Anna Maria Island Sun August 10, 2016

FREE

VOL 16 No. 41

August 10, 2016

Waterline project sailing along Plans are to complete the project in the spring of 2017.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Anyone who rounds the corner of Gulf and Marina drives has watched as Waterline, the Island’s first full service hotel, has begun

to rise from the sea of rebar that once filled the grounds.

The site includes a lodge with a restaurant, ballroom and meeting spaces flanked by east and west wings with hotel suites and a resort style pool in the center; another building with hotel suites; and a marina with day slips for guests.

Mainsail Lodging and Development, of Tampa, is developing the project, and

it will offer a total of 37 hotel suites with gourmet kitchens. Parking and amenities will be on the first level with suites on the second and third levels.

“We’ll greet guests in the lobby, and they can relax and enjoy a tropical libation while we take their luggage to their rooms,” Mainsail Vice President Brian Check explained. see waterline, page 28

submitted

Waterline, the Island’s first full service hotel, will feature a lodge with a restaurant, ballroom and meeting spaces flanked by east and west wings with a resort style pool in the center overlooking the marina area.

Flood surprises residents Despite stormwater and drainage improvements, Highland Avenue was covered with water Sunday afternoon.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

|

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are working to rectify unanticipated flooding that occurred Sunday afternoon and evening along Highland

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors Town crier Police reports real estate classifieds

4 6 7 22-23 26 27 30-35 37-39

Avenue and First Street North in Bradenton Beach in an area were infiltration trenches were recently installed to improve drainage.

The flooding was a source of concern and consternation for residents who live in that area, including Julia Rose Rodriguez and David Dube.

“When they finished digging up Highland Avenue, the workers told us the drainage would be way better, but

Residents

turn out to support Island police. 4

Anna Maria Island, Florida

see flood, page 35

julia rose rodriguez | Submitted

The water was shin-high in front of David Dube’s home on Highland Avenue Sunday evening.

Conditions were perfect, however, for this flock of rubber ducks.

New Florida law charts course for dealing with at-risk vessels. 8

Tour a winery right here in Manatee County. Food & Wine page. 20 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

www.amisun.com

2

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

AUGUST 10, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

AUGUST 10, 2016

THE SUN

3

Campaign accounts growing

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – As the November elections draw closer, campaign fundraising activity is beginning to pick up.

Anna Maria City Commission

First-time candidate Brian Seymour loaned his campaign $500, and he received a $100 contribution from Bill and Cathy Brennan and another from Carmen Shea, bringing his total to $700. His only expenditure is the $48 qualifying fee.

Incumbent Commissioner Nancy Yetter loaned her campaign $100 and she recently received a $100 contribution from Norman Mansour, bringing her total to $200. He only expenditure is the qualifying fee.

Incumbent Commissioner Chuck Webb loaned his campaign $62 and his only expenditure is the qualifying fee.

Bradenton Beach City Commission

In the race for the Ward 4 commission seat, first-time candidate Bill Vincent has raised $2,214 and spent $647 on his campaign. Local donors include fellow Pines Trailer Park residents Dennis Ecke, Thomas Waxenfelter, Thomas Burdy and Judy Plant; and

more than half of his donors list out of state addresses.

County Commissioner and former Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie has raised $1,100 and spent $78 on his bid to return to city government. Chappie contributed $500 to his own campaign, and he received $500 from his brother, D.J., and $100 Planning and Zoning Board member John Burns.

Running unopposed in Ward 2, Vice Mayor Ed Straight loaned his campaign $100, and his only expenditure is the $48 qualifying fee.

Straight’s political future will be determined by city voters during the Aug. 30 primary election. If city voters eliminate term limits, Straight will serve a fourth consecutive term.

If term limits are maintained, there will be no Ward 2 candidate, and the commission will appoint someone to fill Straight’s vacated seat after the November elections.

Manatee County Commission

In the District 3 County Commission race, Stephen Jonsson has raised $65,355 and received an additional $770 worth of in-kind contributions. Many of his donors have ties to the development and real estate communities, including Long Bar Pointe developers Carlos Beruff and Larry Lieberman, and several members of the Benderson family.

Jonsson has spent $15,897 on his cam-

Political happenings • Tuesday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. – Bradenton Beach City Commission Candidate Bill Vincent will host a meet and greet at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

• Thursday, Aug. 18, 6 p.m. – Manatee County Commission District 3 candidates Matt Bower, Stephen Jonsson and David Zaccagnino will participate in an election forum taking place at Fishermen’s Hall, 4511 124th Street West, in Cortez. There will be ample parking in back of hall on 123rd Street Court. paign. Running as a party-affiliated Republican candidate, he paid the $4,754 qualifying fee that equates to 6 percent of a commissioner’s annual $79,238 salary. He also paid $5,000 to a political consulting firm.

Manatee County Planning Commission member Matt Bower has raised $20,824 in his bid for seat on the county commission.

His donors include Holmes Beach Commissioners Jean Peelen and Carol Soustek. He also received $6,532 worth of in-kind contributions, including a $5,000 for a fund-raising yacht charter provided by K23 Yacht Char-

ters and four other businesses that share the same Palmetto address. So far, Bower has spent $10,108 on his campaign.

Former Holmes Beach Commissioner David Zaccagnino has contributed $12,000 of the $13,290 raised thus far in a campaign that he has primarily self-financed. Nancy Hartley and Janice Oaks have also contributed to his campaign. To date, Zaccagnino lists $3,772 in campaign expenditures.

Running with no party affiliation, Bower and Zaccagnino avoided paying the 4 percent qualifying fee because they each collected at least 481 petition signatures from registered District 3 voters.

In the county-wide District 7 at-large race, incumbent Commissioner Betsy Benac has raised $37,925 and received $947 worth of inkind contributions. Her contributors include Lieberman, members of the Benderson family, developer Pat Neal’s land trust, and several others affiliated with development and real estate. Benac has spent $18,925 on her reelection campaign, including $8,500 for a campaign consultant in addition to her $4,754 party-affiliated qualifying fee.

Her challenger, Jack Richardson, has selffunded his campaign to the tune of $3,200, and he received an additional $100 from a single donor. Running with no party affiliation, his 4 percent qualifying fee was $3,170.

4

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

AUGUST 10, 2016

in brief

Early voting at fire station Early voting will be available at the administration building of West Manatee Fire Rescue, 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, for the primary election on Saturday, Aug. 20, through Saturday, Aug. 27, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and for the general election on Monday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 31, through Saturday, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The deadline for requests for vote by mail ballots is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24. Requests can be made by calling the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office at 941-741-3823 or e-mailing a request including your date of birth to info@ votemanatee.com. They must be returned by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Fire district budget workshop West Manatee Fire and Rescue District commissioners will hold a workshop on the 2016-17 budget at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, at the administration building at 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

Following the workshop there will be a public hearing on the 2016 fire assessment appeals, the first reading of the budget and a regular commission meeting.

Child support program for vets The Manatee County Clerk’s office announced that child support program staff will be available at the Bradenton community-based outpatient clinic to assist all military veterans who are eligible for VA healthcare with any questions or concerns they may have regarding child support. Individual case information or general questions can be answered.

This community outreach is currently available on the third Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Bay Pines VA health care system Bradenton community-based outpatient clinic is located at 5520 S.R. 64, Suite 101, Bradenton.

Babysitter training The American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course will be offered at The Center on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $99.

The course gives 11 to 15 year olds the skills and confidence to be great babysitters. This course is fun and fast-paced with hands-on activities, exciting video, role-plays and lively discussions.

It teaches young people how to: • Care for children and infants.

• Be good leaders and role models.

• Make good decisions, solve problems and stay safe.

• Handle emergencies and household accidents.

• Write resumes and interview for jobs.

Space is limited. Register by calling The Center at 941-778-1908 or coming into The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria.

PAT COPELAND | SUN

Holmes Beach Code Enforcement Officer John Thomas presented a raffle prize to Grace Gissendanner, of Bradenton, and is aided by volunteer Riley Hecklinski, from Indiana.

National Night Out brings out a crowd Next year’s event will be held the first Tuesday of October to avoid the extreme heat of August.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Despite the record heat, the police department’s first National Night Out was a resounding success with about 300 people attending the event in city hall field.

“I can’t express how pleased I am at the outpouring of support – the residents coming to the event and the positive feedback, “ said Sgt. Vern McGowin, who organized the event with Code Enforcement Officer John Thomas.

“It was a great, fun event. We wanted people to meet their neighbors and police officers and have a good time.”

McGowin praised the teamwork of the city employees, who “went above and beyond their duties to make the event a success. It brought us together as well as brought the community out to meet us.”

Holmes Beach Officer Brian Copeman manned a booth to

issue free raffle tickets to kids and adults. Many raffle prizes were donated by local businesses and organizations.

Kids with winning raffle tickets won one of 25 bicycles provided by donors. Dennis Ketterman, of DK Corporation of Anna Maria Island, donated ten bicycles and helmets, and Amscot Financial donated 50 helmets. The city’s police and public works department employees and numerous local businesses and organizations also donated bicycles.

West Manatee Fire Rescue had its Bike Rodeo trailer complete with a safety course laid out in the parking lot by the skate park. Fire Inspector Rodney Kwiatkowski explained that West Manatee bike team members take the trailer to Anna Maria, Palma Sola and Stewart elementary schools for the outdoor rodeo course and bicycle safety education.

In addition, Lisa Indovino, of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s Safe Roads to Schools program, said she takes the trailer to other county schools for in class education and as well as the outdoor rodeo course.

Various groups had educational booths at the event including AMI Turtle Watch, AMI Welcome Home, Holmes Beach Neighborhood Watch, Manatee County EOC and the Key Royale Club.

Waste Pro bought its grill and offered hot dogs to the crowd with Bob Baublitz, Sean Jennings and Tracy Meehan doing the honors, and kids got gooey at the cotton candy machine.

Kids had fun at the bounce houses, sponsored by local real estate and vacation rental companies, and the city’s police dispatchers operated the beanbag toss. Officer Josh Fleischer and Mike Capella, of the public works department, manned the dunk tank, and every kid who drenched one of them received a toy as a prize.

“I’m very proud of how the agency put on this event,” Chief Bill Tokajer said. “We are looking forward to next year’s event.”

“We’ll continue to keep he community happy by putting these on,” Thomas added.

McGowin said planning has begun for next year’s event, which will be held the first Tuesday of October to avoid the extreme heat of August.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

AUGUST 10, 2016

THE SUN

5

No Tiger Grant for Manatee County It remains to be seen what impact this will have on a proposed Island-wide bike and pedestrian trail.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – City officials learned last week that Manatee County will not receive the $17.8 million federal Tiger Grant county officials applied for in April.

Officials in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach hoped Tiger Grant funds would assist in the development of an Island-wide bike and pedestrian trail known as the AMI Sun Trail. The grant application included submitted a $4.21 million request for Sun Trail Included in the county’s grant narrative was this map that detailed potential projects that would funds to be paired with $1.4 million in have benefitted from federal funding. local contributions. zara said in an e-mail he distributed on mined by county voters in November “Our joint project, the AMI Sun Trail, In addition to Sun Trail funds, the was not among those selected by USDOT Tuesday, Aug. 2. grant application sought $400,000 for “Some other components of the Sun (U.S. Department of Transportation) a water taxi dock at the North Coquina Trail are included in the list of proposed for this year’s Tiger Grant funds. Of the boat ramp, $4.66 million for parking projects that will be funded through this $500 million that was awarded, 32 states and stormwater improvements and $2 fall’s half-cent sales tax,” his e-mail noted. received funding and only one Florida million for improvements to the existThe fate of the half-cent sales tax inproject was on that list,” Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Nick Azcrease Azzara mentioned will be deter- ing Coquina Beach Trail.

Alan Lai Hipp, from the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, was asked what impact USDOT’s decision would have on existing plans for the Coquina North boat ramp.

“The denial of the Tiger Grant does not impact the planned Coquina North boat ramp improvements. The project is designed and funding is in place.

Hopefully, we will be able to break ground in the first quarter of 2017.”

Bike trail impact?

It is not yet known what impact the grant denial will have on the AMI Sun Trail. Working on behalf of all three Island cities, City Engineer Lynn Burnett is expected to provide an update soon.

Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon mentioned the grant denial at the end of last week’s Capital Improvement Projects Committee meeting.

Afterwards, he discussed the potential impact on the Sun Trail.

“There’s no funding, so we have to address the transportation needs in a different way,” he said.

The city’s proposed 2016-17 fiscal see GRANT, page 25

6

THE SUN

OPINIOn

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

Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

AUGUST 10, 2016

EDITORIAL Long time coming

T

he view in Holmes Beach just north of the Gulf and Marina drives intersection is finally changing ... for the better.

The rusty crop of rebar sprouting from the ground since early last decade is being replaced with the Island's first full-service hotel complex, one including a lodge, restaurant, ballroom, meeting space, resort pool and a 50-slip marina.

Scheduled for completion in spring of 2017, Waterline will be a welcome addition to the Island landscape, providing another dining option for visitors and locals alike, as well as a waterfront destination for recreational boaters. (See our story on Page 1.)

We've been supporters of the site's development since the beginning of the last decade and it is good to see the progress being made as the new resort is erected, though we will always miss Pete Reynard's.

Congratulations to Mainsail Lodging and Development for exhibiting the persistence and patience required to finally bring this project home. *******************************

That time of year

School is back in session at Anna Maria Elementary and that means school busses, children at bus stops and slower traffic around the campus.

Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer has put out the word that his officers will have zero tolerance for speeding, especially in the school zone. The same goes for passing left-turning vehicles on the right. It's good to see the force taking an aggressive stance on traffic safety near AME. Inside the school, teachers and staff are ready, especially for the kindergartners who might be on their own without their folks, for the first time. Take a look at the school menu. There are new healthy dishes to replace the ones that were less than desirable for those watching their weight.

A lot of the good things about AME's learning environment are the result of teachers and staff, but parents need to pitch in too. When the PTO holds its gathering for parents at the Waterfront restaurance on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 5 p.m., we hope to see a good turnout of volunteers.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Board member removal?

Legal action involving our small city has again been initiated by Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board member John Metz.

Throughout the recall process in 2015, he brought forward a lawsuit in an attempt stop the election.

Though unsuccessful, it cost our city over $11,000, which is approximately $17 per household.

As a former attorney in another state, Mr. Metz is well aware that it is the absolute right for any citizen to use all means at their disposal to remedy a perceived wrong, but it appears that his current dispute over the requested abandonment of another’s property stems from an adversarial relationship with a neighbor – a situation that once resulted in a police complaint against Mr. Metz.

By framing his current dispute in legal terms, he requires the city to respond, and the commission has wisely charged the city attorney to address his issues. While our city doesn’t prohibit elected officials or board members from litigating against the city, I make two points: In his short time as a member of the community, Mr. Metz has shown no reluctance to use his resources to intimidate those who disagree with him. Second, this current situation is a building

issue, and as a sitting member of P&Z, how can he maintain a working relationship with city staff if they face the possibility of legal repercussions?

Fortunately, our board is currently filled with a number of highly qualified members and alternates.

The board, the commission and our citizens do not need the ongoing drama his presence brings.

John Metz should be removed from the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board.

Jack Clarke Bradenton Beach

Going straw-less (This letter was originally sent to Ed Chiles, owner of the Sandbar restaurant) We recently heard that your restaurants will be discontinuing the use of plastic straws, and we would like to personally thank you.

Our not for profit organization has adopted the stretch of beach on Anna Maria Island in front of the Sandbar restaurant. We perform quarterly beach clean-ups and can say that your decision to remove the majority of plastic straws from the restaurant will make a huge difference for the beach, the ocean, the reefs and marine life. We are

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.

hopeful that other restaurants will follow your environmentally conscious decisions.

Our young organization works hard to raise awareness on the effects pollution has on our oceans and its inhabitants. Our programs actively try to involve children, as they are the future. Funds raised

by Reef Medics are used to provide children scholarships for scuba certifications and marine educations. Additionally, we coordinate beach clean-ups, reef clean-ups and lionfish tournaments. We are determined to grow into a more ecologically impacting group.

Thank you again Kerri Carter Reef Medics

Your thoughts?

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment?

Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are several ways to doit. Visit our website at www.amisun.com and click on the “contact us” link at the top of the home page. Or, e-mail The Sun directly at news@amisun.com.

You can mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. Letters also may be edited for length and content.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

AUGUST 10, 2016

THE SUN

the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Changing The Center's Affaire to Remember fundraiser to a more casual event is:

Anna Maria

19%

13%

A good move as long as the new event involves Texas Hold 'Em and the Buccaneers cheerleaders.

A bad idea. They need people with deep pockets to attend and donate.

10005 Gulf Drive.

8/10: Budget work session, 6 p.m., tentative 8/17: Budget work session, 6 p.m., tentative 8/18: Commisiosne meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

8/11: Department head meeting, 1 p.m.

8/18: City Commission meeting, noon.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive.

8/11: City Commission work session, CANCELED 8/17: Planning Commission

7

meeting, 7 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

Island-wide

8/10: Palma Sola Scenic Highway Committee, Bradenton Public Works, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, 4 p.m.

8/15: Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall, 9 a.m.

8/17: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 2 p.m.

8/18: West Manatee Fire Commission budget workshop, 5 p.m., followed by a public hearing on the 2016 fire assessment appeals, the first reading of the budget and a regular commission meeting, 6 p.m., 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

69%

A good idea if they make it more appealing and accessible to locals.

Aug. 13

Wednesday Aug. 10

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY In light of tonight's (Aug. 9) public meeting on the Cortez Bridge, what would you like to see to replace it?

• A new drawbridge the same size.

• A medium height drawbridge.

• A tall fixed-span bridge • Any of the above plus a new bridge from the mainland to Longboat Key.

Aug. 11

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

Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane

Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Ad assistant Chris Boniberger

Accounting John Reitz

Columnists Louise Bolger

Classified ads Bob Alexander

Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty

Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene Cindy Lane

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12 p.m.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10.

Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Thursday

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

Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field

Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday

Contributors Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Jam in the sand, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday Aug. 12

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

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

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive,

Origami mini convention, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday Aug. 15

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

Wednesday Aug. 17

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10.

Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

Thursday Aug. 18

Friends of the Island Branch Library Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Aerobics for Seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Successful Women Aligning Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. RSVP to swatami@ gmail.com Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

8

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

AUGUST 10, 2016

New law addresses at-risk vessels A new Florida law adopted during the 2016 legislative session now provides local, county and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) authorities the means to more effectively address at-risk vessels before they become derelict.

Florida Statute 327.4107 allows law enforcement officers to issue non-criminal citations to owners who allow their boats to become at risk of becoming derelict.

“This law allows officers to take action before a vessel crosses that line between at-risk and derelict, and hopefully prompts the owner to rectify any issues with the vessel before it reaches a state of disrepair,” said Phil Horning, FWC’s derelict vessel program administrator. “Prior to this law being enacted, officers had to wait until a vessel met the legal criteria for a derelict vessel before beginning any sort of official interaction with the owner.”

Under the new law, a vessel is deemed to be at-risk if any of the following conditions are observed: • The vessel is taking on or has taken on water without an effective means to dewater.

• Spaces on the vessel that are designed to be enclosed are incapable of being sealed off, or remain open to the elements for extended periods of time.

S

joe hendricks | SUN

This recently-removed sailboat broke loose during Tropical Storm Colin in June and was left abandoned beside the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

• The vessel has broken loose or is in danger of breaking loose from its anchor.

• The vessel is left or stored aground unattended in such a state that would prevent the vessel from getting underway, is listing due to water intrusion or is sunk or partially sunk.

If an officer observes a vessel with one or more of these criteria, a non-criminal citation may be issued that requires the owner to correct the problem or face stronger penalties after 30 days. If problems are not fixed, noncompliant vessel owners can face additional fines issued every 30 days until they are.

Officials expect that this new law will decrease the number of vessels becoming derelict, a problem which continues to burden the state’s public waterways; and FWC will be assisting state and local governments with derelict vessel removal grants that will become available soon.

“Our goal is to keep Florida’s waterways safe and protect their environmental stability,” Horning said.

Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale likes the new law.

“I think it’s a great regulation that finally gives us a tool to deal with these vessels before they become derelict and possibly cause damage to the surrounding pier and bridge,” he said.

Vessel owners are also reminded to sell their vessels properly.

“Many owners don’t realize that not only is the buyer required to get the vessel retitled in their name, but the seller is also required to notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 30 days that they have sold their vessel,” Horning said.

Failure to do so is a violation and may cause the prior owner of record legal troubles should the vessel become derelict at a later date.

u At o Y ee

AM

Come see why we were voted the #

OB !

1 New ant

Restaur

Soak in the Sun, Soak in the Suds!

Happy Hour Domestic Draft Prices All Day!

0 5 .

Present this coupon when you purchase one breakfast entrée at regular price and receive a second

2

FREE!

OFF

Domestic Drafts

Breakfast Served Daily! 8 – 11am

CODE

¢

*Limited to 1 guest, 1 visit, 1 use .

Expires August 31, 2016.

With this coupon.

Pier location only.

*

PIER s 941.778.AMOB (2662) s 200 Bridge Street (Historic Bridge Street Pier)

AUGUST 10, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

9

10

THE SUN

AUGUST 10, 2016

Changes at AME this year

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

HOLMES BEACH – As the school year begins, officials at Anna Maria Elementary School are going through the routine of getting new students initiated. Kindergartners and transfer students aren’t the only new faces in the halls this year.

Sarah Peace has been hired to teach gifted students, and Beth McIntosh will become the new ESE (Exceptional Student Education) teacher.

Part-time assistant principal Bernadette Pletcher transferred to Tillman Elementary School to become a full-time

assistant principal there. In addition, third-grade teacher Janie Ensworth will retire.

Second-grade teacher Karen (Newhall) Paul is returning to the third grade after a stint at second grade and fourth-grade teacher Sandra Fisher moves to second grade to replace her. Jacque Jordan moves from first to second grade.

Principal Jackie Featherston said they come into the school year not needing any additional teachers. She said they would be sure after the official count of students in two weeks. That count sets the requirements for teachers to meet the class size requirements.

The official count is heavily dependent on students from out of the AME district whose parents want them to attend the Island school. AME has been an A rated school for more than a decade, and a lot of the school choice students have parents who work on the Island, “This year might be the year the majority of students don’t live on the Island,” said AME Principal Jackie Featherston. It was more than 40 percent last year.”

The AME PTO will hold a Kinder/New Parent Breakfast in the cafeteria around 8:35, after the bell sounds for the beginning of school year. They will be recruiting parents to join and become active in

school events.

There also will be a PTO reception at the Waterfront restaurant, 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, to talk with all the parents about activities during the school year.

With everything in place for the new school year, Featherston is optimistic.

“We’re looking forward to the new year.”

Anna Maria Elementary Hours School breakfast 8-8:30 Regular start 8:30 Regular end 2:50

School district’s zero tolerance

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

The school district has rules to make sure students are safe and secure as they attend school and school-related activities.

Manatee County Schools enforce a zero tolerance for crime and substance abuse, and while many think elementary school students are too young to get involved, there is a police officer in place to deal with it.

Some of the offenses falling into this category include bringing firearms or weapons to school, including BB guns, pellet guns, paint ball guns.

Other weapons include knives, such as pocket knife/blade, box cutter, razor blade, etc. Students also are prohibited from taking explosives and dangerous objects such as pepper gas or mace to school or on any school property and vehicles such as

They're back Rebecca Elton and her sons, Kelsey, 7, and Ian, 3, and her husband, Andrew, meet with Kelsey’s second grade teacher, Maggie Payne, during backto-school night.

TOM VAUGHT | SUn

school buses. Making threats or false reports also are not allowed and could lead to expulsion. Any involvement in illegal drugs or alcohol or sales of such is prohibited.

The school district is required to report such crimes committed by students to law enforcement authorities.

Bullying.

The school district is taking aggressive action to stop bullying or harassment of students. The district’s definitions of bullying or harassment is, “The mistreatment of an individual or group characterized by a willful intent to cause harm and a perceived advantage in power. These acts can be socially, emotionally or physically damaging in nature and include, but are not limited to, teasing, name calling, rumor spreading, exclusion, intimidation, threats,

damaging personal property, stealing, public humiliation, stalking, pushing, shoving or other physical attacks. (b) Harassment involves any threatening, insulting or dehumanizing act or gesture which places an individual in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, has the effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school or activity.

Bullying can occur in the classroom or on campus, during a school-relate or school-sponsored activity, on a bus, through the use of computers or any off-campus data system. Students are urged to report such activity, whether against them or another student, to their teachers, school employees or volunteers.

Drivers beware School starts on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer urges motorists to be careful and watch out for kids crossing the street. He said his department will have a zero tolerance policy for speeding in the school zone. Motorists will also be ticketed if they try to pass a car on the right while that motorists makes a left turn.

Wednesday, Aug. 10

Whole grain macaroni and cheese or chicken tender, cobb salad, whole grain garlic bread sticks, baked beans, baked carrots with dip, sliced pears.

Thursday, Aug 11

Hot dog on whole grain white bun or a meatball sub, chef salad, baked fries, cherry tomatoes with dip, fresh fruit.

Friday, Aug. 12

Pizza choice, boom boom chicken, chicken Caesar salad, whole grain biscuit, steamed corn, fresh veggie cup, fresh apple slices.

Monday, Aug. 15

Whole grain chicken dippers or rib patty sandwich, chef salad, hushpuppies whole grain, baked beans, cucumber slices with dip, applesauce.

Tuesday, Aug. 16

Hamburger or cheeseburger on a whole grain bun, whole grain cheese lasagna rolls, vegetarian garden salad, whole grain garlic toast, honey glazed carrots, mini romaine salad, sliced peaches.

Wednesday, Aug. 17

Whole grain southern chicken drumsticks or two sausage patties, Eggo mini blueberry pancakes, cobb salad, sweet potato mini puffs, fresh veggie cup, mixed fruit cocktail.

AUGUST 10, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

11

12

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

AUGUST 10, 2016

Budget work sessions begin Mayor Dan Murphy suggests an aggressive approach to recouping vacation rental enforcement costs.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Last week, Mayor Dan Murphy presented the City Commission with an overview of the revenues anticipated in the 2016-17 fiscal year budget.

The budget presented at the Aug. 3 budget work session is based on maintaining the current 2.05 millage rate.

Because of increased property values, this would generate approximately $1.77 million in ad valorem tax revenues compared to $1.57 million in the current fiscal year.

The budget is designed to cover the cost of enforcing the city’s vacation rental ordinance and also proposes modified 3 percent salary increases.

The mayor also suggested installing public docks on Lake La Vista in order to requalify for dredging grants.

The second budget work session is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. and will focus on expenses and expenditures.

Rental registration increases

“What does it cost us to enforce the vacation rental ordinance? We take that total cost, divide that by the number of vacation rental units and assess that fee back to the vacation rental owners so they’re paying for their own enforcement,” Murphy said.

He budgeted $262,403 for inspections, labor and other rental-related code enforcement costs, excluding legal fees.

Last summer, he budgeted $60,000 for code enforcement attorney fees, but the city has already spent $144,250 in support of the new vacation rental ordinance.

“I didn’t realize the intensity of the litigation,” Murphy said.

He budgeted $172,000 for the coming fiscal year in which the one-year period to file a Bert Harris claim will expire in January. With $494,279 in total projected enforcement costs, and 520 anticipated vacation rental units, this equates to a $951 registration fee per rental unit – an increase of $256 from the $695 annual fee first assessed to owners when the ordinance took effect in April.

“The bulk of that is from attorney fees,” Murphy said of the increase.

“So they’re paying to sue themselves,” Commissioner Chuck Webb said “They’re paying us to defend against their

lawsuits,” Commissioner Doug Copeland added.

In response to a question from Commissioner Dale Woodland, Murphy said every vacation rental would be treated the same, regardless of size, occupancy or number of properties owned.

“If you’re in the vacation rental business, you’re going to pay the same for each dwelling.”

“Code enforcement and the building department are self-sustaining. These departments do not cost the taxpayers of our city any money,” Murphy said, with the only exception being code enforcement costs associated with “business as usual” concerns handled by a part-time employee who works three days a week.

He said permit fees and similar revenues should cover all building department expenses, including salaries and the rent associated with the department’s pending move into leased space on Pine Avenue.

Lake La Vista

Last year’s budget projected $110,500 in dredging grant revenue but the city wound up spending $30,000 from the general fund to dredge the canal that connects Lake La Vista and Tampa Bay. This expense was incurred mid-budget year after County Administrator Ed Hunzeker said the city

was no longer eligible for dredging grants because the canal primarily provides private access for residential users.

Murphy said there are no public docks on the lake that allow visitors to tie up and visit local destinations. He hopes to change this by creating public docks behind the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum and at City Pier Park.

Employee compensation

As he did last year, Murphy proposed a 1.5 percent base salary increase for all full-time city employees, supplemented by a single lump sum payment next summer that represents an additional 1.5 percent of one’s annual salary.

“The advantage from an employer’s point of view is that it doesn’t continue to accrue onto the base, and therefore cost you more on FICA, insurance and pensions. The employee gets the money one time and the employer doesn’t take a hit for 12 years,” Murphy said of the lump sum payment.

Copeland said the pay increase might go unnoticed on a paycheck, but the lump sum payment provides the ability to make a needed home or automobile repair, or take a vacation.

“It’s almost like a forced savings for the employee,” he said.

Open everyday 7:30AM to 5:00PM 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria • 941-778-3170 www.ginnysandjanees.com

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

AUGUST 10, 2016

THE SUN

13

Giving the ultimate gift Chris Culhane is donating a kidney to his long time friend Foster Yates.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

“It’s the right thing to do,” Chris Culhane said simply when asked why he is giving a kidney to long time friend Foster Yates.

“Chris is a hero,” Yates said. “There are no words I can say to repay him.”

Culhane, 41, facilities manager at The Center of Anna Maria Island, grew up on the Island. He first met Yates, 37, in high school when he wrestled with Yates’ brother, Chris Evans.

Their paths diverged when Culhane went to USF for a degree in business administration and Yates went Chicago to earn his culinary degree. Both reconnected when they returned to Bradenton.

Yates recalled, “We were both in the restaurant business, and we started hanging out together with our families.”

Organ donation facts • In the U.S. 123,000 people are waiting for a transplant.

• Every 10 to 12 minutes someone joins the list.

• The average wait for a kidney is five years.

• Every day, 22 people on the waiting list die because a donor is not found in time.

• In the U.S., 95 percent of the people support organ donation, but only half are registered donors.

• More than 6000 transplants from living donors are preformed each year.

• One organ donor can save eight lives and change the lives of 50 people.

• To become an organ donor, go to organdonor.gov.

Then Yates joined the Bonefish Grill and was moved to Virginia. It was there he fell ill and moved in with his father in Chattanooga Tenn., in 2014.

“I’ve had Type 1 diabetes since I was 10 years old,” he explained. “It’s a horrible disease that damages your organs. It caused my kidneys to fail.

“I was in the hospital, and the doctors said my kidney function was at 25 percent. I had Stage III kidney disease.

Yates then accompanied his brother to his 20th high school reunion and ran into Culhane.

“He knew what I was going through.

Out of the blue, he said, ‘If you ever need my kidney, it’s yours.’”

Culhane also recalls that moment and said, “I told him, ‘If you ever needed a kidney, you can have mine.’”

Disease progresses

The kidney disease progressed rapidly to 0 percent kidney function, and Yates was put on the transplant list.

He began dialysis three days a week for five hours a day and learned that

WHEN YOU THINK FANS, THINK DAN'S!

DAN'S FAN CITY LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE! TORNADO

DESIGN

MARINE GRADE S316 STAINLESS STEEL

YOUR FAN

ASK US HOW

OR SEE OUR

RAINDANCE

Direct Water Contact 30 Year Warranty 45 Stores Nationwide Parts, Services & Open 7 Days A Week Installation Available Locally Owned and Operated · Fan Experts For Over 35 Years

Bradenton

1808 Cortez Road

755-3262

SUbmitted

Above left, Foster Yates. Above, Chris Culhane with his children, clockwise from top, Maddox, 7; Mikaela, 10; and Marley, 9. there’s a five-year wait for a kidney.

“In 2015, the doctor said the levels in my kidneys were not as they should be and that I should try to find a live donor,” Yates said. “I put it on Facebook.”

“He was on Facebook asking people to get tested, and I said I’d get tested,” Culhane said. “Three months ago, I found out my blood type was a match and then I began the testing process.

“I went to Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, which is a transplant center, for further testing. I was interviewed by doctors, psychiatrists and social workers, and the doctors explained the procedures. Then everything went to a transplant committee for approval.”

They learned last week that approval was granted and now they must schedule the surgery. Culhane he has a tentative date of Sept. 23.

“It’s all pretty surreal,” he said.

“There were tears in my eyes when I learned we got approved,” Yate said.

“It’s such a huge relief. Chris is a miracle. He’s so selfless.

“He has kids, a family, a job, but he’s never questioned the risk. He doesn’t want anything; he just wants my life to be the best.”

“We want to share our story with as many people as possible to put a spotlight on organ donation.”

14

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

AUGUST 10, 2016

Addy offered clerk’s job After interviewing four qualified candidates, the mayor has identified his top choice.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy has offered LeAnne Addy the city clerk’s job, and she has accepted pending City Commission approval.

If approved, Addy would succeed City Clerk Diane Percycoe, who is retiring at the end of September.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, Murphy transmitted a letter to Addy that said, “We have finished interviewing for the city clerk position. It was a difficult decision, but after careful consideration, I would like to offer you the position. I think you will make a great addition to our team.

The starting annual salary for this position is $69,000, with a six-month probationary period, including full-time benefits. You will also be eligible for a proposed 1.5 percent lump sum payment in July of 2017.”

The lump sum payment coincides with the proposed employee salary increases Murphy presented at last week’s budget work session.

Addy lives in Woodbury, Minn., and currently serves as clerk for the nearby city of Hudson, Wis. Murphy’s offer also included up

joe hendricks | SUN

Pending commission approval, LeAnne Addy is slated to become the next city clerk in Anna Maria to $2,000 in relocation assistance as well as a $1,000 salary increase and an additional one-time $1,000 lump sum payment if she becomes a Certified Municipal Clerk.

“Because this is a charter positon,

all of the above will be contingent upon commission approval at the Aug. 11 meeting, and successfully passing drug screening and background checks paid for by the city,” Murphy’s letter concluded.

The following morning, Addy returned the signed offer sheet with an e-mail that said, “I would like to thank you for offering me the position. The duties of this role are well aligned with my qualifications and skills. I consider it a great privilege to join such a dynamic team of professionals. I am pleased to accept your offer. As agreed, my start date will be the week of September 4.”

When contacted over the weekend, Addy said she was excited about the job and also about avoiding another northern winter by moving to Florida with her husband, Darren, and their teenage daughter, Alexis. She is now in the process of securing housing and determining which school Alexis will attend, while Darren searches for a municipal job in his chosen field of water utilities.

Expanded search

After recently interviewing Addy and former Yucca Valley and Bradenton Beach Clerk Jamie Anderson, Murphy told the commission he was not comfortable making such an important hiring after interviewing only two candidates. Three of the

Celebrate Summer!

Enjoy

20% OFF

Anna Maria 941.778.0444

AMI Sun

North Bradenton Beach 941.779.2222

Receive 20% off. Good for lunch or dinner. Cannot be combined with other offers. Gratuity not included.

Offer expires September 30, 2016.

lunch or dinner

five finalists originally scheduled to interview in mid-July withdrew from consideration for various personal and professional reasons.

Before offering Addy the job on Thursday, Murphy, Percycoe and city volunteer John Chambers conducted phone interviews with two additional candidates earlier that morning. The first to be interviewed was Gwen Peirce, who serves as the clerk for the town of Melbourne Beach; followed by Sherry Henderson, who serves as the clerk for the city of Doraville, Ga. Percycoe and Chambers agreed that Peirce and Henderson both gave impressive interviews, but cited Addy as their top choice because she possesses financial and accounting experience the other three candidates do not.

Percycoe said Anderson, Peirce and Henderson are all qualified to serve as city clerks, but Addy was the most qualified to serve as the Anna Maria clerk because the finance director reports directly to the clerk.

Although she did not get the clerk’s job, things also worked out well for Anderson, who last week was offered a full-time position in the town of Longboat Key’s Finance Department, where she has worked part-time since 2014.

Back Deck BBQ 1st Sunday Each Month

Lobster Boil 3rd Sunday Each Month

AUCE SNOW CRAB 2nd Sunday Each Month

Slicker's Pig Roast 4th Sunday Each Month

Live music 9 times a w week

Waterfront ront Tiki Bar on Sara Sarasota Bay

North Longboat Key 941.383.2391

IslandDining.com CODE: 20% OFF

Sports Bar with 13 TVs

4628 119th St W Cortez (941)798-2035 swordfishgrill.com Marker 49 by boat

Stay informed of our Events

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

AUGUST 10, 2016

THE SUN

15

Fire station to be dedicated Oct. 8 Fire Station 1 (the former Fire Station 4) in Bradenton will be named for Robert “Bob” Kline.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners voted at their July 21 meeting to dedicate Fire Station 1 (former Fire Station 4) in Bradenton to Robert “Bob” Kline.

Capt. Chris Shepherd made the recommendation in honor of Kline, the first full time firefighter hired at Westside Fire and Rescue District in 1962 (Westside and Anna Maria merged in 2000 to become West Manatee).

According to the nomination, “His career spanned a period of 30 years of dedicated service to the community. Robert Kline was a northwest Bradenton native, attending Palma Sola Grade School and Bradenton High School.”

During his career, Kline served as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and fire marshal, in various positions of leadership in the county and as president of Manatee County Fireman’s Mutual Aid Association.

“Bob was very big in the community,” Shepherd said. “He also was a longtime resident of Bradenton. A few years ago he passed, but before that he would come

Pat copeland | SUN

Firefighters moved in to Fire Station 1(formerly Fire Station 4) in Bradenton the last week of July and an open house and dedication is planned for Oct. 8 up all the time on his bike. He was always there and tell stories bout being a firefighter when they first started.”

Retired Westside Fire Chief Ed Cleveland said, “Bob was my first company officer. He was the fire department over next 20 years.

No one loved the fire department more that him. He deserves this and he earned it.”

Brett Pollock, retired deputy chief of West Manatee, said, “I worked with Bob and he knew everything about northwest Bradenton. He made that fire station what it was.

There’s no person in this area that deserves this more.”

Firefighters moved into the newly completed station the last week of July and plan an open house and dedication to Kline on Oct. 8 to conclude Fire Prevention Week.

In other business

Fire Chief Tom Sousa said plans for the new fire boat have been approved, and the district should take delivery in mid to late August. He said the permit for the boat dock and lift at the 63rd Street boat ramp in Holmes Beach has been issued. The project should be completed by Sept. 1.

Sousa reported that the talked to the

Manatee County public safety director about the district’s proposal to enhance emergency medical service delivery from first responder to advanced life support (ALS). He said there is no provision in the county’s ordinance to allow that and he could ask county commissioners to amend the ordinance.

Sousa asked the board about putting a referendum on the November ballot to ask residents their thoughts on the ALS proposal. He said there would be little cost, and the referendum would be non-binding.

Commissioner Al Robinson felt they shouldn’t do it because “we’re liable to get input we don’t want.”

Chair Randy Cooper said, “We’re in tune with what’s going on in the district. We’re qualified to make decisions on behalf of the district. If they say no and we say yes, what’s the fallout?”

Commissioner Larry Jennis felt the issue couldn’t be sufficiently explained on a ballot due to the level of detail.

“We re elected to make decisions and when election comes we accountable for those decisions,” Commissioner David Bishop said.

Commissioner George Harris was absent.

They agreed not to put a referendum on the ballot.

Sousa presented a capital improvement and vehicle replacement plan, which would be on the agenda in August.

16

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

submitted

From left, board of directors members Treasurer Patrick Gallagher, Chairman Keith Banasiak, Cory Banasiak and Vice Chairwoman Whitney Knepp.

Keep Manatee Beautiful earns awards Keep Manatee Beautiful received the 2015 President Circle Award recognition at Keep America Beautiful’s recent National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The President’s Circle Award recognizes exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit in creating clean, green and beautiful communities.

In qualifying for a President’s Circle Award, Keep Manatee Beautiful has met Keep America Beautiful’s standards of merit by conducting an annual Litter Index, calculating the affiliate’s cost/benefit ratio and administering activities in the areas of litter prevention, recycling and waste reduction, and beautification and community greening.

Keep Manatee Beautiful received the 2016 Outstanding Adopt-A-Highway/ Road Program out of the 43 Florida affiliates at Keep Florida Beautiful’s State Conference in Sarasota. Keep Manatee Beautiful currently has 25 Adopt-AHighway groups and 85 Adopt-A-Road groups in Manatee.

Keep Manatee Beautiful has been coor-

submitted

From left, Steve Lezman, Keep Florida Beautiful chairman and PepsiCo senior director of government affairs and Ingrid McClellan, Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director. dinating the Adopt-A-Highway Program in agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation, Manatee Operations, since 1992. KMB has also been coordinating the Adopt-A-Road Program in agreement with Manatee County government and the cities of Bradenton, Palmetto and Holmes Beach since 1992.

AUGUST 10, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

AUGUST 10, 2016

THE SUN

17

Chamber signs members The Chamber used prize incentives to inspire members to recruit new members.

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

HOLMES BEACH – A membership drive that rewards Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members for recruiting other businesses paid off last month. The Chamber signed 33 new members, which is a record according to Chamber Vice President Terri kinder.

There were special benefits for the new members such as waiving the new member fee, inclusion in the Chamber website, Facebook page promotion, a

free admission to this month’s Business Card Exchange at Hancock Bank and more. Those members who recruited one new member got a $25 gift certificate from the Chamber; those who recruit two members also got two entries for a drawing for a two night stay on the Island at one of the Anna Maria Island Resorts properties and more.

Chamber board member David Berube, of CG&B Marketing, took top honors by signing four new members. board chair Eric Cairns, owner of Cedar Cove Resort, and board member Barbara Murphy, of Travel Now, signed three members. The Chamber has 565 members, including those new recruits.

“We’re definitely going to try this again,” said Kinder.

Herbert featured soloist

The “Bronzed” Gulf Black Grouper

,·P DQ 2ULJLQDO Shack Marina, Bar & Grill has “beenThea Seafood Cortez landmark since 1972. Accessible by both land and sea, the Seafood Shack has a 68-slip marina, a bar & grill with an outdoor waterfront patio and a 7,000 square foot event space. The Seafood Shack’s mission is to ensure that each and every guest receives fast and friendly service, to always sell fresh, delicious seafood and to preserve that Old Florida Feeling.

We are truly proud to be an Original!

”

Chef Gerard Jesse, Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill

7KH 6DUDVRWD 0DQDWHH 2ULJLQDOV LV D JURXS RI ORFDOO\ RZQHG UHVWDXUDQWV ZKR VKDUH D SDVVLRQ IRU GLQLQJ H[FHOOHQFH DQG FRPPLWPHQW WR RXU FRPPXQLW\

DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Beach House • The Bijou Café • Birdrock Taco Shack • Blu Island Bistro • Blue Marlin Seafood • Bridge Street Bistro • Café Baci • Café Gabbiano • Café L’Europe • Café Venice • Caragiulos • Cassariano Italian Eatery • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao! Italia • The Crow’s Nest • Derek’s • Drunken Poet Café • Duval’s • enRich Bistro • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive Café + Tiki • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Miguel’s Restaurant • Ophelia’s On The Bay • The Original Egg • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Pier 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Seafood Shack • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • State Street • Tsunami • Village Café • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub

Katherine Herbert will be Roser Community Church’s guest soloist on Sunday, Aug. 14, at the 8:30 a.m. worship service in the historic Roser Memorial Chapel and again at the 10 a.m. worship service in the Roser Sanctuary. Herbert is a student at Booker High in Sarasota where she is enrolled

in the visual and performing arts and Cambridge ICE Academic programs.

She has appeared in productions with Manatee Players, Manatee School for the Performing Arts, and Sarasota Youth Opera. The public is welcome.

For more information, call the church at 778-0414.

18

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

AUGUST 10, 2016

CRA plan requires revision CRA expenditures are on hold until the outdated CRA plan is updated.

area district and what would be funded out of the CRA funds,” he added.

The commission has recently discussed the possible use of CRA funds to pay for the replacement and expansion of the storm-damaged day dock, repairs to the AMOB air conditioning system and roof and/or the possible development of a managed mooring field, but Perry has advised against making any CRA expenditures until a revised and approved CRA plan is in place

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPODENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board, the City Commission authorized Mayor Bill Shearon to take the lead on the efforts to renew the city’s CRA designation.

This will include revising the existing CRA plan and exploring the possibility of expanding the CRA district boundaries to include the offshore anchorage south of the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

Including the anchorage in the CRA boundaries would allow CRA funds to be used for a managed mooring field.

Assisted by City Planner Alan Garrett and City Attorney Ricinda Perry, Shearon will bring back to the commission a recommendation for the hiring of a CRA consultant who would assist with updating the CRA plan developed in 1992. At that time, Bridge Street was considered a blighted area in need of redevelopment.

What is a CRA?

joe hendricks | SUN

City Planner Alan Garrett, right, discusses the need for a CRA consultant with Commissioner Jake Spooner, Mayor Bill Shearon and the other City Commission members.

The city’s CRA designation is set to expire at some point before 2020, and this has created a sense of urgency in regard to renewing the designation, which requires an updated plan.

“The bottom line is our plan is out

of date. In order to receive any future funds, we need a current plan,” Garrett told the commission at its Aug. 3 CRA meeting.

“The plan must be specific as to what we’re identifying as needs in the CRA

The city has approximately $1.3 million in the CRA fund, which is separate fund derived from a portion of the property tax revenues generated by properties located within the CRA district. The city’s CRA district extends south from Cortez Road to Fifth Street South. The pier is located within the CRA boundaries, but the offshore anchorage is not.

Shearon said Palmetto CRA Director Jeff Burton recently assisted the city of Palmetto in expanding its CRA to include an offshore area and has see cra, page 24

Dock consultant approved

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners approved a $15,235 expenditure for the hiring of a consultant to assist with the proposed expansion of the dockage at the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

Using money from the city’s general fund, Diane Rosensweig from Scheda Ecological Associates will assist the city in determining what can and can’t be done in regard to expanding the dockage at the city pier. She will also assist with the permitting process and the amendment of the existing submerged land lease that

would allow for commercial slips and finger docks being added to the north side of the pier. If the dock expansion is fully funded and pursued, the dock along the south side of the pier would remain available for continued free public use.

Mayor Bill Shearon cast the only opposition vote against the consulting

services expenditure for the possible dock expansion.

City Commission candidate Bill Vincent also expressed opposition to the expenditure, and he suggested the commission determine if the docks even should be expanded before looking into how they would be expanded.

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 10, 2016

THE SUN

19

Nesting News Turtle nests laid: 401 False crawls: 835 Nests hatched: 84 Not hatched: 50 Nests remaining: 267 Hatchlings to Gulf: 4,882 Nest disorientations: 12 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Turtle Tips During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, light sticks, or cell phone or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. • Don’t use sky lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Crit Holland, DVM Jade Kafer, DVM 0 ) 6$7 681 &/26(' 7+ 67 &7 : &257(= )/

www.beachvetclinic.com

(941) 792-2838

L Like us on Facebook for a free nail trim

ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED

Cleaning up Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers held a beach cleanup last week to clear the way for nesting mother turtles and hatchlings at Manatee Beach.

Turtle tracks Debbie Basilius, with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, points out where the nest was laid, based on its position in the track and the fluffy sand left by the mother turtle’s flippers in her attempt to conceal the nest.

GEORGE BARFORD | SUBMITTED

20 THE SUN

FOOD & WINE

AUGUST 10, 2016

Time to take a tour

Bill Hard

Caramelized Onion Tartlets

THE WATERFRONT

Ingredients:

I

n a recent column I had talked about taking a winery tour when I was a wine salesman years ago. The company had sent 10 of us to California and each day we toured three wineries and were able to observe how wines were made. It was educational and a good deal of fun at the same time. The only problem now, it costs an awful lot to fly to California where there are hundreds of vineyards to visit.

Now for the good news – we have a winery less than an hour away right here in Manatee County. It's called Rosa Fiorelli Winery. Back in 1998 an older Sicilian gentleman named Antonio Fiorelli retired from the restaurant business and bought property outside Tampa to grow his garden. He ended up with an acre of grapes just like when he was a kid in Sicily.

The only difference was the kind of grapes that were growing here. In the southern U.S. you don't find the grapes we normally associate with wine, such as chardonnay, cabernet and riesling.

Here, with our high temperatures and our sandy soils, you successfully grow the muscadine and scuppernong grape varietals. Working with the University of Florida to hybridize his grapes to grow in these conditions and produce grapes to make wine, Antonio's wine garden grew to eight acres.

Antonio passed away in 2013, and the wine making has been passed

• • • • • •

1 box frozen filo sheets 1 lb. Brie, cut into cubes 2 large sweet onions, diced 3 oz. extra virgin olive oil 3 oz. sherry wine Salt & pepper

Directions:

submitted

A great pairing during wine tastings. on to his wife, Rosa, and their son, Salvatore. Today they successfully make 10 different varieties of wine and make about 12,000 bottles of wine a year. Using the hybrids of the local muscadine grapes, you can taste a dry noble red, a medium dry pink rosato or sweet white dessert wines. All of the wines are available to purchase in the winery.

You can tour the winery every Saturday (11-3) and Sunday (12-3), and the lunch tour and tastings cost $10.

With advanced notice, you are able to upgrade to a cheese and cracker, a sandwich and salad or an Italian buffet dinner tour. There are several other special events during the year as well, such as the Harvest Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27 and

28, where you can pick and stomp your own grapes. There are also Wine Down and Paint dates, which I hear are a blast.

Last, but not least, you can enjoy Wine and Dine in Vines. Once a month, you can enjoy a fabulous gourmet dinner in the vineyards paired with the wines of Rosa Fiorelli. Some of the most successful meals were catered by Anna Maria's very own The Loft 5, owned by our friend A.J. Lattieri.

Rosa Fiorelli Winery is located about a mile south of State Road 64 (Manatee Ave.) on State Road 675, which is about 25 miles east of the Island. It is about a mile up the road from Hunsader Farms, so you might consider stopping there during your day and

Over medium high heat, caramelize onions in a large sauté pan by adding onions, then right after add olive oil, giving a good stir every 90 seconds until onions are translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low and stir every 5 minutes for 20 minutes.

Add sherry wine, raise heat to medium high and simmer until sauce reduces.

Set aside to cool.

Cut filo into two-inch squares. Line small oven safe bowls, ramekins or small dishes with filo squares, 8 to 9 layers, working tenderly with the dough. Push to form the shape of the bowl and add cubes of Brie to fill. Adding a tablespoon of caramelized onions to each.

Bake at 350º for 12 to 14 minutes. Serve with your favorite balsamic glaze or make your own.

picking up some fresh produce to enjoy with the wines you will get at the winery. Sounds like fun, so I hope you make a day of it, and until next time ...

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 10, 2016

THE SUN

21

EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM in the Memorial Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Church School (K-5th) after Children’s Sermon • Nursery A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

Above, Florida skipjacks. Below, the Pillsbury boatshop in Cortez.

SUBMITTED

Historic boat in the works Local boatbuilder Bob Pitt plans to build a replica of a Florida skipjack, like those pictured, at the historic Pillsbury boatshop at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. The sailing vessels, used

by Cortez fishermen to catch mullet, were built by local boatbuilding legends Bat Fogarty and Asa Pillsbury for use in the deeper, rougher waters of the Manatee River and Tampa Bay, compared to the Sarasota Bay waters off Cortez. Pitt was awarded a grant for the project from the Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources. He received a Florida Folk Heritage Award from the department in 2014.

Fisheries forum this week Anglers and others interested in fisheries management are invited to the free 10th annual Sarasota Bay Fisheries forum on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Mote Marine Laboratory’s third-floor Buchanan Room, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway on City

Island, Sarasota.

Participants can join local scientists to discuss fisheries-focused education and outreach plans and hear updates on local habitat initiatives. The group seeks to help inform fisheries management practices in Sarasota Bay.

22

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

AMI OUTFITTERS

Coastal Gear & Apparel

401 & 505 Pine Ave. Anna Maria

amioutfitters.com

FEBRUARY 17, 2016 941-254-4996

Homegrown bonefish

B

onefish are one of the most sought after gamefish in the world. Ask most serious fly anglers about their favorite species, and bonefish will be at, or near, the top of their list. Why? When hooked, bonefish accelerate to speeds that have the angler’s line rooster-tailing through the water. The initial run is so spectacular that neophyte anglers are known to freeze in place, hanging onto their fly line and unable to respond until their leader breaks.

Bonefish have been traditionally caught from Miami south. The Keys and the Bahamas are two of the best places to pursue these elusive fish.

They are also found along most of the Caribbean coast, as well as tropical locations worldwide. In the past few years, their range seems to be expanding, as evidenced by anglers who have been encountering them locally.

Last month Captain Mark Bradow was catching bait near Beer Can Island when he caught over fifty small bonefish on one throw of his cast net. The presence of these bonefish reveals that they can survive in local waters.

Whether they go offshore during the winter is not known, but the chance at a bonefish locally is an enticing idea.

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS Several months ago, I saw what looked like bonefish on a sand flat in Longboat Pass. The fish acted like bonefish, disappearing as soon as I saw them, and living up to their nickname the grey ghost. I plan on returning to that flat with my fly rod as soon as possible to see if I can entice one of these wayward bonefish.

Here are a few things you’ll need to know if you want to try your hand at landing a bonefish in local waters.

When the water and sky are clear and calm, the utmost stealth must be employed. This means long casts with light flies, long leads and very soft entries.

More than one cast is often required to get in the strike zone.

By never letting the fly line leave your left hand (right handed casters), you can stop the fly to pinpoint your target and be ready to impart immediate action to the fly. A fly that doesn’t look

captain rUSTY CHINNIS | SUbmitted

Captain Mark Bradow caught this bonefish while cast netting bait near Beer Can island. Bradow reported landing over 50 in one throw. natural will generally spook fish, but at best they will lose interest. Fish seem to be less spooky on the first of the rising tide. On the falling tide they are already thinking about moving and can be as wary as a cat in a dog pound. Lead the fish by at least two feet, and then move

the fly to match their speed.

When a fly tied in a crab or crustacean pattern is spotted by a bonefish, it should be hopped and stopped using six inch strips. Flies that mimic baitsee REEL TIME, page 23

tide chart for anna maria city pier-August 10-17 Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Wed 8/10

4:35a 2.17

12:03p 0.79

6:02p 1.56

11:01p 0.22

Thu 8/11

5:22a 2.22

1:23p 0.69

8:02p 1.49

1:53p 1.37

Fri 8/12

6:17a 2.26

2:38p 0.55

9:55p 1.54

Sat 8/13

7:19a 2.32

1:04a 1.46

10:53p 1.62

Sun Rise Set 6:59-8:12 6:59-8:11 7:00-8:10

3:40p 0.40

7:00-8:09

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun 8/14

8:19a 2.42

2:13a 1.49

11:28p 1.67

4:29p 0.26

Mon 8/15

9:12a 2.54

3:11a 1.45

11:54p 1.71

Tue 8/16

9:59a 2.64

4:01a 1.37

Wed 8/17

12:16a 1.74

4:47a 1.25

Day Date

5:09p 0.16 5:45p 0.11

10:44a 2.71

6:19p 0.11

Sun Rise Set 7:01-8:09 7:01-8:08 7:02-8:07 7:02-8:06

AUGUST 10, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

23

Tarpon move to inside waters Captain Rick Grassett

Tarpon will move to inside waters of Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay this month. You may also find juvenile tarpon in creeks, canals and turning basins. Reds will school on shallow flats, and big trout will prowl the same waters at dawn.

Also look for trout on deep grass flats mixed with blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more.

Catch and release snook fishing should be good around lighted docks at night or in the surf. Look for false albacore (little tunny) to show up in the coastal Gulf later in the month.

Tarpon addicts will still be able to get their fix this month. You should still find a few tarpon in the coastal Gulf early in the month. Drifting live baits or casting flies, DOA Baitbusters, DOA Shrimp, DOA Airheads and 4-inch CAL shad tail should all work. As tarpon thin out along beaches, they will move to inside waters where you may find them schooling around bridges or rolling on deep grass flats. They will also feed in schools of ladyfish that are feeding on the surface. You should also find juvenile tarpon from 10 to 30 pounds in creeks, canals and turning basins. Your snook tackle will work fine for smaller tarpon although you’ll need a leader of 40 to 60 pounds to keep them from going through it. Fly anglers should score with 8- or 9-weight fly rods, sinking lines and scaled down tarpon flies.

Snook season remains closed this month so handle them gently and use tackle heavy enough to catch and release them quickly.

You’ll find them around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW and in the surf. Small white flies, like

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Reds should be schooling in Sarasota Bay during August. Seth Jaeger, from Louisville, Ky., caught and released reds, jacks and bluefish on top water plugs while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett. my Grassett Snook Minnow, DOA Shrimp or CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms should all work well. The same lures and flies will work at night and in the surf, although you should be observant of what size baits are in those areas.

Reds will school up this month.

You’ll find them on shallow flats of north Sarasota Bay, lower Tampa Bay and Gasparilla Sound. They’ll be easier to find in shallow water when the tide is low. Look for nervous water when it is slick calm or a slick patch of water when there is a ripple on the water. They may push a wake that looks like a boat wake. I try to be as quiet as possible in shallow water, poling to locate them. Once you’ve located a school of reds, try to get ahead of them to intercept them, much like tarpon fishing. If you work around the edges of the school, you may be able to catch a few of them before they spook. We often also find big jacks, blues and other predators in the mix along with reds.

Top water plugs and fly poppers or Gurglers may draw some big bites.

The DOA Airhead and 4-inch CAL shad tail should also be a hit with schooling reds.

Trout fishing should be good this month. You may find a big trout in skinny water at first light. Focus on mullet or bait schools to find them. Top water plugs, fly poppers or Gurglers should be very effective at that time of day. I always release big trout over 20 inches, since they are usually females that may be full of roe. I like the same areas for big trout that I like for reds.

After it gets bright and starts to warm up, drop out to deeper grass flats (4 to 8 feet) for trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms or an Ultra Hair Clouser fly fished on a sink tip fly SEE CAPTAINS, PAGE 24

reel time: Homegrown bones FROM PAGE 22

fish are stripped so that they swim. Rigging for wary bones is critical with leaders varied according to weather conditions and the clarity of the water. On clear days up to a 12 plus foot leader may be required. Most bonefish rods are from 8-10 weight and leaders should include a 50# butt section tied with a nail knot to the fly line.

To turn over properly the butt section should be 50 percent of the final length of the leader. Leaders should be tied with progressively

lighter sections of line (40-30-20), ending with a 12-inch bite tippet of 12-pound fluorocarbon. The leader can be built with improved blood or uni knots. The fly should be tied to the bite tippet with a loop knot to add action to the fly.

While bonefish are generally pursued with fly tackle, they can be caught by spin anglers as well.

Spin fishers need to apply all the techniques that fly anglers do and use equipment that lets them make long casts. Bonefish will readily take jigs if they are light

and presented correctly.

Bradow’s bonefish were not the first captured by local anglers catching bait. There have been several occasions when larger bonefish were reported. Anglers who have the patience should try the shallow flats at the local passes and near Egmont and Passage Key. Catching a homegrown bonefish may be a long shot, but it’s definitely a possibility. If you do catch one, make sure to take a picture! Captain Bradow can be reached at 941-242-8626.

24

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

AUGUST 10, 2016

cra: Plan requires vision FROM PAGE 18

file photo

The crowd enjoyed small plates provided by local restaurants during the concert.

AMICCO to perform fourth Symphony on the Sand The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra has announced plans for a fourth Symphony on the Sand on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the beach at Coquina Gulfside Park, 2650 Gulf Drive S, This concert features the 45-piece symphony orchestra, chorus and soloists performing classical music, patriotic songs and music from movies and Broadway. A senior television anchor and media host from WSMR 89.1 radio will co-emcee the event, and food and refreshments from Island restaurants will be available to those attending the concert. Sponsorships are available, and tickets range from $125 per person to $20.

Organizers have expanded this event to cover three days. Country music artists John Michael Montgomery will take the stage on Friday, Nov 11, and on Sunday, Nov. 13, there will be a musical tribute to Billy Joel. Tickets to all three events will be available through eventbrite.com.

The Island will be alive that weekend with artsHOP and the Island Players plus the Amer-

file photo

Umbrellas popped when the orchestra played “Singin’ in the Rain.” ica Recycles Day at Sandblast 2016 at Manatee Public Beach.

Contact Jeanie Pickwick, event chair, at pickwick@tampabay.rr.com or 941-795-2370 for additional event details. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Anna Maria Island Chorus & Orchestra.

also provided consulting services to other cities. Shearon said one client recently paid Burton $25,000, but he thought the consulting services for Bradenton Beach would cost less than that.

There was no disagreement among the commission in regard to updating the CRA plan or hiring a consultant, but some concerns arose when Shearon made a motion that called for him to be given “leadership authority and some supervisory authority.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole favored a motion that did not specifically provide Shearon with supervisory authority.

Shearon said he would not be part of the efforts if not given that authority.

Lt. John Cosby expressed support for hiring a consultant and for giving the mayor supervisory authority during the early stages of this process, but he told Shearon that his motion was too vague in regard to what he was being authorized to do.

“I think the concern is that you’re going to run away with whatever needs to be done,” Cosby told Shearon. Shearon supports using CRA funds for a managed mooring field, if allowed, while the commission majority has expressed support for Commissioner Jake Spooner’s proposal to possibly use CRA funds to expand the docks at the city-owned pier.

Cosby told Shearon he has to meet the rest of the commission halfway in order to move these efforts forward.

Shearon and Garrett agreed that a commission workshop would provide the commission with an opportunity to further discuss the contents of the CRA plan and what CRA-funded projects the plan would allow for.

“And just for the record, I’ve been saying for a year now that we need to hire a consultant for the CRA,” Cosby added.

The commission agreed that Shearon would take the lead, but any final decisions would require commission approval.

CAPTAINS: Tarpon move in this month FROM PAGE 23

line. I make a series of drifts to locate fish and then shorten the drift or anchor, depending on conditions. Ladyfish may feed in glass minnow schools and if they stay up long enough, it will attract trout, blues, mackerel, tarpon or sharks. Wide profile plastic baits or flies fished slowly around the edges of breaking fish will help keep ladyfish off your lure or fly and give you a chance to catch a tarpon. When blues, Spanish mackerel or sharks are in the mix add 6 inches of wire or heavy fluorocar-

bon. Also look for tripletail around crab trap floats, buoys or channel markers in inshore waters this month. A CAL shad tail or DOA shrimp rigged weedless or my Grassett Flats Minnow fly with a weed guard should get the job done.

You might find false albacore (little tunny) or Spanish mackerel in the coastal Gulf this month. Look for baitfish to find them. The Tampa Bay ship channel from the Skyway Bridge to Egmont Key is often one of the first areas where I find them this time of year. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, poppers or

Crease flies should all work well. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs and shad tails. You’ll need to add wire or heavy fluorocarbon when toothy fish are around.

Even though it is one of the hottest months of the year, there are lots of options this month. I usually tarpon fish as long as I can either in the coastal Gulf or in inside waters. An early start for snook or tarpon around lighted docks or bridges and then on the flats for reds, trout and more is a good option. Whatever you choose to do, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

Annie’s Bait & Tackle

Captain Sam Kimball is catching nice red grouper along with lane and mangrove snapper, and lots of grunts and a few porgies are rounding out his catches.

Captain Scott Moore says there are snapper around the pass and along the channel edges around Longboat Key. Trout are off of Tidy Island. Snook are up and down the beaches and some Spanish mackerel are on the artificial reefs in Tampa Bay.

AUGUST 10, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

25

T-shirt fun at center Center summer campers painted T-shirts supplied by Sato Real Estate last week. At right, Anna Radojcsics concentrates on her artwork.

Pat copeland | SUN

GRANT: No Tiger for Manatee FROM PAGE 5

year budget does not include any projected Tiger Grant revenues, but does call for $81,000 in professional services related to the future development of the trail.

This expenditure would be funded in part by accumulated gas tax revenues and Community Redevelopment Agency funds.

When adopting the final budget in September, city commissioners will determine whether the $81,000 remains part of the $274,000 in proposed CIP expenditures that stand separate from the city’s general operating expenses.

Removing the expenditure would help address the mayor’s concerns about city expenditures potentially exceeding city revenues, but Shearon said he would like to keep the money in the budget in order to provide matching funds should alternative trail funding sources be identified.

Earlier this year, the three mayors discussed making a request to county officials to use excess beach concession revenues to help fund trail improvements. Those conversations were put on hold when the Tiger Grant was applied for.

joe hendricks | SUN

The grant application called for $2 million in improvement to the existing Coquina Beach Trail.

“We knew it would be a long shot, but it was an opportunity where combining with the county provided a stronger argument for both, making it worth the try,” Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson said of the grant application.

Johnson said the proposed Holmes Beach 2016-17 fiscal year budget does not include any projected Tiger Grant revenues or expenditures, but does include bike trail expenditures the city

already had in the works.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy feels the impact will be minimal at the north end of the Island, where a portion of the bike trail efforts have already been self-funded.

“It does have an impact in terms of the fact that we were going to get money for paving along the Gulf Drive portion of the bike path,” Murphy said of the $15,000 in federal funds the city would have received.

26

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

TOWN CRIER

mental policy in Manatee County. Contact Sandra Ripberger at 941-794-3878 or sandrarip@yahoo.com.

retary at rsvpamiswat@gmail.com, or to register and pay online go to http://www. swatbetworking.com/#!ami/c66r.

A fateful storm experience

A mini convention

Blue Marlin hosts fund-raiser

Jim Shirley, who lived through a deadly hurricane, will share his experience at the meeting of JOY (Just Older Youth) on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 11 a.m. in the Roser Community Church Fellowship Hall.

The storm preceded the era of giving storms names, but they called it the storm of 1928. The hurricane crisscrossed the state, drowning many along the shore. Volunteers built pine boxes to bury the bodies. Shirley recently visited Port Mayaca Cemetery where 1,600 unidentified victims are buried.

Bring your own lunch, and JOY will provide the beverage and dessert. Those wanting the church to provide a meal may contact the church office at 941778-0414.

There will be a mini convention on origami on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Island origami teacher Judy Pruitt will be present, and there will be examples of the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

On Friday, Sept. 16, starting at 7 p.m., the Blue Marlin Grill, 121 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach, will host a fund-raiser to benefit John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Manatee County, where children from Manatee County account for 12 percent of the total patients served.

The event will feature special food and wine pairings and a live auction conducted by master of ceremonies Ray Collins, from ABC 7. The cost is $150 per person and space is limited. To make a reservation or obtain more information, visit bit.ly/jhach_bluemarlin or call the Blue Marlin Grill at 941-896-9737.

Music on the Porch In celebration of the folk music heritage of Cortez, the Florida Maritime Museum hosts a Music on the Porch jam session on the second Saturday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. Come to listen, or bring an instrument and join in. Musician participation may vary. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Are you smarter than a librarian

The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is hosting its coloring club on Wednesday, Aug. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. and its chess club from 2 to 5 p.m. It’s a chance to get out of the weather and engage in fun indoor activities. Call 778-6341 for more information.

Members of the public are invited to compete with some of the brightest people to ever memorize the Dewey Decimal System – Manatee County librarians – on Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Main Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton.

Teams will compete for the bragging rights, and a prize. It’s free and fun to watch, and there will be refreshments and prizes. To register to compete, email jyna.johnson@mymanatee.org or call 941-748-5555, ext 6308.

Boat tour on again

Sierra Club hosts sunset watch

Senior Adventures will meet at the Bradenton Beach Pier for the Dolphin tour at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 12. The last trip was cancelled. The cost is $25. Call Peg Miller at 778-3106 for more information to make a reservation.

The Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club will meet at the south end of Lido Key in Sarasota County, for a potluck supper and to tour the restored native plant trail to the east beach to watch the full moon rise over the city of Sarasota on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m.

Participants should meet at the picnic tables on the south end of Lido Beach with a dish to serve eight, drinks and table service for themselves. Call Mary Sheppard at 941-752-3200 for more information and to make reservations, which are mandatory.

Coloring and chess at the library

Sale at Lord’s Warehouse The Lord’s Warehouse, a thrift shop located at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, is holding a mega sale during August. All gently used women’s and men’s clothing and accessories, as well as home goods, etc. will be discounted 50 per cent throughout August.

Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. The store will close during September while remodeling takes place, and it will reopen in October.

Environmental meeting The Manatee Sierra Club Conservation Committee meets Monday, Aug. 15, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. Help contribute to sound environ-

SWAT Anna Maria meets Successful Women Aligning Together (SWAT), Anna Maria Island Chapter, meets on Thursday, Aug. 18, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Members will be celebrating their second anniversary.

The cost is $14 for members, for $17 visiting SWAT sisters and $19 for nonmember guests, which includes lunch, beverage, tax and tip. Payment in advance is required.

RSVP to Lisa Brakefield, SWAT Sec-

Health discussion scheduled Nationally board certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and licensed acupuncture physician Loren Batsell, DOM, AP, RYT, will speak about health on Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach.

Batsell will discuss how digestion affects the health of everybody’s system and why the gut is often called “the second brain. Learn how to improve your digestive health for better overall wellness.

Donations are accepted. Fifty percent of the donations will go toward the Art League. Beach Chair Yoga follows the discussion from noon to 12:45.

For more information, call 778-2099 or visit the Art League.

Volunteers needed Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has advocate positions available in Manatee County. Volunteers visit with residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult-family care homes to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect. Training and certification are provided and volunteers participate in council meetings, administrative assessments and complaint resolution in facilities.

If you would like to become an ombudsman and make a difference in your community, visit ombudsman.myflorida. com, search on Facebook or call 1-888831-0404.

Closed for the month The Florida Maritime Museum, at 4415 119th St. W., in Cortez, will be temporarily closed to the public from Aug. 15 through Sept. 12. This closure

AUGUST 10, 2016

will allow staff and volunteers to complete general maintenance and exhibit updates.

The museum will return to its regular business hours of Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Visitors can look forward to a new exhibit in the fall, “Shipwrecks: Legend and Lore”, and a full schedule of accompanying educational programs, classes and performances. Check out the website at FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org.

Sitting down workout Cindy Phillips presents Gentle Chair Yoga on Wednesdays from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. The cost is $10 per class and spaces are limited.

Gentle Chair Yoga features breathing with postures to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and tranquility, using a chair as a prop. Enjoy the benefits of a regular yoga practice without having to get down on the floor or by using a traditional yoga mat.

For more information, call 778-2099.

Help with weight control Overeaters Anonymous meets at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, each Thursday at 7 p.m. For more information, call 813494-6518.

Drums on the beach Enjoy the rhythm of drums keeping the beat at the Sunset Drum Circle at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. There’s no charge to listen and dinner is available at the café.

Roser exercise Melissa Merkle, co-founder of Boomers N Motion Health Coaching, teaches Roser-Robics every Thursday, at 11 a.m. Roser-Robics is perfect for seniors and those with handicaps who can’t jump and dance because it’s moving to the music while sitting. There will be a variety of aerobic exercises designed to increase cardiovascular and muscular endurance. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Participants are asked to bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight to be used as weights and equipment for class activities. The cans will be donated to the Roser All Denominations Food Bank. For more information, call 330990-0990 or e-mail coaches@boomersNmotion.com.

AUGUST 10, 2016

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

7/27, found property, 10005 Gulf Drive. A Florida driver’s license was found, but attempts to find the owner were fruitless.

7/31, petit theft, 70 North Shore Drive. A bicycle was stolen from the front yard.

Bradenton Beach

7/31, grand theft, Coquina Beach, 1500 Gulf Drive S. The victim left a cooler, his car keys and other items on the beach and walked away. When he returned, they were gone. The thief put the items in his car and drove into the tree line area, where cars are not allowed. The lifeguards spotted him and called the officer who was working the theft case. The officer stopped the suspect, and while looking for his license, he exposed the cooler, which was in his back seat. The victim arrived and identified the items as his. He signed an affidavit to prosecute. The suspect told police someone told him to pick up the cooler and take it. Then he said he took it by accident. He was arrested.

Holmes Beach

7/23, possession of marijuana and trafficking

Obituaries Judith Ruth Augsburger Judith Ruth Augsburger, 82, went to be with her Lord Jesus on Aug. 2, 2016.

She died at her home in Bluffton, Ohio.

Judith was born to the late John L McDonald and Mamie Ruth (Bonnell) McDonald. Raised in a commercial fishing family she grew up eating mullet that her father provided from fishing, and it was her favorite meal along with some grits.

On Feb. 12, 1956, she married Bill Augsburger, who preceded her in death on April 19, 1987. Judith was a graduate of Manatee High School and a member of Samoset Baptist Church.

She was a beautician, a housekeeper and along with her husband Bill, they owned and operated the Horseshoe Bar in Bluffton Ohio. She was also a Sunday School teacher and Girl Scout leader.

Judith was preceded in death by great-granddaughter, Sadie Brodman; brother, Joseph McDonald; and sister, Jacqueline Mofield. Survivors include son, John Augsburger of Zebulon, N.C.; daughter, April Dorman of Bluffton, Ohio; son Kevin Augsburger of Bradenton, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Visitation was on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, at Samoset Baptist Church, 3200 15th St. E., Bradenton, Fla. Brown & Sons Funeral

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

marijuana, 5200 Gulf Drive. The officer was running radar when he clocked the suspect vehicle doing 45 mph in a 25 mph zone. He stopped the suspect at the parking lot of Wells Fargo Bank.

The officer smelled burnt marijuana and observed a blunt (marijuana filled cigar) on a cup in the center console. He asked the suspect to step out of the vehicle. The officer found a camouflage bag with baggies with marijuana, a digital scale and a motorized marijuana grinder. The driver was arrested and ticketed for speeding.

7/23, driving with a suspended license with knowledge, 5100 Gulf Drive. The officer observed the suspect vehicle with an expired plate. He caught up with the vehicle, and when he checked with the computer, he found that the driver had three license suspensions. He was ticketed, and his vehicle was towed.

7/23, alcohol violation, 5200 Gulf Drive on the beach. The officer observed two men drinking beer at the beach. They received citations and had to remove the beer from the beach.

7/23, alcohol violation, 5300 Gulf Drive on the beach. The officer observed the male subject drinking beer. He issued the man a citation.

7/23, alcohol violation, 5200 Gulf Drive on the beach. The officer observed a female drinking beer and gave her a citation.

7/23, alcohol violation, 5000 Gulf Drive on the beach. The officer observed a beach towel with empty beer cans and when the towel owner came out of the water, he admitted the beer cans, were his. He was issued a citation.

7/23, alcohol violation, 3900 Gulf Drive on the beach. The officer observed the male drink from a beer can and issued him a citation.

7/24, driving with a suspended license with knowledge, 5200 block of Gulf Drive. The officer was driving behind the suspect and made a random computer check.

He found out the vehicle owner’s license was suspended with a court notice given. He stopped the driver, checked his license, seized it and ticketed him.

He made arrangements to get his truck home.

7/28, driving with a suspended license, 4900 block of Gulf Drive. The driver was stopped for an inoperative headlight and the officer found his driver’s license was suspended for non payment of child support. He was arrested.

7/29, sleeping on the beach. Manatee County Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. At 3:31 a.m., the officer on beach patrol found the suspect sleeping on the beach. He was given a citation and told to move on.

Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Fla., is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Maritime Museum 4115 119th St. W., Cortez, FL 34215. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

As a family, they did everything together – bowling, golfing, travelling, etc. Pennies were saved throughout, so that when John, Jr. was 15, the family took to the road for a 32-day tour of the country. Stops were made at the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone and, of course, the baseball and football halls of fame. It was glorious.

Cass made a diary of the trip and it was discussed with joy many times over the years.

Bowling was a passion for the family.

John Sr., John Jr. and Cass held the Maryland State Championships at one time or another. They bowled all over the country at numerous events. As a matter of fact, John Sr. and Cass held the Maryland Senior State Championship simultaneously and represented the state bowling in the national championship in Corpus Christie, Texas in the same year.

After John Sr. retired, at which Cass was a major participant in a lavish retirement affair, they followed John Jr. from Catonsville, Md., and Abington, Md., to the Bradenton area, where they called Perico and Anna Maria Island their new home.

On April 21, 2006, Cass, after golfing for many years, while playing Pinebrook Golf Course, on the 12th hole, got the family’s first and only hole-inone.

On June 25, 2005, Cass and Johnny celebrated their 50th anniversary with a trip, planned by John Jr., to Las Vegas. Friends and family made the trek

Catherine S. Clarke Catherine Veronica (Spitznagel) Clarke died Aug. 1, 2016, at the age of 81. She was the daughter of Maximilian Spitznagel and Marie Delia Murray.

Born on Sept. 24, 1934, in Waverly (Baltimore), Md., she graduated from Blessed Sacrament School and then went to Seton High School, where she graduated in 1952.

“Cass,” as she was known to family and friends married John Clarke in 1955. In 1957, they had a son, John, Jr., who married Jane Pratt. She had one brother, Joseph (deceased) and one sister, Sister Mary Delia SSND, also deceased. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends galore.

From 1952 to 1956, she worked for the C&P Telephone Co. Once John Jr. was born, she devoted her life and time to being a loving mother, wife and homemaker. She dedicated her life to taking care of her “boys.”

THE SUN

27

Sex offender arrested on Island On July 25 Holmes Beach Police arrested a registered sex offender from Indiana who failed to register with authorities after he moved into a home in the 2700 block of Avenue C. According to a news release, the police department received a Owens tip that Brian Edward Owens was staying at that residence since February of this year. He had not registered in the state of Florida or with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office as required by law.

Owens was convicted of a sex offense in Indiana in 1986. He had also been arrested in South Carolina for failing to register as a sex offender in 2005. Part of his registration requirements after being arrested in 2005 stated he was required to notify the state in which he moved to within 10 days of establishing residency.

to Las Vegas for the celebration. It was another amazing journey for the family. That trip was duplicated repeatedly until and even after Cass was inflicted with a rare muscle disease known as Polymyositis Sjogren’s Disease. She fought a hard battle. Every day was a struggle, as she was limit to walking one small, minor step at a time. But she did it daily. Her nearly daily trip to Peaches and O’Shucks became the highlight of her day, due to the hospitality offered her by the people of the Island. She always mentioned that she would be forever grateful and appreciative Cass and John celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this year.

Cass finally succumbed on Aug. 1 at Blake Hospital. On her final days, she was surrounded by family and friends as she would want. Her love of God will take her to her next journey where she will be reunited and joined by the family and friends that she so dearly cared for.

A memorial Mass will be offered at Sts Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, in Bradenton on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 9:30 a.m., immediately followed by burial on the property and a light lunch, also on the property.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, Bethesda, Md.

28

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

AUGUST 10, 2016

waterline: Project sailing along FROM PAGE 1

“The lobby is quaint, boutique style in keeping with the flavor of the Island. We want to make sure local residents feel comfortable and welcome to come in.”

Ballroom and restaurant

To the right of the lobby will be a 1,300 square foot ballroom, a meeting room, a storage room and offices.

To the left of the lobby will be the bar, with windows opening onto the lobby and pool area, and the restaurant.

“The restaurant will be small and intimate with high quality food, including great seafood and some items that people won’t expect,” Check said.

“There also will be some outdoor seating around the pool.”

The west wing on the marina side, will include a workout room, a dock master’s office, restrooms and a children’s play area on the ground level and will connect to the lodge building with an outdoor walking path. It also will be the point of departure for boat tours.

“We are working with Mote Marine to bring the Florida environment to the people by offering environmental boat tours,” Check said.

Regarding the on going construction project, he said, “We are trying to be vigilant and not impact the neighbors.”

Check said the company plans to

submitted

The pool area will overlook the marina area, and children of guests can use the play area on the ground level of the west wing. complete the project in the spring of 2017, and once the project is completed, it plans to freshen up the adjacent shopping center, which it also owns.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Hard work Mimi Chan and her cousins, Emmy and Josh Chin Fatt, performed Kung Fu before a packed meeting room at the Island Branch Library on Thursday, July 28. Chan was the choreographer for the Disney animated movie “Mulan” and is a Kung Fu teacher. After her cousins demonstrated Kung Fu, which means hard work in Chinese, Chan had the kids perform and some of their parent got into it too. This was the final event of the library’s summer break programs for the year.

AUGUST 10, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

29

City Hall walls have new look

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@ amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The walls inside the main hallway and the City Commission chambers at Anna Maria City Hall are now adorned with framed photos and maps thanks in part to Commission Chair Doug Copeland.

During a recent commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy praised Copeland and the city staffers who assisted him in this endeavor.

“I wanted to thank Commissioner Copeland for framing the artwork that you see on the walls. He did an excellent job. The pictures came from the Historical Society and

then Diane Percycoe and Debbie Haynes took the time to lay out the format of where they should go, so I want to thank them for the good job they did and also the Public Works guys who came in and put them up. It’s a new look for city hall, and I greatly appreciate everybody’s work, especially the fact that Mr. Copeland

donated his time and materials to do this.”

Copeland operates a custom furniture making business out of his home workshop. He made the 10 frames out of maple and then painted them black before he framed the photos and maps.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria City Commissioners Doug Copeland, left, and Chuck Webb sit in front of the historic photos and maps framed by Copeland.

30

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

AUGUST 10, 2016

When regulations are well meaning W

e’ve all met people who are wellmeaning, the ones who want to help you carry your groceries even when you don’t really need help and are in a hurry, the ones who tell you about the two for one items in Publix when you don’t care and the ones who insist you sample a piece of their strawberry pie when you break out in hives from strawberries. These are all nice gestures but the well-meaning principle can get in the way, especially when it becomes a regulation.

Home builders around the country are all experiencing an increase in regulatory costs to the tune of over $80,000 per single family home. According to the National Association of Home Builders this is an increase of nearly 30 percent on average over the past five years for builders to comply with regulations.

Some of the well-meaning regulations include the cost for a new type of storm-water capture device, customized architectural plans, defining the amount of brick that can

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger be on a home exterior, specialized surveys required to determine whether endangered bats are on a property, as well as dictating the removal of trees and more. Much of the increase in regulations is generated by environmental awareness, which is certainly a well-meaning objective, however, they all cost money to comply with, not to mention the required fees that go along with them.

For the past five years, the median new home price has been 32 percent to 38 percent higher than the median price of a resale home according to data from the U.S. Census and the National Association of Realtors. This is the largest gap since the figures

started being tracked in the 1960s and compliance costs based on new regulations are one of the factors affecting the increase, and have permanently increased the cost to build.

In addition, local city and municipal impact fees that are charged to builders and developers to pay for services like roads, sewers and parks have increased 45 percent in the last decade. Florida and California in particular, have used this method to fund essential services for a long time, with the defense that we need to pay for new infrastructure some way.

Manatee County’s Administrator Ed Hunzeker was recently quoted in the Wall Street Journal after the county voted to raise impact fees for new developments by 80 percent or more over the next three years to compensate for the cuts during the economic downturn. He said, “Impact fees don’t set the price for a home. The market sets the price of a home.”

Well, that may be true for resales, but new

construction always passes expenses on to the buyer, and if you want new construction, it’s the only market. Based on the amount of new construction and developments that are slated for Manatee County in the upcoming years, we can look forward to state of the art infrastructure.

Everybody wants everything, and no one wants to pay for it. Existing homeowners say don’t increase my taxes for a required road going into a new development, and by the way, make sure that the mangroves aren’t impacted. Hunzeker is right. Someone has to pay for progress, but do we really need to require developers to perform expensive environmental studies that will not really change anything? Take some pity on the poor new home buyer. Don’t waste taxpayer money on well-meaning regulations just because you can.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

AUGUST 10, 2016

THE SUN

31

Cost escalates for Twin Piers replacements More money and time sought for groins project

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

CINDY LANE | SUN

Twin trees A temporary “lake” in Holmes Beach created by recent heavy rains makes for an impressionistic tree reflection.

BRADENTON BEACH – The cost of replacing the three erosion control groins at Cortez Beach could be on the rise once again, this time by an additional $1.39 million.

The Manatee County Commission was scheduled to consider a request Tuesday from Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker for the added money. If approved, it would bring the total cost for the project to $6.25 million, up from the initial estimate of $4.41 million.

The project to raze and replace the three groins, known locally as Twin Piers, was part of the renourishment effort in 2013. However, the contractor, Cayo, LLC, of Fort Worth, Texas, ran into problems clearing away rebar under the original groins and then dug into unstable bedrock under the middle groin. The initial agreement gave the contractor 285 calendar days from December 2014.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

This northernmost groin is finished. The middle groin will need more work and will cost more money.

On July 10, 2015, the county added 30 days for the contract completion and on Sept.17, 2015, they added 12 calendar days.

At its Dec. 1, 2015, meeting the board added $451,635 to the contract for longer pilings to set into the bedrock. This year, the

county approved extensions of 15, 53, 45 and 47 calendar days due to weather and troubles anchoring the pilings. The last change added $1.387 million and 76 days, due to the unstable pilings caused by Tropical Storm Colin.

32

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Chiles Scholars

Chiles Group owner Ed Chiles passed out scholarships to four students on Monday, Aug. 8. From left to right: Joseph Cucci, who will attend the University of Florida, representing Mar Vista restaurant; Chiles; Thaddeus Fair, seeking his master’s degree at Georgetown University, representing the Sandbar restaurant; Alexia Yavalar, who will attend the University of Florida, representing the Sandbar; and Joan McCaw, grants and scholarships manager of the Manatee Community Foundation. Shelby Manson, who will attend the University of South Florida, representing the BeachHouse, was not present. The Chiles Group gives out scholarships every year to employees or their children.

AUGUST 10, 2016

AUGUST 10, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

33

Cortez Bait and Seafood Cortez Bait and Seafood moved to a new location at 12110 Cortez Road and celebrated with a grand opening this weekend. From left: Wayne Simmons, Melissa Schulz, John Banyas, Wyre Lee, Peggy Dallas, Bob Slicker and Sheryl Walaszek.

CHANTELLE LEWIN | SUN

34

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

Top real estate producers for July, 2016 A Paradise Realty

Jo Anne Curtan - Listing Quentin Talbert - Selling

An Island Place Realty Billi Gartman - Listing Sue Carlson - Selling

Coldwell Banker

Gabe Buky and Charles Buky - Listing and selling

Duncan Real Estate

Darcie Duncan – Listing Michelle Laade - Selling

Fran Maxon Real Estate

Brianna Shaughnessy - Listing and selling Stephanie Bell - Selling

Island Real Estate - Anna Maria

Adele Holland - Listing Kathleen White and Erin Heckler - Selling

Island Real Estate - Holmes Beach Elizabeth and Randy Blandford – Listing Liz Codola - Selling

Island Vacation Properties Mel and Barb Neely - Listing

Michael Saunders - Holmes Beach Laurie Mock - Listing Debbie Capobianco - Selling

Mike Norman

Chad Terrell - Listing Jason Hrnak - Selling

Sato Real Estate

Jason Sato - Listing and selling

Wagner Real Estate

Becky Smith and Elfi Starrett - Listing Karen Day Fineout - Selling

AUGUST 10, 2016

Chamber fun Bar Manager Greg Koepper addresses the crowd at the recent AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange at the Swordfish Grill in Cortez.

The event featured wings, coconut shrimp and plenty of fun, as 80 Chamber members attended, including Chamber President Deb Wing, who is looking on from the left of the photo.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

AUGUST 10, 2016

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

THE SUN

35

FLOODING: Residents caught by surprise FROM PAGE 1

it’s way worse than it was before. And people that have lived here longer said they’ve never seen it this bad,�

Rodriguez said Sunday evening. “I’ve been trapped in driveway twice in the past week. I had to cut through a yard and drive up in the grass just so I could get to work the other day,� she said Rodriguez was concerned the rising water would begin seeping into the ground level apartment she recently moved into. She said the water came perilously close to her front door when cars drove through the flooded street and created a wake.

Dube lives on the second floor of an elevated structure located on the property as Rodriguez’s apartment.

He said he’s lived on that street for seven years. “We haven’t had that much rain today. In the past, we’ve had torrential downpours, and the water’s never been this high.�

He said the water was 4-6 inches deep as of 5 p.m. Sunday evening. “It’s definitely over my ankles. I’ve seen days where it rained four times this amount and didn’t get this high.

I would hate to see a tropical storm come through.�

In regard to the recent drainage work, Dube said, “It’s disappointing. I think they made it worse to be honest with you.�

City responds

Public Works Director Tom Woodard was made aware of the flooding Sunday evening, and he scheduled a meeting with City Engineer Lynn

“I’ve been trapped in the driveway twice in the past week.�

Julia Rose Rodriguez Bradenton Beach resident

Julia Rose Rodriguez | submitted

Highland Avenue was a flooded mess Sunday afternoon and evening.

Burnett Monday morning.

When contacted early Monday afternoon, Woodard said the stormwater line along First Street was completely full of water. He attributed this to the outfall being closed near the cistern at the east end of Bridge Street. “We are having issues with the

overflow pump, but we are making improvements to the system to try to get the water out quicker. We’ll have Woodruff & Sons connect the First Street line to the Second Street line, which definitely improve the flow,� he said.

Woodard the city was trying to relay this information to affected residents.

He also noted that it was raining again and the water was beginning to rise in that area.

Later in the day, Woodard provided the mayor and city commissioners with an e-mail update on the situation. “I am working with the city engineer and Woodruff & Sons on the flooding and ponding problems.

We met today and walked the CRA district. We have found that the main problem is the stormwater line along First Street. Please be assured that I am aware of the problems, and these issues will be addressed and corrected,� he wrote. “Thank you for the update as I’m am receiving numerous calls,� Mayor Bill Shearon wrote in response.

SOAK UP SOME

SUNSHINE

1301&35: ."/"(&.&/5 p 3&"- &45"5& 4"-&4 p 7"$"5*0/ 3&/5"-4

Contact Us Today!

Rentals@IslandVacationProperties.com www.IslandVacationProperties.com p

36

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Gothic literature middle name 6 Sound of relief 9 Tells 14 Olympus competitor 15 Lobster __ Diavolo 16 Talked a blue streak 17 Violent whirlpool 19 *Split apart 20 *Working, working, working 22 Bashful 23 Per person 24 Pinch 28 Part of Q.E.D. 29 Asian holiday 31 Transcript fig.

32 GĂŠorgie, to Georgette 35 *1967 NHL Calder Memorial Trophy recipient 37 Sound 39 Game show prize 40 Long tales 41 *Half-hitch kin 43 With 64-Across, tax shelter since 1998 44 "Power" accessory 45 Updike's "Rabbit Redux," e.g.: Abbr.

46 Longtime Saudi king 49 Tater 51 Ancient Israeli fortress 53 Workout "washboards" 56 *"And it took long enough!"

59 *Backup option 62 Vibrator in the larynx 63 Public opening?

64 See 43-Across 65 Low-price prefix 66 Really cracks up 67 Volleyball barrier

68 Carved emblem Down 1 Soprano Gluck and composer Mahler-Werfel 2 Chihuahua lead 3 Stretch out next to 4 Censorship-fighting org.

5 Bahamas port 6 Hiding under the covers 7 Tossed off the covers 8 Poor choice to play 48Down 9 Creamy cheese 10 Like Olympic pools 11 Picnic invader 12 Moment of stage gratitude 13 __-Cat: winter vehicle 18 Proofer's find 21 U.K. network, with "the" 25 Disco phrase 26 Nursery rhyme surname 27 Strident 28 Cotton swab brand 30 "Conan" channel 32 Bridge positions 33 Cup-shaped bloom 34 "Cheers," across the

Answers to 08-03-16 Crossword Puzzle.

Channel 35 Ball striker 36 Play area 38 Endorsements 39 Chicken-in-wine stew 42 Movie clownfish 46 One with money to burn 47 1998 Sarah McLachlan song 48 Speaker of the ends of the answers to starred clues 50 Boy in an Irish song 52 Target, for one 53 On __: reveling 54 Carried 55 City destroyed in Genesis 57 Tailgaters' cookers, for short 58 __ Domani: Italian wine brand 59 Sleepover attire 60 Cyberyuk 61 "Just as I thought!"

AUGUST 10, 2016

AUGUST 10, 2016

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell.

The Good, The Bad or The Ugly.

Call Now 727-400-1910 UTD ENCLOSED TRAILER 7' X 12' electric brakes, tandem wheels, interior lights, ramp rear door. $2450.

Cortez . Call 317-752-9469

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES BOATS ARE SELLING VERY WELL. Selling Your Boat? “Business On A Hand Shake”.

We’ve sold hundreds of boats! www.Islandboatsales.net Call 941-228-3489

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 C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates.

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-962-2512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570

Call us today! 941-778-3986

PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways.

Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS

PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION (2 Lots) 12,840 sq. ft. Located on Gulf Dr. in the City of Anna Maria, close to the beach and surrounded by shopping.

Business on a tropical island! Island Real Estate Ask Al Galletto 941-232-2216

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

EMPLOYMENT

NEED PART TIME Secretary with light bookkeeping duties. Real Estate License would be great but not needed. Call 941-778-0426 AMI CARWASH on Anna Maria Island seeking Auto Detailer at fast-paced car wash. New Ownership/ Management. Position responsible for detailing automobiles, providing excellent customer service /exceeding productivity goals. Please send resumes/ inquiries to info@ amicarwash.com for details.

TWO SIDES OF NATURE – Anna Maria Island’s Largest Little Beach Shoppes is now hiring part-time associates. We have an immediate opening for evening shifts - week nights and weekend nights. Retail Experience Preferred. +20 plus hours a week. Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd. Unit A-1, Anna Maria.

TWO SCOOPS – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite Ice-Cream... is now hiring part-time associates. Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends.

A great place to work and have a little fun…looking for a few friendly people to join our team. Food prep. or server experience preferred.

Great pay! Apply today…

Two Scoops 101 S. Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria.

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE skills, knowledgeable about computers and ability to work in a fast paced environment while multitasking are a must. Responsible for closing. Contact Amanda@ centerami.org or 941-7781908 ext.9201 PART TIME SALES for Tradewinds Tile showroom. 3 or 3 1/2 days per week. No nights or weekends. Will train right person seeking serious career path to possible ownership. For interview call 941-8969640

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP open Tuesday & Thursday 9:30a.m.-2p.m., Saturday 10a.m.-1p.m. Annex open till noon. Donations accepted Wednesdays 9a.m11a.m.Thrift shop closed month of September. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Call 941-779-27-33 GREAT STUFF 2 FAMILES furniture, electric fireplace, tools, yard & beach stuff, kids stuff, household goods. 420 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria. Saturday/ Sunday August 13 & 14.

9am-2pm

THE SUN

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

LOST BRACELET Heavy silver with multi colored stones at Harrington House Bed & Breakfast. REWARD! Call 949-939-3340

“HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

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

LOST WHITE GOLD diamond ring. Antique looking. It has a hinge which opens up. Sentimental value. REWARD. Call 941504-9502

JOE UNGVARSY CONSTRUCTION. Designer/ Remodeling Contractor State License CRC 035261.

Call 941-779-4630 or email juremodel1@aol.com BESPOKE SERVICES, MASTER CARPENTER for all home & office repairs. Also painting, decorating, decking & dock repairs,. Large or small works. Reasonable Rates! Island guy for Island work. Call RICHARD 941-448-3571

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

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

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

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

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

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

LOST & FOUND

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

LOST WOMAN'S PRESCRIPTION glasses , brown frame. Lost on beach around 72nd street. On Monday the July 25. Call 260-602-9866 LOST MAN’S SILVER Wedding Ring, silver with stones mounted. Lost at Coquina Beach near restrooms. Please Call 813413-3373

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

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com

HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates.

“No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806

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

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

WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.

WalyPrecisionPainting.com

FOUND SET OF KEYS in water off Bayfront Park.

Call Bob 941-778-3986

POOL SERVICES

MOVING & STORAGE

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

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

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

37

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE W. BRADENTON CONDO 4000sq.ft. Canal front Bay view 3+BR/3.5BA Bonus room dock lift 2 car Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-2322216 NEW HOMES at MIRABELLA FLORIDA. Starting from the mid 200’s. Only minutes from the beaches, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy. Perfectly designed, open floor plans, 2BR/2BA plus den and 2CG. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball, pet friendly community. HOA only $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us 941-254-3330 www.

MirabellaFlorida.com

106 WILLOW RENOVATED Cottage. 1 in from Beach, beautiful pool/spa. Lush landscaping $1,245,000.

Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 RARE ISLAND GEM REDUCED!!! This 3BR/3BA home includes two master suites, open plan, bamboo floors, fireplace, awesome pool area, huge garage! Perfection throughout! $729K. Call Karen Fineout, Wagner Realty, 941-518-3682

38 THE SUN

classified

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE NW BRADENTON POOL HOME off 17th Ave 3BR/2BA with 2 car garage, pool, fenced yard, newer home built 2004 with 1924sf and bonus sun porch. $360,000.

Call Gail Schulz, Simpson South Realty 941812-6489

RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/2BA HOME w/ den 1650 s/f lawn care incl. w/d hook up , tile & wood, 1 carport, 1st, last $1,400/mo.$1,400 sec dep. Single family home, w/ existing rented 1 behind, on property. NO PETS AT THIS PROPERTY. Available Now, Near St. Stevens.

2BR/2BA HOME in 55+ golf community. Pool, tennis. Updated home in East Manatee. $1,450/ mo 1st month & security.

Credit & background required on all applicants over 18 Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

Call us today! 941-778-3986

WEST BRADENTON San Remo 4011 Plumosa Terrace 2BR/2BA/1CG on Salt Water Canal. W/D hookups, Large lanai & yard plus dock Bring your boat! $2000/mo unfurnished.

First, Last & Security. Credit check. Call JoAnn 941-8092488 ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 2BR/2BA SINGLE FAMILY HOME, unfurnished, w/ carport $2000/mo. Just one block to the beach.

2BR/2BA Furnished ground level condo at West Bay Cove $1600/mo. Contact A Paradise 941-778-4800 WEST BRADENTON HOUSE: 2206 25th Ave W. 3BR/2BA plus bonus room.

W/D hookups, fenced yard,. $1350/mo. First, Last, Security. Credit check. Call 941-809-2488

WEST BRADENTON WARES Creek Duplex 2111 6th Ave W. Charming 2BR/1BA updated. Enclosed porch, deck W/D hookups. $1100/mo First, last security, Credit report. Call JoAnn 941-809-2488 ANNUAL RENTAL IN Holmes Beach available September 1. 2BR/1BA with Back Deck fenced yard Pet Friendly $1300/mo Call 941-730-8339 PRIVATE HOME 2BR/2BA with den and boat dock.

Northern Holmes Beach area available 10/01/16. $2100/mo. first, last and $2000 security deposit required. Pets will be considered. Island Vacation Properties 941-778-1000

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

AMISUN.COM

AUGUST 10, 2016

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

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150.

Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

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

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

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 10, 2016

business & service directory computer service

home improvement

home improvement

HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

THE SUN

Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 painting

transportation movers

landscaping & lawn care

39

40

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

AUGUST 10, 2016