Anna Maria Island Sun August 23, 2023

CRA votes to discontinue tram funding

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted unanimously to discontinue funding the Old Town Tram at an Aug. 15 budget meeting.

The potential defunding of the tram comes on the heels of another free Anna Maria Island ride service, the Monkey Bus, which has temporarily shut down services while attempting to resolve insurance issues.

The Old Town Tram, a free park-andride shuttle service in the CRA district (from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South), is supported by the CRA at a cost of $52,000 annually.

“We have $52,000 set aside for this

Commissioners shrink wetland buffers

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON – After a lengthy and contentious land use meeting in which environmentalists, scientists and citizens spoke against a comprehensive plan amendment that would diminish county wetland regulations, Manatee County commissioners voted 6-1 to adopt the state’s less restrictive wetland regulations.

The changes to county wetland regulations would reduce the 30-foot wetland buffer for development and remove the 50-foot buffer for environmentally sensitive coastal wetlands to the state’s 25-foot minimum. The changes will require amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan and land development code.

Dan DeLisi, of DeLisi Inc., a land planner and former chief of staff for the South Florida Water Management District, spoke at the Aug. 17 meeting.

“I was asked to look at where there are overlapping regulations where the state is already providing regulations and is redundant,” he said. “There is a proposed amendment in your comprehensive plan.”

SEE WETLANDS, PAGE 23

Beach parking garage fight continues

as a recurring cost in our budget,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said during the budget discussion meeting. “Is this something that you’re looking at continuing? We have extended and extended and extended the trial period to see if this is a success.”

Launched as a pilot program in November 2020, the Old Town Trams were put in place to help address the lack of parking on and around Bridge Street. The program, using two electric golf carts, is provided by the Sarasotabased Easy Parking Group, owned by Joshua LaRose.

Perry noted that the tram agreement between the CRA and Easy Parking Group is on a month-to-month basis and could be closed this budget year.

“We have had a loose understanding of what is successful. We know that

SEE TRAM, PAGE 25

City and county officials are still at odds over a proposed parking garage at Manatee Beach.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – In the aftermath of a Manatee County Commission work session discussing the building of a parking garage at Manatee Beach, city and county officials continue to make their thoughts known on the hotly debated project.

During the Aug. 14 work session, county Commissioner Jason Bearden said that the beach parking garage should be “the top priority for the county.” This would rank the proposed three-story parking structure at the county-owned beach in Holmes

Beach, with an estimated 900 parking spaces at a cost of $30-50 million, higher than parking garages at the downtown Bradenton county administration building, among others.

Manatee County commissioners stated the garage would provide beach access for everyone in the county, which has almost half a million residents. Anna Maria Island is a 7-mile-long barrier island that is 1 mile wide at the widest point. According to Holmes Beach police, who patrol the Manatee Beach parking lot, the lot has more than 400 parking spaces with hundreds more located within a quarter mile of the public beach access, the only one in the city with restroom, shower and concession facilities.

SEE GARAGE, PAGE 16

BRAISED BEEF - enjoy an autumn comfort food. 21

REEL TIME casts a long, hard look at wetland buffers and politics. 19

A final budget vote is scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 14.

CINDY LANE | SUN

The wetlands at Robinson Preserve connect the Manatee River with Palma Sola Bay. Mangroves flourish there, protecting shorelines from erosion, providing a refuge for juvenile fish and helping purify water. A recent decision by the Manatee County Commission reduces wetlands protections.

AMI natives lend helping hands in Maui fires

Several folks from Anna Maria Island are helping during the fires in Hawaii.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND –Several former Island residents are lending assistance to the fire-stricken areas in Maui, Hawaii.

Fires broke out there on Aug. 8, killing more than 100 people, with many more missing.

“They grew up on the Island and are now living in Hawaii,” said Ronee Brady, owner of the West Coast Surf Shop in Holmes Beach. “I’ve known them since they were coming to the surf shop as kids.”

Josh Riccio, an Anna Maria Island native, is now a firefighter currently working in Maui, Brady said.

“I’ve known Josh since he was a kid,” Brady said. “He just got his badge as a firefighter out there.

Josh was just on Anna Maria not too long ago for a visit and went back to Hawaii to this.”

Brady’s granddaughter, Izzi Gomez, is a big wave surfer who grew up on the Island and lives on Maui.

“She’s in California right now, but she has loaned her apartment to people who were displaced by the fires,” Brady said.

Brice Hamilton, a Bradenton native, is out there helping to do what he can, she said.

Helicopter pilot Nick Taylor, another Anna Maria Island native she’s known since he was young, is helping to deliver supplies via helicopter. Taylor has been posting updates on social media.

“We’ve been watching his notifications on Instagram and Facebook and we’re seeing that Nick has been able to deliver supplies there,” Brady said.

Taylor posted on Facebook: “My home and my health are intact… Sorry it took so long to reply, we were without power and cell service on the west side

for several days. I spent most of that time at Kapalua airfield helping the Maui fire department to coordinate with all the of the helicopter companies here on Maui, bringing in emergency supplies by air while the roads were closed.” He added: “All I know is, I can use my hands to help those who

need it most, I can use my heart to love on those who have just lost everything, I can use my coin to donate to worthwhile local causes, and my brain will surely come in handy with all of the obstacles ahead.”

The West Coast Surf Shop Facebook page shared an Instagram post from Taylor: “We

are so relieved that our AMI Fam @nicktaylor941 @joshriccio @ lilripper941 @bricehamilton_ are all safe and sound. This is so heartbreaking, overwhelming and devastating. Maui holds a special place in our hearts and we would like to give back as much as we can for all of the aloha and joy Maui has brought into our lives.”

Taylor asked those who would like to help to send “Prayers, love, donations, legal advice, catastrophic advice, medical assistance, fundraising ideas, housing assistance, FEMA information, etc.”

“We will make sure everything goes directly to the source,” Taylor’s post continues. “We have local boots on the ground shedding all their blood, sweat and tears.”

Contact these organizations to help:

www.mauirapidresponse.org

www.mauifoodbank.org

www.hawaiipeoplesfund.org

www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong.

SUBMITTED | NICK TAYLOR

Anna Maria Island native Nick Taylor shot this photo of the Maui fires.

IN BRIEF

Anna Maria qualifying period ends Friday

Aug. 18 marked the mid-point of the city of Anna Maria’s two-week city commission candidate qualifying period that ends at noon on Friday, Aug. 25. If there are at least three qualified candidates, three city commission seats will be filled in the city election that concludes on Tuesday, Nov. 7. As of Friday, incumbent commissioners Jon Crane and Charlie Salem had filed their preliminary paperwork with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office. Those filings consisted of each candidate naming their campaign treasurers and signing the statement of candidate that states they’ve read and understand the requirements set forth by state law. As of Friday, Crane and Salem were not yet listed as being officially qualified. Incumbent commissioner Robert Kingan recently said he will not seek reelection, and as of Friday, a third candidate had not yet entered the race. If there is no third candidate, Kingan’s vacated seat would be filled by commission appointment. If there are more than three candidates, the top three vote-getters will be elected to serve two-year commission terms. For more information on qualifying, contact the Supervisor of Elections Office or the Anna Maria City Clerk’s office.

Two incumbents run in Bradenton Beach

Residents interested in running for the Bradenton Beach mayor’s seat or two commission seats must apply to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections to qualify between Monday, Aug. 28 at noon and Friday, Sept. 1 at noon. Mayor John Chappie has announced his plan to run for reelection, as has Ward 3 Commissioner Jan Vosburgh. Ward 1 Commissioner Jacob “Jake” Spooner said on Aug. 16 that he is undecided about running for reelection. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Water taxi, sandwich signs on agenda

The Anna Maria City Commission will hold its fourth budget meeting on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 5 p.m. Mayor Dan Murphy will present a report on the capital outlay, revenues and expenditures to be included in the city’s 2023-24 fiscal year budget to be formally adopted during public hearings that will begin on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 5:01 p.m. and again on Thursday, Sept. 21. At the regular city commission meeting that follows, the mayor, commission and city planner will discuss a variance hearing for 783 North Shore Drive and after-the-fact fees associated with a building permit for 226 Periwinkle Plaza. The city attorney and mayor will present the first reading of a sandwich sign ordinance, an ordinance pertaining to the city’s Historic Preservation Board and an ordinance pertaining to shoreline stabilization, marinas and docks. The City Pier's inclusion in the proposed water taxi route and the pier's maintenance-related closing on Sept. 11-12 also will be discussed. To participate in Thursday’s meetings by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and when prompted enter the meeting ID: 85392000280.

WMFR moves forward with vacation rental inspections

WMFR’s staff is moving forward with the reclassification of vacation rentals as commercial under the Florida Fire Code.

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue’s board and staff are moving forward with beginning an annual inspection program for vacation rentals in the district that will reclassify the properties as commercial for fire district purposes. Commissioners voted unanimously during an Aug. 15 meeting to move forward with the plans, despite some concerns stated by the public.

Under the new program, the district will assess vacation rental properties, also called transient public lodging establishments, as commercial properties, regardless of their zoning. District staff also will annually inspect these properties for life safety, looking for items such as fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and proper egress from each bedroom in case of an emergency.

Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said that after sending a letter in July to over 12,000 people in the district describing the new program, he said he’d received 12 written responses and 87 phone calls from the public, each one of which he said had been amicably resolved. A few more people stepped up during the public hearing to voice their concerns and questions about the new

initiative. One man said he only wanted to rent his property for one year. Kwiatkowski said that for the one year he rents the property, it will be assessed as a commercial property, however, when he stops renting the property, it will revert to a residential property in the eyes of the district and be assessed as such.

Kwiatkowski said the new assessment rate and inspections are allowed under the Florida Fire Code. Under the questioning of district attorney Maggie Mooney, he added that the district’s classification of properties does not affect those by any governing municipality and does not change property from residential to commercial for county or city property tax purposes.

Attorney Aaron Thomas stepped up to the mic, stating that he was representing the

ownership of more than 500 rental properties in the district. Thomas said that he feels there is sufficient case law to argue against the district assessing vacation rental properties as commercial and suggested that his clients may seek legal action if the district pursues the change.

The district charges property owners a non-ad valorem assessment rate which appears

on TRIM notices each fall. The rate consists of a base rate that is adjusted based on the size of the building on a property, not the value. On average, a commercial property owner, as defined by the district, will pay about $200-300 a year more than a residential owner, depending on the size of the structure.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski, left, and Chief Ben Rigney listen to concerns from the public during an Aug. 15 board meeting that included an attorney suggesting potential litigation. Below, attorney Maggie Mooney, representing the fire district, speaks to ensure that the district’s stance on the annual inspection of vacation rentals is on the record during the public hearing.

Incentivizing full-time residents presents challenges

Some Anna Maria residents are moving to Key Royale, which has a 30-day vacation rental minimum stay requirement.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City officials are still exploring incentives that might be pursued in hopes of retaining current full-time city residents and attracting new ones.

The mayor and city commission have held three discussions on the possibility, legality and financial feasibility of offering property tax breaks, grants and/or additional building use allowances as incentives. In exchange for those incentives, the city would seek from property owners a voluntary restrictive covenant that would prohibit the property from being used as a short-term vacation rental for 20 to 30 years.

On June 22, Commissioner Charlie Salem initiated the first discussion about incentivizing full-time city residents and those who rent their

homes to others on a long-term or annual basis, which in turn might provide more on-Island housing for Island employees.

Salem shared a one-page document citing U.S. Census Bureau data that shows Anna Maria’s population declined from 1,814 in 2,000 to 1,504 in 2010 and to 968 in 2020. Mayor Dan Murphy recently stated that 70% of Anna Maria’s residential dwellings are short-term vacation rentals.

Salem proposed including up to $75,000 in the city’s 2023-24 fiscal year budget for a feasibility study that would help determine what could be

done to incentivize full-time residency. That expenditure is tentatively included in next year’s budget but a final commission decision is still pending. Salem also proposed a city-initiated marketing campaign that would promote Anna Maria as a destination for full-time residents.

On July 13, City Attorney Becky Vose shared with the commission some research she did in response to the June discussion. She said state law prohibits the city from providing property tax reductions only to certain property owners. The only tax reduction the city can legally offer

is a reduction of the annual millage rate that would apply to all taxable properties in Anna Maria and reduce the city’s ad valorem tax revenues. Vose said city-funded grants could be a possible alternative. She also said there aren’t any state restrictions on a city-initiated marketing campaign.

On Aug. 3, Vose told the commission a marketing campaign would be the most risk-free approach and she doesn’t think the city would encounter any legal or legislative impediments in doing so. She suggested the marketing campaign target the growing number of professionals who work at home and no longer report to an office or workplace on a regular basis.

“I no longer go into my office. After COVID, I learned that I was so much more effective working at home; and I think there are an awful lot of people, particularly up north, like that,” she said.

Vose said she knows attorneys who moved to Florida but continue to remotely practice law in New York and New Jersey.

SEE RESIDENTS, PAGE 14

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Anna Maria City Commission continues to discuss potential incentives for full-time residents.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO

Mike Field

Editor

Cindy Lane

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Reporters/Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Jason Schaffer

Kristin Swain

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

Steve Borggren

Jason Gargiule

Capt. Rick Grassett

Isis Mavenyengwa

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

Capt. David White

Anne Yarbrough

Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Advertising Assistant

Pamela Lee

Classifieds

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

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Distribution

Bob Alexander

Connor Field

Tony McNulty

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Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers

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Family-owned since 2000

Reducing wetland protection bad for environment, business

This newspaper has seen a local elected governing body completely ignore the advice of its recommending planning commission about as many times as there are ghost orchids left in Florida.

If Manatee County commissioners ignored the advice of the Manatee Tourist Development Council the way they ignored their planners last week on the issue of reducing wetlands buffers, we would have no tourists.

Thank goodness for the excellent life’s work of Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker, who deftly managed over several decades to save thousands of acres for preservation for future generations to enjoy – Robinson Preserve perhaps the crowning achievement of his career.

It’s not likely there will be much more of that, and not just because

he is nearing retirement.

The county commission is not even pretending that it’s not developer-controlled. George Kruse was the lone vote against lowering the wetlands buffer requirement from the higher county level to the lower state level.

The state yet has to approve the plan, but commissioners know they have the support of the state Legislature, state agencies and Gov. Ron DeSantis on any issue that gives developers – and in this case, even phosphate mining companies – an advantage.

Any good thing that is uncontrolled can become a bad thing, and development with reduced buffers between buildings and our waterways is a bad thing.

All the laws protecting sea oats, shorebirds, sea grapes, manatees, sea turtles and other imperiled

marine and coastal species, and all the efforts to enforce those laws, and all the educational efforts to teach people why those laws are important will be utterly worthless if the waterways are polluted with fertilizer runoff, red tide and lyngbya fueled by development encroaching ever closer to the water. And then who will want to come to Florida and start those new businesses and buy those new houses?

Haven’t we learned our lesson from building too close to the water? Ask the poor folks in Fort Myers Beach how that worked out after Hurricane Ian last year.

And even Charlie Hunsicker, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their beach renourishment program can't put them back together again.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

Aug. 24, 5 p.m. – Budget meeting with City Commission meeting following

Sept. 4, all day – City offices closed, Labor Day holiday

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information.

Sept. 4, all day – City offices closed, Labor Day holiday

Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

Sept. 6, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Aug. 23, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Sept. 4, all day – City offices closed, Labor Day holiday

Sept. 6, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 23

Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUG. 24

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange, Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar, 12324 Manatee Ave., Bradenton, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members

FRIDAY, AUG. 25

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, AUG. 26

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Book sale and potluck lunch, Annie Silver Community Center, 102 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Potluck begins at noon.

MONDAY, AUG. 28

Boating Safety, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, AUG. 29

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30

Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

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, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1

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

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

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

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Dog attack injures woman, kills dog

An unleashed mastiff attacked a small, leashed dog at Island Time, resulting in the smaller dog’s death.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – A woman and her small dog were attacked by an unleashed mastiff at Island Time Bar and Grill, 111 Gulf Drive S. on Aug. 9.

The dog later died, according to the owner.

Bradenton Beach Police Officer Thomas Ferrara was in the parking lot of Circle K at 103 Gulf Drive S. when he heard people screaming for help at the restaurant next door, according to a police report.

After calling for backup, he arrived at the scene and while trying to determine if a weapon was involved in the incident, he heard someone

say it was a dog attack and people had been bitten, according to the report.

Ferrara saw a woman, who wished not to be identified, bleeding from her left leg and left middle finger. His attention was then directed to a man, identified as Anthony Santamauro, holding a large English mastiff dog he estimated to weigh more than 100 pounds. Santamauro was holding his shoulder, but did not appear to be bleeding.

VIDEO EVIDENCE

Due to conflicting stories from witnesses, Sgt. Steve Masi, who had arrived to provide backup, reviewed security footage from the bar that revealed what had actually happened.

“After reviewing the video, I observed Mr. Santamauro enter the Island Time patio area with his dog (which the owner identified as a service dog), through a northwest doorway

near the bar,” according to the police report. “Upon entering, Santamauro had the dog walking directly next to him. It appears the mastiff saw the very tiny dog approximately one-tenth its size leashed and sitting under the table with its female owner while she was eating dinner.”

The report goes on to say the unleashed mastiff grabbed the small dog in its jaws and begin shaking it and violently biting. When the small dog’s owner pulled it out of the larger dog’s mouth by pulling on the leash and trying to hold it in the air, the mastiff knocked the woman to the

ground. Santamauro dove between the dogs and tried to separate them, at which time he fell face forward to the ground, landing on his shoulder, according to the report.

EMS arrived at the scene, but the female victim refused transport to the hospital for her injuries.

Police said the victim reported her dog later succumbed to its injuries and did not survive the attack. Sgt. Masi contacted animal control, which is investigating the incident.

Santamauro was issued a city ordinance violation. The female victim said she did not want Santamauro to be “in a lot of trouble,” but did want him to be responsible for any hospital treatment costs and other bills associated with the incident, according to the report.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Island Time Bar and Grill was the scene of a dog attack that left a woman and her dog injured. The dog later died.

Coquina drainage project nears finish line

improvement project. The Bradenton Beach City Commission stipulated each non-native Australian pine tree removed must later be replaced with a new, native Florida tree.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The main components of Manatee County’s drainage improvement project at Coquina Beach are complete.

What remains are the completion of the second unpaved overflow parking area, the installation of an irrigation system and the planting of new trees that will replace the Australian pine trees previously removed.

Manatee County Public Works Director Chad Butzow provided city and county officials with a project update during the Aug. 1 Council of Governments meeting in Palmetto.

“Short of planting trees, we’re finally done,” Butzow said of the two-phase drainage improvement project that began at the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot in mid-2019.

The drainage improvement project included paving the previously unpaved parking areas using

pervious concrete that allows rainwater to drain downward through it and into the new drainage system below.

“It was a drainage project. The parking lot just happens to be the drainage system for that,” Butzow said in reference to some people referring to the project as a parking project.

“Within that project, we even added some overflow parking with our geo-web system in the former overflow grass area. Even if it’s a heavy rain, you’ll be stable in there. You won’t be parking in mud. That area will only be open when it’s needed,” Butzow said.

The first gated, unpaved overflow parking lot is finished and located north of the picnic pavilions. The second unpaved overflow parking area still under construction is located just north of the first overflow parking area.

The drainage project and parking improvements resulted in the somewhat controversial removal of approximately 200 Australian pine trees.

“I will point out to some of the naysayers, there’s a lot of trees left,” Butzow said.

Butzow referenced the one-for-one tree replacement required by the city as part of the its initial permitting approval for the county’s drainage

“One tree down, one tree in,” Butzow said, noting he expected the tree plantings to take place within 30 to 45 days.

Butzow said it’s hard to determine whether the mostly completed project created more or fewer beach parking spaces, but there’s an upside either way.

“You get a lot more organized parking is the overall consensus. We’re very thrilled with how it looks and how it feels overall,” he said of the project as a whole.

According to Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan, the revamped Coquina Beach parking lot, including the two overflow parking areas, will provide 1,042 parking spaces.

On the morning of Aug. 16, The Sun visited the Coquina Beach parking lot. Even after a recent rain, most of the parking lot surfaces were dry and free of standing water. But there was some rainwater pooled a few inches deep in the lower-lying paved areas near the cul-de-sac and overflow parking areas toward the center of the parking lot.

When contacted later that day, Logan said, “Regarding drainage, the playground area holds stormwater that falls on it. When it is full, it backs into the pervious parking area at the phase 1 culde-sac. It will slowly drain into the drainage system over a couple of days.

“All of the standard parking areas are complete and open to traffic,” he said. “The unfinished area is the second overflow parking lot and tree mitigation area. Irrigation is currently being installed so crews can plant the 80 some-odd trees in the former green space that occupied this area. Once the trees are in, staff will hydroseed the remaining space to get grass growing.”

When the second overflow area is completed, the Coquina Beach parking lot will offer 1,042 parking spaces.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The entire Coquina Beach parking lot was upgraded as part of the county’s drainage improvement project.

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

This project map illustrates the phases and sub-phases of the multi-year drainage project.

Roser Church

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM in the Chapel

10:00 AM in the Sanctuar y Nurser y • Children’s Church

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The CHAPEL is open during o ce hours for prayer and meditation

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Historical Society requests funds from Bradenton Beach...

Mayor John Chappie will set up a workshop to discuss the support of Island assets.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – At an Aug. 17 City Commission meeting, Barbara Murphy, board of directors member of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, made an appeal for funding for the non-profit organization.

“The AMI Museum preserves the history of this Island and all three Island cities,” said Murphy, the wife of Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy. “We share our stories with schoolchildren and thousands of visitors each year who end up loving our Island as much as we do.”

She commended the volunteer docents who keep the museum running.

“We want our museum to survive and grow just as we want our cities to survive and grow,” she said. “Unfortunately, our museum suffers some of the same woes that our cities do.”

She noted the negative impact of a declining number of full-time Island residents.

“The fewer residents that we have

that fall in love with our museum and cities, the more difficult it is on our aging volunteers,” Murphy said.

The museum board is seeking to take on a part-time director to manage day-to-day activities and operations.

“This involves a myriad of responsibilities, including the preservation of our records,” she said.

Murphy said the museum received a grant from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council covering the first year’s salary for the position and some consulting.

“We strongly believe this position is crucial for our museum’s success,” she said,

adding that the museum board continues to seek grants and donations to keep the museum open.

“Financial support from each of our Island cities is critical,” Murphy told commissioners. “On behalf of our board of directors, I am asking you to make a commitment to the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum.”

Murphy said they have asked the city of Holmes Beach for a contribution of $25,000.

The city of Anna Maria leases the entire complex to the museum for $1 a year, as well as providing logistical support for events.

“Today I ask you to give your thoughtful consideration to this request for financial support that is so critical to this institution,” she said.

Murphy provided commissioners a walking historical tour brochure of Bradenton Beach, available at the museum.

Following public comments by resident Betsy Sillers, who asked commissioners to consider incentives to retain long term residents, Mayor John Chappie said, “Mrs. Murphy has come up with what is the greatest challenge we have as residents out here, the disappearance of permanent residents. We’re kind of the endangered species.”

... and from Holmes Beach commissioners

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

Carolyn Orshak appeared before the Holmes Beach city commission on Aug. 15 with a budget request for $25,000 for the current calendar year to help fund a new position at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum.

She said that, if granted, the funds would be used to help pay a part-time director to take care of the day-to-day running of the museum.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council has already donated the first year’s salary to the cause, a total of $100,000. The part-time position is expected to pay $35,000-$40,000 with the remaining $60,000 to be used for consultants to assist with

Chappie said that although there are three Island cities, they are all one Island community and he said that the cities need to unite on issues that they all face.

“It’s getting worse, we have fewer permanent residents, but we have a ton more people staying here and we have to deal with the reality of the situation,” he said.

“What Barbara has come to us with today, The Center for example also, these are all Island assets that we have to have and we need to really show our support for these organizations. I will work with the clerk’s office and set up a workshop and see what we can do as part of the Island community. We need to look at other organizations and step up to the plate, more than we have in the past.”

Chappie said he would be setting up discussions with other Island cities to show unity and show the Island’s importance to Manatee County.

“We’re not against tourists in any way, shape or form,” Chappie said. “We’ve lacked that communication and have gotten a bad rap on that. And we need to work on that. We need to show we’re one Island, and one community with three municipalities.”

the transition.

Orshak said she hopes the Anna Maria Island cities will budget more funds to help the nonprofit museum, which is run by volunteers. While commissioners made no donation commitment to the historical society, they did agree to consider it. The city’s 2023-24 fiscal year budget won’t be finalized until next month’s public hearings.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Barbara Murphy makes an appeal for funding for the Anna Maria Island Historical Society on behalf of its board of directors. Murphy is the wife of Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy.

A workshop is planned to evaluate alleys to allow for maintenance.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH

– Alleys are being surveyed to accommodate residents who want more parking spaces.

Residents have requested that the alley behind Circle K at the north end of the city be opened up so they can use it for parking and access to the condo at 25th Street and Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach

Director of Public Works

Tom Woodard said.

“Some key things are going on here,” he told city commissioners on Aug. 17. “At the south end of the alley, the width is 8 feet 6 inches and progresses

Alleys identified for clearing

toward what is now the Salt Restaurant and it widens out to 9 feet 2.25 inches. This is definitely not wide enough to allow vehicles to travel on, plus there is a quite bit of work that would need to be done to make it passable, so I’m asking how you would all want to proceed with that.”

The other alley in question is by the children’s park between 24th and 25th Streets at Avenue A.

“The same thing with the other alley, the end is completely blocked off by a fence and partially by a shed owned by the homeowner,” he said.

“Half of that alley has already been worked on and cleared. It would be the south end of that alley. No one has really asked for that to be opened. It cannot be accessed currently. With

our intent to reclaim alleys or handle right of way or public areas, that’s one we cannot access to do any maintenance on.”

“I was talking with Tom about the surveys, which surprised me that they’re not all 10-foot wide,” Mayor John

Chappie said. He suggested possibly using them for a multiuse type trail that could be used between the blocks for bike trails or walkways.

“In our comprehensive plan it was said the city was going to take back control of these alleys,

and that means access as well,” Building Official Steve Gilbert said. “The alleys between 24th and 25th had water meters that failed. There are active electrical lines, overhead power lines, television and cable lines in both of those alleys. At some point, trucks need to get in there to service transformers, wiring, poles. It makes sense to me to get both of those open.”

One suggestion Gilbert had would be the requirement that if a homeowner put up a fence it would have to stay one foot off the property line.

“The reason for that would be FPL trying to get in there to do repairs after a storm,” Gilbert said.

“How do they get in there right now?”

Commissioner Ralph

Cole asked.

“They don’t,” Gilbert said. “They haven’t needed to.”

Chappie suggested the commission hold a workshop to discuss the issue further.

“There’s a lot of factors we need to discuss,” Chappie said. “We have undergrounding projects we’re going to be doing. I don’t think it would behoove us to do anything right now until the undergrounding is done, because we’ll have some things torn up.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

One of the alleys in the survey may be altered.

Feast hosts Chamber luncheon

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members networked at The Feast Restaurant for their Aug. 10 luncheon.

Chamber business card exchange at Floridays

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its next business card exchange at Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar, 12332 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton. The event will be held indoors on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 5-7 p.m. The fee is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members. Bring business cards to exchange; anyone who brings a raffle prize will be recognized when their prize is given away. To attend, RSVP to ingrid@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541.

Book sale, potluck at Annie Silver Center

The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N. in Bradenton Beach, will hold a book sale and potluck lunch on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome, including non-members. For more information, call Dianne at 724-787-1418.

Freckled Fin to host benefit for Shannon

A lifelong member of the Anna Maria Island community, Matt Shannon is in need of financial help after being diagnosed with an aggressive pancreatic cancer. Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, will host a benefit on Saturday, Sept. 2 from 1-5 p.m. to raise money for medical bills. Along with live music from Steve Harvey, there will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, food and drink specials, free Jell-O shots and Jameson giveaways. To donate online, visit https://gofund. me/b3b6a7d8.

AMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SUBMITTED

INCENTIVIZING: Full-time residents

FROM PAGE 5

Although cityinitiated tax breaks are not allowed, Vose said the city could lobby the Florida Legislature and governor to adopt a new state law that would allow local governments to provide property tax incentives in cities that have lost a certain percentage of permanent residents. She acknowledged that could be a challenging undertaking and she suggested speaking to the city’s contracted lobbyist about the prospect.

She also addressed the possibility of the city giving financial grants to property owners who

voluntarily enter into restrictive covenants.

“That would be a very sizable investment,” she said, noting that Florida’s Marketable Record Title Act allows restrictive covenants for up to 30 years, with additional renewals possible.

No specific dollar figures were mentioned while discussing potential grant incentives.

Vose also addressed the city providing additional land use allowances that could include additional lot coverage, living area ratios or parking allowances for those who enter into restrictive covenants. Vose said

that’s something the city could try, but she’s concerned that a successful legal challenge could result in vacation rental properties getting greater lot coverage and density than before.

She also addressed the previously-discussed idea of allowing small additional dwelling units to be built in the backyards of residential properties.

“That would have to be tied to a restrictive covenant because we cannot have a living unit in the city that was not permitted to be a vacation rental unless it was through a restrictive covenant,” she said.

“My primary concern

about all this is the potential for litigation, which could be expensive to defend. I don’t think there’s any chance of us having any litigation with regard to marketing, but most of the other things would be subject to possible challenges. If they were challenged after we already allowed a lot of additional building, that wouldn’t be good for the city. And there’s always the possibility of the Florida Legislature ruling restrictive covenants prohibiting vacation rentals are no longer legal,” Vose said.

COMMISSION INPUT

Commissioner Robert

JOE

HENDRICKS | SUN

Fran Derr said some Anna Maria residents are moving to the Key Royale subdivision in Holmes Beach, where short-term vacation rentals are prohibited.

Kingan said he’s in favor of a marketing campaign as a noncontentious starting point. He questioned what would happen when a property owner who signed a restrictive covenant passes away and the next of kin or next owners are bound to an agreement they didn’t sign.

Commissioner Jon

Crane said a marketing campaign would be the least contentious approach, but it may also be the least effective. He said it’s unlikely that photographs of waves crashing on the beach and people enjoying fried fish sandwiches would encourage people to become permanent residents and forgo the potential rental earnings their homes could generate.

Crane said he’s intrigued with the idea of lobbying for state legislation that would allow the city to provide tax breaks to full-time residents. He believes tax incentives would be more effective than SEE RESIDENTS, PAGE 26

WHERE'S SUZI?

Loggerhead sea turtle

Suzi is in second place in the Tour de Turtles race, having been edged out slightly by first-place holder Harriet with a 20-mile lead. Suzi has traveled 537 miles since her June 27 release from Coquina Beach and was last detected paddling near the coast

NESTING NEWS

of Cancun. Suzi was satellitetagged and released after laying a nest and is participating in the race to raise awareness of light pollution, which can disorient nesting and hatching sea turtles. She is sponsored by the Coastal Wildlife Club and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. The annual event is part

Turtle nests laid: 402 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls: 441 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched: 245 (Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchlings hatched: 18,647 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Hatchling disorientations: 85

of the Sea Turtle Conser vancy’s research project tracking the migration of satellite-tagged turtles. Visit The Sun’s Face book page for weekly updates in “Where’s Suzi?” and visit amisun. com for weekly updates on turtle nesting activity in “Nesting News.”

SOURCE: ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING

GARAGE: Fight continues

FROM PAGE 1

The current downtown garage has an estimated lifespan of less than two years due to structural issues. A presentation on the plans for that garage estimates that it will cost about $100 million to construct and, once complete, would potentially have two stories of office space for county staff and parking for both the administration building and the downtown business and entertainment district at large.

Bearden’s comments were echoed by Commissioners James Satcher and Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

Commissioner George Kruse stated that while he’s not in opposition to putting a garage at the site, he doesn’t feel that it’s the project that’s most needed in the county right now. He was the sole member of the county commission who opted not to move the project forward into the design phase at this time.

After the meeting, Kruse released a statement reiterating his position on the proposed beach parking garage. He said that while the county has heard many reasons from residents why the

Bill Tokajer Holmes Beach police chief

garage should not be built, personally, he has two reasons why the project should slow down, not speed up. The first reason, Kruse said, is the cost of the parking garage versus other needs in the county that could better serve a larger number of people. Some of his examples include failing infrastructure across the county, the planned Fort Hamer Bridge, which he said would help more than 21,000 people a day in their commutes and cost approximately $60 million, and the planned downtown parking garage, all of which are currently awaiting funding.

Kruse went on to say that these projects could better enhance the

quality of life for more county residents than a few hundred parking spaces at the beach.

During the county presentation, staff said there are approximately 300 surface parking spaces at the county beach available. If the garage is built, it will remove those spaces, along with the concession stand, retail stores, restrooms, bar and showers, for a minimum of 18-24 months. The new facilities would be incorporated into the bottom level of the garage, providing about 900 parking spaces on the property for beachgoers.

While the county presentation listed Manatee Beach as having about 300 parking spaces, Holmes Beach officials state that the existing parking area has 406 spaces. When first proposed, Van Ostenbridge said the beach garage would have 1,500 or more parking spaces. County staff said it would have a maximum of 900 spaces, increasing parking at the public beach by 496 spaces according to the city or 600 according to the county.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, whose officers patrol the beach property, also issued a statement following the county work session. In

his statement, Tokajer said that even during heavy beach days, such as over spring break, there were regularly 100-300 parking spaces available in the city for beachgoers that went unused. He also noted that if the garage is approved, lanes need to be installed along the sand for first responders and law enforcement personnel to be able to respond to an emergency situation. “Approving this garage will truly put you on the wrong side of history,” he said. “You will be ruining the character of the Island, the experience that past guests have had and future guests expect. Destroying a beautiful landmark with open space, a natural environment filled with trees and nature, replacing this historic site with a massive concrete public safety nightmare.”

In addition to concerns about being able to access beachgoers in an emergency, Tokajer has also expressed concerns about patrolling the garage structure itself and traffic and safety concerns due to the congestion caused by a larger number of people trying to get in and out of the garage at the same time.

Approving this garage will truly put you on the wrong side of history.”

The following hotels and motels accept pets. Some have limitations on species, number, size and breed, some require pets to be caged before housekeeping services are rendered, some require deposits or extra charges, and some have special pet amenities, such as grassy areas for walking. Call ahead to find accommodations that match your needs, and make a list of several hotels in different parts of the state to be prepared for storms from any direction.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Anna Maria Dream Inn 2502 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach 941-209-1420

Anna Maria Island Resorts Tortuga Beach Resort 1325 Gulf Dr. Bradenton Beach 941-778-6611

Anna Maria Motel 808 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria 941-778-1269

Queen’s Gate 1101 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach 941-778-7153

ARCADIA Knights Inn 504 S. Brevard Ave. 863-494-4884

Holiday Inn Express 2709 Southeast Hwy. 70 863-494-5900

BRADENTON Best Western Plus 2215 Cortez Rd W 941-238-0800

Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound 12324 Manatee Ave W. 941-741-9700

Courtyard Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront 100 Riverfront Dr. W. 941-747-3727

Days Inn 3506 1st St. W. 941-746-1141

Days Inn Bradenton – I75 644 67th St Circle E 941-746-2505

Fairfield Inn & Suites Lakewood Ranch 6105 Exchange Way 941-552-4000 Hampton Inn & Suites 309 10th St W 941-746-9400

Hyatt Place Sarasota/ Lakewood Ranch 6021 Exchange Way 941-748-3100

Motel 6 660 67th St. Circle E. 941-747-6005

Spring Hill Suites Bradenton Downtown Riverfront 102 12th St. W. 941-226-2200

BROOKSVILLE Days Inn 6320 Windmere Rd 352-796-9486

Microtel Inn 6298 Nature Coast Blvd 352-796-9025

Quality Inn 30307 Cortez Blvd 352-796-9481

CAPE CORAL

Holiday Inn Express 1538 Cape Coral Pkwy E 239-542-2121

Hampton Inn & Suites 619 SE 47th Terrace 239-540-1050

DAYTONA BEACH

Homewood Suites By Hilton 165 Bill France Blvd 386-258-2828

Residence Inn Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport 1725 Richard Petty Blvd 386-252-3949

DELAND Comfort Inn 400 E International Speedway 386-736-3100

ELLENTON Hampton Inn 5810 20th Ct. E. 941-721-4000

Red Roof Inn 4915 17th St. E. 941-729-0600

ELLENTON

Super 8

5218 17th St. E. 941-729-8505

FORT MYERS

Baymont Inn & Suites 9401 Marketplace Rd

239-454-0040

Hyatt Place

2600 Champion Ring Rd

239-418-1844

La Quinta Inn 9521 Market Place Rd

239-466-0012

Residence Inn

20371 Summerlin Rd

239-415-4150

Travel Lodge

13661 Indian Paint Ln

239-561-1117

GAINESVILLE

Best Western 4200 N.W. 97th Blvd.

352-331-3336

Home Hotel & Suites

3905 S.W. 43rd St.

352-376-0004

Motel 6

4000 S.W. 40th Blvd.

352-373-1604

Residence Inn by Marriott

I-75

3275 SW 40 Blvd

352-264-0000

KISSIMMEE

Ramada Gateway

7470 HWY 192 407-966-4410

Motel 6 5731 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. 407-396-6333

LAKELAND

Hilton Garden Inn

3839 Don Emerson Drive 863-647-0066

Motel 6 3120 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. 863-682-0643

Residence Inn 3701 Harden Blvd. 863-680-2323

LAKE BUENA VISTA

Marriott Residence Inn 11450 Marbella Palm Court 407-465-0075

LAKE CITY

Baymont Inn & Suites

3598 US 90 W 386-752-3801

Days Inn

3430 N US Hwy 441

386-758-4224

LAKE MARY Extended Stay America

1040 Greenwood Blvd 407-829-2332

Hyatt Place

1255 S International Pkwy 407-995-5555

La Quinta Inn

1060 Greenwood Blvd. 407-805-9901

Residence Inn 825 Heathrow Park Lane 407-995-3400

LEESBURG Best Western Plus

1321 N. 14th Street

352-460-0118

Hampton Inn 9630 Us Hwy 441

352-315-1053

OCALA Comfort Inn 1212 S Pine Ave 352-629-7300

Hampton Inn & Suites 3601 SW 38th Ave

352-867-0300

La Quinta Inn & Suites 3530 S.W. 36th Ave.

352-861-1137

Microtel Inn & Suites 1770 Southwest 134th St

352-307-1166

Equus Inn 3434 SW College Rd

352-854-3200

Residence Inn 3601 S.W. 38th Ave.

352-547-1600

Sleep Inn and Suites

13600 S.W. 17th Court

352-347-8383

ORLANDO Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd. 407-503-2000

Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista 13351 State Road 535 407-239-4500

La Quinta Inn - Universal Studios 5621 Major Blvd 407-313-3100

Motel 6 - Winter Park 5300 Adanson Street 407-647-1444

Motel 6 International 5909 American Way 407-351-6500

Residence Inn Seaworld 11000 Westwood Blvd. 407-313-3600

Staybridge Suites 7450 Augusta National Dr 407-438-2121

Townplace Suites 11801 High Tech Ave. 407-243-6100

PLANT CITY

Comfort Inn 2003 S Frontage Rd 813-707-6000

Knights Inn 301 S Frontage Rd 813-752-0570

PORT CHARLOTTE Comfort Inn

812 Kings Hwy 941-421-7548

Days Inn 1941 Tamiami Trail 941-623-9404

Knights Inn

4100 Tamiami Trail 941-743-2442

Sleep Inn & Suites 806 Kings Highway 941-613-6300

PUNTA GORDA

Four Points by Sheraton 33 Tamiami Trail 941-637-6770

RUSKIN

Holiday Inn & Suites 226 Teco Rd. 813-922-4561

Ruskin Inn 3113 College Ave 813-641-3437

SANFORD Best Western Plus 3401 S Orlando Dr 407-320-0845

SARASOTA Comfort Suites

5690 Honore Ave 941-554-4475

Comfort Inn & Suites 5931 Commercial Way 941-342-8778

Courtyard Sarasota Bradenton 850 University Pkwy 941-355-3337

Embassy Suites by Hilton 202 N. Tamiami Trail 941-256-0190

Even Hotel – Lakewood Ranch

6231 Lake Osprey Dr 941-782-4400

Hampton Inn & Suites 8565 Cooper Creek Blvd 941-355-8619

Hibiscus Suites

1735 Stickney Point Road 941-921-5797

Hyatt Place Lakewood Ranch 6021 Exchange Way 941-946-2357

Hyatt Place Sarasota 950 University Pkwy 941-554-5800

La Quinta Inn & Suites 1803 N. Tamiami Trail 941-366-5128

Residence Inn 1040 University Pkwy. 941-358-1468

Days Inn 5000 N. Tamiami Trail 941-351-7734

Sleep Inn 900 University Pkwy. 941-359-8558

SEBRING

La Quinta Inn 4115 US 27 South 863-386-1000

Magnunson Grand 6525 US 27 North 863-385-4500

Residence Inn 3221 Tubbs Road 863-314-9100

Severn Sebring Hotel 150 Midway Dr 863-655-7200

SPRING HILL

Motel 6 6172 Commercial Way 352-596-2007

TALLAHASSEE

Best Western Pride Inn

2016 Apalachee Parkway 850-656-6312

La Quinta Inn North 2905 N. Monroe St. 850-385-7172

Motel 6 Downtown

1027 Apalachee Parkway 850-877-6171

Motel 6 West 2738 N. Monroe St. 850-386-7878

Quality Inn 3090 N. Monroe St. 850-562-2378

Red Roof Inn

2930 Hospitality Street 850-385-7884

Red Roof Inn 6737 Mahan Drive 850-656-2938

Residence Inn

1880 Raymond Diehl Road 850-422-0093

Residence Inn Universities 600 W. Gaines St. 850-329-9080

Sleep Inn 1695 Capital Circle N.W. 850-575-5885

Staybridge Suites 1600 Summit Lake Drive 850-219-7000

Suburban Extended Stay Hotel 522 Silver Slipper Lane 850-386-2121

TAMPA

Quality Inn-Busch Gardens 2701 E. Fowler Ave. 813-971-4710

Holiday Inn Express 8610 Elm Fair Blvd 813-490-1000

Holiday Inn Express 8310 Galbraith 813-910-7171

Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa/Brandon 10240 Palm River Road 813-685-7099

Hyatt Place Tampa Airport 4811 W. Main St. 813-282-1037

Residence Inn 4312 W. Boy Scout Blvd. 813-877-7988

Sheraton Tampa East Hotel 10221 Princess Palm Ave 813-623-6363

TEMPLE TERRACE Residence Inn 13420 N Telcom Parkway 813-972-4400

Towne Place Suites by Marriott 6800 Woodstork Rd 813-975-9777

WINTER HAVEN Howard Johnson Inn 1300 3rd St SW 863-294-7321

Lake Roy Beach Inn 1825 Cypress Garden Blvd 863-324-6320

Roadway Inn & Suites 1911 Cypress Gardens Blvd. 863-324-5994

Vote water

the lone dissenter) specifically mentioned protecting the environment.

eaders of this column have heard me recommend checking a politician’s voting record before casting a vote for them. Why? All too often they will tell you what you want to hear to get your vote but never follow through on that commitment. This past week that assessment rang all too true when Manatee County

Commissioners Kevin Van Ostenbridge and James Satcher, along with four other commissioners (Mike Rahn, Jason Bearden, Amanda Ballard and Ray Turner), voted to gut Manatee County’s wetland protections. While all are culpable in betraying the public trust, Satcher, Van Ostenbridge and Ballard stand out in my mind since Van Ostenbridge and Satcher’s campaign flyers (mentioned during the meeting by Commissioner George Kruse,

In a meeting that Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Abbey Tyrna and I had with Ballard soon after her election, she expressed concern with the welfare of children. When it came time to vote they all held the interests of the developers that funded their campaigns over that of the citizens and children of Manatee County.

I spoke at the meeting and was present for five hours as citizen after citizen made eloquent speeches about why this was such a bad idea. Not one person spoke in favor of the amendment and almost no discussion of the matter was held, except for Kruse’s objections. And when the vote was taken, they voted 6-1 in favor of gutting wetland protections. In what appears to me to be the height of hypocrisy, Van Ostenbridge started the meeting with the pronouncement that he was concerned with government overreach and the taking of property before leading the commission to do just that. He’s participating in government overreach by not following his oath of office to

the citizens of Manatee County and taking by reducing the filtering capacity of lands adjacent to water bodies that will directly affect the quality of life of current and future citizens.

Just recently the commission voted on a zoning change that will pave the way for a massive East Manatee County development by developer Carlos Beruff. Corbit Creek, a stream that feeds into nearby Lake Manatee Reservoir, runs through that property. Kruse was once again the lone dissenter. If this change is made by the commission, it could reduce the builder’s setback to a stream feeding directly into the county’s water supply, a water body

that is currently suffering from algae bloom that’s affecting the smell and taste of every Manatee County citizen’s water.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Rob Brown, the county’s recently retired environmental protection division manager with the natural resources department, reminded the commission that this change would also affect phosphate mining in Manatee County. Mosaic is the largest landowner in Manatee County and much of that land is wetlands. These changes could have a profoundly negative effect on lands disturbed by mining.

Once again, vet who you vote for. Don’t pay attention to what they promise if elected, check their voting records on issues that affect the public good, or we and future generations will suffer the consequences.

You can voice your concerns to the Manatee County commission here: https://manatee.hosted.civiclive.com/ government/board_of_county_commissioners/contact_your_commissioner.

Finally, this isn’t (or shouldn’t be) a political issue. It’s not about Democrats or Republicans, it’s about our children’s future and that of generations of future Manatee County citizens.

Team Luxury Services undefeated champs

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – After seven weeks of regular season adult co-ed flag football play in the summer evening heat, Luxury Services team captain Chase Richardson led his team to another victorious playoff run, winning the championship last Thursday night at The Center 40-24.

Making relatively easy work of their opponents each week, the Luxury squad characteristically put 40 points on the scoreboard in the final game of the season against the Moss Builders team for the win.

Finishing the regular season #1 and #2, Luxury Services and Moss Builders were the favorites to meet up in the season finale. Offensive errors by Moss Builders led to three defensive touchdowns by Derrick Carey for his team.

Carey is credited with one offensive TD, two flag pulls and a single one-point conversion. Teammates Tim Holly, Alonzo Lemus and Brad Lowrey each made it into the endzone for Luxury touchdowns. Holly had two in the game for 12 points.

In addition to the five throws for touchdowns, Richardson added six points to his team’s score with a rushing score of his own. Chase is also credited with three defensive stops and a QB sack on Moss Builders’ QB Ryan Moss.

Rounding out the scoring for Luxury with additional points after touchdowns were Lemus, Lowrey and Jasmine Muldoon.

Despite the loss, the Moss Builders team did not quit. Keeping the game within reach for two halves of play, team captain Moss threw four touchdown passes.

Peggy Smith was Moss’ target for two TDs, while teammates James Roadman and Greg Moss each had a touchdown nab, putting an additional 12 points on the board.

The strong defensive efforts of the Moss Builders team included three flag pulls by Smith, R. Moss and Isaiah Lambert. Moss’ Nick Cavalluzzi finished the game

with four defensive stops and an interception on a Richardson pass.

G. Moss rounded out the game statistics with two flag pulls and a sack.

Luxury’s defense made the difference in the big game. Moss Builders were stopped at each point after conversion, leaving their scoring at four TDs, resulting in 24 points.

Overall, the efforts of the Moss squad just were not enough to overcome momentum-changing Luxury Services interceptions. Team Luxury Services once again won it all in the Island’s adult flag football league, ending the season as champions.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN Summer league adult co-ed flag football champion team Luxury Services celebrates an undefeated season. From left, top row, Chase Richardson, Brad Lowrey, Derrick Carey and Tim Holly. From left, bottom row, Alonzo Lemus and Jasmine Muldoon. Not pictured is Jeff Giandurco.

Braised beef – an autumn comfort

s much as possible, I try to find recipes that will resonate with you based on the availability of the ingredients or the season. I want this to be relatable for you. It is hard to believe we are only a month away from the autumn equinox given the summer heat we are still feeling. I’m hoping that cooler temperatures and much, much less humidity will give us some reprieve from our incredibly hot summer. A change of seasons is always welcomed. And for us, cooler weather brings comfort. And when I think of comfort, I think of food! Comfort food is dishes that evoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia and emotional well-being. For me, they are typically foods that are associated with positive memories from my childhood or when life was particularly easy and fun. While the ingredients are satisfying because of their hearty and even sometimes indulgent characteristics, no single ingredient is going to elevate our mood as much as a fond memory of when and who you ate a meal with.

Today’s recipe uses chuck beef. It is a readily available cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It's a flavorful and relatively affordable cut that's often used for slow cooking methods due to its higher amount of connective tissue and marbling. This marbling contributes to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. Cooking properly is the key here! Slow cooking involves using low heat over an extended period of time to break down tough cuts of meat and connective tissues, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes. Connective tissues contain collagen, a protein that is initially tough and fibrous. When subjected to low and slow cooking temperatures, the collagen gradually converts into gelatin and develops the tender and succulent texture of slow-cooked meats.

A Dutch oven is a must-have when cooking low and slow. It is a versatile and heavyduty cooking pot with thick walls, a tight-fitting lid and ideally made from cast iron. It distributes heat evenly and can retain it over a long period of time. Functional both on the stovetop and in the oven, you can use it for one-pot meals like today’s recipe.

The list of ingredients is pretty standard, so much so that you may have many of

them at home already. I do suggest you have some fun with the mushrooms in this dish. Crimini mushrooms are also known as baby bella mushrooms or brown mushrooms, and have a deeper and earthier flavor compared to white button mushrooms. They also have a nuttier aroma. See what fresh mushrooms are available and consider something even a bit more exotic. Whatever mushroom you choose, look for ones that are firm, plump, and free of blemishes. Avoid mushrooms that appear slimy or have a strong odor. Store them in the refrigerator in a paper bag or a container with ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. And please use them within a few days of purchase for the best quality.

Finally, this recipe also calls for a light red wine, ideally a Pinot Noir. A word of warning - the recipe uses nearly a full bottle of wine so you may want to pick up a second bottle to enjoy during the cooking process. Remember, it’s low and slow! Stop by Hurricane Liquors for a few suggestions or head straight to the shelf and pick yourself up a couple of bottles of Pike Road Pinot Noir. It’s from the Willamette Valley in Oregon and features aromas of juicy plum, cherry, sassafras and purple violets. It has a pleasantly soft finish.

Braised Beef

Ingredients

5 pounds trimmed chuck roast, cut into 3”

cubes

1 pound mushrooms, cut in half

3 large carrots, peeled and finely diced

1 medium white onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, finely diced

Fresh thyme, 3 full sprigs

3-4 bay leaves

3 cups red wine

3 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon salt

Pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Add salt and pepper to all sides of cubed beef. On the stovetop over medium-high heat, add oil to the Dutch oven. When the oil is hot, add the beef in small batches to just cover the bottom of the Dutch oven. Turn the beef until all sides are nicely browned. Set all meat aside. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, onion, carrots and bay leaves. Sauté about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the tomato paste well. Stir in the flour until absorbed by the liquids in the pot. Using a wooden spoon, slowly stir in the wine and scrape free the brown bits that might be sticking to the bottom. Add the mushrooms, meat and sprigs of thyme. Cover the pot, bring to a boil and then transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 -3 hours until the meat gently falls apart with a fork.

Brian Mathae

HURRICANE HANKS

Firefighter congratulated on promotion

WMFR to host budget public hearings

For anyone with questions or concerns about their fire assessment rate for the coming 2023-24 fiscal year, the board and staff of West Manatee Fire Rescue are holding two public hearings on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. One hearing will be the final budget hearing and vote for the district’s proposed 2023-24 budget. Another hearing will be held to certify the tax roll for the coming fiscal year, including the planned change for transient public lodging establishments – or vacation rentals – to be assessed as commercial instead of residential properties. The change in classification is solely for the fire district, as allowed under the Florida Fire Code, and does not affect the zoning of the property by any municipality. The public is invited to attend at the district’s administration building, 701 63 St. W. in Bradenton, or on Zoom at www.wmfr.org.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Battalion Chief Ryan Moore congratulates firefighter Max Pollock on his promotion to firefighter second class during an Aug. 16 West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting.

COMMISSIONERS: Shrink wetland buffers

Part of that amendment is the removal of state and local regulatory overlap, DeLisi said.

“Essentially what these amendments would do is defer permitting to the state of Florida,” he said. “These amendments do not cause impacts to wetlands.”

The statement provoked laughter and jeers from the audience.

“We’ve got our regulations and you’re saying we should defer to the state. Let’s get to the heart of the request,” Commissioner George Kruse said to DeLisi. “We’re not doubling up regulations. The state doesn’t have regulations per se, the state has set minimums.”

Kruse spoke out against the amendment.

“The state’s trying to take control of this and now we’re trying to give it to them voluntarily before they take it,” Kruse said. “We’re supposed to keep it here, because you all vote for us and we control local and the state controls state. The state is trying to gut wetland and water quality protection. Why are we going to facilitate that?”

Kruse noted that two developers and a developer’s attorney were at the meeting but none of them came up to speak in favor of reducing wetland buffers.

“There’s no way they’re going to go on the record supporting this,” he said. “There’s no way they’re going to put their name and face together with gutting our wetland protection.

“We’re taking everything from the exact same consultant who was against us on the exact same policy twice,” Kruse said, referring to DeLisi and his involvement in previous litigation with the county. “It’s like we won the Super Bowl and hired the quarterback for the losing team to run our team next year.”

PUBLIC COMMENT

Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Dr. Abbey Tyrna was one of many speakers who spoke against the amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan during the public comment session of the meeting.

“I represent today the 1,704 people who signed our petition to save our wetlands,” Tyrna said. “Wetlands are tied to our human wellbeing, and

they’re tied to our human wellbeing because of the ecosystem services they provide, which is plentiful.”

Tyrna said wetland benefits are tied not only to water quality but to flood regulation, climate regulation, recreation, tourism and local fisheries.

“Let’s talk about policy 3.3.1.5 (of the county’s comprehensive plan) here,” Tyrna said. “It states all wetlands and watercourses will be protected from land development activities by requiring the establishment of natural area buffers adjacent to all post-development wetlands and watercourses within a watershed overlay.”

Based on that policy, buffers are required to be a minimum of 50 feet wide adjacent to all non-isolated wetlands, and a minimum of 30 feet adjacent to all isolated wetlands, she said.

Following public comment during the five-hour long meeting, Commissioner Jason Bearden made a motion to approve the text amendment, with a second by Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge.

Other commissioners who voted in favor of approval were James Satcher, Amanda Ballard, Mike Rahn and Ray

Turner.

Kruse cast the lone dissenting vote. As the vote was announced, someone from the audience shouted, “Shame!” as others stood up and walked out.

A statement from the county was released following the meeting that said:

“Today the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted in favor of transmitting a comprehensive plan amendment to the state of Florida concerning wetland protection policies.

This proposed amendment, if approved would eliminate redundancy and duplication in the permitting of wetland impacts, and development near or around wetlands and surface waters, which are already protected under existing state and federal regulations.

By aligning with numerous other counties and municipalities in Florida, the board’s primary objective is to gain efficiency while still achieving the same environmental results, ultimately benefiting the taxpayers of Manatee County.”

Anna Maria

High-end properties show blow-out numbers

Every day I look at new listings on Anna Maria Island and in Cortez, and every day I’m surprised and ask myself when it will end. In the years leading up to COVID-19, I would analyze over $1 million properties listed on the Island and in Cortez. Now that exercise seems quaint, almost peculiar and it all changed in a short three-year period.

Because of these extraordinary listing numbers, which I see every day, I did a quick analysis of available properties in the three cities of Anna Maria Island and Cortez, researched on the Realtor.com website as of this writing. Rather than use $1 million as my breaking point, I upped it to $3 million, so get ready for this:

The city of Anna Maria had 82 properties listed, 44 of which were $3 million or over, almost half. The top property was listed at $16,995,000. Every million-dollar category was represented, and, except for the very top listing, there wasn’t a big gap between the categories.

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, which are combined by zip code on Realtor.com, had 179 properties listed, 45 of which were $3 million or over. The top listing number was $22,500,000 and, like Anna Maria, except for the very top, the listing prices represented every milliondollar category.

Even Cortez has a new listing at $3,750,000 with the rest of the 12 listings hovering in the mid- to high- million dollar range.

Sales of properties in the high-end market around the country are slowing. The high-end and luxury market nationwide is defined as the top 5% of homes and

they’re suffering from the same issues the regular old real estate market is struggling with, low inventory and high-interest rates.

Redfin’s analysis reports that in the first quarter of 2023, the sales of high-end properties were down by 33% from the first quarter of the previous year. They feel this is the result of the frenzy during the pandemic as well as inflation and a volatile stock market.

The markets with the biggest drop in transactions for the three months that ended June 30 are also the metro areas that were unstoppable during the pandemic: Miami was down 40.14%, Nassau County on New York’s Long Island was down 39.34%, New York City was down 35.98%, Los Angeles was down 36.17% and Chicago was down 34.13%.

Miami and New York City are starting to show signs of life. Miami is still recovering from the mass migration and buying frenzy during COVID, and inventory has not been resupplied. And New York is New

York and will always come back to life with the suburban high-end areas around it following. However, it appears that Los Angeles and Chicago will take a little longer based on residents leaving Los Angeles for lower tax states and Chicago residents leaving because of crime.

Based on the number of pending properties, it looks like Anna Maria Island is also slowing but we are in the worst part of our off-season with heat alerts and recordbreaking temperatures, so we won’t have a clear idea until later in the year. Typically, Anna Maria Island, and Florida in general, has outpaced most of the country in growth and the real estate market has followed along.

The combination of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach had 89 properties listed at $3 million or over, all on a 7-mile spit of land. I think I’ll stop asking myself where it will end because I don’t know and neither does anyone else. Such is the nature of real estate.

TRAMS: Funding discontinued

one of the main contributors to why this is not wildly successful is because of what is happening with the construction on the south end of the city,” Perry said, referring to an ongoing sewer project.

Perry noted that changes are coming with regard to Manatee County’s water taxi and she said she has had discussions with Elliott Falcione of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council about how people will make their way to the beach and back, and perhaps the county might want to be in partnership with that endeavor.

Perry asked the board: “Do you feel the $52,000 is something you want to continue to invest in that project or is this something we need to look at tapering off and picking up potentially down the road?”

“I think that tram is a waste of money personally,” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said. “I don’t see any benefit to that tram.”

Commissioner Ralph Cole expressed his belief that the tram service should be run privately.

“I think there’s enough interest out there that a private individual would buy the insurance to do it,” he said.

Mayor John Chappie echoed Cole’s sentiments.

“I’ve said all along that I thought the private sector could handle things. If the businesses want to provide some sort of tram, trolley system, golf carts, they should be the ones to do it,” Chappie said, adding, “We’ve tried this as an experiment. I don’t think it’s been all that successful.”

Chappie noted that a significant change throughout the Island in recent years is the rental of golf carts.

“That’s what the people are driving around in,” Chappie said. “The private sector needs to step up.”

The tram is partially funded by advertising sales.

“No one’s going to do that business,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said. “Josh is not covering his own costs. To think that service is going to keep happening from the private sector - I don’t think is going to happen.”

“If there’s money to be made, somebody will do it,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said.

Spooner said while he doesn’t feel the tram is successful, he thinks it could be more successful after a promenade is built and the ride service has a designated route.

“I think it does serve a purpose, and for $52,000 a year, that’s totally up to the board. My other thought is if we get rid of it and then we get the promenade, it’s hard to get things back,” Spooner said.

“Let’s see if that $52,000 is one of our priorities,” Chappie said. “Let’s move on and see how it shakes out.”

After a line-by-line discussion of other CRA-budgeted projects during the meeting, the tram was not among the approved expenditures.

LaRose declined to comment on the specifics of the CRA vote, but expressed the desire to continue the tram service.

“We would like to keep going,” he said, adding that he has reached out to the city to discuss options. “I haven’t heard back yet, but I have some ideas. We still have service going right now.”

LaRose said the two trams he has in service currently accommodate 4,000 riders a month off season and

close to double that in season. One of those vehicles is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible.

“Right now, we have more value than ever with the construction limiting the amount of parking,” he said. “Our guys tell people where parking is so we’re also an information service.”

The CRA board unanimously approved the following expenditures: 300,000 for paid parking; $38,550 for a grant to monitor seagrass and $20,000 for future monitoring professional services; $300,000 for undergrounding; $40,000 for Christmas on Bridge Street; $25,000 for a fence at Anna Maria Oyster Bar; $10,000 for cultural arts; $75,000 for a resiliency project on Bay Drive South; $106,690 for cistern improvements; $30,000 for sidewalk improvements; $50,000 for district improvements, including trash cans, bike racks, planters and landscaping; $15,000 for signage in the CRA district; and $10,000 for additional improvements.

The next CRA budget meetings are tentatively scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 14 at 5 p.m.

INCENTIVIZING: Full-time residents

FROM PAGE 14 trying to seduce permanent residents with a marketing campaign.

Commissioner Deanie Sebring agreed. She also said she doesn’t support allowing property owners to build additional living spaces because they’d likely be used as vacation rentals.

Participating by phone, Salem thanked Vose for her research and legal insights. Salem supports asking the city’s lobbyist about pursuing new state legislation, but he also wants to pursue a marketing campaign and conduct a feasibility study regarding restrictive covenants.

Salem noted the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has been incredibly effective at marketing Anna Maria Island as a vacation destination. He wondered whether similar marketing strategies could be used to attract full-time residents.

Crane suggested Salem speak to Bradenton Area

Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione about the marketing techniques and marketing platforms the TDC uses.

“I’ll talk to anyone who’s got good ideas for how to attract permanent residents here,” Salem said.

Commission Chair Mark Short said, “If we were to pursue something, I think we could get backlash from the existing residents. Some of them may say this is a great opportunity, but I have a feeling there’s also a good chunk of people that would say ‘Why would we want to add more density?’ and so forth.”

Salem said restrictive covenants could be offered to current residents too.

“That’s the model other cities have used with grants to incentivize permanent residents to remain, and when they sell their house, for it to become a long-term rental or another owner-

occupied dwelling,” Salem said.

Short noted no one knows yet what the incentive costs would be for the city.

In response, Salem said, “That’s where we would need to get some expertise from the study, to figure out what the pickup rate could be, what the number would need to be to incentivize people and if it was worth the city’s revenues to encourage that?”

The incentives discussion will continue at a future meeting.

PUBLIC INPUT

During public input, Holmes Beach resident Fran Derr offered her insights. Derr said she lives in the Key Royale subdivision and helped establish a welcoming committee for new Key Royale residents.

Derr said seven of the last eight homeowners who moved into the Key Royale subdivision in 2023 already lived on Anna Maria Island, and six moved from

Anna Maria into the Key Royale subdivision that carries an R-1 zoning designation that doesn’t allow rentals for less than 30 days at a time.

The zoning designation Derr referenced was in place before July 1, 2011, when the Florida Legislature and the governor enacted a new state law that now prevents local governments from prohibiting short-term vacation rentals.

The cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach had no such pre-2011 restrictions in place and cannot impose them now.

Derr said she asks new Key Royale residents why they moved to Key Royale and she’s often told it’s because of the 30-day restriction on vacation rentals and the sense of community that fosters.

“We conquered that in our neighborhood because we have an HOA and we don’t allow weekly rentals,” unlike most Island neighborhoods, Sebring said.

OBITUARIES

John Mark Watkins

John Mark Watkins, 64, of Bradenton Beach, Florida, passed away on July 23, 2023 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Mark was born on Oct. 5, 1958 to Paul and Betty Watkins in Portland, Oregon. After graduating from high school, Mark attended college and majored in psychology. This major seemed well suited to his personality and ability to get along with all types of people regardless of their social status.

also repair most everything with a little ingenuity and available tools. His charisma and work ethic made him an asset to any project. Because his employees knew Mark would make the day fun, they

looked forward to working with him, probably the characteristic people remember most about him. Once he started a project, he put his whole being into it because he wanted the project to be the best and it always

He was also gentle and nurturing as demonstrated by his love of all animals. He particularly loved dogs and they loved him. Happy was a favorite Labradoodle and was with him whenever possible. He delivered her seven healthy puppies right in the middle of Hurricane Ian and took care of all of them, including Papa Wags, with no electricity. He was always able to figure out how to do things, like puppy delivery!

Above all. Mark never met a stranger and kept friends close to his heart. He would go out of his way to ensure that people were comfortable and included.

Mark was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Betty Watkins; and his eldest brother, Paul Wayne Watkins. Mark is survived by brothers, James and Michael; their spouses; several nieces and nephews; and Shelley Wheeler, his longtime business partner and best friend.

If so moved, memorial gifts may be made to Manatee County Animal Services or the American Cancer Society.

FUN IN THE SUN

2 Setting of the graphic novel "Persepolis"

3 People next door

4 "Erin Burnett OutFront" channel

5 Knight's tunic

6 "Ziggy Stardust" singer David

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EARLY CLASSIFIED ADS DEADLINE FOR AUGUST 30 EDITION. Ads must be in by 5pm on Thursday August 24 EARLY DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER

6 EDITION will be August 31 at 5pm.

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

BOAT SLIP WANTED

IN SEARCH OF BOAT SLIP for rent or sale (preferably with lift)

Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team KW on the Water 941799-9299

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?

Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

EMPLOYMENT

POSITIVE, ENERGETIC RENTAL AGENT for a growing company on Island. Take reservation, interacting with guest, owners & vendors, etc. Knowledge of RNS a plus. $17hr. depending on experience. 941-778-4800.

FISHING CHARTERS

CAPT. MAC GREGORY

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

GARAGE/YARD SALE

MOVING SALE - 513 North Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, Saturday, August 26, 9AM6PM, furniture, house wares, appliances, and more!

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941726-3077

RENOVATION SPECALIST

ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995

Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.

ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.

HOME SERVICES

CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways, pool decks, concrete grinding. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

LOST & FOUND

LOST WALLET AROUND

Judy’s Restaurant. Please call 313-310-3290. REWARD

LOST KEY FOB at Pickle ball courts in Holmes Beach. Please call 941778-2919.

LOST GOLD RING High School Graduation with PA on Top. Please call 941243-1444

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING

YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS

ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured. Driveways/sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fences, House (soft wash/ downstream). Call 813638-7636. tandbpressurewashing@yahoo. com Family owned and operated.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home?

Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

RUNAWAY BAY ISLAND

CONDO $430,000 Across from Beach. Water views Sold furnished. Christine Kourik Re/max 314-4407574 LOWEST PRICE PROPERTY ON ISLAND

1455 GULF DR $1,375,000 3BR/3BA, 2 car garage, Furnished. Weekly rental zoned Christine Kourik REMAX Alliance 314-440-7574

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

TRANSPORTATION

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTALS

WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

SUNNYSHORES/ SAGAMORE ESTATES

AREA: Annual rental, home with 3BR/1.5BA. Includes washer, dryer, screened in patio, parking under carport, and access to boat ramp and park by Palma Sola Bay. $1,900 per month.

ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH

3BR/3BA $3495/mo (12 month minimum) + utilities. West of Gulf Dr. Please Call 518-210-5358.

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA

Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

LOOKING FOR A SNOWBIRD 6 months one day rental. Great location $3000/mo. Call 941-7784499

TRANSPORTATION

AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/ Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941-447-8372, www.amitaxi.com GOLF CART RENTALS

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095

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