36 minute read
CALENDAR
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. 19, 1:30 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting Aug. 19, 2 p.m. – Reimagining Pine Avenue public information meeting Aug. 26, 9 a.m. – Special magistrate hearing 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, 10 a.m. – City Commission budget work meeting Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency budget work meeting Aug. 19, noon – City Commission mtg. Aug. 23, noon – Election qualifying 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
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
THURSDAY, AUG. 19
RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants are 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 RoadW., Bradenton, 11:30 p.m., $18 for members or $30 for future members. Reservations are required to becky@amichamber. org or 941-778-1541. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 21
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. SUNDAY, AUG. 22
Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https:// parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac. wsc/search.html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.
TUESDAY, AUG. 24
RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants are asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield. Family storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Ages 0-5, limit five children and five caregivers. Register online at www.manateelibrary. libcal.com/calendar. Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Register online at www. manateelibrary.libcal.com/calendar.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 25
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 1-888-667-7587. 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/.
THURSDAY, AUG. 26
RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants are 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. Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online at www. manateelibrary.libcal.com/calendar. Bridge Connection Business Card Exchange, Bridge Tender Inn, 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, 5 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members. Reservations required to info@amichamber.org 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. 27
Locals Beach Cleanup, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m. Reserve to www. facebook.com/AMILOCALS.
SATURDAY, AUG. 28
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. Music on the Porch Saturday Jam Session with Soupy, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez, 2 to 4 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUG. 29
Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Commissioners are
making official their approval of using a ‘plainly audible’ enforcement method by adding it to the noise ordinance.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City leaders are once again modifying the Holmes Beach noise ordinance in a bid to try to reduce excess noise in residential areas.
Commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 10 to pass the first reading of an amendment to the city’s noise ordinance that adds language defining the term “plainly audible” and requires any mounted speakers to be pointed toward the home where they’re located instead of toward neighboring properties.
When considering the updates to the noise ordinance, commissioners sought the advice of attorney Erica Augello, who represents the city on code compliance matters.
Augello advised commissioners to remove language from the proposed update to the ordinance that would give officers too broad a reach when determining who the offender is in a noise violation. She said the proposed language would be unenforceable because it includes everyone in any way associated with the noise, from the person turning up the volume on a stereo to the company that made the speakers.
Another issue she found with the proposed ordinance changes was in the speaker direction specification. After some discussion, commissioners agreed to go with language that specifies that mounted speakers must be pointed inward toward the property where they’re being used. Augello said specifying all speakers need to be pointed inward toward the property creates an enforcement issue because some speakers are portable and have a 360-degree shape, meaning they amplify sound on all sides. She added that it also becomes an issue for officers responding to a noise complaint in that they cannot enter a property to check the placement of speakers unless allowed on the property by the occupants.
In the language concerning the addition of the use of “plainly audible” as an enforcement tool for officers responding to noise complaints, the ordinance changes specify that the plainly audible
Changes come to noise ordinance BAYFEST: tool can be used during nighttime and Scheduled to early morning quiet hours and that the offending noise must be easily heard by responding officers 100 feet from the return Oct. 15-16 property line. FROM PAGE 5 Commissioner Kim Rash said he’d like back at some point in time and say to see that distance reduced to 25 or 50 we need to revisit this. I want to make feet from the property line, however, sure we all understand that we’re not Augello said it becomes more difficult to locked in. If things don’t make sense defend a case before a special magis- going forward, we’re going to have to trate or in court at a shorter distance. do something about it. We can’t allow Chief Bill Tokajer said officers may be having a super spreader.” able to hear the noise from a closer “The Chamber agrees. We want to distance and can use a different enforce- do what’s best,” Kinder said. ment tool, such as the seven standards “I look forward to the event. We’re already in the ordinance for determining pleased to have you here and you always if noise is too loud or not. do an excellent job. It’s so organized. It’s a Commissioners also agreed to have great event. It’s one that we hope we can city staff look into a way that noise keep here in our city and that you don’t nuisance properties can be dealt with in take it anywhere else,” Murphy said. a way other than fining different short- “This is its home,” Kinder responded. term vacation renters each week. Commission Chair Carol Carter Commissioner Jayne Christenson said asked if some past issues regarding imposing fines on a different group of business entrances being impacted by renters each week will not change the Bayfest had been resolved. overall behavior at rental homes. “The last real Bayfest on the street The proposed changes to the noise was 2018. There were absolutely no ordinance will go back before commis- problems at all. The businesses were sioners for a final vote and a second very happy,” Kinder said, noting the public hearing during an upcoming festival layout was changed to negate regular meeting. the impact on business entrances.
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The FISH organization is now a plaintiff in the federal lawsuit that challenges FDOT’s bridge design decision.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
CORTEZ – The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) held a town hall-style meeting regarding the replacement of the Cortez Bridge drawbridge.
Taking place on a rainy evening at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez on Thursday, Aug. 12, the meeting lasted about 45 minutes and was attended by three dozen concerned citizens.
Longtime Cortez resident, FISH board member and former county commissioner Jane von Hahmann and former county commissioner Joe McClash, organized and moderated the meeting. Von Hahmann, McClash and Cortez residents Linda Molto and Joe Kane are plaintiffs in a 2020 federal lawsuit that challenges the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) 2019 decision to replace the existing drawbridge built in 1956 with a fixed-span bridge offering 65 feet of vertical clearance from the Intracoastal Waterway below.
FISH has now joined the lawsuit as an additional plaintiff. On Aug. 5, the Bradenton Beach City Commission voted 3-2 not to join the suit.
FISH MEETING
Thursday’s meeting provided McClash and von Hahmann with a chance to address citizens who share their concerns about a fixed-span bridge, while also making them aware of the new FISH-initiated “Stop the Mega Bridge from devastating Cortez” GoFundMe online fundraising page. The page will assist with the legal fees soon to be incurred as the lawsuit moves forward.
As of Monday, the GoFundMe page had raised more than $7,300 toward its $25,000 goal. The donations included $1,000 from the Cortez Park mobile home community located near the foot of the Cortez side of the existing drawbridge.
When declining to join the lawsuit, four of the five Bradenton Beach Commission members said they would personally contribute to FISH’s online fundraising efforts. As of Monday, none of those individuals’ names appeared among the 71 donors listed, although some donors are listed as anonymous. Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter and her husband, Bob, have donated to the cause, as have Holmes Beach Commissioner Jayne Christensen and her husband, Joe.
The town hall-style meeting began with von Hahmann displaying photos of a similar fixed-span replacement bridge recently constructed between Isla Del Sol and Tierra Verde islands, near St. Petersburg.
She also displayed an image of a smaller replacement drawbridge constructed at John’s Pass – a bridge that closely resembles the 35-foot vertical clearance drawbridge the lawsuit plaintiffs proposed as an acceptable alternative in the 2020 settlement offer they made to FDOT.
Von Hahmann noted 863 (70%) of the 1,229 public comments received during the FDOT-hosted public meetings on bridge design decision favored rehabbing the existing drawbridge, which provides approximately 17-feet of vertical clearance, or building a new drawbridge. Von Hahmann noted only 366 public comments (30%) expressed support for a fixed-span bridge. Von Hahmann said she and others still seek an explanation as to why FDOT decided on a fixed-span bridge despite the public opposition.
Von Hahmann said unlike a fixedspan bridge, a new drawbridge would not result in changes made to the access points for the Cortez Park mobile home park, Tide Tables restaurant and the 127th St. W. intersection that leads to the Seafood Shack and many homes north of Cortez Road. Von Hahmann noted FDOT will need to spend about $4 million to acquire the additional rights of way needed to build a new access road that connects to 127th Street.
She also said the approaches to the fixed-span would include concrete walls that would divide the Cortez community in two; and she noted the new bridge is not expected to improve the traffic flow or reduce traffic congestion in Cortez or Bradenton Beach.
McClash provided an overview of the legal challenge. He said the plaintiffs and FDOT officials are scheduled to participate in a mediation session on Wednesday, Aug. 25, in an attempt to resolve the lawsuit out of court.
JOE MCCLASH | SUBMITTED This photo illustrates the height differences between the new bridge recently constructed between Isla Del Sol and Tierra Verde islands and the old drawbridge it replaced.
SEE BRIDGE, PAGE 25
Florida COVID-19 cases reach all-time high
New COVID-19 cases in both Florida and Manatee County surpassed previous record highs last week, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
REDUCE YOUR RISK • Get a COVID-19 vaccine • Wear a mask • Wash your hands • Clean and disinfect surfaces and • Avoid the Three Cs: • Closed Spaces. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation that could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air. • Crowded Places. Avoid crowded places with many people nearby; the greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person-to-person. • Close-Contact Settings. Avoid close-range conversations and stay at least 6 feet from others.
Individuals over the age of 65 and those with underlying conditions are at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 and should avoid crowds and minimize contact outside the home. TESTING AND VACCINATION SITES
Free COVID-19 testing (both PCR and rapid testing) and vaccinations (Moderna) are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Palmetto Bus Station, 1802 Eighth Ave. W. in Palmetto from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays. No appointment is necessary.
Free testing is also available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Rapid testing will be provided. PCR testing will be provided only to symptomatic patients who test negative on the rapid test.
Visitors are asked to bring proof of Florida residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill with a Florida address. For more information, call 941-242-6646.
Vaccinations are also available at CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie stores.
Source: Florida Department of Health, CDC
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – With COVID-19 infections on the rise, city leaders have already gone back to mandating that masks be worn in city hall and other city offices. Now they’re asking local business owners to require patrons and employees to wear masks or face coverings when indoors.
Holmes Beach city leaders are requiring masks to be worn inside city hall, city offices and mandating that employees wear masks unless alone in their personal office. During an Aug. 10 meeting, commissioners discussed their response to recent COVID-19 outbreaks statewide.
Mayor Judy Titsworth said she’s trying to remain consistent with Manatee County government safety measures and has reached out to County Administrator Scott Hopes for guidance.
In addition to requiring that masks be worn inside city buildings, Titsworth said all surfaces are being disinfected daily. The city also is holding vaccination clinics every few weeks at city hall with all three COVID-19 vaccinations available to participants free of charge. The last vaccination clinic was held on Aug. 4 and another one is being scheduled.
Titsworth said she’s encouraging local businesses to enforce mask and face-covering wearing while indoors. City commissioners decided they’d like to take it a step further and consider approval of a resolution asking business owners to voluntarily encourage mask and face coverings being worn indoors and asking the public to be vaccinated.
Commissioner Jim Kihm said with the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise, it’s not a political issue but a public health one.
Commissioner Carol Soustek said, “Wearing a mask says I care about your life. I’m in favor of anything that can protect people and save lives.”
The resolution will come before commissioners for approval at an upcoming regular meeting.
You may not think of skateboards as art, but a look at the collection of Holmes Beach resident Mark Platt’s skateboards proves otherwise.
BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH - Walking into the home of Mark Platt, you’ll see amazing, high-quality works of art on every wall, but it’s a little different than anything you will find in local galleries.
Platt has what he claims is one of Florida’s largest and most wellrounded collections of skateboards.
“It all started in the early 70s when skateboarding first began,” said Platt, explaining the genesis of his love for skating and collecting. “It’s just something that I caught on to right away and I really enjoyed doing. I pretty much skated for about 47 years.”
It’s not just skating; Platt has a passion for any board you can ride. He has been an avid surfer for decades and was one of the pioneers of snowboarding.
“I grew up in Michigan and started snowboarding in 1981 when I had to walk up a hill to take a ride when plastic snowboards first came out,” Platt said. “In 1985, I moved to Colorado, but there were only three mountains that allowed snowboarding - it had just started. In 1986, I did fantastic as an amateur so in 1987 I went pro in the Rocky Mountain division, eventually becoming 18th in the world.”
Platt says he used skateboarding to keep his balance at its peak during the snowboarding off-season. Whether it was surfing, skating or snowboarding, he says the balance required to do one will help you be successful at another.
Platt is no longer able to surf, skate or snowboard due to the toll that decades of sports have taken on his body, but his passion for collecting has kept him close to the game.
“I started collecting seriously and professionally about 10 years ago,” Platt said. “I’m known as a builder; I like the hunt of putting boards together, period-correct. Everything you see here I have put together period-correct. I’ve never bought anything that was already put together by someone else.”
To understand what Platt means by "builder," it’s important to understand that boards were used and wheels and components were replaced with aftermarket parts as they wore out. It’s much like a person who restores a classic car. They have to put together a car with serial numbers that match and use original parts to have the most valuable example. This can take years to accomplish, and Platt says the same is true with his boards. Finding original components from the 70s and 80s can be next to impossible.
But that seems to be the thrill.
As far as value, Platt says boards can run from a couple hundred dollars to thousands. His most cherished and valuable example is a one-of-a-kind 1976 Kryptonics board with prototype wheels that never made it to market. There were only seven sets ever made and Platt said his board is the only complete example in existence. He says the value is in excess of $5,000 but isn’t entertaining offers anytime soon.
In addition to skateboards, Platt also has vintage surfboards, snowboards and related works of art, proof that art has no boundaries.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Holmes Beach resident Mark Platt with a portion of his large skateboard collection. Right, Platt flying high during his snowboarding days.
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SNOWBOARDING | SUBMITTED
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Reimagining Pine Avenue report to be given Thursday
Contracted traffic engineer Gerry Traverso will present his Reimagining Pine Avenue final report and recommended solutions to the Anna Maria $ $ON FANS PRICED 99 to 299 SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. BRING THIS AD INTO STORE FOR DETAILS. PRIOR SALES FREE BASIC INSTALL $ .99ON FANS PRICED 299 & UP .99 $OR 29 INSTALL City Commission at about 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19. The Reimagining Pine Avenue meeting will begin immediately after the conclusion of EXCLUDED. NOT COMBINED WITH OT the commission budget meeting that HER OFFERS. DAN'S FAN CITY, LLC LIC#EC13004528 will begin at 1:30 p.m. The budget meeting is not expected to take more than 30 minutes and may take less time than that. Taking place at city hall, the Pine Avenue meeting will be open to the public. The meeting can also be accessed by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 entering the meeting ID, 85392000280.
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED The Pine Avenue corridor study area also includes portions of Spring Avenue, Magnolia Avenue Gulf Drive and Bay Drive South – as indicated by the yellow border.
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WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? FLOODING: Development increases flooding concerns
FROM PAGE 4
“When I built out there, I was allowed to build six inches above the crown of the road. Now I understand it's 12 inches,” Nash said, noting that he’s concerned about the adjacent property’s higher elevation resulting in more water running onto his property.
“You’ve got to get rid of that water. Move it somewhere. I don’t want to have water in my garage all the time. Originally, it went down the street and ended up in Lake La Vista. It’s not doing that now. I’m really tired, like everybody else, of dealing with that water on that lot. It’s got to be fixed,” Nash said.
Anna Maria residents Alice Moerk, Jeannette Rothberg, Valerie Snow and Barbara Zdravecky also expressed concerns about the ongoing flooding issues on that property and in that area.
“It’s unfortunate that the construction started without a permit. The land clearing started without a land clearing permit,” Murphy said, noting this resulted in Curtis issuing a stop-work order that remained in effect that afternoon.
Murphy asked Rudacille if he wanted to comment on behalf of the property owner.
When addressing the commission, Rudacille said, “A lot of this will come as a surprise to the property owner. He was obviously surprised to have his property placed on a city commission agenda. The permitting process is ministerial in nature, so that will be handled by the administrative staff.
“There are provisions in place that require a property owner to mitigate their stormwater on property, but they’re not required to fix a flooding problem that exists in the area. They’ll meet the code requirements, which are much more stringent now than when all the rest of the folks in that area developed. They will be doing their part to mitigate the stormwater impacts, but holding up their permit or anything like that based on flooding that might be in the area is not appropriate,” Rudacille said.
Commission Chair Carol Carter said more data collection and investigation is required and she vowed to keep residents informed as this process continues.
A visit to the 416 Alamanda Road property after Thursday’s meeting revealed the entire property, except for a large mound of dirt, was covered by about 4-6 inches of standing water. Standing water also extended around the corner to the Alamanda Road/ Fern Street intersection.
Red tide respiratory irritation risk remains
Red tide was at high levels last week in Anna Maria.
BY CINDY LANE
SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide continues to pose a risk of respiratory irritation in Manatee and surrounding counties. The Florida Department of Health issued a warning that people may experience respiratory symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation similar to cold symptoms, with some people who have breathing problems, such as asthma, experiencing more severe symptoms.
High levels of red tide were detected in water samples at the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria on Aug. 9 according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.
Medium levels were detected at the Kingfish boat ramp in Holmes Beach and low levels were detected at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge. Current forecasts are available at habforecast. gcoos.org and at visitbeaches.org.
Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas and Charlotte counties last week.
Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water and go inside to an air-conditioned space with closed windows and a clean A/C filter. Wearing masks, especially during onshore winds, is also advised.
Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas and Charlotte counties.
Health officials warn against swimming near dead fish and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.
Officials also warn that consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.
Florida Poison Control Centers have a toll-free 24/7 hotline for reporting illnesses, including health effects from exposure to red tide, at 1-888-232-8635.
RED TIDE REPORT
High
(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)
Very low
(possible respiratory irritation)
Medium
(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)
Low
(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)
Background
(no effects)
None
(no red tide present)
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” - AMI CITIZENS
“HEY DUDE, YOU’RE DESTROYING MY HOME !”
- AMI EGRET
PRESERVEAMI.COM
Beleaguered area waters still producing miracles
Cindy Lane
With all the bad news this year about water quality due to red tide and Piney Point, the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program has some much-needed very good news – the birth of 15 new dolphin calves in area waters.
The bouncing baby marine mammals have been born over the past four months - one in April, six in May, five in June and three in July - including three births to first-time dolphin mothers.
One July calf is really special – the daughter of mom F233 is the sixth generation of dolphins documented since the program began studying her maternal lineage in the 1970s.
Program scientists are continuing their photographic ID surveys in southeast Tampa Bay around Piney Point and Port Manatee, where more than 215 million gallons of polluted water from a decommissioned phosphate plant was released into the bay in March and April, feeding an ongoing bloom of toxic red tide.
During the initial surveys just after the spill, scientists noted they were not seeing the numbers of dolphins in the area normally expected, and concluding they were fleeing the pollution. But sightings have been increasing recently, indicating that dolphins may be moving back.
Still, red tide continues to stress local dolphins by depleting their food source as it kills fish. When fish are scarce, dolphins can feed aggressively near anglers as they both vie for the few remaining fish, leading dolphins to ingest and become entangled in fishing lines and become hooked by fishing gear.
The dolphin research program, operated by Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota and the Chicago Zoological Society, is developing a new app to collect reports of human-dolphin interactions and is seeking volunteers to test it.
Recreational and commercial anglers and fishing guides are invited to register at http://dolphin.report. When a dolphin approaches you or your gear, steals your catch or damages your gear, you can use the report form to inform program scientists, who aim to track dolphin behaviors of concern and develop mitigation strategies.
The best approach is to avoid dolphins when possible, especially during this time of year when distracted moms are busy taking care of naïve newborns, often in shallow water where they can’t dive beneath a boat.
If you see a dolphin or other marine life in distress, report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). From a mobile phone, use #FWC or *FWC. Text a report to Tip@MyFWC. com. When reporting a stranded, sick or dead animal, please take a GPS reading so that responders have the greatest chance of finding the animal.
SARASOTA DOLPHIN RESEARCH PROGRAM/CZS | SUBMITTED Oh, fer cute! (Loosely translated, ‘Awww!’) It’s that time of year when baby dolphins are born in local waters. This is Ginger and her calf.
Scott O’Brien’s life was filled with family, friends and love
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON – Scott O’Brien’s recent COVID-19-related death leaves family members and friends mourning his loss and appreciating and honoring the impact he had on their lives.
Scott, his wife Gale, and their daughters, Kristin and Alyssa, relocated from New York to Bradenton in 1992 and established deep roots in the Cortez, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Manatee County communities.
After contracting COVID-19, O’Brien passed away at Blake Medical Center on Monday, Aug. 2. He was 62 and had previously received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“Both of my parents had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in March and the doctor who was caring for my dad said he did not think the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was working as well as the others. He recommended that anyone who got it try to get another vaccine,” Kristin Slicker said, noting that it’s very difficult to get a second and separate vaccine.
“My mom had COVID at the same time my dad did. She is also somewhat still recovering, but she’s feeling a lot better. She’s still very tired and has a lingering cough. She didn’t need to go to the hospital, but it was rougher for her than it should have been for somebody’s who’s vaccinated,” Kristin said.
Kristin said she asked the doctors and nurses if her dad contracted the Delta variant, but they didn’t know.
Scott and Gale met when they were each 13 years old and they were married for 41 years.
“Gale was the love of his life and he truly adored her,” Kristin recently said. “My mom’s doing pretty good. Better than I expected. I think she’s feeling a little bit of shock, but she’s doing pretty good. I think the celebration of life on Sunday is going to make it more real for us.”
A celebration of Scott’s life took place Sunday afternoon at the Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511.
Kristin and her husband, Brian Slicker, also received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“We felt like we did the right thing. We got vaccinated and now I don’t know if I got any protection? It’s not just the Johnson & Johnson. I don’t know if I’d feel comfortable with any vaccination. I’m a hairstylist. I’m around a lot of people every day and I don’t necessarily feel protected anymore. I’ve been wearing a mask and about half my clients have been vaccinated,” she said.
In the wake of her father’s death, Kristin posted the following message at her Facebook page: “It’s surreal, it’s unimaginable, it’s not fair. When people refer to someone as ‘the best’ I always think about what their best attributes are. Then I realize my dad had them all. He was the best person to talk to, the best person to ask questions, the best to watch sports with, the best teacher, the best advice giver, the best cook, the best drinking buddy, the best handyman. He was the best everything! Not to mention the best husband, father, grandfather and friend! To say he will be missed is an understatement. I am walking around with a void, an empty spot, that can’t be filled. My dad would do anything for anyone and not think twice about it. He truly was The Best!”
Regarding COVID-19, Kristin wrote, “It doesn’t matter what the odds are, please don’t think it can’t happen to you or your loved ones.”
BELOVED FAMILY MAN
In 2011, Scott retired as a telecommunications supervisor for Manatee County. Over the years, he also coached football for the Manatee Wildcats, served on the North River Fire District Pension Board and was a trustee for Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511. He also assisted many charitable organizations with their events and fundraisers.
In recent years, Scott spent his days caring for his grandsons, Rowan, 6, and Corbin, 3, while Kristin and Brian worked. Kristin said Rowan has some comprehension of losing his grandfather, but Corbin is still too young to process that news.
When asked what she’ll miss the most about her dad, Kristin said, “Everything. He was always there.”
When asked the same question about her dad, Alyssa O’Brien said, “Being able to pick up the phone and call him. He was the person that would have my back for anything.”
When asked what her dad taught her about life, Kristin said, “Everything. He had the answers to everything.”
Alyssa said, “He taught me to treat people correctly; and how to go into a situation where maybe you don’t know anybody but will by the time you leave.”
When asked how she hopes her dad is remembered, Kristin said, “As a nice person. I feel sometimes he was so nice that people thought he was being sarcastic.”
Alyssa said, “As the kindest person that anyone will ever know.”
When discussing his father-in-law, Brian said, “It’s a big blow. They did everything they possibly could. His lungs were just too bad from the COVID.”
Brian said Scott had borderline high blood pressure and was a heavy-set man but had no other known comorbidities or pre-existing medical conditions.
As for how he met Scott, Brian said, “My uncle (Bob Slicker) said I should come over to his best friend Scott’s house. He said, ‘I think you’ll be friends.’ Kristin was 19 or 20 at the time.”
Brian then shared his favorite Scott story.
“When Kristin turned 21, her and a group of friends went to Las Vegas. Scott and I were drinking and hanging out at the Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach. We were in the corner of the bar and Brad was bartending. Scott asked me to make a toast, and I said, ‘Here’s to you letting me marry your daughter.’ I barely knew Kristin at the time and he said, “Son, I hope you’re kidding. I like you, you’re a great guy, but I hope it would be a different way that you would ask me that. I said I was totally kidding and we did our shot.
“A few years later, Kristin and I were dating. I took Scott out for drinks and we decided we were going to have one more. It was late and there weren’t many places still open so we went to the Anchor. We sat in the same corner with the same shot and the same bartender and I said, ‘Scott, years ago I brought you here and now I’m ready to do that shot for real. I hope I can have your blessing. He looked at me and said, ‘I’ve been waiting for the day you would ask.’”
When asked what he’ll miss most about Scott, Brian said, “Our relationship. I feel like I was the lucky one. I work from home and he watched our sons because I really can’t do my job when I’m focusing on them. I would come out for lunch and for breaks and I probably got to talk to him more than anyone else. I would walk out of my office and he would be there. I could talk to him about anything. I’m going to miss not seeing him and not having him around anymore. He treated me like family from the day he met me. I was invited to sit at his dinner table after knowing him for less than five minutes.”
Scott taught Brian how to make plumbing and drywall repairs and other remodeling work, but he also taught Brian about life and how to live it.
“He showed me the perfect example of what a family should be. I grew up in a different type of family than my wife did. Scott taught me the importance of being there for your family and staying together as a family. As generations go by, that’s something that’s fallen between the cracks. We’re going to continue to get together and stay together as a family,” Brian said.
FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED As a family, Kristin Slicker, Scott O’Brien, Alyssa O’Brien and Gale O’Brien celebrated two consecutive Tampa Bay Lightning championships together.
Kristin Slicker, Daughter
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED The red arrows indicate the specific areas to be addressed as part of a flood control and drainage improvement project.
FEMA grant will help fund Anna Maria drainage improvements
The city of Anna Maria is in the process of securing a $93,700 Hazard Mitigation Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
On Thursday, Aug. 12, the city commission authorized the mayor and city staff to proceed with the grant process. The grant money will provide additional funds for a phase 1 drainage project that includes limited areas of Gladiolus Street, Spruce Avenue, Sycamore Avenue, Elm Avenue, Magnolia Avenue and South Bay Boulevard.
Mayor Dan Murphy said the scope of this project is limited and is not an allencompassing effort that will fully address drainage and flooding issues on those streets. The grant money can be used for surveying, engineering, design, plan preparation, permitting and bidding out the construction work to be done in association with the project. The federal grant money will be passed through the State of Florida’s Department of Emergency Management to prepare plans for the construction work to follow, and the city is responsible for 25% ($23,437) of the initial project costs.
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