This rendering provides a view of the proposed hotel development entrance. The vacant building at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive (above inset) is among those that would be demolished to make room for the new hotel.
Commissioners are considering a commercial property rezone for the former Bank of America property.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The owner of a former bank property is seeking to have his property rezoned to allow for a more intense commercial use, but commissioners aren’t sure it’s in the best interests of the city to grant it.
Bob Bolus, owner of 699 Manatee Ave., and engineer Paul Blackketter appeared before commissioners during a recent work session to discuss an application to rezone the property from
C-1 to C-2. Formerly a Bank of America branch, the building has been vacant for several years and has been offered for sale for much of that time.
Due to its C-1 commercial zoning, the property can only be used for a low-intensity venture, such as office space. Bolus said that he plans to keep the property but would like to have the allowable intensity increased to C-2. If approved by commissioners, a C-2 rezone would allow for a restaurant, retail shop or less-intense office use on the property.
With the COVID-19 pandemic making work-from-home positions favorable for employees and busi-
WINTER WEDDING season by the beach is here! 22-23
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – A major development permit application and initial site plans have been submitted for the proposed development of a hotel complex at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South.
Architect Shaun Luttrell submitted the land development code/major development permit application and site plan documents on Dec. 2. The permit application lists Shawn Kaleta and Jacob Spooner as the owners of the various properties associated with the proposed development.
Kaleta is a well-known developer on Anna Maria Island. Spooner is a Bradenton Beach businessman and commercial property owner and a member of the Bradenton Beach City Commission and the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. As a sitting city commissioner, Spooner would have to recuse himself from any commission discussions and votes pertaining to the proposed hotel development.
The submitted site plan proposes 206,987 square feet of total development with a total of 103 hotel units. The ground-level floor plan includes a miniature golf course located along Gulf Drive South
Fishermen cash in on the bountiful harvest of mullet roe during cold weather.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | lllake@amisun.comCORTEZ - It might not be for joy, but the mullet are definitely jumping. Spawning season and cast netwielding fishermen anxious to make some Christmas money are a formula for a busy mullet season at John Banyas’ Cortez Bait and Seafood fish house.
“It’s mostly local people bringing the mullet in to us,” Banyas said. “They’re out there castnetting closer to the cold fronts.”
Banyas, a fourth-generation fisherman from Cortez, owns Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar, N.E. Taylor Boatworks, Killer Bait and Cortez Bait and Seafood.
John Banyas holds a mullet brought to the dock by fishermen.
He has seven boats in his fleet but says he relies on people fishing from their own boats to bring the mullet in.
The catches have varying degrees of value, with the real treasure being females with red roe. The egg sack from the gray mullet can be made
AME student saves entangled pelican’s life. 15
community center to be dedicated to Mary Green.
Commission
applicants are invited to participate in a public forum before the appointment is made.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.comANNA MARIA – Carol Carter has vacated her Anna Maria City Commission seat and the commission is using a new pre-selection vetting process to appoint her successor.
Running unopposed in the November election, Carter earned an additional twoyear term in office that was to expire in 2024. On Dec. 15, Carter participated in her final commission meeting and her vacant commission seat must now be filled by commission appointment.
Carter and her husband, Bob, recently sold their Anna Maria home and purchased a home and rural property in Sarasota County.
During Thursday’s meeting, the commission unanimously supported a new vetting process recommended by Mayor Dan Murphy. The enhanced process provides the four sitting commissioners and the public with an opportunity to submit written questions and concerns to later be addressed by the commission applicants during an open public forum.
Since 2015, vacant commission seats have been filled according to a ranking system. Each commissioner ranks the commission applicants, who receive one point for being a commissioner’s first preference, two points for being a commissioner’s second preference and so forth. The individual rankings are then tallied and the applicant with the lowest total score is appointed to the commission.
That process allowed applicants three to five minutes to address the commission but did not provide the public with an opportunity to assist in the vetting process.
When presenting his new concept, Murphy said the goal is to make the appointment process more inclusive for the public.
He presented a schedule that calls for the immediate solicitation of commission applicants and a Monday, Jan. 16 application submission deadline. The application form
and procedural schedule can be downloaded at the city website, www.cityofannamaria. com, or obtained from the city clerk’s office.
The one-page application form seeks confirmation that the applicant is over 18 years old, is a registered voter in Anna Maria, has been a city resident for at least two years, is not currently employed by
the city and does not currently hold any other governmental position.
“During that solicitation period, we’re asking the public, as well as the commissioners, to provide input as to areas you’d like to see the candidates address. This could be things like parking, vacation rentals, what you prefer on Pine Avenue – things that are germane to the city of Anna Maria now and in the future. The public, as well as those of us up here, can submit questions or areas of concern you’d like to see addressed,” Murphy said.
Written questions and concerns must be submitted to the mayor or city clerk’s office by Sunday, Jan. 1. Submissions can be made by email at ammayor@cityofannamaria.com or amclerk@cityofannamaria. com. The submitted questions and concerns will be compiled, summarized and made
District 3 Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge will serve a second one-year term as the chair of the Manatee County Commission. “I’d like to thank my colleagues for their continued confidence in my leadership,” Van Ostenbridge said in a press release recently issued by the county. Commissioner George Kruse will again serve as chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority and Commissioner James Satcher will serve as the Tourist Development Council chair.
With the final adoption of city ordinance 22-909 on Dec. 15, the Anna Maria City Commission has reduced from seven to five the number of members needed to constitute a full Planning and Zoning Board. Reducing the board to five members allows for a voting quorum if at least three members are present at a meeting. The recent departures of board members Bob Carter and Barbara Zdravecky necessitated the reduction. The board currently consists of Dr. Jose Erbella, David Haddox and Charlie Salem. The city seeks two more members to fill the five-person board that generally meets once a month to review and discuss proposed land use and development matters and provide recommendations to the city commission. Those interested in joining the board can download an application at the city website, www.cityofannamaria.com. The application form is located in the “I Want To” tab on the city’s homepage. Applications can also be obtained by visiting the city clerk’s office in person, calling the clerk’s office at 941-708-6130 or emailing the clerk’s office at amclerk@cityofannamaria.com.
The city of Anna Maria’s free Movies in the Park film screenings will continue at City Pier Park at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening, weather permitting, through Feb. 28. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, refreshments and a sweatshirt or jacket to help offset the cool breezes that can blow off of Tampa Bay this time of year. Upcoming movies include:
• Tuesday, Dec. 27: “Sing 2”
• Tuesday, Jan. 3: “Dial M for Murder”
• Tuesday, Jan. 10: “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”
• Tuesday, Jan. 17: “Singin’ in the Rain”
Due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays occurring over the weekend, trash, yard waste and recycling pickups will continue to occur on the regular schedule during the upcoming holiday weeks. No collection will take place on Saturdays or Sundays.
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The Mote Marine educational outreach center is expected to open on the City Pier in March.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.comANNA MARIA – Mote Marine Laboratory has secured a $500,000 construction bond for the installation of an educational outreach center on the City Pier.
On Dec. 16, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy informed city commissioners that the bond was received.
“The city received a copy of the bond for construction of the pier project this morning. It has been reviewed and approved by the city clerk and city attorney. The building permit for construction has been issued,” he stated in his email.
“Per the addendum of the lease signed on April 29, construction is to begin within seven days after the permit has been issued,” Murphy told The Sun.
The $500,000 bond issued to Mote by the Federal Insurance Company protects the city in the event that Mote fails to honor its financial obligations to the suppliers and contractors who will provide the materials and labor needed for the installation of the marine exhibits and the interior buildout of the city-owned building at the T-end of the City Pier.
According to the lease addendum, the installation is to be completed in March.
The original city commissionapproved lease that provides Mote with the free use of the pier building was signed on Sept 30, 2021, and the educational outreach center was originally supposed to be completed in March 2022.
The city commission approved Mote’s final updated project plans on Nov. 10. The center will feature live exhibits, virtual exhibits and other elements that help educate residents and visitors about the importance of the local marine life and the ecosystem that provides the marine life habitats.
During the Dec. 15 city commission meeting, Murphy recapped the lengthy conversation he had earlier that morning with Mote Marine CEO and President Dr. Michael Crosby.
“We approved their plans a little over a month ago. We have been waiting for the bond. I just received a text message from Dr. Crosby that said the bond was sent to our building official at 11:02 a.m. today,” Murphy said.
“Crosby also informed me that some of the displays are already under construction and some are already built for transport,” Murphy said.
Murphy noted the city wants Square D brand electrical hardware used on the pier project because of the saltwater environment.
“They’re having some supply chain issues. They’re also wrestling with the air conditioning placement up on the roof, but these are all issues that can readily be resolved. Dr. Crosby told me the March timeframe is still viable. Not mid-March, but probably towards the end of March. After my conversation with Dr. Crosby this morning, I felt more positive about where we are,” Murphy said.
Building Official David Gilson then informed the mayor and commission that the construction bond had not yet been received through any of the city’s standard lines of
communication. This prompted some commissioners to express consternation and concerns about the ongoing delays.
Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I’ve been a strong supporter of this project from the beginning, but I’m getting more and more concerned about the cavalier attitude displayed by Mote towards the city. Hopefully everything will iron out, but it is annoying.”
Commissioner Deanie Sebring agreed with Crane and said if she were asked again to vote on the proposed project, she probably wouldn’t support it. Sebring expressed her concerns that Mote is currently more focused on the construction of the new Mote Science Education Aquarium being built at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.
“I feel like we’re getting shafted. I really have concerns,” Sebring said.
Commissioner Robert Kingan said, “In terms of marine programs, there are other options out there. We don’t have to go with Mote.”
Paraphrasing Shakespeare’s “McBeth,” Kingan said, “ ‘We’re steeped in blood so far, we might as well go on.’ It was very concerning to hear we hadn’t received that bond. It’s a typical requirement of any project like this.”
For more than a decade, Carl Augostini has provided refurbished bikes for those in need during the holiday season.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Resident Carl Augostini believes every kid should have a bike and each Christmas season he donates refurbished bikes to the Light of the World International Church in Sarasota.
Charles Wade serves as the facility manager at Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria and is a member of the Light of the World International Church. Every Christmas season, Wade helps ensure the delivery and distribution of the bikes Augostini refurbishes.
“We did 10 adult bikes and six children’s bikes this year,” Augostini said, noting that number was a little lower than usual due to the loss of Roberta, his wife of 59 years, in November.
On average he said he refurbishes about 20 bikes a year.
“Both my kids, Craig and Carla, have been very helpful in getting the bikes ready,” Augostini said. “I gave five bikes to a halfway house in Sarasota this summer to help those guys out.”
Pastor Peter Greenidge picked up the refurbished Christmas bikes on Dec. 14. The bikes were then dis -
tributed to children and adults at the church on Dec. 17-18.
“We enjoy helping out the kids and helping the church,” Wade said.
Augostini, a retired Xerox electrical engineer, has lived in Anna Maria for the past 25 years. He began his charitable bike refurbishing efforts about 13 years ago.
“I was rebuilding bikes for neighbors and I started accumulating bikes. I had taken care of all my neighbors and I had extra bikes one year. I asked Mike Selby, who was mayor at the time, if he knew anybody that I could give the refurbished bikes to who could distribute them to a charity. He gave me Charles Wade’s phone number and that’s how it started,” Augostini explained.
In 2020, those efforts resulted in Augostini being named the city of Anna Maria’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
When asked why he does this, the 84-year-old said, “I have the time and it’s a hobby for me. I think every young kid should have a bike growing up to get them out of the house and away from their cellphones, iPods, computers and all that. Most of the bikes come from junk piles that I pick up along the street when somebody throws them out. And a lot of people know I do this and they’ll bring bikes to me and leave them sitting in front of my garage doors. I already have close to 30 bikes ready to be refurbished for next year.”
3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
Phone: (941) 778-3986
How did the residents of the City of Anna Maria allow developers to build a three-plus story building on a small lot - nearly lot line to lot line - between two 1970-era one-story homes? This monstrosity is totally out of place, it is never going to be a single-family home, but a Micro hotel with a never-ending parade of strangers/ renters, looking down into OUR ACTUAL HOME!
The building in our life, at 118 Hammock Road, is an enormous invasion of our privacy, as the main living level, which is above our roof line, looks down into the
living area of our home, as well as our side yard.
Over the past year, there have been numerous times when the workers would block our driveway, park enormous roaring trucks on our otherwise quiet street, and now they have left outside lights on overnight, and NOBODY is in residence there! We used to sit outside in the evening and look at the stars... with these intrusive lights on, that joy has been taken from us. Developers, landlords, renters do not care about neighborhoods.
Additionally, they tore out sound barrier foliage at the lot line. Then put up a plastic "security" fence, which has a gap where a palm
tree stands. This gap defeats the purpose of a fence, correct? They need to close the gap.
This is yet another case where people come here from afar and like the island atmosphere, and then proceed to change it - turn it into a place that is unrecognizable to longtime residents. They do not care - BUT we care. It is a great shame and unfortunately, the hometown we moved to is disappearing. I hope the City of Anna Maria will take notice and take better care of the permanent resident's rights.
Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun,
P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
Dec. 23, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Jan. 2, all day – City offices closed, New Year holiday
107 GULF DRIVE N.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Dec. 23, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Jan. 2, all day – City offices closed, New Year holiday
Jan. 4, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting Jan. 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
5801 MARINA DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800 Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Dec. 23, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday
Jan. 2, all day – City offices closed, New Year holiday
Jan. 4, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting Jan. 4, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting
Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Christmas Eve
Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.
Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2-4 p.m.
Merry Christmas!
Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players,
Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.
Movies in the Park, “Sing 2,” City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 6:30 p.m.
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Explore Nature Tower Talks, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. to noon
One Blood Donation Bus, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.
New members are joining the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee and the Planning Commission. Joining the parks committee is Kim Barguile, who is moving from an alternate to a full member position with a term expiring Aug. 1, 2024. Debbie Hall was appointed as first alternate, with a term expiring Aug. 1, 2023, and Loretta Estabrooks was appointed as second alternate, with a term expiring Aug. 1, 2024. Stepping up to the Planning Commission dais to fill the unex-
pired term of former member and current city Commissioner Greg Kerchner is Lisa Pierce, who previously served as an alternate on the planning commission. Her new term will expire July 1, 2023. Moving into the first alternate position that Pierce leaves behind is former second alternate Deb Sneddon. Taking Sneddon’s place as second alternate is new member Steven Oelfke, with a term expiring July 1, 2024. City commissioners made the appointments during a Dec. 13 meeting.
Leaders in Holmes Beach have voted unanimously to terminate their contract with the Ramba Law Group in favor of moving to Rushmore Consulting for the city’s representation for the 2023 state legislative session. Mayor Judy Titsworth said the reason for the change is that the lobbyist representing
the city, Thomas Hobbs, changed firms. To maintain the same level of representation, she suggested the switch in lobbyist firms. Under the new contract, city leaders agree to pay $3,500 per month for a 12-month period beginning Jan. 1 for governmental affairs consulting services.
FROM PAGE 3
available to the candidates, the commission, the public and press on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Commission applicants can then address those questions and concerns during an open forum planned for Thursday, Jan. 19 at city hall. The open forum is currently scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., but the start time may possibly be pushed back until 6 p.m. to accommodate candidates and members of the public who work during the day.
During the forum, the applicants will sit at the commission dais and be given as much time as they need to give their presentations to the public and attending commissioners. The forum will not be a debate or allow verbal exchanges between the applicants.
Using the existing ranking system, the sitting commissioners will appoint Carter’s successor on Thursday, Jan. 26.
“I’m hopeful this elicits a lot of public input. Anything to get the citizenry move involved,” Commissioner Jon Crane said.
“I think it’s an excellent suggestion,” Commissioner Deanie Sebring said of the mayor’s proposed procedure.
Later during the meeting, Murphy thanked Carter for her service and presented her with a wooden plaque that features a key to the city and a replica of the gavel she used as the commission chairperson.
The mayor read aloud the inscription that says, “The city of Anna Maria thanks you with grateful appreciation
in recognition for your leadership and your dedication.”
Murphy then said, “We thank you very much for everything you did for our city and we’re going to miss you.”
“I’m going to miss all of you too. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the city for nine years plus,” Carter said, noting that she also served on the Planning and Zoning Board before becoming a city commissioner.
“This experience with the city has been a real growth experience. I learned a lot and worked with such fine people on the staff and the various commissions. It’s really enhanced my life,” she said.
She also referenced sea level rise expert and author John Englander, whom she and her husband helped bring to The Center for two presentations in 2019.
“We are moving to 26 feet above sea level. That’s 20 more feet than we had here,” she joked. “Most people our age are downsizing and it looks like we’re upsizing. We have more acreage and we have a barn. I came from a farming background. I’m not sure what will happen with the barn, but something will happen,” she said.
Anna Maria Island Historical Society board member Barbara Murphy thanked Carter for all she did for the museum and museum board.
Commissioner Robert Kingan said, “Carol, it really has been such a pleasure to serve with you. You and Bob are good friends of ours and I wish you all the very best. I know we will see you again.”
Steve Cooke is now a full-time member of the Anna Maria Code Enforcement Department. When introducing Cooke to the city commission on Dec. 15, Mayor Dan Murphy said, “Steve comes to us from upstate New York. He worked with the Schenectady County highway department. His main role is taking care of parking issues, but he’s out early in the morning at construction sites. We’ve had a lot of complaints about construction sites and Steve is
wrestling with those issues. He’s been doing a great job for us. We just recently made him a full-time member of the team and we’re glad to have Steve aboard.” Commissioner Robert Kingan said he’s glad to see Cooke specializing in the much-needed enforcement of the city’s construction site regulations. “He’s a great addition,” Code Enforcement Manager Sandy Olson said.
HOLMES BEACH – City leaders aren’t wasting any time starting on their next roadway improvement project.
Commissioners voted unanimously on Dec. 13 to enter into a contract with Cardinal Engineering Collective LLC for engineering, design, construction administration and inspection services for two sections of Gulf Drive. The amount of the contract is
to not exceed $424,600. Director of Development Services Sage Kamiya said the city currently has $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to devote to the project, though Mayor Judy Titsworth said city leaders and staff will continue to seek out additional funding for the roadway improvements.
The two sections of Gulf Drive planned for improvements are the stretch from Manatee Avenue to East Bay Drive and from Palm Drive to Holmes Boulevard. While no plans
are finalized, Titsworth said she’d like to see more sidewalks and safer bicycle paths along both corridors.
The proposal put forth by Cardinal Engineering representatives provides for a 6-foot buffer on one side of the road, two 11-foot driving lanes, one in each direction, a 10-foot buffer and a 12-foot multi-use path that could be used by pedestrians and cyclists.
Final plans for the two street sections will be brought back before commissioners for review at a future meeting.
FROM PAGE 1 ness owners, he said he doesn’t feel that many people are looking for office space, especially on Anna Maria Island.
While commissioners thanked Bolus for his care of the property, they questioned whether or not an increase in use intensity on the site would be in the best interests of residents. The property is located across the street from larger commercial properties, including a CVS pharmacy and Publix, but is adjacent to a condominium complex and office building. Some of the concerns raised by commissioners
included increases in traffic, more noise for residential neighbors and the rezone increasing the property value, pricing out lower intensity uses such as a doctor’s office or urgent care center. Another issue for commissioners was that Bolus has no concrete plans for how the property would be developed should the rezoning application be approved.
Bolus said that in the time he’s owned the property, he’s invested nearly $2 million to purchase and maintain the property as well as complete repairs on the existing building, including mold remediation.
Though commissioners and Mayor
Judy Titsworth all questioned if the rezone was needed or even a good idea, City Attorney Erica Augello reminded them that if the rezoning application meets all of the criteria set forth in the land development code, commissioners have no choice but to approve the application, whether they personally approve of the increase in use or not.
The rezoning application will come before commissioners at a future regular meeting and public hearing. Titsworth urged commissioners to carefully review the city’s codes and application prior to the meeting.
Drivers in Holmes Beach can now drive through the city center area along Marina Drive, at least northbound. City traffic engineer and Director of Development Services Sage Kamiya told commissioners on Dec. 13 that both lanes of Marina Drive are expected to be open by Dec. 25, however, some intermittent lane closures can still be expected through the area as work continues. He said the street improvement project is on track to be largely complete by February. Sections of Gulf Drive south of Marina Drive will remain closed over the coming days until work on that road is completed in those areas. A Manatee County force main replacement project has part of Holmes Boulevard closed to traffic between 54th and 56th streets, causing southbound traffic from Anna Maria and north Holmes Beach to be pushed onto the coastal section of Gulf Drive. City leaders ask that all drivers obey temporary stop signs places along Gulf Drive at the intersection with Holmes Boulevard and 65th Street.
Dep. Patrick Manning was assigned to the Anna Maria unit in 2015.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPODENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
fice
In early November, Manning served his final day as a member of the Sheriff’s Office’s Anna Maria Unit. Manning was assigned to the Anna Maria unit in 2015 and he’s now working his final pre-retirement assignment at the Manatee County Judicial Center in downtown Bradenton.
Before presenting Manning with a framed copy of his certificate of honorary citizenship, Murphy noted Manning’s Anna Maria assignment began shortly after he became the mayor.
Regarding the honor, Murphy said, “It’s the first in the city of Anna Maria that I’m aware of.”
Murphy then read aloud the certificate, which said, “During his years of service, Deputy Manning has served diligently and bravely in the line
of duty. Deputy Manning has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty to do good for others, including providing safety, and even food and clothing, for the needy. He will be remembered not only as a guardian and a protector of our city, but also an ambassador of goodwill and of charity. As a result of his dedication and love for our city, and the many contributions he has made to those who live and visit here, so now do we hereby bestow upon Deputy Patrick Manning honorary citizenship in the city of Anna Maria.”
After accepting the framed certificate from the mayor, Manning said, “Thank you all very much.”
HOLMES BEACH – City leaders celebrated more than just the holidays during a recent commission meeting as several awards and recognitions were presented to staff and volunteers.
The first people to be recognized were those who had served as volunteers on city boards and resigned over the previous year. Those recognized include former members of the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee – Alec Graham, Mary Catherine Melancon and Christian Ulanch; the Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee – Bob Carter and Nancy Flynn; and former Planning Commissioner Greg Kerchner, who was elected to serve as a city commissioner in November.
Mayor Judy Titsworth named public works employee Trey Thorpe as the Employee of the Year. Thorpe was nominated by her fellow city employees for the honor.
This year’s Community Part-
nership Award was given to multi-year winner The Hagen Family Foundation for its continuing contributions to help improve the city’s parks.
The late Suzi Fox was given the Louis Strickland Citizen of the Year Award. Fox served as the executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring until her death this year.
“I couldn’t think of a better and more deserving person to give this award to than Suzi Fox,” Titsworth said. “She has been a remarkable person to Anna Maria Island in its entirety. She’s made a great impact on the Island wildlife giving over 20 years as a volunteer to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.”
“She is greatly missed,” Titsworth added, noting that Fox’s legacy will continue through the ongoing efforts of AMITW to protect nesting sea turtles, hatchlings and shorebirds.
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is renewing its Passport Program for 2023. Passport holders receive a booklet of businesses to find on the Island
and in Cortez. Businesses stamp the passport holder’s booklet on their logo, and when they have 16 stamps (four from each municipality), the Chamber awards them
a free T-shirt. Passport pages are available to businesses for $150. Call 941-778-1541 for a reservation in the booklet by Dec. 28.
It was a festive day as the Anna Maria Island Privateers joined Christmas on Bridge Street for a day of fun.
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH –Holiday merrymakers enjoyed shopping, dining, a movie and a party for a great cause as the Anna Maria Island Privateers and the city’s Christmas on Bridge Street events coincided on Saturday.
Christmas on Bridge Street featured stores staying open later to allow for holiday shopping, live music ringing out from bars and restaurants and a visit from Santa to hear Christmas wishes from anyone who wanted to meet him.
This year, the event coincided with the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ annual Christmas at the Drift In fundraiser, also on Bridge Street. Although the “partnership” was not planned in any official way, everyone enjoyed the fact that the Privateers’ close connection to Santa allowed for him to park his sleigh by the nearly 40foot tall tree in the post office parking lot for some incredibly festive photo opportunities.
“The Privateers are a great organization. They spend so much time and put so much effort into their charity fundraising,” said Amanda Walker, of Lansing Michigan,
who spends the holidays on the Island every year with her family. “They are all smiles and happy to take your picture free of charge, so we always make a monetary donation to them every time we are here. They give scholarships to kids; if that’s not a worthy cause I have no idea what is.”
In addition to having Santa by the tree, children and parents gathered to watch a movie on the other side of the parking lot while they sipped hot chocolate, an annual highlight of the Christmas on Bridge Street event.
Unlike the boat parade earlier this month, police did not close the street for this party, but there were plenty of officers on hand to make sure everyone was safe. Bradenton Beach Police officers reported no incidents during the official celebration and said everyone seemed to be happy and having fun safely.
When The Sun spoke to Privateers President Kim Boyd, she did not have the total amount of money raised, but was enthusiastic about how the event had gone.
“Before we even got here tonight, the Drift In bartenders had raised over $1,400 just for the lotto board,” said Boyd, speaking of the grand prize consisting of a $100 bill and $200 in scratch off tickets. “All this money goes back for kids and community, and a large part goes to our scholarships and Christmas family adop-
Above, the Anna Maria Island Privateers prepare to give away two gift baskets and a lottery ticket board at their Annual Christmas at the Drift In fundraiser on Dec. 15. Right, from left, Anna Maria Island Privateers Cookie, Santa Claus, Squeegee and Dallas enjoy a beautiful night on Bridge Street.
tions and the other programs we fund.”
The Privateers are a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that works to help children through scholarship programs and other initiatives.
CORTEZ – While coming back from a fishing charter with her mom, Cortez-based Capt. Katie Scarlett Tupin, eagle-eyed 9-year-old Vivien Tupin spotted a pelican in distress on the water.
“We were coming back and I said ‘Mom, there’s a pelican over there that can’t fly,” Vivien said about the Dec. 12 incident. “My mom didn’t see it.”
Describing the bird as looking “really sick,” Vivien said she could see that the pelican was making a futile attempt to fly.
“When we get closer to pelicans, they usually try to fly off, but he couldn’t,” Vivien said. “Around where his waist is, he had fishing line wrapped around him. It was really bad.”
Using a net, Vivien gently brought the bird up onto the boat.
“He tried to get out of it (the net), but he couldn’t,” she said.
“We caught him and brought him to a lady we know who takes care of birds.”
She said after dropping off the injured bird, she and her mom went back out on the water.
“We checked up on the bird and she said he was doing good,” Vivien said.
Fishing line entanglements are common injuries for pelicans. They are often hooked or entangled in fishing gear.
Staff at a local animal rescue organization know all too well what injuries can occur to these long-billed shorebirds in their search for food.
“We see at least 50 pelicans a year with mostly fishing-type injuries,” said Krista Carpenter, a volunteer at Bradenton Beach-based Wildlife Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center.
If a pelican is caught in a fishing line, Carpenter said that as the line gets tighter it will cut into the bird’s skin or
internal organs.
Vivien’s grandmother and Katie Scarlett’s mom, charter Capt. Kathe Fannon, said, “She always looks out for birds, so
I’m not surprised she saw it and I’m not surprised she wanted to help.”
Vivien, a fourth-grade student at Anna Maria Elemen -
tary School, said she hasn’t told her friends yet about the rescue.
“Not yet, but I will,” she said modestly.
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A local dolphin expert says that dolphins are having a tough time due to red tide, and asks fishermen to help.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
SARASOTA – Randy Wells, director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory, is seeing red.
Red tide, that is, and its harmful impact on the dolphin community is the subject of Wells’ year-end newsletter, Nicks ‘n’ Notches.
“This red tide bloom is shaping up to be particularly devastating, with record counts of Karenia brevis (the microscopic algae that causes red tide algal blooms off Florida) being found not just in our own water samples but in those collected by Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and their partners along the coast,” Wells wrote.
Red tide cell counts have reached levels more than 25 times greater than the concentrations at which fish begin to die, according to Wells.
These dolphins, along with about 170 others, live locally in Sarasota and Tampa bays. Red tide can make it hard for them to find food.
“And, as floating mats of dead fish increase and healthy fish populations are decimated, we know from our research that dolphins will be at risknot just from the neurotoxins released by the cells when they break apart, but also from follow-on ecological effects,” he wrote.
About 170 dolphins inhabit the waters from the southern edge of Tampa Bay along the central west coast of Florida to Venice Inlet. Dolphins, with
a life span of 40 years or more, typically remain in the same geographical area during their lives.
“It takes a lot to get them to move. They need fish, they know how to catch fish, they know the risks and the predators,” Wells told The Sun in September.
“For example, when Hurricane Charley hit and was followed by a red tide, 94% of dolphins stayed.”
Wells said that during the red tide event of 2018-19, the ray population
was hit hard and consequently sharks weren’t finding prey.
“During that we saw a record number of shark bites in dolphins and also had calves disappear.”
He said in past blooms there have been documented declines in fish populations of more than 75% among the species dolphin prey on, leaving human anglers and dolphins competing for smaller and smaller populations of fish.
“Anglers get frustrated as dolphins take their gear and fish,” he writes. “And dolphins become seriously injured or die from eating recreational fishing gear or being hooked or entangled in it.”
During the 2005-06 bloom, 2% of the Sarasota Bay resident dolphin community members died from ingesting fishing gear.
Wells offered the following caution: “If you are fishing during this red tide and dolphins approach you, please reel in until they pass on by. In these tough times, they need these fish to survive, and they need to be able to catch them free from risk to life and fin from fishing gear.”
Anna Maria Island's premiere choice for beautiful floral, helping families celebrate all of life's experiences! Some of our most dynamic designs are for weddings held throughout AMI and the surrounding area, offering unique, specially-crafted wedding work to ensure your wedding is spectacular!
Our one-of-a-kind design studio is open to the public five days a week, Tuesday - Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. offering: daily deliveries and pick-up orders, customized floral for weddings and private events, weekly corporate accounts, support to local nonprofits with fundraising efforts/church services/thank you arrangements and so much more!
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Our delivery area includes: Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, St. Armand's Circle/Lido Key/Bird Key, West Bradenton, North Sarasota Blooms By The Beach schedules all wedding and event consultations for either an in-person visit, via phone or as a Zoom call. For more information about our floral and event services, please visit our website at: www.bloomsbythebeach.com to schedule an appointment or call the shop at 941.778.2555.
Shelby Bailey & Zach Ponton were married on the beach of the Sandbar restaurant on December 12, 2022. Chuck Caudill provided live music and DJ services. Shawn Rhoton and River Quier of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. Dr Steve Lortz was the officiant. Cupcakes were by Cheesecake Cutie & Café. Hair & makeup were by Art by Izzy. Shelby & Zach honeymooned on Anna Maria Island with their 9 month old son, Camden, before returning home to Gulfport, Florida.
Want your wedding photos to be featured here? Submit them to ads@amisun.com, subject 'Wedding Photos' along with your names, date of wedding and location and phone number for a chance to be featured here*.
*Submission of photo not a guarantee for placement. The Sun is not responsible for any copyright infringement.
of the many communities devastated by the storm, was built on a series of these canals that drain into Lemon Bay.
urricane Ian left a wake of debris in a wide swath of waterways across the state. One particularly hard-hit area on the Suncoast was Lemon Bay at the southern end of the watershed monitored by Suncoast Waterkeeper. That’s why board members and volunteers from Suncoast Waterkeeper teamed up with Suncoast Aqua Ventures, Sarasota Bay Watch, Lemon Bay Conservancy and the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Program on Dec. 11 to conduct a waterway cleanup in the canals of Ainger Creek, a major tributary of Lemon Bay. Holiday Estates, one
“We love the volunteers that supported this community and our local waters. Together we made a real difference,” said Abbey Tyrna, executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper and the organizer of the event. “While we didn’t collect all the debris, our efforts to remove debris from our waterways was a positive one.”
I was particularly struck by the spirit of determination and camaraderie displayed by community members that day as I explored the area. Five weeks after the storm tore through their neighborhood, energy and determination were on full display as boats drug debris, including whole roofs, to ramps where others cut the debris into manageable pieces and placed it on massive
piles. The immense amount of debris left from Ian throughout southwest Florida has been the subject of national headlines. There are many areas of the state
where debris removal might take years, a poignant reminder why the mission of Suncoast Waterkeeper is so urgent. But from the canals of Ainger Creek, volunteers
from Suncoast Waterkeeper and partners were able to help remove over 50 cubic yards of debris that day with kayaks and jon boats. Whatever could not be picked up was geotagged and will be sent to Charlotte County government for future removal by professionals.
“The number of people who showed up to help (over 50) touched our hearts. Hurricane Ian has taken so much from this community. It is wonderful to know that people care,” said Carol Powell, president of Holiday Estates Corporation.
If you would like to join in the effort to keep Suncoast waters sustainable for this and future generations, you can join Suncoast Waterkeeper, donate and have your contribution matched by the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust. Watch a video of the cleanup online at www.youtube. com/watch?v=4YDCQTV-rdY.
Cooler temperatures are going to prevail in the days leading up to the holiday. With lows on Christmas Eve down to 42 degrees, we can expect significant changes to our fisheries. We are already seeing black drum, sheepshead and a few pompano moving into the area. So we’ll be focusing more on shrimp eaters than anything else in the coming days. On days when it’s flat enough, we’ll focus on nearshore ledges for hogfish, porgys, and similar snapper species.
Offshore, if winds will allow it, amberjack, kingfish, blackfin tuna and multiple snapper species will be the main targets. Red grouper open up again on Jan. 1, so you can bet they’ll be targeted after the long break NOAA just put in effect. Hopefully, everyone has a safe and full holiday with family and friends. Tight lines.
Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had good action catching and releasing reds, snook and trout on flies and DOA Lures in Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound recently.
Fly anglers fished deep grass flats with sink tip fly lines while spin fishing
anglers fished CAL jigs with a variety of tails and had good action catching and releasing trout in Sarasota Bay.
Marshall Dinerman, of Lido, and Mike St. Hilaire, of Longboat Key, fished Sarasota Bay with me and in addition to numerous trout also caught and re leased a nice red and bluefish on a CAL jig with a shad tail.
Jon Yenari, of Sarasota, fished Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me recently and had a banner day catching and releasing numerous snook, several reds to 26” and trout. After realizing late in the day that we were only two trout away from slams on fly and spin, we worked hard to find a couple of trout to compete the slams on fly and spinning tackle. Great job!
Look for reds, snook and trout in skinny water. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action with trout, blues, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more. Snook fishing around dock lights and bridges should also be a good option now.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
Above, the 2022 Roser Church Cantata Choir presented “The Gift” on Sunday, along with the church’s Chamber Orchestra and Roser Youth Performing Arts members. Right, the youngest members of the cantata choir, Roser Youth Per forming Arts members Jackson Glasscock and Alex Czajkowski, performed “Christ is Born This Holy Night” during a Sunday performance of “The Gift.”
Dr. Mary Fulford Green was a founding member of the Cortez Village Historical Society.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ - As one of the founding members of the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) Cultural Center, the presence of the late Dr. Mary Fulford Green is still strongly felt.
At a recent CVHS board meeting, members unanimously approved a resolution to dedicate the Cultural Center building to Green, who passed away on June 9 at the age of 96.
“Mary Fulford Green was instrumental in starting CVHS,” new CVHS president Cindy Rodgers said at a Dec. 13 meeting, her first as president.
Seated next to outgoing CVHS president Kaye Bell, Rodgers said she had big shoes to fill. Bell was honored with flowers and a cake in recognition of her service.
Green had initially been the subject of a
resolution to rename the center at 11655 Cortez Road in her honor at the Nov. 8 meeting.
Board member J.B. Crawford had introduced the resolution, which stated in part, “Now, therefore it be resolved that Dr. Fulford Green’s lifetime commitment to Cortez be recognized and that the Cortez Village Historical Society Cultural Center be renamed in her memory.”
While several board members were in agreement at the November meeting with the renaming, those who were not immediately in agreement agreed that a plaque honoring Green should be placed on the building.
At the Dec. 13 meeting, Paul Dryfoos introduced the idea of dedication with a proposed plaque enumerating Green’s contributions both to Cortez and particularly to CVHS.
“Dedication is the first step,” Dryfoos said. “Placement of the plaque is for a later discussion. The (Green) family may have thoughts on that.”
The plaque will state that the center is
dedicated in honor of Dr. Mary Fulford Green for her “lifetime commitment to Cortez and her brilliant work to preserve and communicate the cultural history of Florida’s last remaining traditional fishing community.”
Rodgers, whose lineage goes back to some original Cortez families, including Capt. Billy and Sally Fulford, laid out her vision for the center.
She said she hopes to acknowledge artifacts from the past and also determine what is an appropriate role for the historical society.
She also named as a goal to increase the number of volunteers.
“One impediment to increasing the number of volunteers is they don’t feel knowledgeable enough,” Rodgers said.
To that end, Rodgers said the historical society had submitted a grant application for funding to do a revision of the docent guide.
“I’d like to make the docent guide interactive and intergenerational to bring in younger people and families,” she said.
Former Cortez Village Historical Society President Kaye Bell, left, is presented a cake and flowers in appreciation as she passes the torch to new president Cindy Rodgers, standing, and is congratulated by CVHS board member Linda Molto, right.
The tradition of a mortgage button is a little scrimshaw button mount ed atop a stairway’s newel post, as a symbol the mortgage was paid off. This is something I saw for the first time on Nantucket Island where my uncle and his wife retired many years ago. Ever since then, I’ve been fasci nated with the concept of a mortgage button. Now, however, paying off your mortgage may not be as impressive as in times gone by for every homeowner. In today’s world, there are many forms of retirement, or not retiring at all. Because of Zoom, inflation and interest rates, many individuals who would have retired even 10 years ago are postponing retiring. If your choice is to retire, are you planning to pay off your home’s mortgage with other assets or will you keep your mortgage in place? Retiring with your home “free and clear” was a goal of previous gen -
erations and many homeowners still strive for this, but financial managers may want to have a further discussion about the real benefits.
Even if you decide to give up work or work part-time, many have calculated that carrying a mortgage is a better choice. This is especially true if you have a low-rate mortgage because of either owning your home only a few years or, like many people, having refinanced your existing mortgage when rates were ultralow. According to the Federal Reserve, nearly 58% of those ages 65-74 had mortgages or home-equity lines of credit on a
primary residence in 2019. This is up 22% from 1989 based on available statistics.
Even if you can afford to pay off your mortgage before retiring, does it make sense to deplete your cash or investments for this use? A financial advisor will look at all of your income and assets and make a recommendation designed specifically for you, including safe, lowrisk investments.
In addition, your tax consultant needs to be in the loop since tax ramifications must be considered. Although the 2017 tax overhaul significantly raised the standard deduction, there are still homeowners who will benefit from a home mortgage interest deduction.
Finally, keeping a low-rate mortgage frees up equity that you otherwise would not have access to. After retirement or switching to part-time work, your family income is obviously reduced, which would make it difficult to qualify for a new mort-
gage or home equity loan should you need it for a health emergency or other reason. Or just having the money available for a new car, dream vacation or to help out a family member may be enough of a reason not to pay off your mortgage.
Paying off your mortgage and retiring with no debt certainly gives you peace of mind, and that’s something to be proud of and a reason to get a mortgage button. The mortgage button can also be called a brag button indicating there is no lien on the property. Part of the mortgage button’s myth or fact is also another little-known aspect that the mortgage, when paid off, is stored in the newel post at the base of the home’s stairway before the mortgage button is installed.
Historians have debated the truth about the mortgage button for over a century. As for me, it’s a great story, true or not, and a special memory from my first trip to a magical island. Happy holidays!
Salvatore ”Sal” Mannino Jr., 50, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 7, 2022. Sal was born on Aug. 22, 1972 in Saratoga Springs, New York.
He was a dedicated chef and restaurant manager at Oma Pizza in Bradenton Beach, Florida. When Sal wasn’t working, you could find him fixing cars and going to car and motorcycle shows. He loved to make people smile and laugh.
In a hard world, Sal was one of the few kind souls left; he would give the shirt off his back and never held a grudge.
Left to cherish Sal’s memory are his parents, Salvatore Mannino Sr., and Crocifissa Amato Mannino; siblings, Elisa Mannino Bartley and Daniella Mannino and their families; his children, Anthony, Alessandro, Joseph and Andretti; and their mother, Nicole Mannino; along with a host of other family and friends.
12/7, 1 p.m., lost property, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched to the police department in reference to lost items. The complainant said she was at the gift shop and purchased several items. She said she left a plastic bag on the counter containing $160, her driver’s license and a debit card. A lost and found check was made, but none of the missing items were found.
A memorial for Suzi Fox will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 from 4:30-6 p.m. on the beach off the Oak Avenue access in Anna Maria. A former longtime Island resident and executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Fox died at HCA Florida Blake Hospital on Sept. 30 following a fall.
12/9, 8:48 p.m., resisting an officer without violence, 5100 Fifth Ave. The officer was dispatched to the 52nd Street beach access in reference to a disturbance. The complainant said he got into a verbal altercation with a group of juveniles. The man said the juveniles asked to shake his hand, so he did, then they became agitated and acted like they wanted to fight him. Shortly after, another officer located a group of juveniles running from the area and stopped them hiding in and around a car parked nearby. The juvenile subjects stated they did get into an
The Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual fundraising campaign is only halfway through and donors have nearly reached the nonprofit’s $100,000 goal. As of Dec. 13, the fundraiser total was $84,678 including matching funds. The matching donation challenge, topping out at $50,000, is sponsored by donors Bob and Carol Carter, Caroline and Brian Leibfried, The Silver Lining Foundation, Paul and Amanda Gordon, Elizabeth Moore and an anonymous donor. All annual fund donations directly support The Center’s Beyond the Classroom after-school program scholarships and staff salaries and benefits for 2023.
argument with the man, but nothing physical happened. During the investigation, one of the subjects said he had to urinate, but the officer said it was illegal to urinate in public. According to the report, the subject walked away to a nearby front yard and began to illegally urinate despite the warning. While walking him to the officer’s patrol vehicle, the officer said he could smell alcohol on his breath. All the subjects’ parents were contacted to pick them up, and a juvenile referral was submitted for resisting, obstructing or opposing an officer without violence for the subject that urinated.
The holidays are here and The Center of Anna Maria Island’s hours are being adjusted to give staff time to spend with their friends and families. The Center will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Island Branch Library will be closed from Friday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Dec. 26, reopening on Tuesday, Dec. 27. The library also will be closed Saturday, Dec. 31 and Monday, Jan. 2, reopening on Tuesday, Jan. 3. The Tingley Memorial Library is closed weekly Friday-Monday. Its hours will not be adjusted for the holidays.
Down By The Bay Homeschoolers of Anna Maria Island held their Christmas celebration, “Jesus is the Real Gift,” on Dec. 13. They made gingerbread houses, ornaments, played Christmas games and presented a play about Christmas. There are 56 kids in the co-op, led by Katy Roadman and Brooke Svoboda.
FROM PAGE 1
and retail space located along Bridge Street, west of the existing Spooner-owned Bridge Street Bazaar and Daiquiri Deck building.
The first-floor plan includes additional retail space east of the Bridge Street Bazaar building, the main hotel entrance, the hotel lobby, a coffee bar, a hotel lounge and hotel offices. The site plan indicates 114 regular parking spaces, eight handicapped parking spaces and four golf cart parking spaces for a total of 126 parking spaces.
The second-floor plan includes 47 hotel units, some with private balconies, a kitchen area, a dining area, a fitness area and a storage/maintenance area.
The third-floor plan includes 56 hotel units, some with private balconies, a conference room, a spa and a housekeeping area. The floor plans also include a rooftop swimming pool and deck. The anticipated cost of the hotel project is not known.
The permit application lists the following addresses for the properties that would be combined to develop the hotel and other amenities as proposed: 219 Gulf Drive S., 101, 105 and 117 Bridge St. and 106, 108, 110 and 112 Third St. S.
According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, the property at 101 Bridge St. S. is owned by the 205 Sycamore LLC, which, as of April, listed attorney Louis Najmy as its registered agent and Kaleta as a manager and authorized person. The Najmy and Kaleta-affiliated Tampa Bayshore Trust LLC owns the adjacent hotel property at 105 Bridge St. and the property at 106 Third St. S.
According to the property appraiser’s office, the undeveloped property at 108 Third St. S., the neighboring properties at 110 and 112 Third St. S. and the commercial property at 117 Bridge St. are owned by Bridge Street Bazaar Inc.,
The
which, as of April, listed Spooner and his mother, Deborah Sniadach, as its registered officers.
According to the property appraiser’s office, the former Joe’s Eats & Sweets property at 219 Gulf Dr. S. (at the corner of Third Street South) is owned by AMI Plaza LLC, which, as of March, listed attorney William Saba as its
manager and Firkins Nissan Inc. as authorized persons.
AMI Plaza LLC is not referenced as a property owner in the permit application. The Sun reached out to Saba and Najmy with no reply as of press time to determine whether AMI Plaza LLC is involved in the proposed hotel development.
“The plans are very preliminary,” Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert told The Sun on Friday.
According to Gilbert, a proposed development carrying a major development designation must be reviewed by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board and then approved by the city commission. Gilbert said multiple land development code interpretations will be required and multiple land use issues will need to be addressed before the proposed development can be advertised for public hearings before the planning board and city commission.
According to the permit application, the present and proposed zoning designations for the various properties are C-2 (general commercial) and the present and proposed comprehensive plan use designations are Mixed Use Bridge Commercial.
FROM PAGE 1 into bottarga. The salted, cured fish roe pouch is considered a delicacy in Europe and Asia.
“The females have the red roe and the males white,” he said. “They’re all desirable, but we pay more for the red.”
On Dec. 15, Banyas said they were paying $1.60 per pound for the females with red roe and 30 cents a pound for others.
“There’s definitely money to be made,” he said, picking up a goodsized mullet. “This one alone could be more than $5.”
The fish are brought in by land or sea. They’re processed and cut, then packaged and frozen in large walk-in freezers before being shipped off to the wholesale market. He said that his facility processes thousands of pounds per day.
“We ship out all over,” Banyas said. “Italy, Tai wan. Mullet is used for crab bait or food.”
Mullet fishing has a long history in Cortez.
“The North Carolina families came in the 1880s with the hope that the mullet and the sweat of their brow would bring a better life,” ac cording to a publication from the Cortez Village Historical Society. “This unique community of 20 extended families with a love of fishing in their hearts has survived on hard work, fierce pride and a plentiful supply of fish.”
A quote from the late Cortez fisherman Ralph “Pig” Fulford sums up the importance of mullet to the Cortez fishing village.
“Mullet. That’s it. Some folks say fish smell. I say it smells like money.”
Left, bins of mullet are kept on ice before processing. Above, John Banyas displays the desirable mullet roe.
ANNA MARIA – Bringing weeks of adult fun on The Center’s kickball diamond to a close, the championship game came down to a single run with team Captain Ron’s coming out on top in a close win against team Paddy Wagon. The team, sponsored by Solid Rock Construction, won the seasonender 18-17.
With a total of nine runs between them, Evelyn Long, Keith Mahoney and Ryan Moss topped the charts for the championship team with three runs each. Paddy Wagon’s Luca Vecchio crossed the plate three times for his team.
Adding to Vecchio’s runs, eight other Paddy Wagon runners ran home. Marissa Barfield, Timo Vecchio, Isaiah Lambert, Justin Cox, Dhaval Patel and Karri Stephens each contributed to Paddy Wagon’s scoring efforts with two runs.
Putting single points on the scoreboard for the Paddy squad were Jane Dederle and Karlee Bailey. The Paddy opponents, Mike Svoboda, Katy Roadman, Aaron Guess, Brian Rauelerson
Dec. 5 - Modified Stableford
First Place - Bill Shuman with a score of +6
Second Place - Mike Gillie with a score of +5
Third Place - John Cassese and Ken Nagengast with a score of +4
and Natalie Worth, each had single runs in the season-ender, while teammates Zack Long and James Roadman both made it home twice for team Captain Ron’s Crew.
The 35 total runs scored in the adult kickball championship game exemplified the fun the four teams had each week. New friendships were made; old friendships were strengthened.
Rocking to the tunes of the 70s and 80s, the Crew, with an average age of over 40, played all season against teams made up of players born in the 90s and 2000s. The players, friends and family that played and attended the games all season, showing their support of The Center, helped to make the league a fun success.
Adult and youth sports continue in January 2023 with flag football action under the lights of The Center’s gridiron.
SUN SCOREBOARD DEC. 12
ADULT KICKBALL – CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Captain Ron’s Crew 18
Paddy Wagon 17
First Place - playing to a par 65, Ron Huibers, Art McMillan, Gary Razze and Nub Turner with a score of 63, 2 under par
Second Place - Mike Gillie, Mike Clements, Ken Nagengast and Larry Pippel with a score of 65, even par, tied with the team of Rod Hammonds, Tom Nelson and Terry Tarras.
First Place - Tom Nelson with a score of +6
Second Place - Buddy Foy with a score of +5
Third Place - Chuck Patrick, Larry Pippel, Bob Rowley and Kurt Snouffer with a score of +3
DEC.
First Place - Remi Drigan, Ann Hackinson, Jenny Huibers and Terry Taylor with a score of 34
Second Place - Helen Pollock, Meredith Slavin and Sue Wheeler with a score of 40
Third Place - Peggy Clauhs, Jackie Gorski, Jana Samuels and Mary Wilke tied with the team of Pam Alvord, Marty Clark, Susan VanOrsdel and Sally York with a score of 41.
BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. Classes on Tuesdays & Fridays at 8:30 at 100 Broadway St. on LBK. www.thriveyogafit.com
TO PLAY BRIDGE Call 314324-5921 Kathleen
THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.
ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
COMMERCIAL LEASE - 419 pine, Anna Maria - Island Real Estate - Larry Chatt 941-345-1288
TOTAL HOME SERVICES
CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-7564570 or 941-565-3931
ENDLESS SUMMER HOME SERVICES Cleaning & Maintenance. Call Angela for your home needs. 941577-3823
WANTED LICENSED REALTOR! Seeking real estate agent with island expertise to join our highly productive sales team! Contact us at 941-900-4974. All calls confidential
RESORT ASSISTANT MANAGER needed for island resort and vacation rentals. 32 to 36 hours per week. Experience a plus but will train. Weekends are included in schedule. Interested candidates please email islands58@aol.com to schedule an interview.
TOP PRODUCER HIRING Realtors experienced in selling luxury, waterfront and golf course properties. If you love selling real estate and you do plan to retire with a better lifestyle let's talk.
Linda Moore, EXP Realty LLC, 941-737-3581.
The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Mike Field, publisher.
CAPT. MAC GREGORY
Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783
U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
TOPPER FOR F150 Long bed. $50 or Best Offer. Call 941-705-7560.
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077
RENOVATION SPECALIST
ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.
KERN CONSTRUCTION
NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-962-1194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.
CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
FOUND: BICYCLE KEY on 52nd St. Call 941-778-9622 to claim.
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/ Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
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
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
ATTN REALTORS: Are you thinking about leaving the business to get a salaried job? If you love being a Realtor & need help navigating this new market, call us today for a confidential appt. Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team AMI KW on the Water 941-799-9299
ANNUAL RENTALS
WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details.
Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.
ANNUAL RENTALS – AVAILABLE NOW. 2BR/1BA, furnished. $4,500/month. 3BR/2BA, unfurnished. $5,000/month. Canal front 3BR/2BA home, private pool, boat dock. AVAILABLE 2/1/23. $9,000/mo. First, Last, and Security Deposit required Call Sato Real Estate, Inc 941-7787200 or Email monica@ satorealestate.com
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190
ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
VACATION RENTAL AVAILABLE Jan - March 2023- 2BR/1.5BA cute cottage in Holmes Beach, 1.5 blocks to the beach. Rates start at $110/nite or $4,500 for 4 weeks. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307.
WINTER SEASON 2023Vacation rentals available for January, February and March. Weekly, monthly or Seasonal. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307 for details or visit www. franmaxonrealestate. com.
WALK TO BEACH: 4BR/2BA pool, large sunroom, garage, laundry $9,000/mo. 3BR/2BA sunroom, porch, garage, washer/dryer $12,000/mo Call 347-5108417
AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941447-8372, www.amitaxi. com GOLF CART RENTALS
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
