Anna Maria Island Sun April 8, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 26

April 8, 2020

First coronavirus case reported on Anna Maria Island

The first confirmed case of coronavirus on Anna Maria Island is in Holmes Beach.

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

SUBMITTED | CITY OF HOLMES BEACH

HOLMES BEACH - The first case of COVID-19 has been reported on Anna Maria Island and the patient is from Holmes Beach.

When the 10 a.m. coronavirus data came out April 2 from the Florida Department of Health, it showed 73 cases in Manatee County with 50 of them in Bradenton, four in Lakewood Ranch, two in Palmetto, one in Ellenton and one in Holmes Beach. There also were five cases in Longboat Key with three on the Manatee County side of the island and two on the Sarasota County side.

As of April 5, there were 135 cases in Manatee County, with three deaths and 28 hospitalizations according to the data from FDOH. In Holmes Beach, Mayor Judy Titsworth has been

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and Code Compliance Officer James Thomas place a banner at the entrance to the city along Manatee Avenue stating that no vacation rental check-ins are being allowed.

Countywide curfew now in effect

Students making the grade at home

The curfew applies between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The first week of home classes for Anna Maria Elementary has been deemed a success as students learn to do their learning in the safety of their homes.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

BY TOM VAUGHT

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

SUN CONTRIBUTOR

MANATEE COUNTY – In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a countywide curfew is now in effect in Manatee County.

Enacted during an emergency county commission meeting on Friday, April 3, the overnight curfew hours took effect Friday night at 11 p.m. The curfew will remain in effect until lifted.

The countywide curfew prohibits nonessential travel between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., seven days a week. Non-essential travel is travel that is not for food, medicine, essential supplies or employment.

HOLMES BEACH – Anna Maria Elementary students and their parents are getting an education on how to learn online at home.

The new system, called Schoology, is making learning possible while students and their families stay home during the COVID-19 self-quarantine.

“One of the most positive aspects of the experience is that the students and I still have unlimited communication,” Dr. Laura Redeker said. “Some call on the phone and we complete a math lesson together. One used an

FILE PHOTO | JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells requested the countywide curfew.

The curfew also gives local law enforcement agencies additional temporary powers regarding social gatherings that occur on private property, but not inside private residences.

SEE CURFEW, PAGE 17

SEE CORONAVIRUS, PAGE 12

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAREN PAUL

Jackson Kennedy, a student of Karen Paul, is shown practicing his cursive letters. audio recording to send me a joke.

Another student sends me videos holding finished work to the camera to let me know he completed his asSEE AME, PAGE 19

INSIDE

GOOD ‘ NEWS!

NEWS 4 EASTER PAGE 10 OUTDOORS 14 REAL ESTATE 16-19 BEACH NUTS 20 CROSSWORD 20 CLASSIFIEDS 21

ISLAND cities respond to

Celebrate Easter with Island churches. 4-5

Gov. DeSantis’ vacation rental order. 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

FINDING the silver lining with

time alone outdoors. 14 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

2

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

THE SUN

3

Island cities respond to governor’s vacation rental order The city of Anna Maria did not participate in the public service announcement issued by Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On Saturday, the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach issued a shared public service announcement (PSA) regarding the complaint-driven enforcement of the temporary vacation rental prohibitions enacted by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ emergency order on March 27.

The two cities issued their shared public service announcement as an informational graphic accompanied by a written document containing the same information.

“The cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach are encouraging our citizens to help us protect our community. Executive Order 20-87 orders all parties engaged in rentals of vacation rental properties to suspend vacation rental

operations. Vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and shall not accept new guests for checkin for the duration of the order,” the PSA says.

The PSA instructs citizens how to file a complaint with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) regarding an alleged violation of the governor’s order.

“Please file a complaint at www. myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/eocomplaints. If you can’t do it on your own, let us know and we will help you. We will need: 1. Address of licensed location. 2. Date of incident. 3. Name of rental agency, if known,” the PSA says.

The PSA provides contact information for those who require additional assistance.

“Contact city of Bradenton Beach at 941-737-0161 or file a code enforcement complaint through our city website: www. cityofbradentonbeach.com,” the PSA says.

“Contact City of Holmes Beach at 941-518-9488 or file a code enforcement complaint through our city website: www.cityofholmes-

beach.org,” the PSA says.

On Saturday, Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry posted the PSA graphic on Facebook.

Perry’s Facebook post also said, “Sorry to all our Florida visitors who enjoy spending Easter with us. We need you to spend the coming holiday at your hometown in your home state. No check-ins are permitted in Florida if the rental stay is under 30 days, per Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order. Community members, if you see anyone checking into a shortterm vacation rental, we need your help. It takes 60 seconds to two minutes to send a report to DBPR.”

GOVERNOR’S ORDER

According to the governor’s order, “DBPR shall revoke the vacation rental license of any party that violates this order or otherwise advertises vacation rental opportunities during the duration of this order; and DBPR shall alert the state authorities to evidence of violations or attempts to violate this order.”

The directives contained in DeSantis’ executive order do

not apply to hotels, motels, inns, resorts, non-transient public lodging establishments, time share projects or long-term rentals.

Issued March 27, the governor’s order is scheduled to expire after 14 days, unless extended by subsequent order.

City officials think DeSantis will extend his vacation rental order until April 30 to coincide with the expiration of his essential businesses and services orders (EO 20-91 and EO 20-92) that took effect Friday.

ANNA MARIA’S EFFORTS

The city of Anna Maria did not participate in the public service announcement.

When contacted Saturday, Mayor Dan Murphy noted the city of Anna Maria already enacted at the city level Emergency COVID-19 Order 4A. The city order includes and pertains to the enforcement of the governor’s order.

According to city order 4A, “Violations of this order shall be punished as provided in section 2-271 of the Anna Maria City code, including, but not limited to: The suspension or revocation

of a vacation rental’s registration.

Criminal penalties against both vacation rental owners and vacation rental management companies and personnel. Every day of non-compliance will be punished by separate fines levied against both the vacation rental owner and the vacation rental management company in the amount of $500 per day of non-compliance.”

Speaking by phone, Murphy said, “Our preference is that our residents use local enforcement for vacation rentals under these emergency orders because we are able to react quickly at a local level. We know we cannot evict rental guests, but we can issue fines and take other measures as referenced in our local order and our existing ordinance,” Murphy said.

Murphy encourages Anna Maria residents who have a concern about a potentially improper vacation rental check-in to call the Code Enforcement Department at 941-708-6130, ext. 141, or send an email to depclerk@cityofannamaria.com.

4

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

APRIL 8, 2020

Roser Food Pantry gets a big helping hand

IN BRIEF

Local real estate team helps shut-ins Need help shopping? Quarantined? Just need someone to talk to? Kelly Gitt & The Gitt Team are partnering with local area churches to support the elderly and disabled on Anna Maria Island.

The free service accepts no donations and follows CDC guidelines, such as confirming arrival to drop off groceries at your doorstep. Call or text Gitt at 941.357.GITT(4488).

#StayHome with The Center The Center of Anna Maria Island may currently be closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but that’s not stopping the nonprofit’s staff from reaching out to the community. While everyone’s encouraged to stay home, The Center’s staff wants to see how you’re spending your time at home. The #StayHome Challenge is a social media challenge to help the community come together in a way that doesn’t violate social distancing orders. Community members are invited to create a short video showing how they’re coping at home with the COVID-19 self-quarantine.

Post the video to Facebook and tag The Center and use the hashtags #StayHome, #StayHomeChallenge, #BeTheOne, #WeLead, #GivingChallenge2020 and #WeAreTheCenter. For more information about The Center, visit www.centerami.org.

COVID-19 closures and cancellations The Center of Anna Maria Island is closed.

All Anna Maria Island churches are closed.

The Island Branch Library is closed.

Tingley Memorial Library is closed.

All classes at local parks and recreation areas are closed and parks in Bradenton and Holmes Beach are closed including GT Bray, the Holmes Beach Dog Park and the Holmes Beach Community Skate Park. All area public tennis courts, pickleball courts and basketball courts are closed. Local preserves remain open to the public including Grassy Point Preserve, Perico Preserve, Neal Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

Anna Maria business owners Steve Rose and Brian Seymour donated and delivered more $6,000 in food suppled to the food pantry last week.

eral Store plans to remain open, even though business has slowed.

APPRECIATIVE CHAIRMAN

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria General Store owner Brian Seymour and Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose provided the Roser Food Pantry with a significant boost during this time of increased need.

On Thursday, April 2, Seymour and general store team members Tom Powers, Mason Jones and Kristen Karnok made a large delivery to the food pantry at 511 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

“Our initial order was $6,000-$7,000, but unfortunately about 20% of it did not come in this week. We will continue to reorder every week until we fulfill our commitment to the food pantry,” Seymour said as they unloaded the pickup truck and golf cart filled with non-perishable food.

“We bought everything from canned vegetables, soups, cereals, snacks, rice, beans, canned fruit, shelf-stable milk and much more. We tried to think of as many items as possible that would be shelf-stable and last the longest so those who need to utilize the food bank have food that lasts,” Seymour said.

“This idea to donate food to the Roser Food Pantry was the brainchild of Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose and myself. We read the article in The Sun about the need here and how much Roser’s doing to for the local community, especially the workers out here who are out of work,” Seymour said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Brian Seymour, Mason Jones and Kristen Karnok were part of the team effort.

“Steve wishes he could be here, but he was in Colorado when the stay in place order was given, so he’s still there,” Seymour said.

Seymour thanked Rose’s business operations manager Patty Prudente for her assistance.

“The Roser Food Pantry is a place on the Island that offers assistance to everybody, and if anybody can help the food pantry we encourage that too,” Seymour said.

Seymour said the food delivered was purchased from H.T. Hackney, the distributor that supplies his general store at 503 Pine Ave. “I can buy it at wholesale cost, so if anyone wants to make monetary donations that money will further if you donate to the store and we purchase goods. 100% of the donations will go toward the food pantry,” Seymour said.

Those who want to assist with a personal check can make it out to the Anna Maria General Store and write Roser Food Pantry donation in the memo line.

“We’ll take cash too,” Seymour said.

Seymour said the Anna Maria Gen-

Food pantry chairman Jack Brennan said he’s OK with the general store accepting financial contributions on the pantry’s behalf, and he appreciates Seymour’s offer.

“It’s pretty nice what the community has done for the Roser Food Panty. We had the money to purchase food, but we just couldn’t get the products. The Roser Food Pantry greatly appreciates the fact that Steve and Brian recognized our short-term situation and came to our aid,” Brennan said.

Brennan also thanked Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter and All Island Denominations for getting word out that the food pantry was having trouble finding groceries due to the coronavirus situation. He also thanked those who’ve swung the food pantry recently to drop off food or financial contributions.

Brennan said he recently went shopping for the food pantry and got several dirty looks from other shoppers who thought he was hoarding for himself.

“I didn’t want to do that again and that’s when Carol put out the memo that we needed help,” Brennan said.

He said he thought it was a memo from the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce that caught Rose’s eye and that inspired him to help.

Brennan said the food donated by Rose and Seymour would extend the food pantry’s ability to help others three to five weeks.

If you need food, call the Roser Memorial Community Church office at 941-778-0414 to schedule an appointment.

Celebrating Easter around the Island Local churches are still welcoming their congregations to celebrate Holy Week and share in services even though their buildings’ doors are still closed to the public due to COVID-19 precautions.

CrossPointe Fellowship Church’s services are streaming live on Facebook with next day viewings available on the church’s YouTube channel. Holy Week services begin with a service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, followed by a Good Friday service at 7 p.m. on April 10 and Easter Sunday celebration at 9 a.m. on April 12. Links to live streams and videos can be found at https://

crosspointefellowship.church/.

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation also is inviting participation in services through Facebook live streams. The church’s Maundy Thursday service will be streamed live at noon on April 9, followed

by Good Friday Stations of the Cross at noon on April 10. The Good Friday and Holy Saturday Lenten Devotional will be emailed to those signed up for church emails. This year’s Easter service will take place online at 10:15 a.m. followed by a drive-through communion from 11:30 a.m. to noon. More information can be found on the church’s

Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/EpiscopalChurchoftheAnnunciationatHolmesBeach/.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is encouraging members and visitors to celebrate online with live stream services. On Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Pastor Doug Kings is offering a short reflection on Facebook. On Easter Sunday, April 12, the church’s 9:30 a.m. worship service will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/Gloria-DeiLutheran-Church-292979470720616/events/.

Harvey Memorial Community Church’s leadership is updating their parishioners and

sharing services online on Facebook and YouTube. Though no services are scheduled at this time, parishioners can keep up with the church at https://www.facebook. com/Harvey-Memorial-CommunityChurch-100884249956033/.

At St. Bernard Catholic Church, Rev. Chester Domaszewicz is performing the Sacraments and private Masses with no congregation in celebration of Holy Week. Though the church is not broadcasting any of the services, parishioners are asked to continue to pray and honor this time at home.

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

THE SUN

5

Celebrate Easter with Roser Church

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

ANNA MARIA – Congregations may not be able to gather this year due to the governor’s orders to stay at home and not gather in groups of more than 10, but that’s not stopping the Holy Week ministry at Roser Memorial Community Church.

The Holy Week services begin with Maundy Thursday on April 9.

Between noon and 2 p.m., the Roser Chapel will be open for a drop-in communion service. During the service, all COVID-19 guidelines will be observed including limiting the number of people in the chapel at any one time, disinfecting and cleaning, and maintaining social distancing of six feet between people.

This year’s Good Friday service, “He Took My Place,” will be broadcast live online April 10 at 7 p.m. on the Roser website at www.roserchurch.com/worship. The service also will be available to watch after the live broadcast on the Roser YouTube page.

On Easter Sunday April 12, the 10 a.m. traditional worship service will

SUBMITTED | ROSER CHURCH

The church’s offices are closed to the public but the cart to collect items for the Roser Food Pantry is being placed outside of the church during office hours Monday through Friday for donations. Left, Beth Bernet decorates the flower cross on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.

The cross will be decorated and on display this in front of the church on Easter Sunday April 12.

SUBMITTED | ROSER CHURCH

be streamed live online followed by the 5:30 p.m. SoulJourn contemporary worship service. During the 10 a.m. service, the flower cross traditionally decorated by congregation members will be in the sanctuary.

Once the service concludes, it will be placed outside the church for the public to view, along with Easter lilies,

which can be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one for $7 at www. roserchurch.com/easter. The names of those honored with the lilies will be in the Friday, April 10 e-bulletin.

Currently, the church is closed to the public but the chapel remains open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for individual prayer and

meditation. A sanitizing station is located inside the door and the chapel is cleaned and sanitized twice daily.

The Roser Food Pantry also remains open to offer assistance to the community. While the food pantry is wellfunded financially due to generous donations, the ability of volunteers to purchase items in bulk has been diminished by the current demand on supplies due to the coronavirus’s effect on the community. Volunteers are asking for help in purchasing needed supplies including canned soups, vegetables, beans, meat and fish, peanut butter, jelly, boxed meals such as macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, fruit juice, rice, pasta and cereal.

Donations can be dropped off in front of the church office at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria during office hours. A cart for the food pantry is located just outside the office door for donations.

A full list of needed items is available online at www.roserchurch.com/foodpantry.

To request assistance from the food pantry, contact a pastor or make a prayer request, contact the church office at 941-778-0414 or email info@ roserchurch.com.

6

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

APRIL 8, 2020

Governor’s order declares essential services and activities Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order allows many businesses, services and activities to continue during the ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The executive order that Gov. Ron DeSantis issued on Wednesday, April 1 pertaining to essential businesses, services and activities is now in effect.

Issued in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the emergency order took effect Friday, April 3. It remains in effect until April 30 unless DeSantis cancels or extends his order.

According to Executive Order (EO) 20-91, “All persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those neces-

sary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.”

All persons in Florida shall limit their movements

SAFER AT HOME

and personal interactions outside of their home

Titled “Safer at Home,” Section 1 of the executive order says, “Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition shall stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.”

ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES

Titled “Essential Activities,” Section 3 says, “Essential activities means and encompasses the following: Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship; participating in recreational activities consistent with social distancing guidelines, such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running or swimming; taking care of pets; caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.”

The order declares that “A social gathering in a public space is not an essential

to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.”

Executive Order 20-91. activity. Local jurisdictions shall ensure that groups of people greater than 10 are not permitted to congregate in any public space.”

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Titled “Essential Services,” Section 2 establishes which businesses are essential and allowed to remain open and which businesses are non-essential and must remain closed until the order expires.

“Essential services means and encom-

passes the list detailed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce and any subsequent lists published,” DeSantis’ order says.

“Essential services also include those businesses and activities designated by Executive Order 20-89 and its attachment which consists of a list propounded by Miami-Dade County in multiple orders,” DeSantis’ order says.

SEE ESSENTIALS, PAGE 7

Local officials respond to essential businesses order Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order does not close Florida’s beaches, nor does it prohibit boating, fishing or golfing.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – When Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-91 last week, he gave city and county officials and impacted business owners approximately 36 hours to interpret the order as it pertains to essential businesses, services and activities.

EO 20-91 references the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s essential businesses and services guidelines. The order also references an essential businesses and services order issued locally in Miami-Dade County on March 19.

BRADENTON BEACH COMPLIANCE

On Thursday, April 2, Bradenton Beach

Mayor John Chappie and Lt. John Cosby said the city would use the Miami-Dade County order as its compliance guidelines.

“Bradenton Beach is using the MiamiDade County guidelines set forth in the governor’s order,” Chappie said.

“It’s a lot clearer than the federal list,” said Cosby, who serves as the city’s emergency operations manager in conjunction with his police department duties.

“I’ll be going around to the businesses that don’t meet the criteria and letting them know that they don’t meet the criteria. In Bradenton Beach, most of those businesses have already closed,” Cosby said.

“The businesses that are not compliant will be given a verbal warning. They’ll be educated that they are not an essential business. And if need be, will be provided with a copy of the governor’s order. The second offense will be a summons to appear, which will include a citation. The third offense will be a physical arrest, and so would any violation after three offenses,” Cosby explained.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Automotive shops like Grooms Motors & Automotive in Holmes Beach and coffee cafés that offer takeout coffee and food like the Back Alley in Bradenton Beach are considered essential businesses and can remain open “Anything that has to do with construction is still considered essential. They have to have less than 10 people on-site and they have to maintain the six-foot distance,” Cosby noted.

“Our building department has some protocols they’re following too with regards to building permits, inspections and things like that, and that will be posted at the city website,” Chappie said.

Chappie and Cosby were asked if they considered EO 20-91 to be a lockdown order.

“No, not even close,” Cosby said.

“No,” Chappie added.

They don’t consider it to be a stay-at-home order, either.

BEACHES IMPACTED?

DeSantis’ executive order did not close Florida’s beaches.

Chappie and Cosby were asked if the executive order impacts access to the public beaches that were “closed” by the county’s emergency order on March 20. The county order resulted in the Island’s large beach

parking lots being closed, but law enforcement officials still allow groups of 10 or less people on the coastal beaches, with the stipulation that a six-foot distance is maintained from other beachgoers.

“The county order stands as it is,” Chappie said. “Our police department is continually monitoring the situation out on the beaches.

We really have had no problems.”

Cosby said the Bridge Street Pier remains open, but social distancing requirements must be followed.

ANNA MARIA RESPONSE

On Thursday afternoon, Anna Maria City Attorney Becky Vose provided email responses to the same questions posed to Chappie and Cosby.

Vose does not consider EO 20-91 to be a lockdown order, a stay-at-home order or a safer-at-home order.

“I am not aware of any legal definition of any of those terms. The order does what it SEE RESPONSE, PAGE 7

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

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

City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually.

April 9, 2 p.m. – City Commission special meeting April 10, all day – City offices closed for Good Friday April 23, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

THE SUN

BRADENTON BEACH

HOLMES BEACH

City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually.

April 8, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting April 10, all day – City offices closed for Good Friday April 14, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting April 16, noon – City Commission meeting

City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually.

April 10, all day – City offices closed for Good Friday April 28, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

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

7

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

ISLAND-WIDE

April 21, 5 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board budget work session with regular meeting to follow. The meeting will be held virtually with instructions to join the meeting available at www.wmfr.org.

ESSENTIALS: Order declares services and businesses FROM PAGE 6

ESSENTIAL SERVICES LIST

A supplementary “Essential Services List” associated with DeSantis’ executive order was later posted at the Florida Division of Emergency Management website, www.floridadisaster.org.

Closely mirroring the Department of Homeland Security list, the extensive essential services list includes health care and public health services; law enforcement, public safety and other first responders; food and agriculture, including restaurant carryout, quick-serve food and delivery services; and financial services.

The list includes critical manufacturing; energy; electricity; petroleum; water and wastewater; transportation and logistics; public works and infrastructure support.

The list includes communications and information technology – including radio, television and media services and technicians and news reporters for newsgathering, reporting and publishing news. It also includes weather forecasters.

The list includes those who ensure

the continuity of building functions and equipment that includes air conditioning, heating and water and space heating equipment and components.

It also includes educators; the judicial system; elections personnel; state employees; federal, local, tribal and territorial employees who support mission essential functions and communications networks; trade officials; employees supporting Census 2020; and customs and immigration personnel.

The list includes government offices that perform title search, notary, and recording services in support of mortgage and real estate services and transactions. It also includes residential and commercial real estate; residential property leasing; property management, maintenance, and service; construction related activities and support for housing construction; personal and household goods repair and maintenance; and architectural, engineering or land surveying services.

The essential services list includes clergy; dependent care services;

workers who support food, shelter, social services and other necessities for needy groups and individuals, including COVID-19 responders; support for elderly and disabled populations; and animal shelters.

The list includes hygiene product production; laundromats, laundry services and dry cleaners; disinfection services; food manufacturing sanitation; and janitorial and cleaning services.

NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES

As a point of reference, the MiamiDade County emergency order referenced in DeSantis’ executive order states businesses that must close and remain closed in Miami-Dade County include: arts and craft supply stores; barbers, beauty salons and nail studios; bookstores; casinos; clothing boutiques; indoor amusement parks, jewelry stores; malls; music supply stores; pawn shops; social clubs; fishing charters; souvenir stores; spas; sporting goods stores; tutoring centers; music classes; toy stores and children’s stores.

RESPONSE: officials respond to order FROM PAGE 6

says it does – nothing more, nothing less,” Vose said.

Vose said the order’s impact on Anna Maria’s beaches was yet to be determined.

Regarding essential businesses and services, Vose said, “Although not crystal clear, E.O. 20-91 provides guidance as to which businesses are non-essential. Enforcement is to be determined.”

BOAT RAMPS, MARINAS AND GOLF COURSES

During Friday’s emergency Manatee County Commission meeting, Assistant

County Attorney Bill Clague shared his legal interpretation of EO 20-91as it applies to Florida’s boat ramps and marinas.

“It’s very difficult to understand how it works because the governor’s order is challenging. Right now, the governor’s order does require privately run boat ramps and marinas to be closed, with the exception for commercially licensed saltwater fishermen. That wasn’t the case until this order was issued, but now they are closed along with the public boat ramps,” Clague said.

The governor’s order does not pro-

hibit boating or fishing, nor does the county curfew.

City Administrator Cheri Coryea said the two county-owned golf courses would remain open and private golf courses can, too.

Coryea said the county has implemented a one-person-per-cart policy at its public courses and most private courses have followed suit. Coryea noted the clubhouses and country clubs are not allowed to sell alcohol for consumption on-premises and the kitchens are currently limited to takeout and delivery service only.

8

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

APRIL 8, 2020

Suspended nurses return to duty at Blake Medical Center Blake Medical Center is the closest hospital to Anna Maria Island

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amitsun.com

BRADENTON – Two Blake Medical Center nurses were reinstated Monday after being suspended for staging a peaceful protest last week over the hospital’s state of preparedness during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the protest, the nurses also expressed their concerns and fears about the protective measures being taken by the hospital.

Two of three nurses who participated in the protest, Victoria Holland and Kim Brooks, were suspended. But Monday, they were allowed to return to duty after going public with their concerns.

“I went back to work with no punishment. Today was our first day back,” Holland said Monday afternoon.

Brooks was suspended for wanting to wear her own N95 mask.

“Kim has been wearing her own N95 all day,” Holland said.

During the protest, Holland expressed concerns about the hospital’s lack of transparency regarding positive and potentially positive COVID-19 patients.

Holland said her chief nursing officer told her Monday morning that Blake was now treating two patients who tested positive.

“I’m sure we still have some work to do, but we were pretty successful getting our points across. I feel there’s a lot more transparency and more understanding between the administration and the nursing staff,” Holland said of the protest.

She also said she felt safer than she did before her suspension.

NURSES’ CONCERNS

Located in Bradenton, Blake Medical Center is owned by the Hospital Corporation of America and is the closest hospital to Anna Maria Island.

Thursday’s protest coincided with similar protests at 15 HCA hospitals nationwide. Coinciding with shift change at 6:30 a.m., Hol-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

These Blake Medical Center nurses waved signs and shared informational printouts with their co-workers during last week’s protest. land, Brooks and nurse Candice Cordero stationed themselves between the parking garage and the hospital across the street.

They distributed handouts containing information provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and held signs containing the National Nurses United COVID-19 checklist.

Holland has been a Blake nurse for two years and is also an NNU

union rep.

“We have no idea who’s negative and who’s positive. They don’t tell us anything. They tell us that would be a HIPAA violation,” Holland said on Thursday.

“They’ve got all our PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) on lockdown. I’ve been suspended since Sunday (March 29) for fighting for PPEs in front of patients.

I was fighting for a face shield for one of my co-workers whose

patient was on droplet precautions.

I felt the nurse needed a N95 mask and a face shield. She was given a surgical mask and I ended up giving her a pair of goggles. They provide us with these little paper masks that don’t protect you. We feel unsafe and we’re scared,” Holland said.

Brooks has been at Blake for 14 years.

“I was working on Monday (March 30) and using my own N95 that I brought from home. I was told I was not allowed to wear that – and if I wanted to continue to wear it, I would have to go home,” Brooks said on Thursday. “Every nurse and staff member going into that hospital should have a N95 to protect themselves. We don’t want to end up with nursing staff becoming positive. We don’t want to bring this home to our families.”

Cordero has been at Blake for 19 years and she was not suspended.

“I’m out here because I want to make sure the nurses have the protection they need. If the nurses SEE BLAKE, PAGE 12

APRIL 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

9

Chef Vinny raises funds for Italian hospital Chef Vincenzo, owner of Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen, is raising funds to help combat the effects of the coronavirus outbreak in his hometown of Viterbo, Italy.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Chef Vincenzo “Vinny” Esposito may not be in Italy but that’s not stopping him from reaching out a helping hand to his hometown of Viterbo during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Chef Vinny, owner of Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen in Holmes Beach, is helping to raise funds to help the intensive care unit at Belcolle Hospital, located in his Italian hometown. All of the funds raised are being used to purchase necessary medical equipment and supplies to be donated to the hospital as a thank you to all of the medical personnel working to help community members recover from the COVID-19 outbreak.

As of March 29, Chef Vinny had collected and donated over $3,900 to the cause, with much of the funds being donated by his

SUBMITTED | GOFUNDME

Belcolle Hospital in Viterbo is one of the many in Italy that has been hard hit by a surge of COVID-19 patients.

Anna Maria Island customers. The chef said that he will continue to collect donations at his restaurant through the end of April.

The fund also has a GoFundMe page where anyone can donate online. As of April 3, more than 1,600 donors had donated nearly 105,000 euros, about $113,500, surpassing the stated goal of 100,000 euros.

The GoFundMe page can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/aiutiamobelcolle.

Locally, donors can drop off their donations and pick up a dish or two of Italian favorite foods at Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen, 5337 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

COVID-19 prevention procedures for businesses Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth is asking all city businesses remaining open to adopt Florida Department of Health coronavirus screening and prevention procedures.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Judy Titsworth is trying to keep business owners, workers and customers safe by asking all businesses to adopt screening and prevention procedures to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

In an April 2 letter, Titsworth asked business owners to help prevent the spread of the virus by immediately adopting the procedures for employees and customers approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health.

The screening procedures include not allowing entry to the business by anyone who could potentially be sick. Employers should limit workers to groups of 10 or less and keep six feet between workers and customers. Employees who are considered at high risk of contracting COVID-19, such as those with chronic health conditions or 65 years and older, are asked to stay home.

Another way to screen employees and

visitors to the business is to ask screening questions provided by the FDOH: - Have you returned from international travel or been on a cruise within the last 14 days?

- Have you been in contact with anyone who has returned from international travel or been on a cruise within the last 14 days?

- Have you had contact with someone who has or is under investigation for COVID-19?

- Have you traveled domestically by air or train in the last 14 days?

- Have you been in any gathering of 250 people or more (including airports) in the last 14 days?

- Have you experienced signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection such as fever, cough or shortness of breath in the last 48 hours?

- Does the employee/visitor report or test a normal temperature (up to 100.4 degrees)?

All screening questions should be conducted at the entrance to the business and any temperatures taken should be done with an infrared or other non-invasive thermometer. If anyone answers yes to any screening question, they should not be allowed entrance to the business.

Anyone who suspects they might have COVID-19 are asked to call the Department of Health for Manatee County at 941-2426649 or the FDOH COVID-19 hotline at 866-779-9121.

10

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

THE SUN

Offering the largest selection of spirits, wine & beer on AMI.

5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941.779.2337 Shop & earn discounts at Hurricane Hanks!

Delivery service now available!

PROTECT WHAT IS

IMPORTANT TO YOU

OPEN

Impact Windows • Hurricane Shutters Superior Installation

CLOSED

WE OFFER ALL TYPES OF

HURRICANE PROTECTION LET OUR EXPERTS HELP YOU FIND THE PERFECT

VISIT OUR SHOW ROOM OPEN 9-5

8112 CORTEZ RD WEST, BRADENTON 5 STAR RATED

SERVING MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES

ARMOREDDADE.COM License #CRC1332174

See our great reviews ONLINE!

FREE ESTIMATE

941-444-6647

11

12

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

APRIL 8, 2020

CORONAVIRUS: First case reported on AMI FROM PAGE 1

issuing a state of the city report related to coronavirus daily for the past two weeks. Her latest update acknowledged the newly identified coronavirus case and reiterated her April 1 request, addressing Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order 20-91 ordering all Floridians to limit their movements outside of the house to essential activities, such as grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy, or providing essential services to the community.

Titsworth asked that all residents stay at home, if possible, and practice social distancing when it's necessary for them to leave their homes. When venturing out, Titsworth suggested residents wear masks, if possible.

Titsworth extended the city's state of emergency for an additional seven days, ending on April 6 with the option to extend for another seven-day period to be re-evaluated on a weekly basis. Currently, all city offices are open but the doors of city hall remain closed to the public. The April 14 city

commission meeting and work session both were canceled.

She added that the city's beaches and boat ramps both remain closed, though people are still allowed to go to the beach in groups of 10 or less as long as they practice social distancing, leaving 10-15 feet between groups.

At the end of the day on March 31, Titsworth closed all of the city's parks including the dog park, skate park, basketball court and tennis/pickleball courts to the public to discourage groups of more than 10 people forming and encourage residents to practice social distancing, remaining at least six feet from each other to reduce the community spread of coronavirus. On April 3, she reopened the large dog park with the pavilions closed to discourage socialization by pet parents. City parks and the beaches are all being monitored by Holmes Beach police officers.

She also said that city code compliance officers are monitoring the occupancy levels at Holmes Beach

motels, hotels and short-term rentals on a daily basis. On March 25, she sent a letter out asking that all vacation rental owners and agents stop taking new reservations until further notice. On March 27, DeSantis issued an order suspending vacation rentals for a period of 14 days in the state.

In the April 2 report, Titsworth noted that nine out of the 20 properties checked by code compliance officers were found to be in violation of the city and governor's orders and advertising mandates, still allowing for booking and check-in of guests. She said that code and police officers will be monitoring properties in person and online advertising to make sure that no check-ins take place at vacation rentals. Any property owners or managers found to be in violation will be cited and reported to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Titsworth's daily updates can be found on the city’s website at www. holmesbeachfl.org.

BLAKE: Suspended nurses return FROM PAGE 8

start getting sick who’s going to care for the patients?” she said.

BLAKE RESPONSE

When contacted, Blake spokesperson Lisa Kirkland provided an email response to the nurses’ concerns.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19

pandemic, our goal has been to protect our frontline clinicians and caregivers. The pandemic has strained the worldwide supply of personal protective equipment, including masks, face shields, and gowns – a challenge that is not unique to us or any other hospital or health system in the United States.

“While we are doing everything in

our power to secure additional supplies, and we are following CDC protocols for using and conserving PPE, the worldwide shortage is a reality that we are addressing with realistic, workable solutions,” Kirkland stated.

(A longer version of this story can be found at www.amisun.com.)

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

AWARD-WINNING HEALTH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS Best Oil-Based Tincture Best Topical Cream Best Nighttime Serum Water Solubles, Gel Caps, Gummies, Pet Products, Bath, Beauty, & more!

Home of the Largest Network of Hemp Supplement Retailers Worldwide!

APRIL 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

13

14

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

APRIL 8, 2020

Finding the silver lining?

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

T

here are a couple of old adages about finding a silver lining under a crisis. Right now, that might seem to be a bit Pollyannaish given the severity of the problem and the uncertain nature of the future. Still, I think it’s fair to say that most people are making the best of a bad situation, however that might be framed.

It was obvious on the curbs of my neighborhood on Monday, the day we have our trash and recyclables picked up. Piles of trash and overflowing recycling bins made it obvious that I wasn’t the only one taking the opportunity of cleaning, reorganizing and rethinking a number of personal options that being at home occasioned. Here are a couple of “epiphanies’” I had over the past two weeks.

I spend a lot of time at my desk both productively as in writing and editing images and video, and unproductively, i.e. scrolling through news stories, blogs and often questionable posts. Before the pandemic changed life as we had known it, I had planned an office remodel to free up space and make my working area more comfortable and functional.

When COVID-19 changed everything, I was forced to rethink my space and my plans. The result was amazing; after cleaning, reorganizing and spending some time rethinking my options I found I had created a more functional and comfortable space with a lot less work and money. I started by replacing the handles on all the drawers and cabinets in my office, moving my mouse from the right side to the left side of my keyboard and purchasing a portable standing/sitting desk unit. The “desk” sits on my existing countertop, increased my effective space and allowed me to easily work standing up or sitting down. Another purchase was intended to keep my feet comfortable

and warm. When I went online looking for a rug I found an ergonomic footrest that accomplished the intended task but also corrected my posture and made sitting for long periods of time less stressful.

The bottom line was that my knee-jerk reaction to remove and replace had been replaced with a rethink and reuse paradigm.

That solution proved workable while social distancing at home but being an avid angler, I was also presented with the opportunity to rethink my need to get on the water. That led to outfitting my bike with a rod holder and exploring easily accessible options that only required a short bike ride. Suddenly I was bypassing closed boat ramps and finding action on local piers, bridges and beaches that didn’t require launching a boat, buying gas and all the other minutia a fishing trip often entails. Instead of committing most of a day to fishing I was getting out when the tide was right for fishing the pass and making short forays to local docks and piers. The new “lifestyle” also presented me with opportunities to organize and maintain my tackle, tie flies and practice my fly casting.

This new paradigm also made me rethink how to approach fly casting instruction in a time when one on one interaction is not advisable. It led me to the realization that I could encourage neophyte fly casters and experienced fly anglers who want to improve their craft to practice regularly while I provide teaching tips through www.rustychinnis.com/fly online videos.

As anglers we’re blessed that social distancing, a vital component of addressing this pandemic, doesn’t preclude us getting out in the outdoors and pursuing our passion. I choose to fish alone. You’ll have to make that choice but I would encourage others to do the same except in the case of family members who we spend time with anyway. We certainly can’t frame this experience as positive and should consider helping others who aren’t as fortunate as us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look to find some “silver linings” among the chaos.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

This angler took advantage of a local bridge to land this nice Spanish mackerel. Every species that swims local waters swims by a bridge at some point.

APRIL 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

MINOR INJURY OR ILLNESS? No Appointment Necessary Just Walk In

Open 7 Days a Week

4647 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209

manateeurgentcare.com | 941.745.5999 Member of Manatee Physician Alliance For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 200658-0173 1/20

THE SUN

15

16

THE SUN

B

REAL ESTATE

APRIL 8, 2020

Home is where the disinfectant is

y now you should be getting to know your house really well, its assets and its defects, and it sounds like you’ll have a lot more time to make those assessments.

Point is your home is you and your family’s safety net. Right now, the safety net is physical protection within the shelter of your home, but at some point in the future the safety net will change to financial and there’s a lot of worry out there about property values post coronavirus.

Up until March, the U.S. housing market was headed for a hot selling season, but like many Americans, the housing market may have caught the virus as well. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics Inc., is predicting a 60% chance of the U.S. economy going into a recession this year. This will hit the housing market hard despite record-low mortgage rates of 3.29% for a fixed-rate mortgage as

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER of the middle of March. Zandi goes on to say, “housing is being buffeted by two gale forces moving in opposite directions,” referring to low rates and a virus-fueled economic turmoil. “The question is, what’s the end result of all that? In all likelihood, the recession will trump lower rates.”

The National Association of Realtors had anticipated about 5.5 million sales of previously owned homes in 2020, up from 5.3 million a year in 2019. Now, however, they’re expecting a 10% drop in home sales in the next month to start with. Homeowners will be hesitant to put their homes

on the market until the crisis is over, fearful they won’t get a good price.

But if a recession does develop, others could be forced to sell, changing the inventory dynamic from a severe shortage to more available properties.

Meanwhile buyers have seen some of their down payment funds evaporating as the stock market declines, creating the potential of keeping them out of the market until they see a financial recovery.

According to many housing experts, the economic distress will slow home sales, and prices nationally will likely flatten or fall slightly after years of gains. There could be opportunities for buyers with more inventory, declining prices and low interest rates, nevertheless the economic prediction is the coronavirus could drive home sales down 10% in the short term.

What does all of this mean for us on Florida’s west coast? I’m still bullish

on our local real estate market; we can certainly expect some adjustments after we return to a normal market but buyers still want to come to Florida from the northeast and other major metro areas, maybe even more after this is all over.

Here’s an interesting statistic I recently uncovered: In 1998, Florida’s population was approximately 14.9 million, in 2018 it was 21.3 million. In 20 years, Florida grew by over 6 million people, more than the size of many U.S. cities. Based on that, our weather, taxes and general lifestyle advantages, I see no reason to think that our state won’t be at the forefront of the coronavirus recovery.

For now, the main objective is to stay physically healthy; your financial health can be assessed down the road.

So, keep the disinfectant handy, spirits up and learn to love your home and family, flaws and all. Good luck.

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

CURFEW: in effect countywide FROM PAGE 1

Commissioners Betsy Benac, Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia, Priscilla Trace and Carol Whitmore supported the curfew.

“The public should realize we take this very seriously but we’re doing the best we can in extremely bad times,” Trace said.

Commissioners Vanessa Baugh and Steve Jonsson opposed the curfew. Baugh and Jonsson said they felt it was not needed.

They believe the executive order, EO 20-91, issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis and enacted Friday morning already provides local law enforcement agencies the authority they need to enforce the governor’s statewide restrictions on non-essential travel and activities.

The county press release issued after Friday’s meeting noted commissioners were leery of infringing on personal freedoms, but the commission ultimately approved the curfew to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and to protect first responders.

The curfew was adopted by county resolution 20-053.

“The prohibitions set forth herein shall embrace all publicly owned property, all public spaces and all privately owned property – excepting the interior space of residences – within Manatee County, including all municipalities within the county, excepting the Town of Longboat Key,” the resolution says.

The northern portion of Longboat Key is

in Manatee County and the southern portion is in Sarasota County. Longboat Key officials want to act in accordance with Sarasota County in response to the pandemic.

The county curfew applies to all pedestrian and vehicular movement, standing and parking except for: • Persons commuting to and from places of employment; • The provision of fire, police, emergency and hospital services; • The transport of medical patients; • Utility work; • State and local government employees and officials providing services; • Emergency calls by physicians; • Food delivery services; • The walking of domestic animals.

CURFEW REQUEST EXPLAINED

Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Safety Director Jake Saur requested the curfew, and it was noted during Friday’s meeting that the mayors and local law enforcement agencies throughout the county supported it.

“An overnight curfew will further ensure that drivers and pedestrians are outside of their home only for serious reasons such as commuting to or from an essential job,” Saur told the commission.

“This does not enact a police state or martial law. There will not be roadblocks. You do not need papers. If you’re pulled over and questioned by law enforcement during the

temporary curfew local law enforcement officers will be educating those without a valid purpose on why they should be at home,” Sauer said.

Wells referenced the governor’s executive order that some refer to as a ‘stay at home order.’

“It already requires all persons in Florida to limit their movement and personal interaction outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities. Even during the daylight hours, it’s a violation and a second-degree misdemeanor not to follow the orders of the governor,” Wells said.

“We’re not trying to arrest anyone. Even during the daytime, we still have to have some reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or some lawful basis to stop someone,” Wells said.

Wells and Saur said the curfew would help protect law enforcement officers and first responders who face a critical stretch in April, as COVID-19 cases are expected to climb steadily in Manatee County.

“We’re at a pivotal point to make a difference and to flatten the curve,” Saur said.

Saur said several EMS staff have already been quarantined because of accidental exposure to COVID-19 and he voiced concerns that as the virus spreads the ranks of law enforcement officers and other first responders will become depleted by sickness or quarantine.

Saur said the county is receiving an average of 100 COVID-19 calls a day and each call takes two hours to complete.

THE SUN

17

Saur and Wells said reducing the number of cars and people out and about after 11 p.m. would reduce the pressure and workload placed on first responders during those hours while also reducing their risk of exposure.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

“Social gatherings of 10 or more people that do not constitute essential services or essential activities – as those terms are defined in the governor’s Executive Order 20-91 – are prohibited,” the curfew resolution says.

Friday’s press release also referenced the curfew’s impact on social gatherings.

“Before today’s action, local COVID-19 restrictions were only enforceable on public property such as public beaches and public boat ramps. County and city officials say the public has largely heeded those restrictions, but group gatherings at private residences – such as vacation rental homes, recreation centers and event halls – continue to pose a public health risk,” the press release said.

“Law enforcement will now also have the ability to cite outside group gatherings on private property. Under Florida Statute 252.50, those who violate the State Emergency Management Act are guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor and can be served a notice to appear order,” the press release said.

County commissioners hope to schedule a virtual meeting on Friday, April 10, to evaluate and discuss the effectiveness of the curfew.

18

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

THE SUN

19

AME: Students making the grade at home FROM PAGE 1

signments. Many write me throughout the day in Schoology, with greetings, thoughts on assignments, and just our normal conversation. I still feel very connected to them all.”

Third grade students sent teacher Karen Paul pictures online of them doing assignments to keep up morale, and apparently, it worked.

“This has been a great learning experience for parents, staff and children,” said Ms. Paul. “All of my students have learned how to log on to Schoology and 100% of children have successfully completed their online assignments.”

“The teachers are all working together and sharing ideas. We are getting to interact with our students in new ways and the parents have been incredibly supportive,” Mrs. Pidge Barreda said.

“It was a learning experience for all, students and teachers. Everyone has truly been a team member to help one another,” Media Specialist Lynn McDonough said.

“We have had many long hours and challenges this week making sure that every student has logged on to Schoology and has received a computer if they needed one, Principal Jackie Featherston said. “Teachers are making adjustments with their plans to help meet the needs of families and students to give support and guidance as students learn from home. I am so proud of all our staff and families for making the best of this very challenging time. We can do this!”

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

S H O R E AC R E S 867 N Shore Drive Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4454292 $1,850,000

N O RTH P O I NT H A R B O U R 609 N Point Drive Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4455659 $1,190,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $875,000

K E Y R OYA L E 602 Baronet Lane Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4447974 $779,000

W E L L S B AY H A R B O R 710 S Bay Boulevard Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4461640 $2,100,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 103 66th Street 10 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452245 $572,125

T I DY I S L A N D 51 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4440248 $549,000

N O R T H B E AC H V I L L AG E 6250 Holmes Boulevard 53 Jim McElhinney 941-773-1199 A4457253 $530,000

CASANAS 401 39th Street Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4457608 $1,044,500

V I LL A S O F H O LM E S B E AC H 206 52nd Street 3 Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4464002 $989,000

B AY PA L M S 7802 Palm Drive A & B Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4462950 $625,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $600,000

T I DY I S L A N D 10 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4452203 $489,000

RIVERSIDE POINT 5477 56th Court E Tyler Hardy 941-201-8505 A4463283 $614,900

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

SUMMER SANDS 1007 Gulf Drive N 111 Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4443268 $499,000

OPEN HOUSES SUNDAYS 1–4 PM

michaelsaunders.com

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

20

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Really big hit 6 Numero uno, with “the” 10 One always ready with quick comebacks 13 W.C. Fields persona 14 Strand during a sleet storm, say 16 Green prefix 17 Football non-passing offense 19 Fish eggs 20 __ the table: arrange silverware and such 21 MBA or MFA: Abbr.

22 Behind, or hit from behind 24 Farm song refrain 26 Hasenpfeffer, e.g.

27 Open-and-__ case 30 Get one more card for twice the bet, in blackjack 34 36-Across skunk Pepé 36 Warner Bros. creation 37 Author Tolstoy 38 European peak 39 “Gosh, look at the time” 42 Sundial seven 43 You, to Goethe 44 “Peter Pan” dog 45 Sediment 47 Car engine measure 51 Arthur of tennis 52 “Unforgettable” singer 53 Peter, Paul or Mary 55 Philosophy school with no classes?

58 Biol. or geol.

59 “Bingo!”

62 Australian bird 63 Opening kickoff, say, and what both parts of 17-, 30- and 47-Across can be

66 Sailor’s “Help!”

67 Woodsy path 68 Deed 69 Gallery hangings 70 Bldg. with a pool 71 “I Am of Ireland” poet Down 1 Lat. and Est., once 2 Grimace 3 Em, to Dorothy 4 Nine-digit ID 5 Alpine heroine 6 Astros Hall of Famer Craig __ 7 Cardio readout 8 Blacken 9 Schedule opening 10 Human/canine shapeshifters 11 Screen symbol to click on 12 Open-__ shoes 15 Tidied, as a room 18 Require 23 Cabernet color 24 Summer in Lyon 25 Western bad guys 27 Cut drastically, as prices

Answers to 04-01-20 Crossword Puzzle.

28 Prefix for “sun” 29 Elite group 31 Fancy neckwear 32 Mull over 33 Bam, bang or boom 35 Sommelier’s menu 40 Complex woven textile 41 __-Caps: candy 46 Backstabber 48 Fenway team, familiarly 49 SoCal Latinx neighborhood 50 Puerto __ 54 Really cool 55 Big butte 56 Love, in Lima 57 Hat-tipper’s word of address 59 Opposite of baja 60 “Stop right there!”

61 Shipboard yeses 64 Rocker Ocasek 65 Dessert pastry

APRIL 8, 2020

APRIL 8, 2020

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMPUTER SERVICES

SENIOR WIFE & HUSBAND available to house sit on ANNA MARIA ISLAND. Call 314-277-2888

EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

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

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

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE ESTABLISHED RETAIL BUSINESS for sale on AMI. 250k plus inventory. Long term lease possible. $4200. a month plus low cam fees. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 Email to sharonsellsbeaches@ yahoo.com 13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

Call us today! 941-778-3986

EMPLOYMENT THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or

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

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

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

Neil 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

AMISUN.COM

LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

HOME MAINTENANCE. Tile and Laminate installation.

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

HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www. thehardwoodstop.com GREEN INSTALLATIONS VOTED #1 by Yelp for last 3 years! Call 786-318-8585

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

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

THE SUN

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

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

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

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

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

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

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

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086

21

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 MOBILE HOME in 55+ community 1975 Fully furnished, excellent rental history, 1BR/1BA, 50 steps from beach. $72,500. Call 813-6793561

22

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE 2BR/2BA GULF FRONT Condo. Fabulous view rarely on the mkt.! Sun Plaza West. $749,000 COMPLETELY REMODELED gorgeous condo with Peek of Gulf. $600,000 firm. RIVER DISTRICT Homes Bradenton. $300,000 start !

Very cool historical area.

PERICO ISLAND Patio Home. private pool.

Close to AMI! $369,000 Brenda Boyd May Broker/owner Boyd Realty LLC. 941-730-8589 www.boydrealty.com

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY April 12 1pm-4pm. 7920 4th Ave W. Bradenton. Pine Bay Forest Condo. Gorgeous 1300 sq.ft. 2BR/2BA Condo.

Completely remodeled.

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

Brand New Kitchen.

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

RENTALS: ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH, elevated nice 2BR/2BA duplex a block to the beach.

Updated kitchen with washer and dryer included, all tile floors, large carport and storage area, nice front deck to enjoy the sunsets. $1,800/mo. immediate occupancy, non smoking. Call Paige Rogers 513-382-1992 paige@teamduncan.com Duncan Real Estate ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com 2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800

WARES CREEK AREA. 3BR/2BA on Wares Creek $1750/mo Available NOW. First, & 1 ½ security deposit. Credit check required.

Call 941-809-2488 HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX 2BR/1BA 2 blocks to beach. Washer/Dryer hook ups, I Year lease. $1300/ mo First, 1 &1/2 months security deposit. Available April 15. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL RENTAL BUGALOW with mini-loft. Vaulted ceilings. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer. Steps to Beach. Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-1096 SMUGGLERS LANDINGS. CORTEZ 2BR/2BA/2CG. Overlooking Canal.1400s.f. , unfurnished, with 2 pools, 40ft boat slip. $1900/mo.

Available May 1. Call 770883-3561 ANNUAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH 1BR/1BA 2 blocks to beach. Nice back yard. $1,200/mo. No pets.

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

APRIL 8, 2020

ANNUAL RENTALS IN HOLMES BEACH- 1BR/1BA, $950/mo. Ground floor, part of a triplex, 2 blocks to the beach, no dogs, no washer/dryer hookups. 1st, last and sec dep, $45 app fee. Contact Dolores Baker Real Estate 941-778-7500 for more details.

ANNUAL 2BR/2BA furnished or unfurnished all updated available now Call 551-427-0248 ANNUAL 2BR/2BA duplex off Cortez, 3.5 mi to beach. Fenced yard, W/D hook ups, covered parking, non-smoking, pet friendly. $1,100/mo. 941-721-8480 M-F 9-5, or email mehall@ nclaimsadjusters.com BIG POOL, SMALL COMPLEX. 1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Water, Electric, Cable, Wifi included. Beautifully furnished $1550/mo. No pets. Call 941-704-7525

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

LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION Bradenton Beach available NOW 2BR/2BA all updated monthly. Call 551-427-0248. 04/01/201/31/2021

ROOMMATE WANTED WANTED MATURE FEMALE roommate 3BR/2BA condo overlooking water. Near Anna Maria Island. $800/ mo. Non smoker/no pets.

Call or text Lisa 704-4916977

TRANSPORTATION

FREE

HOME DELIVERY

AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

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

Call for Details

778-3986

www.amisun.com

APRIL 8, 2020

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

23

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

PAINTING

HOME SERVICES TRANSPORTATION

24

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

APRIL 8, 2020

the Team Duncan Difference!

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Dee Munn Broker Associate

Katie Self Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate

Martha Jones Sales Associate

April Green Sales Associate

Pat Short Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Joey Hutchinson Sales Associate Sales Associate

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

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304