Anna Maria Island Sun December 14, 2022

Bright Holiday Lights contest winners announced

The city of Anna Maria encourages residents and business owners to decorate their properties for the holiday season.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city’s annual Bright Holiday Lights decorating contest produced a first-time residential category winner and a repeat winner in the business category.

Former Keep Manatee Beautiful Executive Director Ingrid McClellan judged this year’s entries. The winners were announced during the city’s Santa Stops Here event at City Pier Park on Friday and the winners later received Christmas tree-shaped trophies.

James and Andrea Stepan won

were a

the residential category for the decorating efforts they made at their home at 602 Gladiolus St. The residential entries also included Deborah White’s home at 313 North Bay Blvd. and Luann Mar-

shall’s home at 708 Gladiolus St.

The Anna Maria General Store repeated as the business category winner, edging out the festive

Environmental groups push to return manatees to endangered status

A record number of manatee deaths last year due in large part to red tide has prompted conservationists to call for Florida’s manatees to again be classified as endangered.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

Since the 2017 downlisting of manatees from endangered to threatened status – and with a record number of deaths of the marine mammals – a push is underway to seek restoration of the manatee’s endangered status and the protections that go along with it.

Last month, The Center for Biological Diversity, Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, Miami Waterkeeper and Save the Manatee Club petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to increase protections for West Indian manatees. The petition urges the wildlife service to reclassify the species from threatened to endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

“Since the service prematurely reduced protections in 2017, the species has declined dramatically,” according to a press release from The Center from Biological Diversity, a national non-profit conservation organization with a Florida office in St. Petersburg. “Pollution-fueled algae blooms sparked an ongoing mortality event that killed more than 1,110 Florida manatees in 2021 alone. This represents 19% of the Atlantic population and 13% of all manatees in Florida.”

As of October, 726 manatees have died in Florida so far this year. Officials estimate about 6,500 manatees live in waters of the southeastern U.S.

“West Indian manatees from Florida to the Caribbean are facing drastic threats from habitat loss, boat strikes, pollution, climate change and toxic algae blooms," said Ben Rankin, a student attorney at the Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic. “The restoration of full Endangered Species Act protections is an essential first step in conserving this species everywhere it is found.”

Manatees had been protected as “endangered” since 1967 under the ESA. The 2017 reclassification came after the Pacific Legal Foundation, on behalf of Save Crystal River Inc., a recreational boating group, petitioned the FWS, saying the safety measures addressing the manatee’s endangered level of protection were bad for tourism and boating businesses.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Brandy Kelly, Tom Powers, Brian Seymour and Nicole Coleman celebrated the Anna Maria General Store’s award-winning decorations.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The oversized Christmas ornaments

new addition to Andrea and James Stepan’s Christmas decorations.

Santa stops in Anna Maria

Santa Claus spent two hours chatting with the youngsters who came to visit.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Hundreds of people showed up to visit Santa Claus during the city’s Santa Stops Here event.

Public Works Manager Ryan Wieland delivered Santa Claus to the City Pier Park shade sail structure at 4 p.m. Friday afternoon and Santa spent the next two hours greeting youngsters and listening to their Christmas wishes.

Each youngster who visited Santa received a small gift bag courtesy of the city and at times the line extended out to the Pine Avenue sidewalk.

Several youngsters and their families noted they’d attended past Santa Stops events and many attendees and returning attendees were visiting from other states. Isla and Anderson Smith, of Traverse City, Michigan, asked Santa for a Cookie Monster and a remote-controlled monster truck.

Kansas City visitor Kaylynn Merchant said Santa remembered her from last year and noticed the new braces on

Above, Anna Maria City Commission Chair Mark Short attended Santa Stops Here with his wife, Pat, and their granddaughter, Emmy. Right, Kaylynn, Kora and Kinsley Merchant, of Kansas City, were the first to visit Santa Friday afternoon.

her teeth that she asked him for last year. Norie and Taylin Leland, from Minnesota, asked Santa for a Barbie doll and a Walking Barbie doll.

Some families also wandered over to the City Pier Park playground, where their little ones took a minute to write a quick note to Santa and drop it in his mailbox for delivery to the North Pole.

“It’s fun that they do this,” Toronto, Canada resident Jackie Eddolls said as her daughter, Goldie, wrote a note to Santa. While visiting Santa, Goldie asked for a baby doll and her sister, Lucy Kitchen, asked for a remotecontrolled car.

“This is one of our best events and one of our favorite events,” Deputy City

Clerk Debbie Haynes said. “It’s just wonderful to see so many kids with such happy little smiles on their faces. They’ve all got a little tale to tell Santa and some of them are giving him letters.” Haynes also praised the efforts of the city staff members, including the Public Works Department, who helped organize and prepare for Friday’s event.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

IN BRIEF

Commission bidding farewell to Carter

The Anna Maria City Commission will host its last regularly scheduled meeting of the 2022 calendar year on Thursday, Dec. 15. Beginning at 2 p.m., the meeting will be longtime Commissioner Carol Carter’s final meeting. Carter and her husband, Bob, are leaving the Island and moving to Sarasota County. Thursday’s meeting will begin with general public comment on items not included on the meeting agenda. The commission will then discuss the application and selection process the commission will use to appoint a new commissioner to fill Carter’s vacated commission seat. The commission will be presented with the second and final reading of an ordinance that will decrease from seven to five the number of Planning and Zoning Board members needed to constitute a full board and a three-member voting quorum. The mayor and commission will discuss the Distinguished Citizen of the Year award nominations and the mayor will provide a Mote Marine Educational Outreach Center update. The mayor will also seek commission authorization to sign an agreement with CivicPlus for a new city website. Thursday’s meeting can be accessed by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280.

Chamber business card exchange Thursday

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host its next business card exchange at the Chamber office, 5213 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 5-7 p.m. The event is open to both members and anyone interested in becoming a member. Bring business cards to network with other area business owners and managers. Consider bringing a prize for the raffle and a food donation for the Food Bank of Manatee. RSVP at becky@amichamber.org or by calling 941-7781541. The exchange is hosted by the Anna Maria Island Privateers.

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Flood control project engineering completed

The state-funded flood control project is to be completed by June 30, 2024.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The engineering services for a statefunded flood control project will cost the city an additional $15,978.

The engineering for the flood control project was completed earlier this year by the Colliers Engineering & Design firm after former City Engineer Lynn Burnett and her LTA Engineers firm did the initial engineering for the project.

The $2.1 million flood control project is expected to improve drainage and reduce flooding in the vicinity of 20th Place North, 21st Place North, the southern end of Avenue A and the southern end of Avenue B.

The project is being funded by a $2.6 million state appropriation that also provided the city with the funds to purchase a new street sweeping and vacuuming truck.

The additional engineering costs were discussed during the Dec. 1 city commission meeting. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said she originally feared the cost overages could have been in the $25,000 to $27,000 range. She noted the $15,978 in additional engineering costs provides the city with slightly less money to spend on the actual installation of the flood control elements that will include repaving the streets and installing V-shaped curbs that help direct rainwater to the desired outflow points.

Perry said she hopes to recoup some of the additional engineering costs by potentially reducing some of the $191,000 budgeted for the project management and oversight to be provided by Mark Porter and his Utility Consultants of Florida firm.

Mayor John Chappie noted the city will be audited regarding its use of the state funds and Utility Consultants of Florida Project Administrator Arne Lash will

provide his expertise and assist with the audit and the oversight of the flood control project.

Perry said the engineering work is now completed and the city is waiting for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to inspect the proposed work site and sign off on the completed engineering plans.

Perry noted the city previously experienced a $76,000 increase in anticipated engineering costs for the project after the commission directed Collier’s to completely reengineer the flood control project plans initially engineered by LTA.

In November 2021, FDEP approved the city’s request to spend more of the allocated state funds on engineering costs and less on the actual construction of the project. At that time, FDEP also extended the project completion deadline from June 30, 2023 to

June 30, 2024.

Perry said the city hopes to issue a request for proposals in December seeking contractors to install and construct the flood control project engineered by Colliers. She said she hopes the commission will have a contractor selected by the end of January and be presented with a proposed contract for the selected contractor in mid-February.

“If I can do that, I’m only two months behind schedule and think there’s enough breathing room to complete the project. I was told I will not get an extension beyond the 2024 date for completing that construction,” Perry told the commission.

“We’ve just got to make it work and get it done. That’s the bottom line,” Chappie said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Commissioner Carol Carter will participate in her final commission meeting on Thursday.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The flood control project includes drainage improvements at 20th Place North, 21st Place North and the south end of Avenue A.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The flood control project is expected to decrease flooding at the south end of Avenue B.

Bethlehem Walk has very happy ending

Roser Church in Anna Maria held its annual Bethlehem Walk, following Mary and Joseph as they try to find room at an inn.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - There are plenty of inns on Anna Maria Island, but the “No Vacancy” signs were out for Mary and Joseph as they walked with their animals and several angels searching for shelter in Anna Maria on Sunday.

The annual Bethlehem Walk, held by Roser Church, portrayed the struggle faced by Jesus’ parents as they desperately searched for and were continuously denied shelter as they walked the streets of Bethlehem.

A large crowd followed them as they went from inn to inn until they were eventually offered lodging in a local stable.

“This is an annual event that

we’ve been doing for many years to keep Christ at the center of Christmas,” Roser Pastor Dirk Rodgers said. “We just wander the streets of Anna Maria and reenact the story of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay. We wind up back here at the church, which is the manger in our story, then announce the birth of Jesus and then celebrate Christmas here with a little fellowship at the end.”

Unlike a Christmas play or pageant, this event is open to anyone who wants to walk the route. The church even provides costumes for those that want to dress the part but don’t have a costume. Many enjoyed walking the route with Mary

and Joseph (Sophie Bernet and Noah Goodkind), their cow and donkey and plenty of angels, who also carried animals including chickens and goats.

The animals for the Bethlehem Walk were provided by Addie’s Pony

Parties, and were central to the event. There were plenty of children who were happy to carry an animal, and everyone in attendance had to get at least one petting session with the beautiful and docile creatures that seemed to be very comfortable with their roles in the story.

Rodgers said that Roser is unique in the fact that they are non-denominational, and welcome everyone for not only this event, but every service held at the church. He said because the church is aware that many tourists come to the Island and want to go to a church, they are welcoming of anyone from any denomination whether local or from thousands of miles away.

“I just want everyone to know that in these troubled times, Christmas is a message of hope that God is with us through these things,” Rodgers said. “He sent His son to encourage us and help us find hope in these times.”

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Mary and Joseph (Sophie Bernet and Noah Goodkind) begin their journey to find a room at an inn with their animals as Roser Church in Anna Maria began their annual Bethlehem Walk on Sunday.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

A large crowd follows Mary, Joseph and angels as they try to find room at an inn during Roser Church’s annual Bethlehem Walk in Anna Maria.

Drop us a line

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

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Dec. 15, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Dec. 23, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Jan. 2, all day – City offices closed, New Year holiday

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information. Dec. 23, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Jan. 2, all day – City offices closed, New Year holiday

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Dec. 14, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting Dec. 23, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday

Jan. 2, all day – City offices closed, New Year holiday

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

Tree Tots: Size Wise, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

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, 2 p.m.

Wildlife Spotlight: Shorebirds, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 4:30 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

Movie Night: “The Grinch,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg Club – Experienced Players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Sunset Tower Walk, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

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

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

Master Gardener Tour, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

Families Flock Together: Nature Ornaments, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Christmas on Bridge Street and outdoor movie, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 3-9 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 19

Climate Smart Series: Landscape and Conservation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 20

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

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

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

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-3:30 p.m.

Pine Avenue businesses share holiday treasures

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Pine Avenue was awash with holiday spirit and a sense of community during Friday night’s Holiday of Treasures Open House.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., the businesses along Pine Avenue shared free food and drink samples and other goodies and treats.

Once again, Beach Bums had a long line of folks waiting for their tasty grilled hamburgers.

Outside the Pineapple Marketplace, AMI Guy, AMI Gal and AMI Pup Rescue Inc. shared free Island Christmas Cocktails created by Dcoy Ducks bartender Shane Weaver, with input from marketplace vendors Mark McConnell and Christine Aaron. The tasty cocktail featured SVEDKA blue raspberry vodka, lemonade, soda, grenadine and blueberries. All tips received were donated to AMI Pup Rescue.

The Holly Rae Revue provided the marketplace’s musical entertainment.

“This is great. It brings in tons of people. We bring the band and the booze and we’re raising money for AMI Pup Rescue,” McConnell said.

At Duncan Real Estate, friends and visitors enjoyed Prosecco sparkling wine and the Grandma Georgie’s Chipotle Oysters grilled and served by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

“We’re enjoying a great night during the holiday festivities with our neighbors and friends and showing our appreciation with oysters and Prosecco. It’s a wonderful night,” owner Darcie Duncan said.

While preparing more oysters to put on the grill, AMOB managing partner Lynn Horne said, “We do this every

year. John (Horne) and I have been friends with Darcie forever.”

Pizza Social shared cinnamon sugar dough nuggets – a holiday twist on their Garlic Parm Dough Nuggets. Across the street, Salt Scissors hair salon shared hors d’oeuvres and punch.

The Flip Flop Shop & Candy Stop served wine, Pixy Stix, jawbreakers and dark chocolate sea salt caramels.

“I love that this event brings the community down to Pine Avenue. A lot of the locals don’t shop in these stores so it’s nice to bring them together,” owner

Jamie Hinkle said.

Locals Realty shared dog treats, freshly popped popcorn and more.

Olive Oil Outpost shared red and white Lolailo sangria and the gRub restaurant shared free samples of its Frosé frozen wine slushies.

“They’re good,” said Oklahoma visitor Jennifer Steriegel, who was accompanied by her sister, Angela Steriegel, of Maine.

The Anna Maria Island Historical

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Beach Bums and the Pineapple Marketplace were among the many businesses that participated in the Holiday of Treasures Open House.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Abby Vreman shared free hot chocolate at Two Scoops.

Island streets become parade playground

CINDY LANE | SUN

AMI Paddlers from Paradise joined the Privateers Christmas Parade last Saturday.

CINDY LANE | SUN The Grinch teamed up with Santa at the Privateers Christmas Parade last Saturday on Anna Maria Island.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The Christmas parade wound up on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, having traveled the length of the Island.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Roser Community Church brought the reason for the season to the Christmas parade.

Christmas shopping at art walk

The monthly Art Walk on Dec. 9 gave visitors and locals a chance to do some holiday shopping for unique gifts. Island Gallery West offered wine and snacks for guests and a little bit of everything from paintings to jewelry. The event will continue the second Friday of each month, with retailers staying open late. “We bought a painting of a pelican, our favorite bird,” said Chelsea Wade, of Dayton, Ohio. “This is our happy place, and we hope to live here someday, but for now, Pete, which we named our pelican, will be a constant reminder of our dream of Island living.”

Enjoy Christmas on Bridge Street

Saturday

Visitors enjoy talking to member artists while enjoying a snack and a glass of wine among some of the finest works from area artists at Island Gallery West during the Dec. 9 Art Walk in Holmes Beach.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a blanket, chair and refreshments and enjoy a classic film next to the bay. All showings are free and subject to cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.

Make plans to bring the whole family out for a festive good time as Christmas on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach returns on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 3-9 p.m. Do some last-minute shopping, have dinner or enjoy listening to the Crosley Carolers. Kids can make crafts with a local flare and watch the outdoor holiday movie “Home Sweet Home Alone” at 6:30 p.m. in the post office parking lot.

'Polar Express' at Movies in the Park

“The Polar Express” will screen at the weekly Classic Movies in the Park at City Pier Park in Anna Maria on

Drift In to Christmas on Saturday

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will hold its annual “Christmas at the Drift” fundraising party at the Drift In on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 6-10 p.m. Enjoy live music, a Taste of the Island buffet for $10 and a lotto board and booze basket raffles worth hundreds of dollars. Get a photo with Santa while partying for the Privateers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Money raised from this event will help fund the Privateers’ Drift In Scholarship and fulfill their mission of “kids and community.”

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Joshua Flickinger, son of IGW member artist Janet Flickinger, plays violin for everyone attending the monthly Art Walk at Island Gallery West in Holmes Beach.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

LIGHTS: Contest winners announced

FROM PAGE 1

Duncan Real Estate office at 310 Pine Ave. The Gulf Queen Creations property at 107 Pine Ave. was entered in the contest but was not lit up during either of The Sun’s two visits to the property.

RESIDENTIAL CATEGORY

The Stepans have lived in their home since 2017 and this year they entered the Bright Holiday Lights contest for the second time.

“We’re happy, excited and thrilled. We put a lot of effort into it and our efforts were rewarded. We’re already thinking about what we’re going to do next year,” James Stepan told The Sun.

“Last year we were decorating our house just for us and one of the neighbors told us about the city’s competition so we entered the contest not really knowing what it was like. We didn’t win last year so we decided to step it up a bit this year and we brought in a lot more color. We added Santa Claus and more lights to the roof this year too.

“Last year we had colored landscape lighting on the trees. This year we wrapped the trunks of the coconut and royal palms with lights. We added some LED effects on the Sylvester palms by the driveway. We added more lighting and more colors than the traditional green and red Christmas colors,” Stepan said.

The Stepan’s decorations again feature a pair of white-lighted deer-shaped lawn ornaments and a white Christmas tree lawn ornament. New this year are a flamingo lawn ornament, several oversized Christmas ornaments and a multi-colored Christmas tree lawn ornament. The decorations also include a teddy bear drummer.

“My wife wanted a pink flamingo and we added some purple and pink lights this year too. The ornaments and the

multi-colored trees are new this year and make it a little more festive and fun,” Stepan said.

The couple spent about two weeks working on their decorations and were out until midnight the night before the judging took place making their final adjustments.

“We live on a corner lot and we probably have about 500 square feet of front yard. It takes a lot more lights and decorations than a smaller yard,” Stepan said.

“When I was a kid, I’d jump in the car with mom and dad and we’d drive around and look at all the Christmas lights. Hopefully, people will drive by our house and enjoy what we did,” Stepan said.

Luann Marshall’s decorations feature several inflatables, including Baby Yoda from “The Mandalorian” TV series and Olaf from the “Frozen” movies.

While standing on her balcony next to the Olaf inflatable, Marshall said, “I do it because I enjoy it. I do all the holidays and it’s fun. I’ve lived here for four years, but I’ve been coming here since the 1950s. My grandparents, Philip and Lily Bruhl, lived on the Island and moved here in the 1940s.”

White’s decorations included several inflatables, three roof decorations and a multitude of colorful lights.

Past repeat residential winners Carol and Larry Craft did not enter this year’s contest, but their home and yard at 266 Gladiolus St. is once again among the most beautifully decorated properties in Anna Maria.

BUSINESS CATEGORY

The Anna Maria General Store won the businesses category outright for the second consecutive year, after tying with Beach Bums for first place two years ago.

“This year we added the archway trellis to the entrance. We have the

Above, these inflatable decorations sit upon Luann Marshall’s

5344 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beac h (941) 779-BEER

nutcrackers that play music. We have 33,000 lights this year. We have the new waterfall of lights on the parking lot side and we put more lights on our Christmas tree on the roof,” general store owner Brian Seymour said.

Tom Powers once again guided the general store’s decorating efforts.

“We had a great time. We love doing it and we’re glad we won again,” Powers said.

“We’d like to thank Nicole Coleman and Brandy Kelly for their ideas and help,” Seymour added.

“I’d like to see more of the businesses participate. I’d love to see the entire business district lit up. Duncan Real Estate looked great and the shopping center where Two Scoops is looks nice too,” Seymour said.

5350 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beac h (941) 251-3681

5346 Gulf Drive Holmes Beac h (941) 778-5788

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

balcony. Below, Duncan Real Estate’s holiday decorations feature a tropical theme.

It’s Christmas in Cortez

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Left, Parker Ross, of Bradenton, tells Santa his wish list at the Florida Maritime Museum’s Christmas in Cortez event on Saturday. Above, Dancers from Rowlett Academy perform at Christmas in Cortez on Saturday at the Florida Maritime Museum.

Holmes Beach families decorate for holidays

Friends and neighbors honored the Krauss and Dellenger families in Holmes Beach with an unofficial award for best light display in the city for their holiday lights. Grandchildren, from left, Eli Dellenger, Otto Krauss, Sam Dellenger, Edelweiss Krauss and Luke Dellenger accepted the award. The Dellenger and Krauss families went all out with their holiday light display this year in Holmes Beach.

SUBMITTED | KIM RASH

MANATEES: push to return manatees to endangered

FROM PAGE 1

Manatees are protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and the ESA. They are listed as threatened under the ESA and designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

It is illegal to feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound or kill manatees.

The West Indian manatee consists of two sub-species: the Florida manatee and the Antillean manatee. The average Florida manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs about 1,200 pounds. Florida manatees can live more than 65 years, however, among the manatees that reach adulthood, only about half are expected to survive into their early 20s, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The pending petition is not the first call to restore the manatee’s endangered status.

In June 2021, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (RManatee) called on the FWS to upgrade the manatee from threatened to endangered under the ESA.

“Manatees are beloved, iconic mammals in Florida,” Buchanan said. “We should provide these gentle giants with the highest levels of federal protection.”

In Nov. 2021, the FWC and the FWS addressed an unusual mortality event (UME)

among manatees along Florida’s Atlantic coast.

“Researchers have attributed the UME to starvation due to the lack of forage in the Indian River Lagoon. Historically, the lagoon has provided essential habitat to manatees year-round, and during the colder winter months many manatees depend on warm water refuges in this area,” according

to the FWC.

“Increasing protections for manatees with an endangered listing would provide immediate protection,” said Rachel Silverstein, executive director of Miami Waterkeeper. “With astounding losses of seagrasses around the state, we need to address waterquality issues to give the manatee a fighting chance to survive and thrive.”

FWS has 90 days to evaluate whether the petition to protect the manatee as endangered presents substantial information to indicate that the action may be warranted. If so, the agency must complete a thorough review of the species’ status within 12 months of receiving the petition.

Manatees are dying off in unprecedented numbers on Florida’s east coast

grass and on the west coast due to red tide.

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Local fisheries remain vital to local economy

Threats to the local fishing industry include red tide, regulation and development.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

CORTEZ – The local fishing industry remains an economic driver and provider of an important food source, according to Dr. Angela Collins, who gave a presentation at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach on Dec. 1.

In “The Importance of Local Fisheries and Seafood Production,” Collins touched on topics ranging from challenges faced by the commercial fishing industry to the importance of consuming locally-sourced seafood to a historical overview of Cortez fishing village.

Collins is a multi-county agent for the Florida Sea Grant program and is based at the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Services (UF/IFAS) extension office in Palmetto.

Describing Florida as the fishing capital of the world with its 1,200-mile coastline, Collins said that after tourism, agriculture – which includes fishing – has the second largest economic impact in the state.

“There were 1.7 million recreational saltwater licenses issued in 2016, 110,000 jobs related to fishing, including those such as charter captains and bait shops,” she said. “The west coast – the Gulf coast – accounts for 71% of the total seafood landed in the state.”

Collins pointed to the importance of healthy estuaries as being responsible for the delivery of nutrients to saltwater, the production of plankton and tidal flushing and the preservation of critical animal habitats.

“Commercial fisheries depend on healthy estuaries,” Collins said.

The importance of local fishing is illustrated by Cortez village – one of the last remaining working fishing villages in the state.

“Cortez was one of the main reasons this area was settled,” Collins said. “Lots of descendants of the original Cortez families are still in the area today.”

She described the residents of the Cortez fishing village as hard-working, proud and independent people.

“During the Depression, for example, the people of Cortez sought no assistance from the federal government,” she said. “They fed themselves.”

Mullet – currently being harvested locally for roe – has been a staple for Cortez fishermen since the area was settled.

“Mullet go to the passes to spawn. Their roe is the most valuable part of the fish,” she said. “You could say the season runs approximately from Thanksgiving to Super Bowl.”

Beyond mullet, local fishermen have

diversified over time to include bait fish, grouper, snapper and stone crab.

“Stone crab, for example, is one of the most valuable pieces per pound,” she said.

The population of commercial fishermen may be diminishing due to several factors, Collins said.

“There’s a graying of the fleet where people are getting older and retiring and maybe the younger people aren’t getting into the industry,” she said. “Younger people don’t necessarily want to get into fishing or fiberglass repair or engine work.”

Other factors accounting for a decline in fishermen may include strict regulations and developers lured to waterfront property.

“Before the net ban of the 90s, there were six fish houses in Cortez,” she said. “Now there are two – Cortez Bait and Seafood and A.P. Bell.”

Collins said that 90% of the seafood we eat is imported and urged attendees to try to support local seafood producers in favor of those foreign suppliers that may be lower-priced but of lesser quality.

“The reason the price of U.S. seafood is higher is because there are higher standards,” she said. “We have a well-regulated industry in our state.”

Another source of seafood, clam and oyster production, is a booming aquaculture industry in Florida with the added bonus of cleaning local waters.

“Florida is the fourth in U.S. production of clams,” she said. “Clams filter water, remove nitrogen and are a highly nutritious food source.”

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website at fdacs.gov, “A single oyster filters over 15 gallons of water per day. Bivalves feed on particles (phytoplankton and microorganisms) and filter nutrients in the water by pumping water over their gills, or “filter feeding.” Filter feeding improves water quality and transfers nutrients to bottomdwelling organisms.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

During her talk on local fisheries at the Island Library, Dr. Angela Collins shows attendees vintage photos of Cortez fishermen.

OUTDOORS

he RedFly, a premier Tampa Bay area tournament targeting redfish on fly tackle, is just around the corner and this is a good time to get ready for the 17th running of this

The tournament is the brainchild of Capt. Jon Bull, of St. Petersburg and provides a good opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to test their skills against some of the Tampa Bay area’s best anglers and have a shot at a bevy of great prizes.

What originally started as a small tournament based out of Cockroach Bay in 2008 has turned into the largest, longest running fly-fishing tournament

Tune up for the redfly

for redfish in the country. The 16th Annual Redfly was a huge success. The tournament topped past events with a record 84 anglers. Fishing was tough, and while that tournament proved hard for anglers, the event raised $2,260 for Tampa Bay Waterkeeper.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, Jan. 14. The tournament starts with a mandatory check-in and captain’s meeting at 5:30 a.m. at the Salty Shamrock Irish Pub, 6816 U.S. Hwy. 41 in Apollo Beach. Each team or solo angler is required to bring their measuring device to the meeting to be approved by tournament officials.

The catch-photo-release tournament is open to two-person teams and solo anglers. Each angler or team must provide at least one digital camera with a clear memory card to participate. Pictures taken with a cellphone also are allowed. Anglers can use fly fishing

CAPT. BRYON CHAMBERLIN | SUBMITTED

Capt. Jon Bull prepares to release a redfish he landed on fly.

RUSTY CHINNIS

up for the redfly

FROM PAGE 24 gear, but no bait scents, live, dead, cut or frozen bait, chumming or tipping is allowed. Participants also cannot fish in another boat’s chum line or in the area where another boat is chumming.

Anglers can wade or fish from a boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, pier, dock, bridge or shoreline as long as they remain in the tournament boundaries and no more than 50 yards from their partner or vessel. Boundaries for the tournament stretch from Fred Howard Park in the north to Gasparilla Pass in the south. Participating anglers can launch from any public ramp and must fish between the boundaries. All anglers must have a valid Florida saltwater fishing license and adhere to all state fishing regulations. Anyone fishing from a boat must have all required U.S. Coast Guard safety gear on board during the tournament.

Anglers are asked to show courtesy to other tournament and recreational anglers while fishing. All participants will be operating on the honor system during the tournament regarding use of fly-fishing gear and adhering to tournament rules. If you cheat in a fishing tournament, you are just pathetic and sad.

Fishing begins at 7 a.m. with weigh-in taking place from 3-4 p.m. back at the Salty Shamrock. Any angler who is late to the weigh-in will be disqualified. Pictures of the day’s catch, including an approved measuring device, whole fish and tournament marker, will be presented to the judges during the weigh-in.

The angler with the largest two redfish total to the nearest quarter inch will win a 100% payback with the first runner-up earning a 60% payback, second runner-up earns a 30% payback and 10% goes to the third runner-up. The cost to participate is $50 per two-person team or $25 for solo anglers. Registration fees will be collected at the captain’s meeting and must be made in cash.

After the weigh-in there will be a prize raffle at the Salty Shamrock. Tickets for the raffle are $5 each or five for $20 and can be purchased onsite with cash or by using Zelle, CashApp at $shadowcastflyfishing, or Venmo at @shadowcastflyfishing.

All the proceeds from the event benefit Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. For more information, contact Capt. Jon Bull at 863-860-7250 or jbull1229@gmail.com.

Former Ray snags grouper

CAPT. DAVE WHITE

Despite some troublesome red tide looming here and there, fishing this week has been stellar. We here at Anna Maria charters have been covering ground, from trolling for tuna and wahoo at 60 miles to

bouncing pompano jigs in the passes.

Offshore, the yellowtail fishing has been great, as well as a few gag grouper in the mix. We were also fortunate enough to get a big wahoo on the troll last week. We are also seeing lots of

kingfish offshore as well.

Inshore, the snook, black drum, redfish, gag grouper and a few pompano have been around as well. With water temperatures at about 74, it seems to be about perfect. Good luck and tight lines!

CAPT. DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Former Tampa Bay Rays player Austin Meadows shows off a good gag grouper caught with Capt. David White of Anna Maria Charters.

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Sharing Christmas memories

Christmas has always been a special holiday in my family. My grandma and greatgrandparents always hosted a Christmas Eve party that was open to their entire middle Georgia community. It was my grandma’s favorite event of the season. She would spend weeks planning out the menu and all of the women in my family would come together to help cook everything, make cinnamon cider and load up every table in the house with food before we went to a Christmas Eve service at our church and everyone came over to celebrate. For years, it was the biggest party in town. And no party was complete without my grandma’s red velvet cake.

A Southern staple, red velvet cake recipes are easy to come by, but this one is special – it doesn’t

involve any chocolate. This red velvet cake has been a favorite in my family for decades. It’s a light, fluffy buttermilk cake covered in cream cheese frosting. My mom and I continue to make this cake every year in my grandma’s honor for the holidays. A few years ago, Southern Living’s Christmas recipe book featured a red velvet cake layered with cheesecake

that looked yummy, so my mom and I decided to give the tried-and-true family recipe a little makeover. We layered grandma’s red velvet cake with white chocolate cheesecake and tied everything together with a traditional cream cheese icing. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does and wish you all happy holiday season.

Red velvet and white chocolate cheesecake

Red velvet cake ingredients:

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 1/2 cup self-rising flour

1 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 bottle red food coloring

Directions:

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 8-inch cake pans with non-stick spray and line the bottom of each pan with parchment or wax paper. For this recipe, a 3-inch-deep pan works best. Mix all ingredients together, no need to separately blend the wet and dry ingredients first. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 25 minutes. Allow layers to cool before removing from the pans.

White chocolate cheesecake ingredients:

12 ounces white chocolate chips 40 ounces cream cheese

1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of two 8-inch cake pans with aluminum foil, allowing the foil to extend slightly over the sides to assist with removing the layers. Lightly grease the foil.

Melt the white chocolate chips and allow to cool. Use a mixer to beat the cream cheese and melted chocolate together, gradually adding the sugar, two eggs and vanilla. Pour into the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until almost set. Turn the oven off and allow the cheesecake layers to stand in the oven with the door closed for an additional 30 minutes. Remove the layers from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pans. Cover the layers and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours.

Cream cheese icing ingredients:

8 cups powdered sugar 16 ounces cream cheese

1 cup butter 6 tablespoons milk 4 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions: Allow butter and cream cheese to soften to room temperature. Blend butter, milk, vanilla and cream cheese then gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to mix the ingredients to avoid lumps. Blend until smooth and use immediately.

Once all three elements are ready, the fun begins. Assemble the cake by stacking the layers, alternating with cheesecake then red velvet cake with a layer of icing between each cake layer. Finish by using the remaining icing to coat the top and sides of the assembled cake and enjoy! Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 7 days or up to 24 days in the freezer.

KRISTIN SWAIN

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

REAL ESTATE

How big is too big?

Sometimes what seems like a great idea may not be in the long run. Kind of like that Jaguar you had to have when you were 18; it looked pretty, but it was always in the expensive foreign car repair shop.

Last week’s big financial announcement from the federal government was the increase in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s mortgage loan eligibility. What does that mean? It means that the federal government is now backing mortgages for over $1 million for the first time.

Remember that Fannie and Freddie don’t make loans. The companies are under government control and have been since 2008 for a good reason. They buy mortgages from lenders and package them into securities that are sold to investors. In 2008, when loose lending practices created a bubble of foreclosures, these investors lost big time, crashing the stock market and almost our economy.

Fannie and Freddie’s mandate when the

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

government programs were established was to guarantee middle-class mortgages and make housing more affordable for the average buyer. Because of this, not everyone in the financial community is on board with the government insuring even larger home loans geared more to the wealthy and further increasing taxpayer liability.

Fannie and Freddie’s loan limit, which is known as the conforming loan limit, will now be a high of $1,089,300 in high-cost areas, up from $970,800, and $726,200 up from $510,400 in other parts of the country. The high-cost areas are mostly the California and New York

coastlines with some pockets in other areas of the country. All Florida counties with the exception of Monroe County, which encompasses the Keys, are at the $726,200 limit.

Loan limits are determined every year using a formula that factors in the average housing prices. This year, about 100 counties in the country are determined to be high-cost markets out of approximately 3,000 counties. The increases in the loan limits may make it easier and cost less for borrowers purchasing singlefamily homes. Conforming loans usually have lower closing costs and can require lower down payments than residential mortgages that go over the loan limits.

With higher mortgage rates and higher asking prices for homes, many prospective buyers have been unable to qualify for loans or had to reevaluate their buying criteria. Fannie and Freddie argue that raising the loan limits is necessary in order to reflect the higher home prices and

the higher interest rates. They view their job as needing to keep pace with home prices to address affordability.

Anna Maria is obviously a high-cost area of Florida even though our buyers are not benefiting from the increase in loan limits. Many buyers of our multimillion-dollar homes are either coming in with all cash, finding private funding or applying for a jumbo loan, which is over the federal loan limit.

As much as I sympathize with high-cost buyers in theory, I still question the benefit of large loan limits in our economy, especially when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were designed initially to help the middle class. Nevertheless, far be it from me to compare a bad automobile choice to the federal government, but I can’t help remembering the financial crash in 200708. Remember the one that we almost didn’t survive based on the foreclosures of non-conforming home loans backed by the federal government? Just saying!

BEACH BEAT OBITUARIES

BRADENTON BEACH

12/6, 12:48 a.m., drug possession, 500 Gulf Drive S. While on patrol, the officer saw a white minivan going approximately 47 mph in a 25 mph zone. The officer stopped the van, and upon approaching, could smell a strong odor of marijuana inside the vehicle. Although the driver’s license came back expired from Pennsylvania, he had no warrants, nor did his passenger, so he was issued a warning for speeding. After being asked to exit the car so the officer could search it due to the strong marijuana smell, the driver admitted he did have the drug in his possession and a pipe used to smoke it. The officer seized the 5 grams of marijuana and wrote the driver a misdemeanor notice to appear.

HOLMES BEACH

11/30, 2:08 p.m., Marchman Act, 5324 Gulf Drive. The officer responded to Hancock Bank in reference to a male subject that appeared to be heavily intoxicated and unstable. The officer recognized the man as a past resident of Holmes Beach, and said his words were very slurred and he was unstable and having trouble standing. When asked who the current president was, the man stated, “George W. Bush.” The officer did not believe the man could take care of himself. While reaching in his pocket, the subject pulled out a small amount of marijuana that was taken by the officer. EMS was contacted to take the subject for medical treatment under the Marchman Act.

Maxwell Vaughn Kelly

Maxwell Vaughn Kelly, 66, died on Nov. 14 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Affectionately known as “Pete” and later “Beach Trolley Max,” he was born in Valdosta, Georgia, the youngest son of the late Dorothy Pittman and Robert Kelly. His family relocated to Bird Key in 1964, where he spent his childhood rabblerousing on the shores of Longboat Key, St. Armands Key and Anna Maria Island.

He attended Sarasota High School before launching a successful career as a commercial painter and small business owner.

Kelly returned to his beachside roots in 2011 when he began an encore career as a Manatee County transit driver for the island trolley and paratransit service. He greeted thousands of travelers annually, always offering a warm welcome, congenial conversation and safe journey.

He had a lifelong love affair with coffee and grits, nummies and good back scratches. When he wasn’t pursuing his passion for tinkering, he could be found reading a book, scoring deals on Craigslist or rescuing wayward animals.

He excelled in curating the ultimate vinyl record playlist, Sunday

morning breakfast and coming through for friends and loved ones when they needed it most. He was beloved by his children, friends and stray and stranded animals alike. Above all, he lived his life with kindness, generosity and a good laugh.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Kelly would ask that you not take any moment for granted. Please, offer an unsolicited act of kindness, spend time with loved ones, or adopt a pet in his name.

Kelly is survived by daughters, Heather and Tara; former wife, Carolyn Fraley Mariotti; son-inlaw, Ethan Tolbert; granddaughter, Aeve Kelly-Tolbert; and countless loving friends, family members, grandnieces and grandnephews.

CENTER NOTES

Center hosts winter day camp

The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting day camps throughout the holiday break for children and youth. The camp is scheduled for Dec. 23, Dec. 27-30 and Jan. 3-6 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. With the theme of “winter wonderland,” campers will learn about arctic animals, celebrate the season with games, including mock ice skating, go on a candy cane hunt, make an ornament and even learn to make edible snowflake snacks. The cost is $50 per day for members or $55 for nonmembers. To book for a week, the cost is $160 for Center members or $180 for non-members. The full camp is $315 for members or $355 for non-members and includes one free day. Registration is required by the end of the day the Thursday before a child is planned to attend camp. For more information, or to register, call 941-778-1908.

Sign up for T-ball

Youth T-ball is starting Monday, Jan. 9 at The Center of Anna Maria Island for children ages 4-6. The program runs through March 6 with games played on Monday evenings at 5 and 6 p.m. The cost to play is $10 for Center members or $100 for non-members with sliding fees for those who qualify. Registration is required at www.centerami.org or by calling 941-778-1908 by Dec. 20. A $10 late fee applies for those who register after the deadline. All games will be played at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

Center campaign raises funds

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual campaign to raise funds for Beyond the Classroom after-school care scholarships and operating funds has garnered $57,588 in donations from the community of the $100,000 goal. The Roser Women’s Guild donated $1,100 to The Center on Dec. 7. Pictured from left are Laura Doughty, Barbara Dohner, Jim McDaniel, Cherrie Birkman and Peggy Nash.

SUBMITTED | THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND

BeatleMania Now recreates The Beatles’ magic

Saturday’s concert highlighted three different eras of The Beatles’ legendary decade as a band.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPODENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Center’s 202223 Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series kicked off on Saturday with a musical blast from the past in the form of BeatleMania Now.

Created and produced by Scot Arch, Beatlemania Now features Joshua Jones as Paul McCartney, Paul Bryck as John Lennon, Christopher Colon as George Harrison and Chris McBurney as Ringo Starr.

Clad in matching black suits, playing vintage instruments, accompanied by era-evolving video footage and recreating the looks and sounds of The Beatles legendary “Ed Sullivan Show” appearances, the first third of the show began with “She Loves You” and “All My Loving” and included several early Beatles’ classics such as “Roll Over Beethoven” (written by Chuck Berry), “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Saw Her Standing There.” The energetic, joy-filled opening set concluded with “Ticket to Ride.”

After a brief intermission that allowed for costume changes, the second set highlighted the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album that

The Beatles never collectively performed live because they quit touring a year before that album’s 1967 release. The second set also included other songs from The Beatles middle era.

The “Sgt. Pepper’s” set began and ended with the title track and its reprise and included McBurney, as Ringo, singing “With a Little Help From my Friends.” The set also included “When I’m 64,” “I Am the Walrus” (from the “Magical Mystery Tour” album) and “A Day in the Life.”

As was the case all night, the quartet’s musicianship and stellar lead and harmony vocals were further enhanced by a superb mix from the sound man and an effective light show.

The third and final set paid homage to The Beatles famous final rooftop concert and featured Colon (as George

Harrison) singing “Something” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” which also featured sublime reproductions of Harrison’s guitar work. The third set included “Get Back” and the set-ending “Hey Jude.” The band then launched into a rollicking version of “Twist and Shout” to end the show.

OPENING ACT

Performing solo with backing tracks that he created, local singer and guitarist Skip Eaton opened the show with a set of rock and blues that included his original compositions and covers of songs written by Stevie Ray Vaughn, J.J. Cale and Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally.” Eaton’s set included a powerful blues song that stated, “the blues got nowhere to go” and he closed his set with The Eagles’ “Hotel California,” in

PINE: Businesses share holiday treasures

FROM PAGE 8

Museum served Christmas cookies and apple cider.

Dips shared free samples of its apple pie ice cream and the Anna Maria General Store & Deli shared free brownies and beer.

“It’s such a fun night. We had 500 to 600 people visit us tonight. It was very festive and fun,” general store owner Brian Seymour said.

Cool Beans A.M.I. owners Ben and Morgan Bryant shared gluten-free pizza, a medley of hors d’oeuvres, orange ice cream, sangria, champagne and free samples of the CBD products they sell there and also at their Live Naturally store in Holmes Beach.

Morgan also displayed her vocal and piano talents while performing “Santa Baby” and

other Christmas favorites to those gathered at the recently opened coffee café.

“It’s great. People in the community who might not normally come by get to see our new store and see what’s going on,” Ben Bryant said.

Two Scoops ice cream served free hot chocolate to its visitors.

While patrolling Pine Av enue, Sgt. Brett Getman from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit said, “We have a great turnout and having Pine Avenue shut down creates a safe atmosphere for everybody.”

The Anna Maria Historical Society and The Anna Maria Island Sun sponsored the annual holiday event.

which he nailed that song’s signature guitar solo.

Eaton will perform at Harry’s Grill in Anna Maria on Thursday, Jan. 8.

POST-SHOW REACTION

The Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series is sponsored by Ed Chiles’ Sandbar restaurant, Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages and Bradenton Area Arts & Culture (the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau).

After the show, Chiles said, “It was a great show. It was a rockin’ time and a quality performance in a place that is the most important community gathering place on this Island. This venue has tremendous potential.”

Chiles noted the concert series serves as a fundraiser for The Center and the proceeds help fund the wide variety of programs The Center offers for residents and visitors of all ages.

The Center’s Jim McDaniel said, “What a start to the Center’s concert season. We had more than 600 people in attendance.”

Bradenton Beach resident and city commissioner Ralph Cole said, “When you know all the words to all the songs it’s a great time.”

Anna Maria resident Charlie Trygg said, “I really enjoyed the experience. I got to see and hear songs that were never performed live by The Beatles.”

The next concert in the series will be Tommy DeCarlo on Saturday, Jan. 21.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Center crowd warmly welcomed “Beatlemania Now.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Holly Rae Revue was part of the holiday festivities. Outside the Salt Scissors salon, Amanda Oliba and Olivia Carpenter served free hors d'oeuvres and punch.

Gulfview wins Hayward Cup

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – After nearly 45 minutes of Island soccer action, playoff underdogs Gulfview Windows and Doors came out on top. With nine saves in the game against the likes of Danny Anderson, JD Webb, Pedro Gonzalez and Will Kretzmann, Tuna McCracken was arguably the game’s MVP.

McCracken’s cat-like reflexes and perfect placement kicks helped take the Gulfview team led by Keith Mahoney to victory against the talented and physically powerful Sato Real Estate squad.

Playing down the first 10 minutes of the game, Gulfview had a player advantage on Sato.

Raul Loera led the Gulfview team in scoring last Thursday night with a hat trick. Loera’s three goals were complemented by a single by Thomas Magnotic, giving the team the 4-3 win in the final game of the season.

Mahoney was credited with an assist in the big win. His team made it to through to the end with strong play by Chris Culhane, David Kesten, Zach Long, Brandon Rolland and Asli Gunsel.

On the other side of The Center’s pitch team, captain Josh Sato stood on the sidelines only able to watch his team lose by one goal.

Sato stepped down from the team prior to the start of playoffs knowing he would be away for his wedding. Kretzmann, Sato’s replacement, matched the talented skills of the veteran player, scoring two goals in the championship game.

Long, Asli Gunsel, Chris Culhane, Tuna McCracken, David Kesten, Keith Mahoney, Brandon Rolland and Thomas Magnotic. Right, two “Island boys,” Chris Culhane and Tuna McCracken, and Gulfview teammates, celebrate the post-championship game with Culhane helping McCracken cool off with a celebratory ice shower.

Gonzalez had a solo goal, while teammate Webb made an assist.

Protecting the net for Sato was Mark Rudacille, credited with two big saves in the game, helping his team to stay in the game, along with the strong defense of the Sato squad.

Finishing the season with dynamic play and sheer athleticism, Danny Anderson showed no quit in the game, diving and flying until the final whistles.

Anderson’s teammates Brian Leibfried, Jacek Czajkowski, Ben Sato,

Raul

Lindsey Styka and Justine Wells all contributed with strong team play to finish the regular season ranked second going into the playoffs.

The naming of the Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup champions set the stage for the adult kickball league’s championship game to be played Monday night. With Captain Ron’s Crew pitted against Paddy Wagon, it is anyone’s game to win.

SUN SCOREBOARD

DEC. 5

ADULT KICKBALL

SEMIFINAL PLAYOFF GAMES

Captain Ron’s Crew 9 General Bums 6

Paddy Wagon 22 The Salty Dolphins 12

DEC. 8

ADULT SOCCER – CHAMPIONSHIP GAME #5 Gulfview Windows and Doors 4 #2 Sato Real Estate 3

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Above, underdogs Gulfview Windows and Doors survive against the heavy-hitting Sato Real Estate team to earn the championship title. From left are

Loera, Zachary

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. Classes on Tuesdays & Fridays at 8:30 at 100 Broadway St. on LBK. www.thriveyogafit.com

TO PLAY BRIDGE Call 314324-5921 Kathleen

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

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

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

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

COMMERCIAL LEASE - 419 pine, Anna Maria - Island Real Estate - Larry Chatt 941-345-1288

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-7564570 or 941-565-3931

ENDLESS SUMMER HOME SERVICES Cleaning & Maintenance. Call Angela for your home needs. 941577-3823

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED LICENSED REALTOR! Seeking real estate agent with island expertise to join our highly productive sales team! Contact us at 941-900-4974. All calls confidential

RESORT ASSISTANT MANAGER needed for island resort and vacation rentals. 32 to 36 hours per week. Experience a plus but will train. Weekends are included in schedule. Interested candidates please email islands58@aol.com to schedule an interview.

TOP PRODUCER HIRING Realtors experienced in selling luxury, waterfront and golf course properties. If you love selling real estate and you do plan to retire with a better lifestyle let's talk.

Linda Moore, EXP Realty LLC, 941-737-3581.

The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Mike Field, publisher.

FISHING CHARTERS

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

FOR SALE

TOPPER FOR F150 Long bed. $50 or Best Offer. Call 941-705-7560.

GARAGE/YARD SALE

EVERYTHING but the house SALE. 6500 Flotilla Dr. Holmes Beach. Fri-Sat from 8am to 2pm. Garage sale prices on an entire home filled with a lifetime of items. Sale by Simply Organized FL.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077

RENOVATION SPECALIST

ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION

NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

HOME SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

LOST & FOUND

FOUND: BICYCLE KEY on 52nd St. Call 941-778-9622 to claim.

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS

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

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

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-713-1893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

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

ATTN REALTORS: Are you thinking about leaving the business to get a salaried job? If you love being a Realtor & need help navigating this new market, call us today for a confidential appt. Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team AMI KW on the Water 941-799-9299

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE

620 KEY ROYALE

DR. Holmes Beach $5,200,000 OPEN Friday 12/16, Saturday, 12/17 and Sunday 12/18. For hours or more information call Linda Moore EXP Realty 941-7373581

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

ANNUAL RENTAL-3BR/2BA, pool, canal w/ boat lift home on key Royale. 1700 sq.ft. $8500/mo. Call 941-713-1586

ANNUAL RENTALS – AVAILABLE NOW. 2BR/1BA, furnished. $4,500/month. 3BR/2BA, unfurnished. $5,000/month.1ST, Last, and Security Deposit required. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc 941-778-7200 or Email monica@satorealestate.com

ANNUAL RENTAL: Ground level 1BR/1BA, available 1/1/23. $1450 monthly. Call A Paradise at 941778-4800 to schedule a showing.

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PAINTING

TRANSPORTATION

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf

Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190

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

VACATION RENTAL AVAILABLE Jan - March 2023- 2BR/1.5BA cute cottage in Holmes Beach, 1.5 blocks to the beach. Rates start at $110/nite or $4,500 for 4 weeks. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307.

WINTER SEASON 2023Vacation rentals available for January, February and March. Weekly, monthly or Seasonal. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307 for details or visit www.franmaxonrealestate.com.

TRANSPORTATION

AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941447-8372, www.amitaxi. com GOLF CART RENTALS

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095