Anna Maria Island Sun February 5, 2014

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VOL 14 No. 15

February 5, 2014

Beach project to pause at Coquina Renourishment of the southern-most leg of the project could be delayed until July.

BY CINDY LANE

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Are you trying to make plans to dodge the beach renourishment project on Anna Maria Island?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers makes no guarantees, due to possible bad weather and equipment problems, but here’s its latest estimate of when and where it will be working this month.

SEE RENOURISH ON PAGE 29

The dredge California, above right, emerges briefly from the fog off Anna Maria Island Saturday evening and is accompanied by another vessel that supplies power for the renourishment operation.

BOB PATTON | SUBMITTED

Mainsail agreement inches forward Commissioners want input from the fire marshal on a new plan for emergency access.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Despite Chair Judy Titsworth’s declaration that they’ve “beat to death” the settlement agreement, commissioners were reluctant to approve the Mainsail Development Company’s newest conceptual

INSIDE NEWS opinion sun survey arts outdoors RESTAURANTS real estate classifieds

4 6 7 23 26-28 30-33 34-39 44-47

site plan without input from the fire marshal.

Commissioners and company representatives at last week’s commission meeting continued to refine the company’s plans to build guest units, a lodge and restaurant near the corner of Gulf and Marina drives. However, one big issue with neighbors has been the company’s plans to use Sunrise Lane for emergency access.

A plan presented last week showed a new configuration for the parking

area near Sunrise Lane with a fire lane circling the parking lot and completely on Mainsail’s property, eliminating the use of Sunrise Lane.

“It is not our desire to have access off Sunrise Lane,” Mainsail Development Manager Brian Check said. “If we can, we’re happy to accommodate that, but it’s up to the fire marshal. There’s a process, and it’s a more complicated analysis that has to be done.”

“We’ve tried to put together a conceptual site plan to cover the bases

alice Baird retires after 28 years of serving as a city clerk on Anna Maria Island. 9

Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

that match up with the settlement agreement,” Mainsail President Joe Collier pointed out. “We really would like to get started. You’re going to have another crack at the site plan several times over before we ever get our building permit.

“I’m OK with using this concept plan if you want to put in a caveat that we’re not quite sure about that fire access, and we will work to figure that out as see mainsail, page 29

Local pastry chef Andrea Spring captures county fair honors. 15 A new chair is named to lead the

Tourist Development Council. 13 www.amisun.com

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THE SUN

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

City addresses safety issues on East Bay Drive The police chief said problems arise because people are using the center lane as a through lane.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Police Chief Bill Tokajer once again reminded commissioners at last week’s meeting of safety issues along East Bay Drive, where a Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) project includes constructing a sidewalk, trolley stops and shelters.

“Andy Sheridan, a trolley driver sent me video that shows the trolley stop on East Bay and a gentleman entering into the crosswalk and going out in front of the trolley to make his trek across the road, and a car almost hit the him,” Tokajer told the board.

“If he was not as young as he was and wasn’t able to jump back,

we would have had a fatality there. That’s because people are using that center lane as a through lane. You cannot pass a vehicle in that lane, and you cannot enter that lane to turn left on Manatee until right about CVS.” Commissioner Jean Peelen asked how people are supposed to know that, and Tokajer said it is state law.

“That is a lane for two-way traffic so people can go into Publix, go into the bank and go into that complex there,” Tokajer explained. “The lines marking it show it is not a through lane. It is a solid line, and you cannot pass or use it for a through lane.”

He said he is working on a plan that includes putting crosswalk signs in the center of the road to stop vehicles from using it as a through lane and adding a center median for pedestrian safety.

Public Works Supervisor Tom O’Brien said a DOT field inspector was unhappy with the two cross-

We’re trying to get a leash on it; it’s like herding cats.”

Tom O’Brien Public works supervisor walks that the city added along that strip of road.

“It’s a very hazardous and unsafe street, but it’s not our project,” O’Brien explained. “It’s an FDOT project. The FDOT project engineer is supposed to come out here and meet with us about what we see in our community. We’re trying to get a leash on it; it’s like herding cats.”

THE SUN

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Privateers Thieves Market Saturday The Anna Maria Island Privateers are holding their Thieves Market on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the six lots at Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard.

Shop for arts and crafts, antiques, collectibles, household goods, fresh produce and more.

The Privateers will be serving grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and Big John will be serving up his barbecue dishes. Admission is free, and you can take the free trolley.

Come on out and enjoy shopping near the bay and the new shops along Pine Avenue.

ITPO volunteers sought The Island Transportation Planning Organization seeks an Island resident interested in transportation issues and willing to serve as the Island’s volunteer representative on the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Citizens Advisory Committee.

Meeting eight times a year, members provide citizen input and perspective on regional transportation issues. Those interested are asked to contact the city clerk’s office in the Island city they reside in.

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THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

in brief

Porch music and oral histories Saturday Bring your instruments, voice or just sit and enjoy the free Music on the Porch on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez.

During the event, museum staff will be collecting oral histories. Call the museum if you have Cortez maritime stories to share at 941-708-6121.

Robinson wagon rolls Saturday The Robinson Preserve covered wagon rolls again on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 to 10 a.m. Your tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, resident wildlife and flowers and describe preserve highlights. The 60-minute trip is suitable for all ages. Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes in advance, as seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Robinson Preserve’s main entrance is at the end of 17th Avenue Northwest off 75th Street West in Bradenton.

Charter review commission needs member The Holmes Beach Charter Review Commission is seeking applicants for a position on the board after the resignation of member Travis Casper. Interested residents can get an application from the city clerk’s office, 5801 Marina Drive.

According to the charter, “In the event that a vacancy exists, on the commission for any reason, the remaining members shall, by majority vote, fill the vacancy by appointment.”

The commission has been meeting weekly to review the city’s charter and recommend changes. Voters must approve the changes in the November election.

Noise ordinance review Feb. 13 Commissioners at last week’s meeting received a staff report stating that the following steps have been accomplished and the city’s draft noise ordinance would be ready for review at the Feb. 13 work session.

• Human Resources Manager Mary Buonagura would work with Police Chief Bill Tokajer to determine safety and enforcement issues; • Buonagura would interview commissioners for their input; • City Attorney Patricia Petruff and Buonagura would discuss commissioners’ suggestions; • A working document would be written with a final edit by Tokajer; • The final working document would be forwarded to Petruff for comment.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Town hall meeting addresses dog park questions

Park users were given a chance to express their views on future park improvements.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Carmel Monti left Friday afternoon’s dog park-themed town hall meeting with a clearer picture of what dog park users and donors want in terms of park improvements.

Spurred by Barbara Parkman’s desire last fall to see a shade structure built in the small dog area, Rex Hagen donated $4,000, The Sun newspaper donated $4,000, and dog park users collectively raised an additional $1,300.

John and Frank Agnelli then built, at their own expense, the sturdy wooden structure that now provides small dog owners the same shade relief given to users of the large dog area.

The Agnelli’s saved the city close to $7,000 and a plaque attached to the shelter states that it is dedicated to the memory of John’s dog, Max, who passed in 2011.

This leaves the city with approximately $9,000 for additional park improvements, and Friday’s meeting gave park users an opportunity to share their views on the subject.

Monti told the 20 people in attendance that he would factor public input into his decision making process, but no final decisions would be made that day.

Many speakers commented on the muddy conditions surrounding

joe hendricks | sun

The small dog area in the dog park now includes a shade structure donated by John and Frank Agnelli. the small dog shelter. Monti said $2,000 will be spent on pavers to help remedy the situation. The rest of the money will go toward improvements to the park as a whole.

Many seeking improvements also expressed gratitude and praise for the dog park, noting that it also serves as a community gathering place.

Some complained about aggressive dogs and non-attentive owners, and asked if the rules posted regarding animal behavior, removal of pet waste, and food and alcohol not being allowed in the dog park are enforceable by law.

Monti said police have the authority to enforce the rules and advised anyone experiencing a dangerous dog or a non-cooperative owner to contact them. He also said the rules could be made stronger, in the form of an ordinance, if need be.

Clarification Bob and Mary Jo Forney celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on Feb. 1. Bob Forney was a general building contractor in Longboat Key, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and the city of Anna Maria for more than 40 years.

joe hendricks | sun

Dog park users show support for suggested improvements during last week’s town hall meeting.

Some suggested enlarging both areas of the dog park by encroaching into the underutilized baseball field.

Monti said this might pose challenges regarding ownership and previous donations made to the city and would require additional research.

Toward the end of the hour-long discussion, Monti reviewed suggestions and sought audience consensus, in the form of a show of hands, in response to specific questions.

Most favored the idea of dog park users having to register their dog or dogs with the city. This would help ensure that rabies shots are up to date and provide contact information for dog owners. A small fee would be required and the logistics of registration would have to be worked out.

Support was nearly unanimous for regular spraying of the park to prevent fleas and ticks, and plaques were preferred over commemorative bricks for donor recognition.

Some suggested solar lighting to illuminate the park, but the suggestion to close the park at dusk received more support, as it would eliminate any issues taking place after dark.

In conclusion, Monti said, “I think we’ve covered a lot of good ground and I appreciate all the comments.

We’ll work on the various things we talked about and I’ll come up with a report that says what we’re going to do with the remainder of the money that we have.”

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

THE SUN

Festival celebrates Cortez history, heritage

BY CINDY LANE

5

Enjoy reading books about Cortez Village

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

BY MARY FULFORD GREEN, ED.D

CORTEZ – The first Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival 32 years ago attracted several hundred people, much to the surprise of organizers like John Stevely, of the Florida Sea Grant Marine Extension Program in Palmetto, who made the fish chowder.

“We ran out of food before noon,” said Stevely, who remains one of the organizers and gives talks on marine life on the docks during the event.

Times have certainly changed.

The weekend of Feb. 15-16, more than 25,000 people are expected to attend the festival,

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

1912 - Cortez village is incorporated (it was later unincorporated). The Cortez Rural Graded School, now the Florida Maritime Museum, opens.

1920s - Cortez rum runners smuggle Cuban rum and Bimini whiskey during Prohibition.

1921 - A hurricane destroys most of the Cortez waterfront.

It’s time for the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival on Feb. 15 and 16. This is my special invitation to you to visit the booth of the Cortez Village Historical Society. You will enjoy reading our books, which will be on sale there. May I tell you about them?

The first written in 1984 was "Finest Kind." You may recognize that expression as one used by fishermen throughout the country. In 1981, the author, my son Ben Green, interviewed the 90-year-old pioneer settlers still living in the village. He wanted to hear their stories of the history of this 127-yearold commercial fishing village. "Finest Kind" is that story.

The second book, "Fog Comin In," is by my cousin Doris Green. Living all of her life in the village, she collected all of the family stories. I still say we probably should have paid her to not publish the book, as she tells all our secrets. We especially value the chapter on World War II. I want you to know that on March 16, 1995, the village was listed as an Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. We have 97 historic structures. I am proud that it was on this date, as that is the birthday of my Grandpa William

see HISTORY, page 40

see books, page 40

SUBMITTED

The 1912 Cortez school, now the Florida Maritime Museum, is the entrance to the 32nd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival Feb. 15-16. and there will be no shortage of seafood, organizers promise. Live music on two stages, nautical arts

and crafts, children’s activities and history displays will be among the featured events.

One of the last working fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf coast, Cortez has been a commercial fishing hub for centuries. Here are some highlights of its long history: 1500s - Spaniards discover the area and ship dried fish

to Cuba and the Bahamas.

Late 1800s- The Fulford, Guthrie and Jones families settle Hunter’s Point from Carteret County, N.C. 1895 - The U.S. Post Office renames Hunter’s Point Cortez.

Early 1900s - Nate Fulford installs an engine on a skipjack, the beginning of the end of sailboat and poling fishing.

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THE SUN

OPINION

Mike Field, editor and CEO Mike & Maggie Field, publishers Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

EDITORIAL Going with the flow

I

t is a situation that is repeated every day on Anna Maria Island, in all three cities and in various locations. In season, it gets more intense, as the Island's population swells with visitors and the motor vehicles they use to get here.

Traffic congestion is nothing new, of course, and is just a fact of life, something Island residents learn to accept and live with. We leave a little early to go to the store or to a restaurant, knowing it will take a little longer to get wherever it is we're headed, and knowing that left turns just aren't practical on some really crowded days.

Managing the flow of vehicles, cyclists, golf carters and pedestrians has always been a tricky task for transportation officials and for law enforcement, who juggle the various needs of those using the roadways while trying to keep everyone safe at the same time. Mostly, they do a good job and we're amazed there aren't more serious collisions and accidents than there are. The inevitable trouble spots do arise, though, and often require special attention. One such location in Holmes Beach is being dealt with right now along East Bay Drive south of Manatee Avenue, where a Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) project includes constructing a sidewalk, trolley stops and shelters.

City commissioners were reminded last week of the safety issues surrounding this stretch of road, where a center turn lane often is used as a through lane by uninformed drivers who want to pass stopped trolleys. The maneuver is illegal and extremely dangerous, as riders leaving the trolley try to cross the street in the newly installed crosswalks. A video provided by a trolley driver shows a rider walking in front of the trolley and almost being run over by a driver using the center turn lane as a through lane.

Holmes Beach officials are considering different ways to make the situation safer, including installing crosswalk signs in the center of the road and possibly adding a center median. Increased traffic patrols might be another safety idea worth looking at. And heightened awareness by motorists and pedestrians is always a plus, as we all try to navigate our way around this Island we choose to call home.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Be a good neighbor It baffles me. Where do some people get the idea in their head that in their own self-interest they can broadcast their music throughout the neighborhood? They actually believe that they can decide for others what they should endure, and even what others should do with their own time at home.

Be considerate of your neighbors and minimize your obnoxious noise.

Enjoy the great feelings that come with the pride of being a great neighbor, engaged in the service of your community. Especially if you are a local business establishment.

Mark Suhre Bradenton Beach

Helping bird watchers Twenty-eight persons participated in the 2014 Manatee Audubon Bird Watching course. This year’s participants call the following communities home: Bradenton (16); Bradenton Beach (1); Cortez (1); Ellenton (1); Palmetto (2); Longboat Key (1); Parrish (1); St. Petersburg (1); Sarasota (2); and, University Park (1) - all in

Florida. One participant lives in Madison, Wisconsin. As lead instructors, we note with gratitude that publicity provided by local print media remains the primary source for participant course information. With mixed feelings, we have taught this course for the last time; however, experienced field instructors, Mike and Nancy Barnes, along with Steve Black, will add classroom instruction to their duties. Developing and teaching this course over these past 12 years has been a privilege for us, and we will have lasting memories of the thrilled facial expressions on those, who first identified birds in their native habitats, behaving as expected from class instruction.

Nancy and Bob Dean

Lengthy wait for trolley We were down for several weeks at Thanks giving, Christmas and New Years. We had never tried before, but this trip we had occasion to try and ride the trolley to get around. We live on Key Royale and walked down to the stop on Marina Drive to pick it up. We waited over 45 minutes with kids for

it to come. Is this typical of the wait for the trolley? If so, how is this a viable transit option, especially with the parking issues in town? It may be fun as a tourist attraction; people can ride around and look at things, but how is this any solution to transit issues?

Deborah Klein

Efforts appreciated Editor's note: The following letter was written by Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon to former mayor John Shaughnessy.

I want you to be the first to know I received the final accepted agreement for shared funding for the Bradenton Beach City Pier. The City and its citizens will benefit from your implementation of starting the process for years to come. Without your vision and approach to the TDC, the pier renovation would have been a challenge. I will be counting on you to cut the ribbon at the reopening.

Bill Shearon Bradenton Beach mayor

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

THE SUN

the sun survey

on the agenda

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: What do you think of Anna Maria approving a Let me move around cell tower?

Bad

Anna Maria

0%

I like it. Will we all be getting mutant super powers now?

2%

a little....I can't hear you.

15%

idea. It will be a visual blight on the city.

10005 Gulf Drive

2/5: Environmental Education and Enhancement Committee, 6:30 p.m.

2/13: Commission work session, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

57%

26%

Can they make it look like an Australian pine?

Good idea. Should have done it years ago.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY How should money donated to the dog park be spent?

• Install a gate between the two parks.

• Make the small dog park bigger.

• Install more pavers in the small dog park to make it less

muddy.

• Erect four or five fake fire hydrants for the boy dogs.

• All of the above.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone. But don't just vote – let us know what else you think. Send your comments about this week's topic to news@amisun.com or post them in the comments section of our website.

Results are printed on this page every week in the Anna Maria Island Sun.

HOW TO WRITE US 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 several ways to make your opinion known.

Visit our website at www.amisun.com and click on the “contact us” link at the top of the home page. Or, e-mail The Sun directly at news@amisun.com. If you prefer the old-fashioned way you can mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and should contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. Letters also may be edited for length and content.

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mission meting, 1 p.m.

2/13: Commission/Department head meeting, 1:15 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

2/5: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board, 5 p.m.

2/6: Charter Review Commission, 10 a.m.

2/11: Commission meeting, 7 p.m.

2/13: Charter Review Commission, 9 a.m.

2/13: Commission work session, 7 p.m.

2/5: Pier team, 11 a.m.

2/6: Community Redevelopment Agency/Capital Improvement Projects Committee, 1:30 p.m.

2/6: City Commission work session, 6 p.m.

2/6: City Commission meetIsland-wide ing, 7 p.m. 2/11: Commis2/12: Palma Sola Scenic Highsion budge work session, 1 way Committee, Manatee p.m.

County Administration Build2/12: Planning and Zoning Board, 3 I like it. Will we all be getp.m. ting mutant super powers 2/13: Comnow?

0%

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless otherwise indicated.

Wednesday

Feb. 5 Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5.

Gulf Coast Writers, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach,1 p.m..

Couch to 5K fitness program, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext.

6044.

Mana-Tweens Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m. Registration required.

Thursday

Feb. 6 Catherine Chapman Smith speaks on her journey on the Idaho Wilderness Trail, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Couch to 5K fitness program, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext.

6044.

Bingo, Annie Silver Com-

munity Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, doors open at 6:30 p.m., play at 7 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase.

friday

Feb. 7 Forty Carrots program for babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Class on smart phones and tablets, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

saturday

Feb. 8 Privateers’ Thieves’ Market, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Master Gardener tour, Robinson Preserve, Riverview Pointe Preserve, end of 75th Street, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m. Reserve to 941-7224524.

Naturalist-led 60-minute wagon tours, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 and 10 a.m., first come, first served.

Origami class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Music on the porch, Florida Maritime Museum, Cortez SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

mark your calendar FROM PAGE 7

Road and 119th Street West, Cortez, noon to 4 p.m.

Social Networking for Small Business, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

sunday

Feb. 9 Bridge Street Market, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

tuesday

Feb. 11 Children’s story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Yoga with Lucy, AMI Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $6. Bring a mat.

Couch to 5K fitness program, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th

Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext. 6044.

wednesday

Feb. 12 Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5.

John Beale of the Florida Martime Museum in Cortez speaks about the museum and its programs, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Couch to 5K fitness program, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext. 6044.

thursday

Feb. 13 Anna Maria’s Edible Gardens, by Mike Miller, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Couch to 5K fitness program,

Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext. 6044.

Finding Romance in Nature, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 6 to 8 p.m. Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext. 6039.

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, doors open at 6:30 p.m., play at 7 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase.

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Live like a local Respect Wildlife

friday

Feb. 14 Forty Carrots program for babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Alzheimer’s Association Care Giver’s Group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Black bellied plover Shorebird nesting season begins soon - please do not disturb our nests!

Anna Maria Island Sun, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

THE SUN

City Clerk celebrates retirement With service to the city now complete, a move to Ecuador awaits.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

ANNA MARIA – Friday afternoon, Alice Baird was recognized for 28 years of service as a city clerk on the Island, with a retirement reception at The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria.

Baird spent 14 years work-

ing for the city of Bradenton Beach, where she started as a deputy clerk and later ascended to the position of city clerk.

In 2000, she took her talents to the north end of the Island and began a 14-year stint as Anna Maria’s city clerk.

At both stops, Baird also volunteered her time to the community. For this, and more, she received a certificate of appreciation from Congressman Vern Buchanan, presented in person by Buchanan’s special

assistant Gary Tibbetts.

“Alice has been city clerk for many years here in Anna Maria, but Mr. Buchanan also wanted to recognize her contributions as a volunteer to the community and her hometown for over 30 see clerk, page 36

Retired city clerk Alice Baird, center, displays Congressman’s recognition, joined by Congressional staffer Gary Tibbetts and Mayor SueLynn. joe hendricks | sun

Baird known as a friend to all Her going away party gave others the chance to sing her praises.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

ANNA MARIA – Friday afternoon, former city clerk Alice Baird’s colleagues and friends shared their

thoughts on the retirement of an Island icon.

Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn said, “We’ll put someone else in the position of city clerk, but we can’t replace her.

We can’t replace the knowledge, who she is and how she did her job. We’re going to miss her.”

Commissioner and former planning and zoning board chair Doug Cope-

land jokingly said, “She’s been a pain in our butt for 14 years; now maybe see FRIEND, page 36

Recently retired city clerk Alice Baird, center, in black jacket, is surrounded by friends and former colleagues at Friday’s retirement reception.

February 15th

with Dean Martin and Friends

Dinner Theater featuring impersonator

Coz Serrapere & & Vida Maccanas

The Sahara’s own “Rat Pack Dino”, his versatility and comedic nature will keep you entertained!

Dinner Catered by

Danny’s Pizzeria

Garlic Knots Greek Salad Penne ala Vodka Chicken Parmesan Water, Tea and Coffee

Dessert: Assorted Pastries from Hometown Desserts Grab your friends for Las Vegas style entertainment !

Reservations Only. Call (941) 778-1908 ext. 0 Dinner served at 6:00 pm. Show is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Tickets are $30 per person or a table for (8) for $240.

Sorry, No Refunds.

Bring your own beer or wine. Ice buckets & cups provided

A fundraiser for the Anna Maria Community Center held at

407 Magnolia Avenue * Anna Maria 34216 Ad Sponsored by AMI Island Sun

joe hendricks | sun

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THE SUN

Bill would slow rising flood premiums

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

The U.S. Senate passed a bill last week that would delay flood insurance premium increases for policyholders with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The bill is an attempt to address flood insurance rate hikes caused by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, which phased out premium subsidies in an effort to make the NFIP financially sound.

The law caused some policyholders’ premiums to skyrocket, including many on Anna Maria Island, affecting the affordability of homes and businesses as well as real estate sales.

The Florida Association of Counties plans to meet with members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 11-12 with a package of reform proposals to address flood insurance rate hikes. The proposals include: • Delaying rate increases until

the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) completes the affordability study required by Biggert-Waters; • Limiting rate increases to no more than 10 percent a year; • Implementing an assistance program for property owners who cannot afford coverage;•treating all pre-firm properties equally, including primary and secondary homes and commercial property; • Eliminating the full rate trigger for policy lapses and properties that are sold; • Improving consumer protection by authorizing an independent agency to review and approve rate increases before private companies or FEMA issue new policies; • Designating a Flood Insurance Consumer Advocate to represent the interests of policyholders; • Creating an appeals process that allows property owners, through the Flood Insurance Consumer Advocate, to appeal rate hikes that exceed

a certain dollar threshold; • Improving accountability for NFIP operating expenses; • Expanding flood mitigation efforts to increase federal funding for flood mitigation, streamline grant administration, implement alternative voucher systems that would allow property owners to undertake mitigation efforts that lower their risk and their insurance rates and provide tax credits to policyholders who undertake mitigation with their own funds.

Meanwhile, state legislation, Senate Bill 542, also is making its way through Florida legislative committees. It would encourage private insurers to offer policies in Florida to compete with the standardized rates of the NFIP. The bill would allow policyholders more flexibility on both rates and coverage, such as insuring for the amount of a mortgage, replacement value or cash value.

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Maddox wins sleigh lawsuit Former Anna Maria Island Privateer Richard “Rick” Maddox has won his suit against the group of pirates over an old boat trailer that the group has been using as a sleigh when Santa makes an appearance.

Maddox filed the suit in July 2012, claiming he and not the Privateers is the owner of the trailer. His complaint alleged he lent the trailer to the Privateers for use during an event and they never returned it. He claimed the trailer was worth $4,500. The jury agreed on Jan. 29 to award Maddox $1,000 for his loss of use of the trailer.

Privateer “Big John” Swager said they will have to find a way to pay for the $1,000 judgment and they would discuss whether to appeal at a future meeting.

“We’re a non-profit, and we can’t be spending a lot of money to take this too far,” he said.

Swager said maybe someone would give them a trailer like the one in question so Santa would still be able to sit in his sleigh.

Ribbon cutting planned The officers and directors of the Anna Maria Island Preservation Trust Fund (AMIPT) team up with the AMI Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. in front of the Island Players Theatre, at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue.

The AMIPT will present a Florida State Marker to the city of Anna Maria for its continued support of The Island Playhouse for more than 100 years.

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Bird tally begins Shorebirds are showing up on Anna Maria Island’s beaches for nesting season, which is right around the corner, and they will be counted this week and next by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers, which will be staking out nesting areas soon to protect eggs and chicks. Above, a pair of black skimmers feeds on Anna Maria Island’s shoreline. Left, sanderlings rest on the beach in Anna Maria.

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Net ban case plays out One inch in net mesh size makes all the difference to commercial mullet fishermen, said a lawyer representing them against state fisheries officials enforcing the net ban.

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Plaintiffs in a lawsuit to repeal the 1995 gill net ban have filed a brief further explaining their contention that the ban is unconstitutional and violates the equal protection rights of mullet fishermen.

In a case brought by the Wakulla Commercial Fishermen’s Association, the Leon County Second Circuit Court lifted the net ban last October, ruling that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) could no longer enforce the state constitutional amendment banning gill nets.

The amendment was passed by Florida voters in 1994 to ban gill nets in state waters as a way of preserving fish populations and preventing the accidental entrapment of unintended marine life. It went into effect in 1995, putting commercial fishermen out of work statewide, including in Cortez.

The FWC’s subsequent rule limiting net mesh sizes used by mullet fishermen create what the judge called the “legal absurdity” of prohibiting larger mesh gill nets that let juvenile fish go, while allowing smaller mesh nets that catch juvenile fish, which she said defeats the purpose of preserving fish populations.

An appeal by the FWC stayed her order, but she lifted the ban again later that month. A second FWC appeal stayed her second order, and the case is now pending in the First District Court of Appeal.

According to the brief, filed on Jan. 21, rules governing the commercial mullet gill net fishery prior to the net ban amendment set a three-inch stretch mesh minimum size “to make sure that mullet under 11 inches were not captured, or, in other words, to allow more fish to spawn before they

were caught,” plaintiff ’s attorney Ron Mowrey wrote in his 53-page brief.

After the net ban passed, the FWC replaced the three-inch stretch mesh minimum rule with a two-inch stretch mesh maximum rule, he wrote, which, with the net ban, “had the effect of defining any net with larger than a two-inch stretch mesh a prohibited gill net.”

But two-inch stretch mesh nets gill just as many fish as three-inch stretch mesh nets, he wrote, citing a study showing that the mean gilling ratio of fish in a two-inch mesh net was roughly the same as a three-inch mesh net, with the main difference being that the smaller net gilled fish indiscriminately, with more than 10 different species caught, compared to four different species of fish caught in three-inch mesh nets. The smaller nets also caught mostly unmarketable juvenile fish, he added.

“This is the exact type of unnecessary killing, overfishing and waste” that the net ban amendment was designed to limit, he wrote. “The overwhelming amount of fish caught in the three-inch mesh nets were marketable mullet and resulted in little bycatch.

“The FWC’s assertion at trial and its initial brief is that the two-inch stretch mesh rule protects the fishery by preventing the harvest of adultsized mullet capable of spawning.

However, a legal size mullet and a legal size bluefish are almost the same size (11 and 12 inches, respectively).

The conclusory argument that different fisheries are regulated differently does not address why bluefish fishermen are authorized to use a threeinch mesh net or larger, but mullet fishermen must use a two-inch mesh net or smaller. There is no reasoning to allow a larger mesh net for the former but not the latter,” Mowrey wrote, concluding that the FWC’s failure to “enact a common sense exception to the challenged rules for mullet fishermen while allowing the same for bluefish … is a violation of their equal protection rights.”

The Florida Attorney General’s office, representing the FWC, has not yet responded to the brief.

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

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Baugh to lead tourism council The new TDC chair says tourism growth is a balancing act.

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh is the new chair of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC), and will preside over her first meeting on Monday, Feb. 10, at 9 a.m., at Manatee Technical Institute.

“Tourism is growing by leaps and bounds, but we’ve got to be smart,” said Baugh, a Republican elected in 2012 to represent District Five in Manatee County. “We want to see the Island prosper in the right way.”

Baugh, a Lakewood Ranch jewelry store owner, replaces Commissioner Carol Whitmore, a Holmes Beach resident, and she says it’s the first time a commissioner from the east part of the county has served as TDC chair.

County tourism promoters were instrumental recently in signing the World Rowing Championships in 2017 just over the county line in Sarasota, which is expected to draw 40,000 spectators to the southeastern part of Manatee County.

“But the beach is the primary attraction and that is never going to change,” Baugh said.

What is the TDC?

The TDC is a nine-member board that advises the Manatee County Commission on expenditures of tourism funds generated by the 5 percent resort tax on accommodations.

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) spends the funds; its 2014-15 tourism budget is $6,557,635, with the lion’s share - $3,921,020 - allocated to tourism marketing.

The rest is split among administrative costs,12.5 percent; beach renourishment, 11.5 percent; the Bradenton Convention Center, 9.3 percent; tourism related projects, 7.8 percent; the Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Facility, 6.2 percent; tax collector com-

missions, 3 percent; and the South Florida Museum, .5 percent.

The TDC and the commission recently broke new ground by approving a tourism related project in the amount of $1 million in matching funds to the city of Bra- Baugh denton Beach to renovate the Bridge Street Pier, the largest amount ever allocated.

Baugh said future requests for funds will be considered objectively by the TDC using new guidelines created by the CVB after that decision.

Overcrowding

With Anna Maria Island elected officials using fish analogies such as “crammed like sardines” and “filled to the gills” to describe the Island during high tourist season, which peaks in midMarch, Baugh said she understands.

“I lived in Virginia Beach, a resort town, and never went to the beach,” said Baugh, who has lived in Manatee County since 1999, adding that she has been caught in traffic jams on the Island more than once.

“We need to tackle it. We can’t just ignore it,” she said. “We need to keep Manatee County attractive for tourists and residents.”

Higher density belongs “in the right places,” like in east Manatee County, she said. “Out east we expect growth.”

The age-old struggle to manage growth is “like being between a rock and a hard spot,” Baugh said.

The TDC will work closely with Island governments and the county commission to balance the interests, she said, adding, “We need to give the Island some control.”

“Growth is going to happen, but you want to be able to have some control as to how that happens. I don’t think anyone wants to see the Island change entirely. I don’t think anyone could see tourism, page 43

Tourist Development Council members • Chair Vanessa Baugh, Manatee County commissioner • Wayne Poston, Bradenton mayor • Jean Peelen, Holmes Beach commissioner • Barbara Rodocker, owner, Bridge Walk Resort, Bradenton Beach • David Teitelbaum, owner, Tortuga Inn, Tradewinds and Seaside Inn, Bradenton Beach • Ed Chiles, owner, Sandbar, Anna Maria; BeachHouse, Bradenton Beach; Mar Vista, Longboat Key • Dale Sconyers, manager of the Holiday Inn Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch • Jack Rynerson, board member, Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority

LBK to get tourism funds

Manatee County commissioners approved up to $58,000 last week for the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce to promote north Longboat Key to tourists.

In an amendment to the county’s 2011 agreement with the Chamber, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will budget $45,000 a year for an advertising program to promote tourism in north Longboat Key. CVB staff will visit the Chamber up to three times a year to get feedback on the program and will develop cooperative programs to cover its expenses for the advertising .

Under the agreement, the CVB also will pay the Chamber $5,000 a year to place brochures in its lobby and will reimburse the Chamber up to $5,000 a year to mail out visitors guides.

The Chamber will give a free full page ad to the CVB in its visitors guide, and will post a Visitor Information Center sign outside its office and will add Visitor Information Center to its road signs at the CVB’s expense, up to $3,000.

North Longboat Key is home to Moore’s Stone Crab restaurant, Mar

• Vernon DeSear, vice president of marketing, Manatee Healthcare System The TDC is comprised of one member of the county commission, two elected municipal officials, one from the county’s largest municipality (Bradenton), four owners or operators of hotels, motels or other accommodations in Manatee County who are subject to the county’s 5 percent resort tax, and two members who are involved in the tourist industry and have demonstrated an interest in tourism, but are not subject to the resort tax.

Vista Dockside restaurant and the sparsely-occupied Whitney Beach Plaza, a shopping center on Gulf of Mexico Drive currently under renovation.

County funds $1 million for bridge The Manatee County Commission voted last week to amend the county’s 2013-14 budget to include up to $1 million in matching funds to help the city of Bradenton Beach rebuild the Bridge Street Pier.

The money was taken from reserves in the Tourist Development Tax Fund, which consists of proceeds from the county’s 5 percent resort tax, paid by visitors staying six months or less in rental properties, including hotels, motels, condos, duplexes, single family homes and mobile homes.

The commission voted last month to amend the county’s Tourist Development Plan to approve the funding, recommended by the Tourist Development Council last fall.

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Church School for Children & Youth • 9:00 Adult Bible Study & Book Study • 10:00 Nursery Available • 9:00 & 11:00

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Spring takes Best in Show at county fair Award-winning pastry chef Andrea Spring, who recently joined the Sandbar restaurant staff, was awarded several ribbons including Best of Show at the Manatee County Fair.

“The competition is pretty tough,” Spring said. “Some of these ladies and men have been baking for decades.

They have spent many hours refining and perfecting their recipes.

“This is a serious competition. Top secret. We aren’t even allowed to see the judges.”

Winning entries included: • Honey wheat rolls with honey butter: Best of Show, Blue Rosette and Blue Ribbon; • Coconut and white chocolate cream pie: Blue Ribbon; • Soft pretzels with beer bacon cheese dip: Blue Ribbon; • Chunky bread and butter pickles: Red Ribbon; • Florida strawberry shortcake: Honorable Mention.

This is the third year Spring has submitted dishes to the county fair. Last year she received three red ribbons and two blue ribbons.

When asked why she enters this event, Spring said, “I think everyone should support county fairs and our agricultural industry. Much of the interest in and attendance at local county fairs is decreasing. These events showcase

submitted

Above are some of Spring's mouth-watering desserts. At right, Spring shows the ribbons she won at the Manatee County Fair. the hard work and effort of our local farmers and agricultural contributors.

“Everyone should attend the fair to show their appreciation.

Ride the rides, see the animals and experience the agricultural and farming culture that is

the foundation of our country.”

Sandbar owner Ed Chiles said, “We are very proud of Andrea and share in her support of our local county fair.

We hope everyone will visit the Sandbar to enjoy all of her award winning dishes.”

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Tingley library celebrates anniversary The community treasure operates outside the county library system.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

BRADENTON BEACH – February is a big month for the Tingley Memorial Library.

Library Clerk Eveann Adams and her volunteer staff will celebrate 20 years at the current location with a fundraising book sale on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., proceeds from the sale will help purchase new books. The quaint, elevated library is located 111 Second St. N., next to city hall.

“We consider it the gem of the city.

There isn’t a week that goes by without someone telling us how nice the library is and how much they like it,” Adams said.

Dating back to the 1950s and originally known as the Bradenton Beach Library when located at city hall, the library is named in honor of Beulah

joe hendricks | sun

The local treasure known as the Tingley Memorial Library has been its current locations for the past 20 years. The cozy interior has much to offer to visitors Hooks Hannah Tingley, the longtime Bradenton Beach resident who passed away in 1986, having bequeathed to the city roughly half-million dollars to be used for a reading room.

The library is a stand-alone entity and is not part of the Manatee County library system. The city pays Adams’ salary, with Ms. Tingley’s donation and the interest it earns serving as a primary funding source for library

operations.

Adams believes the library building opened in February 1994. It was dedicated in Tingley’s honor in February 1995.

Adams moved from Los Angeles to Bradenton in 2001 and started working at the library in 2003 after answering a

help wanted ad for a library clerk. The library’s only paid staffer is an English literature major who never studied librarian sciences.

“The rest of the library’s run by friendly and loyal volunteers,” she said see library, page 19

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LIBRARY: Tingley celebrates anniversary FROM PAGE 18

of those who dedicate their time to the community library.

The 1,900 feet of shelving found inside the library holds approximately 10,000 books, including many children’s titles. Additional offerings include puzzles, DVDs and VHS tapes, magazines, free wi-fi, the use of a library computer for a small fee and limited local faxing.

The library also provides a 15-person capacity conference room free of charge, with donations gladly accepted.

A Tingley library card costs $4 a year and allows users to check out up to three books for three weeks, with renewals granted by phone.

Paperback titles and puzzles are loaned on an honor basis, with users trusted to return them on their own accord.

Harkening back to bygone days, visitors in search of a particular title do it the old-fashioned way – using a card catalogue system instead of a digital database.

Adams is proud that her little library stocks a substantial number of recent best sellers, new releases, as well as the work of Pulitzer Prize winning authors and other notable book award recipients.

Patrons are not allowed to

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Library Clerk Eveann Adams displays historical information on Tingley Memorial Library and its benefactor, Beulah Hooks Hannah Tingley. reserve books, but many have told Adams they have a high rate of success when it comes to finding new books and bestsellers.

There is also a section dedicated to local authors, Florida writers and books about the Island.

In addition to the upcoming anniversary book sale, Adams operates a continuous book sale on a smaller scale, with titles displayed in the lobby and the conference room always for sale.

The library is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with shorter Saturday hours during the summer season.

“We’re here on behalf of all the people in the community and surrounding area. I thank them for their patronage and hope they keep coming back,” Adams said.

To learn more about this Island treasure, drop by in person, visit on Facebook or call 941-779-1208.

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Congestion committee to proceed with parking plan Agreements would establish overflow parking sites for beachgoers and visitors.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners agreed to allow the congestion committee to take the next step forward with a parking agreement for alternate beach parking sites.

“What we’re trying to do is find some sites that will give us some alternate free parking, what we call overflow parking, even it its 20 more spots,” Chair Carol Soustek told the board.

“It would allow people to come to the Island with some more alternatives than trying to park along Manatee Avenue or wherever they can find a place to park.”

Soustek said the parking agreement details the responsibilities of the site owner and city. She said sites the group has been working with are near the Manatee Public Beach because people can have access to the facilities and enter and exit the Island easily.

Sites include the vacant Regions Bank, Anna Maria Elementary School, Church of the Annunciation, Hancock Bank, the Island Branch Library and city hall. She said the school and library would require separate agreements.

Commissioner Jean Peelen asked if the group has approached representatives of the various sites, and Soustek

said they have, but have not discussed anything in depth because the commission had to approve the agreement.

“We’re hoping we could get with two of them and put donation boxes up because that has been done in St. Armands Circle, and they did quite well,” Soustek said. “They can earn additional revenue without a huge headache.”

Concerns and costs

She said concerns expressed by site representatives include visitors creating additional trash and not respecting the sites, but said the police chief has assured them he would patrol and the city will have containers for trash.

Peelen asked if they had any estimates on the cost to the city, and Soustek said she did not have specifics.

“We don’t know how its going to end up, but we have great hope,” Soustek noted. “Just showing people that come to the Island that Holmes Beach is working to find some solutions to make their trip better sends a very positive message.”

Peelen asked if they have explored transportation to and from sites on the mainland. Soustek said they have discussed other solutions, but focused on the alternate sites for now. She said the county is exploring those issues.

Commissioner David Zaccagnino suggested that the trolley eventually could transport people to Robinson, Perico and Neal preserves.

We have to start somewhere, and this is a good plan.”

David Zaccagnino Commissioner

“Is it is OK to open up beach parking in an area zoned for a church?” Chair Judy Titsworth asked City Attorney Patricia Petruff.

“My feeling is it’s pretty typical for event parking,” Petruff replied. “I didn’t have an issue having teenage kids from the church collecting donations on the weekends.

“It is already a parking lot, so why would the city care if they collect money?”

Balancing interests

“For special events, are we going to have people in residential neighbor-

hoods saying park all day at my house for $10?” Titsworth asked.

“That’s not what we’re promoting,” Soustek responded “We’re promoting where the congestion is right now.”

“It’s a matter of balancing interests,” Peelen observed. “There are the interests of the people whose house the beachgoers are parking in front of now.

We’re trying to even out the load.”

“We could see if we could get a couple people to sign up and do it for a season and then come back and reevaluate,” Petruff suggested.

Zaccagnino said there is a clause in the agreement allowing either party to terminate with 30 days notice, and if they get complaints, they can nullify the agreement.

“We have to start somewhere and this is a good plan,” he said.

Mayor Carmel Monti agreed and noted, “There’s not one silver bullet.

There’s a lot of little things we’re looking at, but this is one method of dealing with the overflow.”

Commissioner Marvin Grossman said he would agree to a trial period if they agree to revisit it.

Petruff said they could authorize the congestion committee to approach some of the sites with the agreement and get the process started. She said the final agreements would come back to the commission.

Commissioners agreed in consensus to Petruff’s suggestion.

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Commission discusses charter issues They agreed to ask the charter review commission to consider adding height and density limits to the charter.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners discussed various topics for consideration by the charter review commission, which is meeting weekly to develop recommendations for charter changes to be on the November ballot.

Topics included:

Height and density limits

Commissioner Jean Peelen asked if they could put height and density limitations in the charter.

Commissioner David Zaccagnino agreed and said, “The campaign finance reform law changed last year and anybody, any corporation can give any amount of money to any candidate and the general public wouldn’t even know it.

“A big real estate developer could come in here and get three candidates and fund them and change the height limits."

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said other cities have height restrictions in their charter and she would look at what other beach communities have done.

Terms and term limits

Charter review commissioners recently said they plan to get public input at a future meeting regarding four-year terms for the mayor and commissioners as well as term limits.

Chair Judy Titsworth said when she ran for election, she was surprised that the residency requirement was only two years.

“That’s just amazing,” she said. “It seems to take a lot more than two years to feel the heartbeat of the city, but I know we have to continue to get people to run.”

Zaccagnino said the city is lucky to have people to run for city commission and pointed out, “I think it is important that we don’t put too many restrictions on it. I don’t want to scare anybody off.

“In some smaller communities there’s a reason you have two-year terms and don‘t have term limits. If you don’t like the job they’re doing you can vote them out every two years. You can do a world of hurt to a small city in a couple years.”

Peelen disagreed and said, “Every year, either the majority or minority of the commission changes, and that to me is a problem for consistency and following through on ideas and philosophies of government.”

Titsworth said she might no have run

A big real estate developer could come in here and get three candidates and fund them and change the height limits.”

David Zaccagnino Commissioner if it was for four years, and added, “Look at everything the mayor had to learn. If he gets voted out, all that learning curve is just gone. I see both sides.”

Zaccagnino said some people might not be willing to make a four-year commitment.

Creating a new position

Mayor Carmel Monti asked Petruff, “If we were to create a new position such as human resources manager is that a charter issue?”

“The question is what positions should be at the level of a charter office,” Petruff replied. “A key employee is a charter officer, and the difference is the commission

gets to ratify the mayor’s appointment of those key positions.”

Titsworth noted, “Mary’s (Human Resources Manager Mary Buonagura) position as human resources is so beneficial to an incoming mayor. When we came in there were a lot of changes, and if we had somebody in that position to help with all of that, it might have really helped.”

However, Zaccagnino and Peelen disagreed with putting it in the charter because it could create a budget issue.

Mayor’s salary

Peelen suggested increasing the mayor’s salary and noted, “This past year watching what it takes to do the mayor’s job, to do it right and do it with thought – this isn’t a part time job unless you’re extremely wealthy. “ However, Monti said it’s not a charter issue because salaries are decided by commissioners.

Monti reminded commissioners that “the charter review commission makes the decisions on what goes on the ballot without going to the city commission. That’s how much power they have and why it’s very important for us to give them input.”

Petruff also advised the board that any individual could go to the charter commission meeting and give their input on whatever section it is reviewing that day.

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Traffic woes concern Island mayors

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

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Solutions remain elusive at a time when more visitors are expected.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

BRADENTON BEACH – Seasonal traffic congestion is once again on the minds of elected officials.

Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn arrived late for the Tuesday, Jan. 21 Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) meeting due to heavy traffic encountered during her commute from Anna Maria to Bradenton Beach City Hall.

SueLynn is one of three Island mayors that sit on the ITPO, joined by officials from regional and state transportation agencies. Her late arrival inspired a conversation about the early onset of seasonal congestion. “This is about a month ahead of time when we usually experience these types of backups. It’s usually the middle of February, and now here we are, in the middle of January,� SueLynn said, noting that vacation rental occupancy rates are expected to continue climbing and Gov. Rick Scott’s wants to increase

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Florida tourism from 90 million to 100 million visitors per year. “Even if we pick up another thousand visitors, we need to be looking at this. We are at a point where we are getting saturated with the number of people we can handle. We want to keep them coming, that’s not the issue, but to bring all these people and then have them in lines, backed up for a half an hour or 45 minutes to even get to the bridges, let alone the residents having to endure that,� she said.

SueLynn suggested residents coordinate their trips on and off the Island in an effort to avoid traffic. “We can talk about it, but I don’t know if we can do anything about it. We’re going to have our hands full in the next four or five months trying to assist our tourists getting from one place to another,� she said. “We owe it to our tourists to be able to move them in a smooth and convenient manner. Otherwise, they’re not going to come back, because it’s not going to be fun being here. “Years ago, I stopped going to Ocean City, Md., during season because all you did was fight traffic.

Fathers, daughters dance Feb. 11 The Anna Maria Elementary School PTO is again hosting the annual Father-Daughter Dance on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. in the school auditorium. Daughters and dads are invited to dress up for this event, where the daughters get to have their first dates with their favorite guy – dad.

The dance is for students and their parents, and proceeds go to the PTO.

BeachHouse kitchen completed The first phase of the BeachHouse restaurant’s remodeling project is done, and the beachfront facility is back to offering full lunch and dinner menus. The cooks are back in the new state of the art kitchen, and there’s more to come according to restaurant manager Becky Shannon.

She said the dining room is still undergoing renovation, but guests can still use the 650-foot deck looking out on the Gulf of Mexico where there is entertainment nightly and the sunset champagne contest is still held every night. Shannon said the refurbishment will be done sometime in March.

For more information, call the BeachHouse at 779-2222 or log onto www.groupersandwich.com.

I don’t want that to happen here.�

In regard to public transit, she said, “Thank God we have the trolley. I like the ideas about express buses, but it’s going to take a while for that to happen, if it’s going to happen at all.�

Holmes Beach Mayor Carmel Monti asked how Island-bound park and ride bus routes could be given a higher priority.

Commercial lots at the corner of Cortez Road and 75th Street, and Manatee Avenue and 75th Street, have been identified as potentially suitable locations for park and ride bus stops, but no negotiations with property owners have ensued.

Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization representatives David Hutchinson and Michael Howe said it is up to the individual cities to take the lead on park and ride projects, and lots located in Bradenton would require that city’s assistance.

Monti expressed hope that the Manatee Public Beach will one day become a hub for bicycle and electrical vehicle rentals, but acknowledged that this will not address challenges associated with getting to the beach in the first place.

Long Bar hearing Thursday The Thursday, Feb. 6, the Manatee County Commission land use meeting will include a public hearing on the Long Bar Pointe preliminary site plan tentatively approved by the county planning commission in January.

The proposed project entails the construction of 200 single-family homes at the north end of the Long Bar Pointe property, along El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton.

The Long Bar Pointe public hearing is one of many items scheduled for discussion during the land use meeting that begins at 10 a.m., and will take place inside commission chambers at the county administration center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.

Public input will be allowed. The hearing will be streamed live and archived at www.mymanatee.org and broadcast live on Bright House Channel 622, Verizon Channel 30 and Comcast Channel 20.

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Abstract watercolor workshop The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will present a one-day workshop by Jim Ladd on “Abstracts in Watercolor” on Friday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CrossPointe Church in Holmes Beach.

Participants will learn some unique painting techniques using materials not generally applied in watercolor art, including moving paint with sharp objects. Students will create one or more paintings using the techniques. The fee is $110 for members and $125 for non-members. The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-6694 or visit www.amiartistsguildgallery.com.

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Clyde Butcher at Studio A reception and book signing featuring photographer Clyde Butcher and his black and white environmental photographs is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Studio at Gulf at Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. For more than 40 years, Butcher has preserved on film the untouched areas of the landscape. His images are captured with large format cameras that allow him to express elaborate detail and textures. The exhibit will be on display through Wednesday, Feb. 26.

SUBMITTED

art briefs

Arts and crafts for butterflies A free, two-day outdoor arts and crafts show to benefit the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park will be held at Holmes Beach City Hall field, 5801 Marina Drive, on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature jewelry, glass, photography, art, apparel, food and live music by Patchouli.

Call to artists

SUBMITTED

Swanson at Island Gallery Artist Susan Swanson will present a free demonstration on clay head building at Island Gallery West on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Island Gallery West is at 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 941-778-6648 or visit www.islandgallerywest.com.

The Anna Maria Island Art League is accepting entries for the 20th Annual James Pay Exhibit, a juried open exhibit of all media.

The League will receive a maximum of three submissions per artist on Monday, Feb. 10, and Wednesday, Feb. 12, for the opening on Friday, Feb.14.

Submissions for members are $15 each; $25 for non-members.

The Anna Maria Island Art League gallery is at 5312 Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach. For more information, call 941-778-2099 or visit http://www.islandartleague.org.

Learn pastels at League The Anna Maria Island Art League presents Pastels with Polly on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 5312 Holmes Blvd. in Holmes Beach.

Member cost is $25; non-members pay $40. To register, call 941-778-2099 or e-mail ArtLeagueAMI@gmail.com.

FREE

HOME DELIVERY

Call for Details

778-3986

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OUTDOORS

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Manatee Chapter of CCA holds annual banquet

O

n Thursday, Feb. 27, The Manatee Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) will hold its 15th annual banquet presented by Conley Buick GMC at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Boulevard, Palmetto, Fla. An open bar, silent auction and raffle kick off the event at 5:30 p.m., followed by a steak dinner and live auction at 7:30 p.m.

All money raised will help to continue CCA Florida’s conservation efforts.

Auction items include: Exotic trips, artwork, Yamaha engines, Hell’s Bay skiffs, fishing tackle, locally guided fishing trips, and jewelry.

Individual tickets are $85 and include dinner, open bar and a one-year CCA membership. Couples’ tickets are $150 and include two dinners, open bar, one CCA regular and one CCA associate membership. There are also several Corporate Sponsorships available. The $500 Corporate Sponsorship includes, four dinners, four memberships, open bar, a half-page program ad and priority seating. The $1,000 Corporate Sponsorship includes priority seating, eight dinners, eight CCA memberships, a full page ad in the program, a limited edition signed and numbered framed print, eight CCA hats, eight CCA mugs and shirts, banner space in the facility and a two-hour open bar.

During the banquet, a Pathfinder 2200 TRS boat, motor and trailer will be raffled off. Raffle tickets are $50 each. In addition a 28-foot Contender Tournament Edition boat, motor and trailer will be raffled off. Raffle tickets for the Contender are $50 each. Finally a Hell’s Bay Glades skiff boat, motor and trailer will be raffled off. Raffle tickets for the Glades skiff are $25 each or three for $60

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS The CCA is a non-profit organization with 17 coastal state chapters covering the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic seaboard and the Pacific Northwest.

CCA began in 1977 after overfishing along the Texas coast devastated speckled trout and redfish populations.

In response 14 concerned recreational anglers created the Gulf Coast Conservation Association (GCCA) to combat overfishing.

The GCCA became a rally point with anglers with the Save the Redfish campaign, and by 1985, chapters had formed along the Gulf coast. By the early 1990s, the mid-Atlantic region and New England had chapters.

Washington and Oregon opened CCA chapters in 2007.

CCA has participated in virtually every national fisheries debate since 1984. CCA’s legal defense fund has been used to defend net bans, fight for the implementation of by catch reduction devices, support pro-fisheries legislation, and battle arbitrary no-fishing zones in the federal court system. ]The CCA is engaged in scores of local, state and national projects that initiate scientific studies, fund marinescience scholarships, build artificial reefs, create fish hatcheries, initiate hydrologic and contaminant studies, monitor freshwater inflows, support local marine law enforcement and more.

In 1985 The Florida Conservation Association (FCA) became the fifth state

submitted

Participants have an opportunity to win this Pathfinder boat, motor and trailer at the Manatee CCA Banquet chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association. The Manatee Chapter was one of the first chapters to be formed in the state. By 1986, the FCA successfully intervened in lawsuits filed by commercial interests that opposed a Spanish mackerel recovery plan. In 1988, the FCA won a four-year battle to achieve gamefish status for Florida's depleted redfish stocks, making redfish the first species to be removed from Florida's market since 1957.

Until it was merged under the banner of the CCA, the FCA also helped protect billfish and prevent the unnecessary killing of tarpon by lobbying for implementation of a $50 harvest tag.

The organization is also credited with achieving a major legislative victory when it lobbied to establish the first recreational saltwater fishing license in

Florida. The FCA insisted that license revenues be protected and directed to marine fisheries management, research and law enforcement.

Attendance at the banquet supports the efforts of the CCA, but the camaraderie, dinner and bar are worth the price of a ticket. It’s also a great time to network with local fishermen and guides and have an opportunity to purchase some very special fishing tackle, art work, fishing trips and win top of the line fishing boats.

For Corporate Sponsorships contact Brian Gorski at 941-720-4446 or Ron Crowder at 941-795-8442, ext. 101.

Tickets will not be sold at the door, but can be purchased online at www. ccaflorida.org

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Spanish mackerel still around Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout, Spanish mackerel and pompano in Sarasota Bay on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos during the past week. Despite water in the low 60s, Spanish mackerel are still around with blues, trout and pompano in the mix.

My sister, Michelle Mumford and nephew, Eli Mumford, both from Dagsboro, Del., and my wife, Karen and I fished Sarasota Bay on Monday. We caught and released several nice Spanish mackerel on DOA Deadly Combos and Ultra Hair Clouser flies at the Middleground and Radio Tower flats Bill Flader, from Madison, Wis., fished Sarasota Bay with me on Tuesday. He had a great

day with a fly rod catching and releasing numerous trout, large ladyfish and Spanish mackerel to four pounds on Ultra Hair and Coyote Clouser flies, fishing deep grass flats on both sides of the bay. The last fish of the day was the largest mackerel which quickly took him into his backing. A great way to finish!

A front came through on Wednesday when Bill Moore, from Libertyville, Ill., fished Sarasota Bay with me. It was cool and cloudy with a north wind, so we fished Stephens Point on the east side of the see captains, page 28

Michelle Mumford with a Spanish mackerel caught with Captain Rick Grassett. captain rick grassett | submitted

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

captains: Find reds and trout in potholes at low tide FROM PAGE 27

bay. An antique WWII bomber buzzed us while we fished. The things you see on the water! Despite tough conditions, Bill had good action with trout, ladyfish and a couple of pompano to 3 1/2 pounds on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Thursday and Friday were cool and rainy with not

much sun, so no fishing.

Look for reds and big trout in potholes when the tide is low. They may also feed on shallow grass flats on sunny afternoons when the tide is high.

Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay for trout, Spanish mackerel, blues and more should be a good option.

captain rick grassett | submitted

Bill Flader with a Spanish mackerel caught with Captain Rick Grassett.

tide chart for anna maria city pier Feb 5-12 A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

Wed 2/5

3:11a 1.09

8:32a 0.43

3:05p 1.87

Thu 2/6

4:36a 0.86

8:52a 0.62

3:46p 1.89

Fri 2/7

7:31a 0.78

12:00m -0.05

4:37p 1.87

1:23a -0.15

3:46p 1.89

Day Date

Sat 2/8

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

10:37p 0.03

7:14-6:15

Sun 2/9

7:14-6:15 8:19a 0.78

7:13-6:16 7:12-6:17

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

11:16a 1.04

2:30a -0.27

6:49p 1.85

11:41a 1.04

Mon 2/10

11:01a 1.10

3:20a -0.37

7:52p 1.88

1:29p 1.03

Tue 2/11

11:10a 1.15

3:59a -0.42

10:42p 1.91

2:35p 0.95

Wed 2/12

11:21a 1.18

4:30a -0.43

11:24p 1.93

3:26p 0.83

Sun Rise Set 7:12-6:18 7:11-6:18 7:10-6:19 7:10-6:20

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RENOURISH: Beach project to pause at Coquina FROM PAGE 1

• Feb. 5, 28th Street, Holmes Beach; • Feb. 12, 23rd Street North, Bradenton Beach; • Feb. 19, 11th Street North, Bradenton Beach; • Feb. 26, Cortez Road, Bradenton Beach.

When the project reaches Fifth Street South, where the paved walkway begins on Coquina Beach, the dredge will be temporarily relocated to the Mississippi River due to an urgent need there, according to Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon.

As a result, the Coquina Beach renourishment, which was scheduled to continue with funding from different sources when the project reached the public beach, may be delayed until July, he said.

During any delay, however, the dredging company, Great Lakes Dock and Dredge, will not be allowed to leave any pipe on the beach, according to Coastal Planning and Engineering spokeswoman Michelle Pfeiffer.

“If they pursue the project on the river, they will be required by contract to stage the pipe and other equipment appropriately,” Pfeiffer said. “Everything will be stored properly; there won’t be a disaster for tourists to avoid.”

During an earlier renourishment paid for by the Army Corps of Engineers, the contractor, which is now out of business, left pipe on large sections of beach, essentially blocking off access to the Gulf of Mexico. The company the corps hired used equipment that was too small for the task and the corps finally stopped

CINDY LANE | SUN

This boat zigzagging to and from the Anna Maria Island shoreline isn’t lost, it’s making measurements as part of the beach renourishment project that began on Dec. 20 in Holmes Beach. Crews were everywhere on the Island last week, including in the water, making measurements in advance of the pipe arriving in Bradenton Beach.

Shell hunters, brace yourselves – beach renourishment workers are filtering out all the shells and shark’s teeth from the new sand being pumped from offshore.

The sand is “gorgeous,” said Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, who is looking forward to more shorebirds and sea turtles making nests in the new sand this year. Don’t worry, though, the shellless state is temporary, and shells will begin washing up soon. the project without finishing it, to get the pipes off the beach.

Meanwhile, a Manatee County Com-

mission hearing on the Coquina Beach project, which will end at Longboat Pass, was postponed last week until Tuesday,

Feb. 11, at 9 a.m. at the commission chambers in downtown Bradenton.

Late last week, the project was at 30th Street, moving south from Holmes Beach, where the project began on Dec. 20.

Operations are 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Due to safety concerns, some beach and beach access areas will be closed or restricted during construction. Beachgoers are asked to use caution due to the extensive construction activities until work is completed. Posted signs provide safety guidance.

MAINSAIL: Agreement moves forward FROM PAGE 1

soon as possible. I don’t want to wait another two weeks.”

“We want to make sure we’re doing it right, and Sunrise Lane is a sticky issue,” Titsworth replied. “It doesn’t take a whole lot to get a blessing from the fire department on a conceptual, but I would feel a whole lot more warm and fuzzy if we had that.”

Turning the building

At the previous meeting, Commissioner Marvin Grossman had suggested turning Building B so people can have a better view of the water from Marina Drive. Building B

It is not our desire to have access off Sunrise Lane.”

Brian Check Mainsail development manager

is planned for the spit that juts into the boat basin.

“There’s no question we will try to do it, but there are some limitations,” Check explained. “The foundation for this building is in, so we are trying to use some of it.

“The other issue is as you rotate the building, it starts to encroach closer to the water. I don’t want to commit to that and then create an encroachment issue.”

Another issue that arose at the Jan. 14 commission meeting was the plan

showing a two-way drive under Building E. Two commissioners had said it was to be one way, and Commissioner Jean Peelen asked why it was changed.

“It was to allow for a single point of entry,” replied Check. “It’s rather

standard layout for the sizing. What we’ve done is go back to one-way traffic in a circular fashion.”

At the end of the discussion, Petruff suggested adding the language “If required by the fire marshal” at the beginning of the section regarding access from Sunrise Lane.

“That leaves the option open if it is required by the fire marshal,” she explained. “Put it out there for people to see and say what they want, and at the next meeting on Feb. 11 you can vote and we can move on.”

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ITPO meeting highlights pending projects The monthly meetings provide local officials with better access to funds for transportation.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

BRADENTON BEACH – Last month’s Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) meeting provided Island with updated information on regional and local transportation projects.

Topics of discussion included additional lighting and safety features for Gulf Drive crosswalks and the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Master Plan that includes a multi-use trail connecting Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach with other trails and transit routes.

The working relationships fostered during ITPO meetings gives local officials better access to state and federal transportation officials and their funding sources.

Because Gulf Drive/SR 789 is a state road, all improvements require approval from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

During her monthly report, FDOT representative Roxann Lake discussed FDOT-funded improvements planned for Gulf Drive that include additional crosswalks and better lit pedestrian crossings.

Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon asked Lake to inquire about getting some additional lighting for the Gulf Drive and Bridge Street roundabout in order to improve pedestrian safety,

“It’s a very dark area, he said, mentioning a similar complaint recently made by a citizen about the intersection of Cortez Road and Gulf Drive.

Shearon thanked Lake and FDOT for the new pavement striping that indicates a right turn lane and a crosswalk at the Cortez Road intersection.

Lake said the additional crosswalks and improvements will be designed in 2014 and constructed in 2015, if not sooner. She told Shearon the process will include an analysis of current pedestrian crossings.

FDOT will also have to authorize construction of a sidewalk extending north from the intersection of Cortez Road to the Gulf Drive Café, along the western edge of the road that currently consists of a bike path only.

Right of way considerations from three condominium associations along the road are required, and Bradenton Beach Lt. John Cosby is heading up those efforts. Designed to increase pedestrian safety, the new sidewalk would connect the area between the café and the BeachHouse restaurant.

Revisiting a discussion from December, Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jan Vosburgh mentioned a need for better lighting at the Gulf Drive Café crossing.

When informed that the cost of improvements for that crossing would be

the responsibility of the business owner, Vosburgh said that might prove cost prohibitive.

Late last year, Lake helped address another Vosburgh concern: the installation of a flashing sign that alerts drivers on Gulf Drive, near Coquina Beach, to lower their speed as they approach the city.

Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn mentioned the lack of lighting at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, and asked if her city qualified for FDOT funds even though the north of end of Gulf Drive is not state road.

MPO Planning Manager David Hutchinson said Anna Maria might qualify for state-funded lighting improvements, but would need to submit a plan and join the list of projects awaiting prioritization.

The January meeting also featured discussion on the multiuse trail that will extend from 27th Street in Bradenton Beach to Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach. The project calls for the construction of a five-to-eightfoot-wide sidewalk, with room for bikes and pedestrians, to be designed in 2014 and built in 2015 or 2016, at an estimated cost of $485,000, paid for with state and federal funds.

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

TOWN CRIER

come, first-served basis. Attendees should bring their tablet or phone and questions to the library. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Photographer visits with writers

Learn social networking

The Gulf Coast Writers will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 1:15 pm at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Rolf Bertram will discuss his electronic book “Anna Maria Island Panoramas” and how to publish with Apple on iPad. Following the presentation, members will read their writings.

For further information, contact Sylvia Price at 778-3209

The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is hosting a free computer class for small businesses teaching the use of social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, can be used to promote business on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

No advance registration is required.

Seating will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Garden Club seeks to spend

Island Players fight cancer

The Anna Maria Garden Club makes donations each year to organizations that exemplify the club’s purpose of stimulating the love of gardening and protection of plants and birds to encourage civic planting and conservation.

The club is asking for those parties interested in such a donation to prepare a letter providing their group’s name and purpose, describe the project(s) to which the money would be applied and the contact information for the group.

Send the letter to Anna Maria Garden Club, P.O. Box 2046, Anna Maria, FL 34216. All letters must be received by Feb. 28 to be considered. Donations will be distributed in April.

The Island Players is hosting a benefit preview performance of “Mama Won’t Fly” on Tuesday, March 18, at 8 p.m. at Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria (at the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue).

General admission seating for this special performance is a $20 donation to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Tickets are available only from Creations by L, 5500 Marina Drive, Suite 2, Holmes Beach or from Nancy Ambrose 941-799-2181 or 941518-4431.

White water rafter speaks Catherine Chapman Smith took a journey of 100 miles on the “River of No Return,” the middle fork of the Salmon River in Idaho, where there are hot springs and an abundance of wildlife. She describes her tour down the Idaho Wilderness Trail at a lecture on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

The lecture is part of the Alice Taylor Reed series, sponsored by the Friends of the Island Branch Library. Attendance is free and seating is on a firstcome, first-served basis. Call the library at 778-6341 for more information.

Outsmart your smart phone If you received a tablet or smart phone during the holidays or if you never bothered to learn about the ones you already have, there’s a class at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Friday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. you’ll want to attend. Allison Levy, of We Fix Computers, will hold a class that will cover many of the basic functions and controls of these extremely useful tools.

Advance registration is not required, and seating will be available on a first-

Patchouli returns for festival The environmental folk group Patchouli returns to the area for the Anna Maria Island Arts and Crafts Festival to benefit the Butterfly Park next to Holmes Beach City Hall. The festival is on Saturday, Feb., 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall field.

Enjoy shopping for arts and crafts and food to the music of Bruce Hecksel and Julie Patchouli. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 352-344-0657 or visit www.tnteventsinc.com.

Help set environmental policy The Manatee Sarasota Sierra Club’s Manatee Conservation Committee meets on Monday, Feb. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Bradenton Central Library meeting room, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton. Help contribute to sound environmental policy in Manatee County. For information, contact Sandra Ripberger, 794-3878 or sandrarip@ yahoo.com.

Join the Off Stage Ladies Vocalist Tanya McCormick performs at the next Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players meeting at Manatee's Sports Grill, 7423 Manatee Ave., Bradenton, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at noon. Visitors are always welcome.

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Contact Nancy Ambrose at 941-7792181 or 941-518- 4431 for reservations

by Feb. 10.

projects. They meet on the last Thursday of the month. Call Fran Miller at 312-315-6212 for more information.

Check out your meds

Bingo played here

Dr. Chris Williams will be at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach for a pharmacy Brown Bag Prescription Check program on Tuesday, Feb. 11, starting at 2 p.m.

Dr. Williams, the clinical pharmacist for the Manatee YourChoice health network, and a group of pharmacy interns from LECOM (Lake Erie College of Medicine) will provide check-ups of medications for attendees.

Bring your current medications, including all over-the-counter products, into a bag and bring them to the library so they can check for any potential issues. The pharmacist will review all of the medications and products for the correct dosage strength and frequency and check for outdated or discontinued medications.

The pharmacist also can screen for potential duplication of therapy or side effects. Come prepared with any questions you may have about any of your medications.

Advance registration not required, and seating will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, hosts smoke free bingo on Thursday nights. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and play begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase and memberships will be sold. You don’t have to become a member to play. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Kit at 778-1915.

Cortez history at library John Beale, from the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, will speak at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. Beale will present a lecture about the history of boat building, marine archaeology and local shipwrecks followed by a question and answer session.

The program, part of the Alice Taylor Reed Lecture Series, is free and seating will be available on a first-come, firstserved basis. No prior registration is necessary.

Special programs such as this are made possible by funds generously provided by the Friends of the Island Branch Library, a support organization for the library. Money raised by the Friends goes toward programs and services that tax dollars alone cannot provide.

For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Quilters group forms The Seaside Quilters held their first meeting at the Island Branch Library on Thursday, Jan. 30, with 12 people attending. The attendees introduced themselves and shared quilting projects in progress or completed.

Some brought machines and worked on piecing quilts. Others brought hand appliqués, hand quilting and finishing

Exchange student families needed International Fellowship, Inc., is looking for families and local representatives as host families for high school exchange students. They also need volunteers to secure host families for high school exchange students. For more information, log onto www.internationalfellowships.org or e-mail infelwes@ gmail.com. You can also call their 24hour, toll-free line at 1-800-647-8839 or their 24-hour line at 1-716-326-7277.

Volunteer advocates needed Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The program’s local councils are seeking additional volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents’ concerns.

Special training and certification is provided.

All interested individuals who care about protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term care facility residents – who often have no one else to advocate for them – are encouraged to call toll-free 1-888-831-0404 or visit the program’s website at http:// ombudsman.myflorida.com.

Elder helpline available The West Central Florida area Agency on Aging’s Elder Helpline offers support for the growing numbers of caretakers and their aging parents by helping callers make informed decisions about available assistance. It is the starting point in getting connected with programs or services that can meet the needs of the older adult or caretaker. Call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Have a heart for a child Camelot Community Care is looking for therapeutic foster parents to care for abused and neglected adolescents and children. Call 941-708-9764 to find out if you would make a good therapeutic foster parent.

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Come to family game night at the Center The Island Community Center offers the following classes at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For further details or to register, call the Center at 778-1908. or visit the website at www.islandcommunitycenter.com. For a complete list of center programs and special events, visit the website.

Family Game Night

This event is held every Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the gym.

Come have some quality family fun for free. Bring your own

Search engine class at Center

The Anna Maria Island Community Center will offer a one-day class in Search Engine Optimization on Thursday, Feb 13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can learn how to get your website to rank high on search engines. Instructor Sean McGinnis is the founder of 312 Digital, a national SEO and social media speaker and an adjunct professor at Elmhurst College, where he teaches an MBA class on social media.

Space is limited, so register now by

games or use ours. An adult must accompany all children. There will be no game night on Feb 17.

Taste of Vegan

Come and enjoy a positive relationship with food, putting joy back into cooking and never worry again about your food budget. This four-week course will cover education and cooking mouthwatering recipes from a best-selling author.

Day: Thursdays in February Time: 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Fee: Members: $60 for four ses-

calling 941-778-1908, ext. 0. The cost is $300, and lunch and snacks will be provided.

For specific information on the class, contact McGinnis at 312-448-6400.

Police dispatch questioned

During a discussion on recommendations for charter changes, Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen questioned why the city has a police dispatch center.

“I was told it’s a charter issue,” she said. “No one is quite clear how it got

sions; non-members, $75 for four sessions Instructor: Ellen Jaffe Jones, author of best-selling cookbooks.

Zumba Gold

All that Zumba has to offer, only in a low impact form. Perfect for the 50+ crowd.

Day: Tuesdays Time: 10 to 11 a.m.

Fee: members: $6; non-members, $12 Instructor: Grisel McCain.

established. If it’s a charter issue, I want the charter review committee to look at it.”

She said the majority of residents and tourists don’t know there’s a city dispatch center and call 911 if there’s a problem.

Mayor Carmel Monti said it’s an administrative function “because it’s the mayor’s role to manage personnel. I don’t know how long its been in place.”

Commissioner David Zaccagnino agreed with Monti and said he could find out its history.

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REAL ESTATE

know we live in a world where every kid gets a trophy and every toddler does a good job sometimes for just a normal bodily function. But when our legislators pat themselves on the back for changing a poorly conceived piece of legislation their bad decisions put in place, chances are we just passed through Alice’s looking glass.

By now, anyone who lives even remotely close to the water has heard about, and probably felt, the effects of the 2012 Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act resulting in increases for homeowners and business owners. The act phased out some federal subsidies for flood insurance in an effort to reduce some of the National Flood Insurance Program’s $24 billion deficit.

In an effort to quiet the outrage felt by their constituents when they started getting their flood insurance premiums, members of Congress and the Senate began offering legislation to “tweak” the negative effects of the original bill.

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Too little, too late Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger Even the originators of the bill that bear their name now admit that it was poorly designed and are calling for amendment.

What they came up with and what passed as part of a massive government funding bill was short-term relief that most homeowners will undoubtedly think is too little too late.

The short-term relief is in the form of a delay in rate increases for property owners who are facing huge premium increases because their property now falls below an acceptable elevation level because of Federal Emergency Management Agency remapping. And short-term relief is far from an understatement since this

measure expires at the end of September 2014, not much to cheer about.

In addition, the delay measure fails to help homeowners with flood insurance on homes that have been repeatedly flooded who are facing increases of 25 percent a year until the premiums reflect the true risk of flooding. Also, second homeowners are not getting any flood insurance relief at this time and face a 25 percent annual increase until they get to the acceptable actuarial level.

Particularly distressing are current subsidies on older homes that cannot be passed along to new buyers who will be facing thousands more in flood insurance premiums than the current owners pay.

Many of these homes face the prospect of becoming unsalable, and in fact, many sale transactions have fallen though because of flood insurance uncertainty.

Remember that home buyers who require mortgages are obligated by their lender to purchase and provide proof of

flood insurance prior to closing on the property. Buyers are starting to ask for flood insurance contingencies to be written into contracts of sale capping what they are willing to pay for flood insurance.

If the flood insurance premium comes in over that mark, buyers will be let out of the contract without penalty.

If there is any glimmer of light, it rests with the Senate, which will be looking at broader reforms that include a four-year delay as well as allowing new owners to benefit from subsidized policies. The Senate did vote on this measure, which passed last week. The Congress, however, is decidedly less enthusiastic about the Senate’s bill and is looking for more modest changes to the original bill.

Never-the-less, even the broader reforms at this time will not protect second home owners in flood zones. Also, Gov. Rick Scott is attempting to appeal to President Obama directly hoping to achieve see BOLGER, page 35

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

6101 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

Sold Date List Price Anna Maria 12/03/2013 899,000 12/09/2013 849,000 12/09/2013 1,479,000 12/19/2013 999,000 12/26/2013 1,195,000 12/19/2013 320,000 12/30/2013 2,690,000 12/30/2013 2,690,000 12/30/2013 2,690,000

Sold Price Property Address

THE SUN

35

Real estate transfers of December 2013 •Sponsored by Alan Galletto, Island Real Estate Source: Mid Florida Multiple Listing Service

SFUA

Lot Size

Property Description

845,000 800,000 1,387,000 945,000 1,050,000 290,000 2,090,000 2,125,000 2,125,000

796 N Shore Dr 2520 50x100 238 Gladiolus St 2202 102x105 103 Seagrape Ln 1221 308 Palm Ave 1952 72x116 803 Gladiolus St 3290 72x128 510 N Bay Blvd 50x62 100 Park Ave 112x400 101 Park Ave 106x460 100 Beach Ave 106x498

3 Br/3.5 Ba SFR, Bank Owned 3 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 2 Br/1 Ba SFR 4 Br/4 Ba SFR 5 Br/4.5 Ba SFR Vac. Vac. Vac. Vac.

Bradenton Beach 12/10/2013 149,000 12/17/2013 187,900 12/17/2013 189,900 12/18/2013 369,000 12/30/2013 169,000

140,000 177,000 189,000 366,000 161,000

1603 Gulf N Dr # 30 1801 Gulf N Dr # 256 1801 Gulf N Dr # 108 1325 Gulf N Dr # 171 117 7th N St # 12

1 Br/1 Ba Condo 1 Br/1 Ba Condo 1 Br/1 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/1 Ba Condo

Cortez 12/17/2013 189,900 12/20/2013 684,900

185,000 625,000

9604 Cortez Rd W 323 1218 4244 Marina Ct # 121 2307

Holmes Beach 12/09/2013 595,000 12/16/2013 1,199,000 12/19/2013 1,975,000 12/19/2013 3,250,000 12/20/2013 739,900

582,000 1,075,000 1,500,000 3,100,000 571,500

5613 Gulf Dr 691 Key Royale Dr 4410 2nd Ave 95 52nd St 311 65th St

380 691 691 1392 729

2 Br/2 Ba Condo 3 Br/2 Ba Condo

Sold Date List Price 12/23/2013 550,000 12/30/2013 610,000 12/30/2013 439,000 12/03/2013 299,000 12/11/2013 521,000 12/17/2013 2,999,900 12/20/2013 949,000 12/24/2013 449,000 12/30/2013 194,900 12/06/2013 409,000 12/06/2013 1,225,000 12/12/2013 970,000 12/12/2013 699,000 12/17/2013 425,000 12/30/2013 194,900 12/20/2013 450,000

Sold Price 515,000 610,000 427,500 290,000 475,000 2,622,000 910,000 480,300 175,000 1,100,000 1,100,000 850,000 645,000 395,000 175,000 315,000

Property Description 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 3 Br/3 Ba SFR 4 Br/2 Ba SFR 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 2 Br/2 Ba Condo 3 Br/3.2 Ba Condo 3 Br/2.5 Ba Condo 3 Br/2 Ba Condo, Short Sale Inc Inc Inc Inc Inc Inc Vac

bolger: Too little, too late FROM PAGE 34

1422 100x105 2 Br/2 Ba SFR 2055 100x150 3 Br/3 Ba SFR 1942 75x200 3 Br/2 Ba SFR 2988 3 Br/3.5 Ba SFR 2690 3 Br/2 Ba SFR, Short Sale

Property Address SFUA Lot Size 526 68th St 1582 80x110 627 Dundee Ln 1687 213 77th St 1985 3801 E Bay Dr # 204 1146 4200 Gulf Dr # 105 1008 3716 Gulf Dr # A 3247 6700 Gulf Dr # 4 1513 4105 5th Ave # N/A 1994 3010 Avenue C 1200 50x100 3522 6th Ave # C 1357 50x100 3501 Gulf Dr # 1n 3806 100x100 110 72nd St 2125 100x100 111 78th St 1596 64x80 2910 Gulf Dr 1517 50x100 3010 Avenue C 1200 50x100 3004 Avenue C 150x100

a delay in implementing the act through executive order until there is more time to study the effects.

If you’ve been chasing

the white rabbit down the rabbit hole of flood insurance, I hope you liked the trip because no way is it over. Get on the phone, get on the internet and start

making a lot of noise to your representatives in Congress before the rabbit hole gets reclassified as a flood zone.

36

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

CLERK: City clerk celebrates retirement FROM PAGE 9

years. The Congressman is well aware of what she’s done here in Anna Maria and wanted to recognize it,� he said.

The city gave her a beautiful necklace and multi-colored pendant that bears the inscription “Anna Maria 2000-2014.� “I am so touched, and honored.

This is more than I could imagine,�

Baird said.

When asked what she will miss most, Baird said, “The people.

Helping them is one thing I absolutely loved. That is the city clerk’s job is, to serve the people. We are the fact givers. Our life is service, and we love it. That’s what we’re all about, and that’s what the next city clerk will do for Anna Maria.

It’s been an honor, and I couldn’t have asked for a better career.�

As for what she will miss the least, Baird said, “Those long meetings.�

Not one to sit idle, Baird has big plans for the golden years ahead. “My brother (Bill Harter) and I are going to move to Ecuador sometime this summer or early fall,� she said.

I am so touched and honored. This is more than I could imagine."

Alice Baird Retired Anna Maria city clerk

The move was inspired by a television news story about International Living magazine listing Ecuador as one of the most economical places in the world to retire. “That was about three years ago, so I’ve been studying it ever since. I figure I still have one great adventure left in my life, and it’s going to be Ecuador; and I needed a llama trainer, so my brother’s coming,� Baird said.

Harter said, “We’re going to try to see as many sights as we can see, do as many things as we can do, and just enjoy it. I’m very

proud of her. She’s a good pal and a very good sister.�

The pair’s oldest brother, John, and his wife, Donna, also attended the reception.

Baird’s history of volunteerism dates back to her mid-20s, when she traveled to Mexico to work at a Catholic orphanage. “You never know; every place we go to is probably going to need some help, so we’ll get involved in something I’m sure,� she said. “I think there’s over 5,000 Catholic Churches down there, so I’ll find something to do.�

Baird also plans to return home occasionally to visit her son and daughter-in-law in Manatee County.

Mayor SueLynn said Baird’s successor will likely be promoted from within. The hiring requires city commission approval and she will make her recommendation at the Thursday, Feb. 13 meeting.

Diane Percycoe currently serves as deputy clerk and finance director, and Maggie Martinez serves as a deputy clerk.

FRIEND: Baird known as friend to all FROM PAGE 9

we can get something done in this city.�

On a more serious note, Copeland said, “She’s been a great help and certainly made my life a lot easier by clarifying things, answering questions and being there as friend. If I had a question, she had an answer, and if she didn’t have it, she found it.�

Commissioner Carol Carter said, “I’m really happy that she’s going to go into another phase of her life, but we’ll miss all her good work here in the city of Anna Maria.�

Former Commissioner John Quam said, “When I was the chair, she really helped me out by preparing things and getting the agendas ready. She was great.�

Planning and zoning board member Margaret Jenkins said, “I hate to see her go. We’re really going to miss her.

She helped me with many things over the years.�

Sissy Quinn, from the Anna Maria Island Preservation Trust, said, “Alice is helpful, kind and friendly. If no one else could give me information, she found it and followed through with it. She’s a great gal, and she’s going to be missed.�

Sherry Oehler met Baird when they

served on the canvassing board that certified the 2010 vote to recall and remove from office Commissioner Harry Stoltzfus. “We were part of the history making recall election here in Anna Maria.

That was a monumental time for Alice.

She has served the beach communities wonderfully, and I hope she sails off and has a great time,� Oehler said.

Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston views Baird as a mentor, friend and colleague. In 2006, Baird hired Johnston as Anna Maria’s minutes clerk. In 2007, she encouraged Johnston to apply for the clerk’s job in Holmes Beach. “Alice and I have attended city clerk training together and sat through over 500 Anna Maria meetings together.

She’s introduced me to many Island residents and city clerks around the state and has been a huge help with her knowledge and history of the Island.

We really understand each other and the trials and tribulations of our unique careers. She has become my very dear friend and I will miss her,� Johnston said.

Sun reporter Tom Vaught interrupted his vacation to attend Baird’s party. “She was a very good clerk and her

offices in both cities always did a good job. She was always there to help us.

She made sure the records were available, and she told us what was going on,� Vaught said.

Sun reporter Pat Copeland, who was unable to attend Friday’s reception due to illness, said, “It was 1988, and I had just become editor of the Anna Maria Islander Press. One of my reporters wickedly suggested that I take Bradenton Beach as my beat. Unbeknownst to me, Bradenton Beach was like the Wild West with meetings lasting until midnight and rampant political intrigue and shenanigans. “Fortunately, one of the first people I met was City Clerk Alice Baird, She took me under her wing and helped me navigate the politics and personalities to get me through the first few months and our friendship was born. “Fast forward to 2000, when I became a reporter for The Island Sun and Alice had become city clerk in Anna Maria.

We rekindled our friendship, and when I took over coverage of that city, she was once again there for me. Her incredible knowledge of city government, patience and professionalism will really be missed in this city.�

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

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THE SUN

37

Congratulations Debi Elfenbein and James McGothlin were married on Jan. 17, 2014, in Baltimore, Md., where they reside.

The bride is the daughter of the late Johnny and Phyllis Elfenbein, of Anna Maria Island, and the groom is the son of Carlene Henek, of California.

Their friends on the Island send them best wishes for many years of health and happiness.

38

THE SUN

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FEBRUARY 5, 2014

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

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THE SUN

3919 Hawk Island Dr Bradenton Laura Tracy Clekis

39

#M5843362 $2,350,000 941-915-4167 941-748-6300

Familiar Faces Exceptional Service International Relationships

19429 Ganton Ave Lakewood Ranch #M5843502 $3,430,000 8346 Farington Ct Lakewood Ranch Deborah Angelo O’Mara & Tom Cinquegrano 941-730-0777 941-284-5049 941-907-9595 Jody Shinn

#M5842919 $1,750,000 941-705-5704 941-748-6300

5008 64th Dr W Bradenton Adam Cuffaro

#A3974762 $1,490,000 660 Marbury Ln Longboat Key 941-812-0791 941-752-2683 Jody Shinn

#M5843337 $975,000 941-705-5704 941-748-6300

12301 Baypointe Ter Cortez Kathy Valente

#M5839375 $775,000 6560 Gulf Of Mexico Dr Longboat Key 941-685-6767 941-748-6300 Shelley Barker

#M5842242 $699,000 941-706-5403 941-383-5502

690 Linley St Longboat Key Tama Traberman

#A3967469 $390,000 6401 Meadowlark Ln # 53A Bradenton 941-225-3351 941-383-5502 Neddy Harkins

#M5843392 $229,000 941-730-4941 941-748-6300

michaelsaunders.com s 4400 Manatee Avenue W s Bradenton, FL s 941.748.6300

40

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THE SUN

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

HISTORY: Festival celebrates Cortez heritage

BOOKS: Enjoy reading about Cortez

FROM PAGE 5

Thomas Fulford, who was the first one to buy a tract of land in Cortez (called Hunter’s Point then) in 1887. Our accomplishments in having the village listed led to our decision to relate the significance and give credit to all who built our “oh so different” houses. No one who built one still lives in it. Only few of the children do so. So Linda Molto and I wrote the book, "Cortez Then and Now." I believe that you will enjoy reading it.

The other book for sale is our famous cookbook, "What’s Cooking in Cortez." This is the third edition with over 500 recipes. I recommend my recipe, My Famous Rolls if you are into bread baking. Try my mother’s broiled mullet recipe. It was featured in the Miami Herald in 1958. If you’re into cookies take a look at Miss Laura’ s cookie recipe

1930s - Mullet disappear for eight years. Cortezians survive the De-

pression without relying on government handouts.

1940s - Fish houses are built. Sixty five men and women enlist to serve in World War II. 1947 - A catastrophic red tide kills fish.

Late 1940s - A fishermen’s co-op is formed.

1953 - Stop nets are banned. Red tide strikes again.

1960s - Monofilament nets are invented, replacing cotton nets. Kicker boats with outboard motors replace inboard motors, allowing fishermen into shallower waters. Fish houses build commercial freezers.

1967 - The Organized Fishermen of Florida is founded to fight a proposed commercial fishing ban.

1970s - Bay scallops nearly disappear from Sarasota Bay. Bales of marijuana, or “square grouper,” are smuggled through Cortez.

1980s - New fisheries develop – grouper, baitfish and mullet roe.

1991 - The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) is established to promote Cortez culture and maritime skills. It purchased and operates the 95-acre FISH Preserve east of the village, supported by festival proceeds.

1994 - Commercial fishermen fight a state Constitutional amendment to ban gill nets.

1995 - The fight is lost and gill nets are banned, forcing many to seek other jobs. Cortez is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2003 - “Out of Time,” a movie starring Denzel Washington, is filmed at the Cortez docks.

2010 - Longlines are heavily regulated. Individual fishing quotas (IFQs) are implemented. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico forces closure of fisheries frequented by Cortez fishermen.

2013 - The 1995 net ban is challenged in court. Fishermen await a decision.

2014 - The 32nd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is celebrated Feb. 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival gate is at the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez, at the corner of Cortez Road and 119th Street West. Park east of the village in the FISH Preserve or take a shuttle bus for $2.50 round trip from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach or from G. T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W. in Bradenton.

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria 1/21, 9:35 p.m., criminal mischief with property damage, 300 block of North Bay Boulevard. A white female wearing a hoodie was observed slashing the victim’s tires on his van. The victim later got a text message by a known associate in regard to the event.

1/25, 6:41 a.m., lost property, south side of Magnolia Avenue between Gulf Drive and the Anna Maria Island Community Center. The complainant said he had his cell phone in the same pocket as his wallet and when he pulled out his phone while riding a bike, he thinks the wallet fell out also.

Bradenton Beach

FROM PAGE 5

1/26, 2:41 p.m., driving while license suspended with knowledge, 500 block of Gulf Drive North. The officer received a call about a reckless driver and caught up with him around 13th Street and Gulf Drive North. The driver said his license had been suspended for a DUI last year, and he was supposed to get it back the next day. The officer placed him under arrest.

1/28, 9:02 p.m., theft from vehicle, 2500 block of Avenue B. The victim said she heard a car door slam in her driveway and noticed the dome light to her car was on. She opened the door and found her GPS unit was missing. A neighbor came up to the officer and said he knew who took the GPS, and when he confronted the suspect, they got into a fight and he was able to retrieve it. The Bradenton Beach officer put out a description of the suspect, and he

was located by a Holmes Beach police officer and arrested.

Cortez

1/31, 7 p.m., causing a disturbance, trespass warning, 10104 Cortez Road W., Clam Factory. A deputy was called to the bar and restaurant due to an intoxicated patron causing a disturbance. He issued a trespass warning.

Holmes Beach

1/25, 3:12 p.m., driving while license suspended, habitual traffic offender.

The officer ran a random computer search on the defendant’s car and found his license was suspended and his registration cancelled. He was arrested.

1/31, 11:15 a.m., trespass after warning, 3900 East Bay Drive, Publix. The manager called police on a man who was in the store after he was trespassed earlier. He was arrested.

or try Letha’s gingerbread. The year of our centennial, 1987, we baked our own coconut cake This can’t be beat with coconut inside and out. We call it the Cortez Centennial Cake. Jane Ever’s mac and cheese will surprise you with its secret ingredient.

Along with all our books, the Historical Society sells some great T-shirts. However, the really best attraction is our famous strawberry shortcake. It’s true that Dolly Madison’s shortcake recipe is used. The strawberries are fresh from Manatee County and cut by our great volunteers.

Funds from this year’s sale will go to support the operation of the Cortez Cultural Center including our Veterans' Hall of Fame and the Family Life Center. It will open soon. Stop by our booth and support our activities. See ya there!

Obituaries Leatrice Mora Eaton Leatrice Mora Eaton, age 86, of Ellenboro, N.C., passed away on Jan. 23, 2014. She was born on July 14, 1927, in Cortez, Florida to the late Albert “Gator” and Estella Mora.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Allen L. Eaton; one son, Randolph Richard Rysanek; one grandson, Lewis H. Wynns II; brothers Albert “Junie” and Josey Mora; two daughters, Linda Dangar ( Phil ) Hill, of Georgia, and Diane ( Alan ) Alvarez, of Ellenboro; Grandsons, Leslie and Randy Andress, of Bradenton, and Joe Warman, of Ellenboro; granddaughters, Sharon Kirkland, of Hendersonville, and Shelly Kidd of Canton, Ga.; great grandchildren, Emily and Lindsey Kidd, of Georgia, John and C.J. Kirkland, of Hendersonville, Allison Kirkland, of Ellenboro, Leslie T. Andress, Jr., Laura Dean Andress, Josh White, Jessica and Casey Andress of Florida. Also surviving are a sister Nola Jewel of Ocala, Fla., and a brother Virgil Mora of Mooresville, N.C.

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Tubers rich in beta carotene 5 Wasn’t indecisive 10 Bouillabaisse, e.g.

14 Taken by mouth, as medication 15 Mrs. Gorbachev 16 Dancer-turned-spy Mata 17 Favorite Hall of Famer of the 39th U.S. president?

19 Tablet with a “mini” version 20 Tummy muscles 21 Egyptian cross with a top loop 22 Black belt activity 24 Favorite Hall of Famer of the 7th U.S. president?

27 Opposite of vain 28 “How awful!”

29 Greets with a hand gesture 30 Hook’s sidekick

Answers to 01-29-14 Crossword Puzzle.

31 ChapStick target 34 Forewarning 35 Visits the mall 37 Computer support person 38 “__ and Peace” 39 Spring melt 40 Acted without speaking 41 British rule in India 42 “The Bachelorette” contestant, e.g.

44 Favorite Hall of Famer of the 17th and 36th U.S. presidents?

49 Catching some z’s 50 Shed skin 51 Tackle a slope 54 Celebrity 55 Favorite Hall of Famer of the 38th U.S. president?

58 Fill-in worker 59 Greek i’s 60 Revered one 61 Historic times 62 Midterms and finals

THE SUN

63 Tour de France, e.g.

Down 1 Discipline using mats 2 Many an Egyptian 3 Red Planet explorer 4 Shifty 5 Borneo primates 6 “Sit!” 7 10 percent church donation 8 Opposite of WNW 9 Period before the Renaissance 10 Avoid, as duty 11 Spanish finger food 12 Verse writer’s muse 13 Add a lane to, as a highway 18 Animal houses 23 Back woe 25 Paradise lost 26 Leap 27 Mother, to baby 29 Bowl over 30 Female pig 31 Bubbly citrus drink 32 Cake decorator 33 Scholar’s deg.

35 Tina Fey attribute 36 Journey to Mecca 37 Longtime Yugoslav president 39 Shade provider 40 Hazy 42 Tried to hit in paintball 43 Except if 44 What haste makes 45 Fall bloomer 46 Andean alpaca kin

47 U. of Maryland team 48 Leaves out

52 Fast food tycoon Ray 53 Vegging out

56 Weed killer 57 39-Down with cones

The crossword clues for the Jan. 25 issue were not correct.

We have included those clues on page 45 of this week’s issue.

41

42

THE SUN

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Halfway heroics

BY: SCOTT DELL

Youth 8-10-Year-Old Flag Football Standings

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Half time in football is a big deal, and so is the halfway point in the season.

Midway through the Anna Maria Island Community Center’s winter NFL Flag Football season, the divisional rivalries are starting to take shape.

The regular season games are important. Each team plays the same amount of games to determine which will be the divisional champions at the awards ceremony. These standings also determine the seeding for the end of the year playoffs on the road to the Community Center’s Super Bowl championships.

In the 8 to 10 year old division, the Beach Bistro Buccaneers and the Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings remain unbeaten.

They will play each other this Friday night in a battle of the undefeated.

The Beach Bistro team is led by the strong quarterback play of Chris Snyder and standout teammates David Daigle and brothers German and Javier Rivera.

The Tyler’s Ice Cream team is led by experience and leadership of Ava Alderson, Tuna McCracken and the quarterback play of Thomas Heckler.

In the 11-to-13-year-old division, there are also two undefeated teams on top of the leader board. The LPAC Cardinals and the Beach to Bay Buccaneers. These two teams will not face off against each other until Feb. 17.

The Beach to Bay team is led by the tandem quarterback system of Rutger Langley and Leo Rose with clutch receiving on the other end by Noah Heskin and Morgan Horesh.

The LPAC team is led by experienced quarterback Joey Stewart and speed all around him in Zach Fernandez, Tyler Pearson and Daniel Sentman.

In the 14-to-17-year-old division, there is a three way tie for first and a major battle to the championship brewing between the Galati Yacht Sales Buccaneers, the Mr. Bones Bengals and the Feast restaurant Broncos.

The Galati team is led by a quarterback tandem of Lee Burgeron and Chris Galati. The brother receiving tandem of Andrew and Jake Ross lead the targets.

The Mr. Bones team is led by senior experience with Hunter Parrish. Quarterback Nehemiah Goode and brothers Malachi and Zachariah Goode provide the explosive offense.

The Feast restaurant team is led by another tandem quarterback system with

Beach Bistro Buccaneers Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings West Coast Air & Heating Dolphins Beach Bums Patriots Manatee Diagnostic Ravens LPAC Cardinals DoJo Martial Arts Cowboys

4-0 3-0 2-1 2-2 1-2 0-3 0-4

Youth 11-13-Year-Old Flag Football Standings LPAC Cardinals 4-0 Beach to Bay Bucs 3-0 Sandbar Colts 4-1 Eat Here Redskins 1-3 Bark & Company Realty Ravens 1-4 Will C. Photos Falcons 0-4 scott dell | submitted

The Feast restaurant Broncos quarterback Burke Hill displays his passing skills during AMICC 14-to-17-year-old NFL Flag Football action.

Burke Hill and Cody Tsai. Their supporting team members are speedy receivers Chris Johnson and Joshua Parrish.

The Center’s NFL Flag Football youth division is shaping up to be a tossup of parity. The second half race to the regular season championship and the playoffs is on. What second half heroics will standout? Check back weekly to see how this season all turns out.

Youth 5-7-Year-Old Flag Football Schedule

Feb. 7, Friday, 6 p.m. – Air & Energy Bucs vs. Beaches Real Estate Packers Feb. 10, Monday, 6 p.m. – Miller Electric Broncos vs. Air & Energy Bucs

Youth 8-10-Year-Old Flag Football Results Beach Bistro Buccaneers Beach Bums Patriots

18 14

West Coast Air & Heating Dolphins 31 Manatee Diagnostic Ravens 0 Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings Beach Bums Patriots

19 14

Beach Bistro Buccaneers DoJo Martial Arts Cowboys

16 0

Youth 8-10-Year-Old Flag Football Schedule

Feb. 5, Wednesday, 6 p.m. – Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings vs. Manatee Diagnostic Ravens

Feb. 7, Friday, 6 p.m. – LPAC Cardinals vs. West Coast Air & Heating Dolphins Feb. 7, Friday, 7 p.m. – Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings vs. Beach Bistro Buccaneers Feb. 10, Monday, 6 p.m. – LPAC Cardinals vs. Manatee Diagnostic Ravens

Youth 11-13-Year-Old Flag Football Results Bark & Company Realty Ravens Eat Here Redskins

33 14

Sandbar Colts Will C. Photos Falcons

46 14

Beach to Bay Bucs Bark & Company Realty Ravens

29 22

LPAC Cardinals Sandbar Colts

26 14

Eat Here Redskins Will C. Photos Falcons

27 20

Youth 11-13-Year-Old Flag Football Schedule

Feb. 7, Friday, 8 p.m. – Bark & Company Realty Ravens vs. Will C. Photos Falcons Feb. 10, Monday, 7 p.m. – LPAC Cardinals vs. Bark & Company Realty Ravens Feb. 10, Monday, 8 p.m. – Eat Here Redskins vs. Sandbar Colts see sports, page 43

Youth 14-17-Year-Old Flag Football Standings Galati Yacht Sales Bucs Mr. Bones Bengals The Feast Broncos Integrity Sound Lions Swordfish Grill Browns West Coast Surf Shop Jaguars The Island Sun Bears Waterfront Restaurant Cowboys

3-1 3-1 3-1 2-2 2-2 2-2 1-3 0-4

Adult co-ed 18 & Over Flag Football Standings Slim’s Place Bears Agnelli Pool & Spas Giants Beach to Bay Dolphins Beach Bistro Raiders Duffy’s Tavern Seahawks Waterfront restaurant Panthers

3-0 2-1 2-1 1-2 1-2 0-3

Adult co-ed 30 & Over Flag Football Standings Island Gourmet Bills Agnelli Pool & Spas Giants Jessie’s Island Store Bucs Ross Built Panthers Island Real Estate Raiders Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings

4-0 3-1 2-2 2-2 1-3 0-4

Adult co-ed Volleyball Standings: Duncan Real Estate Florida Disc. Signs & Wraps Southern Greens

5-1 4-2 0-6

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

THE SUN

43

sports: Scores and schedules Youth 14-17-Year-Old Flag Football Results West Coast Surf Shop Jaguars Integrity Sound Lions

31 7

Swordfish Grill Browns Waterfront restaurant Cowboys

25 24

Mr. Bones Bengals Galati Yacht Sales Bucs

33 18

The Feast Broncos The Island Sun Bears

46 12

Youth 14-17-Year-Old Flag Football Schedule

Feb. 6, Thursday, 6 p.m. – Waterfront restaurant Cowboys vs. Integrity Sound Lions Feb. 8, Saturday, 9 a.m. – Galati Yacht Sales Bucs vs.

West Coast Surf Shop Jaguars Feb. 8, Saturday, 10 a.m. – Waterfront restaurant Cowboys vs. The Island Sun Bears Feb. 8, Saturday, 11 a.m. – Integrity Sound Lions vs.

Swordfish Grill Browns Feb. 8, Saturday, 12 p.m. – Mr. Bones Bengals vs. The Feast Broncos

Adult co-ed 18 & Over Flag Football Results Duffy’s Tavern Seahawks Waterfront restaurant Panthers

45 14

Agnelli Pool & Spas Giants Beach Bistro Raiders

37 24

Beach to Bay Dolphins Slim’s Place Bears

42 39

Adult co-ed 18 & Over Flag Football Schedule

Feb. 5, Wednesday, 7 p.m. – Duffy’s Tavern Seahawks vs. Slim’s Place Bears Feb. 5, Wednesday, 8 p.m. – Waterfront restaurant Panthers vs. Agnelli Pool & Spas Giants Feb. 5, Wednesday, 9 p.m. – Beach Bistro Raiders vs.

Beach to Bay Dolphins

Adult co-ed 30 & Over Flag Football Results Island Gourmet Bills – 39 Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings – 19

Ross Built Panthers – 44 Island Real Estate Raiders – 20 Jessie’s Island Store Bucs – 18 Agnelli Pool & Spas Giants – 7

Adult co-ed 30 & Over Flag Football Schedule

Feb. 6, Thursday, 7 p.m. – Agnelli Pool & Spas Giants vs. Island Gourmet Bills Feb. 6, Thursday, 8 p.m. – Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings vs. Ross Built Panthers Feb. 6, Thursday, 9 p.m. – Jessie’s Island Store Bucs vs. Island Real Estate Raiders

Adult co-ed Volleyball Standings

TEAM WIN Duncan Real Estate Florida Discount Signs & Wraps 4 Southern Greens

LOSS 5 2 0

1 6

scott dell | submitted

Twenty-six teams played in the second annual charity Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by The Sun, to benefit youth teen programs at the Anna Maria Island Community Center on Saturday.

Cornhole for charity Cornhole is one of the fastest growing sports in America. The Anna Maria Island Community Center held its second annual charity Cornhole Tournament to benefit the youth teen programs at the Center.

Whether it is in a league, at a tailgate party or in your backyard, the game is fun for all ages and all abilities. The Saturday tourney started with 26 teams all vying for the illustrious 2014 Community Center Cornhole Championship.

All 26 teams first started their play in a three-game round-robin. These three games helped to determine seeding in the tournament’s double-elimination format. After the round-robin, all teams continue playing until they are eliminated when they have lost two games.

After three winning games in the upper winner’s bracket, the Old Farts team comprised of Jim Harrison and Jim Smith defeated the Center Court team comprised of Scott Dell and C.J Whitfield.

This win sent the Old Farts team automatically into the championship game with no losses and handed team Center Court its first loss which sent it into the loser’s bracket.

In the loser’s bracket, team Center Court awaited the winner of team Corn Dogs comprised of Kenny Rice and Logan Wells and team Walla Walla Weasels comprised of Boston Rik Burns and Dennis Goehler.

The Weasels won a very close match and sent them to the semi-finals against team Center Court.

The Center Court team and the Walla Walla Weasels both had one loss going into the semi-final game. The Center Court team defeated the Weasels, which propelled them into the championship finals to face the Old Farts again. The Old Farts had not lost a game yet, so this meant that team Center Court would have to beat them twice to become champions in the double elimination format.

In game one of the finals, the Old Farts took an

scott dell | submitted

Cornhole Tournament Director Ryan Hogan presents the first place trophy to team Center Court, Scott Dell and C.J Whitfield. early 8 to 0 lead on Center Court. Center Court battled back and won the first game 21 to 15. This sent the championship into one last game for the winner take all.

Again the Old Farts took a commanding early lead 7 to 0. But just like in the previous game, the Center Court team battled back and finally won the championship game 21 to 17. Center Court fought its way back through the loser’s bracket and was crowned 2014 Cornhole Kings.

Center Teen Director and Cornhole Tournament Director Ryan Hogan said, “It was an amazing turnout this year. It’s really cool to see people come out to compete in the spirit of helping teens on Anna Maria Island. The tourney raised over $1,100 to benefit Island youth. Thank you so much to everyone involved.”

TOURISM: Baugh to lead tourism council FROM PAGE 13

imagine a high rise on the Island” or driving on the beach, she said.

Proposed legislation that would revoke a state law preventing municipalities from regulating vacation rentals looks promising, Baugh said.

If the law is changed, it could help the Island retain its character, she said, adding, “One thing that does attract people to the area is the lovely surroundings of the beaches and the old town feel.

That’s very important.”

Given the Island’s limited space and reports of tourism moving farther south to less-crowded beaches, tourism growth may have peaked, she said.

Baugh said that tourism, which the CVB says has surpassed agriculture as the county’s number one industry, cannot support the community alone.

“During my campaign, I emphasized how to diversify,” she said. “We have to bring businesses into Manatee County that will help support Manatee County because we’re going to see another recession.”

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THE SUN

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ANNOUNCEMENTS SHELL SHOW: Sarasota Shell Club at the Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto. Friday February 14 12:30-5pm, Saturday February 15 10am-5pm & Sunday February 16 10am-4pm.

Activities for kids. Free shells with $5 Admission. Kids under 12 FREE with paid adult.

CAPT GREG BURKE, Duncan Real Estate Need listings, all inventory sold or pending Call 941-5928373 email - gregburkesr@ hotmail.com BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your community by giving of yourself.

Various positions available.

Call Sandee 941-778-1908 ext 0 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

Call us today! 941-778-3986

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 BOATS ARE SELLING EXTREMELY WELL. .

Let’s talk about selling yours. Keeping it simple, “Business On A Hand Shake.” We buy boats too. www.Islandboatsales.net. Call 941-2283489.

TRAILER ESTATES BOAT SLIPS $ 6 per foot .Minutes from Sarasota Bay. Repair shop & fish cleaning station on site. Call T.J. 941-7567177 50’ BOAT DOCK for rent in Holmes Beach. Wide Deep canal. Many amenities. Call BJ 941-778-3013

CARPET CLEANING

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

CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates.

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512

OUR DAILY BREAD of Bradenton is looking for volunteer servers 9amnoon. Ask for Penny 941745-2992

RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RESORT. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-756-4570

AUCTIONS

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS

BANKRUPTCY AUCTION 5,700 +/- Acres North Port, Florida February 13 World Class Hunting Development Potential 800-5043010 National Auction Group, Inc. Thomas J. Bone, FL #AU3422

ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

BABY SITTER BABY SITTER. Honor student with own transportation. Experienced, References available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219

RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

COMPUTER SERVICES EMPIRE COMPUTER SERVICE Computer problems fixed in your home or office. The fastest friendliest service around. Serving the Island since 2004. Call 941-739-6424

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES MATH COACH- Retired College Professor now has openings for basic math through pre-calculus. Call Myra 941-313-0528

EMPLOYMENT PART-TIME SALES PERSON to work in ladies boutique. Must have retail experience. Days only. Approximately 25 hours a week. Call 941504-8007 PERSON NEEDED TO run children and youth Christian Education programs at a non-denominational church. Self-starter, organized, works independently and with others, minimum 2 years’ experience required. Sundays required, some Saturdays.

Send resumes to: Roser Church Attention: BREd P.O. Box 247 Anna Maria, FL 34216 GRILL COOK, 30 hrs week, no evenings, start immediately, apply at Rudy's Subs & More 9906 Gulf Dr. Anna Maria YOU CAN BECOME an expert in HVAC installation and repair. Pinnacle Career Institute Online HVAC education in as little as 12 months. Call us today: 877-651-3961 or go online: www.HVAC-Online-Education.com AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN here - Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Housing and Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 877-741-9260 www.FixJets.com

FOR SALE FLORIDA SHAPED LARGE KOI Pond. Complete tropical oasis with large KOI. Large selection of KOI and water plants. Call 941-4471195

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

PLANNING AN EVENT? Candle holders, glass & crystal, multiple styles & sizes. Vintage plates & linens. Call 815-494-5686 DISH TV RETAILER. Starting $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) Broadband Internet starting $14.95/month (where available.) Ask About same day Installation! Call Now! 800-9806193

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S ANTIQUES & GIFT SHOP 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Gold jewelry 60% off. Select Sterling jewelry 50% off.

Select gifts, antiques, Orientals, crystal, glassware, books, dolls, Bric-Brac 40% to 80% off. See our great new drift wood arrangements! Open 7 days 9:30-5.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9:30am-2pm, Saturday 10 am-1pm. Donations on Wednesday. Only from 9am-1am. 511 Pine Ave. Anna Maria 941-779-2733.

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

“HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honey dohomerepairinc.com YOUR MAN FRIDAY Handyman Services.

In business 20 years.

Painting, remodeling. All aspects of home repair.

Call Chris Friday 941565-7065

HOME SERVICES WE HELP HOMEOWNERS who rent their home.

Guest services, repairs, cleaning and oversight. www.coastalhomeaway. com 941-584-4050 AMI VACANT HOME CHECK regular inspection visits to keep your vacant home secure.

Weekly or monthly.

Email reports after each visit. Scott Ricci, 20 year Island resident. amivhc. com or 941-685-8999 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RESORT. Pressure washing and windows.

"We go the extra mile!"

Call 941-756-4570 GENERAL BELLE PRESSURE Cleaning & Sealing. Inside/ outside. Tile, grout, pool cages, patios, driveways, etc. Commercial & Residential. Call 941-735-4014 or cell 352-223-1134

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

DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968. State License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www. kernconstructioninc.com

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

SOUTHWEST 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.

PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR. Clean professional service. Free Estimates. Call Wayne Lewin 941-7268414

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 TOP NOTCH LAWN CARE For all your landscaping needs. Commercial and Residential Call 941-932-6600 ELI’S IRRIGATION New install/repair. Pumps, pools,

AMISUN.COM

irrigation, landscape lighting and pressure washing.

Call 941-580-2054 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

LOCKSMITH ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”.

Licensed/bonded/insured.

Call 941-778-1661 or 941713-4414

LOST & FOUND LOST BLACK FRAME GLASSES on the Crescent hump back bridge in City of Anna Maria. Call 941778-2487 LOST PANDORA BRACELET many charms. Great sentimental value. Call 518-365-2702 LOST WOMENS BIRTHSTONE ring with green stone near Sharkey’s on Gulf Drive. REWARD! Call 941-301-7529 MISSING 18 INCH GOLD chain with diamond drop, sterling silver seed bracelet , location Blue Water Beach Club between 9/12 & 9/13/2013 heartbroken was gift from husband 45 years ago REWARD please call 863-668-8566 no questions asked

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

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 16 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

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

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PAINTING & WALLCOVERING “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/ residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, 10% off. Licensed & insured. Call 941448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.WalyPainting.com

PERSONAL SERVICES SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518 CHUCK'S MOBILE UPHOLSTERY Island resident. Call 941-565-1867 THE TINT GUY." Commercial, residential, automotive, marine.

Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-2012649

PET SITTING ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available.

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

PHOTOGRAPHY NEW AERIAL AMI PHOTOS. PhotosFromTheAir.com. email: photosfromtheair@ gmail.com or Call 941-7739834

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. Anna Maria Island & West Bradenton. Certified pool operator. Residential/ commercial. Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com

Call us today! 941-778-3986

AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates.

References available "Let me do what you are unwilling or unable to do."

Call Cindy 941-812-2238 zicker8@aol.com

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts.

Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitchen & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered parking and private storage.

Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455 MT VERNON ON SARASOTA BAY West Bradenton's Best Kept Secret 55+ Boating & Tennis Community Low 100s-200s.

DonnaBucher.com 941713-0203 Wagner Realty

DIRECT Gulf front Condo.

Bradenton Beach. Solid 10% Investment rental income. $295,000. By Owner. flipkey.com/124227.

Call 941-962-8220 ACTIVE 55+ COMMUNITY with heated pool and boat docks. Beaches are 5 min. away. Beautifully Remodeled in 2013, 2BR/2BA, villa with open floor plan.

New Designer kitchen includes Stainless appliances, granite tops and a large island cook-top.

New bathrooms and walk in closets with additional storage.

Enjoy the convenience of your own washer & dryer within the unit. $159,900. Call 303-8849479 DOUBLE WIDE 2BR/1BA turnkey. Large rooms, central air, washer/dryer, laminate flooring, attached carport, newly painted exterior. Boat dock available near Bridge Street. Bradenton Beach 55+. $105,000.

Call 317-289-6529

WATERFRONT PROPERTY Million Dollar View!. CHECK IT OUT www.tarawittdrive.com.

Brokers paid. FSBO FIXER UPPER ON DEEP water canal. Holmes Beach.

Just seven houses from intercoastal. Owner financing possible. $475,000. Call 941-778-7980 or 941-7787565

4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty

REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE LOT FOR SALE: West of Gulf Drive 64’ x 80’ at 112 79th Street, Holmes Beach, House being demolished, $690,000, Call 941-7786364.

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE BEACH HOUSE FOR SALE in Holmes Beach: Beautiful elevated 3BR/2BA heated pool with bonus room, direct beach access street.

Newer construction. Great investment. Sunday February 9th 1-3pm. 309A 65th St. www.HolmesBeach. blogspot.com

RENTALS: ANNUAL WEST BRADENTON:1BR/1.5BA condo basic cable, trash, water incl. 75th St. near Saints Peter & Paul $700/mo / $700.00 Sec Dep. Available March 1.

MIRROR LAKE 2BR/2BA pool, tennis, workout rm. $800/mo $800 security deposit. PERICO BAY CLUB 2BR/2BA lake view, pool, tennis, workout rm. $1300/mo $1300 security deposit Credit/Background required with everyone over 18 years old.

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com 1 BEDROOM CONDO with lanai overlooking dock on canal. Off Manatee Ave on Palma Sola Bay. Water included, No pets. $850/mo plus security. Call evenings only. 941-798-3776 or 941465-0056.

THE SUN

FURNISHED STUDIO BAYSIDE NW off Island.

Separate entry, quiet great location. Full bath, sun porch. Utilities included.

Deposit. Call 941-798-2057 $625/mo ROOM FOR RENT Holmes Beach. $400/mo includes cable TV and utilities. Call 941-565-0686

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$750/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-778-1915

VACATION RENTALS – BRADENTON, houses or condos. Weekly or monthly.

Call 941-794-1515. WWW. Coastalpropertiesrealty.com Suzanne Wilson, PA, Broker WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

THINKING OF TRYING a New Property Management Company? Call Tracy or Amberly at {A Paradise Vacation Rentals} today.

Call 941-778-4800 2BR ACROSS FROM BEACH. 75 steps to beach. Kitchen, laundry, Direct TV. Newly remodeled. Weekly available until February 1. February, March, April available for monthly only. Call 813-917-5270 or 813-917-0769

REAL ESTATE: OUT OF AREA COCOA, FLORIDA WATERFRONT properties (two). Mobile Homes next to each other. 55+, very nice lake fishing.

12 miles to ocean. $225,000/both. Call 864-353-8822

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN Getaway! 4.64 acres, only $44,800. Beautifully wooded 4.64 acre estate with picturesque rolling mountain views. Ideally located at end of quiet country road with no traffic. Enjoy privacy along with peace & quiet. Build when you are ready. All underground utilities: water, electric, fiber optic cable.

Excellent financing. Perfect for weekend mtn cabin or year-round residence. Call now 866-952-5303, x 146

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TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941225-0072

FREE HOME

DELIVERY! Crossword clues from January 29 issue Across

1 '70s quartet consisting of two married couples 5 Wall St. strategy 8 Addams family nickname 12 1964 Glenn Ford/ Geraldine Page romantic comedy 15 Seek protection from 16 Cub leader 17 Laura of "ER" 18 Wait 19 All thumbs 21 See 59-Across 22 Sequence often seen above WXYZ 23 Training systs.

24 Words with end or angle 26 Get real 29 They may be tapped 30 __-Turkish War 31 __ polloi 32 Portable storage container 35 1948 Literature Nobelist 37 "Well, well!"

38 Actress Ryan 40 Paris pronoun 41 Complex 43 They're not gentlemen 44 Letters concerning available space 45 Eye 46 Sci-fi escape craft 47 "All greased up and ready to sing" '70s-'80s TV hosts 49 Early NASA probe 53 Delhi tongue 54 Ben & Jerry's, e.g.

56 Advocated 57 Deadlock breaker 58 Road to the Forum 59 With 21-Across, Cyndi Lauper hit 60 More than just thought-over

Down

1 Puts in 2 Red shade 3 "Hulk" star Eric 4 Where to see major decisions?

5 Slacken 6 100 satang 7 No ordinary rock 8 Much of Siberia 9 Focus of a 1990 psychology best-seller 10 Reach extenders 11 Party person 13 Hayride invite 14 Shortened 15 Narrow inlet 20 Much December radio fare 22 Showerside item 24 Colorful top 25 Idaho/Wyoming landscape 26 Loan offer 27 Opponent 28 Web extension?

29 Energy source 33 Start of an early Grafton title 34 Victim of Artemis 36 Provide a segue for 39 Great Plains st.

42 Over there 43 Jazz contemporary of Hancock and Jarrett 46 1998 World Series player 47 Feng __ 48 Support 49 Fermat's forte 50 Hair-removal brand 51 1815 title character who "thought a little too well of herself" 52 Stagger 55 Med. orders

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sean murph y ’s

One of Florida’s “best new” restaurants 5313 gulf drive | holmes beach

941-778-0411

www.eathereannamaria.com

Zagat “Top Restaurants in America”