Former
employee alleges discrimination, hostile work environment
The investigative findings were expected to be presented to the mayor and commission chair on Aug. 27.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Former public works department employee Benzard Holland alleges he was subjected to a hostile work environment and discriminatory behavior at the city. During the Aug. 22 city commission meeting, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy addressed the allegations and the ensuing investigation.
“On July the 25th, I received a copy of a complaint regarding discrimination from an ex-employee. The ex-employee has alleged that he was discriminated against. I took that very seriously. I think each one of you commissioners was given this complaint. I wasn’t, but you were. A copy was
sent to me by Commissioner (Mark) Short,” Murphy told the commission.
On July 25, Holland, a Black man, sent an email to all five city commissioners that said in part, “Dear city commissioners, I am writing to formally report the hostile work environment and discriminatory
SEE INVESTIGATION, PAGE 41
Lighting strikes two Holmes Beach businesses
A two-alarm fire started by a bolt of lightning damaged two businesses and caused the evacuation of the Holmes Beach Business Center.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – A lightning strike started a fire on Aug. 22 that damaged two local businesses – West Coast Air Conditioning and Heating and Fun and More Rentals.
A press release from West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski states that the fire began at 10:18 a.m. at the Holmes Beach Business Center, 5347 Gulf Drive.
The lightning caused a two-alarm fire, bringing crews from WMFR, Bradenton Fire Rescue, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue and Southern Manatee Fire Rescue to the Anna Maria Island city. Kwiatkowski said the fire was extinguished quickly and no injuries were reported.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, whose family owns the business center, said all of the units were evacuated quickly, including the Island Animal Clinic and The Paw Spa, whose four-legged clients were safely moved to 5350 The Pourhouse across the street in the S&S Plaza. None of the other units in the business center were damaged by the fire.
Primary voters produce change in leadership
The primary results will significantly reshape the Manatee County Commission.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – Anna Maria
Island voters helped determine the winners of three key Republican primary races that saw Tal Siddique, George Kruse and Scott Farrington emerge with victories on Aug. 20.
Island voters joined voters countywide in rejecting several candidates associated with political consultant Anthony Pedicini and the divisive, developer-beholden political ideology that has defined county politics since the 2020 elections. Pedicini clients April Culbreath, Kevin Van Ostenbridge, James Satcher, Ray Turner and Steve Metallo lost their primary races.
DISTRICT 3
Siddique defeated Culbreath in the District 3 county commission race. Siddique received 6,070 votes (61.07%) and Culbreath received 3,870 votes (38.93%). Siddique now faces Democratic candidate Diana Shoemaker in the general election in November.
The District 3 commissioner directly represents a district that includes Anna Maria Island, Cortez, a portion of Longboat Key and portions of Bradenton. Of the 9,940 votes cast in the District 3 race, approximately 14% were cast by Anna Maria Island voters.
JUDY TITSWORTH | SUBMITTED
TOM CURTIN | SUBMITTED
A lightning strike started a two-alarm fire on Aug. 22 at the Holmes Beach Business Center on Gulf Drive as streets remained flooded from rains. Inset, resident Tom Curtin captured the scene as the fire burned through two units at the Holmes Beach Business Center.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN General Manager Dean Jones oversees Anna Maria’s public works department and building department.
Kaleta gets three extra days to fix parking lots
The parking lot is slowly coming into compliance, with required site plans and the capping of an artesian well at 101 Bridge St.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City building official Darin Cushing has given an extension of time to developer Shawn Kaleta to complete all city commission-required stipulations for temporary use permits for four paid parking lots.
The city has received and approved the site plans for the temporary use permits and has given Kaleta until Monday, Sept. 9 to complete the rest of the items stipulated by the commission, according to Cushing.
A professionally-designed site plan was a key component for the multiple conditions that had been put in place by the city commission before granting temporary use permits for the paid parking lots; 101 Bridge St. was approved on Feb. 15 and 206 Bay Drive N., 207 Church Ave. and 102 Third St. N. gained approval on March 21.
The extension of the deadline was granted in part due to a leaking artesian well at the Bridge Street site that is in the process of being capped.
“The well capping is still ongoing. I'm not sure how much more they have to do, but I do know the well turned out to be over 300 feet deep, and the entire length has to be filled with concrete, which cannot all be done in one day,” Cushing wrote The Sun. “We
are monitoring the progress, as are SWFWMD and Manatee County.”
In an Aug. 1 letter to Kaleta, Cushing had written he intended to barricade the lots on Aug. 9 with a permanent closure deadline of Sept. 6 if all the stipulations had not been met.
“To date, very few, if any of these stipulations have been met, first and foremost, the presentation of professionally designed site plans in order to
demonstrate that all of the other stipulations are being adhered to,” he wrote.
The parking lots were barricaded by the city on Aug. 9, but reopened the following day after intervention by Kaleta’s attorney, Louis Najmy.
The parking lot stipulations for commission approval at 101 Bridge St. include no entrance or exit from Bridge Street, installation of directional arrows, installation of landscaping less than 3 feet high, sidewalk installation north of Third Street South to hook into the corner sidewalk on Gulf Drive, installation of trolley benches and slab, installation of black and white signage and review of the site plan by the building official. The one-year temporary use permit runs through Feb. 15, 2025.
Some of the stipulations for 206 Bay Drive N., 102 Third St. N. and 207 Church Ave. included the building owner submitting a building permit application or land development approval request within eight months of the temporary use permit approval and limiting the parking of cars, with the number of parking spaces to be approved by the building official on a site plan.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Contractors work on capping the leaking artesian well at 101 Bridge St. on Aug. 23.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Sun hosting Anna Maria mayor’s forum
Anna Maria mayoral candidates Brian Seymour and Mark Short will participate in a candidates’ forum at Anna Maria City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. Short and Seymour seek to succeed Mayor Dan Murphy, who is stepping down after 10 years in office. Seymour is a former Anna Maria commissioner and operates the Anna Maria General Store and the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop. Short retired from Ernst & Young as a partner in its Transaction Advisory Services practice in 2017 and currently chairs the Anna Maria City Commission. The forum is being hosted by The Anna Maria Island Sun, with Sun reporter Joe Hendricks serving as forum moderator. The two candidates will spend 60-90 minutes answering questions posed by the moderator, including questions submitted by the public in advance. Please email your forum questions to jhendricks@amisun.com by Monday, Sept 2.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
TDC members explain benefits of tourist tax increase
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – A referendum to raise the Manatee County tourist tax from 5% to 6% will be on the November ballot, and the county’s chief tourism official spoke about the benefits and misperceptions of the potential increase at an Aug. 19 Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting.
“We’re all set to be on the ballot in November,” Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said. “The Board of County Commissioners approved it on July 30 so just for the public consumption, I’d like to reiterate why we’re trying to do what we’re doing.”
Meet Holmes Beach candidates
Come to The Anna Maria Island Sun’s Holmes Beach Candidate Forum and get your questions answered live by the candidates. The forum takes place on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. The event kicks off with the four commission candidates, Dan Diggins, Steve Oelfke, Bill Romberger and Carol Whitmore, answering questions from the community. Immediately following the commission candidates, mayoral candidates Mike Roth and Judy Titsworth will answer questions. The forum will be streamed live on The Sun’s Facebook page with video replay available immediately following the event. Submit your questions for the candidates to news@amisun.com.
Water quality advisory issued for Palma Sola South
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) has issued a water quality health advisory at Palma Sola South. An Aug. 23 press release stated that tests completed on Aug. 19 and Aug. 21 indicate that water quality at south Palma Sola Bay does not meet state guidelines for recreational water quality due to enterococcus (fecal) bacteria. The health department advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. The advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth. gov/HealthyBeaches. For more information, call 941-741-3962 or visit Manatee.FloridaHealth.gov.
“One penny on the dollar - if the residents decided to say yes - will generate about $8 million a year,” Falcione said. “We are trending to be north of $30 million in tourism tax generated; again that equates to about $80 million of sales tax generation that really helps provide services for our local community that ultimately enhances our quality of life.”
He said the tourist tax funds go toward renourishment and maintenance of beaches, restoration of the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach pier and arts and culture, including the Bishop Museum, ArtCenter Manatee, Manatee Performing Arts Center and Mote Marine Aquarium.
He said the new Bradenton Area Convention Center hotel, the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, will have a minimum $30 million annual return.
“When you can use taxes that are paid by the tourists to create an asset that not only appeals to a tourist, but also enhances the quality of life for the residents at no cost to the residents, that’s a great situation to be in,” Falcione said. “That’s where the tax is the most valuable. Obviously that tax brings in visitors that feed the economy – the number one industry in Florida. If you took tourism away from a community like this it
Tourism visitation flat, room rates up
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Visitor numbers are down slightly in the Bradenton area from last year, but higher room rates are pointing to confidence in the market, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione told the Manatee County Tourist Development Council on Aug. 19.
“Confident short-term rental owners are not wanting to compromise those rates because visitation is off a little bit,” he said in his report on tourism. “The overall economic impact is up. Those are great numbers.”
In fiscal year 2023, there
were 821,900 visitors to the Bradenton area, and in 2024, that number was 814,100, a decrease of .9%. The total economic impact, however, rose 2.3% from $1,382,734,200 to $1,414,380,000.
“That .9% of less visitors is basically flat,” Falcione said. “We don’t need to be breaking tourism records, this is a nice sustainable 12 months a year without major peaks and lulls.”
In comparing June 2023 to June 2024, the number of visitors to the Bradenton area rose 11.4%, going from 98,200 to 109,400; room nights were up 18.4% from 197,000 to 233,300 and the total economic impact increased 14.9% from $138,837,200 to
$159,554,600. Tourist tax collections rose 15.2% from $2,923,352 to $3,367,633.
Those numbers are higher on Anna Maria Island.
In a year-to-year comparison from June 2023 to June 2024, occupancy on the Island increased 2.4% compared to 1.5% on the mainland and 1.7% in Longboat Key. Room rates during that period increased 4.5% on Anna Maria Island from an average $255.25 to $266.86 per night. Mainland rates decreased 1.8% from $148.58 to $145.94 per night and Longboat Key showed a 1.5% increase going from $253.83 to $257.70 per night.
PAGE 44 SEE TDC, PAGE 44
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN From left, Mark Short or Brian Seymour will serve as Anna Maria’s next mayor.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
From left, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione, TDC members Dave Wick and Norma Kennedy, TDC Chair Ray Turner, and TDC members Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant and Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown attend the Aug. 19 TDC meeting at The Center of Anna Maria Island.
High-speed chase ends on tennis court
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – A highspeed chase ended with a suspect being trapped in chain link fencing on a Gulf Drive tennis court, resulting in six criminal charges.
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the Aug. 21 incident began when suspect Dominic Garcia, 24, allegedly stole a vehicle in Palmetto before going to a Bradenton residence where he is suspected of beating a woman before leaving and making a wrong turn on Manatee Avenue that took him to Anna Maria Island.
“He was trying to go to Melbourne,” Tokajer said.
In Holmes Beach, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Brett Getman spotted the stolen black Ford Expedition and got behind Garcia. That’s when Tokajer said Garcia hit the gas, getting up
to an estimated 80 mph before missing a curve on Gulf Drive that sent the vehicle straight into a picket fence and two chain link fences, one of which wrapped around the front end of the vehicle, stopping it on a tennis court at the Martinique condominium complex.
Tokajer said no injuries were
reported.
Garcia is charged with domestic battery, battery on a person 65 years of age or older, operation of a motor vehicle without a valid license, two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage and grand theft of a motor vehicle. He was placed in custody at the Manatee County Jail.
Demolition begins on treehouse
Above, demolition on the treehouse at Angelinos Sea Lodge began just after 8 a.m. on Monday. Complete removal of the structure is estimated to take until Wednesday, Aug. 28. Below, treehouse owner and advocate Lynn Tran surveys the removal progress on Monday.
Garcia
HOLMES BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT | SUBMITTED Officers arrested Dominic Garcia on six separate charges after he crashed a stolen vehicle into a tennis court on Gulf Drive.
OPINION
EDITORIAL
Fresh air
The red stripes on the American flag are intended to remind us of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces who died to enable us to – among other things – get a good education and vote.
A lot of people don’t think their vote counts, and some of them don’t vote as a result- only about a third of Anna Maria Island voters did. But last week, a whole new group of elected officials started on their way either to an elected office or to the November election, thanks to voters who believed their vote counts and who bothered to vote.
Those who were elected are not the old guard or the good ol’ boys, which comes as a bit of a surprise, fresh air-wise.
If you’re of the opinion that your vote doesn’t count, think about that before the November election.
Come to The Sun’s candidate forums on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Holmes Beach City Hall at 6 p.m. and on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Anna Maria City Hall at 6 p.m. and get educated. Then vote.
You might be surprised.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thanks for voting
I would like to do a big “shout out” to all the islanders that showed what passion and dedication can do; how a community can rally together, put political differences aside and come together for a common cause.
A special thank you to all of you that put signs out, made phone calls, waved signs, donated and worked the polls. We could not have done this without you.
Election Day was one of the best performances by our cities in years. You showed up and voted.
A special thank you to Commissioner Diggins for taking
The Anna Maria
Island Sun Staff
a shift and to new candidates
Carol Whitmore and Mike Roth for coming out and talking to residents.
We have proven that grassroots works. Our voices can be heard. That our little city has a big voice. Now the next chapter begins. We still need to get some of our candidates elected in November. The good guys have been given the opportunity to make a difference.
Renée Ferguson Holmes Beach
Mayor appreciates voters
I want to thank the citizens of Manatee County for all of their help in taking back our county. This was a tremendous victory
for our county and for our Island cities as it couldn't have happened anywhere else but the ballot box.
Citizens, environmentalists and government officials who were subject to the bully tactics from the likes of KVO had only two choices, kiss the ring or risk becoming a casualty of their attacks and false narratives. I thank all who had the courage to hold their ground and assisted in educating the people and in doing so, asked the people to help fight this battle. We were warriors for the county, for the cities and for the environment.
Well done, Manatee County citizens. We did it!
Judy Titsworth Holmes Beach mayor
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28
Weekly oyster drilling, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon
SATURDAY, AUG. 31
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
MONDAY, SEPT. 2
Labor Day
TUESDAY, SEPT. 3
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.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4
Weekly oyster drilling, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon
Preschool yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
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, SEPT. 5
AMI Chamber of Commerce sunrise breakfast, Ginny and Jane E’s, 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 8 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members
Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6
Forty Carrots infant and toddler playtime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
Manatee Sail and Power Squadron boating safety course, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
MONDAY, SEPT. 9
Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 10
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.
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.
Sept. 2, all day – Labor Day, city offices closed
Sept. 11, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting
Sept. 19, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Aug. 28, 10 a.m. – Pier Team meeting
Sept. 2, all day – Labor Day, city offices closed
Sept. 4, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting
Sept. 4, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting
Sept. 5, 5:05 p.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency budget meeting
Sept. 5, 5:35 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting
Sept. 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
Sept. 18, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Sept. 2, all day – Labor Day, city offices closed Sept. 5, 9 a.m. – Stormwater workshop
Sept. 11, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting
Sept. 11, 5 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting Sept. 11, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting following budget meeting Sept. 18, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing
ISLAND-WIDE
Sept. 9, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Anna Maria City Hall Sept. 12, 9:30 a.m. – ManaSota League of Cities meeting, Town of Longboat Key commission chambers, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Sidewalk replacement, repairs underway in CRA district
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Cracked or crumbling sidewalks around Bridge Street are being repaired or replaced to alleviate tripping hazards.
Police Chief John Cosby, who is also serving as interim public works director, told the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) about the need for sidewalk repairs at its June 5 meeting. He said after walking the CRA district with the public works crew, they found tripping hazards in several areas of the sidewalks. The city is responsible for all the sidewalks that have shell alongside, including those on Gulf Drive.
“We’ve got the machine and they’re leveling those tripping hazards off,” Cosby said at the June meeting. “A few years ago we had a couple of people who had tripped at different locations and had some serious facial injuries.”
City maintenance crews will be replacing sidewalks that are crumbled or crushed in the CRA district, he said.
Sidewalks on the southwest end of Bridge Street are being replaced to alleviate hazards.
“The team is able to do that,” Cosby said. “The shell will be put back in the way it was, we’ll just have some new sections and we do have quite a few areas of that where it’s cracked severely.”
Save Florida Home Rule meets with state legislators
Representatives of Save Florida Home Rule (SFHR), one from each of the Anna Maria Island cities and one from Bradenton, recently met with Sen. Jim Boyd and State Rep. Will Robinson Jr.
The two-fold purpose of the meeting was to make the state officials aware of the non-partisan grassroots group advocating for home rule and keeping the three Anna Maria Island cities intact, and to ask where the legislators stand on consolidating and/or dissolving the three Island cities.
The SFHR representatives delivered evidence of the groundswell in sentiment to preserve the Island, including 1,263 letters from Florida voters, residents, business owners and visitors on and off the Island who love its cities the way they are and want to keep them intact.
The group opined that beach parking and the consolidation of cities are separate issues and the group asked for more
information about the nature of the problems that consolidation would fix.
The group also asked about the OPPAGA study and the feasibility of consolidating the three Island cities into one new Island city or consolidating the three cities into Manatee County or the city of Bradenton.
According to Boyd, the completed study has been submitted to the Florida Senate but has not yet been reviewed or discussed. Boyd and Robinson both said that the OPPAGA report would be made public. Boyd and Robinson expressed appreciation to the group for meeting with them and giving voice to the concerns of the people who would be most affected by the consolidation and/or dissolution of the three Island cities. The SFHR representatives offered to engage in future discussions about the fate of the Island cities, as citizens’ voices have not been solicited by the state regarding these issues.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Fired elections office employees speak out
After losing his primary election, Interim Supervisor of Elections James Satcher fired four long-time employees.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – Interim Supervisor of Elections James Satcher fired one elections office employee as the primary election wound down and three more the following day.
On the evening of Aug. 20, voteby-mail employee Mark Darnell was fired. On Aug. 21, 16-year elections office employee Chris Palmer was fired, as were longtime temporary employees Teresa Margraf and Harriet “Heddy” Darnell, Mark Darnell’s mom. None of the fired employees were given a reason for their dismissal. The firings occurred after Satcher was defeated in his bid to be Manatee County’s next duly elected Supervisor of Elections. That office will instead go to former Supervisor of Elections Chief of Staff Scott Farrington. Farrington defeated Satcher in the Supervisor of Elections Republican primary race by 7,276 votes. With no Democratic challenger in the general election, Farrington will assume the supervisor’s role on Jan. 7, but Satcher remains in charge of the elections office through and beyond the general election in November.
In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis
MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED
appointed Satcher, a county commissioner at the time, to finish the remaining months of the four-year term that Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett vacated when he retired in March. At the time, Satcher had no experience managing an elections office or running an election. Farrington resigned after Satcher’s appointment and ran for office.
PLEA TO DESANTIS
On Aug. 25, Heddy Darnell sent a 1,300-word email to DeSantis, the Florida Division of Elections and the Florida Commission on Ethics.
In part, Darnell’s email said, “This is a plea from the voters and people in Manatee County. We are asking you to please remove James Satcher as supervisor of elections as soon as possible. He lost the primary to Scott Farrington and has now fired four people in retaliation.”
Darnell’s email also said, “The voters have spoken in Manatee County. Please help the county before more damage is done. Mr. Satcher needs to be removed. Scott Farrington needs to be put in command of this election in November. Mr. Satcher’s retaliation is hurting innocent people personally and financially. Please hear us.”
EX-EMPLOYEES SPEAK
On Aug. 25, The Sun spoke with Darnell about her firing. The Sun also spoke with Palmer and Margraf, who were together at the time.
Darnell had worked at the elections office since 2016. During the election cycles that take place every two years, she begins working full-time in February, takes a couple of months off during the slow period, returns in July and works through the November election. Her duties included data entry, registering new voters, making changes to voter records, answering voter questions and more.
“I was fired at about quarter to five on Wednesday, the day after the election. I was told my services were no longer needed. Period,” Darnell said.
She then shared her observations on Satcher’s performance, spending habits and the work environment he created.
SEE SOE, PAGE 43
Eason Builders Group has been selected to install the initial one-block section of brick paver sidewalks.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – A signed contract is now in place for the installation of brick paver sidewalks along Pine Avenue, between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive, where no paved sidewalks currently exist. Where applicable, the brick paver sidewalks will follow the same unpaved meandering paths that veer away from Pine Avenue and closer to the business entrances. New crosswalks will also be installed in the initial phase of the multi-phase sidewalk installation project. The existing concrete sidewalks in that area will remain in place for now and be replaced later in a future phase of the Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project.
On Aug. 22, the Anna Maria City Commission authorized Mayor Dan Murphy to sign a contract with Eason Builders Group owner Scott Eason for the initial phase of the multi-phase project.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN The unpaved pedestrian paths will be replaced with brick paver sidewalks.
James Satcher suffered a resounding loss in the primary election.
Playground shade sail coming soon
In late June, the Anna Maria City Commission approved Mayor Dan Murphy’s request to pay the Playground Boss company $72,759 to install a shade sail structure above the children’s playground at City Pier Park. On Aug. 22, the mayor provided a project update and shared a rendering of the shade sail structure, now expected to cost $69,962. Murphy said the new shade structure will resemble the larger shade sail installed at City Pier Park and the support poles will be located outside of the fenced-in playground area. Murphy said some surveying and soil testing needs to be done and some permitting needs to be completed before the installation can begin. Barring any unforeseen delays, he expects the shade sail structure to be in place by the end of November. The city also plans to install some type of shade structure or covering above the uncovered area at the T-end of the City Pier in the coming 2024-25 fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1.
Open container fine reduced
The city of Anna Maria has reduced its open alcohol container fine from $250 to $100. The city commission took this action on Aug. 22 with the adoption of City Resolution R24-800. The resolution amends Sec. 114-503 of the city’s code of ordinances relating to alcohol consumption or the possession of open containers in certain prohibited areas that include any street, alley, sidewalk, beach, coastal barrier, sand dune, beach access, public parking lot or park within the city. Mayor Dan Murphy suggested reducing the fine because signs located throughout the city noted the fine for an open container is $100, but the fine in place had actually been $250, similar to many other fines for various city violations. Murphy said it made more sense to reduce the fine than it does to modify the signs.
Planning board member sought
The Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board seeks a new member. On Aug. 21, City Planner Ashely Austin announced that board Chairman Dr. Jose Erbella had resigned due to his hospital residency obligations. The board appointed David Haddox to serve as the new chair and Jeff Rodencal to serve as vice-chair. Serving as an advisory board and recommending body to the city commission, the commission-appointed board that also includes Dusty Crane and Doug Copeland meets one Wednesday morning per month to discuss and review matters pertaining to land use, building, development, construction, permitting and more. “I find being on the P&Z to be a great volunteer opportunity,” Rodencal said later. “It keeps me connected to the community and it is only a couple hours a month of time commitment.” To obtain an application, visit the city clerk’s office, email amclerk@cityofannamaria.com or call 941-708-6130.
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED
This rendering illustrates what the new shade sail structure will look like.
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED
The City Pier Park playground will soon be covered with a shade sail structure.
Cortez bridgetender booth on preservation list
The Cortez Village Historical Society has approached FDOT to preserve the historic structure on the Cortez bridge.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – When the new 65-foot-high Cortez bridge is constructed, it won’t be a drawbridge, so a bridgetender will no longer be needed, and a Cortez group wants to save the bridgetender’s booth at the top of the bridge.
The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) has opened discus sions with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) about obtaining and preserving parts of the structure.
“I don’t have a specific idea in mind of what this is going to be,” CVHS President Cindy Rodgers said. “I’m hoping that we can brainstorm some ideas.”
On Aug. 16, representatives from FDOT, including Cortez Bridge Project Manager Ryan Weeks, visited the Cortez Cultural Center.
“This is my first time here and I really would like for us to look at some of the alternative items and walk the bridge, talk about some different things, things that would be easy to remove and display here,” Weeks said.
Rather than transport the entire building, which is a costly endeavor, discussions centered around preserving parts of the building.
“We’re interested in the stuff that’s in there,” Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH)
member Alan Garner said.
Some of the potential items for preservation discussed by CVHS and FISH members are the controls, lights and swing arms.
“Our discussions at FISH were what does that have to do with the actual village?” FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann said. “The more we thought about it, we thought Florida Maritime Museum might be a better fit, but we continue to discuss it.”
“As the link between Cortez and the Gulf islands, the Cortez Bridge is part of our history. How many times have we traversed that bridge, getting that first glimpse of the sparkling Gulf on the other side, watching the pelicans dive for their dinner and people fishing for theirs,” Rodgers said. “It’s a part of Cortez history and we'd like
to preserve what we can of that story for future generations. On the new bridge, there will be no bridgetender building or bridgetender. Eventually, drawbridges will probably become a thing of the past.”
Following tours of the center and the FISH Preserve, representatives from FDOT, CVHS, FISH and the Florida Maritime Museum headed to the bridge for a tour of the bridgetender house.
“I think we had a very good (and full) day - meeting at the Center, Alan and Jane gave a narrated tour of the preserve, lunch at Star Fish, then a trek to the bridge,” Rodgers wrote in an Aug. 16 email to The Sun. “We were able to go inside and to the downstairs area as well, and talk to the bridgetender. Which made me realize we really
need to do oral histories with these guys; one of them has done this job for about 30 years - what stories he must have!”
Rodgers said CVHS will compile a wish list of what they would like to have and FDOT will let them know what is possible.
The drawbridge was constructed in 1956 with an estimated 50-year service life and multiple bridge repair and maintenance projects have occurred within the past 20 years.
The design phase of the new bridge began in October 2019 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2025. The construction project will be awarded to the chosen contractor in summer 2025 with construction slated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, according to the Cortez Bridge Project website, www.cortezbridge.com.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
The Cortez Village Historical Society hopes to preserve parts of the Cortez bridgetender booth.
Loggerhead killed by car leaves behind 84 hatchlings
With bad street lighting, cars, flooding and holes left on the beach, turtles are facing many hazards this season.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The nest laid by a loggerhead sea turtle that was struck and killed by a car on Gulf Drive in June hatched earlier this week, producing 84 hatchlings.
“When we conducted the nest excavation, we found one live hatchling in the nest, which was released immediately,” Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella wrote in an Aug. 23 email.
Mazzarella said it was a great hatch success and is hopeful that the turtle’s legacy will continue.
“At this nest, which was situated in the picnic area of Coquina Beach near lifeguard tower 6, we placed a dedication plaque to let people know how, thanks to the awareness this turtle brought about lighting issues,
many more turtles were saved from her fate,” she wrote.
After her death, the streetlights that led the turtle into the road were turned off until a turtle-safe solution could be put in their place.
MANY NEST EXCAVATIONS
There have been no new crawls this week, but Mazzarella said they are possible at this time of year.
“What we have been doing a lot of is nest excavations on nests that should've hatched around the time of Tropical Storm Debby,” she wrote.
“When nests reach 70 days, they are considered overdue and we try our best to do an inventory on them. This is sometimes a difficult task because we don't know exactly where the nest is without the benefit of a depression from a hatch.”
Volunteers must dig the area within the nest stakes to find the nest chamber. Sometimes, Turtle Watch volunteers may find unhatched eggs that have stopped developing or hatched shells indicating that a hatch occurred but went unnoticed due to
inundation from the storm.
“The good news is that we are finding that many of these nests did indeed hatch,” she wrote. “This is reflected in the increase in hatched nest numbers over last week.”
HATCHLING RESCUE
Turtle Watch volunteer Kathy Noonan found and rescued two loggerhead hatchlings that had fallen into a hole left on the beach.
“One of the many hazards we educate the public about is holes dug in the sand,” Mazzarella wrote. “These holes can entrap hatchlings on their way to the water and, unless they are found by someone, they may perish in the hole from dehydration or be picked up by a predator."
With the loss of more than 180 nests to Tropical Storm Debby, it is even more important to make sure the remaining hatchlings make it to the Gulf, she said, reminding beachgoers to fill in holes in the sand before leaving the beach for the day.
SUBMITTED
A plaque dedicated to the loggerhead sea turtle killed by a car on Gulf Drive in June was placed near her nest, which produced 84 hatchlings.
Where's Henrietta?
Henrietta, a female loggerhead sea turtle that nested on Anna Maria Island three times this season, remains in last place in a field of 10 turtles in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles Race, which began on Aug. 1. She has traveled a distance of 64 miles since she nested on June 24 on Coquina Beach and was satellite-tagged and released. Henrietta is swimming in the race to draw attention to the cause of light pollution and how lighting near shore can negatively impact nesting turtles and their hatchlings. Her participation in the 2024 Tour de Turtles is sponsored by Hurricane Hanks and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. Visit The Sun’s Facebook page for weekly updates in “Where’s Henrietta?” and visit amisun.com for weekly updates on turtle nesting activity in “Nesting News.”
NESTING NEWS
Turtle nests laid: 684 (Previous record: 543 in 2019)
False crawls: 838 (Previous record: 831 in 2010)
Nests hatched: 264 (Record: 453 in 2022)
Hatchlings produced: 19,143 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)
Hatchling disorientations: 55
Adult disorientations: 36
Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring
Holmes Beach commissioner seeks re-election
Commissioner Dan Diggins is hoping for another two-year term in Holmes Beach.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Dan Diggins is seeking another term on the dais with the goal of establishing a better relationship with Manatee County and Florida state leaders.
“My number one goal is to have a better relationship with the county and the state because whatever we’ve been doing, it’s not working,” Diggins said. He added that he has talked with Rep. Will Robinson Jr., who suggested the city give a little on some county initiatives. One of those initiatives that Diggins is in favor of pursuing is a water taxi landing area. He said he feels that he might be the only elected official in the city who is willing to say he supports the concept of a water taxi landing.
“If you support the concept, then the plan will come,” Diggins said.
One county project that he’s not willing to bend on is a proposed multi-level parking garage at Manatee Beach. Diggins said the addition of a parking garage wouldn’t alleviate traffic to the beach. He also noted that the project is currently unfunded by the county.
“There’s plenty of parking,” he said. “We don’t really restrict parking like they do in Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria. We don’t charge for parking. We mark our parking spaces. We welcome visitors to come in and enjoy the beaches. We really do welcome the people.”
He also said he doesn’t support consolidating the three Anna Maria Island cities into one. Diggins said he thinks consolidation could have been done several decades ago, but now it wouldn’t be beneficial to the cities or fiscally responsible. He said now it would be more expensive to consolidate the cities than it would be to maintain the three city governments, though he could see some
benefits in consolidating some services among the cities. One thing that concerns him about the consolidation talks, he said, is that any cost savings would come at the expense of people’s jobs. One change he would like to see is a lower millage rate.
Diggins noted that the city has done a lot to build up reserves but he feels those funds are in good shape and the taxpayers deserve a break, along with a lowered city budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
If re-elected by voters in November, Diggins said he plans to continue bringing an open mind and willingness to hear both sides of an issue to the city government.
“One thing I can do when I’m up there on the dais is I can argue both sides of most of the issues. I’ve done that several times, I’ve argued both sides and I think that’s the sign of an open mind. I see this at the county level when I attend their meetings. Their minds are already made up, it doesn’t matter what people say,” Diggins said. “I actually listen to what the people say. I listen to all the facts and then I make a decision. My decision’s not made ahead of time and I purposely argue two sides of most issues before I make up my mind.”
DAN DIGGINS | SUBMITTED
Diggins seeks a second term on the Holmes Beach commission.
Oelfke shares commission hopes
Steve Oelfke is looking to make the transition from planning commissioner to the city commission.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Planning
Commissioner Steve Oelfke has a lot of ideas and he’s hoping that voters will put him in one of two available seats on the city commission in November.
“I knew that there was a need for people to step up and I felt that was the direction I would move in at some point,” he said of throwing his hat in the ring to make the transition. “The reason why I’m doing any of this is because we, my wife and my family, love where we live.”
Oelfke said it’s important to him to serve the community in some way, crediting Commissioner Terry Schaffer with “planting the seed” that encouraged him to apply for the planning commission, which now has led to him to seek elected office in the city.
In his professional life, Oelfke is
a nursing home administrator, a job that lets him do what he loves – helping people. It’s that attitude that he wants to bring to the city commission by working as a team with the other commissioners to best serve the community and solve problems.
“The biggest problem is handling the amount of people who want to come to the Island, the strain that puts on the people who live on the Island,” he said. “I think the biggest problem is how to handle that.”
Some of the effects of that strain, Oelfke said, are traffic, accidents, noise and strain on infrastructure.
While he said he doesn’t believe that the parking garage at Manatee Beach proposed by county commissioners would be an answer, he does feel that the Gulf Island Ferry service is a nod in the right direction to helping reduce traffic.
To really reduce traffic, he said, mass transit has to become a more viable option for commuters and beachgoers. For that to happen, he said the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue would
need a third lane, one that would be dedicated to bus and trolley service along with first responder vehicles in an emergency. To take the idea a step further, Oelfke said the third lane could also be utilized as an extra traffic lane to move heavy traffic off the Island, though he did acknowledge the third lane
would really need to extend to the mainland in Bradenton to truly be effective.
He also sees the county effort to put another ferry stop on Anna Maria Island as a positive move in the right direction to build up mass transit from the mainland.
Two county-led efforts that Oelfke said he’s not in favor of are consolidation of the three Island cities and a parking garage at the county-owned Manatee Beach. He said part of the charm of the Island is in its quaintness and diversity among the three cities along with the small-town feel. Building high rises on the beach and taking away local government would ruin the character that makes the Island special.
“The Island, I feel, is a paradise,” Oelfke said. “We feel lucky to live here.”
Hear Oelfke answer questions from the community live at The Sun’s candidate forum on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Holmes Beach city commission candidate Steve Oelfke hopes to bring new ideas to the dais.
Romberger throws hat in commission ring
Real estate agent Bill Romberger is one of four candidates running for a seat on the Holmes Beach commission.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Bill Romberger, owner and agent at the Anna Maria Island Real Estate Corp., is hoping voters will consider him for the city commission when going to the polls in November.
“I didn’t want it to turn into an Anna Maria situation,” he said, stating that he wanted to make sure that voters have a choice when it comes to choosing Holmes Beach city commissioners in November.
The local resident and Realtor said he’s been living on the Island with his family since 1995 and has seen a lot of changes over the years. He said he thinks the current elected officials in Holmes Beach are doing a good job and, if elected, he hopes to support continued efforts to improve water quality, protect the environment and oppose consolidation of the three Island cities and a proposed parking garage at Manatee Beach.
Currently a member of the Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee in Holmes Beach and the Surfrider Foundation, Romberger said that keeping local waters clean and Island stewardship is paramount on his list of priorities, if elected to one of the two open seats on the city commission.
“I’m an environmentalist,” he said, adding that he wants to protect the Island’s natural resources. “We need to look at things that can be done to, if nothing else, we don’t hurt the Island anymore, that it’s going to be hurt with the amount of tourists and development that it encounters.”
Romberger said he’d like to be a liaison to the clean water committee if elected so that he could work closely with those members to bring some of their projects to fruition.
“I think that would be my top priority,” he said.
Another priority, he said, would be to encourage native landscaping and minimalist landscaping to reduce water usage and stormwater runoff.
Romberger also said that he is a large supporter of the efforts to
BILL ROMBERGER | SUBMITTED
Realtor Bill Romberger is throwing his hat in the ring for one of two seats up for grabs on the Holmes Beach city commission.
maintain home rule and is against consolidation and efforts to build a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach. If it was fiscally responsible to consolidate services
among the three Island cities, he said that would be worth serious consideration.
“I spent my whole life in island beach communities and always thought it was important that the small communities keep their local government,” he said.
If elected, he said he’d like to work with property owners and local businesses to develop affordable housing for workers. Romberger said he feels there’s a way to incentivize business owners to create or provide affordable housing on the Island for some of their workers or to encourage property owners to turn short-term rentals into reasonably priced annual rentals.
He said that if the city’s budget allowed, he could see giving financial incentives to property owners or helping to subsidize the rent for workers at brick-and-mortar locations on the Island.
Romberger is answering questions from the community at The Sun’s Holmes Beach Candidate Forum on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall.
Whitmore seeks return to city commission
Former Manatee County
Commissioner Carol Whitmore wants to bring her political career full circle by taking a seat once again on the Holmes Beach city commission.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER |
kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – After working in the private sector for 18 months, former Manatee County commissioner Carol Whitmore is ready to step back into the local political spotlight, this time on familiar ground.
Whitmore is racing against three other candidates in the hopes of landing one of two available seats on the Holmes Beach city commission, the place where she started her political career before being elected as mayor and later elected to the county commission.
If elected, she plans to bring her ability to cultivate good relationships with other elected officials to the table.
“You need people who are willing to be open,” Whitmore said, noting that she has good contacts within Manatee County and with state leaders.
“I can act like a buffer,” she said. “They (other elected officials) want to hear from an elected official who has credibility.”
Whitmore said she’d like to help city leaders let the past go and move forward to build new, better relationships with Manatee County and Florida state elected officials. One of her greatest strengths as an elected official, she said, is building and maintaining relationships while also working in the city’s best interests to benefit the residents and visitors.
“I want to be there to support Judy (Mayor Judy Titsworth) and the commission but try to get us back on track,” Whitmore said.
Over the years, she said she’s seen three attempts to consolidate services across Anna Maria Island. Whitmore said she’s in favor of giving that a try if all three city governments can agree and they’re willing to move slowly to see what works and what may adversely affect the residents and visitors to the Island. She’s not, however, in favor of consolidating the city governments.
“I don’t support consolidating the cities at all. I believe in home
rule,” Whitmore said. “I’ve lived here 55 years. I believe in home rule 100%.”
Removing all the existing structures at Manatee Beach to build a three-story parking garage is not a viable solution to traffic issues, she said. Whitmore added that she thinks funding for
the project would be difficult to obtain, particularly when there is a county-owned parking garage in downtown Bradenton that needs immediate replacement. She said she thinks there are other solutions available to add public parking spaces, if needed.
Tourist development tax funds, Whitmore said, have a very narrow application under state regulations, though she thinks those monies could potentially be used to advertise or subsidize additional parking options at local churches.
Whitmore also said she hopes to use her public relations skills to help keep residents informed and work to help the three Island cities present a unified front on issues that affect all the municipalities. She said she thinks the strongest skill she can bring to the city is her ability to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships along with her ability to listen to the residents and help find solutions to problems.
“I’m honest,” she said. “And I think if you’re honest, you’ll never get in trouble.”
CAROL WHITMORE | SUBMITTED Whitmore hopes to go back to the place she started her political career – the Holmes Beach City Commission.
BUSINESS
AUTO SERVICE
GROOMS AUTOMOTIVE
5608 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 896-7898
BAIT & TACKLE SHOP
ANNIE’S BAIT & TACKLE
4334 127th St. W. Cortez, 794-3580
BANK
HANCOCK WHITNEY BANK
5324 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-4900
BIKE RENTAL
BEACH BUMS RENTALS
427 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-3316
BOATING STORE
GALATI YACHT SALES
900 South Bay Blvd Anna Maria, 778-0755
CAR WASH
SUN & SUDS CAR WASH
6412 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 564-3072
CARPET CLEANER
FAT CAT CARPET CLEANING
3801 9th Ave W. Bradenton, 778-2882
CBD STORE
LIVE NATURALLY
5337 Gulf Dr #200 Holmes Beach, 567-5299
CLOTHING STORE
IRENE’S RESORT WEAR
5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605
CONVENIENCE STORE CIRCLE K
DRY CLEANER
COURTESY CLEANERS
7421 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5145
ELECTRICIAN
ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING 1614 20th St. E. Palmetto, 749-5307
FINE DINING THE WATERFRONT
111 S Bay Blvd.
Anna Maria, 778-1515
FITNESS
PROSPER BRADENTON
7449 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 313-207-8506
FLOOR COVERINGS
FLOORING AMERICA
3200 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton, 348-1859
FLORIST
BLOOMS BY THE BEACH
2501 Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach, 778-2555
GIFT SHOP (TIE)
BEACH BUMS
427 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 778-3316
IRENE’S
5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605
GOLF CART RENTAL
BEACH BUMS
427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316
GROCERY STORE
PUBLIX SUPERMARKET
3900 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-5422
HAIR SALON
SALT AND SCISSORS SALON
313C Pine Ave Holmes Beach, 961-4458
HARDWARE STORE
TRUE VALUE
5324 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-2811
HEAT & AIR
ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING 1614 20th St. E. Palmetto, 749-5307
HOME BUILDER
WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION
407 72nd St Holmes Beach, 941-725-0073
HOTEL/MOTEL
SILVER SURF RESORT 1301 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach, 778-6626
JEWELRY STORE
IRENE’S RESORT WEAR 5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605
LIQUOR STORE
HURRICANE HANKS LIQUOR
5344 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach, 779-2337
MANICURIST
TU AT ZEN NAILS
3224 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-778-0700
READERS, PAGE 19
MARINA
KEYES MARINA
5501 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-1977
MEN’S APPAREL
BEACH BUMS
427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316
OUTDOOR SPORTS STORE DICKS SPORTING GOODS
HOUSE CLEANER
LISA FIRESTINE
PAINTER
CRAIG STRAPP
CWS Handyman Services LLC Bradenton, 305-432-1065
PEST CONTROL
ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL
11610 3rd Ave. E. Bradenton, 778-1630
PET GROOMING
THE PAW SPA
5343 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0885
PET STORE
AMI BEACH & DOG SUPPLY CO.
313 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 713-8970
PHARMACIST
TODD CVS
611 Manatee Ave Holmes Beach,778-1411
PHARMACY
WALGREENS
3200 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0451
PLUMBER
AIR & ENERGY
555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773
POOL CLEANER
STAND UP POOLS
POOL CONTRACTOR HURRICANE POOLS AND SPAS
REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE
JASON SATO
SATO REAL ESTATE INC.
519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
SATO REAL ESTATE INC.
519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200
RENTAL COMPANY
SATO REAL ESTATE INC.
519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200
RESORT
ANNA MARIA RESORTS
Tortuga Inn 1325 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-6611
ROOFER
TRUST MIKE ROOFING
5300 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach 807-6507
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
SANDPIPER MOBILE HOME PARK
2601 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-1140
SERVICE STATION
SHELL STATION
5424 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 778-6903
SHOPPING CENTER
ISLAND SHOPPING PLAZA
5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach
SOUVENIR SHOP
ISLAND BAZAAR
3304 E Bay Dr Homes Beach 778-3443
SPA
ALUNA DAY SPA
2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-8400
WOMEN’S APPAREL
IRENE’S RESORT WEAR
5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605
PEOPLE & PLACES
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
CFK ARCHITECTS 807-7852
ARCHITECT
ERIC WATSON
SEE READERS, PAGE 21
ART GALLERY
ARTIST GUILD GALLERY
5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 778-6694
ARTIST
KRISTI MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY www.kristimariephotos.com
ATTORNEY
NICK SATO
2071 Ringling Blvd. #400 Sarasota, 861-4400
BAND PAM WARD
BAR & GRILL
HARRY’S GRILL
9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999
BARTENDER
KAYLA
GRUB TROPICAL BBQ
415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874
BEACH
COQUINA BEACH
BOAT CAPTAIN
CALEB O’CONNOR
Blue Magoo Excursions
BUSINESS PERSON
MIKE ZEPPI
ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING
1614 20th St. E. Palmetto, 749-5307
CATERER
BEN SATO
GRUB TOPICAL BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874
CHEF
BEN SATO
GRUB TOPICAL BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874
CHIROPRACTOR
HARBOR CHIROPRACTIC 6220 Manatee Ave W 761-1100
DENTIST
ISLAND DENTAL SPA
3909 E Bay Dr Ste #205 Holmes Beach, 778-2204
DOCTOR
STEPHEN PELHAM, M.D.
3909 East Bay Drive #100 Holmes Beach, 778-1007
EYE CARE
LENSCRAFTERS
6725 Mantee Ave W Bradenton 746-4300
FINANCIAL PLANNER
EDWARD JONES
JOHN CAMPORA
6400 Manatee Ave W Suite B 779-2499
BOAT TOURS/FISHING CHARTER
AMI SALTY DOLPHIN TOURS 5325 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 281-4458
INTERIOR DESIGN
ADRIAN GRIFFIN INTERIORS 501 Pine Ave 352-255-7359
INDIVIDUAL ENTERTAINER
KOKO RAY 538-8724
MASSAGE THERAPY
ALUNA WELLNESS 2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400
PERSONAL TRAINER
BREANNA NEWTON HOME FITNESS BY BRE dnewton@airguaranteed.com
SCHOOL
ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY
4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 708-5525
SCHOOL TEACHER
VAN WORMER
ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY
4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 708-5525
VETERINARIAN DR BYSTROM
ISLAND ANIMAL CLINIC
5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach, 778-2445
VETERINARIAN CLINIC
ISLAND ANIMAL CLINIC
5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach, 778-2445
VIEW BEAN POINT
WAITER/WAITRESS
LINDA KISSELL
HARRY’S GRILL 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999
YOGA STUDIO
ALUNA WELLNESS
2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400
Anna Maria General Store and Deli wins award for Best Deli
There are plenty of places to get a bite to eat on Anna Maria Island, but few as unique as the Reader’s Choice Award winner for Best Deli, Anna Maria General Store and Deli, 503 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Using only the fresh est ingredients thanks to great relationships with local suppliers, visitors can taste the quality, and keep coming back for more.
“We love our job, we love our little store and we hope to see you soon,” owner Brian Seymour said.
Anna Maria General Store and Deli offers breakfast items such as breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, omelets and more.
Grill specials like pulled pork, burgers, Reubens and chicken sandwiches are available for lunch, and the deli selections are a big hit with delicious Cubans, BLTs, turkey, ham and plenty of other options on white, wheat, rye, marble rye and multi grain breads.
At the one-stop shop, visitors can pick up just about everything they may need for a great stay at the beach. From sunscreen to
cleaning supplies and just about everything in between, it can be found at Anna Maria General Store and Deli.
Make plans to visit this awardwinning business. There’s plenty of parking in the area, and it is just a short walk to the Anna Maria City Pier and other Pine Avenue attractions. Business hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
Anna Maria General Store is located at 503 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.
Keyes Marina wins Best Marina award
There are more than a few choices for a fishing charter, quality fishing gear and bait and dock rentals, but one stands above the rest, according to AMI Sun readers.
Keyes Marina, 5501 Marina Drive in the heart of Holmes Beach, has been voted the Reader’s Choice Award winner for Best Marina, and anyone who stops by will see why - this family-owned and run business is all about customer service and quality.
According to owner, Jim Keyes, the business is split into two services. The first is Island Discount Tackle, which offers high quality fishing tackle and bait. It’s a simple concept that gets the job done, offering what Keyes says is some of the best tackle and
bait on the Island. Just about anything imaginable to land a trophy fish is in the store.
The other is the marina, which offers slips for rent both short-term and annual.
There are also fishing charter boats and Fun Boat tour boats that run out of Keyes offering dolphin tours and sightseeing.
It’s not just Jim Keyes that keeps this Island favorite running, it is certainly a family affair. In addition to Jim, his brothers, John and Joe, and his mother are owners and operators. For more information, visit www.keyesmarina. com, or just stop by seven days a week from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
Keyes Marina is located at 5501 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.
Grub Tropical BBQ wins multiple Readers' Choice awards
There are a lot of dining options on Anna Maria Island, but anyone looking for something truly unique should look no further than Grub Tropical BBQ. Winning multiple Reader’s Choice Awards including Bartender, Caterer, Chef and Barbecue, Grub is located at 415 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. This is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to dine on tropical-inspired dishes that are like nothing else found on the Island.
Owner Ben Sato had a goal when he opened Grub in Feb. 2022 to offer the highest quality food quickly in a fast casual environment, whether it’s mouth-watering ribs, chicken, pork, wraps, flatbreads or the long list of options that offer something for everyone. Having two young daughters, Sato believes it’s important for families to be able to dine
SUBMITTED
together, but understands that children can’t handle long wait times, so getting the food out fast without sacrificing quality is of the utmost importance.
“Our catering business has been doing really well, and we are looking to expand on the catering options,” Sato said. “I had a get-together with my family and friends recently and we smoked a whole
pig. It was delicious and everybody loved it, so we’re excited to add that as a new option for catering. It’s really something nobody in this area really does, but we’re going to.”
Grub is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., and can be reached by calling 941-900-2874, or online at grubami.com.
Grub Tropical BBQ is located at 415 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
ASIAN RESTAURANT
ISLAND OCEAN STAR
902 S Bay Blvd
Anna Maria, 251-6940
BAGEL SHOP
GINNY’S & JANE E’S
9807 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 778-3170
BAKERY
HOMETOWN DESSERTS
507 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 896-3167
BARBEQUE
GRUB TROPICAL BBQ
415 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 900-2874
BREAKFAST
GINNY’S & JANE E’S
9807 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 778-3170
BURGER
HARRY’S BAR & GRILL
9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
CAFÉ
5350 POUR HOUSE
5350 Holmes Beach, 251-3681
CANDY STORE
DIPS ICE CREAM
503 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 778-1706
DELI
ANNA MARIA GENERAL STORE
503 Pine Ave
Anna Maria 779-9200
FESTIVAL 4TH OF JULY
GERMAN RESTAURANT
OLD HAMBURG
SCHNITZELHAUS
3246 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-1320
GOLF COURSE
PINEBROOK IRONWOOD GOLF
4260 Ironwood Cir Bradenton, 792-3288
GROUPER SANDWICH
UGLY GROUPER
5704 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, 896-8033
HEALTH FOOD STORE
LIVE NATURALLY
5337 Gulf Dr #200
Holmes Beach, 567-5299
ICE CREAM SHOP
TWO SCOOPS ICE CREAM
101 S. Bay Blvd.
Anna Maria, 779-2422
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
VINNY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
5337 Gulf Dr
Holmes Beach, 896-9754
KEY LIME PIE
HOMETOWN DESSERTS
507 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 896-3167
LIVE THEATER
ISLAND PLAYERS
10009 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 778-5755
MARGARITA
WICKED CANTINA
101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 2812990
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
WICKED CANTINA
101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 2812990
SEE READERS, PAGE 31
MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
THE PORCH
9707 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 782-8683
NEW RESTAURANT
SALT BAR AND TABLE
2519 Gulf Drive N Bradenton Beach 896-9897
NIGHT SPOT
HARRY’S BAR & GRILL
9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
PIER
ROD AND REEL PIER
875 North Shore Drive
Anna Maria, 778-1885
PIZZA PIZZA SOCIAL
308 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 251-4070
RESTAURANT (OVERALL) THE WATERFRONT 111 S Bay Drive
Anna Maria, 778-1515
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT THE BLUE MARLIN 121 Bridge St. Bradenton Beach, 8969737
SPECIALTY COCKTAIL
DR. OFFICE
5312 Holmes Blvd.
Holmes Beach, 213-9926
SPECIALTY GOURMET
THE FEAST
5406 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-5092
SUB/SANDWICH
SCOTT’S DELI
6000 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-3000
TAKEOUT
MINNIE’S
5360 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-4140
Fire district preps for storm events
WMFR is preparing for storm event response with the addition of two new tents, high-water vehicles and outdoor light rigs.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – West Manatee Fire Rescue is ready to take on hurricane season with new equipment courtesy of the Florida Forestry Service.
During an Aug. 20 meeting, WMFR Lt. John Stump updated commissioners on the district’s new storm response vehicles and equipment gifted from the Florida Forestry Service. The new equipment includes two light towers, a mobile command/living quarters tent, a lightweight maintenance enclosure tent for vehicles, and four high-water vehicles.
Stump said the high-water vehicles can roll through 2-4 feet of water and have seat beds that fold down to evacuate about 15 people per vehicle if needed. They can also hold portable water tanks.
The two light towers run on gasoline and can light up 5-7 acres per unit at a 30-foot height.
Chief Ben Rigney said the equipment was provided at no cost to taxpayers. The district is responsible
A new equipment tent and mobile command unit tent were given to WMFR by the Florida Forestry Service to assist with storm response.
Rigney presented Pilot Jon Longabach, of the Florida Forestry Service, a commendation for his efforts to obtain the new equipment for the district.
Weigh in on WMFR’s 2024-25 budget
West Manatee Fire Rescue is hosting a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at the administration building, 701 63rd St. W. in Bradenton. The hearing is the final chance for the community to weigh in on the proposed 2024-25 fiscal year budget. Comments can be given in person during the meeting, which begins at 6 p.m., or on Zoom. The new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. For more information, or instructions on how to join the meeting online, visit www.wmfr.org.
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
WMFR Chief Ben Rigney presents Jon Longabach from the Florida Forestry Service with an award thanking him for his assistance in obtaining new storm response equipment for the district.
Reel Time: On the road
hen my wife, Christine, and I got an invitation to fish a part of Colorado we had never visited, we jumped at the chance. Our good friend, Jimmy Harris, owner of Unicoi Outfitters in Helen, Georgia, invited us and three other couples to join him and his wife, Kathy, at his daughter and son-in-law’s newly-constructed Sanctuary on The Mesa in Placerville, Colorado. Located just a short distance between Ridgeway and Telluride, the home sits on a mesa with stunning views of the Uncompahgre Mountains in the distance.
Since we were making the long
trip from Florida, we decided to travel two weeks early and visit Durango, Colorado. Located on the south side of the scenic San Juan Mountain Range and accessible by the famous “Million Dollar Highway,” SR 550, Durango had been recommended by several fishing friends from Florida and we were not disappointed.
Eager to explore the fishing in the Durango area, I started searching YouTube for suggestions when I had the idea to see if there might be another casting instructor in the area. A quick search of the Fly Fishers International website put me in touch with Berris Samples, an instructor in Durango. When I contacted Samples, he graciously invited me to float the San Juan River just over the border in New Mexico. We met in the outskirts of Durango where I parked my car and joined Samples for the drive south.
We started the day wading a section of the river where we caught and released several rainbow trout from 12-16 inches. There was no question that there were bigger fish in the section of river as they would swim almost to our wading boots as we stirred up nymphs from the bottom. Catching them was another story,
but I did hook a rainbow that I estimated to be over 20 inches. The big fish took the small nymph pattern I was fishing along the bottom, but the hook pulled on the first run.
In the afternoon, we floated a section of the river, stopping at a couple of spots to wade. Once again, we saw large fish working the riffles and runs but they weren’t in a feeding mode. Of the several drift boats we saw that
afternoon, we only saw two fish landed. Still, the float was totally enjoyable with scenic vistas at every turn. The two weeks we spent in Durango were memorable, with side trips to historic Mesa Verde National Park and a train trip on the vintage Durango to Silverton Train. Durango is highly recommended, surrounded by stunning wilderness areas, soaring mountains and spectacular canyons.
Anglers floating the San Juan are surrounded by stunning vistas.
RUSTY CHINNIS
Falling for Autumn fishing
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT
September is one of my favorite months. Reds should be schooling on shallow grass flats and you also might find big trout there at first light. Baitfish along beaches will attract Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), sharks, tarpon and more. You should find snook around docks and bridges in the ICW. There should also be tarpon around bridges at night and in areas of Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Juvenile tarpon from 10- to 30-pounds should be a good option in creeks and canals. Given all the rain we had in August, fish may not be in their normal areas. Tarpon will still be a good option this month. There may still be a few singles, doubles and small schools in the coastal Gulf of Mexico and if you’ve got the patience to wait them out, it can be good. Many have moved to inside waters this month, so you’ll find them around bridges, over deep grass flats or deeper areas. When tarpon move into these areas, they are in a feeding mode. After a long migration and with their spawning duties completed, they need to rest and eat to restore themselves. Ladyfish will feed in glass minnow schools and tarpon will gorge themselves on ladyfish. I have also seen tarpon “ball” glass minnows
into tight schools, and eat them by the bucketful! DOA Baitbusters, TerrorEyz and DOA Shrimp are my favorite tarpon lures this time of year. Fly anglers should score with wide profile patterns, such as Lefty’s Deceiver or EP flies. Small flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, tied on a 1/0 or 2/0 hook, are another good choice for tarpon that are feeding on glass minnows.
You should find snook this month around docks and bridges close to passes. They will also start making their move towards shallow flats where you might find them staging along sandbars or in potholes. Surface walking top water plugs or fly poppers and Gurglers may draw some big strikes in shallow water early in the day. I often fish lighted docks and bridges for snook before dawn before moving to the flats after daylight. CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms, DOA Shrimp or small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, should all work well. The same lures and flies that work at night will be good for fishing the surf, too. Reds are usually in large schools in September. You may find them in shallow water when the tide is high or along the edges of flats when the tide is low. Look for wakes, some as big as boat wakes, or
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUN
Gianna Torenbene, with her dad, Ross Torenbene, of Illinois, with a juvenile tarpon that Gianna caught and released on a DOA TerrorEyz while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous September.
“pushes” to locate them. If it is calm, a school of reds may look like a nervous patch of water or if there’s a ripple on the surface, the school may appear as a slick patch of water. Once you’ve located them, try to get in front of them and work around the edges of the school to avoid spooking the whole school. DOA PT-7 top water baits, shallow running DOA
Baitbusters and CAL 3” & 4” shad tails should work well for spin anglers. Fly anglers should score with fly poppers, Gurglers and wide profile baitfish fly patterns. I like to be as quiet as possible in shallow water, using a push pole to move my boat. It is great to find a big school of reds but remember, if you spook one fish you may spook the whole school. Running an outboard may make fish show themselves, but in the long run it will make them harder to catch. I sometimes also find big jacks and blues mixed with schools of big reds in shallow water. Not a bad problem!
Spotted seatrout fishing should also be good this month. Full regulations and details on trout and other species can be viewed at https://myfwc.com/. Look for big trout in skinny water in many of the same places that you find reds this month. They will be most active in low light, either first thing in the morning or at dusk, particularly if we’ve had an afternoon shower. Cloud cover in the afternoon will also reduce heating of shallow flats, which usually makes fish more active. Over slot trout are usually females that are important to protect, in my opinion.
AME students
complete summer reading challenge
Students from Ms. Thomas’ second grade class participated in a special Summer Reading Challenge. Each continued their weekly reading routines, taking their love of reading beyond the classroom and along with them on their summer adventures, and celebrated their success together with ice cream sandwiches.
AMI Chamber seeks recipes
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is publishing a cookbook and is looking for the best recipes from local businesses. The book will be titled, “A Taste of Anna Maria Island Cookbook,” with recipes being accepted now through Sept. 30 from Chamber member businesses. There
is no charge to submit a recipe for the cookbook, which will be 8”x8” with 5,000 copies planned to be printed by December. Participating businesses will be able to sell the books in their stores. Please email recipes to info@ amichamber.org.
Judge rules in favor of kayak company
Judge D. Ryan Felix denied a Holmes Beach couple’s motion for a temporary injunction to prevent kayak tours in Sportsman’s Harbor.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Florida Fun Tours can continue offering day and nighttime kayak tours in Sportsman’s Harbor under a new ruling from the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Manatee County. After two hearings discussing the case brought against the company by property owners Roger and Irene Alvarez, Judge D. Ryan Felix denied the couple’s motion for a temporary injunction to stop the tours in the water adjacent to their 201 North Harbor Drive home.
The lawsuit is expected to continue to trial, however, no further hearings have yet been set.
In the Aug. 20 ruling, Felix said that while he recognizes the tours present an annoyance and inconvenience for the couple, that’s not grounds to order the company to cease conducting tours in the area.
Felix noted that the couple chose to
purchase property on a public waterway and to build their home “exceptionally close to the water’s edge.”
The couple sought an injunction to stop the company from conducting tours near their residence as well as $50,001 in damages.
In the lawsuit, the Alvarez’s allege that Florida Fun Tours conducts multiple daily trips through Sportsman’s Harbor that cause irreparable harm to their quality of life and damage their property. They allege that the kayakers brought by the tour company are loud and cause damage to their property by pushing off the couple’s dock, seawall and boat. They
also allege that the nighttime tours, which feature clear kayaks with LED lights, are disruptive because of noise and the brightness of the lights.
Felix stated in the ruling that the evidence presented in the case shows that the kayak lights are angled down into the water, not up, and the annoyance experienced by the couple does not outweigh the public’s right to use the waterway for legal purposes.
According to the Florida Fun Tours website, clear kayak tours are offered daily during day and nighttime hours along with a sunset tour. At night, the kayaks are lit with 10,000 lumen LED lights to allow paddlers to view sea life.
CHRIS CULHANE | SUBMITTED Clean water campaign receives funding
Ben Webb of AMI Dolphin Tours presents Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth with a check for $5,000 for the city’s Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign on Aug. 22 during an AMI Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange at The Chateau Anna Maria.
An aerial photograph shows the brightness of the illuminated kayaks used by Florida Fun Tours for nighttime tours and how they illuminate the seabed below for paddlers.
REAL ESTATE
Starting this month, the rules have changed for governing real estate commissions. We’ve been talking about this since the National Associa tion of Realtors (NAR) voted on this change to the commission structure in March, a structure that has been in place for over 30 years.
By now, most real estate professionals have positioned their real estate wheels to work within the new regulations. They have likely also developed a dialogue to have with both buyers and sellers in this market. So, let’s go over some of the significant points.
The day has arrived Castles in the Sand
LOUISE BOLGER
commission to the buyer’s agent and the buyer’s agent is free to request a commission fee at the time they present an offer. Like everything in a real estate transaction, it becomes a negotiable point.
listing agent relative to their commission should they find the buyer for your property. Traditionally, when a buyer didn’t have an agent, the seller’s representative often kept the commission offered to the buyer’s agent. Again, this should be agreed upon at the beginning of the listing agreement.
So while you’re thinking about this new round of chaos, let’s go over the July sales for Manatee County published by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.
47 last year. New listings were up 0.4% and the month’s supply of available properties was 5.6 months compared to 3.2 months last year.
Per the Realtor Association, both Sarasota and Manatee counties experienced a shift in the market in July. Median prices declined and we are experiencing longer times to sell. Basically, they feel the market is balancing out and buyers have more purchasing power.
Typically, sellers paid the agents on both sides of a transaction, selling and buying. This was a percentage stated at the time the property was listed. Sellers will still agree on a listing commission with their agent, however, now have more flexibility to decide whether to offer a commission to a buyer’s agent and what that commission will be. There is no commitment on the seller’s part to automatically offer a
The sticking point here is your listing agent may tell you that if you don’t offer a selling commission, selling agents won’t bring buyers to the property. There is of course some truth to that, however, if the buyer’s agent’s commission becomes part of the negotiation, then the agent has no reason not to bring buyers. Also, on popular properties, a buyer may even step up and pay their agent directly if a buyer’s commission cannot be satisfactorily negotiated. You also need to set guidelines with your
Single family homes closed 9.9% more properties compared to last July. The median sale price was $499,000, lower by 3.1%, and the average sale price was $661,104, up 3.0%. The median time to contract was 52 days this year compared to 29 last year. There are 10% more listings this July, making the month’s supply of available properties 3.9 months compared to 2.7 last year.
Condos closed 9.6% fewer properties this year. The median sale price was $329,000, down 6% and the average sale price was $354,404 down 8.8%. The median time to contract was 77 days this year compared to
The National Association of Realtors says it’s too soon to speculate on how the market will change and I certainly agree. Some of the early feedback around the country where agents have already started with the new regulations is that total commissions appear to have come down. Some of the commissions could be reflective of the value of the property and the level of marketing required.
It’s hard to say at this point, but we do live in a very high real estate price point environment and agent commissions could reflect that.
OBITUARIES
John James Johnson
John James Johnson, 81 years young, of Holmes Beach, Florida, passed away on Aug. 7, 2024 from natural causes.
and Patricia Johnson.
John fulfilled his life, raised a family and prospered well. John worked hard and played harder. It was an honor and a privilege. Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.
Andrew Place Mitchell ("Andy")
found his way back to Bradenton, where he was most at home.
Andy is survived by his loving parents, Curtis and Kathleen; and his brothers, Christopher (Heather) Mitchell, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Daniel (Rosanna) Mitchell, of Naples, Florida. He was a beloved uncle to his nieces, Julia, Sara and Ainhoa, and nephews, Matthew and Luken.
J. Yousko (Jennie), and Thomas “Skip” Yousko (Claudia).
John was born in Berea, Kentucky in 1942 to Ella Mae Terrill and Jake Johnson. He joined the Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1966. During his time in active duty, he toured Germany and specialized in truck/tank mechanics with a decoration as a sharpshooter (Rifle M-14).
John is survived by three children, John Johnson, Rebecca Raessler and Joanna Daugherty; four grandchildren, Heather Johnson, Amber Mellor, Kylie Raessler and Allan Daugherty; three great-grandchildren, Kyle Johnson-Parks, Athena Johnson-Kelly and Connor Mellor; a brother, Jake Johnson; and a family tree with roots deep and branches wide with cousins, nieces and nephews spread throughout the Eastern U.S.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue F. Johnson; brothers, Edgar Johnson, Charlie Johnson, Doug Johnson and Frick Johnson; and sisters, Carolyn Johnson
Andrew Place Mitchell, known to many as Andy, passed away on Aug. 12, 2024, in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 41. Born on June 13, 1983, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Curtis Mitchell and Kathleen Quinlan, Andy spent most of his life in Holmes Beach and Bradenton, Florida.
Andy graduated from Manatee High School and furthered his education at Manatee Technical Institute. He proudly served his country as a machinist in the U.S. Navy, a role he took great pride in. After completing his military service, Andy pursued a career as an underwater welder, a profession that combined his love for adventure with his technical skills.
Known for his free-spirited and adventurous nature, Andy was always eager to embrace new experiences and explore the world around him. His journey through life took him to many places, but he always
A funeral Mass was held on Aug. 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at the Chapel of Sts. Peter and Paul the Apostles Church in Bradenton, Florida.
Marilyn Yousko Moroni
Marilyn Yousko Moroni, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother and aunt, passed away peacefully on Aug. 21, 2024, at the age of 94. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1930, Marilyn was a devoted wife to the late Dr. Eneo Carlo Moroni and a dedicated mother to Robert J. Beerman (Lisa) and Kathryn Beerman. She was a proud grandmother to Katelyn Sherwood (Howard Newstate) and Kelley Sherwood (Wes Connaughty), great-grandson, Cameron W. Connaughty and godmother to niece Kathy Irwin (Rob). Marilyn was preceded in death by brothers John "Jack" P. Yousko (Rose), Robert
A woman of many talents and passions, Marilyn was an avid world traveler with a deep love for her husband’s home country of Italy. Working as a travel agent in Virginia before moving to Florida, she was involved in her community through various organizations. She served as the former President of the Island Players on Anna Maria Island, was a member of the Offstage Ladies, the Anna Maria Historical Society, Sons of Italy and the Manatee County Computer Group. She also enjoyed volunteering with the Christ Church Thrift Shop and the Manatee Thrift Shop.
Marilyn found great joy in singing with the Freedom Village Choral Group, where her voice was an esteemed addition. She also enjoyed swimming and various leisure activities including baking, greeting card design, sewing, knitting and needlepoint.
Marilyn will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, kindness, and dedication to her family, friends and her community.
“Shed no tears that it is over, smile because it happened.”
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Florida 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
Mitchell
Moroni
Johnson
Key Royale golfers swing through summer
AUG. 1 - SCRAMBLE
First Place Team - John Kolojeski, Ken Nagengast and Chuck Patrick with a score of 27, 5 under par
Second Place Team - Earl Ritchie, Bill Shuman, Quentin Talbert and Ron Vandeman with a score of 28, 4 under par
AUG. 8 - SCRAMBLE
First Place Team - Debbie and Dave Richardson, Terry Schaefer and Bill Shuman with a score of 28, 4 under par
AUG. 12 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD
First Place - Terry Schaefer with a score of +4
Second Place - Ken Nagengast with a score of +2
AUG. 13 - LOW NET SCORE
First Place - Sue Wheeler with a score of 32 and a chip-in on Hole #2
Second Place - Jana Samuels with a score of 34
Third Place - Helen Pollock with a score of 36
AUG. 15 - SCRAMBLE
First Place - Ken Nagengast, Jana Samuels and Quentin Talbert
Hawks, Farrington win horseshoes playoff
On Aug. 21 at AMI Horseshoes, three teams met in a playoff after each went 2 and 1 during pool play. Bob Heiger and Gary Howcroft won the semi 24-1 over Steve Kriebel and Tim Sofran. Bob Hawks, left, and Tom Farrington came off the bench to win the final 23-7 over Heiger and Howcroft and earned the day’s bragging rights. On Aug. 24, Hawks was back in the mix, this time partnered with Howcroft, and they won the final 25-16 on a game-ending double-ringer by Hawks.
tied the team of Greg Jump and Debbie and Dave Richardson with a score of 30, 2 under par
AUG. 19 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD
First Place - Rob Ellis with a score of +4
Second Place - Mike Cusato with a score of +3
AUG. 20 - LOW NET SCORE
First Place - Helen Pollock with a score of 30
Second Place - Jana Samuels and Sue Wheeler tied with a score of 34; Wheeler chipped-in on Hole #1.
SUBMITTED
Artists’ Guild prepares September display
The Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island presents "People, Portraits and Personalities" in the window of the gallery throughout September. According to the Guild, portraits serve as a powerful window into human and animal personalities, capturing more than just physical appearances; they encapsulate the essence of who we are. Through the subtleties of expression and posture, portraits reveal the intricacies of a subject's character. A smile can speak of warmth and approachability, while a pensive gaze might hint at introspection or depth. Whether of a person or animal, each portrait is a narrative in itself, providing viewers with a glimpse into the subject's inner world and unique personality, making these images a profound form of visual storytelling. The Artists' Guild, an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization, was formed in 1989 to promote and support creative processes by
bringing together all artists to share experiences and expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community. The gallery is located at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and displays member artwork.
proper ty details, driving directions and more
"Loofah" by Nancy Snyder
CENTER NOTES
Let’s Do Yoga - Youth Yoga
Youth yoga at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., helps strengthen children’s growing bodies and helps them improve their flexibility, which can reduce their chance of injury, as well as improve balance. The Monday class begins on Monday, Sept. 9 from 4-5 p.m. The cost per session is $75 for members and $85 for non-members.
One Blood: Blood Drive
Stay on the Island to give the gift of life by donating blood at The Center on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m.-noon. Appointments are recommended. Make your appointment at oneblood.org/donate-now.
Book Club
Adults are welcome to a free book club held the second Monday of each month at 2 p.m. The book to be discussed on Monday, Sept. 16 is The Bird Hotel by Joyce Maynard. Feel free to bring a book to swap.
Future Ace’s Youth Tennis Program with Tennis Pro Richard Wright
Athletic and tennis development for students in kindergarten through fifth grade (ages 6 to 12) on Wednesdays from 5-5:45 p.m. is designed to foster athletic agility and beginner tennis technique where kids will work in stations to learn stroke production, cultivate hand-eye coordination, fun footwork and improve overall coordination and strength skills. Sessions start on Sept. 11. Contact The Center for specific times for age group sessions and pricing. Registration is required. To register for Center programs or for more information, email The Center at hello@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.
RESULTS: Primary voters produce change in leadership
FROM PAGE 1
DISTRICT 7
In the countywide atlarge District 7 Republican primary, Kruse, the incumbent, received 24,225 votes (58.43%) and Van Ostenbridge received 17,232 (41.57%). Kruse now faces Democratic candidate Sari LindroosValimaki in the general election. In late May, Van Ostenbridge dropped his District 3 reelection bid and chose instead to challenge Kruse in the countywide District 7 race. Culbreath then dropped out of the District 7 race and entered the District 3 race instead.
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
In the Supervisor of Elections race open to Republican voters county wide, Farrington received 24,327 votes (58.79%) and Satcher received 17,051 (41.21%). With no Democratic candidate in the general election, Farrington’s primary victory means he’ll return to his former workplace on Jan. 7.
Farrington spent 12 years working at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office before resigning in April after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Satcher, then the District
remaining months of the four-year term that long-time supervisor Mike Bennett vacated in March. Despite his primary loss, Satcher will remain in office until Jan. 7 and will still oversee the upcoming general election.
Island voters helped determine the top two vote-getters in the non-party-affiliated District 3 school board race. Charlie Kennedy received 7,370 votes (47.53%). Jon Lynch,
(30.02%) and Anna Maria resident Perri Ann Parkman received 3,481 votes (22.45%). Because no candidate received 50%-plus-one additional vote, Kennedy and Lynch will face off in the general election.
NON-ISLAND RACES
Several other primary races were decided without input from Island voters. Seeking to fill the District 1 commission seat Satcher vacated, Carol Ann Felts defeated Steve Metallo
I feel the threat of a parking garage in our city has passed with the results of this election.”
Judy Titsworth, Holmes Beach mayor
in that Republican primary and now faces Democratic candidate Glenn Pearson and non-party-affiliated candidate Jennifer Hamey in the general election.
In the District 5 county commission race, Robert “Bob” McCann defeated DeSantis appointee Ray Turner and now faces non-party-affiliated candidate Joseph Di Bartolomeo in the general election.
Heather Felton and Mark Stanoch were the top two vote getters in the District 1 school board race and will face each other in the general election.
SEE RESULTS, PAGE 42
INVESTIGATION: Former employee alleges discrimination, hostile work environment
behavior I experienced during my employment with city of Anna Maria, which led to my resignation on 7/16/2024.
“My supervisor, Dean Jones, consistently subjected me and other employees to verbal abuse, including racial slurs and aggressive behavior. This created a toxic work environment that made it impossible for me to continue in my role,” Holland stated in his email.
Jones, who recently returned to the city staff after a two-year stint with the city of Bradenton, serves as the city’s general manager and oversees the building department and the public works department.
In his email, Holland stated he informed Public Works Manager Roosevelt Jones of a verbal altercation that allegedly occurred between himself and Dean Jones, but did
JOE
Murphy requested an independent investigation of the workplace allegations.
not notify City Clerk LeAnne Addy, who also serves as the city’s human resources director.
| SUN
• “Provide training on diversity, equity and inclusion to prevent future incidents; and
• “Ensure a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.”
Holland’s letter did not mention any potential legal action.
“I loved my job and the task that I was performing at the city of Anna Maria; unfortunately, due to a toxic environment, I could not withstand anymore,” Holland stated in his email.
Holland asked the city to take the following immediate actions:
• “Investigate these allegations and take appropriate disciplinary measures;
Upon receiving the complaint, Murphy contacted the Tampa-based Allen, Norton & Blue law firm seeking an independent labor attorney to investigate the allegations. Murphy said he asked the firm, which the city has used before, to conduct an independent investigation to determine if discriminatory or hostile workplace behavior occurred, the basis of the discriminatory or hostile behavior if such behavior occurred and what could be done about it.
Between Aug. 8-13, labor attorney and independent investigator Matt Stefany conducted interviews with former and current city employees at a neutral location not on city property.
Stefany hoped to provide Murphy
and Short with his findings, final analysis and, if needed, corrective recommendations on Aug. 20, but he requested more time to conduct additional follow-up interviews. That meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27.
“We’ll see where it goes from there,” Murphy said, noting the allegations may or may not be substantiated and disciplinary action may or may not be required.
Murphy said the city is also open to recommendations as to how curtail any workplace environment problems if such problems exist.
Short he was impressed with Stefany’s investigative approach and he noted Stefany was unencumbered by the city and allowed to conduct his investigation without any direct input from the mayor or anyone else associated with the city.
“This was a very independent process that was followed and continues to be followed,” Short said.
HENDRICKS
Mayor Dan
Kruse
FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED
From left, George Kruse, Tal Siddique and Scott Farrington won their Republican primary races.
RESULTS: Primary voters produce change in leadership
VOTER TURNOUT
Voter turnout was 24.86%, with 68,211 of Manatee County’s 274,383 registered voters participating in the primary. Voter turnout was 40% in Anna Maria, 36% in Holmes Beach and 33% in Bradenton Beach, with 1,411 of Anna Maria Island’s 3,848 registered voters casting votes.
According to the elections office, 2,316 non-Republican county voters switched their party affiliation to Republican to participate in the Republican primary.
POST-ELECTION REACTION
“I am thrilled with the results of the election,” Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said. “Talk about a clean sweep! I feel the threat of a parking garage in our city has passed with the results of this election. I have great relations with all current candidates and they are all big supporters of home rule and assisting Holmes Beach as needed. I attended the watch party with Scott Farrington, George Kruse and Tal Saddique and it was a memorable and exciting night.”
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said, “The election turned out to be a great day for Manatee County and the Island cities. The winning candidates took the time to visit the city and look at the parking improvements we have completed. Those candidates spoke about their objection to the parking garage and the consolidation of the Island cities.”
Speaking on behalf of herself and her husband, Richard, Holmes Beach resident Margie Motzer said, “This was our best-case scenario; it was not only a clean sweep, but they were all very decisive wins. Those who care about good governance couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. It should not only send a message to the ‘developer darlings’ and their political consultant, but it was also a repudiation of the local developers backing them.
“In addition, it should send a clear message to the remaining
A wide array of campaign signs were displayed at the elections office.
commissioners that voters want good governance, fair representation, ethics, integrity, accountability and clean grassroots campaigns – not smear campaigns with a deluge of mailers and attack ads containing false or misleading information.
“We believe this election will go down in the history books. We believe the proposed parking garage will not have the same support it had under the commissioners who will be leaving office. However, we hope the whole experience will encourage a team effort between city and county officials to look at alternative solutions,” Motzer said.
SIDDIQUE REACTION
“By running a grassroots campaign as a first-time, unknown candidate I knew I had a difficult path ahead of me,” Siddique said. “I believe this win can be attributed to having the right message, a strong work ethic and great local media that kept voters informed. Voters want someone who will represent them fairly instead of casting them aside for developers or special interest groups. I take the results as a signal that voters are tired of negative campaigning with fiery rhetoric. I was disgusted with the outright lies spread about my work history, the involvement of elected officials in supporting that campaign and the attacks on my wife. We have filed a number of ceaseand-desist letters against SIMWINS
(Pedicini) and other organizations and are not ruling out future legal action.
“I was in the room with George Kruse and Scott Farrington with dozens of our supporters on election night. As the results came in, I could feel hope and optimism fill the air throughout the night until we reached the crescendo when we realized that not only did Scott win, but that we would see a total shift on the board of county commissioners. I am grateful to all the local journalists, volunteers, political clubs, community organizations, grassroots Facebook groups and Manatee County voters for having the courage to act and fight for their community,” Siddique said.
FARRINGTON REACTION
“I am incredibly humbled by the trust that the voters have placed in me,” Farrington said. “I believe the outcome of the election shows the voters want to trust their elections office. I was very optimistic going into election day, but the margin was greater than I expected.”
Regarding the campaign tactics utilized by SIMWINS and Satcher’s campaign, Farrington said, “These tactics are designed to affect the less informed voter; and in my conversations, it seemed more voters had taken an interest and become involved. However, the ads and mailers were constant and deceptive and I didn’t discount that they would have an
Those who care about good governance couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
Margie Motzer, Holmes Beach resident
effect. I hope the outcome of this election will set a new tone for future campaigns. I believe these results prove that you do not need to bombard voters with constant negativity, and it shows that voters want engaged candidates that are willing to communicate and speak to them.”
Looking ahead to the general election to be conducted under Satcher’s supervision, minus four elections office employees that Satcher fired after the primary election, Farrington said, “I want the November election to go well. I am concerned about what I have read in the letters from the staff and I am concerned about the lack of knowledge that the office now has.”
KRUSE REACTION
“Tuesday, Aug. 20 was a pivotal day for Manatee County. The entire community, regardless of party or affiliation, came together to show the special interests that we are now, and forever will be, an informed voter base,” Kruse said. “The tactics of recent election cycles will no longer convince unsuspecting voters to vote against their best interests. The collective efforts of everyone in our county have turned the tide of our government and our future for the better. I am excited and optimistic about the next four years and beyond for Manatee County. Thank you everyone for your efforts, your resolve, and your support this primary season.”
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
SOE: Fired elections office employees speak out
“He was never there. He was there maybe 10% of the time, making $176,000 a year. He was very egotistical. He had the walls painted a particular color blue because it made his eyes pop. He bought a podium that he was going to use to speak in a room about the size of a large living room. He thought he was going to speak to his fans and his people that elected him, but it never got used because he never got elected,” Darnell said.
Regarding Satcher’s handpicked chief of staff, David Ballard, Darnell said, “Satcher pretty much dumped the whole show on him. Ballard’s very cocky. He’d come in with a baseball hat on backwards, just strutting around and issuing orders and being a big shot. It was uncomfortable and nobody knew quite how to talk to him.”
Satcher hired 24-year-old Jonathon Clendenon to be his IT (information technology) director.
“He was pretty much a snitch. All he’d do was walk around and listen to people and report back to Satcher.
Jonathan couldn’t figure out how to work the printers so Satcher bought all new ones for early voting,” Darnell said.
Satcher also hired Vinola Rodrigues as the election office’s new public information officer.
“All she did was work on his campaign,” Darnell said.
When asked if she hopes to return for the 2026 elections, Darnell said, “Yes, I’d like to go back. I enjoy the voters. I enjoy the work and I’m very knowledgeable. I’m retired and it supplements my income. It’s only every other year that I work, but it’s a great opportunity.”
Palmer began working at the elections office when Bob Sweat was the supervisor. She then worked the entirety of Mike Bennett’s tenure as supervisor. Palmer is a Master Florida Certified Election Professional and was the voter service supervisor.
“I have never had any concerns with Mr. Sweat and Mr. Bennett. I had complete confidence that everything was above-board. I was proud to be in that office and I knew things were going to be done properly,” she said.
Palmer was fired at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Aug. 21.
“Ballard and Jonathan came up to my desk and Ballard said, ‘Your services are no longer required. Here’s your boxes. Pack them up and get out.’ I was in shock. After I got over the shock, I chased him down and said, ‘Tell me what I’ve done.’ He said, ‘Your services are no longer required.’
“In 16 years, I’ve had no write-ups and no warnings. None of us who got fired got any warnings. To fire people because you’re mad about
losing the election is crazy and it can’t continue. We are good people in that office. If I could get a free lawyer, I’d sue in a heartbeat,” Palmer said.
Palmer hopes to return to the elections office when Farrington returns, but she’s concerned about the loss of income between now and then and she’s filing for unemployment benefits.
“I loved that job. I loved what I did,” she said.
Margraf was fired in a similar fashion.
She and Palmer said that Satcher didn’t show up for
PINE: Contract in place for Pine Avenue sidewalks
In reference to the city’s long-protracted efforts to secure a suitable and affordable sidewalk installer, Murphy paraphrased a famous World War II statement made by United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill and said, “It’s the end of the beginning on Pine Avenue.”
For the first one-block portion of the sidewalk and crosswalk installation project, Eason Builders Group bid $233,704, Mali Construction bid $272,796 and C-Squared construction bid $665,290. On July 25, the city commission authorized Murphy to meet with Eason as the mayor and commission’s first choice to do the initial phase of the project. After some additional fact-finding and contract negotiations, Murphy, on Aug. 22, sought city commission authorization to sign the contract with the Eason Builders Group that had already been reviewed and approved by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as the state agency overseeing the
city’s expenditure of the state appropriations that will fund the majority of the Reimagining Pine Avenue project.
Murphy said the signed contract would be sent to FDOT so the state agency can issue a notice to commence.
“I expect to get all that done quickly so Scott can begin work and we have this come to fruition,” Murphy told the commission.
Eason’s wife and young son accompanied him to the meeting.
When introducing himself to the commission, Eason, a Holmes Beach resident, said, “I’ve got a sevenmonth-old boy and what I realized in the past seven months is I’m walking a lot more than I ever have in my entire life. I’m pushing a stroller.”
Eason applauded the mayor for working so hard on the Reimagining Pine Avenue project and not accepting the single bids received from C-Squared that were rejected by the city commission on four previous occasions.
“I’m an Island resident. I want to do this project. I very much care about this city and I think a walkable Pine Avenue is what we all want. We’d love this opportunity to do this work. I won’t let you down,” Eason told the commission.
In response to Eason’s stroller comments, Murphy said he watched his own daughters struggle to push his grandchildren’s strollers down Pine Avenue while headed to the beach at
work the day after the election.
“He doesn’t have the guts to do things himself. He sends Ballard or Jonathan to do his dirty work,” Margraf said.
When recalling her first encounter with Satcher, Palmer said, “He walks in with a Bible and puts it on the table and tells us this story about how he’s a minister and his wife saves strippers. That was our first impression. I’m a Christian, but I believe in separation. I have my beliefs and my partisan beliefs, but I don’t take them to work. He has no boundaries. He doesn’t turn it off.
“They have their doors locked almost all day. Almost everything they do is behind closed doors. That, to me, was a bad sign,” Palmer said. “Mr. Bennett and Scott Farrington rarely had their doors closed and never had them locked. They had nothing to hide.”
Palmer said Satcher yelled at her during a managers’ meeting after she told him his plan to open satellite offices in Parrish and Lakewood Ranch before the primary election was “crazy.”
the end of the street.
“I didn’t understand why we had sand sidewalks out here. I’m looking forward to Scott doing a bang-up job and bringing this project home for us. I hope we can get it done quickly, efficiently and to everybody’s satisfaction,” Murphy said.
The commission then voted 4-0 in favor of authorizing the contract with Eason Builders Group, with Commissioner Charlie Salem recusing himself because he and his husband own two commercial properties along Pine Avenue.
The city is approaching the sidewalk installation project in four separate stages, with each stage covering a block or so of Pine Avenue. Bid proposals will soon be reviewed for the next stage that will extend from North Shore Drive to Crescent Drive, followed by another phase from Crescent Drive to Tarpon Street and another phase from Tarpon Street to Bay Boulevard.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Eason Builders Group owner Scott Eason expressed his enthusiasm for the sidewalk installation project.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office appears to be in a transitional state under James Satcher’s leadership.
SEE SOE, PAGE 44
SOE: Fired elections office employees speak out
“He just lit into me. I held it together, but I was in tears later. I’ve never had a boss talk to me like that,” Palmer said.
“I learned that I’m not allowed to have an opinion and I’m certainly not allowed to voice anything different than what he wants,” Palmer said, noting her beloved workplace became a “dictatorship.”
“We’ve got 78 days before the general election and they let go of one of their most knowledgeable employees. I was the supervisor and I took care of everything in that department. Satcher and Ballard do not understand the procedures of the office,” Palmer said.
“They have no clue,” Margraf added.
As for who will fill the four recentlyvacated positions, Palmer said, “New people that don’t know what they’re doing.”
“After Satcher got appointed, a lot of our poll workers who’d been here for years refused to work under him, so they were scrambling right up to the end trying to train new poll workers,” Margraf said.
We are asking you to please remove James Satcher as Supervisor of Elections as soon as possible.”
Harriett “Heddy” Darnell, former elections office employee
He doesn’t have the guts to do things himself. He sends Ballard or Jonathan to do his dirty work.”
Teresa Margraf, former elections office employee
conducted properly, Palmer said, “Yes. Definitely.”
“Everybody was nervous about it. A lot of people in the office can’t speak up because they need their jobs and they’re afraid,” Margraf added. “I don’t think things ran quite as smoothly as they normally do, but it did get done.”
“Satcher needs to be removed immediately and there’s a petition going around trying to get him removed,” Palmer said, with Margraf in agreement.
tions.com/petition/governor-rondesantis-we-demand-you-remove.
BENNETT’S INSIGHTS
When contacted by The Sun, Bennett said he’s willing to serve as the appointed supervisor until Jan. 7, if needed.
When asked if he’s concerned about the general election, Bennett said, “Yes, I have big concerns about it, especially if he fires one or two more people.” FROM PAGE 43
When asked if they were nervous about the primary election being
Bradenton Times Publisher Joe McClash has initiated a petition drive seeking Satcher’s removal. The online petition can be found at www.ipeti-
Regarding the firings, Bennett said, “He fired four people that combined had close to 30 years of experience. We’re going into one of the most controversial presidential races we’ve had in quite a while. You’re going to have an 80%-plus voter turnout. In the primary, they had a little less than 25%. You can imagine what’s going to happen when you have 80% turnout
TDC: Members explain benefits of tourist tax increase
FROM PAGE 4
would be catastrophic to the small businesses.”
Falcione said the tourist tax is capped at 6% by state statute.
“There’s no seven penny in the future,” he said. “Six penny is the max that anyone in the state of Florida can levy. I’m not anticipating any of that changing.”
Falcione said other counties –Sarasota, Hillsborough, Orange and
Pinellas – currently impose a 6% tourist tax.
“We’re one of the last west coast communities that doesn’t collect six pennies on the dollar,” he said.
TDC Chair Ray Turner said the biggest misnomer is that it’s going on the ballot as a tax.
“People should understand it’s not a tax to them, it’s a tax to short-term rentals,” Turner said.
“When we go to vote, if we go in person, we pretty much know who we’re
going to vote for, we want to get in and get out and just the human nature of optics is when you see a tax you may be likely just to say no, and really not read the details of what that tax means,” Falcione said. “But it is a tax that’s not assessed to a resident unless a resident stays in a short-term rental in Manatee County. 99% of the tax collecting would be out of town visitors.”
“We’re not for additional taxes for our local people,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said. “This is not an
TOURISM: Visitation flat, room rates up
FROM PAGE 4
Falcione pointed to the increase in room rates.
“$220 a night in June, go back five years, that was a wish and a prayer,” he said. “We’re pointing at the right prospective visitor who can afford the amenities in Manatee County.”
Comprising more than half the visitors to the area, 59,070 live in Florida. Visi-
tors from the Southeast totaled 11,490; the Northeast, 12,910; the Midwest, 15,100; Canada, 770; Europe, 4,700 and 5,360 from what were characterized as “markets of opportunity.”
With the expansion of flights into the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Falcione sees the opportunity to bring tourists to the area from those target markets.
“We invest a lot of money into the
United Kingdom, that includes also central Europe, Germany and Austria,” he said. “The non-stop Amsterdam flight to Tampa, that is now back. So we’re going into Scandinavia and other parts of the Dutch market. Also Stockholm is more inclined to fly out of Amsterdam so that should enhance our European market.”
Falcione identified other target markets.
without having the people around to do it. Everybody can be replaced, but can they be replaced and pick up what they need to know in such a short period of time? No, they can’t. It’s a real shame. He is not a manager. A manager would have never done something so silly as to relieve so many important people going into the biggest election he’s ever going to have – and he only has one more,” Bennett said.
additional tax for our local people, this is an additional tax for the people coming here. When you drill down, you see what it really is.”
“The way I explain it to the average taxpayer is the tourists are going to be providing things year-round for all of us to take benefit of,” Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant said. “It’s improving our community year-round. There are things that don’t go away when the tourists go away that help us to have a nicer, more vibrant community.”
“The big three in Ohio, Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, Islip in Long Island, New York is our number one market, White Plains, we’re pushing hard in Boston,” he said.
“Connecticut is a huge growing market, Hartford, New Haven, it’s a high demographics state and they can afford it.”
FUN IN THE SUN
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