CALENDAR

Center hosts benefit for local family

Come out to The Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, Aug. 21 and have some fun while helping a local family. The Center is hosting a benefit for Aaron Lowman and his family, with all donations up to $100,000 being matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor.

The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. and features live music from local favorite Trevor Bystrom and other area musicians, food, drink, and a full bar for purchase sponsored by Anna Maria Island businesses. Silent and live auction items include a vacation in Asheville, N.C., a helicopter tour, fishing guide packages, a sunset cruise and more. There also will be a 50/50 raffle and Chinese raffle.

Just five weeks after welcoming his son, Will, with his wife, Dani, Lowman suffered a severe brain aneurysm while at home. Lowman, a local fishing guide captain with Anna Maria Fishing Guide, is currently making progress toward recovery at UF Health Rehab and has improved his strength and balance. but still has a long way to go to make a complete recovery. Even once Lowman recovers, it may be a long time before he can resume his fishing charters, and during that time the family needs financial help to cover all of their expenses.

In addition to the fundraiser at The Center, Lowman’s brother, Bill, has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Lowman and his family cover medical costs and other expenses. To donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser, visit www. gofundme.com/f/help-captain-aaronlowman-and-his-new-family.

For more information on the fundraiser at The Center, visit www. centerami.org.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Aug. 12, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Aug. 16, noon – Election qualifying period begins Aug. 16, 2:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Aug. 19, 2 p.m. – Reimagining Pine Avenue public information meeting Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting with regular meeting to follow Aug. 27, noon – Election qualifying period ends

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Aug. 18, 9:30 a.m. – City Commission budget work meeting Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency budget work meeting Aug. 19, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Aug. 23, noon – Election qualifying period begins Aug. 24, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Aug. 27, noon – Election qualifying period ends

ISLAND-WIDE

Aug. 17, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board of commissioners meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 11

Prevention Plus health screenings, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m., cost varies by test. No prescriptions required. Reserve to 1-888667-7587. Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 2:45 p.m. tee time, 5:30 p.m. Bible study and dinner, $40 for golf and dinner, $20 for dinner. Reservations required. Reserve to www.roserchurch.com/g4g/. Island Time Book Club, “My Lovely Wife” by Samantha Downing, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m. Register online at www.manateelibrary.libcal. com/calendar.

THURSDAY, AUG. 12

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. AMI Chamber networking luncheon, Bonefish Grill, 7456 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $18 for members or $30 for future members. Reserve to becky@amichamber.com or 941-778-1541. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUG. 13

Locals Beach Cleanup, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m. Reserve to www.facebook.com/AMILOCALS.

SATURDAY, AUG. 14

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required. Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online at www.manateelibrary.libcal.com.

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HOLMES BEACH – Planning commissioners are asking city commissioners to remove one of their members from the panel.

At their Aug. 4 meeting, Holmes Beach planning commissioners discussed their attendance policy and the lack of attendance by one of their own, one they voted unanimously to recommend city commissioners remove from the group.

Planning commission alternate member Drew Hyman was appointed to the dais by city commissioners during a Feb. 23 meeting. Hyman missed the March meeting but was sworn in during the April meeting, so far the only meeting that he’s attended. During the August meeting, planning commissioners discussed Hyman’s lack of attendance and a letter that he sent to his fellow planning commissioners noting that he was usually away from Holmes Beach during the summer months but said he would attend planning commission meetings from October through May.

Typically, planning commissioners are only allowed to miss two meetings per year without an excuse, per their attendance policy. Hyman has racked up five unexcused absences since his appointment to the group, including the August meeting.

Planning Commissioner Gale Tedhams said that with the comprehensive plan review underway and a review of the city’s land development code coming up, it’s important that the group have consistent participation from all of its members.

As a recommending body to the city commission, the request by planning commissioners to have Hyman removed will have to be voted on during a regular commission meeting. If approved, commissioners will need to take applications and appoint a new member to fill Hyman’s unexpired term.

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AUGUST 11, 2021

New coffee house nearing completion

Brian Mathae

HURRICANE HANKS

Since December 2020 I have been working on an exciting project that I sincerely hope will be a hit with locals and visitors alike. We acquired the assets and space of the former Island Coffee Haus with the intent of creating a wonderful coffee and food experience in Holmes Beach. Fifty Three Fifty, The Pourhouse should be open in just a short three more months. Achieving the dream has been a long time in the making. I never imagined the painstaking detail required to completely renovate the existing space and bring it up to current code. Determining the exact equipment we should be using, where that equipment is best located to be functional and efficient, and the electrical and plumbing requirements of that placement has been a labor of love. We know what we want our guests to experience, so getting it just right is absolutely critical.

While it has taken far longer than I ever imagined, we are making substantial progress now. We have demolished the previous interior and are starting to lay out the new plumbing. I’ve been educated on the nuances of grease interceptors, grease traps, pump-out ports, floor drains, hub drains and floor sinks. Feel free to stop by for a coffee or tea when we are open and if you have an hour or two I will tell you all about them! Seriously though, tremendous thought and teamwork has gone into making the space as perfect as we can. And I am appreciative of the team we have working on it.

Knowing the physical space construction is now underway, I can turn my attention back to the food and drink we plan on serving. The food concept has always been in the back of my mind, but now it’s time to put pen to paper and start creating the menus. The concept includes small dishes, both sweet and savory, recurring specials, and just a bit of an internationally eclectic selection of items. At least initially, the menu will be comprised of a collection of items that I am drawn to, that I know we can execute well and that will give personality to our operation. Of course, the ultimate menu will be chosen by our guests. Just like at Hank’s, we will focus on those items that guests are drawn to and use the freshest and most natural ingredients we can to elevate the taste.

Another critical component to get just right is the coffee. It has to be perfect. Which is far easier said than done. Coffee is as complicated as wine. The varietals and roasting techniques create tastes as diverse as Pinot Grigio and Merlot. More on that at a future date.

Today’s recipe is for a Mushroom Galette. By the way, what room has no doors or windows? A “mush-room” of course! I like galettes because they aren’t very structured and can be completely adapted to whatever you are craving. Whether it’s something sweet, something savory, something cold, or something hot, the galette is ready to please. A galette is similar to a tart but doesn’t require a pie dish. Its form is as free-spirited as its filling. Once you have the dough ready, the world is your oyster (mushroom). Using pastry flour is critical to the success of this recipe because its lower level of protein will ensure the flakiest of crusts. If you don’t have pastry flour, consider blending cake flour and all-purpose flour in a 1:2 ratio. I trust you will enjoy this menu preview. See you soon!

SUBMITTED

Mushroom Galette

(Serves up to 6)

Ingredients

Dough: 1 1/4 cups sifted pastry flour 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed 1/4 cup regular sour cream 1/4 ice cold water 2 tsp fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp fine salt 1 large egg 1 tsp milk Mushroom filling: 1 1/2 lbs. thinly sliced mushroom mixture of your choice 1/2 large yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup dry sherry 1 tbs unsalted butter 6 sprigs fresh thyme 1 sprig fresh rosemary 3 oz crumbled feta cheese Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

- In a medium bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and, using a fork or pastry cutter, blend it into the flour until well mixed and pebbly-like. In a second bowl, whisk the sour cream, water and lemon juice and pour into the flour mixture. Using a spatula, mix the ingredients until the ingredients clump together. Move the mixture to a lightly floured worktop and knead until the dough comes together. Flatten and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours. - While the dough is chilling, add the olive oil and mushrooms in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the mushrooms until they have released their moisture and begin to carmelize. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the butter, onion, four sprigs of thyme and the sprig of rosemary. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic for the last minute of cooking. Transfer the mushroom mixture to a sheet pan and spread it out so it can cool completely at room temperature. - As the mixture cools, preheat the oven to 400F. Remove the dough from the plastic wrap and lightly dust with flour. Roll the dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Remove the thyme and rosemary sprigs from the mushroom mixture, stir in the crumbled feta cheese and mix gently. Spoon the mixture into the center of the dough round and spread it evenly, leaving about a 1-inch border on the edges. Fold the 1-inch dough edge back over the mushroom mixture, leaving the center open. Whisk together the egg and milk and brush the edges of the dough with the mixture. - Bake for about 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish the mushroom mixture with thyme leaves removed from two sprigs and serve.

Bali Hai legal dispute continues

A Manatee County judge might have ruled in the city’s favor but that doesn’t mean that the battle between Holmes Beach leaders and Bali Hai ownership is over.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – A court has ruled in favor of the city of Holmes Beach’s quest to stop the use of a lounge and bar installed without proper permits at the Bali Hai Beach Resort. Unfortunately for the city, the ruling was open-ended, at least for 30 days.

Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen heard arguments from attorney Erica Augello for the city and attorney Michelle Grantham representing the Bali Hai’s ownership. The ruling involves the city’s motion to dismiss a counterclaim from the resort owners.

Sniffen ruled in favor of the city’s motion to dismiss but with the stipulation that the resort’s attorneys have 30 days to amend the counterclaim and resubmit it for consideration by the court.

In the counterclaim, Bali Hai's owner alleges that the city’s demand for a site plan and that service stop until the site plan is approved at the onsite bar/lounge, which was installed without permits from the Holmes Beach building department, is financially damaging the resort. The resort’s owner is seeking financial relief from the city and requested a trial in the amended counter-complaint filed April 26, alleging breach of contract.

During the Aug. 5 hearing, Grantham presented a letter from city attorney Patricia Petruff saying city leaders would work with the resort to allow service to hotel guests to continue at the onsite lounge if the resort’s owners submitted a site plan for approval by city leaders and all applicable fees. Grantham said her client submitted the requested site plan despite believing it’s not necessary for the use of the lounge and that the letter constitutes a contract between her client and the city.

The lounge, along with other construction work done on the resort property, has been a point of contention between city leaders and the resort's owner for more than a year due to no permits being applied for or given by the city’s building department for the work. The changes on the property also require a site plan approval under city code, which has not been given by city commissioners due to ongoing issues with the site plan submitted by the resort’s representatives. The resort’s representatives have argued since early 2020 that a site plan approval is not needed for the lounge and that it was an existing use on the property. City representatives have said the lounge was not an existing use and needs approval to operate legally.

Despite the ongoing issues, the resort’s lounge has continued to operate, leading to the city’s lawsuit against the resort owner to stop the use of the lounge and the sale of alcohol on the property until the site plan can be approved.

When ruling on the city’s motion to dismiss the amended counterclaim with prejudice, Sniffen said he does not see any evidence from what was presented that the city entered into a contract with the resort or how the resort’s representatives providing a site plan for approval would benefit the city. He added that for it to be a contract, the city would need to benefit in some way from the agreement.

Instead of dismissing the countercomplaint with prejudice, which would prevent the resort’s attorneys from resubmitting the claim for reconsideration by the court, Sniffen gave Grantham 30 days from the date of the hearing to amend the countercomplaint and resubmit it for a future hearing.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN The legal dispute between Holmes Beach city leaders and the owner of the Bali Hai Beach Resort is open to continue in court. The operation of this bar in a small building on the Bali Hai property is a point of contention between the hotel’s ownership and the city, one that’s now being disputed in court.

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AMI Chamber networking luncheon

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host a networking luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 12. The Chamber invites members and future members for a delicious meal at Bonefish Grill at 7456 Cortez Road W in Bradenton. This is a great opportunity to mingle with Chamber members, pass out business cards and win raffle prizes donated by Chamber member businesses. Contact becky@ amichamber.org to attend.

Cortez Nautical Flea Market is coming soon

The Florida Maritime Museum has teamed up with the Cortez Cultural Center to host the Cortez Nautical Flea Market on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to noon. Products such as boats, fishing gear, nautical-themed arts and crafts and other items for water enthusiasts will be on hand. This familyfriendly event will take place at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., and is free to attend. Early bird registration is $25 and space is limited. Contact fmminfo@manateeclerk. com to reserve your space. Arts and crafts vendors can contact cvhs2016@aol.com to register.

June 2021 tourist tax collections

compared to June 2020

Anna Maria 66% Bradenton Beach 109% Holmes Beach 91% Manatee Cty Total* 95%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in June and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in July. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island’s three cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http:// www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

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Galuszka to challenge Chappie in mayor’s race

The qualifying period for Bradenton Beach candidates begins Aug. 23.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – David Galuszka plans to run against incumbent Mayor John Chappie in the upcoming city elections.

Galuszka filed his preliminary paperwork with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office on July 12.

Chappie will seek reelection and he filed his preliminary campaign paperwork on July 22. Chappie ran unopposed in 2019 and he defeated Bill Shearon in the 2017 mayor’s race. Chappie has lived in Bradenton Beach for more than 40 years.

City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh also filed her preliminary paperwork on July 22. Commissioner Jake Spooner has not yet filed his preliminary paperwork, but he has expressed his intent to seek another two-year term in office.

The qualifying period for Bradenton Beach City Commission candidates begins at noon on Monday, Aug. 23 and concludes at noon on Friday, Aug. 27. Qualifying packets can be obtained from the city clerk’s office or the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office in Bradenton. FIRST-TIME CHALLENGER

Galuszka is a retired air traffic controller with 20 years of Air Force experience and 20 years of Federal Aviation Administration experience.

When interviewed last week, Galuszka said he moved from California to Bradenton Beach in early 2019.

Regarding his desire to run for public office, he said, “It all started as a suggestion from my mom when I moved here a couple years ago. As time went on, friends and other family members encouraged me, and I’m fascinated with politics and the process.”

Galuszka said he’s never run for elected office before but did serve as a legislative representative while working as a civilian at the air traffic control tower in Portland, Oregon.

Galuszka said parking, traffic, signage and affordable workplace housing are among the issues he plans to campaign on. He also thinks something needs to be done about golf carts that travel on public streets at a speed far below the posted speed limit.

“It’s pretty irritating to be behind a golf cart going 18 miles per hour,” he said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN David Galuszka plans to run for the Bradenton Beach mayor’s seat. Mayor John Chappie will seek reelection in hopes of serving another term in office.

Planning commissioners approve sign ordinance

Holmes Beach planning commissioners have given the green light to the city’s amended illuminated sign ordinance, which governs lighted signs in residential areas. Planning commissioners voted unanimously during an Aug. 4 meeting to find the proposed ordinance consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan. With the planning commission’s stamp of approval, the ordinance will go back before city commissioners for a final public hearing and vote at a future meeting. If approved, backlit illuminated signs in residential districts will have a sunset period of five years before having to be removed or modified to meet the new standard, which requires signs to have only one spotlight shining directly on each face of the sign. Signs also will be limited in size and height from the ground with two faces, one on each side, allowed.

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New streetlights among latest CRA accomplishments

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Old Town Tram, the new Bridge Street streetlights, the undergrounding of utility lines and the accumulation of trash were among the matters discussed during Thursday’s Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting.

TRAM SERVICE

The Aug. 4 meeting began with the contracted parking tram services provided by Josh LaRose’s EasyParking Group. LaRose was vacationing and did not attend the meeting, at which payment was approved for the $4,735 invoice he submitted for the services rendered in July.

The July invoice also notes the CRA received $4,775 in tram-related advertising revenues, which accounted for slightly more than 50% of the CRA’s monthly tram expenses. The advertising revenues are generated by ad panels on the trams and the long-term goal is for advertising revenues to cover all or most of the tram operating expenses.

CRA chairman Ralph Cole would like LaRose to appear at next month’s meeting because he’s still seeing the electric trams operating outside of the designated tram route in the CRA district that extends from Cortez Road to Fifth Street South. The designated tram route extends south of the CRA boundaries to include the county-owned parking spaces at Cortez Beach, along Gulf Drive South.

Public Works Director Tom Woodard asked if Public Works Department personnel are supposed to respond directly to requests made by LaRose’s tram drivers. Woodard said a recent request pertained to a waterproof cover for the charging station outside the Public Works building.

Woodard was told city personnel are not expected to respond directly to tram driver requests and such requests need to be presented to the CRA by LaRose.

CRA member Jake Spooner suggested LaRose might consider switching to gasoline-powered trams to avoid having to recharge the two electric trams currently in use. Spooner said some companies on the Island that rent golf carts are switching to gaspowered carts that don’t require charging.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN New electric streetlights have been installed along Bridge Street.

BRIDGE STREET LIGHTS

City attorney Ricinda Perry said the new electric-powered streetlights have been installed and activated along Bridge Street. Perry said she toured Bridge Street on a recent stormy night and the lights worked well.

Woodard said the banner arms that extend from the new light poles are shorter than the banner arms on the old solar light poles, which means smaller decorative banners and flags may need to be purchased to accommodate the shorter pole arms.

Perry said the still-functioning solar lights will be evaluated to see if they will remain in use or be removed.

GULF DRIVE UNDERGROUNDING

Perry said the concrete utility poles and attached utility lines along Gulf Drive South are not expected to be removed by Florida Power & Light until late September or October because FP&L does not currently have the cranes available to do the job in the city-initiated, state-funded undergrounding project.

TRASH ACCUMULATION

Spooner expressed concerns about trash accumulating when Waste Pro doesn’t pick up on Mondays due to extended holiday weekends. Spooner said holiday weekends are busier than normal weekends, but the trash collection gets delayed an additional day. He suggested this be addressed next time the city’s trash collection contract with Waste Pro is negotiated.

SEE CRA, PAGE 19