Anna Maria Island Sun December 16, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 21 No. 10

December 16, 2020

City Pier Grill & Bait Shop celebrates opening

Beer and wine sales are expected to begin early this week.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

DEAN JONES | SUBMITTED

Clockwise top, all the seating at the City Pier Grill is outdoor seating. There is no indoor seating. The City Pier Grill & Bait shop team posed for a photo before opening the gate for the first day of business. The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop operates out of the city-owned building on the left side of the pier’s T-end, as viewed from shore.

ANNA MARIA – The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop is open.

Operating at the T-end of the new Anna Maria City Pier, in space leased from the city of Anna Maria, the new grill and bait shop opened at noon on Thursday, Dec. 10, and is now open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., with shorter operating hours anticipated on some major holidays.

With a pier tenant now occupying the pier, the new Anna Maria City Pier is now open seven days a week during those same business hours. Since the pier opened in mid-June, it had only been only open three days a week until 5 p.m.

With approximately 300 square feet of interior space, the City Pier Grill offers no indoor seating.

Shared with the public, the seating consists of wooden tables and benches on the open-air deck that faces the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The grill and bait shop are operated by GSM Partners LLC, which consists of Anna Maria General Store proprietor Brian Seymour, Dips Ice Cream SEE PIER, PAGE 28

Commission abandons Coryea termination efforts Commissioner George Kruse ended Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge’s efforts to fire the county administrator.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Led by County Commissioner George Kruse, the Manatee County Commission has ended its efforts to potentially terminate County Administrator Cheri Coryea.

On Nov. 19, Kruse joined commissioners Vanessa Baugh and James Satcher in supporting Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge’s motion to put Coryea on notice that her termination would be discussed and voted upon on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

Toward the end of Thursday’s land use meeting, Kruse delivered an unexpected

INSIDE NEWS 4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 6 REEL TIME 22 CASTLES IN THE SAND 24 REAL ESTATE 24-27 RESTAURANTS 28 CLASSIFIEDS 30-31

speech that concluded with him making a motion to reconsider that Nov. 19 action.

“I don’t think it’s a secret that I wasn’t a huge fan of it, but at the time I voted for it to allow for dialogue, and for myself to do my proper diligence and get it to a finality,” Kruse said.

“I promised everybody at that meeting that I would talk to everybody. In these last three weeks, I’ve canceled a trip out of town. I’ve talked to five mayors. I’ve talked to literally every single department head.

I’ve talked to business leaders, associations and I’ve spent probably four to five hours one-on-one with Cheri going over everything I want in Manatee County, how she envisions Manatee County and if we could work together.

“But I also promised on my campaign that there’s certain things I would do as a commissioner for the citizens of Manatee

TOURISM IS UP but mostly from within the state of Florida 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Exclusively on amisun.com - Private meeting notes and text message records reveal more about Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge’s failed efforts to oust Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea.

County. I promised I would work on lowering taxes and fixing our quality of life with some of the reserves we’re sitting on. I promised that we would push for less regulations and more efficiencies in government. And I said that I would work on cleaning up the departments and how we handle hiring, because in some cases it looks like there’s a bit of cronyism in the seniority versus merit. I also wanted to add a sense of private sector conservatism to our county,” Kruse said.

“I didn’t campaign on the promise of firing one person. I campaigned on a promise

of improving the lives of 410,000 people in Manatee County, but I did not promise to come in here as an agent of chaos. I promised to come here as an agent of change. In my opinion, the best interest of Manatee County – both for my supporters and the people who didn’t support me – is to get these changes moving quickly and efficiently. I do not inherently believe that delaying these important items 12, 18, 24 months while we rebuild our government makes sense for anyone. It was not a SEE CORYEA, PAGE 9

WEDDING announcements

and anniversaries 20-21 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS are

everywhere on AMI 11 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

2

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

THE SUN

3

Tourism rebounding in Manatee County Tourism is going up, but most of the visitors are from other areas of Florida.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – Tourist Development Council members received some encouraging news just before Christmas.

During their Dec. 14 meeting, held at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, representatives from Visit Florida and Research Data Services gave TDC members updates, and the news was good – tourism numbers are going up despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Jen Carlisle with Visit Florida said that while the numbers they’re seeing are an overall 37% decrease in tourism from the same time last year and a 57% decrease in tourism from Canada, travel increased in the second and third quarters of the year by 71%. Carlisle attributed the increase in numbers to the Visit Floridaled marketing efforts.

Beginning in September, she said the organization targeted Florida residents, urging them through marketing to take

a trip in their own state. In October, the target area of that effort increased to include drivable markets within a 700mile radius, such as Atlanta, Charlotte and Nashville.

From these rebound advertising campaigns, Carlisle said that Visit Florida has had 300 million impressions and that 70% of people who saw the marketing spots were more likely to visit the state than they were beforehand. And while international travel is still largely on hold due to travel restrictions, she said that Visit Florida is still marketing in other countries to keep the destination at the forefront of potential visitors’ minds when restrictions are lifted. Elliott Falcione, director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said that his organization also is making sure that they continue marketing in other countries, particularly in Europe and Canada, to make sure that the Bradenton area is on visitors’ minds when they’re ready to book future travel plans.

Speaking on behalf of the central European market from Germany via Zoom, Dorothea Hohn said that her research has found that people are ready to travel to the United States again, particularly to beach and outdoor

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Jen Carlisle with Visit Florida gives an update to TDC members Dec. 14. destinations like the Bradenton and Gulf Islands area, however, she added that those visitors are pinning their plans on the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine and the lifting of international travel bans and restrictions.

Anne Wittine of Tampa-based Research Data Services, the county's tourism consultant, gave a presentation on the current state of tourism in the area, noting that the number of visitors is down only 10.3% for the year so far from 2019. The economic impact of tourism, - the amount of money put into the local economy by tourists - is down 13.2% from the previous year. And while occupancy is down 14.3% from the previous year, Wittine said that may

largely be due to a lack of reporting from privately-managed vacation rental properties. She said that the majority of the occupancy numbers received come from hotels, motels and professionallymanaged vacation rental units, and that it’s hard to get numbers from individual vacation rental owners or those rented through services such as Airbnb.

Some of the challenges facing the local tourism industry, Wittine said, are that visitors are waiting until the last minute, often one to seven days out from their expected travel time, to book vacations and that visitation from Canada and Europe, where travel restrictions are in place, is too small to count at this time. Another issue is that cancellations of trips are going up as the number of locally-reported COVID-19 cases increases.

And while the number of people feeling more confident and safe about traveling is steadily increasing, Wittine said one key element for the local tourism businesses is to provide good information on what is open and what kind of experience travelers can expect when they arrive at their destination, information that is often difficult to come by online.

4

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

DECEMBER 16, 2020

AMI COVID-19 case count reaches 179

BY JOE HENDRICKS

Whitmore to chair task force

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

In one of his final acts as Florida Senate President, Senator Bill Galvano appointed Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore to the statewide Local Government Efficiency Task Force.

The task force was created by the Florida Legislature during the 2020 Legislative session and is charged with reviewing the “governance structure and function of local governments” and reporting to the Governor, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives by June 20, 2021 on whether any changes are necessary to make governments run more efficiently.

“I’m honored to be part of the important task force to look at ways to cut down on wastes of taxpayers’ dollars,” said Whitmore, who was elected chair of the task force on Dec. 1. “The group is well rounded in all aspects of local and state government. I’m honored to chair such a talented group.”

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, 179 COVID-19 cases had been reported on Anna Maria Island as of Monday afternoon, up from 166 the previous week.

According to the division’s Sunday, Dec. 13 daily COVID-19 data report, using data reported on the previous day, 97 cases had been reported in Holmes Beach since March, with 52 cases in Bradenton Beach and 30 cases in Anna Maria.

Thirteen new cases were reported on the Island since Dec. 6, with 11 new cases in Holmes Beach, two new cases in Bradenton Beach and no new cases in Anna Maria.

A positive COVID-19 test is reported and attributed to the positive person’s home address and zip code.

A person who works on Anna Maria Island but lives in Bradenton is reported as a Bradenton case. An out-

Commissioners consider property donation The city of Holmes Beach’s property holdings may soon be increasing by about 22 acres. During a Dec. 8 work session, commissioners opted to move forward with negotiating the donation of the waterfront and some submerged property located between 28th Street and Grassy Point Preserve.

The property is planned to be donated by the Hames family if commissioners agree to reimburse $41,200, which was needed for a half credit of mitigation to gain access to a buildable lot that the family owns adjacent to the property and cover closing costs, legal recording and title insurance.

City attorney Patricia Petruff also suggested having an environmental audit conducted to check for illegal dumping on the property or other potential issues that would need to be mitigated. She said that audit would cost about $1,000 to $1,500.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he thinks it’s a great opportunity for the city but wants a more finite cost assessment before the agreement is finalized.

Autocycle regulations pass final reading Businesses in Holmes Beach are no longer allowed to rent autocycles unless previously permitted by the city.

Commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 8 with no commissioner comments and no one offering public comments to accept a revised version of the ordinance blocking the rental of the three-wheeled mini vehicles in the city and the operation of the vehicles on city sidewalks or along bicycle lanes.

The only business now allowed to rent autocycles in the city is The Toy Barn. The ordinance does not block the use of autocycles in the city, as they are licensed, street-legal vehicles under state law despite their small size.

of-county visitor is reported as a non-resident.

According to the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard, as of Monday, 18,546 Manatee County residents and 266 non-residents had tested positive for COVID-19 since March.

From Dec. 6 through Dec. 12, 1,042 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Manatee County.

The most recent daily percent positive of those tested in a single day in Manatee County was 5.58%.

As of Monday, there had been 1,015 COVID19-related hospitalizations in Manatee County and 396 COVID-19-related deaths – including 149 deaths attributed to residents and employees of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers and other long-term care facilities.

At 2 p.m. on Monday, 54 patients were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 in Manatee County, according the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

Commissioners keep moving on illuminated sign regulations Commissioners are considering height, lighting positioning and lumen requirements for signs in a mixed residential/hotel district.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are still working to resolve the issue of bright commercial signs in the A-1 beachfront residential and hotel/motel district.

Until they decide what to do, the backlit signs in the district have to remain dark.

City Planner Bill Brisson appeared before commissioners during a Dec. 8 work session meeting to discuss his findings after doing more research on the existing signs in the district located along the waterfront portion of Gulf Drive.

While no commercial signs are currently allowed in a residential district in the city of Holmes Beach, Brisson said that customarily the motels and some condominium have signs that are low to the ground with a single spotlight on them to help nighttime motorists safely locate the property. He added that with the majority of signs, the spotlight is pointed down, reducing the risk of light pollution and of disorienting

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The backlit sign at the Anna Maria Beach Resort might have been the one that started the conversation, but it’s not the only one in the A-1 residential district in Holmes Beach. hatching sea turtles during nesting season. He found 13 signs that had the spotlight pointed up, but said that those signs haven’t generated any complaints from neighbors that he’s aware of.

The signs that Brisson said have caused issues with brightness are the three backlit signs that have been erected in the district.

The discussion on illuminated signs in the district began after a sign with interior back lighting and an LED message board was approved by former Building Official Jim McGuinness at the Anna Maria Beach Resort, contrary to the city’s regulations and codes. Legal representatives for the resort approached city commissioners in 2019 about changing the codes to allow the sign to remain in some capacity rather

than taking it down.

While commissioners are still working on what sign regulations they want to implement, the backlit signs in the district are required to remain dark. Rather than try to have the properties remove those signs, which he assumes were approved in some capacity prior to installation, Brisson suggested commissioners consider a lumen limit to dial down the brightness of the signs so that when turned on they don’t disturb residential neighbors.

Other regulations being considered concern how many spotlights are able to be used on signs, how those lights should be oriented and how large signs can be.

The discussion is expected to continue at a future work session.

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

THE SUN

5

City commissioners vote to support passport program Commissioners voted to financially support the AMI passport program, but at a smaller amount than organizers requested.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners voted to donate $5,000 to the Anna Maria Island/Cortez Passport Program for the 2021 calendar year, half the amount asked for by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

During a Dec. 8 meeting, commissioners heard a pitch from Chamber President Terri Kinder discussing the program, its benefits to local businesses and the associated costs, such as producing the paper passports for visitors and residents to use and making T-shirts given as prizes to those who collect stamps from each participating venue or business across Anna Maria Island

and in the fishing village of Cortez.

Kinder said that while the program is designed to help bring attention to local businesses and points of interest, it does come with a cost of about $35,000. Any leftover funds from the 2021 year would go to help fund the project in future years. She added that Cortez had pledged to contribute $3,000 to the program costs with the city of Anna Maria contributing $10,000 and the city of Bradenton Beach considering a donation between $5,000-$7,000. She asked the city of Holmes Beach for a contribution of $10,000.

Given the reduction in income to the city due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner Jim Kihm asked if the AMI Chamber’s representatives had approached the Manatee County Tourist Development Council to ask for funding.

Kinder said that while they had not approached the TDC, they had gone before the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to discuss

t s i L s ’ a t n Sa Nice Naughty

iWave s e s Viru CO-X P A Odors tration il F r te a W Dirty Water nerators e G r e l h o K s e Power Outag Heater r te a W s s e l k n a Energy Waste T

funding and been told that the budget for the current fiscal year was already set. Additionally, she said that after discussions were had about potential funding sources, it was decided that it would be better for the funds to come from the local municipalities involved to show support for local businesses. Kinder said that the number of businesses promoted by the program would be spread equally across the historic fishing village and the three Island cities.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said that supporting the program is a worthy cause and is one way that the city can help support local businesses.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, “It’s incumbent on the city to participate in this program,” suggesting that the requested $10,000 in funding be taken from the city’s $100,000 contingency fund.

Commissioner Kim Rash said he felt a bit caught off guard by the request for funding and feels that the best way to support local busi-

nesses is to patronize them. He said that while he felt the TDC should be supporting the passport program, he wasn’t sure that the city would be able to, given the financial constraints of the current fiscal year.

A motion to provide $10,000 in funding for the passport program failed in a 2-2 vote, with Commissioner Carol Soustek absent, while a motion to provide a compromise of $5,000 in funding passed with a 3-1 vote. Schaefer voted against the motion in the hopes that his fellow commissioners would reconsider the $10,000 donation.

Commissioners voted to take the funds from the outside agency line item in the budget, which sets aside funds for The Center of Anna Maria Island and other nonprofits to which the city gives financial support. Kihm, who made the motion, said that additional funds for The Center or another nonprofit could be taken from the contingency fund at a later date if needed.

He’s Making a List & Checking it Twice

6

THE SUN

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

DECEMBER 16, 2020

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gang of four Carlos’ kids. The four deniers. The dark money four. The ‘Trump won the election’ four. The power hungry four.

So many possible names for these four drunk-with-power commissioners.

Talk about rigged elections! Their positions were paid for by dark money from Mr. Beruff and friends. Their orders were given and they have begun paying the handlers back by attacking good employees who stand in the way.

Mr. Van Ostenbridge spoke during the election about his plans for Ms. Coryea’s removal. This wasn’t a hidden agenda.

He spoke of it often. These were his orders. The Beruff/Neal crew found their plants and inserted them as planned.

These are their commissioners, not ours.

It’s really sad to see people who have lived here for so long being brainwashed by money and the love of Trump over the problems we have locally.

Mr. Van Ostenbridge showed his Trump colors during his first meeting as a commissioner by asking what options they have concerning COVID closure when Biden becomes President (he won you know) and he also was concerned about “religious freedom” – that was for his fellow commissioner, Mr. Satcher, another member of the ‘Glorious Four.’ Mr. Van Ostenbridge is doing his best Trump/ DeSantis imitation, word for word.

After getting that out of the way, the kids set up the rest of their orders with the expected call for the firing of Ms. Coryea. Kevin made his boss smile that night.

Just wondering, can commissioners be impeached? I mean if they want the full Trump experience, let’s give them the whole kit and caboodle.

Rick Lewis Anna Maria

Compliancy When emails to governments go unanswered, positive suggestions ignored, and problems unresolved, we thank the press for being the outlet for the ordinary citizen.

Our city touts "compliancy" regarding what used to be called "enforcement."

Yes, “compliancy” has a kinder, gentler connotation, and yes, this method has, at times, had success. However, our city has had unresolved problems for years.

Recently, an expert in both legal matters and unique coastal community issues advised that warnings are "ineffective."

Case in point: Testimonials over years indicate that noise is a major contributing factor when residents are forced out of their homes. Our city says we are gaining residents; Board of Elections statistics do not bear that out. It is common knowledge that many who buy property profess residency, only to find the property offered for rent shortly thereafter.

A recent code compliance report showed 260 noise complaints over a 10-month period with 5% resulting in citations. This does not include concerns from people who are reluctant to call, or complaints that are not transferred to public record. These numbers translate into unnecessary disruptions for both the city and residents, and they cause a drain on city resources. Total code operating expenses have increased by 200% in two years. In addition, it shows that not much has changed from the time that statistics were presented at a commission meeting more than two years ago.

Other issues have exacerbated noncompliance. An outreach program was established some years ago during which residents were informed to contact code and the chief directly. Ten

months into the program, the mayor indicated that those complaints were never put onto public record. So the problem goes unresolved.

Our city has tools in place. In 2016 our city used many city resources to legislate a preemptive requirement of a simple, short, straightforward paragraph that would educate and set clear expectations for visitors who are either not familiar with, or have misconceptions about, our neighborhoods. This year stakeholders were told they had 48 hours to post it on their advertising websites. The many responsible rental managers followed through; others did not. Following this law would help to curb the HB reactionary mode of only responding to complaints, and it would ultimately curb the drain on city resources.

Yes, the kinder, gentler approach of “compliance” can encourage people to follow rules, but after years of the continuous exit of residents, the time is long overdue for turning to Plan B. Dick and Margie Motzer Holmes Beach

Kudos I love living in Bradenton Beach...

Bradenton Beach Police are sure a contributing factor!!! Their nightly neighborhood patrols provide a feeling of safety.

Their attitude is one of helpfulness. I extend special thanks to Detective Sergeant Diaz. I filed a criminal complaint.

Instead of feeling "brushed off," I feel he has gone above and beyond. The state attorney now has a copy of the complaint. Not only did he do his job, he CARED! Thanks, Shelley Wheeler Bradenton Beach

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

ON THE AGENDA

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

ANNA MARIA

Dec. 23, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting Dec. 24, all day – City offices closed, Christmas Eve holiday Dec. 25, all day – City offices closed, Christmas Day holiday Dec. 31, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed, New Year’s Day holiday

The Center of Anna Maria Island is open with social distancing and face masks required.

The Holmes Beach dog park (Scentral Park), skate park, basketball courts, pickleball courts and tennis courts are open.

Local preserves are open, including Grassy Point Preserve, Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

Local beaches are open.

HOLMES BEACH

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Dec. 24, all day – City offices closed, Christmas Eve holiday Dec. 25, all day – City offices closed, Christmas Day holiday Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed, New Year’s Day holiday

THURSDAY

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-7086130

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

Dec. 21, 2 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting Dec. 24, all day – City offices closed, Christmas Eve holiday Dec. 25, all day – City offices closed, Christmas Day holiday Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed, New Year’s Day holiday

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-7781005

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-7085800

WEDNESDAY DEC. 16

DEC. 17

Farmer’s Market, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Green Explorers: Birds the Word, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Reserve to 941742-5923 ext. 6034.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

THE SUN

7

FRIDAY

TUESDAY

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Reserve to 941-742-5923 ext. 6036.

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

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

Paddleboard yoga, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m. to noon, $37 with board and equipment included.

Register at least one day in advance at www.saltybuddha.com.com/ registration or call 941-932-3671.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DEC. 18

DEC. 19

SUNDAY DEC. 20

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online or by cash at the door. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee. org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.

DEC. 22

DEC. 23

THURSDAY DEC. 24

Happy Christmas Eve! Farmer’s Market, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY DEC. 25

Merry Christmas!

SATURDAY DEC. 26

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

8

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

DECEMBER 16, 2020

County weighs in on parking debate Regardless of what some county commissioners believe, Holmes Beach has enough public parking to qualify for beach renourishment funding.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Since the start of COVID-19 precautions in March, the amount of available parking in Anna Maria Island’s largest city has been a hot topic.

During his first meeting as a Manatee County commissioner, Kevin Van Ostenbridge raised more than a few eyebrows on the Island when he said that he’d be in favor of withholding future beach renourishment funding from the city of Holmes Beach if public parking spaces were not returned to their pre-COVID levels, a sentiment echoed by other county commissioners on the dais.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth has publicly refuted the claims made

by Van Ostenbridge and other county commissioners about the number of

spaces lost when the city enacted a permit parking program for residents near the beach and blocked parking on some residential streets.

However, some confusion remains.

Some Manatee County commissioners asserted that about 2,000 public parking spaces had been lost in Holmes Beach due to recent changes to parking regulations in that city. According to Titsworth and Police Chief Bill Tokajer, who also serves as the city’s traffic engineer, the real number of lost parking spaces comes in at 497.

To qualify for beach renourishment funding, the program that adds sand to the beach, which is constantly eroded by tides and storms, the city of Holmes Beach is required to provide 378 public parking spaces located a quarter-mile or less from the beach. Rather than cut it potentially too close, Titsworth said that Holmes Beach is contracted with the county through an interlocal agreement to provide 500 spaces within that quarter-mile area for beach renourishment funding.

After COVID-19 precautions were somewhat lifted, the city reopened

beach parking, and a new residential permit parking program was enacted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on certain streets near the beach. Holmes Beach was left with 1,261 non-permit parking spots and 642 permit parking spots within a quarter-mile of the beach, for a total of 1,903 public parking spots.

In documents received by The Sun from Manatee County Parks and Recreation Director Charlie Hunsicker, he stated in a letter to county commissioners that “after working with the Mayor of Holmes Beach and the police chief on designated public parking access, the city is compliant with the minimum parking limits to maintain 100% beach renourishment grant eligibility for beaches renourishment within the city of Holmes Beach.”

In his letter, Hunsicker also noted that there may be some remaining confusion between the county and the three Anna Maria Island cities as to what constitutes allowable and properly-spaced parking requirements to meet eligibility requirements for state and federal grant funding.

In a Nov. 24 letter to Hunsicker,

ICES ANY HAPPY HOUR PR

Coastal Engineer Erica Carr-Betts with APTIM said that her company will be conducting a parking inventory across Anna Maria Island in the coming weeks to update the state’s records of how many public parking spaces are available and where they’re located in the three Island cities. She said that the location of the spaces is important for beach renourishment funding because in order to be compliant and eligible for funding, the spaces in each Island city must be distributed along the entirety of the shoreline. The spaces cannot be located in one spot, such as the Manatee Beach parking lot, and still be used to qualify for the beach renourishment funding. And while the city exceeds what is required in the total number of spaces, Carr-Betts said that on the northern and southern end of the city the number of required spaces is just over the minimum required for those areas.

Once completed, the parking space inventory is expected to be made available to both county and city leaders for review and discussion, if necessary.

TIME IT RAINS!

. . .

G N I N I A R WHEN IT’S

!

G N I R U O P WE’RE FT BEER A R D T C E L E $2.50 S SE WINE U O H 0 .5 3 $ LIQUOR T C E L E S 4 $ HALF-OFF E N O T E G E BUY ON PPETIZERS! SELECT A

DON'T LET THE RAIN BRING YOU DOWN, COME VISIT US ON THE PIER!

NEED A RIDE? CALL US FOR OUR FREE BEACH-TO-PIER SHUTTLE SERVICE!

BRIDGE ST. PIER BRADENTON BEACH 941.778.AMOB (2662)

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

THE SUN

9

CORYEA: Termination efforts abandoned FROM PAGE 1

fundamentally sound reason to do so. It would burn half my term and eliminate half my agenda just to get back to a perceived better square one,” Kruse said.

“I’ve taken over and I’ve run businesses in the past. I’ve worked with and molded many people without similar ideologies as me into successful teams. If I felt, after all of my meetings these past three weeks, that would not be the case here, I would wholeheartedly push towards January 6 and terminate our county administrator.

“However, I believe I can achieve the actual results that I promised without this unnecessary disruption. And if 12 months from now the changes I promise you are not made for the benefit of Manatee County, then I will personally be the one to make the next motion for termination. But I’m hopeful that will not be the case,” Kruse said.

“I’m well aware of trading one opposing group for another, and I’m sure my Facebook is already starting to light up, but many of you who supported me and elected me did so because you trusted my judgment and my experience. If I can accomplish our overriding goals with our current administration, then I’ve kept my promise and I made Manatee County a better and more conservative place to live.

All I ask is that you trust my judgment.

That goes for the citizens of Manatee County and the members of this board. We would be better as a community with the full support, even if begrudgingly given, to allow this board and this administration the opportunity to achieve all that you elected us to do,” Kruse said.

“I’d like to formally make a motion to reconsider the Nov. 19 decision to start the termination process of County Administrator Cheri Coryea,” Kruse said

when concluding his speech.

With no hesitation, Commissioner Reggie Bellamy seconded Kruse’s motion.

COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS

“I’m tongue-tied,” Commissioner Carol Whitmore said.

Commissioner Misty Servia then said, “I want to say to the new board: You guys have us on our toes because there is a surprise at every meeting.”

She then said, “Thank you, George. I think your motion today was a responsible one. I think that it was the right thing to do. I think that it was the most businessoriented decision to bring forward. I have been so concerned about what’s going to happen to our county government with the chaos that’s been created, and it was created unnecessarily because things were moving perfectly. I’ve never worked with a such an efficient county administrator.

“I thank you so much for listening and representing the entire county. It was very wise of you. You have helped this county to move forward in a positive direction.

And I think what you’ve just done is brought this board together. We have to be together in unity to move forward and get the business of our county done. And for anyone who has a concern about anything our county administrator is doing in terms of management style, I am open to hearing that, and I am open to any changes that are meaningful and well described,” Servia said.

Speaking next, Van Ostenbridge said, “I thank Commissioner Kruse for the diligence he put into this and the seriousness with which everyone has taken this. I did run as an agent of change, but I did not run as an agent of chaos. If we don’t have the votes, we don’t have the votes. You’re going to win some and

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

you’re going to lose some. If the board is not as conservative as I thought it was, then that’s OK. I don’t enjoy the turmoil that it’s created within the county. Whichever way the vote is going to go, I’d like to put the turmoil to an end so that we can move on.”

Baugh said she seconded Van Ostenbridge’s Nov. 19 motion because she believed further discussion about the county administrator was needed.

“Misty, I appreciate your comments, but not everything in this county is run properly. There’s many changes we need to look at and I’m hoping with Cheri maybe we can do it. If not, then I will not be happy,” Baugh said.

“Does that mean make a major change?

No, maybe it means that the county administrator is willing to change how things have been done here in the county.

We’ll have to see,” she added.

Baugh addressed a rumor regarding the Nov. 10 farewell ceremony for departing commissioners Betsy Benac, Steve Jonsson and Priscilla Trace. The rumor alleged Baugh suggested to ceremony attendee and DeSoto County Economic Development Director Tara Poulton that there might

Clockwise above, Cheri Coryea will continue serving as the county administrator. During his Dec. 10 speech, County Commissioner George Kruse expressed his belief that it’s in the best interest of the county to retain the current county administrator. Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge initiated the unsuccessful efforts to terminate Cheri Coryea. soon be a job opening in the county administration.

“It is a silly rumor and whoever started that really should be ashamed, because it’s not true,” Baugh said.

When contacted Wednesday afternoon, Poulton was asked about Baugh’s alleged comments at the ceremony.

“It was such a casual conversation. She said something to the effect of, ‘You never know, we might have a position open.’

There was no mention of any specific position opening up,” Poulton said.

When asked if she’s had any contact with Baugh since then, Poulton said, “No, none whatsoever. And I have no intention of applying for the county administrator’s position if it opens up.”

During Thursday’s discussion, Satcher addressed speculation that there was a coordinated effort to terminate Coryea – speculation that prompted paralegal Michael Barfield to submit individual public records requests to Satcher, Baugh, Kruse, Van Ostenbridge and Jonsson.

SEE CORYEA, PAGE 13

10

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

THE SUN

City collecting letters to Santa

11

Watch the Island Players on Zoom

BY JOE HENDRICKS

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Serving as Santa’s helpers, the city of Anna Maria is collecting letters to forward to Santa Claus.

“We put the Santa’s letter box out last week and it will stay there until Christmas. We’ve already received a rave reception of letters. It’s incredible, and the letters are very heartwarming,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said.

The letter box is located near the city hall horseshoe park and The Island Players theater, in the decorated area serving as the city’s Bright Holiday Lights display.

Santa provided a sample of the some of the letters already received: • “Dear Santa, I want new underwear.”

• “Dear Santa, I want a reindeer, but I want one of your reindeer.”

• “Dear Santa, I want something nice for Mommy.”

• “Dear Santa, I want a purple bike.”

• “Dear Santa, I want a kitten.”

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players are taking the stage virtually for a two-night special presentation of “A Christmas Carol” performed live on Zoom.

In an updated version of the Charles Dickens classic, rewritten for modern times by director Jeffrey Steiger, Scrooge is faced with three ghosts who crash his FaceTime and try to change his attitude from “Bah, humbug” to “Merry Christmas” in one night.

The play stars Heiko Knipfelberg as Scrooge, James Thaggard as the Narrator, Dane Oldham as Fred, Jay Poppe as Marley’s ghost, Mary Selke as Mrs. Lamb, Pamela Hopkins as Belle, Dianne Brin as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Judy Glynn as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Joanie Anton as the Ghost of Christmas Future, Mikey Lynch as Mr. Cratchit, Alice Cotman as Mrs. Cratchit and Joshua Handley-White as the Boy. The curtain rises virtually on “A Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 20. Patrons are asked to log into the Zoom performance by 7:20 p.m. each night to make sure everything is working correctly.

View the performance each night at https:// us02web.zoom.us/i/86052346632?pwd=ZGw2 c1RUTWp00VRXS2Zvb04vakZ1Zz09, Meeting ID 86052346632, Passcode Scrooge. For technical assistance, please contact Bill Goulet at bdgoulet0726@gmail.com.

The performance is the theater’s gift to the community for Christmas, though in lieu of buying tickets, patrons are asked to donate to the theater. Donations can be made by credit card by calling Peg Faarup at 941-778-7374 or by sending a check to The Island Players, P.O. Box 2059, Anna Maria, FL 34216. All contributions are appreciated by the theater during this difficult time.

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

The Santa letters box is located near The Island Players theater.

• “Hello Santa, for Christmas I really want a 6-foot, brown tree.”

• “Dear Santa, please end the coronavirus,” and • “Dear Santa, I love you. Thank you for making Christmas.”

It’s looking a lot like Christmas

Santa Claus is coming to town On Friday, Dec. 18, Santa Claus will swing by to present the awards to the residential and business category winners of the city of Anna Maria’s second annual Bright Holiday Lights Contest. The COVID19-cognizant awards ceremony will take place on the grounds of city hall, in the outdoor winter wonderland near The Island Players theater. Santa will arrive at 4 p.m. sharp and his arrival in past years has been a sight to behold.

This colorful Christmas tree adds to the already festive spirit inside Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café and Gift Store in Anna Maria.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Santa is stopping by Anna Maria City Hall at 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

J

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Offering the largest selection of spirits, wine & beer on AMI.

5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941.779.2337

Shop LOCAL for all your Christmas gifts and needs

12

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Property owner removes Bridge Street holiday decorations The removed Christmas lights were scheduled to be reinstalled in the same location Tuesday evening.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Bridge Street property owner Peter Ross recently engaged in some Scrooge-like holiday behavior.

At approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, Bradenton Beach police officer John Tsakiri notified officer Steve Masi that Ross was taking down city-installed Christmas lights near the property he and his wife, Radka, own at 101 Bridge St. According to the incident report Tsakiri filed, he saw Ross removing Christmas lights from four large palm trees located in the right of way at the southeast corner of the Bridge Street/Gulf Drive roundabout.

According to Tsakiri’s report, he and officer Masi approached Ross and advised him that he could not remove the lights, that the lights were not his and that they were located on palm trees owned by the city.

“He advised us that he owns all the way out to the road of Gulf Drive and that the

trees and sidewalk are his, so he could do as he pleases. He also stated the lights are marked as indoor lights, making them a hazard being put outdoors – that if someone got electrocuted, he would be sued since all that is on his property,” Tsakiri wrote in his report.

“Officer Masi explained to him about the right of way and his ongoing fight with the city over numerous things about his property. We advised him now that he has removed the lights to take the lights to our Public Works building and put them outside the door – and do not remove any more lights,” Tsakiri stated in his report.

“I had some harsh words for Mr. Ross – that if he would put the effort and time he used to remove the lights into fixing the crummy building, he would be so much further on repairing it to open a business. The building has been pretty much in disarray for four years and no work is ever done to it.

“He stated the city gives him a hard time for everything and he can never accomplish anything. He also complained that his building is cracking and falling apart because there is a city drain running under his building, which causes the building to SEE BRIDGE STREET, PAGE 26

T he Shack HOLIDAY TO GO MENU

$135

PLUS TAX

WE’LL DO THE PREP AND MAKE THE MESS, SO YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Our Traditional Holiday To Go Meal (serves 6-8) includes: 12-14lb. Farm to Family Brined Butterball® Whole Turkey with Turkey Gravy (Turkeys are antibiotic, hormone free, and ready to cook)

OR 9-10 lb. Smithfield® Spiral Maple Glazed Ham (Hams are precooked and will come with reheating instructions)

All meals come with the following sides (serves 6-8): Shack Mac N’ Cheese Sides are precooked with reheating instructions • Cranberry Stuffing All • meals come with the following sides (sides 6-8): Dinner Rolls OrdersFOR must beMORE placed by DETAILS Monday Dec 21st by 5:00pm ASK YOUR• Artisan SERVER OR HOSTESS • Potato Au Gratin • Green Beans Almondine • Choice of Pecan or Apple Pie & Picked up Dec 24th 11:30am – 3:00pm

941-794-1235

•

4110 127TH ST. WEST CORTEZ, FL 34215

•

SEAFOODSHACK.COM

Add an additional side for $15

941-794-1235

•

4110 127TH ST. WEST CORTEZ, FL 34215

•

SEAFOODSHACK.COM

DECEMBER 16, 2020

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

THE SUN

13

CORYEA: Termination efforts abandoned FROM PAGE 9

“I pastored a church when I was 25 years old. When I was witness to someone, I’d tell them about the Lord and I’d invite them to church. They’d say I’m not into organized religion, and I’d say well this is the place for you because we ain’t organized around here. I think it’s kind of humorous that people might be accused of planning when I don’t know if anyone knows what’s coming,” Satcher said.

Commissioner Reggie Bellamy praised Kruse for his insight and willingness to listen to everybody.

“As commissioners, we all have that ability to set upon a county administrator our expectations as far as what we want and how we want our county to be ran,” Bellamy said.

He also said he’s concerned about public sparring that’s taken place and the negative impact that’s had on the community.

Servia noted that when she was first elected in 2018, she wanted to conduct a national search for retiring County Administrator Ed Hunzeker.

“I did not support Cheri Coryea. I said we need to make sure we’re getting the best county administrator, instead of just promoting from within. What I have learned since that time is that Cheri Coryea is the best county administrator I’ve ever worked with.

I’ve been in county government for 30 years. I have worked in county government for 18 and with county government in the private sector for 13, and I’ve never worked with anyone who is as effective and as hardworking as Cheri Coryea,” Servia said At the end of the discussion, Kruse said, “I’m making a motion to reconsider the previously approved motion from Nov. 19.”

The commission unanimously approved Kruse’s motion.

Coryea did not attend the land use meeting. When contacted Thursday evening, she politely declined comment on the commission’s decision.

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

BARFIELD INVESTIGATION

When contacted Thursday evening, Barfield was asked what impact the commission’s decision might have on his public records request and his investigation of the records produced.

“I’m going to take 24 hours at least and think about it. My records requests stand and I expect full compliance. I’m not willing to compromise on that,” Barfield said.

DAN'S FAN CITY

LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE!

Open Box & Close Outs!

BRING IN THIS AD FOR UP TO

40% OFF

SELECT DISPLAY MODELS!

DESIGN

SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY.

YOUR FAN

PROMO CODE: MN40off

ASK US HOW

Good Thru 01/03/21

Bradenton

1808 Cortez Road

Open 7 Days A Week

755-3262

Parts, Services & Installation Available

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Food drive restocks Roser Food Pantry Those who need food assistance can receive help by calling the food pantry at 941-778-0414.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Harvey Memorial Community Church conducted a food drive Saturday to benefit the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria.

The food drive began at 11 a.m. and ended at 2 p.m. Church volunteers then delivered the donated food to the food pantry.

Pastor Steve King was among those on hand when the donations began arriving.

“We are gathering food to help the Roser Food Pantry here on Anna Maria Island.

We’re doing it because there’s a lot of need out there right now. As we continue to go through this very unusual time, the need keeps growing. This is a way this very generous community can respond to help others in need,” King said.

King noted the congregation has not been gathering for Sunday services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but weekly sermons and services are posted at the church’s Facebook page.

Church member Linda Watts helped organize the food drive.

“I live here on the Island and I see that we have a lot of people that are suffering.

Whenever I go to the Roser Food Pantry they’re running low, so we want to help build back up their pantry. There are a lot of people that want to help those less fortunate and we thank the community so much for their support with this,” Watts said.

Church member Kathy Brown also assisted with the food drive.

“Generally we do a food collection the first Sunday of every month for the Roser Food Pantry, but we haven’t been able to do that. So, this was suggested at our last board meeting to help them out,” Brown said.

Holmes Beach residents and church members Linda and Dannie Raines deliv-

ered their donations by golf cart.

“First of all, we want to make sure the hungry are fed; and we attend this church quite often,” Dannie Raines said.

While delivering his donations, church member Mike Fish said, “We brought food for the needy folks. We brought a lot of pasta, some canned goods and some cereals,” he said.

When asked if he missed going to his church on Sundays, Fish said, “Oh, Lord yes. We sure do. We miss it a lot.”

PANTRY APPRECIATION

When contacted early Monday afternoon, Roser Food Pantry Chairman Jack Brennan said he and some volunteers had just finished putting away the donations received Saturday. Brennan said the donated food filled the entire back table of the pantry.

“The people brought everything we needed. I think it was absolutely incredible what they did. I thank everyone at Harvey Memorial Community Church, all the volunteers and all the people who donated,” Brennan said.

When asked if the food pantry still needs anything, Brennan said, “We’re doing very well right now thanks to all the people who did this.”

Although the food pantry is well-stocked for now, those supplies will eventually dwindle. Those unable to donate to Saturday’s food drive can always donate food, supplies or financial assistance directly to the Roser Food Bank at 511 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to approximately noon.

Food donations can also be made across the street in the Roser Memorial Community Church’s administrative office at 512 Pine Ave. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., using the Publix shopping cart near the main door.

If you need food pantry assistance, please call 941-778-0414 or visit the Roser Food Pantry online at www.roserchurch.com/ food-pantry/.

DECEMBER 16, 2020

Loving Chr t • Sh ing H Grace • S ving A

COMMUNITY CHURCH Hope can be a powerful force. Without hope, people stop trying, stop laughing, stop loving, and stop living.

We celebrate a Child who comes to bring us hope...

The Chapel is open during office hours for prayer and meditation.

Hope!

INVINCIBLE

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

CHRISTMAS EVE 12:00 & 4:00 PM

Sanctuary Parking Lot Bring lawn chairs!

7:00 PM In the Sanctuary Sign up for in person or watch online!

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria • Everyone is welcome!

14

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

Historic Preservation Board members sought The city of Anna Maria seeks two new members and two alternates to serve on the city’s Historic Preservation Board. The board meets at city hall one Tuesday per month. The board’s goal is to locate historic homes, buildings, properties, sites and objects. The board is currently in the process of having the Anna Maria Historical Museum building and property and The Island Players theater building designated as historic. In the future, the board hopes to assist residential and commercial property owners who wish to voluntarily have their structure, property, site or object designated as historic.

Board member applications can be downloaded at the city website by clicking on the “Residents” tab at the top of the homepage and then clicking on the “City Forms” tab that appears. Applications can also be obtained directly from the city clerk’s office at 10005 Gulf Drive. For more information, please call 941-708-6130.

Chiles reappointed to CRA Restaurant owner and businessman Ed Chiles will serve another term with the seven-member Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. Chiles was reappointed as a CRA member on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

THE SUN

15

Problems on the pickleball court Problems persist for players on the pickleball courts, but city leaders are trying to fix the issues.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Players at the new city pickleball courts aren’t happy with the geogrid playing surface, and city officials are looking into solutions.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said she’s received complaints that players are slipping on the surface when trying to play and that balls aren’t bouncing as well as they should. Titsworth and Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Jayne Christenson said they’ve all spoken to players who are concerned about the safety of the pickleball courts’ surface, a geogrid that’s supposed to reduce slips and last longer than a typical court surface.

Christenson added that she’s been out to the courts to observe the players firsthand and also walked with them over to the tennis courts, which have a paved surface, to see the difference between playing on the pickleball courts and the tennis courts. She

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

A mat has been laid out for players to dry their shoes on when playing on the city’s new pickleball court to help reduce slips. said that she can see why players are concerned about slipping and falling on the new courts.

Titsworth said she understands the concerns and has been speaking to the manufacturer to see what can be done. She added that she believes the issues at the pickleball court are caused by shoes and balls getting wet.

When a ball rolls off the court into the surrounding grassy area, Titsworth said that both the ball and the player’s shoes can get wet during retrieval, leading to issues on the geogrid court.

The city’s basketball court is covered with the same material but completely fenced in. Titsworth said

that no issues with slipping have been reported there.

In addition to working with the manufacturer to find an answer to players’ concerns, a mat has been laid out for players to dry their shoes on to help reduce slips. Titsworth said that she’s also working with public works employees and Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman to find a different kind of surface to surround the courts with, such as pavers, that wouldn’t retain moisture as grass does.

Titsworth said that the attempts to find a remedy are in the early stages and urged players to be careful in the meantime.

16

DECEMBER 16, 2020

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 344 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

17

18

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

DECEMBER 16, 2020

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

19

FRESH FRUIT AVAILABLE NOW! Available IN-STORE & ONLINE! Shop now for seasonal shipping!

20

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

Your Perfect Wedding Awaits…

From breathtaking beach vistas and perfect sunsets on Anna Maria to our famous buttonwood trees on Longboat Key and rural and rustic farm in Parrish, couples can’t go wrong with Anna Maria Island venues.

Most famous of our locations, The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar has been a favorite beachfront wedding spot for decades. Tucked among the sea oats and native grasses, the Pavilion is 10 steps from your own secret slice of sugar-sand beach. The Sunset Deck at the Beach House offers the largest beachfront deck of any of Florida’s West Coast venues.

This state-of-the-art facility boasts climate-controlled dining and an unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico. Buttonwood Bay at Mar Vista is a location that couples dream about. With majestic buttonwood trees, beachfront footage, and Longboat Key in your sights, your camera needs to be your plus one. The Studio at Gulf & Pine offers indoor elegance surrounded by local art, just steps from the beach. Not far from Anna Maria Island is Gamble Creek Farm, our newest wedding and events destination. With acres of farmland, creek front scenery, and plenty of privacy, Gamble Creek is the perfect venue for the couple looking for that rustic, farm to table experience.

For multiple years now, couples of "The Knot" and “Wedding Wire” have voted The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar and the Sunset Deck at The Beach House top-rated ceremony and wedding destinations. With perfect venues and an event team that is constantly receiving glowing reviews, Anna Maria Island Venues offers something for everyone. If you are having trouble selecting the perfect destination, ask our team about our All Venue Packages to experience a taste of them all.

DECEMBER 16, 2020

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

THE SUN

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Michelle Woodson and Mark Anderson were married on October 31, 2020 in a beautiful bayside ceremony on Anna Maria Island. Martha Wright officiated the ceremony. Chuck Caudill provided music for the ceremony and reception. Michelle and Mark spent their honeymoon night at the Vinoy Hotel in St Petersburg, Florida, before returning to their home in Holmes Beach, Florida.

Lori and Mark Mueller of Wisconsin celebrated their 10-year anniversary with family on Anna Maria Island. They are pictured here with their children, Sydney and Quinn, Mabelle Boehlke, and Grandma Judy Ott. Lori & Mark were married on the beach of the Sandbar restaurant on April 1, 2010.

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

21

22

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

DECEMBER 16, 2020

Threatened seagrass has trickle-down effect Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

T

he seagrass beds that carpet Sarasota Bay harbor a tremendous array of living creatures. This critical and diverse ecosystem is generally out of sight except at extreme low tides.

Seagrasses are actually underwater flowering plants that serve a number of important functions. They produce oxygen, bind sediments and baffle wave action while cleansing the water column. Seagrass roots, their leaves, and the epiphytes and microalgae that cling to them clean water by converting dissolved nutrients into plant matter. Besides giving us clean and clear water, seagrasses are home to the organisms that provide food and shelter for fish, crustaceans, shellfish and wading birds. They also are food sources

for manatees, sea turtles and various fish and crustaceans. Because they flower, seagrasses require sunlight and are limited to clear, shallow waters.

Of the 52 species of seagrasses worldwide, only seven are found in Florida.

Three main species are found on Florida’s southwest coast. They include turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum), shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) and manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme). The historical loss of these species has been extensive throughout Florida. Tampa Bay has lost 81% of its historical seagrasses, Sarasota Bay 35% and Charlotte Harbor 29%. Poor watershed management (stormwater runoff and sewage disposal) dredge and fill operations and scarring from boat propellers have taken a heavy toll on Florida’s seagrasses.

Through the elimination of small, poorlymaintained regional sewage systems and the work of organizations like the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, and Tampa Bay Watch, programs were instituted that began to turn the tide

SUBMITTED

Harmful algae blooms like this occurrence of lyngbya on the east side of Anna Maria Sound are indicative of poor water quality and smother seagrasses. on water quality.

Anglers, from experience, are aware of the importance of these prolific, shallow beds. They experience firsthand the myriad interactions that produce fertile fisheries.

They may not understand the intricate web of existence that proceeds from the microscopic level to the fish on the end of SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 23

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

THE SUN

23

Fishing stellar under new moon CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Boy oh boy. The weekend sure was a beautiful one! Conditions were amazing for both inshore and offshore fishing. That, coupled with a new moon, made things absolutely stellar on the water.

We here at Anna Maria Charters come prepared with shrimp, pinfish and pilchards this time of year. The sheepshead, black drum and pompano are starting to move in and ready to eat shrimp. Yet the snook, redfish, trout and jack crevalle are still feeding on pilchards. The gag grouper bite has been great inshore as well.

For our offshore trips, we focused on hogfish and gag grouper as well. The bigger hogs seem to slide in when it gets a little bit chilly out there. So we’ll take it! These are definitely one of the best tasting fish on the planet.

Looks like we’re back to some windy conditions and a quick cold front mid-week.

Hopefully, it gets back to flat sooner than later!

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had good action with trout in Sarasota Bay and tripletail in the coastal Gulf on flies and DOA Lures

recently.

Greg Stepanski, of Tampa, fished the coastal Gulf with me and caught and released his first tripletail on a fly. Great job! Steve Gibson, of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing, also fished the coastal Gulf with me and had good action with tripletail, landing two out of three on flies.

My brother, Joe Grassett, of Seaford, Delaware, visited and fished Sarasota Bay a few days with me recently. His visit coincided with a cold front, which provided some classic winter trout fishing. With water temperatures plummeting, we fished CAL jigs with jerk worms, low and slow, and caught and released

REEL TIME: Threatened seagrass has trickle-down effect FROM PAGE 22

their line, but they reap the benefits, nonetheless. Government scientists (NOAA) consider seagrasses to be of such importance that they have adopted a “no net loss” policy to manage them. Despite this pronouncement, seagrasses remain under assault.

Preventing the loss of valuable seagrasses must be a high priority. Watershed management, replanting, avoidance of direct impacts to existing grasses, and mitigation are avenues to reach those goals. Mitigation involves the replacement of seagrasses impacted by residential and commercial development. Unfortunately, the literature

reveals that the effectiveness of mitigating seagrass damage is considered, even among the leading wetland scientists, as marginal at best.

In recent years, seagrass rebounded in Sarasota Bay. Unfortunately, that trend reversed after the red tide of 2018, and now there have been reports by local fishing guides including Captain Justin Moore and Captain Todd Romine that acres of once-lush seagrasses have been reduced to sand flats. It is a foregone conclusion that development will continue to impact coastal areas and their seagrass resources. It is vital that decisions are made that will accommodate unavoidable development while

protecting the quality of our most valuable local resources. Enlightened citizens, anglers and their interest groups must take part in this decision-making process.

Cost considerations often eclipse concerns for seagrasses, but research reveals the true value of these resources. A study (Virnstein and Morris 1996) conducted in the Indian River Lagoon estimated the value of seagrass to be $12,500 per acre, per year, based solely on economic values derived from recreational and commercial fisheries. In the last few years, the effects of rampant development, antiquated and failing infrastructure, and associated stormwater runoff are feeding red tide events

numerous quality trout.

Fish the coastal Gulf for tripletail when conditions are good. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species, including trout, blues and Spanish mackerel. Shallow water action for reds and snook should also be a good option now.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit! and algae blooms, and threatening the very existence of the bay's seagrass system.

Groups like Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, alarmed at the prospect of a potential collapse of the bay (like the one that has plagued the Indian River Lagoon) have sprung into action to alert the public through education, effective policy and in the case of the Waterkeeper Groups, hold governments accountable under the rules of the Clean Water Act of 1972. It is imperative that citizens let leaders know they will hold them responsible to protect the resources that form the basis of our quality of life as well as the local economy.

24

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 16, 2020

Real estate sales rise as pandemic continues T he COVID-19 pandemic is having an adverse effect on most parts of our lives and economy. Even though the stock market continues to climb based on the “light at the end of the tunnel” theory, millions are still out of work and thousands more keep getting infected.

However, the real estate market keeps moving forward nationally, in Florida, in Manatee County and especially on Anna Maria Island.

Not only are the economics of housing changing, the face of housing is also evolving. Families are looking for different things in a home than before the pandemic.

First on the list heard around the country is “home office,” not just for getting through the pandemic but for a large majority of employees as a permanent or semipermanent arrangement.

Generations have found themselves living together for the first time in decades. Young singles and married couples, some with children, may be out of work and moving in with parents. Others are leaving major

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER cities and moving back to the suburbs they left years earlier. And seniors worried about moving into independent living and assisted living facilities are moving in with their children.

One of the byproducts of the virus has been changes to the construction industry, which has designed some of its models for multigeneration living. Creating a separate living suite for returning adult children or parents, although not unusual in Europe and Asia, is a concept that no one ever expected to see again in this country. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of those design elements being incorporated into all the new construction on the Island.

It’s time for the three-month analysis of

$1 million and over properties in the three cities on Anna Maria Island and in Cortez.

Closed sales reflect the August, September and October sales from the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website. Current available listings $1 million and over as of this writing are from realtor.com.

Sales have substantially increased since the last report, both on the Island and in Cortez. Cortez had two closings, one at $1,475,000 and one at $1,250,000; last time there were none. The city of Anna Maria had 42 sales ranging from $5,866,000 to $1,050,000. There were three sales over $3 million and the balance of the sales was between $2 million and $1 million. Last time, there were 28 sales in the city. The combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach had 40 sales ranging from $4,500,000 to $1,029,000. There was one sale over $4 million and one over $3 million, but most of the sales were between $1 million and $2 million. The last time there were 19 sales.

In Cortez, there were eight properties on the market between $2,500,000 and

$1,200,000; in the last analysis, there were six available properties. The city of Anna Maria had 42 properties available ranging from $4,875,000 to $1,050,000. There were three listed above $4 million, four listed above $3 million, and the balance was between $1 million and $2 million. Last time, Anna Maria had 57 properties listed.

The combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach had 70 properties listed with a high of $6,800,000 and a low of $1,079,000. Three were over $4 million, five were over $3 million and the balance was between $1 million and $2 million. The last analysis showed 75 listed.

So, it’s obvious that more sales closed as the industry was adjusting to the new COVID-19 world - a good thing, allowing buyers to complete transactions in spite of regulations. Overall, even though inventory is a little lower in these areas, we continue to be in a good sellers’ market.

We can all start to see the little white light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. In the meantime, stay safe.

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

THE SUN

25

Check out Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe

BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRITER

There’s a new cutie on Anna Maria and it’s not the one who lounges on the beach in her bikini; it’s the one that makes your taste buds happy. The Cheesecake Cutie & CafÊ in Holmes Beach near Publix offers not only cheesecake, but a creative cafÊ menu to eat in or take out.

On Nov. 21, when Jennifer Geils opened her new business in the middle of a pandemic, she wondered if following her heart was the best thing to do. She and her husband quit their jobs, moved their three children from Orlando, sold their house and started a new adventure at a time when most of the country was going through a second wave of the virus. Nevertheless, her heart was right because Cheesecake Cutie acquired a following instantly.

Geils has been baking her mother, Barbara’s, recipe for cheesecake most of her life. When her mother passed away, she started baking for holidays and friends as a tribute to her mother’s memory and it didn’t take long for people to start encouraging her to open a shop.

Anna Maria Island was familiar to her from family vacations in Sarasota and boating in the area and she was always

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

From left, Jennifer and Kane Geils run The Cheesecake Cutie & CafĂŠ in Holmes Beach. fighting back tears when she left. When her husband found an available space in Holmes Beach, she knew she had found the perfect spot and a new life. And perfect it is, large and bright with tables inside and out, plenty of parking and convenient to both the beach and those who live off the Island as well.

 ��� � ��  � �­­ € � ‚ ƒ „… �  † ‡ ˆ

Geils’ menu is much more than cheesecake. Her husband, Kane, who grew up watching his grandmother cook, is the creative genius behind the cafÊ options.

Scuties are one- or two-bite skewers that travel well, especially to the beach. There are a variety of salads available including tuna, bay shrimp and chicken. Charcuterie boards are Kane’s specialty, which can include an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruit or custom design. They come in all different sizes from a small box for picnics to large spreads for parties and holiday gatherings. He also has daily sandwiches ready to go.

But the queen of Cheesecake Cutie is, of course, the cheesecake. Jennifer Geils bakes handcrafted cheesecakes and cheesecake cuties. Cuties are 2-inch, singleserve mini cheesecakes that come in all the same flavors as the regular 9-inch cakes.

They look like parfaits and you can buy them individually or by the dozen. Some of the flavors available for both the cakes and cuties are Barbara’s original - in both gluten-free and KETO - chocolate chip, Key lime, white chocolate raspberry, Kahlua kiss, tiramisu and more.

The Cheesecake Cutie & CafĂŠ offers catering for all of their menu items and has supplied many weddings with cheesecakes

THE CHEESECAKE CUTIE & CAFÉ 3324 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach 941-779-2253 www.cheesecakecutie.com Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: Noon – 4 p.m.

All Major Credit Cards Accepted in the short time they have been open.

Also, some of the Island restaurants have expressed interest as well.

Jennifer Geils is the “cutie� behind the name of her new business, given to her by a former colleague. She, her husband and children love Anna Maria and the surrounding areas. She says there’s a calmness here and everyone has been welcoming and friendly. Stop in and have this cutie introduce you to her cuties - “It’s heaven in your mouth.�

26

THE SUN

BRIDGE STREET: Decorations removed by property owner FROM PAGE 12

settle and crack,” Tsakiri wrote in his report.

Former Freckled Fin business owner Scott Lubore vacated the property in 2017 and the property has remained inactive in terms of business operations since.

“Numerous people had walked by and heard us talking about Ross removing the city lights. They were appalled and thought we should arrest him,” Tsakiri’s report concludes, noting no further action was taken.

According to Officer Masi’s supplemental report, “Lt. (John) Cosby was notified of the situation, as the city has had prior dealings over property lines in the past with Mr. Ross. Mr. Ross proceeded to get very upset. In an angry manner, he kept telling us this was his property. Per my knowledge and management, the easement is city-owned, but Mr. Ross still continued to argue with us.

“Mr. Ross was advised to direct his complaints and issues about the lights or property lines to city hall, as Officer Tsakiri and myself do not have any further extensive knowledge past what management has advised us is city-owned property,” Masi’s report concludes.

Ross has previously engaged in property line disputes with Manatee County regarding the Fire & Stone pizzeria he and his wife own on Cortez Road. The pizzeria closed temporarily in May 2019 and has not yet reopened.

LIGHT REINSTALLATION

According to Public Works Director Tom Woodard, the Christmas lights Ross removed remained in storage as of Monday afternoon.

When asked if there were any plans to reinstall the lights, Woodard said, “The Bridge Street decorations were done by a contractor. Commissioner Jake Spooner said he would let the contractor know.”

Spooner serves as the Bridge Street liaison for the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the annual holiday decorations are funded by the CRA. When contacted Monday afternoon, Spooner said the contractor planned to reinstall the lights in the same location Tuesday evening.

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

HOLMES BEACH

11/3, dealing in stolen goods, Bridgeport Condos parking area, 501 Gulf Drive N. The victim’s bicycle was stolen and the next day she reported seeing it advertised for sale on social media. She called the number in the ad and talked with one of the suspects. They agreed to meet at a gas station and Bradenton Beach Police Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz observed, but the suspects texted the victim to say they would be late. The victim agreed to meet later, but Detective Diaz said he couldn’t make it then because he was too far away.

The meeting went as planned and the victim’s husband took the bike for a ride and told the suspects he was stealing the bike back because he and his wife owned it when it was stolen. One of the suspects took off running, but law enforcement from Bradenton and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office chased him down and arrested him and his wife.

12/3, 1:55 a.m., Marchman Act, Drift In, 120 Bridge St. The officer responded to a call about a drunken male in the parking lot talking to himself. The officer found out the subject could not take care of himself so he was taken to Centerstone Treatment Facility to sober up.

12/2, fraud, 5300 block of Sunrise Lane.

The complainant said he was contacted by bill collectors for Verizon and T-Mobile for overdue accounts that were not his. He admitted his son, who shares his name, might have done it.

The officer took no further action.

12/3, 10:28 p.m., DUI with property damage, 7000 Marina Drive. The officer was dispatched to the scene of an accident. The driver left the scene of the accident on foot and two witnesses were on the phone with dispatch apprising them of where he was walking. The officer caught up with him and at least one of the witnesses identified the man as the driver of the vehicle. The suspect refused to talk about the crash or a possible DUI and was arrested.

12/7, trespass warning, Seaside Laundromat, 5400 Marina Drive. A homeless male was told he could not sleep at the laundromat.

12/7, disobeying a trespass order, Seaside Laundromat, 5400 Marina Drive. The subject who was earlier trespassed was arrested.

12/7, trespass warning, Walgreens, 3200 East Bay Drive. Two homeless females caught shoplifting were told they were not welcome anymore.

THE SUN

OBITUARIES Sally Elizabeth Daneman Sally Elizabeth Daneman, of Bradenton, formerly of Lincroft, New Jersey, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. She was 88.

Born in Calais, Maine, she was raised on a working farm until the family moved to Dorchester, Massachusetts. There she met and then married David Daniel Daneman, who predeceased her in January 2014 after 62 years of marriage. She is also predeceased by her daughter, Linda Kolacki (2009) and her daughter-in-law, Theresa Daneman (1995).

Surviving are her son, Stephen Daneman and his wife, Lieda, of Tampa; her daughter, Deborah Marino, and her husband, Carl, of Cortez; her son, Michael Daneman, of Middletown, New Jersey; her son, Brian Daneman, and his wife, Geri, of Little Silver, New Jersey, and her son, Daniel Daneman, and Francine Mazzarella, of Venice, Florida.

The beloved grandmother, whom everyone called Bubba, leaves behind 14 grandchildren, Joshua, Joseph, and Anthony Marino; David and Christopher Caddock; Shannon Fisher; Melissa Luddy; Michael Daneman Jr.; Megan VanSchaack; Eric and Sara Daneman; Stephen Daneman Jr. and Andre and Lily Daneman; she was also great-grandmother to Noah, Lillian, and Sophia Marino; Jax Daneman and Mason

27

VanSchaack.

Sally was a quiet activist before it was the popular thing to do, leading her children to take part in the Grape Growers and Viet Nam demonstrations of the ‘60s. She was also instrumental in bringing the Fresh Air program to our hometown, teaching us the importance of racial equality and the necessity of building relationships.

Always active in the Catholic Church, she taught CCD at St. Christine’s in Marshfield, Massachusetts, and in the ‘70s she was involved with a program in Boston called TEC (Teens Encounter Christ), one of the first ecumenical outreaches in the Church.

She continued to teach CCD at St. Leo the Great in Lincroft, New Jersey. After moving to Florida, she became very involved with her home Church, St. Mary’s Star of the Sea in Longboat Key, where she served for many years in the Ladies Guild, supporting their multitude of programs.

Always the volunteer, in the ‘70s and ‘80s she served on the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lincroft First Aid Squad, supporting her children and grandchildren - wherever she was needed, there you’d find her!

Sally touched lives and brought joy wherever she went. She was deeply loved by her family and her passing leaves a Bubbashaped hole in all our hearts!

Services will be at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

COVE SOUND YACHT CLUB 12903 Yacht Club Place Gregory Zies & Kathy Valente 941-779-3081 A4455943 $1,200,000

BAY PALMS ADD 512 68th Street Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4484565 $985,000

MARINA WALK ON HARBOUR ISLE 383 Aruba Circle 201 Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4466540 $570,000

MAINSAIL BEACH INN 103 66th Street 10 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452245 $567,125

ANNA MARIA BEACH 109 Palm Avenue Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4481814 $2,495,000

WINELLA PARK 1317 50th Avenue Drive W Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4484149 $495,000

PALMA SOLA BAY CLUB 7710 34th Avenue W 301 Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4481045 $414,900

HERITAGE HARBOUR 132 River Enclave Court Deborah Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4483593 $399,999

MAINSAIL BEACH INN 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $870,000

MAINSAIL BEACH INN 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $595,000

PORTOBELLO 3240 Gulf Of Mexico Drive B305 Terri Derr & Rita Holbrook 941-356-6694 A4485219 $565,000

TIDY ISLAND 51 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4469997 $524,999

RIVERBAY TOWNHOMES 3318 10th Lane W Jinny Scherer 941-705-0877 A4477228 $270,000

PALMA SOLA BAY CLUB Palma Sola Bay Club Sales Gallery, 3431 79th Circle W 101 Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4472901 $395,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

LONGBOAT HARBOUR 4390 Exeter Drive I-102 Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4480405 $345,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

28

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

DECEMBER 16, 2020

PIER: Opening celebration FROM PAGE 1

proprietor Vic Mattay and Nick Graham. Earlier this year, Graham, Seymour and Mattay partnered to open Pine Avenue Bait & Tackle next to the general store that also is home to Dips.

Standing on the pier early after the grill and bait shop opened, Mattay said, “It feels awesome.

It was great to open that gate today and see everybody come in with a smile on their face.

Nick did the honors of opening the gate.”

“I’m super happy to get it open for the public. It’s time for everybody to come out here and enjoy the food and atmosphere that we bring,” Graham said.

“We’re serving a full menu and kitchen’s open full speed. It’ll be a few more days before we get our beer and wine license,” Seymour said.

MENU OFFERINGS

The breakfast menu includes a $5 breakfast sandwich, $4 biscuits and gravy, an $8 American breakfast, $10 bagel and lox and $2 coffee, as well as yogurt, oatmeal, fresh fruit and

more.

The lunch and dinner menu includes $6 chicken wings, $9 fish tacos, $8 hand-battered fresh Gulf shrimp, an $8 Cuban sandwich, an $8 City Pier Cheeseburger, chicken sandwich or veggie burger, a $4 pier dog or veggie dog, a $14 mahi sandwich, an $18 crab cake sandwich and much more.

The sweet treats menu includes soft serve ice cream with various toppings, gelato or Italian ice, a warm brownie sundae, shakes, malts, floats and snow cones. It also includes Key lime pie, peanut butter pie, brownies and cookies baked up the street at Hometown Desserts.

Seymour, a former city commissioner, said, “I want to thank the mayor, city commissioners, city staff and everyone who helped us achieve everything we set out to do four months ago when we submitted our proposal. We really appreciate their help and support and it’s nice to see this become a reality.”

Sold outside the grill building,

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

From left, business partners Brian Seymour, Vic Mattay and Nick Graham enjoyed their opening day. the initial bait shop offerings included live shrimp and shiners, frozen squid and sardines and an assortment of tackle.

Aaron Graham, Nick’s brother, delivered the shiners by boat as the opening occurred.

“And we have our full-service bait shop just up the street for more extensive needs,” Seymour said.

City Pier Grill & Bait Shop T-shirts are also for sale, with additional apparel, hats and other items coming soon.

OPENING DAY ATTENDEES

Seasonal Cortez residents

Linda and Chuck Hare were among the first City Pier Grill customers.

“Our friend Nick is one of the partners,” Linda said while waiting for coffee, her chicken wings and his Cuban sandwich.

“I love it, it’s cute,” she said of the overall setup.

“I think they’ve done a fantastic job,” Chuck added.

While standing in line to order for herself, her husband James and their five children, Holmes Beach resident Katy Roadman said, “I’ve been waiting for the pier to open.”

She said James did the interior

renovations for the grill building.

While eating, James said, “We wanted to move to a community that we could get involved with and be a part of. To help build something that everyone can enjoy is really cool.”

Regarding his food, James said, “The blackened mahi is amazing.”

“Delicious,” Katy added.

Tampa resident Les Parker enjoyed the afternoon fishing from the corner of the pier.

“It’s a wonderful day. Catching is the bonus, but fishing is the best,” he said.

The opening day ceremonies also included live acoustic music from The Stockton Brothers.

Due to scheduling commitments, Mayor Dan Murphy was not present for the noon opening.

When contacted later that day, he said, “I am elated that we now have a great place to not only enjoy a grouper sandwich and an ice-cold beer, but also sunrises on Tampa Bay, a view of Egmont Key and the Gulf of Mexico sunsets. Our pier is back.”

When contacted, Commissioner Carol Carter said, “It’s a wonderful Hanukkah/ Christmas gift for all of us.”

DECEMBER 16, 2020

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Tea service carrier 5 Club in a Manilow title 9 Shirk work 14 Isaac's eldest son 15 Tel __ 16 Berlin Olympics star Jesse 17 Wall safe access 20 Not yet bug-free, as software 21 Smelling __ 22 Lion in the sky 23 Grand __: wine label words 25 Tijuana aunt 26 Part of 24-Down 29 Base for many soups 32 PC fixer 35 Yale student 36 Country divided in 1945 37 French friend 38 Part of a French toast 41 Opposite of sloppy

Answers to 12-09-20 Crossword Puzzle.

42 Pool game call before "Polo!"

44 __ number on: confound 45 Hathaway of "Ocean's 8" 46 Classic country store container 50 Tavern offering 51 Musical pair 52 Paving material 53 __ Baba 56 Doc's order to a pharmacist 58 Use, as a scratching post 60 What the ends of 17-, 29- and 46-Across figuratively comprise 64 "West Side Story" heroine 65 New York canal 66 "In __ of gifts ... " 67 Titleholder

THE SUN

68 Confers knighthood on 69 Website for crafty people?

Down 1 Director DeMille 2 All together 3 Role for Stallone 4 London underground 5 Yellow songbirds 6 Egg cells 7 Cherry discards 8 Fly a plane 9 "Let's not talk about that" 10 Barn hooters 11 Old Metro automaker 12 End of many co. names 13 Cluck of disapproval 18 Thing to scratch 19 Lena of "The Reader" 24 Home to the NCAA Bruins 26 Oscar winner Sophia 27 Atlantic or Pacific 28 It can have wheels or blades 29 Cash alternative 30 In a way, slangily 31 Having a key, in music 32 City on Florida's Gulf Coast 33 Computer message 34 Homeric temptress 39 Civil wrong 40 Divers' maladies 43 Addressee of many a Brit's "I say" 47 Current Italian currency

48 Heated to bubbling 49 Author Gardner with many plots 53 Anticipate 54 Highway divisions 55 PC fixer

56 Do pool laps, say 57 Country where "Raiders of the Lost Ark" begins 59 Blessed with the necessary skills 60 SHO sister channel

61 "I knew it!"

62 Significant period 63 Sis, to her sis

29

30

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com

FEMALE HOME HEALTH AIDE WANTED. Experienced CNA or equivalent. 20-25 hours per week. Mid-December through mid-March.

Bradenton/Palma Sola.

Phone 312-933-1577 for this excellent position.

BECOME A CERTIFIED YOGA TEACHER! Heal yourself, your family, and friends. Our program is February 19th- August 1st at Thrive Yoga & Fitness.

Call 570-497-7801 or visit https://www.thriveyogafit. com/ryt200-2021 ANNOUNCEMENT: Who wants to play bridge outside on the patio, or in the park, social distanced and face-masked, Call Kathleen at 314-324-5921 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

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

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 4 UNIT RESORT style 4-plex: $1,999,900 Holmes Beach fixer upper with View of beach on Gulf Dr. Duplex Near Beach Totally renovated near Beach $795,000. Island Real Estate Call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

HOTEL ON ANNA MARIA seeking Housekeeper Full time, Part time. Must have two years experience. We drug test.

Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message.

813-735-4373.

THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven 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 emailed to news@amisun.com or

by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

Neil 941-726-3077

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

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 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 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.

ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

Licensed and insured.

References available.

Call Chris at 941-3028759 please visit website: isletileservices.com

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

“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money.

941-778-3206

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES MOVING SALE SATURDAY December 19. 9am-1pm.

912 N. Shore Dr. Anna Maria. Household goods, antiques, Christmas and more!

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.

DECEMBER 16, 2020

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

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

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

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

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

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

40 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Professional and quality painting interior or exterior.

Many local references, insured, and free estimates.

Call Rick at 941-932-0940.

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

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE 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 GULF FRONT CONDOS Vista Grande, WestWinds– CANAL FRONT HOME Holmes Beach –DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK big Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 HOLMES BEACH 4BR/3.5BA home for sale. 1 ½ blocks from Beach. $1,399,000. Call 724-263-6390 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

REALTOR FOR HIRE. Are you looking for a results driven Realtor to sell your home or condo?

16 Years experience & proven track record of success. USAF Veteran.

Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941.357.

GITT(4488)

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTAL: Sabal Palms Garden, Close to Anna Maria Island nice 2BR/2BA first floor.

Condo, pool, clubhouse, Available Jan. 1st. $1,300/mo. ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

COZY COTTAGE SANDPIPER 55+ Resort. 1 ½ minute walk to Beach or Bay. 1BR/1BA. Washer/ dryer For Sale or Rent. Call 941251-4767. Leave number on machine.

ANNUAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA, W/D hook ups, storage. Non-Smoking, No Pets. $1,900/mo.

Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

ANNUAL RENTAL. BUNGALOW. WiFi & utilities included. Washer/dryer, Steps to Beach & intracoastal. Mini loft. $1395/mo. First, last & $500 deposit. Call 941-7411096 ANNUAL RENTAL: AVAILABLE NOW 3BR/2BA steps to beach & shopping.

Washer/dryer, security, internet, trash included.

No smoking, small dog considered. $1995/mo.

First last & security. Call 860-922-3857.

ANNUAL RENTAL AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 1, 2021.

2BR/2BA + Den. One block to beach. Washer/dryer hookup. $1950/mo. First, last & security plus utilities.

No smoking/no pets. Call 860-922-3857.

www.amisun.com

DECEMBER 16, 2020

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PET SITTING

PAINTING

TRANSPORTATION

RENTAL WANTED SEEKING AMI LONG TERM RENTAL 4+ BRs for professional family. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941.357.GITT(4488)

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 $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525

2BR/2BA CONDO FOR RENT – Ironwood Golf Course Community Available Dec 2020 – May 2021 -$2,400 /month plus taxes.

Fully Furnished - First Floor Unit Application and background check required.

Contact Karen 401-9323402 or galipeaukl21@ gmail.com ANNA MARIA BOOKING 2021 - 2022 winter seasons. Beautiful 2BR/2BA ground level home with carport. 1 1/2 blocks to Gulf. Updated granite counter tops, patio w/outdoor furniture, plantation shutters, flat screen TV's in every room & more. Call 941565-2373 AVAILABLE DECEMBERMAY. Upstairs apartment 2BR/1BA west of gulf. City of Anna Maria. $2500 a month + tax. Call 941-7784499

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

31

32

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

DECEMBER 16, 2020

the Team Duncan Difference!

✔ Local-Area Expertise ✔ Outstanding Customer Service ✔ Experienced Professionals ✔ Proven Performance

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304