Anna Maria Island Sun December 28, 2022

Island holiday shenanigans

Old Town Tram discussions continue

The CRA-funded Old Town Trams had 4,093 riders in November.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – During its final meeting of 2022, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members once again discussed allowing the CRA-funded Old Town Trams to travel north of the Cortez Bridge.

During the Dec. 7 CRA meeting, the board members ultimately decided the tram route would remain as-is and not be expanded north of the bridge.

The CRA members once again dis-

cussed discontinuing the trams from traveling all the way south to Coquina Beach, where ridership demand remains low, but once again the board decided not to eliminate the southernmost portion of the existing tram route. When first initiated as a one-year pilot program in November 2020, the plan was for the trams to travel a designated route within the CRA district that extends from the Cortez Bridge to the southernmost property lines along Fifth Street South. The trams are also allowed to travel south of the CRA district to Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach to transport visitors to and from the CRA district. According to state

Honoring Dr. Mary Fulford Green

Green led the efforts to preserve Cortez–leaving an indelible imprint and is The Sun’s 2022 Person of the Year.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ -- Imagine a Cortez village where the fishing bungalows and working fish houses have been replaced by high-rise condos and a 140-year history is left unrecorded.

Dr. Mary Fulford Green, a lifelong Cortez resident who passed away on June 9 at the age of 96, made it her goal to ensure that none of that ever happened.

In recognition of her leading the many efforts to preserve the character of the village she called

home, she is named The Sun’s 2022 Person of the Year.

“She certainly has quite a legacy,” said Kaye Bell, former president of the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS). “She was always either supporting something or stirring something up.”

Green’s long list of accomplishments centered around three things: the preservation of Cortez, her family and her faith.

In 1984 Green was instrumental in establishing the CVHS.

“Without her we wouldn’t have CVHS,” said Bell, who met Green in 1965.

In a recently drafted resolution to dedicate the Cortez Village Historical Society Cultural Center in honor of Green, CVHS board member J.B. Crawford wrote the following to be placed on a proposed plaque at the site:

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

The Abominable Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Yukon Cornelius and Tracy Prandine of Cortez bring the Jeep of Misfit Toys to Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

Green

Iconic Christmas tree turns 20

Solo’s Pizza owner Shawn Waters had no idea the tradition he was starting when he first put up his tree in 2002.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Many businesses put up beautiful Christmas trees to celebrate the season, but one special tree is celebrating 20 years of making a personal connection with customers from around the world. Shawn Waters, owner of Solo’s Pizza in Holmes Beach, didn’t think much of it when he bought a tree two decades ago to put in his new pizza shop during its first Christmas after opening.

“I bought the tree for $35 back in 2002 from a couple that came in here all the time and had just bought a big new tree,” Waters said. “Little did I know back then how long it was going to be here with me. I set it up every year because I don’t do much decorating at my home since I spend most of my time here. My Christmas spirit comes from this place.”

Soon after setting up the tree, a tradition began with regular customers gifting him with ornaments. Waters thought

it would be nice to have people sign the ornaments and date them so the memory of their visit would last forever.

“I don’t decorate, the customers do it for me and I’m very appreciative every time somebody brings me something to put on the wall or an ornament to hang on the tree,” he said. “All these ornaments on the tree are signed and dated by people that are or have been important to me. Several of them are no longer with us, having passed away, and that’s special because when I’m setting up the tree, I grab the ornament and have a chance to remember that person’s face. They get placed in a prominent spot on the tree.”

Waters jokes that every year he dreads the time-consuming work to put the tree together but, once he starts, he said he’s filled with Christmas spirit and winds up enjoying every minute of it year after year.

Solo’s Pizza is located at 3244 East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach. The tree is easy to spot and Waters has no problem with anyone visiting getting some pictures to commemorate their visit to his Island business. Those lucky enough to arrive at the right time may even be able to grab one of the two tables that sit next to his prized tree.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

The tree, prominently displayed in the front window of Solo’s Pizza in Holmes Beach, is back for its 20th year and features ornaments signed and dated by customers over the past two decades.

IN BRIEF

Citizen of the Year nominees named

Former City Commissioner Carol Carter and former Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox are this year’s nominees for the city of Anna Maria’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award, according to City Clerk LeAnne Addy. On Dec. 15, Carter participated in her final meeting as a city commissioner and she and her husband, Bob, have relocated to Sarasota County. Fox passed away in September after serving as the Turtle Watch director for 30 years. The winner of this year’s award will be determined by a volunteer committee that will meet at city hall on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 1:30 p.m.

AMI Museum utilizes consultant

During a Dec. 15, Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Museum board member Barbara Murphy said the museum is retaining the services of consultant Brynne Anne Besio. “We are meeting with a consultant from Carter (formerly Carter Global) who’s going to help us enrich the museum,” Murphy said. While participating in her final city commission meeting, Commissioner Carol Carter said, “The consultant they’re using was the CEO of the Bishop Museum (in Bradenton). She’s now part of my husband’s company. She’s a great consultant who helped the (Bishop) museum move forward and be more than it’s ever been.” After the meeting, Murphy said, “She’s giving us all kinds of wonderful ideas and recommendations and going through our goals and what we want to accomplish. She says we need to reach out to benevolent donors to help keep the museum going. She also recommends putting some exhibits at the Tingley Memorial Library in Bradenton Beach.”

Judy’s Restaurant hosts Chamber breakfast

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its next breakfast event on Thursday, Jan. 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Judy’s Restaurant located at 9516 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton. The cost to attend is $10 for members or $18 for prospective members. For more information, or to reserve a seat, call 941-778-1541 or visit www. amichamber.org.

Correction

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce would like to clear up any confusion about the Tahini Beach Cafe ribbon cutting. The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 12 p.m. A previous announcement listed an incorrect date. Tahini Beach Cafe is located at 103 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

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Sewer project impacts Bradenton Beach traffic

An informal public information meeting is scheduled to take place at city hall on Thursday, Jan. 12, with construction work scheduled to begin the following week.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Manatee County’s sewer rehabilitation project is expected to cause traffic interruptions and parking challenges in Bradenton Beach beginning in late January.

On Dec. 15, Project Manager Alex Gonzalez sent a letter to city officials and others regarding the Bradenton Beach sewer rehabilitation project and a project-related public information meeting taking place at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Dr. N., on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 6-8 p.m.

“The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the Bradenton Beach sewer rehabilitation project on Gulf Drive, from 6th Street South to 13th Street South,” Gonzalez stated in the letter.

“There will be no formal presentation and guests are invited to stop by anytime between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to view project boards and design plans. Project staff will also be available to answer questions and provide additional project-related information,” he said.

“This project will replace and relocate a portion of the gravity collection system in south Bradenton Beach to new locations within the public right of way. The replacement of aging sewer infrastructure will improve the resiliency of the Bradenton Beach sewer system by increasing capacity and reducing the risk of pipe failures and leaks,” the letter states.

When contacted via email on Dec. 22, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan said the Woodruff & Sons construction firm is expected to begin its work during the third week of

January – the week after the Jan. 12 public information meeting.

“That would be the work on Gulf Drive and they expect it to last through summertime. Then they will begin work on the side streets,” Logan told The Sun.

PROJECT WEBSITE

Additional information and project updates can be found at the project-related website, https://amiprojects.io/projects/ bradenton-beach-sewer-rehabilitation. According to the website, construction is expected to be completed in September 2024.

“The project includes the installation of approximately one mile of 10-inch and 8-inch gravity main along Gulf Drive

South as well as 21 manholes and approximately 100 new 6-inch laterals. Lateral service connections will extend from the gravity main on Gulf Drive South down each side street from 6th Street South to 13th Street South. The project will also require road repair and restoration,” according to the website. “This project will replace and relocate a portion of the gravity collection system in south Bradenton Beach to new locations within the public right of way. The contractor is currently developing a construction schedule and procuring project materials.”

Besio

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

A sewer rehabilitation project will impact parking and traffic at and around Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach.

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

A public information meeting will be held at Bradenton Beach City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Oyster recycling program helps combat red tide

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

Eight local restaurants are teaming up with START (Solutions to Avoid Red Tide) and Manatee County to help stem the damage caused by red tide.

“Our waterways are not very clean. There’s fertilizer going into the water, there was the Piney Point Point release. There’s twice as much nitrogen in Sarasota Bay as there was in 2000,” said Sandy Gilbert, CEO of START. “You can either put less waste into the water or you can help clean it up.”

The Gulf Coast Oyster Recycle and Renewal (GCORR) Program for the 2023-2025 tourist seasons, January through May, will collect recycled oyster shells from participating restaurants and in turn, county staff will use the shell to build new oyster reef habitats.

“Restoring our local oyster population is a top environmental

priority because of the critical role they play in improving water quality and supporting other species,” according to the START website.

“That helps remove nitrogen and phosphorus that clouds the water column and can feed red tide and other harmful algae blooms (HABS). Clearer water allows more sunlight to penetrate the surface helping to grow more and healthier seagrass, another key species for improving water quality.”

“Oysters and clams naturally filter water. In this program, we are using oysters. An adult oyster will filter 20-50 gallons of sea water every day and reduce excess nutrients that feed red tide,” Gilbert said.

The restaurant participants in the program, which is dubbed Shuck ‘n’ Save, are four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, Mar Vista Restaurant and Dockside Pub, The Beach House, The Sandbar and Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar.

“We started doing this in 2018 and it grew and grew,” Gilbert said. “Now we have this three-year grant to cover it. The grant enables us to

pay for this instead of the restaurants.”

The program will be funded for two years through a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which was sponsored by the Manatee County Natural Resources Department. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will fund the third year.

The GCORR Partnership includes the Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI) and the University of Florida IFAS Manatee Extension who will team with Manatee County Natural Resources staff to identify the most effective locations to build oyster reefs.

“We have scientists telling us where to put the shell, for the oyster larvae to settle on the shell,” Gilbert said. “It also becomes a nice reef and it’s great erosion protection.”

The restaurants will store the shell in special recycling bins that are unloaded twice a week by Waste Pro USA and transported to a storage area for curing.

“Curing the recycled shell is the

process of exposing the shell to the sun’s rays to kill bacteria and parasites. After several months, the shell can be used to provide a foundation to expand an existing oyster reef or build a new one. The goal of the project is to build a sufficient reserve of oyster shell from restaurants over the next three years to restore oyster reefs along the Manatee River,” according to a press release from START.

“I would encourage people to go these restaurants and have some oysters for dinner,” Gilbert said. “Not only will they get dinner but know that something good is happening with the shell.”

Shell collection from the restaurants will begin the first week in January and will be transported to a Manatee County site to cure. The shell will be added to the 20 tons of recycled shell already stored at Robinson Preserve.

Permitting for the program is expected to begin in 2023 with a projected start date of 2024 to begin building oyster reefs in the Manatee River.

Oysters filter up to 50 gallons of sea water each day.

3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217

Phone: (941) 778-3986

email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

The Night Before an Island Christmas

By Jason Schaffer

Twas the night before Christmas, yes, Christmas day, On an Island with white sand, where tall palm trees sway. The tourists were snuggled up with White Claws and beer, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The shorebirds were nestled all snug in their nests, Even the spoonbills with pink on their chests;

And mamma in her Ray Bans and I in my straw cap, Hit the couch in the condo for a post-beach day nap.

When out on the beach, there arose such a clatter, I sprung from my nap to see what was the matter.

Away to the balcony, across the tile floor, To open the storm shutters and the glass sliding door.

The moon on the breast of the white fluffy sand That quartz how it sparkles as it falls off the hand, When what to my raccoon tanned eyes should appear, But a big red golf cart driven by some guy with a beard.

The farmer-tanned driver was so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

“It took no time to get here,” he did loudly exclaim. “You’re not caught up in traffic if you use the bike lane!”

I thought there’d be reindeer, with antlers so sweet, But where would he park them with all hooves off the street?

The nicest man in the world, most would admit, But even St. Nick can’t get a special permit.

There was joy in the air, it was jolly that day, Knowing that mamma’s gift wouldn’t come from the Circle K. He’d crossed the drawbridge

where dolphins do leap, Ten miles under the speed limit, holding up traffic he did creep,

His board shorts were red, sporting a huge belt buckle.

“There’s no such thing as a furlined Guy Harvey shirt,” the locals they chuckled.

As strange as he looked, all on the Island felt blessed.

They didn’t have to go to the mainland to buy gifts and be stressed.

He parked on Gulf Drive, wishing everyone world peace.

“Look at the Christmas lights, they're magical.” No Nick, that’s the police!

A bit of a snag on that moonlit Christmas morning, But the cops were feeling nice and he got off with a warning.

From Coquina Beach to Bean Point, the gifts got delivered, Then he stopped by the bar to warm up his liver.

I heard him exclaim as he caught the Monkey Bus with a word, “Happy Christmas to all! See ya in January, I’m now a snowbird!”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

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

Jan. 5, 1:30 p.m. – Citizen Recognition committee meeting Jan. 12, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information. 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 Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Jan. 12, 4 p.m. – Manatee County stormwater meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Jan. 2, all day – City offices closed, New Year holiday

Jan. 3, 10 a.m. – Land development code RFQ selection committee meeting Jan. 4, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

Jan. 4, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Jan. 10, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Jan. 11, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting Jan. 12, 9 a.m. – Stormwater Improvements selection committee meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

Jan. 9, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28

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.

THURSDAY, DEC. 29

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.

FRIDAY, DEC. 30

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

Oyster shell drilling, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

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

SATURDAY, DEC. 31

New Year’s Eve

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

TUESDAY, JAN. 3

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

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

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, noon

Ambrose announces new market location

Ousted by Manatee County leaders in August, Ambrose’s new market location is in Osprey.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Since the Aug. 2 announcement that Manatee County would take over the Coquina Beach Market from Nancy Ambrose, its director for the past decade, she has been diligently trying to locate a new venue for vendors to sell their items. On Dec. 17, she took to social media to announce the planned opening of a Friday market in a new location.

“Join the fun at The Point, 131 Bayview Drive, Osprey, for the grand opening of the Market at The Point from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13,” she wrote on her Where is the Market Facebook page.

Ambrose said there will be 110 vendors, including several from the Coquina Beach Market, offering art, jewelry, fresh produce, baked goods, apparel, pottery, purses, collectibles, woodworking, health and beauty items and more. The market is planned to

continue every Friday through April 28, weather permitting

“The thing that bothered me the most when the market was terminated was what would happen to the vendors. This has been so hard for them as for many the Beach Market was their only income,” Ambrose wrote in an email to The Sun. “The one thing that hurt me the most when the county took over there was never any mention of the vendors that were devasted by the termination – not once at any of the meetings or any letters or anywhere. So sad! So many wonderful people that were hurt by this.”

The Aug. 2 press release from Manatee County Information Director Bill Logan stated in part, “Artisans and other vendors will be back along the Coquina Beach South promenade, once again, when the 2022-23 season opens in November as oversight for the market shifts to Manatee County.”

In October, Logan announced that the planned Nov. 1 opening of the county-run Coquina Beach Market would be delayed due to cleanup efforts from Hurricane Ian. As of press time for The Sun, no new opening date for the market was announced.

Happy 103rd birthday!

Dorothy Eder, one of the group’s founders, celebrated her 103rd birthday Dec. 14 with the Off Stage Ladies at Scarpino’s in Bradenton. The ladies gifted Eder with a plaque cementing her status as a “shining star” for the Island Players. The plaque will be displayed in the Island Players Theater. The group celebrated Eder's birthday with one of her favorites, chocolate cake.

SUBMITTED | ELLEN DEVINE

The challenges of las t year quickly reappear when the Christmas light s are turned o .

Bradenton Beach Circle K remains without stairs

In early December, the owners of the Circle K at 103 Gulf Drive S. began tearing out the convenience store’s front stairs after extensive termite damage was detected. It was only a matter of days before work on the new stairs to the main entrance of the store began. Shortly after, a notice from the city of Bradenton Beach was posted on the building stating

the work was being done without the proper permits and ordering all work on the project to cease. Representatives for the Circle K say that they are working to resolve the issue but could not give The Sun a projected date of completion for the project. The store remains open 24 hours a day and is accessible via a two-tiered ramp on the north side of the building.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Temporary fencing blocks access by the public to the staircase currently under repair for termite damage at the Bradenton Beach Circle K.

Renegades motorcycle club delivers Christmas joy

Drift In owner Joe Cuervo recently sold his Bradenton Beach business to his son-in-law and daughter.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton chapter of the Renegades motorcycle club made its annual Christmas gift delivery to the Drift In in Bradenton Beach on Dec. 19.

This year’s recipient family was Tasha (no last name provided), her two-year-old son, Colt, and her four-year-old son, Rocket.

The club members arrived aboard their motorcycles Monday evening accompanied by an SUV filled with Christmas gifts for the family. The gifts were displayed on an outdoor table for a group photo before being loaded into Tasha’s vehicle. The boys were allowed to open one gift that night and together they opened their new 78-piece Kid Connection Dinosaur Gate Play Set.

“It’s really nice,” Tasha said of the Renegades’ charitable efforts.

Renegades’ member Tim “Chopstixxx” Miller said the club’s charitable efforts were inspired by his own family.

“My brother, Dave, started this over 15 years ago. Our mother, Suzie Miller, passed away on Dec. 19, 2001. She struggled raising three boys

herself, so it’s a way honor her and to give back to the community,” Miller said.

“We go to our regular bars in the community and get cash donations. Through a third party, or one of the churches, we find a family who’s not affiliated with the club and get in touch with the parents to make sure they’re actually in need and comfortable with us doing this. We get a Christmas list of what the kids want and we go out and buy the gifts. We do well enough that we can usually take care of two families. We start collecting money around Halloween and this year we got about $1,500 from people in the community. The wives, girlfriends and kids do the shopping,” Miller explained.

“We’re a family-oriented club. We’re friendly and approachable. We do family days

and birthday parties and we get together and cook. We like helping people and we’ve never had any issues,” Miller added.

Drift Manager Doreen Flynn said, “This is our fifth year of doing this with them. The name of their club is the Renegades, but they have a lot of heart and soul, and they care about the community.”

Unrelated to this event, the Drift In also partners with the Anna Maria Island Privateers to assist underprivileged families during the Christmas holidays.

“We do these things because we want to give to people who need it,” Flynn said.

Flynn was present for the Renegades’ Christmas delivery, but she wasn’t working that night because she recently fell at work, injuring her arm, and missed a few weeks of

work after returning from a cruise vacation.

The Renegades gave Flynn a Christmas card containing a cash donation to help offset some of her missed earnings.

“They gave me the most beautiful card and took up a collection for me because I’ve been out of work for a few weeks. I so appreciate it. I’m flabbergasted. I never expected a thing like that, but that’s how generous they are. We all help each other,” Flynn said.

Long-time Drift In owner Joe Cuervo said, “They’re a great group of guys and they like to donate to families in need. They’ve been doing it for a long time. We collect money and donate it to them, and they use that and the other money they collect to go out and buy presents for the kids.”

OWNERSHIP CHANGE

On Dec. 15, Cuervo sold his share of the Drift In business and property to his son-in-law, Dereck Williams and his wife, Helena, who is Joe and Angie Cuervo’s daughter.

Derek is the president and CIO of the Bradenton-based Williams Wealth Management Group. In February 2021, he and Cuervo purchased the previously leased Drift In building and property in Bradenton Beach from Grant Thormier. That purchase occurred after Cuervo sold the Drift In bar in Bradenton that he also operated on leased property.

“We’re a community-oriented family business,” Williams said. “Helena and I are happy to continue Joe and Angie’s legacy. We love what Doreen’s done to make relationships with our patrons and the local community and we want to continue to support the community.

“I’m a Bradenton native. There’s been a lot of changes in our community. We want to keep certain things the same, but we also want to make the Drift In all it can be. We’re excited to be able to help Joe and Angie retire comfortably and we look forward to doing anything we can to make the Drift In even better,” Williams said.

When asked how he plans to enjoy his retirement, Cuervo said, “I’m going to play some golf, do some fishing, do some woodwork and travel a lot.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Renegades motorcycle club delivered a table full of Christmas gifts to an underprivileged family.

Murder headlines movie night

Come out to City Pier Park in Anna Maria for a showing of the Alfred Hitchcock classic “Dial M for Murder” starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings. The movie starts on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a blanket, chair and refreshments and enjoy a classic film next to the bay. All showings are free to the public and subject to cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.

Art on display at city field

The Anna Maria Winter Arts and Crafts Show is coming to Holmes Beach city field just in time to celebrate cooler weather. The event will feature fine art pieces along with crafts, accessories, jewelry and other

items. The fun comes to the Island for two days only, Saturday and Sunday Jan. 14-15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event organizers will contribute $500 of the show’s proceeds to the Roser Food Pantry.

CENTER NOTES

Learn about living, exercising with Parkinson’s

If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s disease, The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting a free workshop to help community members learn to help manage symptoms through exercise and self-care. The program, Living and Exercising with Parkinson’s Disease, takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave in Anna Maria. Provided by the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, the workshop material will address symptoms of the disease and how the right physical activity can help improve quality of life. The workshop also kicks off a new specialized fitness program, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, designed especially to help those with the disease. The fitness class takes place every Tuesday beginning Jan. 3 at 1 p.m. Space is limited for the fitness class to nine people. An adaptive yoga class will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. to help those with Parkinson’s and other neuro-muscular conditions manage symptoms. All classes are free to the public, though space is limited and pre-registration is suggested by calling 941-778-1908.

Youth hip hop dance classes begin

Two new dance classes are coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island in the new year designed to teach children the art of hip hop dance. Classes begin Jan. 5 and continue each Thursday through March 31. Taught by Crystal Krause, the classes will teach kids the fundamentals of hip hop and provide them with an opportunity to show off their new skills at the end of the program with a recital for family and friends. Classes for children ages 9 and younger take place from 5:45-6:45 p.m. with those ages 10 and older taking to the dance floor from 6:45-7:45 p.m. The program cost is $150 for Center members or $180 for non-members. The deadline to register is Dec. 29. A late registration fee of $10 applies after the deadline. For more information, or to register, visit www.centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Santa, Mrs. Claus visit Holmes Beach shopping center

Santa and Mrs. Claus made a last-minute trip to Holmes Beach to hand out cookies Dec. 23 at the Island Shopping Center. The couple, dressed festively in their holiday attire, greeted customers with cookies and good cheer. They didn’t even seem to mind the chilly 50-degree weather on their trip to Florida before returning to the North Pole so Santa could prepare to deliver presents on Christmas Eve.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

OUTDOORS

Stand up for mangroves

Dec. 22, 2022 Florida Department of Environmental Protection Compliance Assurance Program, S.W. District

eaders of this column are familiar with the rampant illegal mangrove trimming in Manatee County and the efforts of Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) to address them. That frustration led to SCWK Executive Director Abbey Tyrna contacting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) expressing the group’s frustration and giving specific examples of policy failures. I’m printing that letter here because I couldn’t say it better.

RE: Professional Mangrove Trimmer Accountability for Multiple Mangrove Trimming Violations in Manatee County

Dear FDEP District Staff, Recently, there has been a ramping up of citizens’ complaints relating to mangrove trimming permit violations in Manatee County. In addition to the outstanding complaints at Long Bar Pointe, 223 41st Street N.E., and 10218 46th Ave. W. in Bradenton, there have been new complaints filed at 521 Broadway St. in Longboat Key and Mount Vernon Condominiums on Cortez Road at 27°27'11.0"N 82°39'22.0"W. Suncoast Waterkeeper has a substan-

tial interest in mangrove regulation and enforcement in Sarasota Bay and beyond. Mangroves in Manatee County particularly concern Suncoast Waterkeeper, our members and the communities that rely on these precious coastal resources. Unlike neighboring Sarasota County, where approximately 80% of the natural shoreline and mangrove coverage has been hardened and removed, Manatee still retains significant and ecologically important mangrove coverage. We believe that the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act violations are commonplace.

In an effort to curb violations, Suncoast Waterkeeper investigated whether the mangrove trimmer at Aqua was licensed under state law to perform the work conducted in February 2022. Unfortunately, the search did not yield the desired results because

SUBMITTED | GREG

This photograph shows the importance of mangroves to protect property. The foreground property in Englewood was protected from damage during Hurricane Ian while the adjacent property with no mangroves was devastated.

the department does not keep a database of all licensed mangrove trimmers. While in most professions, if a licensed professional breaks the law performing their job, their license is questioned, scrutinized and there is a formal process to hold the individual accountable for their poor job

performance. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Florida, and we believe that a lack of accountability for the licensed professional will lead to more mangrove loss. Moreover, undertaking regulated actions without an appropriate

RUSTY CHINNIS

YAGLE

Fishing warms up despite cooler temperatures

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

You may find reds and big trout concentrated in potholes in January. Action with trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and more on deep grass flats can be good, depending on conditions. There should also be good catch and release snook action in rivers, creeks and canals this month, although fishing docks for snook and other species is also a good option. It may be worth checking the coastal Gulf for tripletail, cobia, false albacore (little tunny) and more when it’s warm.

Spotted seatrout has reopened to harvest in southwest Florida with a three fish per person bag limit and a six fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15-19 inches with one allowed per vessel over 19 inches. In my opinion, it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Snook remains closed to harvest in the Charlotte Harbor area.

Full regulations and details for all species can be viewed at https://myfwc.com/. Snook are temperature sensitive so I won’t target them if the water temperature dips below 60 degrees. However, fishing lighted docks in the ICW at night with lures and flies can be very good in January. Small white flies, like my Grassett snook minnow, gurglers and shrimp fly patterns will work well for fly anglers. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs with shad tails or 4-inch jerk worms, DOA Tiny TerrorEyz and DOA 2.75-inch and 3-inch shrimp. Fish during peak tidal flows for the best action.

You should also find snook in rivers, creeks and canals this month. Fish deeper water in outside bends to locate snook where you may catch them with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms, DOA Baitbusters or diving/suspending plugs. You may also find reds, juvenile tarpon and even largemouth bass in the

same areas depending on salinity.

Reds should be a good option this month. You’ll find them concentrated in potholes when the tide is low. Fly anglers

REEL TIME: Standing up for mangroves

FROM PAGE 16

license should, like other regulated occupations, have consequences for the individual trimming or removing mangroves in violation of the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act.

We fear that the lack of penalties for these numerous illegal actions will send a message to licensed professionals and their clients that mangroves can be illegally altered and removed without consequences. There are no better examples of this than FDEP’s recent findings from its inspection at 10218 46th Ave. W. in Bradenton and Long Bar Pointe. Both properties have had previous enforcement cases. The property at 10218 46th Ave. W. had an enforcement case in 2013 for the same violation. In 2013, no penalties were enacted and the case was closed nearly two years later when a followup inspection concluded that the mangroves had recovered on their own. Without consequences, the homeowner once again hired a tree trimming service to alter the mangroves on her property illegally. This aggressive

trimming is known to harm these protected tree species and was the impetus for the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act.

Long Bar Pointe also had an enforcement case in 2021 and closed without penalties in April of this year. Unfortunately, the second aggressive trimming event reported in January 2022 has led to a significant amount of tree debris in the estuary contributing to a localized harmful algal bloom in the spring. According to Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Director Dr. Dave Tomasko, “That portion of the bay has much more macroalgae than most of the rest of our bay, and a preliminary nitrogen loading estimate suggests that a localized nitrogen load [coming from the mangrove trimming debris] is likely playing a role in the problems we see in that part of the bay.”

The summary letter issued to the FDEP by Long Bar Pointe on Oct. 7, 2022 noted that the mangrove trimmers did not know they were supposed to remove the debris from the water. According to that same letter, penalties are forthcoming. However, there

have been no updates on Oculus since Oct. 7. Meanwhile, Sarasota Bay continues to be negatively impacted by decomposing mangrove material, and communities scarred by illegal trimming and removal are increasingly vulnerable to hurricanes and suffer a reduction in overall resilience.

Finally, the complaint filed on Oct. 14, 2022 for the property at 223 41st St. N.E. in Bradenton has no complaint or inspection report logged. Can you please provide us with a file or link to a complete set of documents in DEP's possession related to 2022 trimming at Long Bar/Aqua, 223 41st St. N.E., and 10218 46th Ave. W.? We are not sure if there are other documents related to the trimming, investigating and penalties of these filed complaints.

We want to see the regulatory framework accomplish environmental protection in Manatee County and elsewhere. We hope that enforcement actions and penalties will be strong enough to incentivize future compliance with Florida law. We also want to see licensed and unlicensed trimmers

should score with lightly weighted flies fished on a 10-12-foot leader with a floating fly line. Reds feed on crustaceans this time of the year, so crab and shrimp fly patterns should work well. They may tail on shallow grass flats when the tide is low. You’ll need weedless rigged plastic baits or flies with weed guards to target tailing reds. A CAL shad tail on a weedless hook or a DOA shrimp rigged weedless and fished backwards are a couple of my favorite lures for tailing reds.

You may also find reds around docks, along with snook, sheepshead, flounder and more. Little Sarasota Bay has numerous oyster bars and docks that often hold reds in January. Work CAL jigs slowly along the bottom for the best action. You’re likely to find big trout in many of the same areas that you find reds. The same lures, flies and techniques that are used for reds will also work for big trout.

who break the law held accountable for their actions.

We encourage DEP to consider this and all other pertinent information. We recommend that you follow through on appropriate actions to protect our local waterways and the integrity of our environmental laws and regulations.

Thank you,

Abbey Tyrna, Executive Director & Waterkeeper

Rusty Chinnis, Board Chair

Justin Bloom, Founder & Board ViceChair

The damage to mangroves is a loss for every citizen in Manatee County, whether they are fishermen, restauranteurs, builders, realtors, homeowners or developers. These plants clean the water, protect every species that swims and feeds in local waters and are critical to protecting property from storm events like Ian. Get involved, call your commissioners and state representatives and demand accountability. If we don’t do it, no one else will. Happy Holidays.

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED Capt. Rick Grassett caught and released this trout on a CAL jig with a grub while fishing Sarasota Bay in a previous January.

Happy New Year!

t’s hard to believe we are mere days away from a new year. Each year seems to come faster and faster as I grow older, however, I fear 2023 may be different. I fear it will drag on and drag on us. I say this because, while we have survived both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian along with significant red tide impacts and a prolonged global pandemic, the traffic mayhem currently impacting much of Holmes Beach, and the location of three of our businesses in particular, could well be the end of us. In my humble opinion, the blatant failure of the joint projects has manifested into a significant loss of business at one of our historically busiest times of the year. It’s the last few increments in sales volume that generate profit. On our Island, business sales volume is cyclical throughout the year. In other words, the busy times help fund the slower times. When we lose the busy weeks, there is nothing left to support the slow weeks. But, that being said, we weren’t about to lay staff off weeks before Christmas because of poor planning on the part of others.

Despite the challenges we have been facing at the end of this year and the prospect for more of the same at the start of 2023, I still plan on enjoying a glass of sparkling wine (or two or three) to toast the new year. Champagne is most often associate with New

Year’s Eve. It’s a sparkling wine made exclusively in the Champagne region of France. Operating our businesses has some great perks, including the ability to sample many sparkling wines from around the world. Champagnes are clearly in a class all their own and worthy of their cost for special toasts like New Year’s Eve and other important milestones, but there are many surprising affordable products that taste equally amazing. Eat and drink what you want and be happy. Please stop by Hurricane Liquors or LBK Liquors and we will help you find what works for your entertainment needs! My only advice is to drink the good stuff first and work your way down. Too often, people serve their best wines or liquors late in the evening when their palate is exhausted, and the unique nuances of the product are lost on them.

Champagne is fun to pair food with. The acidity and bubbles offer a large pairing spectrum and because its champagne there really are no rules! In fact, I think it’s fun to play with the

Crab Deviled Eggs

Ingredients (12 servings)

12 hard-boiled eggs

1 pound lump crab meat

8 tablespoons Japanese-style mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 scallions, finely chopped

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, plus more for decoration

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste

24 small sprigs of fresh dill

power and draw of champagne and contrast perceptions of what should be paired with it. Leave the fancy to the champagne and have fun with the food you serve. You can get away with it! Today’s recipe is simple crab deviled eggs. The creaminess and slight sweetness of the mayonnaise, egg whites

Directions

Cook eggs, cool, peel and cut in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the egg yolks and add to a bowl along with all other ingredients except for the crab and parsley. Mix the ingredients until the yolks are blended well. Reserve 24 pieces of crab and fold remaining crab into egg yolk mixture. With a spoon or piping bag, evenly distribute the egg yolk mixture to the 24 egg white halves. Top each half with a small piece of crab, a pinch of Old Bay seasoning and a piece of dill. Refrigerate until serving.

and crab pair really well with the acid and bubbles in champagne. And the simplicity versus complexity contrast is an hour-long conversation on its own. Try using a pressure cooker for easyto-peel hard boiled eggs. We do hope you enjoy. Cheers to a new year!

Brian Mathae

HURRICANE HANKS

Travel to Dubai with JOY

ANNA MARIA – Learn what it’s like to travel to the exotic destination of Dubai with Just Older Youth (JOY) at Roser Memorial Community Church.

The group is hosting a talk featuring the experiences and photos of Allan and Laura Ward. The couple recently visited the city, located in the United Arab Emirates, and want to share their experience with the public. The event is free to attend and open to the community. Participants are asked to bring a bag lunch to enjoy during the event.

The JOY group meets on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the church’s fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. For more information, call 941778-0414.

SUBMITTED | ROSER CHURCH

Roser Church Trustee Allan Ward visits a market on a recent trip to Dubai.

GREEN: Honoring Dr. Mary Fulford Green as Sun’s Person of the Year

FROM PAGE 1

“The Cortez Village Cultural 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.”

Green led the effort to have Cortez village listed as a federal historic district. She wrote the application and lobbied successfully to have Cortez put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

“Cortez is what it is today because of Mary,” Crawford wrote in the resolution. “Her efforts blocked numerous attempts to alter the nature of our small hamlet…Cortez is now forever preserved as historical heritage, thanks to Mary and her army of supporters.”

Green was one of the founding members of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), which gradually purchased 95 acres on Sarasota Bay which is now known as the FISH Preserve to protect and enhance the habitat for wildlife. The purchase also ensures that the property on the east side of the village will never be developed.

“There was no bigger advocate for Cortez. She saw it as something that needed to be protected. She was instrumental in starting FISH and the CVHS. It was her who made sure that Cortez was designated for its historic significance,” said FISH Treasurer Jane Von Hahmann. “She was the matriarch of Cortez.”

“She was instrumental in defeating development,” Bell said. “We had our disagreements from time to time, but she didn’t

back down on anything. She stood firm.”

Bell said Green stood out on Cortez Road every Saturday years ago with others to protest the building of a new bridge.

“Before that, Chris Craft wanted to build a marina and that didn’t happen,” she said.

“It goes to show what a few strong people can do.”

Green authored “Cortez – Then and Now” with Linda Molto in 1997.

“This book is one way of telling you who we are,” Green wrote in the “Cortez-Then and Now” introduction. “It is our hope that you will help us in keep Cortez as it is-an active commercial fishery. We want to keep on ‘keeping on’ doing what we have done for over one hundred years.”

She and Molto also produced the “Walking Tour Map of the Cortez Fishing Village.”

Green also was a cookbook author, locally famous for her strawberry shortcake.

Green did not slow down in her 90s as

she opposed the planned closure of the Cortez Post Office in 2021, voicing the concerns of senior residents. That post office remains open.

“For those who knew her and her many accomplishments, Mary’s legacy is visible throughout the village. Mary embodied preservation,” said CVHS President Cindy Rodgers. “Her efforts to help preserve the historic physical structures by working to get Cortez on the National Register of Historic Places, helping to create the Cortez Village Historic Society and preserving the 1912 Cortez School, now the Florida Maritime Museum, and the historic Burton Store, now the home of the Florida Folk School, as well as the surrounding environment, the FISH Preserve, have all contributed to Cortez continuing to function as a unique working fishing community after 120 years.”

Born in Cortez in 1925, Green was the

granddaughter of 1887 Cortez settlers William Thomas Fulford and Sallie Adams of Carteret County, North Carolina. She was born in the house next door to the one she lived in when she died, the Walton “Tink” and Edith Wilson Fulford house, which the family moved into when she turned 1 year old.

She raised two sons, Mark and Ben, and two daughters, Cathy and Carol, with her husband Benjamin, who retired from the U.S. Air Force.

The valedictorian of the Bradenton High School, later Manatee High School, Class of 1942, Green was selected as Manatee High School’s Outstanding Alumna in 2020.

She earned B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at Florida State College for Women, now Florida State University, in Tallahassee in science, chemistry and education. She taught high school science classes, was a guidance counselor in Florida’s public schools and helped to create the career counseling program at State College of Florida in Bradenton.

She was a licensed mental health counselor and served as president of Manatee County’s Mental Health Association for seven years.

A life-long member of the Church of Christ, she had her own personal Christian ministry, teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies at the Manatee County jail, purchasing hundreds of Bibles and supporting Christian ministries worldwide, according to her obituary.

Rodgers said, “Mary’s epitaph reads, ‘She did all she could.’ Yes, she did.”

CINDY LANE | SUN

Mary Fulford Green, dressed as her grandmother during a history talk she gave at the Cortez Cultural Center.

Fifth-grade students kick off holidays

Students and faculty at Anna Maria Elementary School started the holidays on a festive note this year with several events taking place over the week before the Christmas break. On Dec. 20, the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization hosted a dinner followed by a holiday play presentation by fifth-grade students. Other holiday festivities included a showing of “The Polar Express” and a holiday cookie exchange.

SUBMITTED

AME fifth-grade students performed a holiday play at the school Dec. 20 just before the start of Christmas vacation.

REAL ESTATE

Building for rent, not sale

The American dream of single-family home ownership, according to cer tain builders and financial wizards who are paid to know these things, is on the decline. Well, maybe not a decline but certainly a shake-up in the way single-family home living is viewed.

If you haven’t heard of SFRs, which is short for single-family home rentals, don’t feel uninformed since I too just stumbled on it myself. Apparently, while almost everyone was consumed by the escalating single-family home market, the SFR snuck in and is now a hot area in the real estate market. So hot, in fact, that entire communities are being built by enterprising builders comprised of all single-family homes strictly for rent.

The National Association of Home Builders indicate that the $4.4 trillion SFR market is one of the fastest-growing sectors in real estate. They go on to say that single-family built-for-rent homes account for 11% of all single-family home construction in the housing market. This market

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

share is way more than the 3% that was typical over the last several decades.

The demand for single-family rental homes fills a gap on several different levels. With interest rates going up and the price of homes going up, buyers are having a much more difficult time finding a home. So here comes brand new singlefamily home communities of smart homes with amenities and upgraded fixtures without any of the home ownership hassle. This has a lot of appeal to remote workers who may be transitory and may be more interested in holding on to their cash while still living in a home. Not to mention seniors who have sold their larger properties

to cash in on their equity and don’t want to make another financial commitment.

This trend is happening even though rents on single-family homes have risen 10.2% year-over-year through September 2022 due to inflation, per CoreLogic’s single-family rent index. The most recent information is that the median rental cost for a three-bedroom, single-family, detached home is $1,900 per month nationally. Compare this to mortgage payments on a comparable home that have increased 50% since the beginning of the year. Buyers are doing the math and have determined that renting is a lot more cost-effective than owning in today’s market with interest rates double what they were two years ago.

There are a handful of companies around the country that are constructing built-for-rent communities and quite a bit of information is available on the internet about these companies and their homes. In Florida, I did find a few built-to-rent communities in Palmetto, Plant City and

Wesley Chapel near Tampa, but so far Florida has not caught the built-to-rent bug on a grand scale.

We all know the benefits of owning your own home – building equity, pride of ownership, freedom to do what you want with your property and the consistency of neighborhoods not always guaranteed in rental communities. However, despite this, buyers are sitting out buying and waiting for what they think will be a single-family correction to the market. Investing their down payment money in high interest savings accounts and waiting to see if the dust settles on the housing market has become a real development.

Real estate is always dynamic and hard to predict. Every buyer’s family and financial situation is unique so if SFRs works for you this might be the time to dive in. However, you may think interest rates are high, but historically under 7%, where they are now, is a good rate so if that’s the only thing stopping you from buying, think about it. Happy New Year!

OBITUARIES

Jesse Linn Davis

Jesse Linn Davis, 77, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at his residence. Jesse was born in East Saint Louis, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Eileen A. Davis and his daughters, Melissa M. Brussee (Tim), Chris tina N. Smith (Adam) and Jessica L. Davis. He was also survived by several grandchildren who loved him dearly and referred to him as the G-man. Jesse served in the Navy before becoming a well-respected Manatee County Utilities manager of security. He was also proud to serve twenty years as a fire commissioner for West Manatee Fire and Rescue District. In retirement, Jesse took-up martial arts and worked to earn his blackbelt. Jesse loved the

Lord and his family. His unique humor and boisterous personality could light up any room and leave an unforgettable impression. He left a testimony and witness as an overcomer and he was always willing to share his heart and the love of Christ’s forgiveness to anyone.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 3 from 5-7 p.m. at Brown & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. at the Dream Church, 5019 37th St. E., Bradenton. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Bernice D. Kipp

Bernice D. Kipp, 89, Bradenton, died Dec. 16. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, to Ernest J. and Jalia (Cummins) Dotson. Her family moved to Winter Hav en, Florida in 1949. She moved to Bradenton in

1960 with her husband of 62 years, Alvin L. Kipp. She worked as a secretary at Palma Sola and Anna Maria Elementary Schools before becoming an executive assistant with Manatee County Parks and Recreation from 1975-1993. She left parks and recreation in 1993 to become a full-time grandmother. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church and was a member of the choir for many years. Her greatest hobby was her family. She loved attending her grandchildren’s various sporting events, extracurricular activities and was “Grandma” to all of their friends. She is survived in death by her son, Terry (Vickie) Kipp of Bradenton; daughters, Lisa Bristow of Bradenton and Karen (Mike) Herlihy of Bradenton; grandchildren, Tiffany (Christopher) Coogan, Amy (Jordan) Diaz, Courtney (George) Millar, Cara Bristow and Savannah and Kipp Edgens; greatgrandchildren, Rowan Coogan, Henry Coogan and Jayse Diaz. Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 5-7 p.m. with services on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. at Brown & Sons Fu-

neral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tidewell Hospice, Inc., 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34238. Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Edward Dale Powers

Edward Dale Powers, 62, of Englewood, passed away Nov. 29, 2022. Edward was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. He had an interest in mechanics and he loved motorcycles. Edward is survived by his sons, Kiel and Robert; his father, Dale W. (Lorna); and his sister, Cay Purves. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Roser Memorial Community Church Chapel. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd St Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences can be made at www.brownandsonsfuneral. com.

BEACH BEAT

HOLMES BEACH

12/16, 2:10 p.m., petit theft, 407 73rd Street. An officer responded to a report of a theft. The victim said an unidentified man walked up to her front door and took a package of Tums that had just been delivered. The suspect appeared to be a white man in his mid 60s wearing a red jacket and jeans driving a tan sedan. The incident was recorded on the victim’s Ring doorbell camera. Photos of the recording were placed into evidence.

12/18, 3:49 a.m., public urination, 4000 Gulf Drive. While on foot patrol at Manatee Public Beach, three officers heard someone urinating near the base of a lifeguard tower. As the ap-

proached, they realized the man was urinating from the top of the tower. The man then laid down on the third level of the tower trying to hide. When officers called to him, he came down and said if he’d known they were police, he wouldn’t have done it. He was issued a notice to appear in court for the offense and trespassed from the beach.

12/19, 6:16 p.m., petit theft, 3900 East Bay Drive. An officer responded to Publix in reference to the theft of a bicycle. The victim said she parked her rental bike in the rack on the north side of the building while she went into the store. When she returned about 20 minutes later, the bike was gone. The store’s security camera recording showed the theft. The suspect is a young, white male with short blonde hair. The video footage was filed with HBPD, but the suspect was not located.

TRAM: Old Town Tram discussions continue

FROM PAGE 1

law, a CRA-funded project must directly benefit the associated CRA district.

The one-year pilot program has been extended twice since its inception and the Old Town Trams are provided by and operated by Joshua LaRose’s Sarasota-based Easy Parking Group.

CRA Chairman Ralph Cole said he and LaRose recently rode around the CRA district observing the tram operations. As LaRose has previously stated, Cole said he observed a higher demand for free rides in the Cortez Beach parking lots, south of Bridge Street, and a lesser demand for free rides down at Coquina Beach.

LaRose said his tram drivers rejected approximately 250 calls for rides north of the Cortez Bridge in November and approximately 25% of the requests for rides were for rides north of the bridge. According to LaRose’s monthly report, 4,093 people rode the trams in November.

Regarding the northward expansion of the tram route, CRA member Ed Chiles said, “The devil’s in the details” and the board would need to decide how far north the trams would travel into an area already serviced by Manatee County’s free trollies and the privately-operated Monkey Bus service.

Chiles suggested expanding the route to the north on a temporary trial basis to gauge its effectiveness. CRA member Jake Spooner said he would be open to that idea.

During past meetings, it’s been noted that allowing the trams to travel further north would result in longer travel times and longer wait times for those seeking rides within the CRA district.

As a matter of practicality, CRA member David Bell has long supported the northward expansion of the existing tram route.

“I voted for the pilot program with the hope that we would follow it wherever it goes. If we see that we need to go further north, or make the adjustments, the whole point of the pilot program was for us to learn,” he said.

Each month, LaRose invoices the CRA for the previous month’s service. The No-

vember invoice totaled $9,035. The trams’ advertising panels generated $5,125 in monthly ad revenues, which left a $3,860 monthly balance to be paid using CRA funds.

The long-term goal is for the tram service to be financially self-sufficient and 100% reliant on advertising revenues. CRA member John Chappie has repeatedly expressed his concerns about the CRA continuing to subsidize the tram service.

“Unlike the mayor, I don’t have problem subsidizing this,” Bell said.

Chappie noted the privately operated Island Rider AMI trams are now providing free rides in Bradenton Beach and elsewhere on Anna Maria Island. Once again, the CRA members discussed privatizing the tram service and once again they decided not to do so.

Police Chief John Cosby reminded board members that Manatee County’s sewer refurbishment project will begin in January and continue until late 2024. The county project will result in Gulf Drive South traffic being rerouted through the Cortez Beach parking lots, which will temporarily eliminate some of those public parking spaces serviced by the Old Town Trams.

As he’s done before, LaRose said there remains a lack of adequate tram signage. He presented the board with a proposed sign design and the board reached unanimous consensus that LaRose and Chappie would work together on the design and placement of those signs.

During public input, Angela Rodocker – owner of the BridgeWalk and Silver Surf resorts – reminded the board that the primary purpose of the Old Town Tram program is to address the lack of public parking that exists within the CRA district, which includes Bridge Street. She noted the Monkey Bus and the free trolley service are in place to transport vacationers and residents to various other locations on the Island.

As the Dec. 7 discussion concluded, the board voted 6-1 in favor of not making any changes to the existing tram route, with Bell casting the opposition vote.

Monday through Saturday, the Old Town Trams operate from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Sundays, the tram service stops at 9 p.m. To hail an Old Town Tram ride within the CRA district, call 941-404-6240. The tram route map can be viewed at www. oldtowntram.com.

PROJECT: Impacts Bradenton Beach traffic

FROM PAGE 4

CHIEF’S CONCERNS

During recent city meetings, Police Chief John Cosby has expressed concerns about the traffic and parking impacts that will occur along Gulf Drive South.

At a Dec. 7 Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, Cosby referenced the sewer rehabilitation project and its anticipated impacts on the Cortez Beach parking lots south of Bridge Street – which in addition to providing beach parking also provide public parking for CRA’s Old Town Tram parking shuttle service.

“They are cutting holes across Gulf Drive at every street, from 6th Street down to 13th. Because its gravity fed, they cannot do (underground) boring, so it’s physically cutting holes about 15 feet deep and the width of the road in order to put the pipe in,” Cosby said.

He said Gulf Drive South traffic will be diverted through the unpaved Cortez Beach parking lots which will also be used store construction equipment and materials.

“Cortez Beach parking for the next 18 months is non-existent. And as you know, the parking is still not finished at Coquina (Beach). There’s still one more section to do at Coquina once they’re done with the middle section that is not completed yet. You’re about to lose all that parking space at Cortez Beach,” Cosby said.

“We’re looking at 18 months if everything goes perfect. When’s the last time that happened?” he added.

During the Nov. 2 CRA meeting, Cosby said he and Mayor John Chappie had already met with county staff twice to discuss the pending project.

“It is going to be a nightmare,” Cosby said of the project’s anticipated impact on traffic and parking.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Easy Parking Group owner Joshua LaRose provided a potential sign design during the Dec. 7 CRA meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

TO PLAY BRIDGE Call 314324-5921 Kathleen

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

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

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

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

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

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

ENDLESS SUMMER HOME SERVICES Cleaning & Maintenance. Call Angela for your home needs. 941-577-3823

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED LICENSED REALTOR! Seeking real estate agent with island expertise to join our highly productive sales team!

Contact us at 941-9004974. All calls confidential

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

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

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

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

FISHING CHARTERS

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

FOR SALE

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION

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

JSAN CORPORATION

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

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

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

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

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.

HOME SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

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

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

POOL SERVICES

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

COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

RENTALS: ANNUAL

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

ANNUAL 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

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

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