Stimart family launches Build Back the Beach project
The goal is to replace a large portion of the shoreline vegetation in Anna Maria lost during Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT
| jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Homeowners
Cindy and Tryn Stimart are leading the Build Back the Beach community impact project that plans to replace the native beachfront plants and grasses destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The project is an extension of the Stimart family’s Good Guardians Collective, www.goodgaurdianscollective.com.
The Stimarts live in Lakewood Ranch and own a second home on North Shore Drive in Anna Maria. Their home is located about a block
away from the Sycamore Avenue end of the project area and their home and property will not directly benefit from the Build the Beach Back project.
The Anna Maria home, purchased last year, serves as a weekend getaway and vacation home for the Stimart family that Cindy said visits at least once a month. The family spent the Thanksgiving weekend in Anna Maria and went fishing at Bean Point on Friday night. While visiting, the family often enjoys family walks on Bean Point. The Stimarts envision living in their Anna Maria home fulltime when they get closer to retirement and the six children in their blended family head off to college and into adulthood.
Their Anna Maria home is also operated as a short-term vacation rental managed by Sato Real Estate.
SEE STIMART, PAGE 13
Bradenton Beach condemns 25 properties
It is the responsibility of the property owners to demolish the buildings.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City Building Official Darin Cushing has released a list of 25 condemned properties in the city.
It is the only city on Anna Maria Island where properties have been condemned after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton hit in September and October, disproportionately affecting the southernmost city on the Island.
“I have forwarded this list to our attorney (City Attorney Ricinda Perry), and she is supposed to be drafting a letter to send out to each of the property owners. I'm not sure if she has done this as of yet,” Cushing stated in his Dec. 2 email to The Sun. “The house that floated down 12th Street S. (1201-A Gulf Drive S.) was already
SEE CONDEMNATION, PAGE 11
Pines Trailer Park parking lot converted to public paid parking
Pines residents have paid for parking through Dec. 31, then will have to pay-by-plate for spaces.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The parking lot for Pines Trailer Park residents at 201 First St. N. has been converted to a public paid parking lot.
Signs went up in the past week indicating a pay-by-plate system is in place.
A representative for Pines Trailer Park owner Pines Park Investors LLC, who asked not to be named, said on Dec. 5 that Pines residents who have paid the annual parking fee may continue to use the lot until Dec. 31 and a letter would be going out to residents.
Pines resident Ryan Pfahler told The Sun on Dec. 5 that residents who require parking paid an annual fee of $750.
“Some residents who live on Midge and Bay and Church have designated spaces, but everyone on Laverne and most of Midge don’t,” Pfahler said. “It’s probably close to half of the people.”
Pines residents are waiting for official word from the city as to whether they can repair their hurricane-damaged mobile homes under the FEMA 50% guidelines. According to Pfahler, most of the Pines residents are not living in their mobile homes, pending that decision from the city and a decision about the future of the park from the owners.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This Gulf Drive home is one of 25 condemned in Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria and Holmes Beach have not yet condemned properties.
‘Love Shack’ cottage owner staves off condemnation
The beachfront cottage owner opposed the condemnation order.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH –
Another Bradenton Beach homeowner has successfully fought the city’s condemnation of his hurricane-damaged home.
In November, Bradenton Beach resident Gash Caudill got the condemnation order rescinded for the ground-level duplex he and his 84-year-old mother share.
Knoxville, Tennessee resident and oncologist Dr. Daniel Ibach has now done the same for the small, ground-level, beachfront cottage he and his wife, Courtney, own at 2216 Gulf Drive N. After purchasing the cottage in 2007, the Ibachs renamed it “The Love Shack.” The cottage serves
as their vacation home and as a vacation rental managed by Mike Norman Realty. The Ibachs also own five nearby non-beachfront residential structures.
The Ibachs returned to Bradenton Beach on Oct. 2 to assess the damage Hurricane Helene inflicted and they brought a work crew with them.
“ ‘The Love Shack’ lost its front window and did have some water inside, but structurally it was sound,”
Daniel Ibach said. “We got into the house, removed the furniture and started cleaning. We boarded up the damaged window and had the house ready for inspection by the city by the time we left.”
The Ibachs have flood, wind and homeowners’ insurance on each of their Bradenton Beach properties. As their successful insurance claims moved forward, they awaited a city inspection as part of the repair permitting process.
On Oct. 31, Building Official Darin Cushing placed a red condemnation notice on the cottage’s front door.
“This structure is hereby condemned and must be demolished and removed,” the notice said.
“Storm damage beyond repair” was listed as the reason.
On Nov. 4, Ibach received a photo of the condemnation
notice from his property manager.
“I was in shock,” Ibach said. “I didn’t get a phone call saying we need to investigate this and I knew no one had been in the house because the property manager would have had to let them in.”
Ibach called his contractor and the contractor called the building department the following day to schedule an
inspection. On Nov. 6, Ibach received a call from City Attorney Ricinda Perry.
“She said the city has access to funds to pay for, or help pay for the demolition and she could expedite that process for me,” Ibach said. “I knew my house was not condemnable. I told her I did not want her help tearing down the building and I would be contacting my lawyer. It’s intimidating for a city attorney to call you and say we can help you tear your house down. I was very concerned at this point.”
Ibach contacted his attorney and his property manager. According to Ibach, Perry met the property manager at the cottage the following day and was allowed inside. Ibach said his attorney and Perry spoke on the phone on Nov. 8 and Perry said the condemnation order was rescinded.
“They knew my lawyer was recording the conversation.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
“The Love Shack” remains boarded up while awaiting repairs.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
City commission applicants sought
The city of Anna Maria is accepting applications from those interested in serving the remaining year of former city commissioner Jon Crane’s two-year commission term. The three-page application form can be downloaded at www. cityofannamaria.com or obtained in person from the city clerk’s office. Friday, Dec. 20 is the deadline to submit an application. As of Dec. 6, the city had received no applicants. When contacted by The Sun that day, former commissioner and mayoral candidate Brian Seymour said he intends to submit an application after he’s collected the signatures of 10 registered Anna Maria voters. Due to a temporary injunction granted by a federal judge in June, city commission applicants, candidates and commissioners are not currently compelled by state law to file a Form 6 financial disclosure form, but those financial disclosure requirements could change if a federal judge ultimately rules in favor of reinstating them. On Jan. 7, the city will host a public forum at city hall during which the commission applicants will answer written questions submitted in advance by the public. The four sitting city commissioners will then appoint Crane’s successor on Jan. 9.
Anna Maria Commission meets Thursday
The Anna Maria City Commission will meet on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. The agenda for the regular commission meeting includes general public comment on non-agenda items, a hurricane recovery update from the mayor and general manager, the second reading of an ordinance that will prohibit overnight public camping and sleeping, the second reading of an ordinance pertaining to the city’s special event permitting process, a discussion about the city’s remaining American Rescue Plan funds and a discussion about future phases of the Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project. The meeting can be accessed live by telephone by calling 929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280.
Planning board meets Wednesday; members sought
The Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) will meet at city hall on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 9 a.m. The board will conduct a public hearing regarding potential amendments to a city ordinance pertaining to seawalls and bulkheads and a second public hearing regarding potential amendments to a city ordinance pertaining to parking regulations. The board members will also schedule a walking tour of the city during which they will assess the signage in the city. The board consists of three members and two more members are desired. The advisory board application form can be found at www.cityofannamaria.com or by contacting the city clerk’s office at 941-708-6130.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Preliminary numbers show some mobile homes within repair guidelines
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Pre liminary data from hurricane damage assessments may offer some hope to mobile homeown ers at the Pines Trailer Park and Sandpiper Resort Co-op.
At a Dec. 4 emergency city commission meeting, Commissioner Deborah Scac cianoce asked Building Official Darin Cushing if inspectors had completed damage assessments at the mobile home parks.
“The trailer parks I can tell you are probably much better off than a lot of people were worried about,” Cushing said. “There are, I would say, only maybe three or four at the Pines that are above and beyond the 50%, the rest are below. The Sandpiper, same deal, maybe three or four there and one of them is already in the process of permitting a new elevated trailer there.”
meeting, mobile homeowners were told that FEMA guidelines related to hurricane flooding triggered a city floodplain ordinance requiring elevation of the mobile homes if the cost to repair those structures to their pre-storm state exceeded 50% of their market value.
The 86 mobile homes at the waterfront Pines Trailer Park had varying levels of water intrusion during the storm surge from Hurricane Helene in September.
At an Oct. 17 city commission
Cushing, former Building Official Steve Gilbert and a team of 20 damage inspectors provided by the state assessed hurricanedamaged properties city-wide.
“People have to understand
we’re following the process,” Cushing said. “We have to follow federal guidelines and stay in compliance with our Community Rating System and NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) guidelines.”
Following the Dec. 4 meeting, Cushing told The Sun, “Preliminary data coming back from the inspectors looks like most of the Pines and most of Sandpiper parks are going to be in OK shape.
PARKING: Pines lot converted to public paid parking
FROM PAGE 1
Pfahler said he was surprised to see the paid parking lot signs appear and, as of Dec. 5, has had no communication from the park’s owners. He said in prior years, an invoice for the upcoming year’s parking fees was issued around the end of November or beginning of December.
He said the lack of parking may impact the value of his mobile homes.
“If we want to sell, we can’t sell because now it looks like we don’t have those parking spots,” Pfahler said.
Signs for a pay-by-plate public parking lot went up last week in what was the Pines Trailer Park resident parking lot.
No temporary use permit was required by the city for paid parking in that location, according to Cushing.
“Back in February/March, when the owner had turned several of his properties into paid parking lots, he was told that he would need to get temporary use permits for each
of the lots in order to do this,” Cushing wrote in a Dec. 5 email to The Sun.
“Each lot was presented separately, in two different commission meetings. If approved, each one had a list of stipulations that went along with that permit. This lot was one of the lots that was initially brought before commission for approval," he wrote. "However, it was decided in one of those meetings that since this lot already was, and always had been a parking lot, unlike the others, which had been residential or commercial building parcels, it did not require the temporary use permit process.”
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
One Pines Trailer Park mobile home was severely damaged in recent hurricanes.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Hurricane victims get Thanksgiving gift Slicker's hosts hurricane recovery party
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Preparing dinner for 500 people is no easy task, but a team of volunteers pulled it off to host a free Thanksgiving dinner for those impacted by the recent hur ricanes.
Thirty-five turkeys were slow-cooked overnight and on Thanksgiving morn ing on grills on the top of volunteer Mark Hoffman’s fire truck at Slicker’s Eatery,12012 Cortez Road W.
“People have really been affected in this area, so I’m able to do this,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman purchased the food, and the meal menu included two types of stuffing, green beans, broccoli in cheese sauce and mashed potatoes.
Hoffman is no stranger to storm relief efforts. He recently went to North Carolina following the hurricanes there and prepared thousands of meals.
“We cooked 3,500 meals for people literally in the mud,” Hoffman said.
On Thanksgiving Day, hundreds gathered under tents in front of Slicker’s Eatery to enjoy camaraderie and turkey with all the trimmings.
The event was co-sponsored by Slicker’s Eatery, Bring on the Ministry, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island and the Blessing Bags Project.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – The fourth and last hurricane recovery party to benefit local restaurant employees was held at Slicker’s Eatery on
“Today is being done for restaurant employees that still aren’t back to work, a couple of people from the Moose, a couple of people that are back to work but barely making any money, somebody from one of the boat tours who’s only done two tours since the hurricane,” Bob Slicker said. “And all of our employees who haven’t had a paycheck for 70 days now.”
The food for the party was donated by John Rice of Rice’s Appliances and the drinks were donated by an unnamed benefactor,
Slicker said.
“Everything is free for those who were impacted by the hurricanes,” Slicker said. “All donations are going to be going to everybody that’s working here today.”
Tents, tables and chairs were sponsored by Bring on the Ministry and FIREBBQ. Music was provided by Trevor Eaton on the cello followed by Dos-Macs.
All donations will be split among service employees.
“A lot of people don’t understand there’s still homes without stoves and people are still without jobs,” he said.
Following substantial flooding from Hurricane Helene, Slicker’s Eatery has been closed since September.
“We hope to be open Christmas week,” Slicker said.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Mark Hoffman cooked a turkey dinner for 500 people on grills on the top of his fire truck.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN Guests enjoyed the Slicker’s Eatery hurricane recovery party.
OPINION
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ON THE AGENDA EVENTS
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
Dec. 11, 9 a.m. Planning and Zoning board meeting
Dec. 12, 2 p.m. City Commission meeting
Dec. 24, all day City offices closed, Christmas Eve
Dec. 25, all day City offices closed, Christmas Day
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Dec. 19, 9:30 a.m.
Community Redevelopment Agency meeting
Dec. 19, noon City Commission meeting
Dec. 24, all day City offices closed, Christmas Eve
Dec. 25, all day – City offices closed, Christmas Day
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Dec. 11, 9 a.m.
Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting
Dec. 17, 2 p.m. City Commission meeting with work session to follow
Dec. 24, all day City offices closed, Christmas Eve
Dec. 25, all day City offices closed, Christmas Day
ISLAND-WIDE
Dec. 16, 9 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
One-on-One Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.
Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, DEC. 12
Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Winter Painting: ‘Tis the Season, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 13
Forty Carrots 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.
Paper Crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Holiday cookie decorating, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 4-5 p.m. and 5-6 p.m., $10
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Paddle cleanup, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Paper Crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Family movie night, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3:30 p.m.
Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6-8 p.m.
MONDAY, DEC. 16
Just Believe Polar Express Challenge, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, all day
Intro to Herbal Remedies, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
TUESDAY, DEC. 17
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, DEC. 18
One-on-One Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3-4 p.m.
THURSDAY, DEC. 19
Island Morning Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.
Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 20
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
Rock garden rock painting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2:30 p.m.
Movie Under the Stars “Christmas in Yellowstone,” Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
Sweet Seasons: A Holiday Chocolate Workshop, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Fishing Club, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 2:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, DEC. 22
Master Gardener Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9-11 a.m.
MONDAY, DEC. 23
Just Believe Polar Express Challenge, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, all day
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
Christmas Eve
Lester Family Fun Day celebrated at The Center
The Lester family funds the annual fun day.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Lester Family Fun Day included a visit from Santa, pony rides, goat-petting, inflatables, musical performances, a DJ, a dance contest, raffles, a snow machine, a 25-cent menu and a helicopter-assisted 50/50 drawing.
The outdoor holiday celebration took place on The of Anna Maria Island Center athletic fields from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a beautiful, sunny and slightly cool day last Saturday. The fun-filled event created a sense of normalcy on an Island still recovering from two hurricanes.
Lester Family Fun Day is annual tradition started more than 20 years ago and funded by seasonal Holmes Beach residents Chuck and Joann “Joey” Lester. The Lesters wanted the community to enjoy an event that featured family fun at old-fashioned prices, with 25-cent tickets purchased to enjoy the activities and offerings. Chuck passed away earlier this year. Joey couldn’t attend this year because the Lester home in the Key Royale community was damaged by the hurricanes, but the Lester family still funded the event.
Deacon, Camden, Mason, Graem and Wesley Bekkerus were the first to visit with Santa.
One of the many inflatables set up around the perimeter resembled a climbing wall. Another offered trampoline-like bouncing around inflatable objects. The gingerbread house inflatable contained a maze inside and a football-themed inflatable served as a target to throw footballs into.
At noon, DJ Freeze received a text message from Santa informing him that he’d be there soon. Santa was greeted by the Manatee High School Drumline and a long line of youngsters lined up to visit him and receive a gift from the gift bag manned by Santa’s elves, Ila Taylor and Savanna Coba.
In one corner of the property, children lined up at the Addi’s Pony Parties area to enjoy a pony ride and pet the friendly goats. Two-year-old Holmes Beach resident Olivia Warvington was among those who rode the pony.
“We love it. We come every year,” her mom, Ali, said of the event.
DJ Freeze served as the master of ceremonies, playing Christmas songs and interacting with attendees of all ages. Accompanied by their grandparents, Eric and Laura Shine, 8-year-old King Selph-Kelly and his 3-year-old sister, Leah, enjoyed dancing to DJ Freeze’s musical selections.
Mixon Farms brought “The Mixon Swirl” ice cream truck and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee truck served up caffeinated beverages. Inside The Center, Duffy’s Tavern burgers and Anna Maria Oyster Bar hot dogs sold for 25 cents.
DJ Freeze is associated with the Bradenton-based SOZO Missions organization that strives to transform the lives of urban youth, their families and the communities they live in. After Santa settled in, DJ Freeze and the ‘SOZO Kids’ led the other kids through a “shark dance” that escalated in speed as the song progressed. The ‘SOZO Kids’ then performed “Silent Night, a rap-version of “Deck the Halls” and a couple more songs.
Then came the Grinch Dance-Off that pitted The Grinch against a young female elf, Frosty the Snowman and Ginger the
gingerbread girl. Ginger was declared the winner based on the volume of the applause each dancer received.
To conclude the festivities, a helicopter piloted by Sarasota Helicopter Services owner Stan Lee flew over The Center twice before hovering over a soccer flag used to replicate a golf hole. A bag full of golf balls purchased in advance for the 50/50 Golf Ball Drop drawing was emptied from the helicopter and the ball purchased by Abbie Libman landed closest to the flag, making her the raffle winner.
December14, 2024
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Center athletic field was transformed into a funfilled wonderland.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Ginger the gingerbread girl won the Grinch DanceOff dance contest.
Privateers providing Christmas for family in need
Directed and compiled by Craig Ramberger
Featur ing th e Cantata Ch oi r, Ch amber Orch estr an d th e Roser Youth Pe rfor ming Ar ts
Due to ongoing hurricane recovery efforts, the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ annual Christmas parade has been canceled. But each year, the Privateers also assist at least one local family in need during the Christmas holiday season and they provide the family or families with Christmas gifts donated by the local community. This year, the Privateers are assisting a family of four that includes the mom and dad, a 6-yearold son with incurable brain cancer and a 2-yearold daughter. The father works fulltime and the mother is currently going to trade school. Their son is wheelchair-bound and requires around-the-clock care and daily therapy. The family’s wish list includes WalMart/Parents Choice brand pullups (size 4t-5t), bibs that clip around neck (no over-the-head bibs), boy’s toys that light up and
can be played with, boy’s pull-up sweat pants (size 5t), boys zip-up hoodies (no over-the-head, size 5t), girl’s leggings and T-shirts (size 3t) crayons and coloring books for the 2-year-old girl. Please call 315-529-6507 if you’d like to donate gift items, make a cash donation or
need information about additional gift items that might be needed and appreciated. The Privateers will also participate in the Christmas in Cortez event taking place at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-4 p.m.
It’s Christmas in Cortez
Enjoy Christmas in Cortez on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-4 p.m. at the Florida Maritime Museum, 415 119th St. W. The free event will feature
crafts, games and activities, a bounce house, a visit from Santa Claus and a pirate photo-op with the Anna Maria Island Privateers.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Privateers recently participated in the Christmas parade at the University Town Center in Sarasota.
Holiday shopping event begins on Saturday
Due to the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts, the annual Holiday of Treasures Open House will not take place in Anna Maria this year. Instead, the city of Anna Maria invites residents and visitors to ring in the recovery and support the Anna Maria business community during two celebratory holiday shopping events on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Saturday, Dec. 21. Both events will take place along Gulf Drive, Pine Avenue and South Bay Boulevard from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. On both dates, Santa Claus will visit with youngsters at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, 404 Pine Ave., from 1-3 p.m. A portion of Pine Avenue will be closed
Walk to Bethlehem at Roser Church
Journey with the Holy family on Roser Memorial Community Church’s Bethlehem Walk. The annual holiday walk begins on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Roser sanctuary and continues for two square blocks through the streets of Anna Maria
The annual Holiday of Treasures Open House is being replaced this year by two smaller holiday shopping events.
during the holiday shopping events, businesses will be allowed to use pop-up tents as part of their expanded holiday sales efforts and a choir will sing Christmas carols.
with stops at different locations to tell the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus. Costumes are available for those who want to dress up. Live animals also take part in the walk. Participants are advised to bring flashlights to help light the way. Cookies and drinks will be served after the walk. Roser is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
CONDEMNATION: Bradenton Beach condemns 25 properties
and removal of condemned buildings.
demolished and removed, since it was in the road.”
Three houses already have been demolished by the owners, 2301 Ave. B, 300 23rd St. N. and 304 23rd St. N.
Demolition permits have been applied for at 2000 Gulf Drive N. and 2004 Gulf Drive N.
The other properties on the list are:
• 201 Gulf Drive S.
• 306 Gulf Drive S.
• 401 Gulf Drive S.
• 403 Gulf Drive S.
• 501 Gulf Drive S.
• 807 Gulf Drive S.
• 1303 Gulf Drive S.
• 1207 Gulf Drive S.
• 1203 Gulf Drive S.
• 1201 B Gulf Drive S.
• 303 Gulf Drive N.
• 305 Gulf Drive N.
• 1200 Gulf Drive N.
• 1202 Gulf Drive N.
• 2214 Gulf Drive N.
• 2301 Gulf Drive N.
• 100 Fourth St. S.
• 100 Ninth St. S.
• 103 12th St. S.
The demolition and removal of condemned properties came up at a Dec. 4 city commission special emergency meeting.
“My biggest concern right now is getting to those homes that are off their foundations or collapsed or leaning over,” Police Chief and Public Works Director John Cosby said.
Commissioner Jan Vosburgh asked if the homeowner is responsible for the demolition
“Yes, we do not go on private property,” Cosby said.
“I’m working with Ricinda (City Attorney Ricinda Perry) to get a letter out to individuals,”
Building Official Darin Cushing said. “There’s probably 20 that we deemed condemned because they were just a danger and a hazard.”
Vosburgh asked if insurance companies will cover the cost of demolition and removal.
“This issue is quite a few don’t have insurance. These homes have been in the family for generations, so they never purchased any flood insurance, they just have fire insurance and just felt if something happened, something happened, and now of course something happened,” Cosby said. “And now they don’t know what to do and don’t have the funds to do it. The bottom line is, it’s got to be up to them.”
Cosby said those homeowners may have the option to sell the property at a lower cost.
“We, at some point if they don’t comply, will wind up taking them to court,” Cosby said.
“Originally FEMA had put out some guidance that they were going to help cover this cost. We researched it a little better and it’s not quite what it seems it was going to be,” Cosby said. “What they’re doing is, if your house is insured through the Flood Insurance plan, they will offer the homeowner a $30,000 grant to remove that house and also help them construct a house to code.”
Bradenton Beach participates in the nationwide Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that encourages and recognizes the community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program, according to the FEMA website.
“In CRS communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s efforts
that address the three goals of the program: Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property; strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program; and foster comprehensive floodplain management,” the FEMA website states.
Cosby outlined an example of why it’s critical for the city to comply with the CRS guidelines.
“Five cities down in Lee County got put basically on probation. They lost 25% of their flood insurance. So, if you had a
to those buildings at all,” he said. “It does work and unfortunately, it’s costly and if you can’t afford it, that’s when the issue comes in. Those people whose houses are up higher and they’re in compliance, why should they lose their insurance because others won’t or can’t make that happen?”
Cosby said it’s up to local governments to follow the appropriate guidelines.
“If you’re not following those guidelines, you’re going to get nailed and we can’t afford that to happen,” he said. “It’s too costly for our homeowners that still have insurance. We don’t want to get in that situation.”
APPLE MAPS
The city of Bradenton Beach condemned 25 properties due to damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many were clustered together and are represented by single markers.
Bradenton Beach celebrates recovery at Christmas on Bridge Street
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com BRADENTON
BEACH
– The city celebrated its hurricane recovery and the reopening of businesses following the hurricanes at Christmas on Bridge Street on Dec. 8. Bridge Street was closed to vehicular traffic from 2-11 p.m. as attendees enjoyed music, food and retail offerings at newlyreopened shops.
The first retailer to reopen, Rejane Monetti, who owns Monetti Apparel and Lourdes Boutique, designed a shirt logo to celebrate the city’s recovery. She is donating all proceeds from the sales of the shirts to hurricane recovery efforts in Bradenton Beach.
“I have gratitude, and I created art, and I am donating whatever we sell to a fund that the city is starting for the recovery,” Monetti said. “This is an outline of Noah’s Ark with our island inside because I
feel we were protected.”
The logo says, ‘Bridge Street Strong’ because Monetti said there is a very strong sense of community in the city’s shopping district.
“I’m very grateful to be part of this community,” she said.
Monetti had reached out to Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry with her idea to create a product to benefit the community.
“I went to her (Perry) and I said I want to cre-
ate art and I don’t want the money,” Monetti said. “It can be for the merchant’s association; it can be for the city’s recovery, but that money is going to go in a fund she created.”
The logo’s sunsetcolored background has significance to Monetti.
“The reason for the sunset is because no matter what happens, we have the best sunset in the world,” she said.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Beach
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Rejane Monetti showed off her design celebrating the recovery of Bridge Street.
STIMART: Family launches beach project
FROM PAGE 1
THE PROJECT
On Nov. 14, Cindy presented the Build Back the Beach project to the Anna Maria City Commission seeking the commission’s support, which was given, with no financial assistance requested. At that time, the proposed project area began at the southwest end of Pine Avenue and extended north around Bean Point. At the suggestion of county officials, the project area was reduced by a couple of blocks and will now start near the Sycamore Avenue beach access instead. The 100,000-squarefoot planting area was selected because the properties along that
CINDY STIMART | SUBMITTED
The native vegetation along the Bean Point shoreline was decimated by back-to-back hurricanes.
coastline are privately owned and that shoreline area will not be restored by the county or the state.
Stimart presented the commissioners with printed copies of her sixpage presentation and she noted their children are the third generation of their family members to frequent the Island.
Stimart said the coastal sand dunes and vegetation along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline protected their property from damage greater than the 3 feet of floodwater surge they experienced on the ground level of their elevated home. In addition to protecting beachfront homes and properties, the shoreline dunes and vegetation provide wildlife nesting areas and habitats and help enhance the tourism industry that supports Anna Maria’s business community.
Stimart said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection and FDEP’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection already approved the project to be conducted similar to a county-initiated beach planting project. It will cost approximately $26,000 to purchase the native sea oats, panic grass, railroad vine, dune sunflowers and planting materials, and the Stimart family will match 50% of the fundraising total. As of Dec. 8, almost half the needed funds had already been raised, according to Stimart. To donate, visit the “Help Heal & Renourish The North End Coastline of Anna Maria” GoFundMe page or the www. goodguardianscollective. com website. The plants will be purchased from Aquatic Plants of Florida. The seedlings to be purchased were grown in a greenhouse using seeds previously harvested from the Anna Maria Island shoreline.
YOUR COMFORT ZONE?
• gRub Tropical BBQ
• Gypsy Soul
• Harry’s Grill
• Lazy Turtle Beach Rentals
• Mademoiselle Paris
• North Shore Café
• Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle
• Poppo’s Taqueria
• Slim’s Place
• Sushi Ramen
•
• The Donut Experiment
• The Porch
• Waterfront Restaurant
BRADENTON BEACH
• Anna Maria Oyster Bar
• Back Alley • Bamboo Island Bar
• BeachHouse Restaurant • Blooms by the Beach
• Bridge Street Jewelers
• Bridge Tender Inn
• Circle K
• Daiquiri Deck
• Fudge Factory
• Island Donut Company
• Island Time
• Kokonut Hut
• Monetti Apparel
• Pane e Amore Italian Café
• Salt Bar & Table
• Shore Thing Tiki Cruises
• Smoquehouse
• Tommyknockers Saloon
• Wicked Cantina
HOLMES BEACH
• ACE Hardware
• Alvin’s Island
• AMI Coconuts
• Anchor Inn
• Anna Maria Island Beach Café
• Anna Maria Island Coffee Shack
• Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours
• Anna Maria Island Sun
• AMI Boat Tours
• Artists Haven
• Baskin Robbins
• Blueberries Café
• Cheesecake Cutie
• China 1
• CrossFit Anna Maria
• Crysten’s AMI Boat Tours
• Dollar Tree
• Duffy’s Tavern
• Dunkin Donuts
• Edibles & More Country Store
• Fifty-Three Fifty The Pourhouse
• Freckled Fin
• Fun and More Rentals
• Graze Street AMI
• Grooms Auto Repair
• Gypsea Tides
• Hancock Whitney Bank
• Holmes Beach Automotive Service
• Holmes Beach Post Office
• Holy Cow Ice Cream
• Hurricane Hanks
• Hurricane Liquor
• Island Animal Clinic
• Island Bazaar
• Island Mail & More
• Isola Bella Italian Eatery
• Kiwi’s Fish & Chips
• La Creperie
• Los Chiludos
• Paradise Bagels
• Pizzano’s Pizza & Grinders
• Publix
• Reed Physical Therapy
• Salon Salon
• Sand Dollar
• Scott’s Deli
• Skinny’s Place
• Small Town Creamery
• Solo’s Pizza
• The AMI Airport Shuttle Guy
• The Chateau
• The Doctor’s Office
• The Doctor’s Garden
• The Hot Dog Guy Boat
• The Ugly Grouper
• Time Saver
• Topsail Steamer
• Vintage Beach
• Walgreens
• West Coast Surf Shop
• Zen Nails
CORTEZ
• A.P. Bell Fish Co.
• Breezy Bakery
• Clam Factory
• Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling
• Cortez Café
• Cortez Kitchen
• Foxi Coffee
• Pig Out Food Truck
• Star Fish Co.
• Swordfish Grill and Tiki
• The Beach Shop
• The Fox Mercantile
• Tide Tables
• Tyler’s Ice Cream
OBITUARIES
Charles Shook
parents of four children, Karen, Steve, Cyndia and Jeff. In 2003, he married Lois Finley. In so doing, he also united with popular “Mama Lo” and her children, Scott and Susan.
Charles Shook, minister emeritus at the Longboat Island Chapel, died on Nov. 27 at age 96.
Charles was a lifelong preacher and teacher. He grew up in Maryland, but spent his lengthy retirement years in Florida. During his professional life, he served churches in Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio and Florida. He also taught at the Boston University School of Theology, where he earned a Ph.D.
Charlie’s major interests were religion, music, literature and sports. He was also fascinated by games and puzzles of every variety. In their retirement years, Charlie and Lois were active members of the Longboat Island Chapel, where Charlie did much of his teaching and preaching. The chapel will be the setting for his memorial service on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.
For 40 years, Charlie was married to Katherine Olewiler. They were the
Tourist Development Council members sought
Manatee County seeks qualified applicants to fill two openings on the nine-member Tourist Development Council (TDC). The council usually meets at 9 a.m. on the third Monday of each month at various locations throughout the county. The council’s
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228.
duties include making non-binding recommendations to the county commission regarding the expenditures of tourist development tax revenues, including funding requests made by the city governments for city-specific projects that enhance tourism. Council members serve four-year terms. One open position will be filled by an owner/
operator or general manager of a motel, hotel, short-term vacation rental property, resort, RV park or other shortterm accommodation subject to the county’s 6% tourist development tax. The second position will be filled by an elected municipal official from the city of Palmetto, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria or the town of Longboat Key. Applicants must be registered voters in Manatee County. Applications are due by Friday, Dec. 20. The online application form can be found at www.mymanatee. org/advisory_boards. Interested applicants should contact Leanne Keeling at the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau by email at Leanne.Keeling@ BACVB.com or by phone at 941-729-9177 ext. 3944.
OUTDOORS
Sewage discharges continue in Bradenton
The city of Bradenton continues to struggle with sewage discharges.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON – At a time when red tide levels recently increased in Anna Maria Island waters and a Bradenton man recently lost his leg to flesh eating bacteria (vibrio vulnificus) after wade fishing in Sarasota Bay, the city of Bradenton discharged an estimated 825,000 gallons of partially treated or raw wastewater and/or sewage into the Manatee River in November.
The city of Bradenton also discharged more than 2,000 gallons of raw wastewater into Wares Creek.
PAST EVENTS
In August, during and after Tropical Storm Debby, the city of Bradenton’s water reclamation facility discharged an estimated 25 million gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into the Manatee River.
treatment facility at 17th Avenue West triggering an alarm in the supervisory control and data acquisition system. The alarm was acknowledged but not investigated. When the evening operator did the plant check, it was found the headworks was overflowing. The overflow occurred for about 15 minutes. The operator reset the panel and everything started working. The area affected was a grassy area at the headworks and the roadway at 17th Avenue West, including the storm drain.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
According to the report, at least 6,000 gallons of wastewater were discharged into the Manatee River via the storm drain.
RECENT EVENTS
The neighboring city of Sarasota discharged an estimated 18 million gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into Sarasota Bay. Combined, the Bradenton and Sarasota water reclamation facilities discharged an estimated 43 million gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into local waterways.
According to the Wastewater Digest website, the headworks of a wastewater treatment plant is the initial stage of a complex process. According to the noncompliance report posted at the city of Bradenton website, on Nov. 6, the emergency stop button or switch was hit at the headworks at the water
On Nov. 17, there was a period of high chlorine demand due to a backwash and the operator on duty reacted incorrectly, resulting in the residual chlorine falling below the limit in contact chamber #2. The effluent (wastewater) was not fully dis-
The water reclamation facility at the corner of 17th Avenue West and First Street West (South Tamiami Trail) has experienced several wastewater and sewage discharges in recent months. SEE SEWAGE, PAGE 23
STIMART: Family launches beach project
FROM PAGE 13
Oyster River Ecology Executive
Director Damon Moore has volunteered to oversee the planting sessions and the preparatory work scheduled for Friday, Jan. 24.
“I am eternally grateful to him for lending his expertise, leadership and generosity to this project,” Stimart stated in her written presentation.
“He used to live on the Island and he’s so happy to see civilians stepping up to restore the coastline,” she later told The Sun.
The goal is to recruit enough volunteers to have 75 volunteers per shift participating in each of the three planting sessions scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. If necessitated by weather conditions, the planting sessions will be delayed a week.
As of Dec. 8, 120 volunteers had already been recruited.
The Center of Anna Maria Island will assist with volunteer recruitment. To volunteer, visit the Good Guardians Collective
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Cindy Stimart recently presented the Build Back the Beach project to Anna Maria city commissioners.
website or call 631-599-0989. You can also call The Center at 941-778-1908.
Another project goal is to educate the community about the importance of healthy coastlines and the critical role they have in protection, habitats and the local economy. The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring organization will assist with the educational efforts.
Planting volunteers will be encouraged to visit Anna Maria restaurants and businesses before or after their planting sessions.
Stimart said every potentially
impacted beachfront property owner will receive a letter signed by her that provides them with the opportunity to opt out of project-related plantings taking place at their property.
Sato Real Estate will help promote the project and will reach out to the vacation rental property owners they represent
FROM THE PREHISTORIC TO THE PRESENT,
GOOD GUARDIANS COLLECTIVE | SUBMITTED
in the project area.
“We live in Lakewood Ranch but we can’t get out to the Island fast enough when Friday hits and the kids are done with school,” Stimart said when explaining her motivation for this project.
“This project is so important to me. I’ve lived in Florida a long time and these hurricanes are
probably the worst I’ve ever seen. This completely shook me. We went for a walk on the beach and saw all the sea urchins that washed up and that broke our hearts.”
PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
The impact project partners include the Stimart Family, the Good Guardians Collective, The Center of Anna Maria Island and Executive Director Chris Culhane, and Moore, the founder of the Oyster River Ecology organization.
Impact project supporters include the city of Anna Maria, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and board member Barbara Murphy, Sato Real Estate and company representative Danielle Sato, North Shore Café owners Scott and Colleen Geller, the Anna Maria Island Garden Club and local residents and property owners.
The project area begins at Sycamore Avenue and extends around Bean Point.
REAL ESTATE
New flood disclosure requirements in effect
Just what everyone wants right now is a new flood disclosure requirement when selling property. It’s not as if we aren’t aware that Anna Maria Island and the coastal areas of Manatee County could flood after Helene and Milton, it’s just another nail in the coffin for potential sellers.
The new flood disclosure requirements went into effect on Oct. 1, but didn’t get much publicity since it came just before Milton and just after Helene, when coastal residents were busy digging out. Basically, the Florida Statute requires a seller to complete and provide flood disclosure to a buyer of residential real property. The disclosure must be done at or before the time a contract is executed.
Castles in the Sand
the home, adding a specific disclosure for flooding is a good thing. The Seller Property Disclosure form will be updated, making this new law part of the form extending the existing flood sections so that sellers have to provide more information to consumers.
of this storm season are added up.
There are two points to be disclosed: Whether the homeowner has filed a claim with their insurance provider relating to flood damage on the property and whether they have received federal assistance for flood damage to the property.
The state’s definition of flooding is a general or temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of the property caused by the overflow of inland or tidal waters, the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff or surface waters from any established water source or sustained periods of standing water resulting from rainfall, particularly a river, a stream or a drainage ditch. The way I read this is that the statute is more of a protection for properties at risk of flooding from rivers than coastal flooding, which is clearly defined by FEMA’s flood zone map. Nevertheless, even though sellers were always required to disclose anything about the property that would affect the value of
Anna Maria Island has been called a 7-mile-long tropical oasis. For those of us who have lived on, near or worked on the Island, we know this and mourn the damage done by the storms this year. Unfortunately, there are changes to the Island that have been going on for some time but will likely be accelerating in the wake of the damage experienced on the island.
The fulltime population of the Island has been declining steadily. There were doubledigit declines in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria and somewhat less in Bradenton Beach according to the last U.S. Census Bureau report between 2020 and 2021. We can only assume that this trend will not only continue but increase when the after-effects
We already know that investors are aggressively buying up properties on the Island that have suffered irreversible damage with an eye to leveling the structures and building even more large three-story homes geared for rentals. We can also expect to see the addition of high-end resort style construction, further elbowing out the private homeowners and retirees.
America’s population has been growing in the southern part of the country for decades. And it has risen especially fast since the pandemic. The South gained an additional 3.9 million people between April 2020 and July 2023 according to the Census Bureau. Deep-pocket investors are looking at this trend, eyeing our beautiful beaches and Gulf waters and aren’t running away.
So, flooding or no flooding, there are plenty of investor groups out there who feel the return on their investment is worth the risk. After all, Milton was a “once in a lifetime event” - you think?
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Solid Rock Construction finishes on top
BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
ANNA MARIA – After nine weeks of regular season play, the fall adult co-ed soccer league heads into the “play-in” games to determine which eight teams will make the playoffs. With 10 teams in this season’s competition, the top four teams battle it out for the final two post-regular season spots.
Language Services Associates will face off against Sato Real Estate after tying against Moss Builders last week 3-3. Jana Whitehead, Juan Rodriguez and James Rodriguez scored for the Language Services team, while Stephen Adair, Erica Nielsen and Greg Moss put up the points for Moss Builders.
Sato Real Estate tied in their match up last week against the Gulf Drive Café squad 5-5.
Farrington, Shank take win
Tom Farrington, left, and Adin Shank teamed up for a sweet 2119 come-from-behind victory on Dec. 4 at AMI Horseshoes in the final over Dom Livedoti and Steve Kriebel to earn the day’s bragging rights. On Dec. 7. Tim Sofran won the day’s championship after posting the only 3-0 record during pool play.
Helio Gomez scored a hat trick, with goals scored by teammates Eliza Faillace and Ian Godfrey for Gulf Drive Café.
Ben Sato and Jonathan Stern each had two goals for the Sato Real Estate team.
Juan Vega had a solo goal in the tied ball game.
Playing the second play-in game, Gulf Drive Café and Hampton Paintings will square off on the Center pitch. Hampton Paintings lost by one goal last week against Bubble Binz.
Evelyn Long, Matt Staggs and Nate Welch did the scoring for Bubble Binz for the win. Daniel Hampton and Ethan Hampton put up the three points for the Hampton Paintings team.
AMI Dolphin Tours beat the Pool America team 4-2 last Thursday night. Scoring came off the boots of Robert Fellowes, Damir Glavan, Selena Gonzalez-
Salinas and Cody Wright for team AMI Dolphin Tours.
Pool America’s two points were scored by Eduardo Schlueter and Lucas Wilson.
To close out the regular season, the top seed Solid Rock Construction team beat team Ross Built by one goal.
Scoring seven goals, Solid Rock secured its position in the playoffs. Julio Cantu and Alex Landy each scored two points, while teammates Jacek Czajkowski, Raul Loera and Keith Mahoney put the soccer ball past the Ross Built Custom Homes goalie.
Greg Ross and son Jake Ross each put two points on the scoreboard in their effort to topple their opponent. Mack Heitchue and Kevin Roman scored two points to help keep Ross Built in the game.
The first round of playoffs starts Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The champion will
CENTER NOTES
Sheena Easton concert
The Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series, presented by Bradenton Area Arts & Culture, Cedar Cove and The Center of Anna Maria Island, kicks off with Grammywinning artist Sheena Easton performing at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 14. For tickets, call The Center or visit www.centerami.org/concerts. Ticket prices start at $65.
Adult Indoor Soccer
The Center will host an adult indoor soccer league on Thursday nights. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 17, with games starting in January. The cost is $20 for members and $100 for non-members.
Holiday Gift Drive
Celebrate the season of giving by participating in the Holiday Gift Drive. You can help by donating a gift or toy suitable for children ages 5 to 13. These gifts will go to children in need who participate at The Center or attend Anna Maria Elementary School. Donations are being accepted
daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Wednesday, Dec. 18.
DBTB Juice Bar & Bakery
Dev’s Bevs and Ted’s Breads Juice Bar & Bakery (DBTB) is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Scratch-made breads, pastries, desserts, juices, coffee and smoothies are on sale in The Center’s café.
To register for Center programs or for more information, email The Center at hello@centerami. org or call 941-778-1908.
LOVE SHACK: Owner staves off condemnation
FROM PAGE 3
We have proof that they said it’s not condemned,” Ibach said.
Ibach’s attorney then sent Perry a letter seeking written acknowledgement that the condemnation was rescinded.
As of Dec. 8, that written acknowledgement had not yet been received.
When contacted by The Sun on Dec. 2, Cushing explained the Oct. 31 condemnation.
“This was another case in which I could barely see the building in the first few days after the storms. It was buried in sand and the house just a few feet to the south (Dick Kuhlman’s “3 Pines Cottage”) was totally destroyed,” he said by email.
Regarding potentially premature condemnations, Ibach said, “This should be something the city takes very seriously. It would be refreshing to have the city come alongside its members and help. But my feeling was they came alongside my house to see if they could get it torn
down. That’s not helping me.” Ibach said he wouldn’t have sold the beachfront property even if the cottage had been condemned and demolished.
“I would immediately start building something else,” he said.
“The city should protect their constituents. If they have to condemn a house, that’s the last step they should take, not the first. I’m blessed that I can say, ‘No, I’m not going to let you do this to me,’ but a lot of people don’t have the wherewithal to fight this and some will think they have no other options. Demand an inspection and get your own inspection to refute the city’s inspection if you don’t think it’s correct.
“I encourage people to stand up for their rights. One of the hallmarks of the United States of America is that we have private ownership and private property and we are allowed to defend our property with our lives,” Ibach said.
SUBMITTED
FUN IN THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THRIVE BEACH YOGA: All Levels Welcome! 100 Pine Ave on AMI. 8:30am every Saturday & Sunday, Wednesdays (Oct-May). $15 PreRegistration required at ThriveYogaFit.com
BOATS
FIRST, I WISH ALL MY ISLAND FRIENDS WELL. This to shall pass. Yes, boats are selling. Yes, we will buy damaged boats. Yes, we need boats as folks are getting insurance checks.
Dave Struber/Owner 24 Years, Islandboatsales. net-941-288-3489
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
CLEANING SERVICE
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
GARAGE SALE
YART SALE - Art Sale meets Yard Sale. MultiArtist Studio Clean-Out.
SATURDAY 9-3, Manatee & 79th St W. Get your LOCAL shopping done - Fine Art, New, Used & Unique Treasures, Pet Portraits, Refreshments, Furniture, Art Supplies, Kids, Something for Everyone!
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST
ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505
jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.
BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585
A.R.E. Renovation’s WHOLESALE KITCHEN CABINETS DIRECT., Remodeling, Bathrooms. Trim Flooring and Decks Tile and more Free quote, references available. Lic. # CRC.1334176 941-4653045.
CCS DRYWALL REPAIRS
We are local. Family owned & operated since 1991. Free Estimates. Licensed/Insured/Bonded. License # SCC131149803 Call 941-713-6531.
HURRICANE DAMAGE?
I’m an Island resident. Pressure washing, tree work, fence repair, mailbox replacement. Also see ads under “Landscaping & painting. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315
SHORTDOG TREE & LAWN SERVICE Free Estimates. Remove trees; trim palms, yard work, hauling everything. Call 941-746-3373 or 941-730-2694
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
MOVING & STORAGE
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
PEST CONTROL
ANNA MARIA PEST
CONTROL Call 941-7781630
POOL SERVICES
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
BRADENTON CONDO FOR SALE end unit 55+ community. Pet friendly. Split 2BR/2BA. Walk in shower in Master, newer paint, laminate flooring, white travertine tile, new blinds, bonus room, W/D, central air with heat, carport, patio. Close to heated pool & community building. 8 miles from AMI. Available now, immediate possession. $179,900. Call 616648-1648 or 616-340-5669
RENTALS: ANNUAL, SEASONAL & VACATION
ON ISLAND CONDO Available immediately for up to one year! Ready to move in. Great Value. Beautiful Upgraded 2BR/2BA Incredible water View! Waterfront Patio, Pool, tennis, pickle, walk to beach. Private carport. Excellent Rental terms. Owner/ renter. Please Call or email for details. drchristines@ yahoo.com or 570-2390431
2BR/2BA BRIGHT RENOVATED CONDO - Perico Bay Club, minutes from AMI beach - pool/hot tub/tennis/gym/ parking/ Security gate. $2500/ month Starting January 25 Call 952-818-4685
ANNUAL RENTAL BRADENTON BEACH 1BR/1BA condo. Block to beach, large pool, parking. $3000/mo. 6 month minimum. Call 941-447-3071
BRADENTON BEACH LONGTERM RENTAL 1BR/1BA Cute UPSTAIRS apartment near Bridge Street. Furnished: $2,150 monthly Unfurnished: $1,950 Includes water/ trash 941-447-6887
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TRANSPORTATION
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PINES: Some mobile homes within repair guidelines
FROM PAGE 4
They’re going to be able to keep them as they are.”
Cushing said some homeowners will need permits to do some of the repair work.
“That will chip away at some of their 50% looking forward, but it’s a year period, they could do work on it and keep it under 50% for the next year and then after that year’s over they can do more,” Cushing said.
Pines homeowner Ryan Pfahler owns three units at the mobile home park. He resides in one and rents the others.
“I’m not surprised at all,” he said on Dec. 5. “The appraisals have come in fairly high, and we expected most of the trailers would come in under the 50% rule.”
Pfahler said he is reluctant to spend money on appraisals or repairs without a commitment from the ownership that the park will remain in place for at least several years.
“I’m still waiting for answers from the LLC,” Pfahler said. “I don’t want to spend any
money on them unless I can live in it and rent them immediately.”
Pfahler said others in the park have told him they are also hesitant to spend money to repair their mobile homes.
“I am not alone in my opinion,” he said. “Most of the people in the park don’t want to put another dime in without a guarantee.”
A representative for park owner Pines Park Investors LLC who did not wish to be
named said the LLC is still waiting for official information from the city.
At a Nov. 7 city commission meeting, Shawn Kaleta, one of the park owners, said: “I’ve made a commitment to the residents from our side to keep the park there whatever it can be inside the code. I think that’s a vital part of the community, having residents and having everybody in that community as it exists.”
SEWAGE: Discharges continue in Bradenton
FROM PAGE 16
infected during that time. The incoming operator noticed it and corrected the issue by putting the bleach back into the automated system. The total estimated volume of partially treated wastewater discharged into the Manatee River at the water reclamation facility outfall was 297,000 gallons.
On Nov. 21, there was again a period of high chlorine demand due to a backwash and the operator on duty again reacted incorrectly, resulting in the residual chlorine falling below the limit in contact chamber #2. The effluent was not fully disinfected during that time. The incoming operator noticed it and corrected the issue by putting the bleach back into the automated system. The estimated volume of partially treated wastewater discharged into the Manatee River at the water reclamation facility outfall was 525,000 gallons.
“This was an operator error in their response to the high chlorine demand. The WRF (water reclamation facility) acting superintendent/chief operator created a troubleshooting SOP (standard operating procedure) for these types of instances. The city has contracted with Jacobs Engineering to provide on-the-job training to all operators. This will help in ensuring that all operators have similar base knowledge,” according to the noncompliance report.
On Nov. 24, Lift Station #7, near Eighth Avenue West, had a variable frequency drive and radio malfunction due to the uninterruptible power system faulting which caused the lift station to stop functioning but did not trigger an alarm. There are three manholes at the crossing of Eighth Avenue West and 17th Street West and citizens called to report the manholes were overflowing. The estimated volume of raw wastewater that spilled into Wares Creek was 2,000 gallons.
The noncompliance information posted at the city of Bradenton website is also posted at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Pollution Notice webpage, along with other pollution-related incidents reported statewide.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Some mobile homes in the Pines Trailer Park and Sandpiper Resort Co-op in Bradenton Beach previously thought to be lost to hurricane damage can be saved.
