Anna Maria Island Sun August 21, 2019

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 19 No. 45

August 21, 2019

New evidence in Morris case may point to murder

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

for a way to help pay for repairs, management and ongoing maintenance. During an Aug. 15 work session, Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker presented a

BRADENTON BEACH - More than 10 years after Sheena Morris’ death was ruled a suicide, her mother says she has new evidence that her daughter was murdered.

Morris was found dead by police, hanging in a shower by her dog’s leash in room 525 of the BridgeWalk Resort on New Year’s Day 2009 after staff reported hearing dogs barking inside. Bradenton Beach police determined Morris that her death was a suicide.

But Kelly Osborn has never given up the fight to prove her belief that her daughter was murdered at age 22 by her then-fiancé, 45-year-old Joseph Genoese after an argument that prompted a call to Bradenton Beach police.

Two officers spoke to Morris shortly after 1 a.m., after Genoese had left, according to Bradenton Beach Police Department (BBPD) records. Later that day, around 2 p.m., two other BBPD officers were called to assist staff with an eviction due to the barking dogs and discovered Morris’ body.

After asking the BBPD, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to revisit the case, the official manner of death remained suicide. Osborn said the FDLE investigation unfairly focused on her daughter’s character, publishing information such as her previous employment as an exotic dancer, and concluding there was no evidence of a homicide.

She staged a March for Justice in Pinellas County, where she lives, criticizing law enforcement for their conclusions.

She took the case to the Dr. Phil show, where Genoese failed a lie detector test on national television.

Now she’s taking new evidence to the press.

Osborne hired Pensacola-based private investigator Jan Johnson, of Forensic Pieces, a certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst who spent her career with the FBI, FDLE and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, according to the company’s website.

Johnson asked Osborn to look at the crime scene photos again last year.

“I didn’t want to go there again,” Osborn said.

So Johnson narrowed it down to one photo,

SEE BOAT RAMPS, PAGE 35

SEE MORRIS, PAGE 35

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The newly renovated Coquina North Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach is one of the Manatee County maintained boat ramps that could soon have paid parking for boaters.

Paid parking may be coming to county boat ramps Some Manatee County leaders are suggesting charging boaters to use the countymaintained boat ramps through paid parking as a way to help defray maintenance costs.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – A user fee is being proposed for boaters using any of the Manatee County managed boat ramps.

There are 10 county-managed boat ramps in Manatee County with three on Anna Maria Island, Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach and the Coquina North and South Boat Ramps in Bradenton Beach, and one, the Palma Sola Boat Ramp, on the Palma Sola Causeway near Flamingo Cay. With renovations needed at Kingfish, Coquina South and Palma Sola, along with a planned parking expansion at the Highland Shores Boat Ramp, county leaders are looking

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach is planned to undergo a minimum of a $4.5 million renovation.

INSIDE

FIND ALL

NEWS 3 POLITICAL CARTOON 6 OUTDOORS 22-23 RESTAURANTS 24-25 REAL ESTATE 26-31 SPORTS 34 CROSSWORD 36

COMMISSIONER Randy White says

things matrimonial in The Sun’s Wedding Guide. 17-18

he will not seek re-election. 4

Anna Maria Island, Florida

THE Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton

Beach soon will be expanding. 33

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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Waste Management back on track for new trash contract The company forgot to include tipping fees in its original response to the city’s request for bid proposals.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city and Waste Management have resolved a glitch that held up contract negotiations for the company to continue serving as the city’s trash, yard waste and recycling collection operator.

Contract negotiations recently hit a snag because Waste Management did not include tipping fees in its original response to the city’s request for proposals (RFP) but wanted to include tipping fees in the contract language.

Solid waste collection companies pay tipping fees to dump their trash at landfills and have no control over rate increases imposed by landfill operators.

In May, city commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of Mayor Dan Murphy attempting to negotiate a contract with Waste Management as the commission’s top choice. Waste Pro also submitted a bid in hopes of wrestling the Anna Maria contract from its competitor.

Waste Management’s proposal offered to increase the city’s current franchise fee from 4 percent to 8 percent of the total gross revenues collected from Anna Maria customers. Waste Pro offered a 12 percent franchise fee, minus tipping fees. Murphy’s concern that tipping fee increases levied on Waste Pro could subject Anna Maria customers to rate increases were a deciding factor in the selection of Waste Management.

During a special commission meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13, Murphy presented several contract options for commission consideration, including some he didn’t consider viable – including the inclusion of tipping fees.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

From left, Waste Management’s Bill Gresham and Jason White stood before Anna Maria commissioners last week in hopes of salvaging the city’s solid waste services contract.

The commission voted 4-1 in favor of Commissioner Doug Copeland’s motion to continue the contract negotiations with Waste Management, but to include contract language that states the city can accept or reject any fee increases proposed by Waste Management – including those requested due to tipping fee increases. If the city rejects a rate

increase, Waste Management can cancel the contract with six months’ notice.

Another option proposed was mediation to address rate increase requests, with either party having the ability to cancel the contract with six months’ notice if mediation failed.

Other options included dis-

continuing the contract discussions with Waste Management and beginning discussions with Waste Pro or discarding both bids and starting the bid process over again.

Copeland said he did not want to subject the city to potential mediation, and he favored the city the having the ability to reject a rate increase.

Commissioners Carol Carter and Amy Tripp agreed and Commissioner Dale Woodland joined them in supporting Copeland’s motion.

As he did in May, Commission chair Brian Seymour opposed Waste Management’s proposal. He said it significantly increases the financial burdens placed on the businesses community and the owners of non-homesteaded vacation rentals and non-homesteaded homes, while giving modest discounts to those who own homesteaded properties.

“I think the only win in this SEE CONTRACT, PAGE 5

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Election qualifying begins Aug. 26 There are three commission seats up for grabs in Holmes Beach for the Nov. 5 election. Qualifying for commission candidates begins at noon on Monday, Aug. 26 and ends at noon on Friday, Aug. 30.

To qualify, candidates must submit their paperwork during the qualifying period at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton. Candidate packets are available for pick up at the city clerk’s office at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Candidate information and forms also can be found online at www. votemanatee.com under the candidate information tab or picked up from the Supervisor of Elections Office during business hours.

Art and business get together Island Gallery West 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will host the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce September business card exchange on Wednesday, Sept,25, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be snacks, art, music and an opportunity to network with other Chamber members. The cost to attend is $5 per member or $10 for future members. Contact the AMI Chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@ amichamber.org to RSVP.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

AUGUST 21, 2019

Randy White says he will not seek re-election

Former Bradenton Beach commissioner Jan Vosburgh plans to run for the Ward 3 commission seat.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – When informed that former City Commissioner Jan Vosburgh plans to challenge him for his Ward 3 commission seat, Commissioner Randy White said he will not seek re-election.

“With reconsideration, I am withdrawing my candidacy for city commission. I recognize my inability to schedule my physical attendance at short-notice special meetings,” White stated in a text message he sent to The Sun on Sunday.

White has missed several recent city meetings and in the past six months has participated in many meetings by phone.

White said personal considerations also factored into his decision. His wife is a Canadian citizen who lives in Toronto.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bradenton Beach Commissioner Randy White told The Sun he will not seek re-election.

Former commissioner Jan Vosburgh seeks a return to the Bradenton Beach commission.

“It is the responsibility for all candidates to commit that they will be physically able to serve the residents. I appreciated the opportunity to be your commissioner and encourage others to run,” White said in his text message.

Last week, Vosburgh and White filed their preliminary paperwork with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office. The preliminary forms name the candidates’ campaign treasurers and state they understand the requirements placed on them by Chapter 106 of the Florida Statutes.

Vosburgh served 6½ years as a Bradenton Beach commissioner

before she term-limited out of office in 2016.

“I’m proud of my past accomplishments as a commissioner. The city is running well under Mayor John Chappie, and I want to be part of the work that still needs to be done. If elected, I will be devoted to serving our citizens and the city,” Vosburgh said.

WARD RECONFIGURATION

White is serving the second year of his inaugural two-year term in office. He took office in 2017 after defeating incumbent commissioner SEE WHITE, PAGE 5

Become a Bark Ranger at DeSoto DeSoto National Memorial Park is introducing a new program for park goers and their furry friends. It’s called the Bark Ranger program and is designed to encourage dog owners to demonstrate the rules of the park to fellow visitors. Participants in the program complete four tasks with their dogs involving the importance of using a leash, cleaning up after their furry friends, respecting wildlife and following all other park rules. Once the four tasks are completed, pets and their owners are sworn in as Bark Rangers, and each dog receives a Bark Ranger tag. For more information, call 941-7920458 or visit the park at 8300 DeSoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton.

Chamber board nominees sought The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for its board of directors from any member in good standing.

Nomination applications must be completed and signed by five AMI Chamber members who feel the individual who wishes to be on the board will represent the membership and the best interest of the Chamber.

Completed applications must be received by no later than Sept. 3. The nominating committee will review the applications and determine those applicants who will be placed on the ballot. Ballots will be sent out to the general membership the week of Sept. 9. Completed ballots must be returned to the AMI Chamber by Oct. 1.

Crane and Woodland file preliminary campaign paperwork Three of Anna Maria’s five commission seats will be decided in the upcoming city elections.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city’s two-week qualifying period opened Monday and closes at noon on Friday, Aug. 30.

Incumbent commissioner Dale Woodland and Planning and Zoning Board chairman Jon Crane have already filed their preliminary paperwork with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Incumbent commissioner Carol Carter recently indicated she will seek re-election, and longtime commissioner Doug Copeland recently announced he will not seek another term in office. Commissioners Amy Tripp and Brian Seymour are serving the first year of their two-year terms.

Carter, Crane, Woodland and any other candidates who qualify will compete for the three commission seats to be decided by Anna Maria’s registered voters in the city elections that conclude Tuesday, Nov. 5.

When asked why he’s running for a commission seat, Crane deferred to the written candidate’s statement he posted at the elections office website. In his

SUBMITTED

Planning and Zoning Board chairman Jon Crane will seek a City Commission seat. Longtime commissioner Dale Woodland is seeking another term in office statement, Crane noted his first priority is to represent the residents of Anna Maria. His statement also mentions preserving the city’s delicate ecosystem, allowing the city’s business community to thrive and maintaining “controlled, common sense growth” that respects residents’ rights to the quiet enjoyment of their property.

For more information on qualifying, visit www. votemanatee.com or call the city clerk’s office at 941708-6130.

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AUGUST 21, 2019

WHITE: Not seeking re-election FROM PAGE 4

Ralph Cole in the Ward 3 race. In 2017, city voters also eliminated the city’s geographically-based commission wards. Cole was then appointed to fill the commission seat Chappie vacated after he won the mayor’s seat in that same city election cycle.

In 2018, Cole and incumbent Commissioner Marilyn Maro were elected as at-large commissioners. In 2018, city voters did an about face and restored the commission wards in support of a charter amendment proposed by the charter review committee.

Earlier this year, when the city commission established the new commission ward boundaries that apply to the 2019 elections and future city elections, the ward boundaries were changed in a manner that left White in Ward 3 and placed Cole in Ward 4.

Due to the 2017 elimination of wards and the 2018 reinstatement of wards, White would not have been eligible to run in 2019 had the new ward boundaries not been changed.

Ward 3 now encompasses the entire area from the south side of the Cortez Bridge to the southern city limits at the Longboat Pass Bridge.

With reconsideration, I am withdrawing my candidacy for city commission.”

Randy White, Bradenton Beach Commissioner The southern boundary of Ward 4 is now the north side of the Cortez Bridge. In 2020, Cole can run for the Ward 4 commission seat if he wishes and Maro can run for the Ward 2 seat if she wishes.

As of Sunday, no additional candidates had filed preliminary paperwork to run against Chappie in the mayor’s race or Commissioner Jake Spooner in the Ward 1 commission race.

Bradenton Beach’s week-long candidate qualifying period begins at noon on Monday, Aug. 26 and ends at noon on Friday, Aug. 30.

For more qualifying information, visit www.votemanatee.com or call the city clerk’s office at 941-778-6311.

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CONTRACT: Waste Management, city back on track FROM PAGE 3

whole thing is for our residents. I don’t like the fact that they (Waste Management) submitted an RFP and aren’t willing to sign a contract based on the RFP they submitted. I think it should be thrown out, and we should move on to negotiate with the next company,” Seymour said.

Regardless of the service provider, Woodland proposed reducing trash collections from twice-weekly to onceweekly. None of the other commissioners shared Woodland’s desire, and Carter said the additional trash accumulation would create problems for those living next to high-volume vacation rentals.

PUBLIC INPUT

Resident Alan Ward requested once-weekly collections, and he said 17 constituents he spoke with agreed.

Ward said the twice-weekly collections are unnecessary and make it harder to enjoy Anna Maria’s peaceful small-town setting. He said vacation rentals could simply request more trash cans.

Ward read a letter from resident Dan Devine that suggested reducing the number of garbage trucks would reduce wear and tear on the city’s streets.

Waste Pro representative Tracy Meehan said her company’s proposal was more cost effective and offered a franchise fee that was 2.2 percent higher than Waste Management’s. She also claimed Waste Pro’s proposal would provide $750,000 in savings over the life of the agreement.

Waste Management representative Bill Gresham said he didn’t know where Meehan got that $750,000 figure and he stated his belief that his company’s proposal was the cheaper of the two.

Murphy will bring an updated contract back to the commission for final approval.

Murphy said later that tipping fees, as they are now, are not a huge concern.

“But if you look at the future, China’s refusing to take more recycled goods and the county landfill is filling up.

Where are we going to put our garbage in the future? That’s my concern with tipping fees,” Murphy said.

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OPINION

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

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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/social media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest?

Send us a letter to the editor and have your say.

There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@ amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter

to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

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AUGUST 21, 2019

10005 GULF DRIVE

For information, call 941708-6130 Aug. 22, 6 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting with regular meeting to follow Aug. 28, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation Board meeting

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

For information, call 941778-1005 Aug. 27, 9 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency budget meeting

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

For information, call 941708-5800 Aug. 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

THURSDAY AUG. 22

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Folk and Shanty Music Workshop, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2 p.m.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

AMI Chamber August business card exchange, Bradenton Beach Marina, 402 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach, 6-8:30 p.m., $5 per member or $10 per prospective member.

FRIDAY AUG. 23

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

Aug. 24 Summer Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon.

Round Robin Jam, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 1 p.m.

SUNDAY AUG. 25

Rise and Shine power flow yoga, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m., $10 cash only.

TUESDAY AUG. 27

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser

Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Preschool story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY AUG. 28

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

THURSDAY AUG. 29

Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

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Finger docks funded

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

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When installed, the finger docks will increase public docking at the new floating dock.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has included $120,000 in its proposed 2019-20 fiscal year budget to add finger docks to the recently completed floating day dock.

The floating dock decking sections were premanufactured last year by the Spain-based Ronautica Marinas company. When informed that the dock components his company built and shipped to Florida are now in use, Managing Director Oscar Saá Fontán said, “My decision of shipping the docks even without being paid from Technomarine would come for nothing if it had not been installed. Now I’m proud of this bet, and the city of Bradenton Beach has its dock.”

Regarding the finger docks, Saá Fontán said he hopes the CRA considers working with Ronautica’s newly established, Floridabased, sister company EMG Ronautica, which is now doing business in Palm Beach Gardens.

Commissioner Jake Spooner first proposed the finger docks in 2016 as a means of creating additional public docking space. The CRA-supported idea has been on hold awaiting the completion of the floating dock project.

When installed, the finger

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Community Redevelopment Agency wants to add finger docks to the new floating dock alongside the Bridge Street Pier. docks would extend perpendicularly from the new floating dock.

No timetable has been established yet for the purchase and installation of the finger docks.

The project will require permit-

ting from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The purchase and installation of the finger docks must also comply with the city’s bid procurement process.

FRIDAY AUG. 30

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

SATURDAY AUG. 31

Summer Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon.

CPR Training, Island Branch

Kiwanis club members attend annual convention John Chappie, Sandy HaasMartens, Lynn Larson and Jim Larson were among the members of the Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key Kiwanis clubs who attended the Florida Kiwanis District Convention in Orlando last week.

JOHN CHAPPIE | SUBMITTED

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Sponsors needed for National Night Out

AUGUST 21, 2019

HBPD celebrates promotion, retirement

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

The Holmes Beach Police Department is hosting its fourth annual National Night Out on Oct. 1, and officers need the community’s help to make this year’s event the best one ever.

Sponsors are needed to provide food, drinks, bicycles, toys for giveaways and carnival-type games and bounce houses for children to play. The annual event is designed to bring out community members, help neighbors get to know each other and encourage a positive relationship between the community and law enforcement, all in a safe environment.

To donate or get a list of needed items, contact Officer Josh Fleischer or Sgt. Brian Copeman at watch@holmesbeach.

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach police officers are celebrating the promotion of one of their own and the retirement of a fellow officer.

Sgt. Joel Pierce retired from the HBPD effective Aug. 9 after serving the city for more than 13 years. Pierce was named HBPD’s Officer of the Year in 2008 and 2018. He recently earned a master’s degree in American legal studies from Liberty University.

Being promoted to patrol sergeant is Officer Mike Walker.

Walker’s promotion is effective Aug. 24 with a promotion ceremony taking place Aug. 27 during the 6 p.m. commission meeting. Walker was named the department’s Officer of the Year in 2009, 2013, 2016 and 2019. In 2016 and 2019, Walker also received the Congressional Award for dedication and professionalism.

In addition, Walker received the 2009 award for ASIS meritorious service. He’s a member of the police department’s honor guard, a department representative on the city’s police pension board and a field training officer for the HBPD.

FILE PHOTO

Chief Bill Tokajer hands a football to a child in the crowd at National Night Out 2018. org or call 941-708-5800.

Donors wishing to sponsor a game or bounce house can contact Obie’s Party Rental directly at 941-7200371 or Taylor Rental at 941-758-3818 and mention

the HBPD’s National Night Out event for the registry list.

National Night Out takes place Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at city field in Holmes Beach.

Chief Bill Tokajer celebrates the promotion of Mike Walker to patrol sergeant.

HBPD | SUBMITTED

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25TH, 2019

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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Score a strike at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

The LaPensee Bowling Tournament, supporting The Center of Anna Maria Island, returns to Bowlero Bradenton for a night of fun competition on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 5 p.m.

The annual event is a fundraiser for The Center with presenting sponsor LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air. The Sun is the media sponsor for the event.

Each year the bowling tournament brings people together for an evening of fun and a little friendly competition on the lanes. In addition to bowling, this year’s tournament features a raffle, prizes for best costumes and awards for the best and worst male, female and kid bowlers.

Last year’s event brought out around 300 bowlers playing on 52 sponsored lanes and raised more than $15,000 for the nonprofit. This year’s goal is to sell out the bowling alley.

Tickets are $30 per person and include three games of bowling, a shoe rental and a choice of either pizza or wings. If you have a team, you can sponsor a whole lane. The cost is $150 to sponsor a lane with a logo displayed on your lane and at check-in. Lane sponsors with players, a team of up to five members, is $200 with a logo displayed at check-in and on the lane.

Signature lane sponsors, at $500 per lane, can have a team of up to five players per lane with a logo displayed at the lane and at check-in. Signature lane sponsors receive a pitcher of beer

FILE PHOTO | SUN

Center board member Don Purvis’s team dressed up as the purple cobras at the 2018 tournament. at their lane, and each player receives a Yeti and Center fishing shirt with a business logo on it. Kids' lanes also are available.

And don’t forget the costume contest.

Each player is encouraged to participate in the costume contest by dressing up solo or as a team.

For more information or to register, visit The Center online at www. centerami.org/programs/events or call 941-778-1908. Bowlero Bradenton is at 4208 Cortez Road.

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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Raindrops kept falling… Standing water was a common sight on Anna Maria Island last week due to the heavy and seemingly never-ending rains that passed through the area. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the north and south parking lots at Coquina Beach were closed due to flooding, and the raindrops kept falling as the week wore on.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clockwise above, The parking area near the Anna Maria City Pier was still flooded on Friday. Standing water led to the temporary closing of some of the parking lots at Coquina Beach.

The 800 block of North Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria was particularly impacted by flooding this weekend. From Thursday to Sunday the area received 7.8 inches of rain.

PAT COPELAND | SUBMITTED

DOUG COPELAND | SUBMITTED

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

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AUGUST 21, 2019

Help spot severe storms with SKYWARN Volunteers can help meteorologists at the National Weather Service spot instances of severe weather from the ground through the its SKYWARN program.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The National Weather Service’s Tampa Bay office is looking for some volunteers to help make their forecasts and severe weather warnings more accurate.

More than a dozen community members came out to Holmes Beach City Hall Aug. 15 to learn about the SKYWARN volunteer program and receive training from two National Weather Service representatives – Daniel Noah, a warning coordination meteorologist and Austen Flannery, a pathways meteorologist.

Noah said that volunteers with the SKYWARN program are the eyes of the National Weather Service on the ground. With radar, he said it’s possible to see storms that are far

away but that locally, radar has a few blind spots, particularly within the first 20 miles around the radar tower, and it’s not always accurate.

That’s where SKYWARN volunteers come in. Volunteers are asked to report any severe weather that they view, whether it’s more than an inch of rainfall over the course of an hour, flooding in areas that don’t ordinarily flood or waterspouts near the coast.

Meteorologists at the local Tampa Bay branch of the National Weather Service in Ruskin are tasked with determining when severe weather warnings and watches need to go out across television stations, radio airwaves and to cellphones located within the area. By having volunteers who can report what’s happening on the ground, Noah said the National Weather Service can make a more accurate determination when issuing a watch or warning to local inhabitants.

During the Aug. 15 presentation, Flannery and Noah discussed what types of weather volunteers should look out for and report, how to

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Daniel Noah, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service, discusses different types of clouds and severe rainstorms begin Aug. 15 during a SKYWARN training session at Holmes Beach City Hall. report the information and how to estimate windspeed or determine if a funnel cloud is really a tornado or if it’s just a cloud in a funny shape.

Volunteers also were educated on basic storm safety, including preparing for the aftermath of a hurricane.

Flannery said that Sept. 10 is the peak of hurricane season for Florida

with a secondary peak in mid-October. Though he said everyone should prepare for at least one storm each year by gathering supplies and making an evacuation plan, he said there’s a one in 200 chance of Anna Maria Island taking a hit from a hurricane similar to the damage that Hurricane Michael brought to Mexico Beach.

He suggested planning more for after the storm than during it by having a seven to 10 day supply of food and water available, stocking up on cleaning supplies and evacuating tens of miles instead of hundreds of miles if you need to leave your home before the storm so that it’s easier to get back and begin cleanup once the storm passes.

Anyone age 18 or older can volunteer as a SKYWARN spotter. Volunteers are required to complete either an in-person training session or a webinar training session to be certified. Certification must be renewed every three years.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, visit https://www. weather.gov/tbw/skywarn.

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Still time to enter The Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce is taking entries for Small Business of the Year Nominations through Sept.

30. To qualify, a business must have been in business for at least three years under current ownership, have been a member in good standing of the AMI Chamber of Commerce for at least one year and not have won this award previously.

Awards will be given in four categories: Small Business (1-5 employees), Medium Business (6-14 employees), Large Business (15 or more employees) and Not-for Profit or NonProfit. Deadline for full application completion is Monday, Oct. 7.

Interviews for the top three applications in each category will be on Tuesday, Oct. 22 (no rain dates/rescheduling). Winners will be announced at the Membership Gala on Friday, Nov. 15, and must be present at the Gala to receive this award.

To nominate your business or another outstanding AMI Chamber business, contact the chamber at 941-778-1541 or email info@amichamber.org.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Italian cuisine Vinny Esposito cuts the ribbon on Tuesday, Aug. 13, to celebrate the opening of Vinny’s Italian Kitchen at 5337 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The kitchen offers an array of Italian specialties, ready to heat dishes, breads, wines and more. The phone number is 941-896-9754.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clerk in certification program Bradenton Beach Deputy Clerk Ruth Stief is now enrolled in the International Institute of Municipal Clerks’ Certified Municipal Clerk program in pursuit of the Certified Municipal Clerk designation.

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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

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Celebrate Labor Day at Eliza Ann’s Come out to Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen and celebrate Labor Day with a barbeque. The festivities will take place on the pool deck and outdoor patio at Eliza Ann’s, located in the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club at 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach on Aug. 31 from noon to 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy a full buffet featuring blackened local

catch fish, barbeque chicken, St. Louis ribs, mango coleslaw, Southern potato salad and more.

All adult tickets, for guests aged 21 and older, include one beer, house wine or well drink. The staff from Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton will be onsite with some of their locally brewed selections. Live entertainment and games including

cornhole, ping pong, giant Jenga and more will take place throughout the afternoon. Guests also will have full pool access.

Tickets are $30 per adult and $18 per child under age 12. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 941-238-6262 or visit www. waterlineresort.com/events/elizaanns-labor-day-bbq.

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15

Extra employee requested for CRA maintenance City officials are trying to determine how CRA funds can be used regarding maintenance costs.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Public Works Director Tom Woodard wants to add a fulltime employee to help maintain the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district.

When discussed on Aug. 7, CRA members expressed initial support for the hiring, but debated how to pay for it.

At $16 per hour plus benefits, Woodard said the hiring would cost $55,000. He also requested $10,000 to purchase a golf cart for the new employee to transport tools and supplies.

Woodard’s hiring request raised the question as to what degree CRA funds can be used for maintenance.

The Bradenton Beach CRA district extends from the Gulf to the bay, from the south side of the Cortez Bridge to the southernmost property lines along Fifth Street South. Woodard said his current staff does not have the time to maintain Bridge

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor John Chappie supports Public Works Director Tom Woodard’s request for an additional employee.

Street and the CRA district to a Disney-like standard, if that’s what’s desired.

Woodard has never billed the CRA for work done by his staff in the CRA district.

He reminded members that when a CRAfunded project is completed the ongoing maintenance costs begin, and those costs are not always addressed in the general fund budgets.

CRA member John Chappie emphatically supports the hiring and feels it is much needed and long overdue.

CRA member Ed Chiles questioned

whether it should be part-time position. He said he’d like to see data that supports a full-time CRA position. Chappie said Woodard could provide that.

Chiles and CRA member Jake Spooner again expressed their concerns about using CRA funds to pay for general services provided elsewhere in the city using the city’s general fund.

Spooner said as more CRA projects are completed, more maintenance will be needed. He cited as one example maintaining the Bridge Street Pier railings and

gazebos if painted white as planned.

Spooner questioned whether the new position could be co-funded by the general fund and the CRA fund, based on the work performed. City Treasurer Shayne Thompson said the 2019-20 general fund budget has already been developed and do not provide for another full-time employee.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry said it might be possible to create a project facilitatortype position using CRA funds, but CRA funds are generally not used for maintenance.

CRA chair Ralph Cole said the members have until the end of the month to figure out how to properly address maintenance costs in the CRAs 2019-20 fiscal year budget.

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH

When contacted last week, Florida Redevelopment Association Executive Director Carol Westmoreland said she and Perry reviewed the Florida Statutes and found nothing specific pertaining to CRA maintenance.

“There’s no definitive answer here. Each city has to determine this for themselves.

With home rule, you can do anything that SEE REQUEST, PAGE 31

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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17

Bridge Tender Inn serves Florida style

If you’re looking for someplace with history you’ll appreciate Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, and the best location for original Florida food with a view is the Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar, located at 135 Bridge Street.

Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar has been around for decades and under the same ownership for 30 years. It’s a landmark in an historic part of Anna Maria Island.

The dining room holds up to 130 people and is perfect for a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or other gathering. You can reserve the dining room and tailor the Bridge Tender’s menu, featuring fresh seafood and other local dishes, to as casual or as formal as you would like.

For smaller parties, you can reserve a section of the dining room with views of Sarasota Bay, the Bridge Street Pier and Bridge Street. They have also added another area, Doc B’s front porch. The Bridge Tender and Dockside Bar is also accessible by water at Marker 49 and has two docks available for customers.

For more information on the Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar, go to wwwbridgetenderinn.rocks or contact Shannon Dunnan, events coordinator, at tenderinn@aol.com or 941-778-4849.

The Bridge Tender Inn for the taste of real Florida.

OPEN DAILY 7 AM - 9 PM

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www.amisun.com

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Tara Humbert and Justin Howell were married on the beautiful beach of Anna Maria Island on July 27, 2019. Their son Brantley was the ring bearer. The reception was held at the Gulf Drive Cafe. Chuck Caudill provided the music for the ceremony and reception.

Stefanie Lawrence, of the Gulf Drive Cafe, coordinated the reception. Tara and Justin honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Clyde, Ohio.

AUGUST 21, 2019

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Tiffany Mahmoud, nee Klos and Sameh Mahmoud celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary with their 2 year old son, Aydin, with a lunch at the Sandbar restaurant where they were married on April 25, 2014. On their wedding day in 2014, Chuck Caudill provided the music, and Patti Mckee and Ashley Wood, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. Tiffany and Sameh honeymooned on Anna Maria Island, and in the Dominican Republic. Tiffany, Sam and Aydin currently reside in Austin, Texas.

AUGUST 21, 2019

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

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19

20

AUGUST 21, 2019

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 21, 2019

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OUTDOORS

AUGUST 21, 2019

Grouper and snapper on the menu CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

The weather here has been great lately. Aside from the afternoon showers, offshore conditions have been stellar. We here at Anna Maria Charters have been taking full advantage.

Mangrove and yellowtail snapper are fired up on the offshore wrecks and ledges. Getting them to eat has been easy with a bit of chum and a jighead. It’s not uncommon to get 20 or so in a trip. We love the delicate meat on these fish. One client got a 27-inch mangrove last week. That’s a beast.

Red grouper and American red snapper also are on the menu. Bottom fishing sardines and pinfish over hard bottom and ledges will get you these guys.

American red snapper season ends on Aug. 1 for all federally permitted charters, so we’re getting them while they’re hot. Lastly, African pompano are getting hooked up way out deep. We’ve been losing a few to the goliath grouper. Frustrating when you’re hooking up and not getting them to the boat. Hopefully we maintain this weather pattern and get to keep up the streak.

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Tony Clark, Ashley and Chris Burns show off mangrove snapper, American red snapper and African pompano caught with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters.

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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Turtle disorientations explained Sea turtle disorientations occur when artificial lighting on sea turtle nesting beaches disrupts the ability of nesting females and hatchlings to find the sea from the beach.

Adult and hatchling sea turtles have an inborn tendency to move in the brightest direction, instinctively crawling away from the dark silhouettes of landward dunes and vegetation towards the brighter open horizon of the ocean.

Artificial lights near the beach are often brighter than the ocean horizon, leading adult females and hatchlings to disorient or crawl in the wrong direction. Disorientations from artificial lighting are a significant sea turtle conservation problem in Florida.

Nesting female sea turtles can be impacted by artificial lighting when choosing a nesting site or when returning to the sea. When choosing a nesting site, females may be deterred from areas that are too bright, which can cause them to select a less suitable location to lay their nests. If they do choose a beach with artificial lighting,

TURTLE TIPS During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

• Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatch-

Manatee County sea turtle disorientations Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Nests Hatchlings Adults 20 78 8 51 103 2 22 85 0 28 92 3 58 136

9 50 results not available 28 (as of Aug. 9)

SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION; ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING

SUBMITTED

they may abandon their nesting attempt, which results in a false crawl.

They also can become disoriented after they have nested and are attempting to return to the ocean. They often travel hundreds of yards in the wrong direction, ending up in parking lots, swimming pools, and on busy thoroughfares.

ing sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

• Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

BIRD TIPS During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

When hatchlings emerge from their nests at night, they rely on vision to help them find the water by distinguishing relative patterns of light and dark. Disorientation events are very harmful to hatchlings because the extra time spent crawling in the wrong direction depletes their small store

• Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed.

• Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health.

• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close.

• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach.

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.

• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

of energy. Disoriented hatchlings are subject to dehydration, exhaustion and predation by various beach-dwelling predators, all of which can be fatal.

Sometimes hatchlings crawl into the road where they are run over by cars.

Even if disoriented hatchlings eventually reach the water, they may not have enough energy to avoid predators in the sea or for the long swim offshore.

These events result in thousands of hatchling deaths each year.

SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY | SUBMITTED

Where’s Bortie Too? Bortie Too has slipped into second place behind east coast turtle Ursula in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 12th Annual Tour de Turtles.

After passing Key West and the Bahamas, Bortie Too is now headed for Cuba, swimming 550 miles, just shy of Ursula’s 592 miles, since the race began on Aug. 1. Bortie Too nested twice on AMI this year; she was tagged and released after nesting on Coquina Beach on June 21, then nested a second time on the Island before beginning the race. The loggerhead sea turtle is participating in the race to raise awareness of light pollution, which can disorient nesting and hatching turtles, a problem on Anna Maria Island. Ursula, sponsored by the Disney Conservation Fund, is racing to raise awareness of plastic pollution. The annual event is part of the Conservancy’s research project tracking satellite-tagged turtles to determine where and how far they migrate. The group uses satellite telemetry to track turtles released from beaches in Florida, Costa Rica, Panama and Nevis. Bortie Too is sponsored by the Conservancy, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Waterline Marina Resort in Holmes Beach and Bortell’s Lounge in Anna Maria, for which she is named.

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THE SUN

AUGUST 21, 2019

Sunshine lawsuit appeal deadline established The clock is ticking on the defendants’ 30-day window to appeal Judge Edward Nicholas’ ruling.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The defendants in Bradenton Beach’s Sunshine Law lawsuit have until mid-September to appeal Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas’ July ruling if they wish to do so.

Speaking separately last week, City Attorney Ricinda Perry and paralegal Michael Barfield said the 30-day appeal window officially began on Aug. 12 when Judge Edward Nicholas filed his written declaratory judgement that states he ruled in favor of the plaintiffs – the city and co-plaintiff Jack Clarke – and against the defendants: former city advisory board members Reed Mapes, Tjet Martin, John Metz, Patty Shay, Bill Vincent and Rose Vincent.

Nicholas issued his initial verbal ruling from the bench on July 19, the day after the closing arguments concluded on the fourth day of the trial.

The Sunshine Law violations occurred when the then-city advisory board members discussed public business at their Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meetings in 2017.

When issuing his verbal ruling in July, Nicholas noted the defendants never consulted with an attorney to determine whether their CNOBB meetings and discussions complied with the Sunshine Law. “Had they contacted Ricinda Perry, she would have answered: ‘Yes, the Sunshine Law applies.’ Had they contacted Mickey Palmer, the county attorney, he would have said, ‘Yes, the Sunshine Law applies.’ Had they contacted any attorney in the state of Florida they would have said, ‘Yes, the Sunshine Law applies,’” Nicholas said.

During the trial, Metz and his attorney, Thomas Shults, expressed their beliefs that the Sunshine Law was unconstitutional and violated Metz’s First Amendment rights to free

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

During the July trial, attorney Thomas Shults and lawsuit defendant John Metz questioned the constitutionality of the Florida Sunshine Law. speech and free assembly.

“The efforts to characterize their violative meetings as the right to assemble and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment also is not persuasive. Every citizen has the right to assemble and has the right to free speech. However, when an individual joins a government advisory board the Sunshine Law still applies,” Nicholas said when issuing his ruling.

Had they contacted

OCTOBER HEARING

‘Yes, the Sunshine

On Friday, Oct. 4, the parties will appear before Nicholas again. The parties will present their arguments regarding the city’s request for the defendants to reimburse the city and its taxpayers for some or all of the attorney fees and legal costs the city incurred during the twoyear discovery process and the recent trial.

According to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, the city’s invoiced attorney fees and legal costs were $250,425 as Monday, Aug. 19. Thompson said that does not include the trial work that took place in July – which Perry said could increase the city’s costs by another $200,000, or more.

In a settlement offer the City Commission rejected in May, Shults stated Metz would settle out of court if the city paid him $42,000 and Clarke paid him $14,000. The settlement offer said this equated to 40 percent of Metz’s attorney fees and costs through April.

any attorney in the state of Florida they would have said, Law applies.’”

Edward Nicholas, Circuit Court Judge

“The Open Meetings Law permits the award of attorney’s fees and costs against the city and Clarke if the court finds this suit was filed in bad faith or was frivolous. The city and Clarke can rest assured that Mr. Metz will pursue his right to such award if this matter is not resolved,” Metz’s May 28 settlement offer said.

“This liability consists not just of the attorney’s fees and costs the city will expend for the trial and the appeals thereafter, but also the attorney’s fees and costs incurred by all defendants,” Metz’s settlement offer said.

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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June 2019 tourist tax collections compared to June 2018

Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*

1% 9% 19% 57%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also funds tourismrelated attractions such as the Bishop Museum and the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts.

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Amounts shown were collected in June and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in July. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www. taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

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REAL ESTATE

AUGUST 21, 2019

Uncovering a home’s defects

T

he definition of disclose is to uncover or reveal. When it comes to uncovering problems in a property you’re interested in purchasing, the pathway is cluttered with rules that are frequently unclear. Never-the-less, about once a year I like to do a column about real estate disclosure, and late summer is a good time to review this in preparation for the upcoming selling season.

Last week I focused specifically on disclosing previous flooding incidents.

This week I’ll touch on many of the other aspects of home disclosures.

In an effort to protect buyers, many states are holding sellers responsible to disclose defects before closing. Since 1985, Florida law has provided for that as well.

As we reviewed last week, the Florida Seller’s Disclosure form is not mandatory for sellers to fill out and sign, however, they are still required to disclose any material defects in the property that could affect the

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER value of that property if they are aware of it, and this is where it gets foggy. If a seller states he/she has no previous knowledge of, for instance, sinkholes and after the closing a sinkhole develops, can the new owner hold the previous owner responsible? According to state law, after closing the onus is on the new owner to prove that the previous owner knew about the defect and willfully did not disclose it.

Some of the points covered on a seller’s disclosure are: potential claims against the property or pending court cases, including in the case of condominiums; special assessments that have been approved; all

of the HOA or condominium association rules and fees, boundary issues for single family homes; the aforementioned sinkholes; and environmental hazards such as asbestos, lead paint, mold, Chinese drywall construction, and wood destroying organisms. Disclosure also includes condition of major systems, like plumbing, air conditioning and heat and electrical. Condition of appliances is also a disclosure item as is in ground pools, hot tubs and, of course, roofs.

The approximately six-page form does not specifically ask about property tax, which is easily acquired from county property rolls, but sellers are generally asked what the annual property tax is, flood insurance if the property is in a flood zone and frequently utility bills. Buyers should not rely on any information about taxes and certainly not utilities. The amount of property taxes that the buyer may be obligated to pay in the year subsequent to purchase will undoubtedly change since a sale trig-

gers reassessment of the property generally based on purchase price.

Finally, sellers will be relieved to know that if the property was the site of a homicide, suicide or death, it is not considered a material fact and does not need to be disclosed. Further, according to Florida law, if the property was inhabited by an individual with HIV/AIDS, it is not required to disclose this fact. Also, if the seller shares with you or the real estate broker that they believe the house is haunted, there is no legal disclosure ruling one way or the other, essentially the law is silent on this.

Pretty much you can assume that any tangible defect related to a property needs to be disclosed, whether it is in writing or verbally. However, I would encourage all sellers to fill out the written disclosure statement providing the buyers with a feeling of transparency and avoiding any misunderstandings about the condition of the property. Nice when things are uncluttered.

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 21, 2019

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27

Bridge Street development request continued The commission couldn’t support the developer’s request to reduce the number and size of the parking spaces required for the proposed rental units.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Developer Michael Hynds’ request to add four vacation rental units to his commercial building at 119 Bridge Street has been continued until Sept. 5.

Facing potential City Commission denial during the Thursday, Aug. 15, public hearing, Hynds requested additional time to address the commission’s concerns about reducing the number and size of the required parking spaces, the dumpster location, the landscape buffering, construction staging and the handicapped parking space complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. City Planner Alan Garrett told the commission Hynds could provide 14 parking spaces, plus a space for a low-speed vehicle, but city code requires 16 spaces for the addition of four residential units.

City code requires parallel parking spaces to be 23 feet long, and Hynds proposes some

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Michael Hynds wants to add four vacation rental units to the rear of his commercial building on Bridge Street. of them to be slightly less than 19 feet.

“The parking is not for customers; it’s purely for tenants. The public is not allowed in that parking lot, so we have full control of it,” Hynds told the commission.

Building Official Steve Gilbert confirmed the parking approval Hynds received for his original Planned Unit Development (PUD) in 2013 was based on one parking space per commercial tenant.

“It did not specify anything about public

parking, that’s why the shuttle conversation took place,” Gilbert said regarding the existing retail and restaurant building.

Garrett said the PUD designation allows Hynds to request a parking reduction, and Hynds noted the city’s parking requirements have changed since he received his original approvals.

Hynds said he’s reduced the number of commercial tenants from 10 to seven to provide parking for the vacation rental units.

“We have nine full-size parking spaces and we have five reduced parallel parking spaces. It’s all private parking, so we can designate which one of our tenants parks in which spot,” Hynds said.

Chappie noted Hynds’ request to amend his original PUD approvals puts previous approvals back on the table and subject to change.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry asked Garrett if the residential units are depicted on the approved site plan or amended order of Planned Unit Development. Garrett said those documents do not reference or depict a residential unit.

Perry asked Garrett if those documents provide Hynds with a reservation of rights regarding the residential units. Garrett said they did not.

COMMISSION COMMENTS

“I’m very concerned about the parking problem. I can’t support it the way it is right now,” Mayor John Chappie said.

Chappie then tried to get a feel for where the rest of the commission stood before vote before asking Garrett and Perry to craft a motion to place to a vote.

“I can’t either until we address the parkSEE DEVELOPMENT, PAGE 28

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AUGUST 21, 2019

DEVELOPMENT: Request continued FROM PAGE 27

ing,” Commissioner Marilyn Maro said.

“The parking is a big issue. That’s my concern too,” Commissioner Ralph Cole said.

“I’d like to make it work for Mr. Hynds, but I’m not sure we can,” Commissioner Randy White said.

“I think the indication is there’s zero sup-

port for the plan as submitted. The number one concern is the parking,” Chappie concluded, noting that is not the commission’s only concern.

“For me, it’s trying to come up with a winwin situation,” Cole said. “I don’t want to put city in a bad position or you in a bad position or the neighbors in a bad position.”

Cole expressed hope that there might be a solution that makes everyone happy.

Chappie then called for a brief recess to allow a motion to be crafted. During that recess, Hynds and Perry engaged in a short, private conversation.

When the meeting resumed, Hynds requested the continuance. He said he would

return on Sept. 5 with specific details regarding the parking spaces and the creation of a shuttle service that potentially alleviates some of the commission’s concerns. That meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

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AUGUST 21, 2019

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12118 W 45th Ave Dr. $899,000

Waterfront! Direct Bayfront in The Historic Cortez Fishing Village, Almost ½ Acre, Zoning Options, 3BD/1BA Home, Great Boathouse!

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Coastal Beauty on AMI, 5BD/4.5BA Pool Home, Prime Location, Great Rental, Direct to Beach, Sunset Views!

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Large 4BD/4.5BA Pool Home, Prime Location, New Construction, Private Pool Guest Suite, Great Rental, Close to Everything!

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

If approved by the city commission, the Drift In’s food vendor would set up in one of the parking spaces.

Drift In hopes to serve late night eats A commission workshop will be scheduled to further discuss the food service request.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Drift In owner Joe Cuervo is requesting city’s permission to operate a mobile food vending cart outside of his bar Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Cuervo presented his request to the city commission on Thursday, Aug. 15.

City Planner Alan Garrett said Cuervo’s request would require an amendment to the city’s land development code to allow currently prohibited vending carts to operate within the city.

Garrett said the code cannot be changed

for a single property and the amended code would apply to others as well. Cuervo said he’s willing to go through that code amendment process.

Cuervo said the vending cart would take up one of his parking spaces. He hopes to partner with Chef Stephen Cordova and Uncle Steve’s Mobile Cuisine as the Drift In’s food vendor, serving hot dogs, steak sandwiches, chicken sandwiches and things of that nature when the dining options become more scarce along Bridge Street later at night.

“It might help sober some people up, put some food in their stomach,” Cuervo told the commission.

Mayor John Chappie said he would schedule a commission workshop to further explore the possibility of allowing food vending carts.

AUGUST 21, 2019

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 21, 2019

BEACH BEAT

OBITUARIES

ANNA MARIA

8/3, burglary to an unoccupied conveyance, 311 Tarpon St. An unknown party entered the vacation rental and damaged the interior.

James F. Mills

James F. Mills, 88, of Bradenton, died Aug, 10, 2019. There was a celebration

of life at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug 17, at CrossPointe Fellowship. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, was in charge. www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

THE SUN

REQUEST: For extra employee FROM PAGE 15

isn’t prohibited by law. So, the city attorney has to say what is best practice, what does your CRA plan allow and has there been any inclusion of this with past expenditures?”

Westmoreland said.

Westmoreland provided Perry with a 2019 legal memorandum pertaining to city of Dunedin’s CRA. In that memo, attorney Patrick Perez expressed his opinion that there’s nothing in the state statute that specifically prohibits CRAs from performing and funding maintenance.

“Further, there are several areas within the statute that may be interpreted to allow for the maintenance of specific things within the CRA,” Perez opined.

Perez also noted that CRA funds cannot be used to pay for a local government’s general operating expenses.

When contacted last week, Perry said, “My understanding of the Florida Statutes is that when the CRA makes a substantial investment in the CRA district it has the right to utilize CRA funding to protect and maintain that project.”

Perry said her advice to the CRA members would be to fund the additional public works employee using the general fund and invoicing the CRA at an hourly rate for specific services provided – similar to the special policing powers that allow CRA funds to be used for additional policing of the pier and CRA district.

“It can’t be for general maintenance projects done citywide.” Perry said.

Build Your Dream Home in a Dream Location!

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© 2019 Neal Communities, All rights reserved. Neal Communities reserves the right to change this information without notice. See a sales representative for details. License#: CBC 1256375

31

32

THE SUN

ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY FUN

At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Friday, Aug. 23, Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Aug. 27, Preschool story time, “Friendship ,” 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Tech help, 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341

TIME FOR ONE’S SELF

Wellness Weekend Sign up for “Art, Play, Love,” the second annual wellness weekend being held on Nov. 15 through 17 and sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Art League This is an opportunity to enjoy enlightening, educational, artistic

and inspirational programs for one’s choice. Come with friends or alone.

The wellness weekend is for men and women ages 18 and up.

There are more than 13 classes to choose from. Last year’ classes included meditation, chair yoga, writing, tai chi, mandala making, just to name a few.

This year's schedule will be coming soon. Preregistration is $125 per person by Oct. 14. After that it’s $150 per person. Those prices include programs and light meals. Spaces are limited, and additional fees will apply for some programs.

To preregister or for more information, call 941-778-2099 or email Fran at artleagueami@gmail.com.

TAKE A TIME-OUT

Revitalize and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit with this power yoga class from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug 25, at the Mosaic NEST, 10299 9th Ave. N.W., Bradenton.This class is designed to blend awareness of breath, physical movement and mindfulness to promote clarity of mind while developing physical strength and stamina, increasing flexibility, burning calories and detoxifying the body. Participants must provide their own yoga mats.

The program sponsored by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga. This program is suitable for adults. To register, email aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org. There is a $10 participant fee payable by cash only.

AUGUST 21, 2019

NEW ART IN SEPTEMBER

Island Gallery West at 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, presents the Trottle Art of Dieter Lau exhibit through Sept.

30. Educated in Berlin and working as an architectural contractor, Lau has received numerous awards for his traditional and non-traditional methods.

His finished artwork is printed on canvas, ultra glossy aluminum, polished acrylic and wood panels.

The public is welcome to see Lau’s exhibit and attend the opening reception on Friday Sept. 13, from 5.30 to 7.30 p.m. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through the end of April. For more information, visit www. islandgallerywest.com, Facebook or call 941-778-6648 .

www.amisun.com

AUGUST 21, 2019

THE SUN

33

Gulf Drive Café expansion approved The Gulf Drive Café in Bradenton Beach will soon be expanding.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun. com

BRADENTON BEACH – Gulf Drive Café owners Wendy and George Kokolis have the Bradenton Beach’s approval to expand their beachfront business operations.

On Thursday, Aug. 15, the city commission unanimously approved the Kokolis’ request to add 86 additional seats, 887 square feet of additional covered dining area, expand the existing kitchen area by 446 square feet and add 886 square feet of second-story storage space.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Gulf Drive Café in Bradenton Beach will soon be expanding.

The additional seating is allowed because of changes made to the city’s land development code in 2016. The old code re-

quired one parking space for every three seats, plus one parking space for every two employees during the establishment’s largest shift.

The current code requires one parking space for every four seats, plus one parking space for every two employees during the largest shift.

The Gulf Drive Café’s revised seating capacity is capped at 300 seats and that applies during weddings and other special events.

Representing the Kokolis family, architect Bob Gause said improvements will also be made to the dumpster area at the north end of the property – and the south end of the beachfront property will no longer be used for overflow parking.

The Kokolis’ will also work with the city and the Florida Department of Transportation to make stormwater improvements, crosswalk improvements and handicapped parking improvements that require city property, state property and some of the Kokolis’ property.

Additional seating OK'd for Coquina Beach Café The commission approved expansion will resemble the seating arrangements at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café in Holmes Beach.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners approved a request to add 100 seats and a small live music stage to the county-owned, privately-operated Coquina Beach Café.

When in place, the stage and additional seats will grace a portion of the beach between the concession stand and the Gulf of Mexico.

Operating as United Park Services Inc., business partners Alan Kahana and Mark Enoch presented their request to the city commission on Thursday, Aug. 15. Kahana and Enoch lease the countyowned concession space at Coquina Beach. They also lease the countyowned concession space at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, where they operate the Anna Maria Island Beach Café.

Kahana said they’ve been running both beach-based operations for the past 10 years, and the expanded seating at Coquina Beach will utilize the same “seats in sand” approach used in Holmes Beach.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The sand in front of the Coquina Beach Café will soon contain 100 additional seats.

The meeting packet included a letter of support from Manatee County Parks and Recreation Director Charlie Hunsicker.

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department Contracts Manager Debbie Vorhees referenced the letter when addressing the commission.

She said the county’s contract with United Parks Services includes a stipulation that permits the licensee to utilize space up to 75 feet from the perimeter edge of the wood deck for additional

seating and live music.

“The county is supportive of their improvement efforts, and they have proven to be an excellent partner with us, and they do a great job with both concessions,” Vorhees said.

Vice Mayor Jake Spooner said he likes the idea. He said when the county’s beach concessionaires earn more money that produces more money for the surplus concession revenues that assist the Island cities with local projects.

Spooner asked the concessionaires

if the beach chairs would be stacked at night during sea turtle nesting season.

Enoch said he already spoke with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Suzi Fox, and she will advise them on those matters.

The commission unanimously Spooner’s motion to approve the request.

Afterwards, Kahana said the additional seating would be added when the peak tourist season picks up again.

34

THE SUN

SPORTS

AUGUST 21, 2019

Moss Builders and G&G Yardscaping are champs

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The Florida rains could not stop the action on the indoor soccer pitch. Last week brought an end to the youth indoor season with two action packed game.

After 40 minutes of play, Moss Builders took the championship medals in a close match-up against Ugly Grouper in the Intermediate League made up of the community’s youngest players.

G&G Yardscaping ran away with the win against an enthusiastic Ugly Grouper squad, giving it the championship honors for the Advanced League.

To start the first game the referee determined possession with a friendly battle of rock, paper, scissors, with Ugly Grouper winning the offensive position.

The game featured an excellent passing game by Moss Builders’ Dylan Sato and his teammates.

Mason Moss was awarded with the first scoring statistic in the game on a free kick, after an initial tap of the ball by Sato. Moss’ free kick went untouched past the Ugly Grouper defenders at the goal.

Ahead by a goal, Jackson Titen found the net for the first time in the game after four minutes of play, giving his team a two-point lead.

Less than a minute later, Sato scored his own goal, taking the score to 3-0, with plenty of time left in the league’s final game of the season.

In an effort to stop the scoring, the Ugly Grouper defense started to clump together near the net, eventually gaining possession of the soccer ball.

Hunter Titen made a nice defensive block of an Ugly Grouper strike. Jack Zaccagnino took a shot on goal that went just wide, right of the post.

Miles Moss, younger brother of Mason, showed tenacity at the wall to take back the soccer ball for Moss Builders. Meanwhile Mason Moss, essentially serving as the goalie protecting his net without the use of his hands, made huge stops preventing a score by Ugly Grouper.

J. Titen put the soccer ball through the legs of the last defender for the fourth goal for Moss Builders.

Ugly Grouper got on the scoreboard after 12 minutes of action with a spirit-sparking goal by Jackson Rosas. Rosas got the audience and his team excited with a second goal less than a minute later, tightening the score to 4-2.

Rosas played along side Joseph Rosas during the season along with Brady Thompson, bringing the Ugly Grouper team to the big game.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Moss Builders took the Intermediate League championship win last Tuesday night to finish the youth indoor soccer season. Right, Youth indoor soccer Advanced League Champions Team G&G Yardscaping.

With fearless play, Ugly Grouper’s Jasmine Sparks lit up the court with her defensive battles against the boys of Moss Builders.

Scoring the last goal for his team, Jesse Zaccagnino took a beastly shot that flew by Mason Moss.

After several three-line violation calls for both teams, the first half of the game ended with the score 4-3.

Both teams struggled to make anything happen on the indoor court. Moss Builders’ offense looked flat until the 31st minute of the game with a beautiful shot by Brandon Sato that went just right of the post.

Jesse Zaccagnino took the soccer ball down the floor, making a textbook cross court pass to Sparks, who was just slightly out of position in front of the Moss Builders’ net.

Another three-line violation gave Mason Moss his second free kick scoring opportunity. In a repeat move, Dylan Sato tapped the yellow ball, giving Moss the freedom to take the scoring kick right into the Ugly Grouper net.

With the score 5-3, J. Titen got his hat trick with less than three minutes left on the clock, once again giving Moss Builders a three-point lead.

The Ugly Grouper team never called it quits, playing hard until the final buzzer. In the final seconds of the game, Jesse Zaccagnino’s shot was stopped by Mason Moss, ending the game with the score of 6-3.

In the second championship game of the night for the Advanced League, G&G Yardscaping handily earned the win against AMI Locals. The Locals squad put up a good fight and made their opponent work for the W.

Late team add-on Elek Brisson protected his team’s net for the majority of the game, forcing the G&G team to make excellent shots.

AMI Local’s Mary Harrison played tough defense, using her speed and toughness on the pitch to force the G&G offense to pass the soccer ball around the court.

G&G Yardscaping’s Cale Rudacille made great passes at midcourt to give his team scoring position on the AMI Local’s side of the line.

Rudacille’s teammate, Kate Stembridge, was a force to be reckoned with in front of the goal on defense. G&G’s squad with Payton and Ava Harlan and Hudson Green fought hard in the final game, just as they did throughout season.

Throughout the game G&G’s Ryan Joseph played an unselfish game, despite his immense experience and soccer talent.

Time and time again Joseph maneuvered his way down the court looking for Connor Samblis to take the shot.

With the exception of one, Samlis’ strikes sailed the ball missing the net.

Joseph scored the first of his four goals in the game after more than 17 minutes of action, giving his team a 1-0 lead. His second score came with just 30 seconds left on the scoreboard clock to end the half.

Leading by two points, G&G worked soundly on offense with a great pass by Rudacille to Samblis. The shot went to the side of the net for no score.

Samblis found his groove for his solo score in the 27th minute of the championship game, taking the score to 3-0.

One minute later, Brisson scored his team’s only goal, giving his team hope with only a two-point deficit. Throughout the

season, Evan Talucci worked hard on the pitch along with AMI Locals teammates Dalton Fox, Jack and Jay Harrison, and standout visitor Carsyn Deligans.

AMI Locals’ Savana Coba took her shot that went just right of the post 28 minutes into the game and followed up with a heads up defensive stop a minute later.

In the last seven minutes of the game, G&G Yardscaping went on a scoring spree staring with a goal by Samblis. Rudacille ripped the ball for a shot attempt that was just right of the goal.

Joseph hit his team’s fifth and sixth goals in less than 30 seconds, leading G&G Yardscaping to the championship win with the score 6-1 to end the youth indoor play for the season.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, AUG. 13 YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE Moss Builders Ugly Grouper

ADVANCED LEAGUE

G&G Yardscaping AMI Locals

THURSDAY, AUG. 15 ADULT CO-ED INDOOR SOCCER Slim’s Place Ugly Grouper

6 3 6 1

3 8

Moss Builders Gulfview Windows and Doors

17 6

Progressive Cabinetry Sato Real Estate

13 3t

AUGUST 21, 2019

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

35

BOAT RAMPS: Paid parking may be coming FROM PAGE

plan – to charge the boat ramp users a fee.

The proposal from the Parks and Natural Resources staff is to charge $5 per day for boat trailer parking spaces.

If the fee is charged, it’s estimated that each parking space would generate $500 in revenue each year, equaling $146,500 in annual revenue for 293 trailer parking spaces. The estimate to install solar-powered parking machines at the boat ramps is $65,000 with $5,400 in annual data costs.

Commissioner Carol Whitmore said that with the amount of money that would be raised with paid parking, she doesn’t feel that it’s worth it.

“I don’t support them, 100 percent,” she said. “I just don’t support charging to park our boats.” She added that she hopes her fellow commissioners won’t support paid parking at boat ramps either.

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said

she is more in favor of charging for paid parking at the boat ramps due to the use of the ramps for commercial businesses.

“I don’t think it’s right that a commercial fisherman should be able to use our ramps to run their business,” she said.

Commissioner Priscilla Whisenant Trace said that she believes that fishermen would be willing to pay to park if it gave them access to the county’s busy boat ramps. She added that she hopes the county finds a way to expand its boat ramps and maybe a way to provide preferential treatment for boaters who live in Manatee County.

“It only makes sense to charge user fees,” Commissioner Besty Benac said.

With the number of registered vessels in Manatee County jumping from 17,940 in 2015 to 20,931 in 2018, the county’s boat ramps are operating over capacity on a regular basis, according to Hunsicker. Adding in the approximately 395,000 Manatee County residents, the presentation notes that there should

be 52 boat ramp lanes in the county to adequately accommodate everyone according to standards outlined in the county’s comprehensive plan.

There currently are 18 boat ramp lanes in use in Manatee County in the nine improved boat ramps, not including the Lake Manatee Boat Ramp. In the nine boat ramps, there are 293 trailer parking spaces, not including those available to other vehicles.

Hunsicker also proposed creating a public private partnership to create new boat ramps in the area, specifically one with Pen Bay 1 LLC to create a new four lane boat ramp with access to Palma Sola Bay and 80 parking spaces in Cortez at the site of the proposed Peninsula Bay residential subdivision project. He said that the project as proposed would not change the shoreline of Palma Sola Bay. He said the developer estimated in 2018 that the construction costs for the project, including cutting a channel to

the bay, would be $10-15 million with the costs shared between the county and the developer. If county leaders opt to move forward with the project, Hunsicker said the developer is ready to go into design for the project as early as fiscal year 2020.

Whitmore said she feels very good about the possibilities of the project and applauded the developer for wanting to commit land to a public boat ramp that could be developed into more housing.

Currently funds for boat ramp projects and renovations come from either matching funds with the West Coast Inland Navigation District or the Florida Boating Improvement Program from vessel registration fees. Without finding additional funding sources, Hunsicker said the county won’t meet its goals over the next five years to renovate existing boat ramps.

No decisions were made by commissioners due to the discussion taking place during a work session.

MORRIS: New evidence may point to murder FROM PAGE 1

taken at the crime scene, showing marks in a geometric pattern on Sheena’s lower back that match the wicker pattern in a chair pictured in the hotel room.

“I looked at it and I’m like, ‘Oh my God. Now I know.’ But I‘ve known all along,” Osborn said.

When the hotel redecorated, Osborn said she was able to obtain one of the chairs so that investigators could take measurements and better compare them to the photo of the marks on her daughter’s back.

What they found, according to

Johnson, is that Morris must have been seated in the wicker chair after her death, indicating that she was moved to the shower and hung.

Forensic Pieces investigators say that the marks were caused by a process called lividity, in which blood pools in the body after the heart stops pumping at death. The marks were not detected in the autopsy because Morris’ body was moved to a horizontal position on a gurney before the lividity became fixed, or permanent, according to investigators.

The marks show that the hanging was staged, according to Forensic

… sometimes there’s justice, and sometimes there’s just us.”

Kelly Osborn Pieces, which has used the case to teach law enforcement investigators about how murders can be staged as suicides.

“We’re trying to get them to take a second look at the new evidence,” Johnson said. “We would like somebody to reopen the case. FDLE has a lab; they could submit this to their lab.”

Meanwhile, Osborn, who lives about six miles from the man she suspects of murdering her daughter, is not planning any more marches for justice.

“I know that my daughter was murdered. I could only hope that justice could be served. But right now, sometimes there’s justice, and sometimes there’s just us.”

36

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Bookie's concern 5 Wedge-shaped bones 10 Elite Eight org.

14 Bygone depilatory brand 15 Cantilevered window 16 Panhandler's income 17 Start of a business journey 19 Watery defense, perhaps 20 Hustle 21 First name in bike stunts 23 Phased-out Secret Service weapon 24 Way to get from 17to 39-Across 29 Doce meses 30 Roll of bills 31 Woolly mammal 32 Seasonal song ender 34 Proceed tediously 37 Like pals who go way back 39 Pinnacle of the journey 44 Three Gorges project 45 Wail 46 Former autocrat 47 Stat for Miguel Cabrera 49 Menu phrase 51 Letter before omega 52 Way to get from 39to 63-Across 58 Bygone greeting 59 Site with digging 60 Witty remark 61 Word with work or play 63 End of the journey

68 Field of work 69 Food poisoning cause 70 Times past 71 Place of bliss 72 Summer Triangle star 73 WWI battle river Down 1 Top 40 title for Metallica or U2 2 Resting place 3 Overthrew 4 Las Vegas feature 5 Peruvian currency 6 Occur 7 Catlike carnivore 8 "Deathtrap" actor 9 Gene variant 10 '60s hot spot 11 Data storage medium 12 Render speechless 13 On the move 18 Cry of pain 22 __ gravity 24 Wholesale quantity 25 Figurine material 26 Mesmerized Answers to 08-14-19 Crossword Puzzle.

27 Wing it 28 Dutch earthenware city 33 High-tech greeting 35 Fertility clinic specimens 36 Big name in whisky 38 Naysayers 40 Darker-than-ocher pigment 41 Cantina cooker 42 Threw 43 Pelee Island's lake 48 Toughened 50 Top of the heap 52 Triangular part of a house 53 Roundish 54 Sierra __ 55 Pizza slice, say 56 Playwright Chekhov 57 Comfortably familiar 62 Understanding 64 Seine site 65 Corduroy feature 66 "Dream on, laddie" 67 Original Dungeons & Dragons co.

AUGUST 21, 2019

AUGUST 21, 2019

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

Join the team at the FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM to preserve Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. Assist with collections, school tours and more! Contact 941-708-6120

BOATS: SALES & RENTALS 2008 MAKO 204cc 150 Suzuki 450 hours T-Top. EZ Load Trailer.

Lift Kept, One Owner $23,000 Call 941-7268414

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 GREAT 1200 sf, COMMERCIAL/RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE! Views of Tampa Bay, handicap access, elevator. Nothing else like it on the island. Contact Jay Travis, Re/Max Alliance Group 941-812-7277

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

EMPLOYMENT SOLO’S PIZZA LOOKING for part time evening cook.

Call 941-778-8118 THE AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is seeking a positive, outgoing, team player with excellent communication skills for a part-time administrative assistant position. Excellent computer skills a must – MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher & Photoshop.

Quickbooks a plus. Email info@amichamber.org

CARE GIVER

FISHING CHARTERS

HOUSEHOLD TECHNICIANS LLC. Caring Experienced Technicians will take care of your loved ones.

Personal & household needs. Licensed & Insured.

Call 941-725-4859 . 8/21 NEW Williams

CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

Call us today! 941-778-3986

FOR SALE VARIDESK CUBE CORNER 36, two tier design and keyboard deck.

Heavyweight base for stability. Color black.

Also Varidesk sitting/ standing chair and floor mat. All perfect condition. All pieces new $805. Asking $250. Call Steve 941-724-2728.

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES

ROSER THRIFT SHOP open Tuesday & Thursday 9:30am-2pm,Saturday 10am-1pm, Annex till 12pm. Donations preferred Wednesdays 9am -11am 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Phone 941-779-2733 GARAGE SALE FRIDAY & SATURDAY August 23 & 24. 9am-4pm. Furniture, appliances, miscellaneous household goods. 528 68th St. Holmes Beach.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates.

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations and Handyman Services 941-2430995 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Credit Cards Accepted.

AMISUN.COM

THE SUN

LOST & FOUND

AMI CONSTRUCTION LLC. Need a new look give us a call. No job to big or small, 30 yrs local experience.

CGC#1513514 Call 941705-0000 Free Estimates

FOUND DIAMOND RING on Friday July 5 on Coquina Beach. Call Bradenton Beach Police Department 941-778-6311

HOME SERVICES

LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921

THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com

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 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 08/28/2019, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FMZU73EX4UC26214 2004 FORD 1FTEW1E59JKE77174 2018 FORD 1G11E5SA8DU141446 2013 CHEVROLET 1GTCS14W5Y8190211 2000 GENERAL MOTORS CORP 1HGCP3F8XBA006166 2011 HONDA 2C3CDXHG6KH608796 2019 DODGE 2GCEC19CX81280316 2008 CHEVROLET 3FCMF53S9XJA15700 1999 TROPHY / TROPICA 4T1BK36B57U171063 2007 TOYOTA JS2YA413785100729 2008 SUZUKI

LOST EYE GLASSES April 19th. Dark men’s frame.

Anthony Peoples Design.

Call 269-344-7960 LOST WHITE GOLD 18 carat wedding band on Anna Maria Island on beach near Sandbar Restaurant. Call 352-484-4040 if found.

LOST ON AMI near the curve at Bradenton beach in the gulf a small red ricoh underwater camera and a size 14 gold wedding band of 25 years. reward if found. Has very sentimental pictures that I cannot duplicate the camera had a half of a lanyard attached to it and on the clip of the lanyard was my wedding ring. Call 205-223-1548

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

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.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

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DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

PETS NO NEED FOR Doggie Daycare. I can walk your dog, exercise, Pet taxi to Vet or Groomer. Loving attention. Lots of cuddling. Mary Walsh 941-405-2496

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 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 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

RENTALS: ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH, Great 3BR/2BA Island Style home home, open floor plan close to the beach with large bonus room, 2 car garage. Pets allowed $2,650/mo. BAY HOLLOW CONDO Beautiful 2BR/2BA canal front condo just off the Island with views of the water, includes use of a boat dock, updated gourmet kitchen. HOA approval required, furnishings can be included, $2,300/mo.

Call Paige 513-382-1992 www.teamduncan.com Duncan Real Estate

Call us today! 941-778-3986

ANNUAL RENTALS: 2BR/2BA Furnished, Gulf Front-LBK $2500/mo.

1BR/1BA Duplex-Holmes Beach $1250. 2BR/2BA Furnished-West Bradenton $1200/mo. 2BR/2BA Village Green $1550/mo. Call A Paradise Realty 941-7784800 ANNUAL RENTALS- Anna Maria 1BR/1BA steps to beach, on-site laundry.

No pets. $1,400/mo.

2BR/1.5BA w/carport, storage, washer/dryer hook ups. $1,700/mo.

Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

ANNUAL RENTAL AT VILLAGE GREEN Oversized Villa with 2 car garage, premium lake view, 2BR/2BA, fully applianced, unfurnished, very clean. Recent updates include plantation shutters, AC, new paint and large heated pool. First, last plus security. $100 HOA fee. Tenant pays electric/water. Trash and cable included in rent.

REDUCED to $1800/ mo. Available NOW. Please Call (owner) Jim 781-603-2861 jimreilly@ townisp.com

LARGE EXECUTIVE HOME Perico, close to beach, 3BR/3BA, available August 1st. $3,000/month - 1st, last, and security deposit req'd. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate.com HOLMES BEACH 1BR/1BA + bonus room & car port.

Near dog park & tennis courts. Includes W/D, water, internet, alarm system, trash. Consider small dog.

No smoking. First, last & security. $1400/mo. Call 860-922-3857 BUNGALOW WITH MINILOFT. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer. Steps to Beach. Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last, $500 security deposit. Call 941741-1096 HOLMES BEACH Elevated 2BR/2BA, en-suite laundry, screened patio, garage, and covered parking in quiet area. Available October 1, pets allowed, $1850/ mo. Call Island Real Estate 941-778-6066

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

AUGUST 21, 2019

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured

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