistance funds.

Cyclist Rick Lewis said while he fully supports the installation of new bicycle path facilities in the city, he feels cyclists, pedestrians and motorists all need to be educated about how to properly use the paths and share the road.

“When I’m on my bicycle, motorists have to give me at least three feet, even if I’m in the bike lane,” he said. “It’s the law, and I don’t feel like a lot of people know that.”

Resident Jerry Morgan, who lives on 43rd Street, said he would be willing to have his street, located near the Manatee Public Beach, turned into a bicycle and pedestrians only street to help keep cyclists safer.

Nancy Deal asked what would keep motorists from speeding through side streets in an effort to escape the traffic on main roads.

“It’s all education through enforcement,” Tokajer said, adding the police also would be strictly enforcing laws concerning crosswalks and bicycle lanes to help keep pedestrians and cyclists safer.

The next steps for the project are Burnett creating a finalized plan to present to commissioners for approval before improvements can begin. The first segment of construction will be signage, sharrow lane striping and the installation of flashing beacons for major crosswalks.

Information on the project is available on the city’s website, www.holmesbeachfl.org, along with a section for community member comments, which will be considered by commissioners before a final decision is reached.

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THE SUN

31

Traffic circles planned for Holmes Beach City commissioners approved an application for FDOT funding to install three traffic circles in Holmes Beach.

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

HOLMES BEACH — City commissioners are getting behind a nearly $7.1 million project to install three roundabouts in Holmes Beach and begin the long-planned SunTrail.

City Engineer Lynn Burnett appeared before commissioners March 28 to request permission to submit a project priority application with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) requesting funding for the project,

which she hopes could begin as early as 2018.

The project is the removal of traffic lights at Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive, Gulf and Marina drives and Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive, installing traffic circles in their place.

Burnett said the traffic circles could help encourage a continuous flow of traffic through the three busy intersections, assisting in easing some of the congestion entering and exiting the Island across the Anna Maria Island Bridge. If implemented, Burnett also said the traffic circles would provide safer crossings for bicyclists and pedestrians at busy intersections.

“The problem with traffic circles is lack of education and proper signage,” Burnett said. Part of her plan for the in-

stallation of the traffic circles is public education and ample signage leading up to the circles to tell motorists where to go to reach their destinations.

“By the time motorists reach the traffic circle, it should be second nature to move through it safely,” she said.

Once the project gets underway, a secondary plan to install multi-modal complete streets along major Island corridors is slated for construction.

The complete streets, collectively referred to as the AMI SunTrail, would provide bicycle paths, widened sidewalks and separate vehicular lanes along Gulf, Marina and East Bay drives, connecting to multi-modal paths to the south in Bradenton Beach and to existing facilities to the north in Anna Maria.

The combined project is in the design phase and will have an as of yet unscheduled public participation workshop conducted by FDOT. Burnett said the project will be evaluated by the state agency for funding and to see if the traffic circles are warranted in the proposed locations.

Mayor Bob Johnson said the project is a response to the Island’s traffic and bicycle safety concerns. With FDOT instituting a statewide push to convert some intersections to traffic circles and build complete streets, he’s hopeful the project will receive funding.

“It will take some years for it to all come into existence,” he said.

Burnett estimates the project will tentatively take 15 years to complete.

“It’s a long road,” she said.

Whitmore refutes ethics allegations The potential merits of the allegations have not yet been investigated.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore is named in an ethics complaint filed by Bradenton resident Agatha Mantanes, but she denies any wrong-doing.

The complaint Mantanes submitted to the Florida Commission on Ethics on March 24 alleges Whitmore engaged in a conflict of interest when she voted on a land development matter presented by her son-in-law, attorney Scott Ru-

dacille.

The complaint alleges this took place at the County Commission’s March 2 land use meeting when she voted in support of a large apartment complex development just Whitmore west of I-75.

Mantanes alleged Rudacille’s title of principal with the Blalock Walters law firm differs from the title he held at his previous firm; and she claimed his new position provides him with a financial share in the firm. She’s alleging Whitmore voted without disclosing that information.

“When my son-in-law was engaged to

my daughter, I had the county attorney see if there was any conflict at that time, and they said no,” Whitmore said.

“At the meeting they’re talking about, our attorney stated Rudacille there were two commissioners that she needed to state they had no conflict. One was me and the other was Charles Smith, because his family owns property next to the one we were discussing. We were told by our attorney that both of us had to vote because there was no conflict,” she added.

“I didn’t know he was their attorney

There is no merit to the complaint."

Scott Rudacille Attorney until he walked in. He’s not allowed to tell me in advance, and I have voted against Scott before. Scott has stated that his position has not changed since

SEE COMPLAINT, PAGE 35

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TOWN CRIER

Auto talk at Rotary Club Boast Volkswagen Sales Manager Mike Shaughnessy will be the guest speaker at the Tuesday, April 11, meeting of the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, at noon. For more information contact Beth Shaughnessy at 813-299-9955.

Writers group to meet The Gulf Coast Writers will meet at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, April 5, from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. Members are urged to bring an original story to pass around. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Stellar by starlight

Bring your needles The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts the Knit and Crochet Club on Thursday, April 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring a project and enjoy yourself. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Seniors explore LECOM Senior Adventures tours LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine), in Lakewood Ranch, on Friday, April 7, with a lunch at The Granary afterward. The bus picks up at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach. For more information, call Peg Miller at 941-447-5076.

Forty Carrots of fun The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts Forty Carrots, a parenting program, on Friday, April 7, at 10 a.m. In this program, kids from mobile babies to five years old and their parents experience new activities, join in circle time fun, spend time with other families and get valuable parenting information.

The program is free and tickets are available at the library desk. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Back to basics Learn the basics of computers at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marine Drive, Holmes Beach on Friday, April 7, at 2 p.m. A computer expert will answer questions. Learn more about this class by calling 941-778-6341.

Check out your health You could be alerted to possible stroke or other health problems by taking Prevention Plus Stroke and Vascular Screening offered on Friday, April 7, at The Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria. The screenings are being offered at reduced prices.

They include stroke/carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179. Blood tests,liver,

APRIL 5, 2017

Arts, crafts, blood and music

A two-day outdoor Arts and Crafts Show to benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra is being held at the Holmes Beach City Hall field, 5801 Marina Drive on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Patchouli performs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is the last chance to see this dynamic couple from Minnesota perform on Anna Maria Island this season. Their CDs are very popular with music lovers. Shop for jewelry, glass, art, photography, wood products, leather goods, metal art, apparel, food, crafts and more.

The Bloodmobile will accept blood donations on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free and the trolley stops at that location.

Contact Andy at 352-344-0657 or www.tnteventsinc.com for more information. cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests are also available. To register, call 888-6677587.

Origami class meets The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts origami with Judy Pruitt on Saturday, April 8, sponsored by the Friends of the Island Library. Learn this ancient Japanese art of folding paper. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Native plant sale The Florida Native Plant Society and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will hold its Fourth Annual Spring Fling & Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 8, is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sweet Bay Nursery located at 10824 Erie Road in Parrish.

Plants to be included in the sale include a large selection of native trees, shrubs, grasses and blooming wildflowers for use in any garden. There will also be FloriMulch® for sale. This is made from the exotic, invasive melaleuca tree and is an excellent garden mulch alternative to non-sustainable cypress.

As a special incentive, Florida Native Plant Society members get 15 percent off all plants. You can join FNPS at the sale event and you will receive 15 percent off your plant purchase. The sale and is open to the public. Free parking is available.

There also will be information available from local nature groups including Manatee Audubon, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Tampa BayWatch, Mana-

tee County Extension Service, Around the Bend Nature Tours and more. Local honey will be for sale and Ray’s Vegan Soul will provide breakfast and lunch treats for purchase. For more information, call 941-776-0510 or visit www.

SweetbayNursery.com.

Cortez picnic set The annual Cortez picnic will be held on Saturday, April 8, at noon at the public pier. There will be fish and setups for this potluck lunch. Cortezians old and new are welcome.

Behold the gopher tortoise The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is celebrating Gopher Tortoise Day on Saturday, April 8, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W. Visit Manatee County’s newly established gopher tortoise habitat and learn about the county’s reintroduction program and other efforts to protect these incredible creatures.

This program suitable for all adults.

Reservations are required by e-mailing amy.may@mymanatee.org or calling 941-742-5923, ext. 6044 .

Story time at the library Trudy Hill, the children’s librarian, reads stories on Tuesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. Kids between toddler and five years of age are welcome with their parents at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Check out the wildlife on Wednesday, April 12, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. from a kayak or canoe at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., via a guided sunset and starlight nature paddle. Come out and enjoy the salt marshes of Robinson Preserve with WayneAdventures.

Take advantage of low tide to watch the sunset from the sandbars of the Manatee River. Bring a camera for great shots of egrets, herons and roseate spoonbills. This is an easy paddle that can be enjoyed by beginning kayaker.

Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear including a light. All participants must wear a life jacket. Reservations are required by calling 941-742-5757, ext. 7.

Songs of the sea Charlie Caniff speaks about sea shanties, what makes a shanty a shanty, who the shantymen were and some of the songs that they sang on Wednesday, April 12, at 3 p.m. at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., in Cortez. Along with the guided discussion, the audience will have the opportunity to be lead in singing a few shanties. Participation not required.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Seating is first-come, firstserved basis, beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Florida Maritime Museum members can reserve seats at 941-708-6120.

Scrap booking class The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, presents a lesson in how to make sure your scrapbook last for generations led

by Krystin Miner, museum curator, on Thursday, April 13, from 10 to 11a.m.

Scrap booking is a wonderful way to preserve your personal or family memories.

This hour-long class will teach you how to protect them with some simple techniques including how to choose the right materials, which glue to use and storage techniques.

There is a suggested donation of $20 for the class. Register by Thursday, April 12, by calling 941-708-6120 or visiting The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum. Bring a pencil and notebook to the class.

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Google Maps

The city commission rejected proposed Bert Harris settlement offers for two properties at 116 Pepper Tree Lane.

Bert Harris offers produce varied responses Four settlement offers were denied because the property owners did not fully meet the criteria for filing a valid claim.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The latest group of Bert Harris settlements discussed by the Anna Maria Commission is a mixed bag of approvals, denials and postponements.

On March 23, City Attorney Becky Vose presented the commission with 14 claims for consideration.

The commission unanimously supported Vose’s recommendation to deny two claims associated with two lots at 116 Peppertree Lane because the property was purchased after the city’s vacation rental ordinance was adopted. According to state records, attorney Louis Najmy is the affiliated LLC’s registered agent.

The commission also supported Vose’s recommendation to deny claims filed on behalf of Metro Butner and Suzanne Britt for properties they share ownership in at 201 Elm Ave. and 10107 Gulf Dr. Vose recommended the claims be denied because they were not accompanied by a mandatory property appraisal filed in a timely manner.

Commissioner Carol Carter asked the commission to postpone their decisions on claims associated with three other properties.

Carter said she had questions and concerns about the claims filed for two vacant lots located at 404 Spring Ave. that are owned by Luann Marshall and Linda Cedolin. The recommended settlement offer is for a maximum of

14 occupants if six-bedroom structures are built on each of the two vacant lots.

Mayor Dan Murphy agreed that more time was needed to address the Spring Avenue properties because they blend in with a capital plan discussion about the city purchasing property to maintain additional green space.

Carter also voiced concerns about the property at 428 Magnolia Ave. owned by Island Savvy Ventures LLC, which is registered to real estate agent Charles Buky. Unlike the other occupancy-related claims the city received, Buky’s claim cited land area ratio restrictions in addition to a requested occupancy limit of 16 guests. The city’s counteroffer calls for 10 guests.

“We have plenty of time on them.

They’re scheduled deadline would be in June,” Carter said.

“I don’t have any problem withdrawing those recommendations,” Vose said.

The commission unanimously supported Carter’s request for the temporary withdrawals.

The commission then voted 4-1 to approve the settlement offers for the remaining claims associated with properties at 62 North Shore Drive, 113 Maple Ave., 414 Pine Ave., 801 North Shore Drive, 703 North Bay Blvd., 797 North Shore Drive and 103 Park Ave. If accepted by the property owners, the approved settlement offers would allow for 10, 12 or 14 shortterm rental guests in existing or yet to be built residential structures.

Participating by phone, Commissioner Nancy Yetter voted against the settlement offers, as she has done with most of the offers previously presented.

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TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Polite students Mrs. Lashwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first-grade class celebrated Board Games and Pajamas Day Thursday, March 30, at Anna Maria Elementary School. The students earned the right for this event by being considerate of others and walking quietly in the hallways.

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COMPLAINT: Refuted FROM PAGE 31

they were engagd and he went before the Ethics Commission, so he knows what the rules are.”

“There’s no merit to the complaint,” Rudacille said.

“The firm I’m at now uses the term principal, whereas the firm I was at before uses the term shareholder. There’s no difference in the position I have now.

I don’t have any equity or interest in the firm. I’m not on the board of directors, and I don’t have a management function or control over the firm. I’m a salaried employee with no ownership interest whatsoever,” he said.

“We don’t do contingency work in front of the County Commission. We are getting paid the same regardless of whether the project is approved or denied,” he added.

Whitmore questioned whether the

complaint was filed due to past differences of opinion she and Mantanes – an animal activist – had regarding the county’s efforts to become a no-kill community for shelter animals.

Due process

The complaint notification letter Whitmore received states, “This transmittal is a routine administrative requirement which should not be construed as an approval, disapproval or judgement of the complaint.”

The Ethics Commission will first determine whether the allegations are legally sufficient regarding their jurisdiction. If not, the complaint will be dismissed. If the complaint is legally sufficient, a preliminary investigation will be conducted.

If staff believes there is probable cause that an ethics law was violated, the allegations will be further investigated and the accused can request a hearing.

lunch dinner take-out 5346 gulf drive, holmes beach 941.778.5788

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REAL ESTATE

APRIL 5, 2017

Real estate trickle down

D

id you know that the trickle-down effect is an actual theory? I always thought it was invented by a creative public relations guy for a non-creative politician. No one person is given credit for the term. It just evolved starting in the mid 1800s, and what it essentially means is that the money the wealthy spend on goods and services influences all social levels below them in a vertical fashion. All real estate values, of course, are also influenced by what goes on in the upper level marketplace, and so far, the marketplace is looking positive.

In spite of increased mortgage rates, Americans are buying homes at the fastest pace since 2007. During the month of January, per the National Associations of Realtors, home sales rose 3.3 percent over the end of 2016 numbers. Job gains, pay raises and a higher level of consumer confidence are given credit for the upswing, as well as anticipation of home prices continuing to increase.

Certain markets around the country are experiencing bidding wars and homes flying off

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger the market at an amazingly fast pace, leaving very little inventory. Not all of this is good for a healthy market, and, hopefully, there will be a much needed adjustment in these overheated markets.

However, one of the benefits of all of this growth is the money new homeowners spend when purchasing a home. New homeowners purchase furniture, appliances and spend more on landscaping and, particularly in Florida, more on pools and outdoor entertaining areas, growing the economy across the board.

In addition, home purchases spur renovations and updates to older properties generating construction jobs, as well as the cabinets, lighting fixtures, countertops and supplies needed

to make these improvements.

In Manatee County the trickle down is in full swing with January and February statistics all in the positive range. The following numbers are from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee counties and generally reflects all multiple listing real estate transactions.

Single-family homes in January of this year had a median sale price (half above and half below) of $279,000, 1.3 percent higher than January of last year, and an average sale price of $359,590, 8.4 percent higher than last year.

The condo median sale price for January of this year was $175,000, 3 percent higher than last year, and the average condo sale price was $203,160 this January, 3.3 percent higher than last year.

The month of February this year was also very good, with a single family median sale price of $289,752, 13.6 percent higher than February of last year, and an average February sale price this year of $353,244, 7.9 percent higher than February of last year. The condo

median sale price in February was $174,500, 5.8 percent higher than February of last year, and the average sale price was $202,810, 3.4 percent higher than last February.

These are great numbers, and we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even see the March, April and May sales figures, which are always the biggest sales months in our area. However, the down the road potential problem continues to be a lack of inventory. Across the board in both January and February, the average months supply of inventory of single family and condos is stubbornly sitting just over four months below what is considered normal.

You could have a very long conversation about the benefits of trickle-down economics and whether or not it benefits the country as a whole. But when it comes to real estate, the trickle is real and almost audible around Anna Maria. Drip thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another new restaurant; drip there goes the pool company; drip another furniture delivery and drip drip drip drip flooding your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equity.

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WMFR commissioner announces state office run WMFR Commissioner Randy Cooper is ready to step in the state legislative spotlight in 2018 as the House District 71 representative.

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

West Manatee Fire Rescue District Commissioner Randy Cooper is ready to step into a larger political arena.

Cooper is seeking community support in his bid for the state House of Representatives District 71 seat. He announced his intent March 30 to run

for the seat in 2018.

District 71 stretches from western Manatee County to northwest Sarasota County and includes both Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.

Cooper “My goal is to give my community an unwavering voice in Tallahassee,” Cooper said in a March 30 press release. “I am a fiscal conservative and political moderate who will always put the interests of community and local businesses above politics.”

Cooper is a registered Democrat who has served since 2008 as a fire commis-

sioner. He was re-elected to the post in 2016. His current term expires in 2020.

Cooper said he is committed to the fire district and would like to continue serving as a commissioner as long as his campaign for the House seat doesn’t interfere. He expects to resign from the fire commission in June 2018 to fully commit himself to the run for the state seat.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of years,” Cooper said. “Like many people, I am frustrated that politicians are listening to special interests and not their constituents, especially with issues like the vacation rental ordinances and Anna Maria Island.”

Cooper has deep personal ties to the southwest Florida area, having served in the Florida National Guard for 11 years and as a volunteer firefighter in Hillsborough County. He relocated to Bradenton in 2003 and married his wife, Alba, in 2007 on Anna Maria Island.

Now that his candidacy has officially been announced, Cooper is taking the next steps, primarily beginning his quest to gain the 1,101 voter signatures required for candidate qualification.

To contact Cooper, or for more information on his campaign, visit www.

Coop4FLHouse71.com. Residents of District 71 also can view and sign his candidate’s petition on the website.

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APRIL 5, 2017

Joe Hendricks | sun

Under the bridge This trio of visiting young ladies found a cool, shady place in knee-deep water underneath the humpback bridge on North Bay Boulevard last Wednesday afternoon.

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Florida Gopher Tortoise Day is all about community awareness Florida Gopher Tortoise Day is being celebrated on April 10, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encouraging communities, organizations and individuals to help conserve this threatened species.

This year, seven counties – Alachua, Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Indian River and Sarasota - and the cities of Cape Coral, Flagler Beach, Melbourne, North Port and Venice are adopting Florida Gopher Tortoise Day resolutions. But anyone can get involved in helping Florida’s gopher tortoises.

Locally, there remains a thriving gopher tortoise population on Egmont Key despite a wildfire last year that killed a number of them.

Looking for ways to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day and conserve the tortoise? Go to GopherTortoiseDayFL.com for information and activities for April 10 and all year long.

During April and May, you may spot one of these gentle, slow-moving reptiles, which become more active in spring. They exit their deep burrows in search of a meal of spring greenery and often to look for a mate. Look for tortoises and their half-moon shaped burrow entrances in yards, neighborhoods, along roadways and on many of the state’s private and public lands.

“If you’re a fan of the gopher tortoise, help us spread the word on conserving this threatened species, whose burrows are home to hundreds of animals, including the eastern indigo snake, gopher frog and Florida mouse,” said Deborah Burr, who heads the FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Management Program.

“If you see a gopher tortoise crossing a road, pick it up and place it on the roadside in the direction it was heading, but only if it is

file photo

During April and May, you may spot one of these gentle, slow moving reptiles, which become more active in the spring. safe for you to do so,” Burr said. “Remember, the gopher tortoise is a land animal, so never put it into water. And don’t forget it is illegal to harm a gopher tortoise, its eggs or its burrow.”

You also can help by using the Florida Gopher Tortoise app to report gopher tortoise

sightings and learn about the species.

Gopher tortoises are found in all 67 Florida counties, but need plenty of sandy, sunny habitats with an open tree canopy to thrive and survive.

The FWC’s Wildlife Management Area system, which is celebrating its 75th an-

niversary this year, provides habitat for gopher tortoises.

Local governments and private landowners, including farmers, foresters and ranchers, also work with the FWC to help conserve and restore gopher tortoise habitat.

On the Gopher Tortoise Day website, you can access many resources, including a resolution template for your community to adopt Gopher Tortoise Day, a guide to living with gopher tortoises, gopher tortoises and road safety and ideas for kids’ activities, such as build a burrow instructions and the Gopher Tortoise Field Trip Guide.

More information on gopher tortoises is available at MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise. Go to MyFWC.com/ WMA75 to find a wildlife management area near you and learn how you can participate in WMA anniversary events across the state.

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APRIL 5, 2017

Weatherman says be prepared Mike Clay told a crowd at the Island Branch Library that the area’s two biggest weather perils are hurricanes and lightning.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER

Bay News 9 Weatherman Mike Clay spoke at the Friends of the Island Library’s Travel and Lecture Series recently about broadcasting the weather at the Tampa Bay area’s all-news television station.

Clay got his start at a radio station in Waco, Texas.

He made the jump to television at a cable station in Seattle, Wash., and in 1997, his boss there got a job at Bay News 9 and convinced Clay to come with him. He and Alan Winfield were the first two meteorologists there. He said Winfield has since retired, although he fills in as needed.

“We have had the same staff since 2000,” he said, noting the days of newscasters changing jobs to move to a bigger market are a thing of the past.

Clay said he loves living in this area of the nation, although we are at the mercy of two weather phenomena – hurricanes and lightning.

“We have had extremely quiet hurricane seasons for the past decade,” he said, “but conditions change, and we will have heavier storm activity in the future.”

He stressed the importance of getting out of the way of storms, saying the most dangerous part of a hurricane is storm surge, not wind.

“You run from water and hide from wind,” he said.

“When you live here, you need a plan for yourself and your family.”

He said Manatee County residents are fortunate because higher land isn’t far from the Island, and the county’s emergency management staff has done a lot of work and knows what it is doing.

Clay said social media is a problem during storms because people who don’t know what’s happening are speculating, and others online think that what

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Mike Clay talked about weather during his discussion at the Island Branch Library. they say is true. He said people should only trust the experts and get their news from reputable outlets.

He said while weather observation gets better, they are still limited in being able to forecast what the weather will do, especially a tropical storm or hurricane.

As for lighting, he said when you see lightning or hear thunder, get indoors. Don’t think you are safe in a covered patio. He said most people who get hit by lightning get hit as the storm begins or after it appears over.

“Obey the 30 minute rule,” he said, “stay inside until 30 minutes has passed since you heard thunder.”

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APRIL 5, 2017

Obituaries Lance Bergeron Lance left us on March 3, to be with the Lord, and is surrounded by angels, loved ones and friends who went before him. He is in a place where there is only love, peace and joy. A few days before, he said that he would be the gate keeper to welcome us when we arrive.

He leaves a daughter, Michelle Wooten; two sons, Francis and Lee Bergeron; his mother, Barbara Parkman; brother and sister-in-law, Nicki and Bonnie Bergeron; sister and brother in-law, Terry and Michael Cappello; sister, Linda Bergeron; four grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and friends.

He lived on the Island and worked at Publix for a number of years, where his sons attended the Island school and participated in various sports at the community center.

He kept up with family news online and made friends with many people, especially fellow Redskin fans.

We will miss his sense of humor and family time watching the Washington Red Skins’ games. He was the person to ask about sports trivia, as his memory was sharp. We miss him and family members and friends will have a fond memories celebration of his life in the near future.

Richard H. ‘Dick’ Cleveringa Richard H. ‘’Dick’’ Cleveringa, 86, of Holmes Beach, Fla., died on Feb. 28, 2017, after a lengthy illness.

Dick is survived by his wife, Joy, to

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

3/21, towing an unregistered trailer, Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue. The deputy stopped the driver of a vehicle towing a trailer. There was no license on the trailer, and the driver was ticketed. The trailer was towed.

3/22, theft, on the beach at Willow Avenue.

Thirteen tree straps belonging to the city were removed from Gulf Front Park.

3/25, found property, 100 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria City Pier. A black purse with two cell phones was turned in to authorities.

Bradenton Beach

3/24, trespass after warning, Sports Lounge,

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whom he was married for 37 years; his son, Rick (Lisa) Cleveringa, of North Carolina; his daughter, Debbie Stringer, of North Carolina; stepsons, Chris (Lucy) Cissell, of South Carolina; Steve Cissell Smith, of Kentucky; Terry (Candi) Cissell, of Tennessee; his brother, Ronald (Norma), of Florida and his sister, Juanita (David) Wikman, of Michigan. Dick was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Richard Cleveringa, of Muskegon, Mich.

Dick was born in Muskegon, where he began his lifelong passion for sailing on Lake Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University, where he received both a bachelor of science degree and a master's degree in Business. Following graduation, he spent two years in the U.S. Army, in Texas. Once he completed his service, he began his business career working in management, first for General Motors, and then for Allstate Insurance, from which he later retired. While at Allstate, he transferred to Kentucky and it was there that he met Joy. They were married April 1, 1979. After living in Kentucky for several years, they bought a motor home and traveled extensively across the United States and Canada, before retiring to Holmes Beach in 1999.

Dick had many friends throughout his lifetime. He and his best friend, Ed Gehrke, shared wonderful days rambling on the back roads of Kentucky and Indiana, always looking for the best places to eat while sharing stories along the way. With his friend, Don Steffan, he shared some great adventures – exploring Vietnam, Machu Picchu, and boating down the Amazon River. They also enjoyed many wonderful Thursday evening dinners together. Dick looked forward to Monday night poker with the guys. Paul and Bill would pick him up, and they’d head for the game where, according to JimmieMac, “Dick’s booming laughter was one that would shake the trees ... ”

Dick will be remembered for many things. The first, according to CoAnne, was for being the handsomest man on Anna Maria Island. Then there was his ready smile, his kindness, his wittiness, his brilliant mind, his passion for books, his laughter, his sense of happiness and contentment, his love of food, of adventure, of golf, of Joy and of life itself. He will be greatly missed.

No services are planned at this time.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton, is in charge of arrangements.

Donations to The American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer Association, or the American Diabetes Foundation in honor of Dick would be appreciated.

Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

118 Bridge St. The female defendant went into the bar, had some drinks and threw a glass at the bartender. He told her to leave, and she would not. When the officer arrived, the bartender gave her a trespass warning and she left.

Five minutes later, she re-entered the bar and was arrested.

3/26, burglary, Blue Marlin, 212 Bridge St. Following a burglary, police watched a surveillance recording and identified the defendant, who was wearing the same clothes the night before when one of the officers made contact with him. He told officers he woke up on his boat with the tools and items from the burglary. His cell phone was found in the restaurant. He was arrested.

erty after turning over the keys, and the park manager had him trespassed.

3/27, burglary to an unoccupied dwelling, 4500 block of 124th Street West. An unlocked home was burglarized, and three fishing rods and reels were taken.

Cortez

3/27, trespass warning., 10315 Cortez Road W. The former owner of a mobile home, who was evicted, appeared on the prop-

Herbert P. Haller Herbert P. Haller, 64, of Florida and New York, died peacefully Sunday, March 26, after a long battle with cancer.

Herb came from Buffalo, N.Y., to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in 1978, and then invested in Turtles’ restaurant and club in Holmes Beach in 1986. In 1988, he moved to Holmes Beach to manage the business, which he left in 1991.

He subsequently worked in the real estate business on the Island, managed Jonathan’s restaurant on Manatee Avenue and worked at Jessie’s Island Store in Holmes Beach and Jessie’s Liquors in Bradenton before retiring to New York in 2010. Herb spent his final years in his Caneadea, N.Y., home with his beloved German shepherd, Greta.

Herb is survived by his sister, Susan Gibbons; his brother, Jerald (Bonnie) Haller; and his two nephews, Sean (Cathy) Gibbons and Kevin (Eileen) Haller. He will be greatly missed by his

Holmes Beach

3/24, DUI, speeding, failure to produce a registration, possession of marijuana and possession of a drug legend, 600 Manatee Avenue. While on patrol, the officer observed the driver of the truck in front of him swerve in and out of his lane and finally accelerate to above the speed limit. He turned on his lights and the driver stopped. He observed the driver’s eye were red and watery and he smelled alcohol. He asked the driver how much alcohol he had consumed, and the defendant said 1 1/2 beers, stating he poured out a half can of beer.

The officer asked the driver to step

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extended family and friends from New York and Florida. A private celebration of his life will be held at his home in Caneadea, N.Y., in April. An Island celebrationof Herb’s life is planned for a future date to be announced.

Herb was blessed to have been cared for during his final months by the loving volunteers at the hospice care home The Isaiah House in the city of Rochester. In lieu of flowers, send memorials to The Isaiah House, 71 Prince St, Rochester, NY 14605 or on its website at www. theisaiahhouse.org.

Phyllis Paige Kitchens Phyllis Paige Kitchens, 52 of Bradenton, Fla., passed away Friday, March 24, 2017 at her residence.

Phyllis was born on Sept. 19, 1964, in Takoma Park, M., to William Earl and Phyllis Erica (Wood) Austin. She has been a resident of Manatee and Sarasota County for many years coming from Polk County. Locally, she has lived in Venice, Anna Maria and, at the time of her passing, in Bradenton.

She worked as a waitress for several different local restaurants over the years, was an avid horticulturist and was well known for the care and beauty of her various plants and flowers and was a member of Friends of Bill.

Phyllis was predeceased by her mother, Phyllis, and a daughter, Erica Leach.

She is survived by her husband, Barry Keith Kitchens, of Lakeland; daughter, Katherine Kitchens, of Lakeland, father; William Earl Austin, of Bradenton; brother, William P. Austin, of Spring Hill, Fla., two sisters, Christine Austin, of New York City, and Jennifer Beck, of Sarasota; and many extended family members and friends.

A private family celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held at a later date. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes. com. out of his truck so he could have him perform a field sobriety test. During the testing, the defendant said he would not perform a breath test. He became combative and when the officer asked if he wanted to continue the test, he put his hands behind his back and said it didn’t matter, he was going to jail anyway. The officer placed him under arrest and inspected his vehicle, finding some marijuana and a pill.

3/24, disorderly intoxication, obstructing a law enforcement officer with violence, Playa Encantada, 6005 Gulf Drive.

Three officers responded to a report of an intoxicated male sleeping in the stairwell. When one officer awakened him, he became combative. He swung at the policemen and struck one on the arm. They finally wrestled him to the ground and took him to jail.

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Scrubbing Bubbles target 5 Medical research goal 9 Faked on the ice 14 Walking aid 15 "Up and __!"

16 Somber verse 17 "What's going __ there?"

18 Knock down, as an old house 19 Russian river 20 Coin-counting machine input 23 Chaney of horror 24 "Gracias" response 25 Dawdle 27 Annoys 30 Respond to with loud laughter 33 Capitalist principle 37 Tesla Motors cofounder __ Musk 38 Former California fort 39 Sanctuary recess 40 Feminist 45 Mall divisions 46 Say "Be careful" to 47 Chocolaty concoction 49 Cupcake toppings 54 Spot for a seaweed wrap 56 Yet-to-be-covered volume 59 Stable youngsters 61 Floating ice mass 62 Yours, in France 63 Kate's sitcom friend 64 Jigsaw puzzler's starting place 65 Upward slope 66 Southwestern plateaus

67 Belgian river 68 Zipped Down 1 Admonish 2 Paddled boat 3 Group for ones in labor?

4 Brilliant bunch 5 Vehicle maintenance 6 Canyonlands National Park site 7 Exiled Shah Mohammed __ Pahlavi 8 Edit, as text 9 Come to light 10 Jeff Lynne's symphonic rock gp.

11 Morning TV host 12 "Leggo my __!"

13 Actress Cannon 21 Singer Brickell married to Paul Simon 22 Teri of "Mr. Mom" 26 Former California NFLer 28 Secure shoelace feature 29 Scatter 31 Part of LPGA: Abbr.

32 Collarless shirt Answers to 03-29-17 Crossword Puzzle.

33 Move like a moth 34 Autodialed campaign messages 35 Juan's January 36 Old Norse poetic work 37 Chicago transit trains 41 Disqualifies (oneself), judicially 42 "You have __": obstetrician's news 43 Old laundry-squeezing device 44 How some data is backed up 48 Cloister 50 Letter-shaped girders 51 Upshot of poor service 52 "Duck, duck" follower 53 Maneuvered among moguls 54 Bogus offer 55 Flag holder 57 Ref. works that take up a lot of shelf space 58 Try to convince 60 Familia member

APRIL 5, 2017

APRIL 5, 2017

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS 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 non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE FOR SALE 2007 BUICK LUCERNE Good condition.

152,000 miles, $3500. Call 603-434-0011

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES. Now's The Time, Busy, Busy, Busy. We Also Buy Boats. “Business On A Hand Shake" Dave/Owner 17 Years.

941-228-3489 BOAT DOCK WANTED for 35' Classic Chris Craft. First of May. Call 727-851-8123

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

CLEANING SERVICE CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing and Windows. Call 941251-5948

Call us today! 941-778-3986

A GOLDEN TOUCH CLEANING LLC. Commercial/Residential, Eviction, Move in/ out. Free Estimates. No job too big/small. Call Donna 941-705-8113

COMPUTER SERVICES

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

EMPLOYMENT

GIFT SHOP PART-TIME positions on Anna Maria Island. Night & weekend shifts. Retirees welcome.

Call Manager 813-4097540 LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT position available. 2-20 or 4-40 license required with at least 3 years experience with Property & Casualty Insurance Agency. To inquire please call 941567-6266 or email brent. moss@ greatflorida.com

NAIL TECHNITION & STYLIST NEEDED Must have Cosmetologist license. Small shop on Anna Maria Island. Work flexible hours. Call 941-538-0225 BRAND NEW RESORT WATERLINE MARINA RESORT & BEACH CLUB 5325 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, Fl 34217. We are hiring for Multiple Position.

Available career opportunities: Assistant Front Office Manager, Line cooks, Restaurant servers, Bartenders, Housekeepers, Kitchen Supervisor, Kitchen Stewards Please submit your resumes to careeropportunities@ mainsailhotels.com Call 813-849-4154 fax 813658-6009

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX, Open 9:30am.-2 pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10am. – 1pm. on Saturday. Donations preferred on Wednesdays 9am. -11pm. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-7792733.

MOVING SALE SATURDAY April 8. 9am-4pm. 3607 E. Bay Dr Unit #104 Sandy Pointe 2. Heisey Glass, Vintage Jewelry, books.

Lots of Misc.

YARD SALE SATURDAY April 8. 8am-2pm. 5607 Guava, Holmes Beach. Golf clubs, linens, glass ware, tools, miscellaneous SATURDAY APRIL 8. 9am3pm at 116 79th St, Holmes Beach. La-z-Boy Sleeper Sofa, twin beds, dresser, trundle bed, bicycles, golf clubs and more!

HOME IMPROVEMENTS 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.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates.

“No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194

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HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us BESPOKE SERVICES, MASTER CARPENTER for all home & office repairs. Also painting, decorating, decking & dock repairs,. Large or small works. Reasonable Rates! Island guy for Island work. Call RICHARD 941-448-3571 SHEETROCK/DRYWALL REPAIRS install & finish.

STUCCO Repairs. All wall & ceiling textures. All home maintenance & repairs.

30 years experience. Free Estimates! Call 941-3210482 NEW

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

LEGAL NOTICE

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 4/5/2017 9:00am at 1855 63rd Ave E Bradenton FL 34203 pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids

BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured

LOST & FOUND

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Wall paper removal..

Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

FOUND SMALL FRIENDLY domesticated black & white cat near Bean Point.

Needs good home. Call 941-778-1976 LOST KAYAK BIMINI BAY Floated away on Sunday nights storm. Tan Feather Lite. Please call 941-7783057 LOST ENVELOPE WITH Money in it. Border of Holmes Beach & Bradenton Beach. REWARD 361-9440167 LOST HEAVY GOLD CHAIN with Blue Stone near 47th Ave in Holmes Beach on December 26. REWARD! Call 908-963-1702

PETS ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available.

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

POOL SERVICES

LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

Call 407-579-1621

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657

LOST TENNIS BRACELET Gold with Diamonds around. Near Dog Park or Publix. REWARD! Call 941778-2494

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

MOVING & STORAGE

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

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

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

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

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

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE FROM THE HIGH $200’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com 106 WILLOW RENOVATED Cottage. 1 in from Beach, beautiful pool/spa. Lush landscaping $1,197,000.

Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 PERICO ISLAND Furnished 2BR/3BA townhouse very large floor plan, dining room, walk in closets, den, priced to sell $269,900. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-3305054 BAY FRONT HOME W. Bradenton Palma Sola 4000 sq.ft. 4 BR/3.5 BA 4 car garage. Stunning Cathedral ceilings. No Island traffic!

Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 LONGBOAT KEY CONDO 1BR/1BA Canal Front, boat dock great water views, Furnished, new kitchen, wood floors, sleeps 6. Mint condition move in ready, beach to bay community with 4 pools, gated. NEW PRICE $219,900. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 FOR SALE ANNA MARIA lot N. Bay Blvd . Beautiful Passage Key view across from park. Brenda Boyd May Boyd Realty 941-730-8589

Call us today! 941-778-3986

PERICO BAY CLUB 2BR/2BA Villa. Gated community, Water Views. Recent remodel: Kitchen, bath, windows, A/C, and water heater.

Stainless steel appliances, wood floors. one car garage with cabinets. $284,900 Call 941-2544415 FANTASTIC WATER VIEWS: PERICO ISLAND Large ground level Villa 2BR/2BA bath, 2 car garage, den, vaulted ceilings in living room, dining room, sunroom, 11002 Perico Way. $339,900. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 OWNER MUST SALE! Family illness. Harbour Isles Development adjoining Anna Maria Island. 3+BR/3BA, 11 room coach home.

Beautiful Water View lot.

Built 2014, 2960sf. Lots of amenities, minutes to Beach. Owner financing available. Furnishing separate agreement.

Reduced $60,000 to $839,000. Make offer.

Call 941-383-5244 PERICO ISLES 3BR/2BA Single Family Home. 2 car garage. New Kitchen, Big lanai, Vaulted ceilings. Spectacular Water Views. $425,000 . Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-3305054 AFFORDABLE WATERFRONT HOME in Seaside Gardens. 2BR/2BA. Great fishing, boating, fantastic open water bay view. Call Captain Steve 970-8467394. captnse@gmail.com

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 Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 2BR/2BA GROUND LEVEL Duplex, Carport, screened in lanai w/d hookups just off the island in Heritage Pines. Pets under 20 pounds with application. $1075/mo Condo application required. A Paradise Realty. Call 941-778-4800 PERICO ISLAND VILLA: 2BR/2BA ground floor villa w/attach garage, water view from most rooms including screen patio.

Comm. pool & tennis. $1750/mo. includes water and basic cable. First, last, & Sec. Dep. Island Real Estate 941-345-1295 HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA Steps to beach & shops includes Dishwasher, W/D hook ups, trash. No smoking/pets. $1695/mo + utilities. First, Last & Security.

Call 860-922-3857

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

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

SEASONAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: April, May & June.

HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/1BA ground level. Block to Gulf.

ANNA MARIA (monthly minimum): 2BR/2BA & 2BR/1BA Both ground level and Close to Beach.

2BR/1BA Gulf Front. Second story. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-7780426 kringco@tampabay. rr.com HOLMES BEACH FURNISHED 2BR/1BA Rental open for 2017 & 2018 Season October -May. One block to Beach.

W/D, dishwasher, patio.

Ground level Duplex.

Call to see now. 941778-2891

WINTER 2018- VACATION RENTALS AVAILABLE. 3 month minimum. Prices start at $2,800/mo. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307.

NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Anna Maria. 3BR/2BA Seasonal Rental across the street from Gulf.

Heated Pool.

AMIRENTAL.com BEACH FRONT CONDO Ground floor 1BR/1BA seasonal rental 20172018. Three months minimum. Senior complex. All amenities included. Two heated pools. No Pets/Smoking.

Contact 941-737-3273 BRAND NEW LUXURY CONDOS AND FURNISHINGS Spectacular views from living, kitchen, master. 3BR/3BA. New, quiet complex on Anna Maria Sound. 727482-4766.

HOLMES BEACH CONDO 2/BR /2BA on Bay. Fully furnished. First floor.

Available June, September thru December (one month minimum) No Pets/Smoking. Call 419-704-6542

HOLMES BEACH: SPACIOUS, Very Clean, Furnished 2BR/2BA. Walk to Beach. Available May 1 to November 1. $1600/mo plus utilities. Text or Call 513-582-6452

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, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469

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APRIL 5, 2017

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