Debby's damage
The sand dunes in Bradenton Beach resembled miniature white cliffs of Dover after then-Tropical Storm Debby caused the Gulf of Mexico to crash into the dune line for two days.
City cleans up minor damage following Debby
Several fallen coconut palms were removed from Bridge Street and two finger docks required repairs in the aftermath of what was then Tropical Storm Debby.
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN
CORRESPONDENT
| llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City officials reported minor damage and flooding from Tropical Storm Debby on Aug. 4-5 before it became a hurricane, but said that the city fared well overall.
Several of the coconut palms on Bridge Street toppled over during the tropical storm force winds and rain from Debby and were removed by the city.
“We took out five, they were the ones that just could not hold,” Police Chief and Interim Public Works Director John Cosby said. “This was the last
straw for them. We made the decision that if they went down again because of the wind, they have to go. We’re going to put some kind of plant in there, but the five won’t be going back.”
Mayor John Chappie said the trees will be planted elsewhere in the city.
“Thankfully we didn’t have a lot of wind,” Cosby said. “We just got a ton of rain.”
Ingrid McClellan, coordinator of the Scenic Manatee Advisory Committee, reported that several palm trees fell on the Gulf Drive medians near the Coquina Beach entrance.
She noted that is an evacuation route for Longboat Key going north.
“We just received a report from Manatee County that crews are onsite taking care of this item,” FDOT Landscape Architect Daryl Richard wrote in an Aug. 6 email, adding that the Alexander palms were restaked.
SEE BRADENTON BEACH, PAGE 19
Flooding main storm impact in Anna Maria
Anna Maria fared fairly well during Tropical Storm Debby.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Flooding and drainage were the primary issues in Anna Maria during and after Tropical Storm Debby. There was also some minor damage to the City Pier.
On Aug. 8, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and General Manager Dean Jones provided the city commission with a recap of the tropical storm’s impact. Murphy said most of the storm recovery work was finished, but there were still some pockets of flood waters and still some street sweeping to do.
Jones gave a presentation that included photos of the floodwaters, the pier damage and some key takeaways that included Tropical Storm Debby producing 12-16 inches of rain in a two-day period, most city roads being at flood stage at some point and most of the flood water being gone in less than 36 hours.
ANNA MARIA, PAGE 8
Storm leaves Holmes Beach without major damage
Despite some localized flooding and power outages, Debby left Holmes Beach largely unscathed.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Debby passed by Anna Maria Island as a tropical storm, leaving Holmes Beach soaked, but not severely damaged.
As the storm passed by on the west coast of Florida, it dropped several inches of rain and delivered gusty winds to the Island, leaving some streets with flooding and some residents without power. Though most power was restored within a day, some residents reported losing power for several days before police and code compliance officers stepped
in to get electricity restored by FP&L. On Aug. 5, Mayor Judy Titsworth said that there was some flooding in Holmes Beach but the stormwater infrastructure helped to move water away from the surface to dry out roads and lawns faster. A tree fell in the middle of the Marina/Palm Drive thoroughfare, though police were able to remove it and reopen the road quickly.
“We fared well,” Police Chief Bill Tokajer said, noting that there was still standing water in some places the day after Debby passed. He took to social media to encourage drivers to move carefully through the Island city and avoid driving through standing water when possible.
Due to street flooding, Holmes Beach City Hall remained closed on Aug. 5 but reopened with regular hours on Aug. 6.
SEE
CINDY LANE | SUN
Satcher access removed, Clear Ballot delayed
James Satcher will not have access to the room in which the ballots are tabulated and stored.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – The access code to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections’ tabulation and ballot storage room will be changed to prevent Interim Supervisor James Satcher from entering that room because he is a candidate in the primary election.
The access removal occurred during the Aug. 6 Manatee County canvassing board meeting at the request of congressional candidate Eddie Speir and other meeting attendees. During the meeting, the canvassing board determined the Clear Ballot auditing system Satcher recently purchased will not be used in the primary election, which concludes on Aug. 20 with early voting and mail voting already underway.
ACCESS REMOVED
Speir is running against Vern Buchanan in the 16th congressional district Republican primary. Speir attended the Tuesday morning canvassing board meeting and recapped the meeting in a Facebook reel he posted later that day. In his Facebook reel, Speir expressed concerns about Satcher’s connections to political consultant Anthony Pedicini and a political action committee chaired by Pedicini.
“James Satcher is connected and receiving money from Anthony Pedicini and the developers. Because of that, I’m immediately concerned about access to ballots. James Satcher has already broken rules and protocols that are put in place to ensure the integrity of the election. The tabulation and the ballot storage room are critically important. Nobody’s allowed in there alone, but Satcher said he is allowed to do this.”
While addressing the canvass-
MANATEE COUNTY
| SUBMITTED
Interim Supervisor of Elections and candidate James Satcher, left, will not have access to the ballot tabulation and storage room during the primary election. Congressional candidate Eddie Speir, right, requested Satcher’s ballot room access be removed.
ing board, Speir said, “I request that James Satcher have his access removed from the room. I think that would go a long way to building voter confidence – the same way Mike Bennett did.”
After a brief discussion, Satcher agreed to abide by the same non-access protocols former Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett practiced when he was seeking reelection.
“They’re changing the code so he does not have access to the tabulation room and the ballot
Farrington resigned after Satcher’s appointment but had already launched his election campaign to serve as Bennett’s elected successor. Farrington and Satcher now face each other in the Republican primary that will determine who serves as Supervisor of Elections for the next four years.
On July 25, Satcher issued a press release announcing the purchase of the Clear Ballot audit system.
storage room and vote by mail. This is huge, thank you very much,” Speir told the board.
CLEAR BALLOT DELAYED
Bennett retired on March 1 with nine months remaining in his four-year term. In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Satcher – a sitting county commissioner with no experience supervising an election – to serve the remainder of Bennett’s term. DeSantis chose Satcher over Bennett’s longtime chief of staff, Scott Farrington.
According to the press release, “A third-party, independent audit of 100% of our election results is going to help secure our elections and increase voter confidence and trust in the election process. The system utilizes high-speed scanners to rescan and tabulate ballots for a comprehensive verification of results, completely independent of the primary voting system.”
The system cost $179,615, plus an additional $25,000 for software.
ISLAND NEWS
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Parking lot shutdown short lived
The city barricaded Shawn Kaleta’s parking lots on Friday for non-compliance with stipulations put in place in February by the city commission. Someone reopened them on Saturday after Kaleta’s attorney intervened.
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Less than 24 hours after the Aug. 9 city closure of Shawn Kaleta’s four paid parking lots, the lots were reopened following the intervention of Kaleta’s attorney, Louis Najmy.
The paid parking lots at 101 Bridge St., 206 Bay Drive N., 207 Church Ave. and 102 Third St. N. were granted temporary use permits by the city commission subject to multiple stipulations, including the submission of a professionally drawn site plan to the city building official for approval.
Building Official Darin Cushing said most of those stipulations had not been fulfilled, and on Aug. 1, he sent Kaleta a letter that stated his intent to barricade the parking lots on Aug. 9 with a permanent closure deadline of Sept. 6 and revocation of the temporary use permit, if all the stipulations for city approval had not been satisfied by that time.
On Aug. 9, with police vehicles onsite, barriers were placed at the parking lot entrances, and the payment kiosks and signs were covered, but by Aug. 10 the parking lots were back in business.
Mayor John Chappie told The Sun on Aug. 10 that the barriers were not removed by city staff and that the process is currently in abatement, meaning temporarily suspended.
After a meeting on Monday morning among city officials to discuss how to proceed, Chappie said the issue remains "under review" by the city.
BUILDING OFFICIAL WEIGHS IN
“The applicants sent me some site plans via email earlier this week, but they are not satisfactory to meet the after-the-fact stipulations and requirements that were set forth by the commission,” Cushing wrote in an Aug. 9 email
to The Sun. “They started to put in some of the landscaping around the Bridge Street lot, but again, they need to submit a site plan showing the landscaping and other items that were stipulated, get it approved and then do the work, in order to get final approval of the temporary use permits.
“I gave them until today to get that done. Though they keep assuring me that they are scrambling to get this done, it's too little, too late at this point,” Cushing wrote in the email. “So yes, I will be shutting the lots down by close of business today. In the letter that was sent to the property owner, I also gave them until Friday, Sept. 6 to have everything completed and approved or we will then revoke the temporary use permits, and the signs, parking stops and everything related to the parking lots will have to be removed.”
“Darin (Cushing) is doing a great job and he has my support,” Chappie said.
KALETA’S ATTORNEY RESPONDS
“This was much ado about nothing. It was resolved in less than five hours,” Najmy wrote in an Aug. 10 text to The Sun, blaming the issue on “a miscommunication between departments at the city.”
Najmy said the process of closing the parking lots requires due process through the city’s code enforcement department.
“Actions to block access and possession and business operations require due process,” Najmy wrote.
“We all want this. Totalitarian regimes outside of the U.S. don’t require due process but the U.S. and State of Florida do.”
Chappie said the city commission does have the right to revoke the temporary use permits. They were granted on Feb. 15 for 101 Bridge St. and on March 21 for the other three lots.
“Maybe the city had a different property than my client’s properties to close off, but the city certainly had no ability, nor as they told me any desire, to do this and after talking with the city leaders they confirmed the goal to continue working together to get these much-needed improvements and operations in place that Mr. Kaleta is generously investing for the entire city’s benefit,” Najmy wrote.
“Although Mr. Kaleta suffered some financial loss from this error yesterday, he is contemplating working it out with the city, once again to the city’s benefit. He appreciated their cooperation so far on this matter.”
Kaleta’s parking lots have been up and running with parking rates of $15 an hour since February, illegally, according to the city.
“The actual permits have never been approved and are currently sitting in an under-review status,” Cushing wrote in the Aug. 1 letter to Kaleta. “Furthermore, the parking lots have all been in operation since February of this year, technically illegally, as they have never been approved by the Planning and Zoning Department.”
Cushing wrote that the applications for the temporary use permits
were submitted after the fact, as the paid parking lots were all created and put into operation prior to any application being made to the department.
Najmy wrote that Kaleta plans to satisfy the outstanding stipulations as soon as possible.
“They respect the city’s desire and need for this. It will be done ASAP now that we have control back. It will be done right this time,” he wrote. “These stipulations require the outlay of money and, once again, Shawn is the only one willing to do that for the benefit of the improvement to the city but yet he gets attacked for doing so. It’s the classic case of the negative spirits biting the hand that feeds them.”
Easy Parking Group’s Josh LaRose contracted with Kaleta in January to run the parking enforcement and operations of the lots. On July 12, Kaleta terminated the contract with LaRose and on July 18, LaRose filed a lawsuit against Kaleta and Beach to Bay Investments Inc. claiming fraudulent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment and breach of agreement.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Barricades and no parking signs placed by the city on Friday at Shawn Kaleta’s four paid parking lots were removed on Saturday after Kaleta’s attorney called the city.
City disputes water contamination news report
Bradenton city officials report that 3.5 million gallons of wastewater were discharged on Aug. 4.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – On Friday, Aug. 9, Mayor Dan Murphy issued a press release disputing a Foxweather.com news report alleging that a Tropical Storm Debbyrelated sewage spill in Bradenton was significantly impacting the water quality in and around Anna Maria.
In part, the press release said, “On Tuesday, Aug. 6, an online weather reporter Foxweather.com, not local Fox 13 news, ran a story captioned ‘Conditions worsen after Debby as contaminated water floods Florida community.’ The story featured video footage of the city of Anna Maria during and after the storm peak, along with an interview of ‘Anna Maria Island resident Ernie Vanderwalt.’ The overall impression left by this false story was that the waters surrounding our city were not safe due to toxic levels from the sewerage spill
in Bradenton. As a result, Anna Maria City Hall and other agencies were inundated with phone calls concerning our water quality and the safety threats alleged by this story.”
The city’s press release noted that the news story did not indicate that Vanderwalt had any qualifications in the field of environmental science or health.
“At the time and date the story ran, the waters on Anna Maria Island had not been tested by governmental agencies for toxins. Subsequent testing of our waters by the health department on Aug. 7 revealed satisfactory water quality results,” according to the city’s press release. “Our objection to this story was escalated by local Fox affiliate Fox 13 news to Fox corporate headquarters in New York. On Aug. 8, Foxweather.com Vice-President of Broadcasting Tony DeBerry contacted this office and stated that the report had been ‘pulled down’ and offered an opportunity for our city to rebut the story. We have declined that offer, not wishing to draw further attention to what we deem to be an example of ‘fake news’ by Foxweather.com. As of this
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy released a statement expressing his displeasure with a tropical stormrelated weather story.
writing, the waters of the city of Anna Maria continue to be safe for swimming and other recreational activities.”
When contacted by The Sun later that day, Vanderwalt said he’s not an Anna Maria resident but he owns a home in Bradenton and splits his time between there and his other home in North Carolina.
After learning of the mayor’s press release and receiving a copy, Vanderwalt emailed the mayor his response. “I have no desire to be adversarial, as not only do we love Anna Maria
Island, but as taxpayers in Manatee County desire to see this area grow responsibly. I find your press release misleading to say the least,” he wrote. Among other things, Vanderwalt suggested the city could have utilized social media platforms to inform residents of any potential water contamination and other storm-related issues. He also sent his email response to several other Island, county and state officials.
When speaking to The Sun, Vanderwalt referenced reportable event notifications posted at the city of Bradenton’s website.
According to the Aug. 4 report, a water reclamation facility on First Street West in Bradenton experienced extremely high water flow that caused aerators, headworks, clarifiers and filters to overflow and water bypass began. According to the Aug. 4 report, 3.5 million gallons of partially treated or raw wastewater was discharged and not contained.
According to the Aug. 5 report, an additional 250,000 gallons of wastewater was also discharged.
OPINION
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Correction
Manatee County Commission candidate Tal Siddique previously worked as a contractor and a civilian employee for the U.S. Air Force. He did not serve in the U.S. Air Force. He was misquoted in last week’s Sun.
EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14
Preschool yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
One-on-one Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUG. 15
One-on-one Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 16
OneBlood Bloodmobile donations, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 17
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
MONDAY, AUG. 19
Digital Sketchbook Studio, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUG. 20
Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
Weekly oyster drilling, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUG. 22
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon
Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
AMI Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange, The Chateau Anna Maria, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members
FRIDAY, AUG. 23
Forty Carrots infant and toddler playtime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 24
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
TUESDAY, AUG. 27
Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
ON THE AGENDA
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
Aug. 21, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting
Aug. 22, 5 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting
Aug. 22, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Aug. 21, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Aug. 28, 10 a.m. – Pier Team meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Aug. 14, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance stakeholder meeting
Aug. 16, 11:30 a.m. – Police Officer Pension Board meeting
Aug. 27, 11 a.m. – Code Compliance Special Magistrate hearing Aug. 27, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
ISLAND-WIDE
Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria
Aug. 20, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting and budget public hearing, administration building, 701 63rd St., Bradenton, 6 p.m.
ANNA MARIA: Flooding main storm impact
Jones said storm surge and flooding occurred along portions of North Shore Drive and some flooding also occurred along Jacaranda Road, Poinsettia Road, Alamanda Road, Fern Street and Rose Street.
Jones said five 3-inch pumps and three 2-inch pumps were deployed in various locations as needed and the pumps helped reduce the standing water.
“We were able to move a lot of water out of the city in a quick amount of time,” Jones said.
Jones displayed a photo taken on the City Pier on Wednesday morning that showed damage done to some of the pier planks near the public boat landing used by the Gulf Island Ferry service. Jones said the damaged planks were replaced the following day and the ferry landing was reopened.
During public input, pier tenant and mayoral candidate Brian Seymour addressed the pier damage and said, “I don’t think it’s coincidence that the damage happened where it happened. That’s where the ferry is. We’re a big proponent of the ferry as a business out there but we need to look at improving the bumpers.”
Seymour said his staff members at the City Pier Grill have seen the ferry boats hit the pier pretty hard when docking.
“I don’t think what we had should have caused that sort of damage,”
Seymour said.
Murphy agreed. Jones said the softer bumpers get torn up and the city had already been looking at installing hard bumpers at the ferry landing area.
Jones said this would require some water installation and the city has already contacted two companies that do that work.
Murphy and Jones said the WaStop valves that help reduce the inward flow of tidal waters often become clogged by yard mulch and that contributes to the flooding.
“The mulch gets into the one-way WaStops and it clogs them. What we need to do during a storm, in some cases, is unclog the WaStops. It can be dangerous to do that. You literally have to get into the water to do it, so we generally wait until the tides go down to clear the WaStops,” Murphy said.
Murphy praised the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit for establishing a post-storm barricade at the entrance to the city that prevented curiosity seekers from entering the city and driving through the flooded areas.
“They did an outstanding job,” he said.
Murphy thanked Sen. Jim Boyd for escalating the mayor’s ongoing Pine Avenue power outage concerns that included the business district and the Sheriff’s Office being without power. Approximately two hours after Boyd was contacted, two FP&L trucks arrived on scene.
“We were fortunate to have the support of Senator Boyd,” Murphy said.
Murphy and Jones praised code enforcement officer Betsy Brown for her work at the Bayfront Park sandbag filling station from which approximately 1,200 self-filled sandbags were taken.
“She’s a hard worker and she really should be commended,” Murphy said.
Jones noted Brown remained at the sandbag area for 10-12 hours one day.
Commissioner Mark Short asked how many homes were inundated with water. Murphy and Jones said they did not have that information. Murphy said the city sent an email to city subscribers asking them to report any water intrusion in their homes but the email blast generated no responses.
During public input, Brenda Twist said her home has flooded twice in the past year and that didn’t happen in the past.
“We had 16 inches of rain in less than 24 hours and then we had a king tide,” Murphy said. “We had a lot thrown at us at one time. I think overall we did a good job and we need to improve in a couple areas. We can sit here and congratulate ourselves all day but we need to zero in on what we can do better.”
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED
Several Anna Maria streets flooded during and after Tropical Storm Debby.
Debby darkens AMI
Above, Debby rolls in to Anna Maria Island at Twin Piers on Aug. 4 while still a tropical storm. Right, the Rod n' Reel Pier in Anna Maria withstood the storm on Aug. 4. Below, the morning of Aug. 5 brought dark skies to the Gulf of Mexico off Anna Maria Island.
Fishermen ride out
Hurricane Debby in Gulf
Mechanical issues caused the crew of the Cortezbased commercial fishing vessel F/V She’s A Belle to ride out Hurricane Debby at sea. “The crew and vessel were in the midst of the storm due to mechanical issues, which caused her to be towed in,” A.P. Bell Fish Co. posted on its Facebook page. “It was a frightening and unfortunate incident, but we are relieved that the captain and crew were kept safe and appreciate the assistance of the Coast Guard in bringing her home. We want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez and U.S. Coast Guard Southeast for getting F/V She's A Belle and crew home safe.” On Aug. 7, U.S. Coast Guard Southeast Sector posted a video on its Facebook page of the boat being towed in with the following warning to boaters, “Monitoring the weather is more important than ever. Don’t risk your life trying to ride out the storm. Avoid the track completely knowing the sea will be impacted before, during and after the storm.”
U.S. COAST GUARD SOUTHEAST | SUBMITTED F/V She’s A Belle is towed in by the U.S. Coast Guard after mechanical issues caused the boat to be stranded at sea during Hurricane Debby.
GO MEGA WATERSLIDES AND OBSTACLE COURSES | SUBMITTED
LINDSAY FULK | SUBMITTED
CINDY LANE | SUN
Least tern colony leaves Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring notes the successful fledging of nine least tern chicks.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The strong winds, high tides and storm surge of then-Tropical Storm Debby were too much for the Island’s least tern colony on Aug. 4-5. A visit by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers on Aug. 5 indicated all birds had left the area to seek shelter elsewhere.
“The Bradenton Beach colony flourished for 88 days and produced 16 chicks,” according to an Aug. 9 press release from Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella. “Nine of those chicks fledged, which means they could fly but their parents still provided food. In contrast, the 2021 least tern
colony produced only two fledged birds.” The colony produced 29 nests, 18 of which were either abandoned or predated by birds or animals. There were 16 chicks produced in the remaining 11 nests. Four of the birds were banded and numbered. Least terns are a threatened species in Florida.
Mazzarella wrote that the success of the 2024 colony can be attributed to partnerships with the City of Bradenton Beach and Manatee County officials and law enforcement, the Florida Audubon Society, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, residents of the Anna Maria Island Club and volunteers from the Manatee County Audubon Society and Turtle Watch.
“Our thanks to Shorebird Coordinator Kathy Doddridge who managed these partnerships, took actions to mitigate predation and educated beachgoers on a daily basis. We look forward to applying the knowledge gained to next year’s least tern colony,” she wrote.
JACQUELINEHEISSE
I’ve been a Republican since I was 18, but I feel most Republicans in office don’t represent me anymore. I want my Republican Party back!
Republicans have serious issues in Manatee County: developer favoritism. Grid-locked traffic. Double digit budget increases; and deteriorating infrastructure. Plus Republican Politicians want to eliminate the island cities and build a $45 Million parking garage.
Republican Commissioners ignore what we want because our local Party Leaders refuse to hold them accountable.
A “State Committeewoman” is a position within the Republican Party that represents you at the State and County level. We need America First Republicans to lead the Republican Party--and YOU can make it happen when you choose an America First State Committeewoman: VOTE JACQUELINE HEISSE on August 20
Storm washes out more than 160 turtle nests
With record high nest ing numbers so far this year, the Turtle Watch director says a high number of successful nests may still be possible.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Fol lowing Hurricane Debby, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers have been assessing the damage to turtle nests on local beaches.
Of the 479 nests that were incubating at the time of the storm, volunteers reported 227 remain staked and are likely still viable, 44 have been restaked and are likely still viable, 169 have been confirmed as complete washouts and 39 nests are yet to be assessed. Due to Debby, which was a tropical storm while passing AMI, Turtle Watch volunteers were unable to patrol the beaches on Aug. 4-5 but were back on the beaches on Aug. 6.
“We knew we were going to lose some nests, but we were happy to report that we documented many hatched nests on Sunday morning before the storm, and a couple more hatches were reported by the public on the days we were unable to survey,” according to an Aug. 9 press release from
Turtle Watch Executive Director
Kristen Mazzarella. “There may be even more hatches that we don't know about, so we are glad that hatchlings got out!”
Volunteers have collected more than 1,000 loose nest stakes, which will be repainted and reused next year.
Mazzarella expressed gratitude to those who placed stakes in piles at the dunes.
“We hope to complete our assessment and restake all viable nests by early next week,” she wrote.
Volunteers are continuing to conduct daily patrols looking for new nesting crawls, documenting new hatches and nest disturbances and conducting
an inventory of nests that have hatched or reached an overdue date.
“While we are saddened by the loss of so many nests, we are encouraged by the number of nests still left on the beach,” Mazzarella wrote. “As high as our nesting numbers were this season, we still may have a record number of successful nests before the season is over.”
So far this year, a record number of nests were laid on the Island – 683 – which broke the 2019 record of 543.
If you see a sea turtle or hatchling in distress, please call the Turtle Watch 24/7 hotline at 941-301-8434.
Turtle nests laid: 683 (Previous record: 543 in 2019) False crawls: 838 (Previous record: 831 in 2010) Nests hatched: 220 (Record: 453 in 2022) Hatchlings produced: 16,074 (Record: 35,850 in 2022) Hatchling disorientations: 55 Adult disorientations: 36
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
CINDY LANE | SUN
loggerhead sea turtle egg washed out of its nest in Holmes Beach and got caught in seaweed during then-Tropical Storm Debby on Aug. 4-5.
CINDY LANE | SUN Sea turtle nests that were laid high in the sand dunes were inundated, but may survive Debby’s high waters.
Pine Avenue sidewalk discussions continue
FDOT must review the proposed contract before the sidewalk installations can begin.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has authorized Mayor Dan Murphy to meet with a representative of Eason Builders regarding the installation of brick paver sidewalks along Pine Avenue.
The first phase of the multi-phase Reimagining Pine Avenue project calls for new brick paver sidewalks to be installed between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive where concrete sidewalks or hard-surfaced paved pedestrian paths do not currently exist. New crosswalks will also be installed in the same area. The existing concrete sidewalks will remain in place for now and be replaced later.
For the phase one project only, Eason Builders bid $233,704, Mali Construction bid $272,796 and C-
Squared bid $665,290. On July 25, the city commission authorized the mayor to meet with a representative from Eason Builders, with Eason being the city’s first choice to install the sidewalks.
On Aug. 8, Murphy told city commissioners he planned to meet with an Eason representative on Aug. 12. The purpose of that meeting is to engage in additional fact-finding and the development of a proposed contract.
SEE PINE, PAGE 23
Dogs, cats need homes
Shelters are at full capacity and 129 stray animals have been brought to the county’s animal welfare division since then-Tropical Storm Debby passed last week. To help reunite lost pets with their owners and find families for homeless pets, the county is waiving all fees associated with reclaims and adoptions.
In an Aug. 8 press release, animal welfare staff sent out a plea for the community to help these animals. With animals on a two-week hurricane hold in the hopes that their families will find them, staff is encouraging those who lost a pet during the storm to contact Manatee County Animal Welfare along with other local animal rescues to see if their pet has been found. They also
encourage making sure your pet’s microchip information is current in case they are lost.
Both county shelter locations, the Palmetto Adoption Center, 305 25th St. W. in Palmetto, and Cat Town, 216 Sixth Ave. E. in Bradenton, are open seven days a week with walk-ins welcome. To view available pets, please visit www.mymanatee.org/pets.
Any rescue organizations that can help with pet placement or prospective foster parents are asked to email lauren.tryon@mymanatee.org.
Supplies for the county’s pet pantry also are needed, including wet and dry food for cats and dogs, cat litter, treats and other supplies. Donations of unopened food and litter can be dropped off at either location.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The unpaved pedestrian paths will be replaced with brick paver sidewalks.
VOTE: Satcher access removed, Clear Ballot delayed
FROM PAGE 3
The canvassing board consists of County Court Judge Melissa Gould, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office General Counsel Eric Werbeck and Bradenton City Councilwoman Lisa Gonzalez Moore. According to the public notice issued in advance of the meeting, the board was to conduct a logic and accuracy test of the tabulating equipment and reporting software to be used during the election, including early voting. Speir videotaped the board meeting and shared some of his footage in a Facebook reel he posted later that day. Speir’s footage included public input given by Farrington.
When addressing the board, Farrington said he hadn’t heard them reference administrative rule 1S-5.026. The rule includes the procedures manual for a post-election certification voting systems audit. It also establishes the requirements and procedures that canvassing board members are to ensure are followed and gives the board the responsibility and authority to decide whether the Clear Ballot system is used.
“I have not heard a motion on whether or not you’d be using this audit system,” Farrington said. Farrington expressed concerns about the meeting notice not referencing the Clear Ballot system.
“The rule requires the canvassing board to conduct a test of the automated system. I’m unaware that the canvassing board has done so,” Farrington said.
He also said, “I am concerned about the security procedures and whether or not they’ve been updated to accommodate early voting ballots. My understanding is that early voting ballots will be processed on an ongoing process before the end of the election. I believe the security procedures must be changed to accommodate the security of those ballots as they are coming back and the seals are broken and they are processed through the system,” Farrington said.
Speir’s video footage didn’t include the board’s actual vote. When contacted later in the week, Farrington confirmed the board voted 3-0 to not use the Clear Ballot system for the primary election because the public notice for the board meeting didn’t reference it.
“They didn’t look at any of the other things that I mentioned because the notice wasn’t proper for the audit system,” Farrington said.
He also noted the Supervisor of Elections is required to maintain security measures that include the security of early voting ballots as they’re transported, tabulated and stored.
“I could not see where those had been adjusted to accommodate the movement of the ballots that was going to be required for the audit,” Farrington said. “What normally happens is they seal the early voting ballot at the early voting site, transport it back to the elections office and then they’re stored. For the audit, they’re going to have to break that seal, process them through the audit equipment, reseal them and store them. Those are extra steps. I’m not saying it’s impossible to do, I’m just saying the security procedures are supposed to be written so everybody knows what security measures are in place.”
He said he later obtained a copy of the security procedures that had not been adjusted accordingly. Farrington expects the Clear Ballot system to be used for the general election in November.
“There’s plenty of time for them to do everything properly and use it in the general election. I was not objecting to the use of the Clear Ballot. I was just asking the canvassing board to make sure all the requirements had been met if they were going to use it,” Farrington said.
Boy injured after diving off City Pier
A 14-year-old boy was injured after diving off the Anna Maria City Pier at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. According to West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, “West Manatee Fire Rescue responded to a report of a young person, a 14-year-old male, who dove into the shallow water off the Anna Maria City Pier near the
shoreline, and made contact with the seabed and was unable to extricate himself from the water. We treated the patient and took the patient to Tebbetts Field in Holmes Beach, where he was air-lifted to the hospital. I don’t know the extent of his injuries but he could not feel his lower extremities.”
As of Monday afternoon, no additional details were available.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The water is shallow near the Anna Maria City Pier entrance.
Work begins on FISH Preserve
A public accessibility project will include foot trails, bridges, signs and picnic areas.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Land-clearing equipment is onsite at the 98-acre Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage FISH Preserve, where Allen Garner is clearing out some invasive species foliage, including Australian pines and Brazilian peppers, to make way for shell walking trails and bridges.
On June 17, the FISH board approved a proposal by Garner to complete the public accessibility project at the preserve in fulfillment of a grant from the Barancik Foundation.
Garner, a retired landscape architect with more than 40 years of experience, will:
• Design and construct two new bridges. One of the bridges will be sufficiently strong and sized to accommodate both pedestrian and maintenance vehicles. The second will be for foot traffic;
• Grade and create 12,000 square feet of shell trails;
• Build an information kiosk that will be a relocatable structure;
• Create and install a FISH Preserve
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Land-clearing equipment is at the FISH Preserve to make way for a public accessibility project to include foot trails, bridges and picnic areas.
entrance sign, four education signs, four orientation signs and 12 trail markers;
• Build two picnic shelters;
• Provide and install four picnic tables and six benches; and
• Provide construction support for completion of the Bradenton Kiwanisfunded bridge.
Garner began the project in July and expects it to be completed in about six months.
The total budget for the project is $180,000. The grant amount is $165,000 and FISH is providing the additional $15,000. The grant application for The FISH Preserve Enhanced Public Access Project was approved on Feb. 9.
Plans continue for treehouse removal
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH - In an Aug. 8 status conference hearing, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas said he’s satisfied that treehouse owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen are moving forward with the court-ordered removal of the two-story beachfront structure located at Angelinos Sea Lodge.
Nicholas ordered the removal of the treehouse during a February hearing, submitting a written order in April that gave the couple 90 days to comply. That deadline expired in early July.
Fred Moore, attorney for Tran and Hazen, said they’ve received a permit from the city for demolition, hired a contractor to complete the work and received an extension on a Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit that originally was set to expire on July 31.
court fees amassed over the years since the case first went to the city’s special magistrate in 2012, followed by more than a decade of court cases.
Moore said he believes that removal of the treehouse in compliance with the court order is imminent and he is ready to work with Holmes Beach city leaders and the court on the more than $250,000 of fines and
Construction on the treehouse began in late 2011. The structure was built without permits and seaward of the erosion control line, making it ineligible for after the fact building permits from the city.
CINDY LANE | SUN Plans continue for the removal of the treehouse.
OUTDOORS
Vote to end destruction of nature
My name is Brice Claypoole. I’m 16 years old. I have a deep love for our nature and a passion for protecting it. I’ve been following Manatee County politics - and their impact on our community and environment - for several years. I get involved where I think I can make a difference, like advocating for mangroves and wetland buffers. It’s been a frustrating experience, with a Board of County Commissioners (BCC) that consistently serves special interests at the expense of their own constituents. If you follow local politics, you probably know the routine - lots of people speak out against a detrimental project only to have their comments fall on deaf ears. How did our BCC come to abandon fair representation? It began in 2020, when Commissioner Vanessa Baugh introduced a major sponsor of local political campaigns, developer Carlos Beruff, to political consultant Anthony Pedicini. Beruff has long been involved in Manatee politics where he is frequently accused of using cam-
paign donations to effectively “bribe” commissioners to make decisions friendly to his development business.
Beruff and Pedicini formed a plan to take control of the county commission, Beruff funding several candidates while Pedicini acted as their consultant. They funneled tens of thousands of dollars into misleading attack ads smearing opponents. Their strategy paid off when Baugh was elected, along with developer-funded candidates George Kruse, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and James Satcher.
The new board majority hit the ground running. Likely under the direction of Beruff, they immediately fired our highly qualified county administrator and began the unprecedented move of completely reshaping county government. This new BCC’s goals were to consolidate power and eliminate all barriers to development, which became even easier when developers took the entire board in 2022.
The takeover was marred by scandals, mismanagement and corruption. Commissioners were investigated for theft, ethics violations and Sunshine Law violations. Baugh admitted to corruptly abusing her power to obtain COVID-19 vaccines and resigned shortly after to be replaced by former developer lobbyist Raymond Turner.
A FORK IN THE ROAD
The most prominent developer-controlled commissioner is Kevin Van Ostenbridge (aka KVO) who won a seat in 2020 and soon became board chair. Van Ostenbridge has unwaveringly served special interests who bankroll his campaigns. He has faced ethics complaints and potential Sunshine Law violations. In 2023, he served 90 days probation for theft of a bougainvillea plant. One of his biggest controversies is his attack on home rule in Holmes Beach and threats to build a parking garage against the community’s will.
Van Ostenbridge continuously shows contempt for those who oppose his actions, such as during the 2022 scandal where he called former Commissioner Besty Benac an obscene name. He provoked outrage again in a 2023 hearing when he called me a “political pawn” of “communists” due to my support of wetland protections. It was a stunning moment for me to realize that Van Ostenbridge did not care
about his constituents, apparently viewing children as an obstacle to his agenda.
Another commissioner elected in 2020 was George Kruse. Then a political ally of Van Ostenbridge, Kruse often voted with the pro-developer block. He faced several high-profile controversies culminating in a car crash and accusations of driving under the influence in April 2022. Kruse denied the allegations and was never charged with DUI. Since the incident, Kruse’s votes began to diverge from the board majority. “I heard the perception of me,” Kruse wrote in a recent Substack. “I saw the outrage against me. I spoke with people in our community and outside of it who were impacted by drunk driving. I took these to heart. I reevaluated my life with sincerity. I made a renewed vow to focus on doing the right things for the right reasons… I know I’m a substantially better person today as a result of April 2022. I can’t change the past. But I’ve made every effort to change the future.” Kruse has shown intelligence, humility and a willingness to learn. Despite mistakes, he has grown as a commissioner and become the voice of the public on an otherwise unhearing board.
BRICE CLAYPOOLE | SUBMITTED
A roseate spoonbill stands amid the devastation of a newly clear-cut property.
BRICE CLAYPOOL - GUEST COLUMNIST
REEL TIME: Vote to end destruction of nature
FROM PAGE 16
Now Van Ostenbridge and Kruse are up for reelection, facing off in an unprecedented race between incumbent commissioners.
Van Ostenbridge and Commissioner Raymond Turner are joined by Beruff and Pedicini’s two other candidates, Steven Metallo and April Culbreath, in running expensive developer-funded campaigns. Rather than engaging with the community ahead of the election, these candidates are relying on their unlimited funding and mass attack ads against their opponents.
Kruse joins Republican challengers Talha Siddique, Robert McCann and Carol Felts in contending against the status quo. Instead of taking developer money and churning out negative mailers, these candidates are running grassroots campaigns, talking with community members and promising a return to representation and responsible policy making.
THE TIPPING POINT
The impacts of bad governance are real and tragic. We have suffered from increasing traffic, irreversible loss of green space and degrading water quality. I have seen the collapse of seagrass meadows and the destruction of mangrove forests. Lyngbya algae choke waterways each
spring, and red tides kill wildlife. One of the most awful things I’ve ever seen is dead sea turtles lying on the beach during red tide. It astounds and saddens me that our commissioners continue to let this happen. If Van Ostenbridge and allies win this election, it will show that local politicians have to sell their souls to developers and turn a blind eye to the community’s suffering. Developers will maintain control of the BCC, and the public will continue to have little say in policymaking. The impacts on our community - the failing infrastructure, the traffic, water pollution and lost resources - will be irreversible. What will be left when my generation assumes responsibility for this land?
If, on the other hand, people wake up to the influence of developers and look past Pedicini’s misleading mailers, then we can turn things around. If Kruse and other community advocates win, it will prove that you can successfully run a clean, grassroots campaign. We can elect the candidates who promise to rebuild Manatee County’s government, restore integrity, and immediately work to save our county’s natural wonders. I don’t have a vote, but as someone who will inherit the legacy of today’s
decisions, I feel a responsibility to speak out. Now, it’s up to you to take back Manatee County from developers. How can you help? First, share this article. Everyone has to be informed about the state of Manatee politics if we are to turn things around. And make sure you vote on Aug. 20!
Here are the candidates I recommend.
DISTRICT 1: CAROL FELTS
Carol Felts is an eighth-generation Floridian who promises to fight over-development and conservatively steward tax dollars. Felts has been active in local politics for years, often speaking at commission hearings and advocating for community-friendly policies.
DISTRICT 3: TAHLA “TAL” SIDDIQUE
Tal Siddique served with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and has a record as a Republican community leader. He brings a focus on accountability, public safety and environmental protection.
DISTRICT 5: ROBERT “BOB” MCCANN
Dr. Bob McCann is a physician and veteran of the U.S. Navy. The most
important issues for him are protecting our environment and improving the quality of life for residents. He is focused on protecting parkland, reducing overdevelopment and traffic and supporting local veterans.
DISTRICT 7: GEORGE KRUSE
Commissioner Kruse is the only incumbent commissioner with a history of fighting for the community rather than pandering to developer interests. He has successfully raised impact fees, supported veteran housing projects, and worked to rein in reckless development. Kruse’s record shows a responsible public servant deserving of a second term.
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS: SCOTT FARRINGTON
Along with BCC races, the Supervisor of Elections is an essential race this year. Developer-controlled incumbent James Satcher has showed that he’s dangerously anti-democratic, making it imperative to vote for highly qualified challenger Scott Farrington. Farrington has over two decades of experience running elections. As a Certified Elections Administrator and Master Florida Certified Election Professional, he promises to bring integrity and security to the office.
Staff in the West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire Prevention Bureau are rolling around town in a vehicle with a new look thanks to the folks at Auto Trim Design in Bradenton. The new wrap on the vehicle is designed to be eyecatching and bring awareness about the importance of smoke alarms to the community. The design features the district’s firefighting Dalmatian mascot.
BRADENTON BEACH: City cleans up minor damage
FROM PAGE 1
Two of the city’s finger docks were damaged in the storm and were repaired quickly.
“One came completely loose; the weld snapped,” Cosby said. “We had Duncan (Seawall Dock-Boat Lift) check it and they are being repaired.”
Cosby said there will be no interruption to the Gulf Island Ferry service to Bradenton Beach.
Cosby said five structures had water inundation and one in the Sandpiper Trailer Park had some damage.
BEACH EROSION
Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Natural Resources director, characterized beach erosion from the storm as “measurable but marginal.” On a scale of 1-10, he rated Anna Maria Island’s shoreline between 3-5.
“We were fortunate that the timing of the storm and tides was
not as critical as it could have been. The beaches did a great job protecting our parks, infrastructure and private property,” Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan wrote in an email to The Sun on behalf of Hunsicker.
The next beach renourishment project will take place at least a year from now and that will be based on damage from Hurricane Idalia with FEMA assistance, according to Logan.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Several coconut palms were removed from Bridge Street after they fell during the storm.
REAL ESTATE
Real estate brats
One of the things I love about writing this column is that while I’m doing my research, I frequently stumble on things I never heard of and likely never would in my day-to-day life. This month I learned a new word, “brat.” Brat, of course, is not a new word; it gener ally refers to someone spoiled or childish. However, this version of it started with an English singer who I had never heard of either.
Castles in the Sand
So, what does this have to do with real estate? If you don’t know, just ask any real estate professional who has worked with fussy buyers who have champagne taste on a beer budget. Dare I say, “brats.”
Part of the reason these buyers feel entitled is because the cost of starter homes has soared in many areas of the country to $1 million. There are more than 200 U.S. cities where buyers will find a price tag
of $1 million or more on the typical starter home. The housing shortage that worsened over the pandemic has helped drive the cost of all homes to new heights.
Starter homes are generally defined as being those properties in the lowest third of home values in a given region. Currently, 237 cities in the country fall into this category with starter homes starting at $1 million. This is the most ever; five years ago, there were only 84 such cities.
Nationwide, the typical starter home is worth approximately
$196,611, which is comfortably affordable for a median-income home. However, starter home values have grown 54.1% over the past five years, even more than the typical U.S. home in the same time frame, which shows 49.1% growth. This increase in value has delayed the first home purchase for many with the median age of a first-time buyer last year at 35, a year older than in 2019.
This research is from Zillow, which also gave us the names of the top five states with cities where you can find all these $1 million stater homes. The top of the list is California with 117 such cities; New York has 31 cities; New Jersey has 21 cities; and Florida and Massachusetts both have 11 cities each in this category.
Even though our property values are starting to level off, Manatee
County, according to the June statistics, had single-family homes averaging $736,322. We’re definitely getting into brat territory. In general, homebuyers could have some good news after years of too much competition with an emerging balanced market. Interest rates for the first time are starting to get below 7% and builders are busy all over, adding to available properties. If you just want to enjoy living your life and you don’t care what anyone else thinks, you’re a brat. If you’re carefree, messy and bold, you’re a brat. If you know what “brat coded” means, you are so a brat. And if you don’t get the “brat” thing, you are so out of it. Let’s hope our buyers aren’t brats and understand the value of our area where there are still a lot of carefree people living their lives on the beach who never heard of “brat.”
LOUISE BOLGER
New school year begins at AME
ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED
Clockwise above, Heather Jo Herman poses for a photo with her daughter, Finley (2nd grade) on the first day of school at Anna Maria Elementary on Monday. Sloane Carter (kindergarten) is fascinated by the fish on her first day at AME. Reassuring hugs were everywhere. From left, Grady Niedzwick (3rd grade), Simon Messinger (3rd grade), Liam Urbiola (kindergarten) and Lucas Urbiola (3rd grade) reunite on the first day of school.
Players persist on soggy field
BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
ANNA MARIA – With indoor soccer cancelled for the kids last week, the gridiron was the only stage for local sports on Thursday night.
With the grass still damp from then-Tropical Storm Debby, six teams battled it out as the humidity and football matchups heated up the field. Team Prosper Bradenton forfeited their game against Fishing with Salty.
The Salty Printing squad won their fourth game of the season against Solid Rock Air Conditioning 27-25.
Christian Hampton was the main target of the Salty passers with five receptions, three for touchdowns. On defense, he finished the game with four flag pulls and an interception.
Also, with five catches for Salty Printing, Charles “Tuna” McCracken paired up with team captain Matt Manger to gain positive yardage. He threw for three TDs, while Manger had one scoring pass.
Salty’s Blake Balais was hit for a touchdown catch and four receptions, including an all-important one-point conversion. Hampton was the QB’s target for a successful two-point conversion.
The Salty point after plays made the difference between the win and a tie against Solid Rock Air Conditioning.
On the other side of the football, Balais had three stops and an interception. Teammates Cody Allen
and Raul Loera made critical flag pulls, keeping the Solid Rock squad from advancing.
Loera’s extra point catch in week five and his continued defensive pressure exemplify his solid transition from a soccer threat to a soon-to-be flag football veteran.
Keeping the pressure on the Salty Printing passers, Travis Bates was credited with two sacks for Solid Rock. Veteran player Karri Stephens made five stops, while his teammates collectively had nine additional flag pulls.
Solid Rock’s defense kept them in the game with interceptions by Angelie Callazo and Zaon Williams. Callazo’s snagging of the Salty pass was taken to the end zone for six points.
Callazo and Williams each had one-point conversions for their team. Callazo’s came after a score by Stephens, and Williams found the endzone to complete the scoring series capped by Callazo’s touchdown.
Solid Rock’s touchdown passes came off the hands of Dominick Otteni and Williams.
After their loss in week five, Floridian Mortgage came back to dominate the second game of the night against Slim’s Place.
Quarterback Chase Richardson threw for five touchdowns. Tim Holly and Rex Kesten each had two TD catches, while teammate Zach Wyrick
had one. Kesten and Wyrick added to their scoring stats with points after conversions.
Adding two points to the scoreboard with one-point conversions, Cory Banks and Jasmine Muldoon were Richardson’s intended receivers. On defense, Holly sacked the Slim’s Place quarterback. Derrick Carey and Wyrick had an interception each.
With the 21-point mercy rule in place, the Floridian Mortgage defense was prohibited from rushing the Slim’s Place quarterback, Cruz Rodriguez, for most of the game.
Rodriguez threw one touchdown to Jaden Grant. Failing to convert after the TD, the final score was 34-6, with the Slim’s Place record going to 1-5-0.
SUN SCOREBOARD
ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL – WEEK 6 AUG. 8
Fishing with Salty (5-1-0) Win by forfeit Prosper Bradenton (2-4-0) L
Salty Printing (4-2-0) 27 Solid Rock Air Conditioning (2-4-0) 25
Floridian Mortgage (5-1-0) 34 Slim’s Place (1-5-0) 6
Moss Builders (2-4-0) 37 Solid Rock Electrical (3-3-0) 14
PINE: Sidewalk discussions continue
FROM PAGE 12
If a satisfactory contract is reached with Eason and then approved by the city commission, the contract must then be reviewed and approved by FDOT before the work can begin. FDOT review and approval are required because the sidewalk installation project is being
seek commission authorization to meet with a Mali Construction representative, as the city’s second choice. The mayor was unable to estimate when the phase one work will commence.
The city is also currently accepting bid proposals for the second phase of the Reimagining Pine Avenue project, which will include similar safety improvements to be made between North Shore Drive and Crescent Drive.
Farrington, Fernandes pitch to win
On Aug. 7, Tom Farrington, left, and Gersey Fernandes ended up in the winner's circle at AMI Horseshoes after a 23-4 win over Dom Livedoti and Steve Doyle in the final. On Aug. 10, Bob Heiger and Tim Sofran pulled away for a 22-13 victory over Farrington and Jamie Thomas to win the day's competition.
SUBMITTED
CENTER NOTES
YOUTH HIP-HOP DANCE CLASS
Youth Hip-Hop dance classes
return to The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. starting Thursday, Aug. 22. Youth kindergarten through fifth grade will dance at 5:45 p.m. and middle schoolers start at 6:45 p.m. Teacher Crystal will teach her students dynamic hip-hop movements and fundamentals during the sevenweek class, ending in a recital showcasing the students. The cost is $120 for members and $150 for non-members. Pre-registration is requested.
YOUTH TUMBLING CLASSES
Star Academy of Dance & Aerial Arts offers a fun tumbling class for all levels. The seven-week session starts on Thursday, Aug. 22. Four classes are offered for different ages and skill levels:
• Tots Tumbling for 2.5- to 5-yearolds dancing from 3:30-4 p.m.;
• Beginner with elementary school students tumbling from 4-4:30 p.m.;
• Intermediate for elementary school kids who can do a backbend and kickover flipping from 4:30-5 p.m.; and
• Advanced with elementary school kids who can complete a walkover and Arabians, working on aerials and back-handsprings from 5-5:30 p.m.
The cost is $120 for members and $150 for non-members. Preregistration is requested.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
After-school care at The Center returns with Beyond the Classroom. Providing transportation from Anna Maria Elementary School, children kindergarten through fifth grade can participate until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration is required.
To register for Center programs or for more information, email The Center at customerservice@ centerami.org or call 941-778-1908. For more information or questions about youth programming, contact Erica Palmer at youthprograms@ centerami.org or call 941-778-1908 ext. 217.
FUN IN THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: TINGLEY LIBRARY in Bradenton Beach is looking for volunteers. Fun and friendly atmosphere. Morning and afternoon shifts. If interested, please contact Library Clerk, Eveann Adams, @ 941779-1208.
THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.
ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.
BOATS FOR SALE
BOATS ARE SELLING VERY WELL. “Business On A Handshake” Your Local Trusted Boat Dealer For 24 Years. I also buy boats. Dave Struber 941-228-3489. Islandboatsales.net
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
{HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?} Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it {SOLD 941-232-2216}
CLEANING SERVICE
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
EMPLOYMENT
EXPERIENCED NAIL TECH, great personality to take over existing clients PT to FT. Tired of where you are come join our salon! Call 941-545-3305.
JOIN DUNCAN REAL ESTATE! Open positions: Bookkeeper, Administrative Assistant, Housekeeping Liaison Apply: Send resume to sybille@teamduncan.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a daily or community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Cindy Lane, editor.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.
BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585
A.R.E. Renovation’s WHOLESALE KITCHEN CABINETS DIRECT., Remodeling, Bathrooms. Trim Flooring and Decks Tile and more Free quote, references available. Lic. # CRC.1334176 941-4653045.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315
MOVING & STORAGE
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
POOL SERVICES
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
HISTORICAL COTTAGE 409 Pine Ave. $2.2M 4BR/3BA pool. Brenda Boyd May Broker / Owner. All realtors welcome. 941-730-8589
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTALS
WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.
ANNUAL RENTAL 3BR/2BA Pebble Springs condo, upstairs, laundry, avail. 8/1 $2000 monthly. 941-7784800
ANNUAL RENTAL: Imperial House Condo 2BR/1BA $2000/mo - Available Aug 1st.. 208 B Magnolia Ave. 2BR/2BA $2900/mo- available Aug 1st. 407 76th St A Holmes Beach, FL 34216 3BR/2BA $5000/mo- available now with dock slip available for rent. Contact Sato Real Estate for more information. 941-7787200
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
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDO Available July thru December. Great Value. Beautiful Upgraded 2BR/2BA Incredible water View! Waterfront Patio, Pool, tennis, pickle, walk to beach. Private carport. Excellent Rental terms. Owner/renter. Call/email for pics. Rentamiwaterview@aol.com or 570239-0431
SEASONAL RENTAL IN HOLMES BEACH . Studio apartment Minimum 4 month rental, Available Dec 2024 - April 2025, $8700. 908-914-1282
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095
Jessica Pierce Sales Associate