A new vacation rental home at 614 Gladiolus St. recently received a notice of violation for an unpermitted ground-level bedroom.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.comANNA MARIA – City officials are concerned about ground-level storage spaces in vacation rental homes being illegally converted and used as additional bedrooms.
Mayor Dan Murphy addressed these concerns with the city commission on Aug. 3.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA –City officials rejected Manatee County’s proposed water taxi-related modifications to the City Pier, but negotiations remain ongoing.
On Aug. 3, Mayor Dan Murphy presented the county’s proposed pier modifications to the city commission. The modifications rejected by the mayor and commis-
sion included a floating finger dock with submerged pilings attached perpendicular to the existing boat landing at the T-end of the pier. The county also proposed railings and a locked gate that would have provided exclusive access to the county water taxis.
The county-funded water taxis will initially be operated from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between downtown Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach by the county-contracted Gulf Island Ferry company.
“When I saw this, I was not happy with it at all,” Murphy told the commission.
Murphy said the proposed pier modifications would cost the county $300,000, but the city would have to reimburse the county for that amount if the city later decided to opt out of the water taxi program.
Murphy said Anna Maria, like Bradenton and Bradenton Beach, will now agree to pay for the ongoing maintenance of any county-funded pier modifications approved by the city commission.
The mayor and commission are also concerned that the county has not yet provided specific details pertaining to any additional
“New single-family homes are being built with storage areas included. It appears some of these storage areas conveniently could be converted into bedrooms. Storage areas should not be converted into bedrooms,” Murphy said, noting that it violates state and city building codes and FEMA flood insurance regulations.
According to the notice of violation the city issued on Aug. 1, the vacation rental home in violation is located at 614 Gladiolus St. and is owned by Windemere residents Jose and Judith Calderon.
According to the violation notice, the home was inspected as a vacation rental on July 24 and the city inspector discovered a ground floor garage/ storage area had been enclosed and converted into a bedroom and/or habitable area. The notice also states the enclosed room is labeled as a bedroom on the sketch required as part of the city’s vacation rental registration program.
According to the notice, the property is currently in violation of several city and state building code regulations.
The notice of violation states the owners had until noon on Aug. 4 to apply for a city-issued demolition permit to bring the property into compliance with its previously issued building permit.
The homeowners were scheduled to meet with the city building official Monday afternoon.
When addressing the commission, Murphy noted the city’s annual vacation rental registration program requires an annual inspection of each dwelling to be used as a vacation rental. While the state preempts the regulation of vacation rentals to itself, the city has the authority to enforce state building codes, he said.
“A bedroom on the ground floor is a violation of Florida Building Code,” Murphy said in regard
City officials remain optimistic that the City Pier will be a landing area for the pending water taxi service.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Due to increased insurance costs, the popular Monkey Bus shuttle service on and around the Island has been suspended with the hope of resuming operations soon.
Sally Dirbas and her son, Mitchell Gross, bought the Monkey Bus business from its previous owners in June 2022. According to Dirbas, the Monkey Bus suspended service a few minutes before midnight at the close of business on Aug. 2.
The next day, the following announcement was posted on the Monkey Bus Facebook page: “Since the new ownership took over the Monkey Bus a year ago, we have worked incredibly hard to improve our service with new buses, well-qualified drivers, tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance, new stereos, security cameras in every bus and much more.
“Despite our efforts to run this business in a way not only us, but the community also can be proud of,
we continue to fight a battle that has been longer than we could have ever expected. That battle is insurance costs, which have risen so high that we cannot continue to run until we restructure and come to a long-term agreement with a company that we can afford.
“The Monkey Bus is a local, familyowned ‘mom and pop’ company and we will get everything worked out. We are not going out of business, and we are not leaving the community we love and call home. Thanks for your
support, 99% of all the messages and feedback we get are positive and we are beyond appreciative. We will keep you updated on progress and hope to have this resolved quickly,” the announcement says.
“I have to have commercial transportation insurance because the liability of having passengers is so much more than a regular vehicle,” Dirbas told The Sun.
After acquiring the business in 2022, Dirbas obtained an insurance policy from Progressive Insurance. But,
when later reading that policy’s fine print, she realized the policy didn’t allow the Monkey Buses to pick up passengers at a residence, condo or hotel.
“I could only drive them from business to business,” she said.
In February, Dirbas took out a new insurance policy with the National Indemnity Company (NICO). The new policy initially cost $300 more per month than the previous policy but appeared to provide all the needed coverage. Two weeks later, Dirbas was informed that her new policy was increasing from $2,195 a month to nearly $20,000 a month because the insurance company re-categorized the Monkey Bus’s insurance needs to be more akin to that of a commercial bus line.
According to Dirbas, NICO is one of only three insurance underwriters nationwide that write the type of insurance policy she needs. While trying to resolve the extreme rate hike, Dirbas said she paid the $20,000 monthly insurance bill out of her
SEE INSURANCE, PAGE 23
Anna Maria’s proposed 2023-24 fiscal year budget is projected to be 9% higher than last year.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.comANNA MARIA – The city will pay the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) an additional $212,626 to serve as the city’s contracted law enforcement agency.
Developer Shawn Kaleta’s name is associated with two recently-created limited liability corporations (LLC) whose names bear similarities to the Pines Trailer Park in Bradenton Beach. Many park residents believe Kaleta has or will purchase the mobile home park from the Jackson Partnership LLLC, but no sale or pending sale has been publicly announced or confirmed. On May 5, articles of incorporation for Pines Park Investors LLC were filed with the Florida Division of Corporations. The LLC lists Kaleta’s attorney, Louis Najmy, as the LLC’s registered agency and Kaleta as its manager. On July 24, articles of incorporation were filed for Pines Park Holdings LLC. That LLC lists Najmy as the registered agent and Kaleta as the manager. Najmy did not respond to The Sun’s email inquiry seeking clarification on the recently formed LLCs and no documentation regarding the park’s sale is available in Manatee County’s official records or in Manatee County Property Appraiser records.
The two-week qualifying period for candidates seeking a seat on the Anna Maria City Commission will begin at noon on Monday, Aug. 14, and end at noon on Friday, Aug. 25.
The 2023 general election will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Commissioners Jon Crane, Charlie Salem and Robert Kingan are up for election. Crane and Salem said they intend to run but Kingan said he will not seek a second term. Kingan said he may seek a commission seat again at some point in the future, but for now, he and his wife have other things they want to do, including traveling and spending time with family.
Anna Maria commissioners serve two-year terms and are paid $4,800 per year for their services. Candidates must appoint a campaign treasurer, which can be themselves, and designate a primary bank depository for their campaign funds. For more information on the qualifying process and obtaining a qualifying packet, contact the Anna Maria City Clerk’s office or the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.
During the Aug. 3 budget meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy proposed and the city commission supported the increase, which will result in the city paying $1.34 million for law enforcement services during the 2023-24 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
The city of Anna Maria does not have its own city police force. Led by Sgt. Brett Getman, MCSO’s Anna Maria Unit serves as the city’s dedicated law enforcement agency. During his negotiations
with the Sheriff’s Office, Murphy was told the increase is needed to help the agency retain and attract deputies in hopes of not losing them to other area sheriff’s offices that offer higher wages. Although the increase is significant, Murphy said he understands and supports it, and the commission agreed. The law enforcement and public safety expenses are among the
$6.59 million in proposed expenditures related to the general operations of the city during the coming fiscal year. Overall, these general operating expenses are projected to be $522,733 (9%) more than the similar expenses incurred during the current 202223 fiscal year budget.
The CRA approves funds for preliminary work on a plan to build a park at the landward end of the Bradenton Beach Pier.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.comBRADENTON BEACH – Mayor John Chappie presented a proposal at the Aug. 2 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting to discuss having an elevated small park created at the landward end of the Bradenton Beach pier, in the spot where a fenced, unused cistern is located.
Chappie had made the presentation the day before at the Council of Governments meeting.
“A big part of that presentation was a discussion about the CRA projects that have been going on and they are really all connected,” he said.
Chappie outlined recent Bradenton Beach projects.
“The cistern project area is the center point of what we’ve been
doing for the last several years - this 1,800-foot-long walkway,” Chappie said. “We have the city pier that has been totally rebuilt with 630 linear feet, we’ve added the 36 feet of floating docks, we’ve added the finger docks which expanded our docking facilities for up to 21 boats.”
He also said the city is ready for the water taxi.
“It’s all about walkable communities, trying to draw people in,” he said. “This is what the CRA is all about, revitalization, redevelopment, business increasing for our community. “
But once past the boardwalk clock tower area, he noted a gapthe fenced cistern.
“I have basically dubbed it Bridge Street/Bayside Park area instead of calling it the cistern project,” Chappie said.
He outlined his vision for a small park in the area of the cistern.
“This is going to be a connectivity with decking between the end of the boardwalk someplace in
that area, along the shoreline to the dinghy dock, to have that connectivity around that cistern area, whether we can remove it or not,” he said.
A year after the beach market was closed, county officials select a new leader.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
COQUINA BEACH – Nearly a year after the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau took over the management of the Coquina Beach Market from the previous market director, a new manager and opening date for the market have been announced.
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved Dottie Deerwester from Ready Set Go Tour and Travel as the new market manager on July 25.
“Right now, I am collecting names of possible vendors and will be sending out information by the end of August,” Deerwester said on Aug. 5. “Any interested vendors should text me and I will be in contact with them.”
Deerwester said there will be a maximum of 80 vendors at the market.
The market is expected to open on Oct. 4 at South Coquina Beach and will have year-round operations, according to Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan.
Market hours will be Sundays, beginning around 4 to 6 hours before sunset and ending just before sunset, and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vendors wishing to be considered for space at the market may text Deerwester at 707-972-5055 with their name, company name, email and type of product to be sold. Alternatively, an email can be sent to dottie@rdysetgo.com
The county received three proposals - from Deerwester, Florida Marketplace Group, LLC and Your Tampa Markets LLC, according to the county license agreement.
“To enhance and promote Manatee County as a unique community, and provide for the comfort in and enjoyment of the use of the park by its patrons, the county hereby grants unto licensee the right and privilege to provide the county with market vendor coordinator services
in accordance with the terms, conditions and limitations of this agreement,” according to the franchise license agreement between the county and Deerwester.
The agreement may be terminated at any time with 30 days written notice, according to the license agreement.
The discussion about the market began on Aug. 2, 2022, the county announced in a press release that it would take over the beach market from Nancy Ambrose, its director for the past decade. The release stated in part: “Artisans and other vendors will be back along the Coquina Beach South promenade, once again, when the 2022-23 seasons opens in November as oversight for the market shifts to Manatee County.”
That opening was delayed following Hurricane Ian in September, 2022.
“As crews have been deployed around the county to clean up and repair other parks properties, the site prep and rehab work to get the new site (further south on Coquina Beach) ready have been put on hold temporarily,” according to a Manatee County press release. “The official opening date has been delayed from the originally planned Nov. 1.”
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Family-owned since 2000
Despite the many hours of "discussion" devoted to the Manatee Beach parking garage, even today we continue to hear false information swirling about.
As part of the legislation for House Bill 947 (garage bill), Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, submitted a required financial statement to the state which referenced a supporting document, "2021 Manatee County Beach Use Study." After many inquiries, we believe this study to be a 64-page report titled "Manatee County Anna Maria Island Beach Parking and Access Assessment."
Following Holmes Beach action in April 2020 regarding parking on city-owned streets, Manatee County commissioned an updated parking and access assessment based on existing conditions. Spaces NOT included in the inventory were:
• spaces where landscaping or vegetation encroached into the rights of way and blocked parking spaces;
• golf cart parking spaces;
• locations with “Permit Parking Only” signs.
Very significant conclusions were stated in the study:
"The beach is entirely accessible to the public along Anna Maria Island based on signed beach access points."
"The City of Holmes Beach presently meets the minimum
federal and state requirements for public access to maintain the maximum level of funding eligibility.”
"The updated 2020 parking inventory presented in this report verifies that the parking and beach access for the three cities within Anna Maria Island presently meet the requirements set by the federal and state governments to maintain maximum funding eligibility for shore protection projects."
This should put any arguments for eligibility for beach renourishment to rest.
Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
Aug. 10, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting
Aug. 24 5 p.m. – Budget meeting with City Commission meeting following
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Aug. 15, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency work meeting
Aug. 16, 9 a.m. – Pension Board meeting
Aug. 16, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting
Aug. 17, noon – City Commission meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Aug. 15, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m. – Police officer’s pension board meeting
Aug. 23, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting
ISLAND-WIDE
Aug. 15, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton
Aug. 21, 9 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Island Time Book Club: “The Golden Couple,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUG. 10
AMI Chamber luncheon, The Feast, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m., $22 for members or $30 for prospective members.
Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 11
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Adult Fingerpainting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 12
Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
MONDAY, AUG. 14
Sunset Tai Chi, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUG. 15
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16
Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 2-4 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUG. 17
Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 18
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 19
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
TUESDAY, AUG. 22
Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission plans to discuss the enforcement and/or amendment of the city’s sign ordinance as it pertains to sandwich board signs later this month.
During the city commission’s Aug. 3 meeting, the commission agreed to revisit this topic during its Thursday, Aug. 24 meeting.
During the Aug. 3 meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy said he received an email complaint about the A-framed sandwich board signs located along Pine Avenue. Murphy was referencing the July 29 email he and the commissioners received from Judy Somers.
In her email, Somers wrote, “I thought the sandwich boards on Pine Avenue were supposed to disappear after the COVID
restrictions? Then I was told they were still there because codes (code enforcement) didn’t have the manpower/ womanpower to enforce things, but they should be taken in each night. The sandwich boards are not removed at night. They’re not even piled about against the buildings. There are sandwich boards sitting right on top of the sidewalk 24 hours a day. People trip over them. They’re ugly and unnecessary. The sandwich boards keep proliferating. Is this something that’s just part of our lives here now?”
During Thursday’s meeting,
of city commissioners prohib ited sandwich board signs and another group of commissioners later temporarily allowed them again in response to the City Pier being damaged during Hurricane Irma and later closed for reconstruction, and later in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Murphy said sandwich board signs benefit local businesses and he doesn’t want them to be illegal, but some additional commission discussion and decision-making is needed in regard to tightening up the existing sign regulations.
BARBARA MURPHY | SUBMITTED
AMI Historical Society Secretary Carolyn Orshak and Bill Romberger proudly display the wooden rocking chairs he refurbished for the museum.
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is grateful for the time Bill Romberger voluntarily spent refurbishing the four well-used and much-enjoyed rocking chairs that sit on the front porch of the AMI Historical Museum in Anna Maria. “They look brand new,” Historical Society board member Barbara Murphy said of the refurbished chairs. Romberger is a full-time Holmes Beach resident who works as a broker associate at Duncan Real Estate. He’s also an AMI Chamber of Commerce board member, heads the Suncoast Surfrider Foundation and volunteers at the new Mote Marine educational outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier. “Even with all his other involvements, Bill still found time to volunteer his time and talent at the museum,” Murphy said.
The mayor doesn’t want to prohibit sandwich board signs, but he does want to revisit the city’s sign rules.JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Some Anna Maria businesses use multiple sandwich board signs.
CORTEZ – If there’s one bright spot to the news that longtime waterfront staple Cortez Kitchen is closing its doors, it’s that it has brought out the good in people.
Last Friday, social media discussions reported the restaurant was closing on Sunday. That news brought in a packed house on Friday night, along with the generosity of customers to support Cortez Kitchen staff who found themselves soon out of a job.
Cindy Lipke, a waitress at Cortez Kitchen for the past 18 years, expressed concern about her next employment.
“It’s off-season, and I’m turning 65 years old in October,” she said. “It’s not going to be easy to find another job.”
A waitress who asked not to be identified said that the staff of nine people hadn’t been paid in a number of weeks.
Musician and singer Eric Von performed on Friday night, and during
his break, he took to the microphone to ask customers to help.
“People here may be losing their jobs,” Von said. “I’m donating my tips tonight to the servers and my parents (Jane and Rocky von Hahmann) are matching up to $900 in donations. If you can help, it would be greatly appreciated.”
Von put the contents of his tip bucket into the mix and within minutes had raised more than $2,100 from customers, who lined up to donate to the Cortez Kitchen staff.
“When people get the rug pulled out from under them like this, it’s absolutely awesome to see that there’s
a community that can come together like this to help people out,” Von said. “When you guys come together there’s nothing we can’t do as a community.”
The Cortez Kitchen building at 4528 119th St. W. is owned by John Banyas, who also owns the Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar next door. The building has been rented by Joe Oelker, who owned the restaurant business.
Banyas said he will take over the restaurant’s operations and reopen it under the same name in a month or two after remodeling, retaining the open-air atmosphere and outdoor music.
“I’ve been wanting to take the place
over for a couple of years,” Banyas said.
Oelker will pay the workers, Banyas said. Oelker, formerly of Ohio, purchased the Cortez Kitchen restaurant from Peter Barreda.
“I’m retiring. That’s about it,” he said on Saturday. “I believe Sunday is the last day.”
One regular customer expressed disbelief and disappointment Friday night about the closure.
“My husband saw it on Facebook today and he called me at work to tell me,” she said. “I thought it must be a joke. I was devastated. There really is no other place like this.”
HOLMES BEACH - Anna Maria
Elementary School Principal
Michael Masiello and staff have been busily preparing to greet 208 students on Thursday, Aug. 10, the first day of school.
A new parent meet-and-greet is scheduled on the first day of school at 8:40 a.m. in the auditorium. New this year is a remodeled media center, an added Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) class, new units of
study in the Guy Harvey Program and eight new staff members.
The Guy Harvey program will have new content, Masiello said.
“This year we will have four new units of study in grades K-5 focusing on marine science content. The lessons will tie into the English language arts, mathematical thinking and reasoning standards, science and engineering practices and art,” he said.
The lessons will focus on:
• Quarter 1: Virtual field trip to Raja Ampat, Indonesia to observe the coral reef habitat and the characteristics of living things;
• Quarter 2: Negative impacts of
human behavior on Earth’s natural resources;
• Quarter 3: Schooling - Safety in numbers (animal adaptations); and
• Quarter 4: Electroreception (animal adaptations).
Eight new staff members join the school this year: Erin Bobo, VPK teacher; Krista Czajkowski, VPK aide; Rachel Frantz, Kindergarten teacher; Katrina Thomas, secondgrade teacher; Sandy Angstadt, third-grade teacher; Regina Fallgren, gifted teacher; Yu-Lin Hsiao, ESE teacher; and Julie Miller, speech/language pathologist.
School hours are 8:25 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Students should be in
class by 8:25 a.m. or they will be considered tardy. Early drop-off is not allowed prior to 7:55 a.m., when students may enter the school. Students may eat breakfast at school at no cost.
Additional online resources for parents are:
• Food and Nutrition Information, Payment, Accounts: https://www. manateeschools.net/domain/1150
• Students who qualify for school busing must register each school year: https://www.manateeschools.net/ registertoride
• Student supply lists can be viewed on the school website: https://www. manateeschools.net/annamaria
The City Commission has reconsidered and reapproved a motion to allow a coconut palm tree to be planted at the city-owned Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) by its lessee John Horne.
The motion was approved on July 20 in a 3-1 vote with Commissioner Jan Vosburgh voting no, and was brought up again in a motion by Mayor John Chappie at an Aug. 3 commission meeting after a consultation with Horne.
Vosburgh again cited concerns about liability to the city from falling coconuts.
“I would like to make a motion to reconsider the motion made by Commissioner (Ralph) Cole on July 20, regarding the approval of the landscape plan presented by John Horne of AMOB,” Chappie said.
“Before I can make the motion to reconsider I need to pass the gavel to the vice-chair; before I can pass the gavel I need to ask to for a motion, and I’m choosing Ralph Cole as the temporary vice-chair of the City of Bradenton Beach Commission since our current vice-chair (Marilyn Maro) has been absent with an excuse,”
Chappie said.
The motion to appoint Cole passed unanimously.
“I have some further information I’d like us to discuss,” Chappie said. “The original motion is on the floor for us to debate.”
Chappie handed out copies of the original landscaping motion and said he had a recent meeting with Horne.
“If we did go with the coconuts - and we all have concerns about the liability issues and the concern in that area - the discussion we talked about was Mr. Horne signing a maintenance agreement where he would be responsible for making sure when the seeds come up the trees would be trimmed,” Chappie said. “Even the little ones I’ve seen come off at times. He indicated that he would sign a document that he is going to be responsible and Ricinda (City Attorney Ricinda Perry) at our last meeting talked about making up a document that would hold him to that.”
Chappie indicated that if Horne did not adhere to the agreement, his entire lease could be in jeopardy, including
his ability to sell alcohol.
Cole said he had no problem with the tree as long as an agreement was in place.
“My theory is we should not have coconut palms at all,” Vosburgh said. “Why can’t he just choose another tree?”
Commissioner Jake Spooner asked for clarification on common areas and whether or not Horne’s liability insurance would cover any potential injuries.
“The area where he is relandscaping and the fence will become part of the common area,” Perry said. “I’m not satisfied that’s enough protection for the city’s liability.”
Perry said she would require an indemnification and hold harmless agreement to offer protection for the city.
“If the city were to be sued, he would be required to pay legal services and he would be required to pay any damages that are awarded,” she said.
“Why put ourselves in that position when you could plant a different tree?” Vosburgh asked.
“I think the agreement forces the act of trimming to be done well before there’s coconuts,” Chappie said.
Spooner noted that Horne does what he says he will do.
A motion to amend the original landscape motion adding the phrase, “shall be maintained to not produce coconuts” was passed by a vote of 3-1 with Vosburgh voting no.
West Manatee Fire Rescue crews L139, R138 and B1 responded to a call on July 22 from an Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch representative to help free five newly-hatched sea turtles from a storm drain in Bradenton Beach. The hatchlings were all safely removed and the crews cheered the sea turtles on as they were released into the Gulf of Mexico.
Water quality at area beaches is based on monitoring of enterococcus bacteria levels, which can pose an increased risk of infectious disease. Coquina Beach North Good Coquina Beach South Good Bayfront Park North Good Cortez Beach Good Manatee Beach North Good Palma Sola South Good
Source: Florida Department of Health
Turtle nests laid: 395 (Record: 544 in 2019)
False crawls: 441 (Record: 831 in 2010)
Nests hatched: 146 (Record: 453 in 2022)
Hatchlings hatched: 10,482 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)
Hatchling disorientations: 44
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
CORTEZ – The Seafood Shack is under contract for sale, but the listing agent is tight-lipped about the potential buyer.
Citing a confidentiality clause in the contract, the co-listing agent for the property, Realtor Dave Neff, said, “The property has not sold yet, but it is under contract. I am not able to disclose who the buyer is.”
Speculation on social media centers around the potential buyers being owners of a popular waterfront restaurant in Venice.
“There are rumors going around about who the buyer is, but those rumors are premature in nature and inaccurate,” Neff said.
The potential buyers are conducting their due diligence and a closing date will be several months out, he said. Due diligence typically involves an evaluation of liabilities and assets and a determination of a business’s potential before purchasing a property.
Neff said prior to acceptance of this contract, there had been a high level of interest in the property among restaurateurs, investors and marina operators.
“The likelihood that a restaurant and
marina will continue to exist there is very high,” he said.
Annie’s Bait and Tackle, which has existed since the 1950s, is part of the Seafood Shack parcel. It is uncertain whether Annie’s, which sells bait and tackle, beer, ice, gas and food, will continue to exist once the new owners take over.
The Seafood Shack parcel at 127th Street West is listed by Neff and Elliot Rose of Coldwell Banker Realty. Only offers of $15 million or higher were considered, according to the property listing.
The 5.6-acre property is described on crexi.com as a: “Fully operational marina, restaurant and ancillary income streams from Jet-Ski/boat rental, with additional land for expansion of marina wet slips and dry rackominium boat storage.” The parcel also includes a submerged lease area.
The Seafood Shack Marina has been in existence for more than 42 years, according to the property listing, and is a waypoint marker (marker 49A) for boaters along the Intracoastal Waterway.
“These residential markets are experiencing unparalleled population growth and have very strong demographics. Located just south of the St. Pete and Tampa Bay area. Five minutes from the gorgeous open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This Seafood Shack Marina is situated in one of the most desirable regions for acquisitions in the country,” according to the property listing.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – To accommodate ongoing work for the city’s sewer project, traffic lanes will change on Gulf Drive between 11th and 13th Streets South.
The temporary lane shift will continue through late August, as the north and southbound travel lanes will be shifted west to route traffic around the sewer project construction zone.
During this time, the contractor will be installing new gravity sewer pipeline across Gulf Drive South at 12th Street South and along the east side of Gulf Drive South a few hundred feet south of 12th Street South.
The contractor will also begin the installation of gravity sewer pipeline on 12th Street South. Through early fall, that road will be closed to vehicular traffic as the pipe is installed along with lateral connections down 12th Street South.
A temporary parking area on the west side of Gulf Drive South for residents, tenants and guests of 12th Street South will be provided along with a free shuttle service from the parking area to the residences.
The property includes a restaurant, marina and additional land for expansion, according to the listing description.MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED A lane shift and road closures are scheduled for Gulf Drive South.
The Anna Maria Island Privateers’ new board of officers met at Moose Lodge #1223 in Bradenton on Aug. 2, welcoming MaryAnn “Maz” Zeyla as the new president, returning to the role she previously held many years ago. Kelly “Moulin” Sparkman is the vice president, Pam “Half-Pint” Henrich is the treasurer, Jen Mais is the secretary, Terry “Cookie” Rapert is the captain who oversees the Privateer’s fleet of vehicles that includes the Skullywag parade vessel, Valerie “Dallas” Mabry is the media liaison and Cindy “Lady Synthia” Meeks is the past president. The Privateers are always looking for new members to join their krewe. To learn more, visit the AMI Privateers’ Facebook page or https://amiprivateers.wildapricot.org.
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is hosting its monthly members' luncheon at The Feast Restaurant, 5406 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach on Thursday, Aug. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monthly luncheons give chamber members and prospective members a chance to mingle and chat
while enjoying a wonderful meal at a great local restaurant. The cost to attend is $22 for members or $30 for prospective members. Reservations are required; call 941-778-1541.
Get your nominations in now to serve on the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors. To be eligible,
nominees must be members of the Chamber in good standing and be willing to help guide the Chamber to help its members. Nominations will be taken online and must be completed and signed by five Chamber members. Completed applications are due no later than Sept. 1. A nominating committee will review all applications and place candidates on a ballot. Ballots will be sent to the general membership the week of Sept. 4 and completed ballots are due by Oct. 2. The nomination form is available at https://tinyurl.com/3mxuvnut.
at whether or not there is a nutrientrelated problem in Palma Sola Bay and if there is, how important might horses be for that.”
Pathogens can be quantified, Tomasko said.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.comBRADENTON – Horses are not the only source of bacteria and seagrass damage in Palma Sola Bay, an expert told the Bradenton City Council.
In a July 26 water quality presentation, Dr. Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), stopped short of naming horses as a primary cause of elevated bacteria levels and loss of seagrass, instead saying that there are likely multiple causes.
Horseback riding on the north side of the bay has long been debated by the council, the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee and water quality organizations.
“People damage the bay by enjoying the bay, we’re not against that at all,” Tomasko said. “SBEP is for access and recreating on the bay but that does cause damage to the bay.”
In his slide presentation to the
council, he raised the question, “Do horses pose a risk to the health of Palma Sola Bay? Is this something that might be bothering some people, or is it something that puts the system at risk?”
Two businesses provide horseback riding in the water on the north side of the bay.
Tomasko discussed four metrics
to labs to determine whether or not levels of enteric bacteria (enterococci) – which can bring human disease, infections or rashes – are acceptable based on EPA standards.
related to water quality and health of the bay, and talked about each of their possible sources: Nutrient enrichment, pathogens, physical damage and nitrogen.
“We generate nutrients through our fecal material, through passing urine. We generate nutrients by fertilizing our lawns, not picking up after our dogs,” he said. “We’re going to look
“Pathogens are things that can make you sick. We test for bacteria. We have three types of fecal indicator bacteria – e. coli, enterococci and fecal coliform, and none of those are just specific to humans, to mammals or to animals,” he said. “I can get you millions of fecal coliform bacteria from decomposing grass in a bucket of water. Our indicators are not specific to a source. So, if you find elevated levels of bacteria, it doesn’t mean you know why they’re there. “
Two different locations, one on the north side where horses are ridden and one on the south side where they are not are both sampled by laboratories, he said.
The Florida Department of Health collected more than 50 samples of south side data and 84% of them were good, Tomasko said.
“On the north side, the values are
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.comPALMA SOLA - The south Palma Sola Bay no-swim advisory issued on July 20 by the Florida Department of Health-Manatee (DOH-Manatee) has been lifted and waters are once again deemed safe for swimming.
Lifting the advisory means that bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels.
As a participant in the Healthy Beaches Program, DOH-Manatee collects water samples at select beaches each week. The samples are then sent
If levels are read as unacceptable, a no-swim advisory is issued; a no-swim advisory is lifted once the levels are deemed acceptable.
South Palma Sola Bay was the only area beach that was under a no-swim advisory.
Additional information about the Healthy Beaches program can be found by calling 941-714-7593, or by visiting the Florida Department of Health’s website at www.FloridaHealth.gov and selecting Beach Water Quality under the Environmental Health tab of the navigation bar.
“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”
Dr. Dave Tomasko said there are multiple possible sources of bacteria and seagrass damage, and recommends further testing.LESLIE LAKE | SUN Horses on the north side of Palma Sola Bay may be a possible source of water quality issues, an expert says. SEE BAY, PAGE 15
Bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels, according to the Florida Department of Health.
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poor more than any other category. Elevated levels are found more on the north side than the south side,” he said. “The south side doesn’t show elevated levels (of bacteria) except on occasion.”
“Enterococci bacteria is not necessarily from humans or pets or horses. It could be, but it could also be coming from decomposing seagrass meadows,” Tomasko said, noting that seagrass is absent from the south side of the bay.
Tomasko suggested that there is a good way to find out where the bacteria is coming from and that is through quantitative testing.
“My suggestion would be to try find what the bacteria is coming from to know what you should act upon, if anything,” he said. “If I have 3,000 bacteria and one is due to a human, that’s a lot different than if I have 3,000 bacteria and 1,500 is due to a human. There’s a quantitative way to do this.”
Evidence of physical damage to seagrass is apparent, Tomasko said, but could be caused by multiple sources.
“If we walk through seagrass meadows, or run through with a boat propeller, you’re going to scar the grass a little bit,” he said. “Horses are
1,500-2,000 pounds, they’re kind of heavy, but they also have buoyancy. A submerged horse will have some of its weight offset by buoyancy in the water.”
“It’s important to keep in mind we’ve been doing a lot of things to physically damage these habitats. And horses are causing a trail, true, but there’s a lot of boat propeller scars there too.”
With regard to nitrogen levels he said, “If you want your lawn to grow fast or your trees to look green, add nitrogen. So, we’re trying to keep the amount of nitrogen under control in the water.”
Five or six times a year, volunteers go out to measure microalgae in the bay.
“This was a healthier bay 10-15 years ago. We had a 28% increase in seagrass, we had lower nitrogen, we had lower algae and lower phytoplankton,” Tomasko said. “Palma Sola Bay continues to be healthy, looking at the seagrass status, the phytoplankton, the water clarity, it continues to be classified as a healthy system.”
“Would removing these horses reduce some of these issues?” he asked. “Yes, probably in a local sense, but the bay remains healthy and it doesn’t appear that the bay is in some kind of tipping point or close to it.”
In a field of 11 sea turtles in the Tour de Turtles race, Suzi, a female loggerhead who nested on Anna Maria Island, has taken a commanding lead and is in first place.
She has traveled a distance of 333 miles since her release on June 27 from Coquina Beach. She initially hugged the shoreline of AMI in the Gulf of Mexico before traveling south toward Cuba and then taking a turn west to open waters.
Suzi was outfitted with a satellite monitor after nesting and is participating in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles race, which began on Aug. 1.
She was named in honor of the late Suzi Fox, long-time executive director of the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
Suzi is swimming in the race to draw attention to the cause of light pollution and how lighting near shore can negatively impact nesting turtles and their hatchlings.
“Reducing the amount of artificial
light that is visible from nesting beaches is the first step to reducing light pollution that affects sea turtles. Lights along the coastline need to be shielded, changed or turned off during nesting season to prevent sea turtles from being disoriented, according to The Sea Turtle Conservancy, which runs the race.
Suzi’s participation in the 2023 Tour de Turtles is sponsored by the Coastal Wildlife Club, Waterline Marina and Resort, and Turtle Watch.
Visit The Sun’s Facebook page for weekly updates in “Where’s Suzi?” and visit amisun.com for weekly updates on turtle nesting activity in “Nesting News.”
’ve worked with more than a few chefs over the years who have demonstrated moments of insanity. A great chef needs the perfect balance between the necessary technical skills and the creative art of the culinary profession. In most cases, technical skills can be learned while creative art is a passion driven from within. You either have it or you don’t. Over the course of history, the world’s most creative artists were thought to have a least a shred of lunacy running through their veins. Fortunately for me, I have never witnessed the chef equivalent of Vincent van Gogh cutting off his own ear!
Their passion for what they do coupled with the pressure of a restaurant full of customers has the potential to create some insane moments in the kitchen. Who hasn’t heard the expression “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen?” The heat is both literal and figurative. And then there is the personal commitment and sacrifice that can only be described as insane. Evenings, weekends, holidays, birthdays, children’s birthdays and anniversaries are all casualties to the schedule of a chef.
I have a huge capacity to deal with the insanity when it comes from a good heart with good intentions. It’s only the rare few whose insanity and ego are too much to bear. That being said, we can learn from everyone and that helps us grow.
What I learned from one not so sane chef some time ago is that simple can be stunning. He introduced me to granita. A granita is a frozen dish simply made from sugar, water and flavoring of your choice. My understanding is that it originated in Sicily but is prevalent throughout Italy in various forms. Because it is a frozen dish, the freezing process will dictate the outcome. I prefer the courser version with distinct separated crystals. The beauty of a granita is that you can use virtually anything to create the flavor profile. Your inspiration could be some of the most delicious summer fruit you see at the market or a specific flavor like almond, pistachio or even coffee. When you plan on serving it will influence the flavor and sweetness you choose. Will you serve your granita as a dessert, a palate cleanser between courses or an
Ingredients (6 Servings)
3/4 pound of fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
Directions
Add a splash of water to a large saucepan so the bottom is just covered. Add half of the prepared strawberries and the sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and the strawberries start to break down. Stir frequently so the sugar doesn’t burn.
SUBMITTED
accompaniment to a sweet bun first thing in the morning?
My favorite granita is one with champagne for a few reasons. While the champagne takes longer to freeze, it creates a granita that isn’t as hard as others so it’s easier to work with. Plus the champagne adds flavor and decadence. Champagne pairs well with strawberries, or is it the other way around?
We are nearly complete with the renovation of Hurricane Liquors so I encourage everyone to come check out the new space! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to help you find what you are looking for or make some great recommendations. Only sparkling wines made in the Champagne region of France can be called champagne. There are many great sparkling wines within France outside of the Champagne region as
Pour the contents of the saucepan into a food processor, taking care not to burn yourself with the hot liquid. Add the remaining strawberries and puree until smooth.
Using a sieve, strain the puree into a large bowl. Mix in the champagne and lemon juice. Pour the contents into a large baking dish and place in the freezer. After a few hours in the freezer remove the granita and scrape the frozen parts with a fork. Replace in the freezer and repeat a couple of times every few hours until the granita is completely icy and flaky. Hold in freezer until ready to serve. Remove from freezer, scoop into a martini glass, top with a sprig of mint and serve immediately. Enjoy!
well as across the world. For this recipe
I would recommend one of my everyday favorites, Veuve Du Vernay, a sparkling wine produced in France. It’s very affordable and tastes much more expensive than it is. For something a little more elevated we are recommending Cuvee Des Jean. It’s a wonderful champagne made of only black pinot noir grapes.
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to new construction. “It was also done without a permit, which is also a violation of the Florida Building Code. They cannot use this as a vacation rental. We have notified them they have the alternative of getting a demolition permit to demolish that,” Murphy told the commission.
“This is not the only one. There are others we suspect,” he added. “As we do these vacation rental inspections, we expect to come across more. Our position is going to be the same: You cannot rent the house out as a vacation rental because you failed the inspection.”
Murphy said any vacation rentals homeowners found to have unpermitted additional bedrooms, bathrooms or living spaces found to violate state, city and/or FEMA regulations will be told they have to demolish the illegal space in order to use the dwelling as a vacation rental.
Murphy said violating FEMA regulations could result in flood insurance rates increasing for property owners citywide.
“That affects all of us,” Commissioner Mark Short said.
Commissioner Charlie Salem asked if contractors who illegally install unpermitted ground-level bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces could also be penalized.
In response, Murphy said, “That’s a bridge I don’t want to cross yet. Where we are is enforcing it against the homeowner. Some people have done this themselves; other people probably have used a contractor. I don’t know how far I can go legally in finding out who did the work, but I do know who owns the property. That’s cut and dry.”
MANATEE COUNTY – Nominations are open for people who have enhanced the agriculture industry in Manatee County.
Every year Manatee County Farm-City Week recognizes two people who have made significant contributions to the agriculture community with the Agriculturalist of the Year and Agriculture Hall of Fame awards, according to a press release by Mary Lawrence of the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service.
Those awarded the distinctions have contributed through their farm or ranch, representing the agricultural industry, serving as agriculture consultants or agricultural educators, or by being involved in the agriculture sector. Those in the commercial fishing industry qualify for nominations.
The Agriculturalist of the Year must be a
current living member of our community and will be honored during the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton Farm-City Week Luncheon. Nominees for the Agriculture Hall of Fame may be living or deceased and will be honored at the Farm-City Week Hall of Fame Luncheon.
Photos of both recipients will be placed in the Manatee County Agricultural Museum and Hall of Fame in Palmetto.
Nominations must be submitted by close of business on Aug. 31.
Nomination forms and award guidelines are available at https://adobe.ly/4740Fao or by stopping by the Manatee County Extension Office at 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto.
Farm City Week is Nov. 14-22. For a full schedule of agricultural awareness events happening during this annual affair, visit http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu or call 941- 722-4524.
The Anna Maria City Pier will be temporarily closed for maintenance on Monday, Sept. 11 and Tuesday, Sept. 12. Mayor Dan Murphy said the closure will begin at the end of the day on Sunday, Sept. 10. The maintenance work will include restaining the pier walkway, replacing some of the pier walkway lights and doing some additional electrical work and sewer system inspections. Murphy noted inclement weather could impact the scheduled pier closure dates.
The proposed 2023-24 budget includes $2.06 million for the administration department that includes the city clerk and treasurer’s offices, $984,506 for the building department, $702,521 for the code enforcement department, $81,880 for the mayor and city commission, $192,344 for debt service, $454,525 for parks and recreation and $752,154 for
the public works department.
The budget includes 6% wage increases for all city employees, including 3% annual salary increases and 3% one-time lump sum wage payments on Oct. 1.
Thursday’s budget meeting was the third preliminary budget meeting. During the previous two meetings, Murphy and the commission discussed the city projected revenues and the city’s
anticipated capital project and improvement expenditures. The budget will be finalized during two public hearings to be held at 5:01 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7 and Thursday, Sept. 21.
The proposed 2023-24 fiscal year budget is based on the city maintaining for another year the current 2.05 millage rate assessed for the collection of the city’s ad valorem property taxes.
He said it’s unclear whether the cistern can be removed pending talks with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to determine a cost for removal.
“Right now, we’re looking at maybe not removing it,” Chappie said. “We would create this larger decking area, possibly around the cistern. We want to remove all the fencing area; I talked with Tom (Woodard, director of public works). The cistern is not doing anything. We can possibly remove all the piping and equipment that’s in there.”
With added landscaping and seating along the deck, with two-top tables and fixed benches around the area, it could be some type of events or meeting area for some people, Chappie said.
“It’s a great location for connectivity of that 1,800 feet,” he said. “There could be checkerboards
on the tables so people could play chess or checkers or just sit there and relax and look at the beautiful Sarasota Bay. You’re not going to beat the view of the downtown Sarasota skyline.”
“Ricinda (Perry, city attorney) has had some discussions with Elliott (Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau),” Chappie said. “There’s some hoops that we’d have to jump through but it’s a neat little overall project with all the little things we’ve been doing.“
“I would just say when opportunity knocks, you should jump on it,” CRA member Jake Spooner said. “We have an opportunity to get it funded. I have a vision of what you’re coming up with and I’m in.”
Steve Porter, of Duncan Seawall, is preparing a conceptual idea and drawing.
“It would be elevated, it would
be about the same elevation as the boardwalk around the cistern, so if the cistern has to stay there, you’re talking about halfway up the cistern and by the time you get chairs or whatever around the cistern, the cistern is there, but it’s a least a little bit lower,” Chappie said.
“I love everything about it,” Spooner said. “It’s one of the most beautiful spots in our city and we have this ugly cistern. “
“If I know I have your support for a consensus that you want us to continue to spend the time and resources to put together a plan with this conceptual idea, I’m good with that,” Perry said.
Spooner made a motion to approve up to $10,000 for the preliminary work that needs to be done for the boardwalk’s expansion that would cover attorney fees and professional services for the cistern project. The motion passed unanimously.
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water taxi-related safety modifications needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Murphy said the proposed finger dock would require several pilings that would require permitting by the Army Corps of Engineers, which could be a lengthy process.
Murphy said he met with Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione on Aug. 1, before the Council of Governments (COG) meeting later that afternoon.
“I told them this is not an acceptable proposal for the city of Anna Maria,” Murphy said. “You need to keep this simple, short, sweet and very costeffective with minimal or no cost to the city if we decide to cancel,” Murphy said.
“My proposal back to them was just to dock parallel to the existing landing. If there’s any modification that needs to be made, make them to your boat. It’s a lot cheaper to modify a boat than it is to do all this and it requires no permit,” he said.
Murphy said the proposed pier modifications were designed by the county’s contracted engineering firm
without any consultation with the city.
He said Van Ostenbridge and Falcione agreed with his simplified approach for the water taxi landing area and will proceed in that direction.
“With what I proposed, they literally could be in business in a couple of days. There’s no rocket science here. Somehow, I think this will come to fruition,” he said.
Regarding the service itself, Murphy said, “I told them this is not the focus
of what our city wants for a water taxi, based upon the hours of operation and the days of operation. It’s not what we view as an endgame, but it’s a start in the right direction. I endorse that start and recommend that start because I truly believe there’s a future here in the water taxi to serving this city, particularly as it relates to bringing employees out here. Make it fast, make it economical, make it attractive to employees to bring them out and drop
them off here or down in Bradenton Beach. It would have to be efficient and timely. Three days a week with the hours they propose is not going to attract many employees,” Murphy said.
Murphy said Falcione and Van Ostenbridge agreed and they recognize this is just a starting point for a service that will hopefully later be expanded.
“If it works, it works. If it doesn’t work, I don’t want to have to pay a ransom to walk away,” Murphy said.
Commissioner Deanie Sebring said the county’s proposed plan didn’t consider that fishing is a primary use of the City Pier. She said the proposed railing and gated area made no sense.
As an alternative, Murphy said the commission could adopt a city resolution that prohibits unattended boats from being tied up to the pier landing area. Commissioner Charlie Salem said if the water taxis run on a regular schedule, docking at the landing could be prohibited during those 15 intervals.
When commenting on the proposed modifications, Commission Chair Mark Short said, “I hate this. I hate tying up one corner of the pier by putting
mented. It will also be used with other data to determine what and where additional sewage waste disposal resources (pump outs and port-a-potty dump stations) are needed.”
f you’re a boater, Sea Grant can use your help. If you are a reader of this column, you know that our waters are suffering from too many nutrients, the various forms of insults that lead to devastating red tide events and other harmful algae blooms (HABS). Florida Sea Grant has launched a survey for the recreational boating community to address discharges from vessels, one of those problems.
According to Victoria Gambale, Clean Vessel Act education coordinator, “This survey is part of a needs assessment that will help determine what educational programming and resources are developed and imple-
This survey is for anyone who boats recreationally in Florida. The boater can own or rent, and the boat does not need to have a head for the boater to participate in the survey. Although the survey’s primary target is recreational boaters, any commercial boater who serves recreational purposes (like charters, sightseeing tours, etc.) can also participate in the survey.
The survey is estimated to take about 10 minutes or less and is anonymous - they don’t ask for your name, address, phone number, or email. They do ask for your home zip code for analysis purposes.
Information the survey asks for includes questions about your boat, sewage discharge laws, your opinion about pump out and dump station
equipment, where you dispose of sewage waste, where you find boating information, standard demographic questions and a few others.
This survey has an “if-then” logic model, so you’re not asked questions that are irrelevant to you. For example, if your boat has an installed toilet with a holding tank, you won’t
be asked about port-a-potty dump stations.
Your response is confidential and only accessible to project researchers at the University of Florida. Your response will only be shared once compiled with other respondents.
pocket for six months before canceling the policy and allowing it to expire on Aug. 3.
Dirbas tried but could not get another policy quote while holding her current policy. She was told she needed to cancel her existing policy and wait at least 15 days before a new quote could be given.
“We had no choice. We had to close that policy to maybe get a more affordable policy,” she said.
Until recently, the Monkey Bus, which has been in service since 2014, operated as a free, tips-only business, with additional revenues generated by business advertisements placed on the buses. To help offset the increased insurance, maintenance and fuel costs, the Monkey Bus recently started charging passengers a $5 fare.
Dirbas said the only income she earns from the business for herself are the tips she receives while driving one of the buses. She said all revenues received from advertisers are used to cover operating expenses. “I’m like all the other drivers. That’s how I get paid. I also do the office work,” she said.
Go out further, more comfortably. cost of ownership.
Dirbas said the Monkey Bus provides income for eight employees including herself, her son, a Sun employee and a paraplegic employee who answers the phone.
“He’ll be homeless next month without a job,” she said of her paraplegic employee.
“The Monkey Bus is not a service anyone is going to get rich off. We bought it because we want to do this as a community service for all the business owners, bars, residents and visitors,” Dirbas said.
Dirbas said there was a possibility of taking on an additional business partner or finding an “angel investor” to assist with the costs. Despite the challenges, Dirbas is confident the Monkey Buses will soon roll again.
“The Monkey Bus will be back on the road next weekend or soon after that,” she said. “I’m a fighter, I’m not going to give up. I’ll make sure we get back on the road doing what we do,” Dirbas said.
As of Friday evening, the Monkey Bus Facebook post had received more than 560 likes and had gener -
ated 120 comments.
Casey Phillis wrote: “You guys are an Island staple and have to stay open. Wishing you the best of luck.”
Anita C Beale Diaz wrote: “Get that Go Fund Me page set up. I’ll contribute annually! Most definitely gotta keep the Monkey Bus running! I love its practicality; no rental car is needed while I'm on Island.”
Francesca Cole wrote: “Well, that makes me extremely sad! You are one of the top reasons I chose to vacation there this week! I was super comfortable with the thought of turning my small group of 21-year-olds loose on the Island knowing they would be well taken care of and have your service as part of their experience.”
Cathy Strouse Rukstelo wrote: “You guys are a big part of what makes Anna Maria Island so special and different from other islands in Florida! I hope it all works out!”
Grant Smith wrote: “We love the service and the Monkey Bus family. We hope you can reach an agreement with a company that will allow you to resume this outstanding service.”
Lori Michelle wrote: “Monkey Bus put my mind at ease when my kids would go out. They had a safe ride home. Thank you!”
Dena Johnston wrote: “You do a fabulous job and service to our community. As a local, we will continue to support you.”
Bonita Norris wrote: “We used Monkey Bus several times two weeks ago and it was such a treat! Great service, on time and great music! Hoping you all can work through this bump in the road and get back to cruising up and down AMI.”
The Monkey Bus announcement was shared on the Island Ratz Unite Facebook page and generated several more comments there. Slicker’s Eatery owner Bob Slicker wrote: “Please let us know if/how we can help!”
Tera Gunter Lemus wrote: “You are keeping our community safer by keeping drunks off the roads. This is so sad.”
Shelly Crouse wrote: “Insurance in Florida is out of control in every aspect.”
There’s a great song from the movie Cabaret that goes something like this: “Money makes the world go 'round, the world go 'round, the world go ‘round.” I like it because it says so much in such a short lyric and is understood by everyone. For buyers and sellers in this real estate market, the money is represented by mortgage interest rates which change so quickly your head could go ‘round and ‘round.
At the July meeting of the Federal Reserve, they raised interest rates by another quarter percent, which was expected, but they did indicate the possibility of easing towards the end of the year. According to Forbes on Aug. 2, the average residential 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 7.47%, not making buyers feel warm and fuzzy.
Interest rates are impacting the real estate sales market as frustrated home shoppers are facing high rates combined with a shortage of available properties that are not moving substantially down. Sellers are happily
sitting tight on their 3% mortgages with Cheshire cat smiles on their faces for being so smart.
According to the National Association of Realtors, June sales fell 18.9% nationally compared to June of last year. Manatee County had 17.7% more sales for single-family homes compared to June of last year.
Sale prices are down slightly but still historically high. The national median existing-home price fell 0.9% in June from last year to $410,200, and the Manatee County median sale price for single-family homes was down 4.5% to $525,000. However, based on the new listings coming out daily, I wouldn’t be
too worried about our values taking a deep dive any time soon.
There is another way for buyers and those sellers who want to sell to come together despite high rates that may be disqualifying some buyers. Sellers could offer or buyers could suggest that sellers finance a buyer’s purchase of their home. This is called taking back a mortgage and is more common for investment properties but could also offer a solution for some buyers with an interested seller.
Seller financing helps buyers increase their purchasing power by saving on closing costs, setting up escrow accounts, and application fees or paying lower interest rates. It could also help sellers who want buyers to make a full-price or higher offer on the home and are concerned about the property appraising through a conventional bank lender. The transaction is similar to closing with a lender; the buyer receives title to the property at the closing as with a traditional mortgage.
Sellers are assuming the larger risk of
taking back a mortgage on their property. If the buyer defaults or doesn’t pay their real estate taxes or insurance, the seller will need to proceed with a foreclosure which is expensive and time-consuming. It’s all a little complicated and risky for all parties including getting a tax advisor involved and, of course, an attorney.
Anxious sellers who have properties that have been on the market for some time could consider holding the mortgage. This could also produce a steady stream of income for the seller if they are in a financial position to delay receiving the proceeds from the sale.
Typically, buyers can negotiate an interest rate lower than the prevailing rate, however, there is a minimum interest rate regulated by the IRS to consider. Sellers could wait out the higher rates hoping for a future decline then apply for a conventional mortgage and pay off the seller.
Money makes the world go ‘round and trying to understand it can make your head explode. Proceed with caution.
FROM PAGE 21
a fence up. I hate the logistics of putting a dock in. They’re proposing wooden pilings that won’t last in Tampa Bay. Bringing it in sideways makes way too much sense to me. There’s rarely a boat that docks there anyway.”
Short reiterated Commissioner Jon Crane’s concerns that the county still hasn’t presented any proposed ADA compliance modifications and he questioned whether that could include a proposal to install safety railings along the entire length of the pier walkway, where none currently exist.
Echoing Murphy’s comments, Short said the service schedule and rates are not going to encourage Island employees to use the water taxis to commute from the mainland.
“I don’t see any incentive for someone who would want to take this to come out here and work. Maybe that’s the next step,” Short said.
During Tuesday’s COG meeting, Falcione discussed the anticipated
future expansion of the water taxi/ ferry service. He said the county plans to apply for a grant to purchase a larger, high-speed ferry to transport passengers between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria, with the two pontoon boats then traveling between the City Pier, the Bradenton Beach Pier and the Coquina South boat ramp.
Falcione envisions water taxi/ferry service someday taking place seven days a week with an expanded route and additional stops, including stops near the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto and the new Marriot hotel currently being built next to it, and at the Powel Crosley Estate near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
Falcione said the initial water taxi service is now expected to begin this fall, to be followed in early 2024 with a program that incentivizes employee ridership. Falcione said the county has already committed $1.4 million to the water taxi/ferry service.
As part of a comprehensive needs assessment, Florida Sea Grant is also looking at boating infrastructure in the state. More specifically, they are looking to determine how many recreational boats have direct access to the water in each county. They are then comparing that to how many sewage disposal resources (pump outs and port-a-potty dump stations) are available.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Clean Vessel Act Technical Guidelines recommend “As a general guide, at least one pump out station and dump station should be provided for every 300 to 600 boats over 16 feet length overall.” Florida Sea Grant will be using this study to determine if this general guideline is still appropriate, and, if not, to develop a new guideline to target counties in Florida that do and do not meet the guideline.
Based on the results of the needs assessment, they will focus efforts to promote the installation of sewage disposal resources where they are most needed.
Data collection for the study will be completed by June 2024 or earlier, depending on participation rates. Once all the data is collected, it will be reviewed for quality control and analysis. When that is completed, the results will be written up in a report. It is expected that the report will be available by September 2024. The report will be published on Florida Sea Grant’s Clean Boating webpage. If you’d like to be notified when the report is available or would like more information, please email Gambale at v.gambale@ufl.edu or call 352-562-1134. Boater survey promotional materials include a poster, postcard and social media graphics and text if you would like to spread the word about the survey.
To keep our waters healthy, we need the help of everyone who enjoys these natural wonders and whose livelihoods depend on them. Most importantly we owe it to future generations so that they too can enjoy their bounty, both spiritually and economically.
7/25, 9:01 p.m., trespassing, 4000 Gulf Drive. An officer responded to a call about an irate woman at Manatee Beach. A staff person asked that the woman, who was argumentative when police arrived, be trespassed from the property. The officer trespassed the woman, who left the scene on a bicycle.
7/28, 12:25 a.m., trespassing, 3602 East Bay Drive. An officer responded to a shoplifting in progress. When the officer arrived, the
suspect had left the store and was being confronted outside of Alvin’s Island. The items were recovered and the suspect was trespassed from the property.
7/31, 11:48 a.m., aggravated battery, resisting arrest, 113 36th St. Officers responded to the 3800 block of Gulf Drive on the beach in response to a battery committed by an unidentified female. A fisherman said he was approached by an irate woman who demanded he stop fishing and, when he refused, swung a paddleboard paddle at him, injuring his hand. The officers located the suspect and, when told she would be under arrest, she became evasive and irritated. The suspect was arrested and transported to the police department.
ANNA MARIA – Last week at The Center, the summer youth indoor soc cer regular season play came to a close with both Solid Rock Construction teams solidly on top with 10-0 wins in both the age group leagues.
In the 11- to 13-year-old league, the Solid Rock team beat the Island Vaca tion Properties squad. Working hard on the court, team Island Vacation Properties held their own and fought hard for two halves of play.
The Coastline West team handed the Moss Builders team their fourth win with a forfeit last Monday night, leading into the playoffs.
The first round of playoffs was played this past Monday night with identical matchups. Coastline West looks to beat Moss Builders on the indoor pitch to advance to the championship game on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 7:15 p.m.
One of the two teams faces either Solid Rock or Island Vacation Properties.
The younger ballers played last Tuesday night in The Center’s gymnasium with family and friends perched on the stage watching the hardcourt action. AMI Dolphin Tours won against Progressive Cabinetry by three goals, with a final score of 6-3.
In the last game of the regular season for the 8- to 10-year-old league, Solid Rock Construction kept the Intentional Resilient Intuitive team from getting their first win of the season, despite their hard, never quit play.
Each of the four teams matched up identically this Monday night to determine the championship game
showdown. The teams are scheduled to play on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Quarter-final adult flag football play concluded Thursday night with no big surprises. Top-ranked Luxury Services faced the last seed The Banks Home Lending Team, coming out on top with an easy win, 54-18.
Luxury faces Cortez Deep Sea Fishing Thursday at 8 p.m. in the first semifinal adult flag football game.
The fourth-ranked Cortez Deep Sea Fishing crew won against team Salty Fishing by 27 points. Salty finished the regular season just under their quarterfinal opponents.
In the second half of the night, team Sandbar Seafood & Spirits won
against an injured Solid Rock Construction squad. Quarterback Charles “Tuna” McCracken was sidelined at the end of the last regular season game with an injury that impacted him Thursday night.
McCracken’s injury added to team aches with Zach Long also sidelined during the season. Long was unable to play the quarterfinal game.
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits goes up against the second-ranked Moss Builders team in the 9 p.m. semifinal game on Thursday night under the lights of the community center gridiron.
Moss Builders won by 18 points against the second-to-last place Gulf Drive Café team. With the final score
of 25-7, Moss Builders showed why the team is a top contender for the season championship winner.
The final game of the adult co-ed flag football season is slated for Thursday, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island to close out the summer sports season.
SUN SCOREBOARD
JULY 31 YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER –
THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.
ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS
WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.
IN SEARCH OF BOAT SLIP for rent or sale (preferably with lift)
Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team KW on the Water 941799-9299
RENT & LEASE
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?
Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
POSITIVE, ENERGETIC RENTAL AGENT for a growing company on Island. Take reservation, interacting with guest, owners & vendors, etc. Knowledge of RNS a plus. $17hr. depending on experience. 941-778-4800.
The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a daily or 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 mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Cindy Lane, editor.
CAPT. MAC GREGORY
Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783
U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941726-3077
RENOVATION SPECALIST
ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115
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.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR
15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.
ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com
CABINETS 2 HOME
Quality Kitchen & Bath Cabinets. Can install within two weeks of contract. Many Island References. Call Paul 859-468-1934
CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways, pool decks, concrete grinding. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.
LOST GOLD RING High School Graduation with PA on Top. Please call 941243-1444
MOVING & STORAGE
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.
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”
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured. Driveways/sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fences, House (soft wash/ downstream). Call 813638-7636. tandbpressurewashing@yahoo. com Family owned and operated.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
SUNNYSHORES/ SAGAMORE ESTATES
AREA: Annual rental, home with 3BR/1.5BA. Includes washer, dryer, screened in patio, parking under carport, and access to boat ramp and park by Palma Sola Bay. $1,900 per month.
AMI 12 MONTH ANNUAL Rental 3BR/3BA $4000/ mo + utilities. Please call 518-210-5358
ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH elevated 2BR/2BA unfurnished with Garage & Lanai. Nice quite area. References required. No smoking. $2200/mo. Call 970-331-1042
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
LANDSCAPING & LAWN
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315
LOST & FOUND
LOST WALLET AROUND Judy’s Restaurant. Please call 313-310-3290. REWARD
LOST KEY FOB at Pickle ball courts in Holmes Beach. Please call 941778-2919.
Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA
PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
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!! 941-713-1893
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
RUNAWAY BAY ISLAND CONDO $430,000 Across from Beach. Water views Sold furnished. Christine Kourik Re/max 314-4407574 LOWEST PRICE PROPERTY ON ISLAND
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
TRANSPORTATION
AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/ Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941-447-8372, www.amitaxi.com GOLF CART RENTALS
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095
