Anna Maria Island Sun February 21, 2018

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 18 No. 19

February 21, 2018

Concrete pilings for new pier City Commissioners are selecting the materials to be used to build a new pier.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CINDY LANE | SUN

The festival was bigger than ever in 2018.

Cortez festival visitors enjoy seafood under the sky

BY CINDY LANE

ANNA MARIA – The new city pier will be built atop concrete pilings.

In March, the City Commission will decide if the pier will be feature hardwood decking or composite decking.

The decision to go with concrete pilings was by a 3-1 vote at the commission’s special pier meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Commissioner Dale Woodland did not support either of the piling options that Ayres Associates Vice President Jay Saxena presented. Even though it is no longer an option, Woodland still supports the wooden pilings the design firm said last month would only provide for a pier with an estimated 25year service life.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Woodland said he made a mistake in October when he joined the other commissioners in unanimously voting in favor of building a pier designed to last 75 to 100 years, using non-wooden pilings. Woodland withdrew his support for that initial commission decision and said he may continue opposing the commission’s pier material choices moving forward.

PIER PILINGS

Saxena told the commission a combination of 230 10-inch and 12-inch diameter, 50-foot long composite pilings, which could be color-tinted, would cost an estimated $250,000. The hollow composite pilings could also be filled with concrete to provide

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

SEE PILINGS, PAGE 32

CORTEZ – When kids are petting horseshoe crabs, people are dancing in flip flops to rock and roll and everyone is enjoying fresh seafood under sunny blue skies, you know it’s Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival time.

This year’s 36th annual festival featured the theme “Rooted in History,” with a sturdy mangrove – a plant that lives with its roots in saltwater – serving as the symbol for Cortez commercial fishing families.

Organizers provided easier maneuvering than ever this year, with arts displays and dining areas spread out in several places.

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 SEAN MURPHY 19 WEDDINGS 20-21 ENTERTAINMENT 30 REAL ESTATE 36-41 CLASSIFIEDS 45-47

CINDY LANE | SUN

Visitors admired a variety of boats on display.

This year’s nautical art and crafts included coconut fish, handmade signs featuring local place names like the Anna Maria City Pier, huge wooden fishing lure wall hangings,

THE NEST

opens to fanfare at Robinson Preserve.

11

Anna Maria Island, Florida

blown glass sea creatures and delicate coquina shell flowers among many other creative offerings.

SEE FESTIVAL, PAGE 32

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Ayres Associates Vice President Jay Saxena presents the commission with two piling options: a concrete piling on the left and a colored composite piling on the right.

LEARN to love the best fishig lure in the world. 26 MURDER, suspense and silliness

at The Center. 4

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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Driveway restoration a problem for homeowners Restoration for residential driveways disturbed by the county’s Force Main Five and other city projects may not be exactly what residents have in mind.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Residential property owners may not have a choice about whether or not parts of their driveways are removed during utility construction or about how those parts are put back after construction is completed.

Commissioners posed the question to City Engineer Lynn Burnett to explain what homeowners in the path of the Manatee County Force Main Five project can expect.

Rather than having residential driveways disturbed for the force main replacement project and then disturbed again as the city’s storm water drainage project comes

through the same areas, Burnett said stone for the storm water project will be used to repair driveways.

She said while property owners can choose to pay out of pocket to have pavers or cement replaced over the 57 stone material used for the storm water project, it will have to be removed again when construction begins on that project.

And once construction on the storm water project ends, property owners will still be left with a strip of white stone material across the right of way in front of their homes.

Burnett said the right of way use agreement all property owners have with the city when they purchase in Holmes Beach states that private property owners agree that any expense to put back areas disturbed in the right of way by city permitted projects is to be incurred by the property owner. The city’s responsibility in such situations is to repair the area according to adopted city standard details, which allow for the stone to take the place of pavers or

cement.

For the county or city to put back every driveway exactly as it was found before construction began would add 30 to 40 percent of the project cost to the total budget. Burnett said she feels that kind of cost is a misuse of tax dollars.

Before construction takes place, Burnett said each affected property owner will be notified and have the option to retain any pavers disturbed by the project. If owners choose, pavers will be neatly stacked on pallets wherever on the property the owner chooses for use in the future.

Once the storm water infiltration trenches are in place, property owners can have pavers or cement put over the stones, but it will be at their own expense. Anyone choosing to replace the pavers will need to obtain a right of way permit from the city’s building department.

Construction is expected to continue through at least 2020 on both projects.

Sun photo exhibit at library “Postcards from The Sun,” an exhibit featuring photographs by Cindy Lane published in The Anna Maria Island Sun, will be featured at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach from March 1-31. The library is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 941-778-6341.

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THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Heritage Day festival set for March 3 Enjoy music, arts and crafts and a Settler’s Market and at the annual Heritage Day Festival on Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Island Historical Museum complex, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Throughout the grounds of the museum and Historical Park artisans will be demonstrating arts and crafts as practiced by early Island settlers including beekeeping, wool spinning, wood working, bonnet making, soap making, basket making and quilts and quilt stand making.

The Settlers Market will feature organic local produce and herbs, Early Settler’s Bread and honey. There will be tours of Belle Haven Cottage and the surrounding native plant garden; an invasion by the AMI Privateers; an author’s corner; a collectibles booth with vintage items from the museum’s attic for sale; raffles and a silent auction.

Will Corr and Rusty Moore will provide music, children can participate in old fashioned games and a scavenger hunt with prizes and BBQ and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Murder, suspense and silliness at the Center

Commission appointment Thursday The City Commission seat recently vacated by Nancy Yetter will be filled by appointment during the Anna Maria commission’s Thursday, Feb. 22, meeting that begins at 6 p.m. The four sitting commissioners will select one of the three candidates who applied before last Friday’s deadline: David Bouchard, Jonathan Crane and Amy Tripp. The new commissioner will then participate in the meeting that will include reports from the mayor, commissioners, the city attorney and staff, but no additional agenda items.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Attendees play craps for a chance at a raffle for a two night stay at the Anna Maria Island Inn.

Commission refuses to reconsider rezone Holmes Beach commissioners may still be interested in purchasing three parcels of land surrounding Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, however, they’re not interested in rezoning the property.

After discussions stalled during a previous work session, Mayor Bob Johnson went back to the church’s board of directors to see if there is any interest in the city purchasing all four parcels of land and leasing the property with the building on it back to the church. He said the response he received is that the board would rather see if commissioners would reconsider a 2017 decision to not rezone the back two parcels of land R-2 to allow residential construction that could be used for short-term vacation rentals.

While commission Chair Judy Titsworth said she would still favor a rezone, her four fellow commissioners refused to reconsider the decision. The matter of the city purchasing a portion of the property is set for further discussion at a future work session.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

A barbershop quartet serenades one party goer at The Center of Anna Maria Island’s 10th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.

CORRECTIONS The Manatee County Commission has approved $1.5 million in matching funds for the replacement Anna Maria City Pier. A recent Sun story said the city was pursuing those funds.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Commissioner Nancy Yetter left office 16 months into her second term in office. A recent Sun story had the wrong number of months that Yetter served during her second term.

A nearly sold-out crowd plays casino games and takes their places Friday, Feb. 16, during the first night of the murder mystery before the play begins.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Attendees get a lesson in how to play blackjack from the dealer before the start of the murder mystery play and dinner.

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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Driveway restoration discussed City Commissioners don’t think it will cost as much as originally suggested to replace disturbed driveway areas.

Are we going to replace the driveway areas in the

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Commissioner Jake Spooner initiated a follow-up discussion on driveway restoration during last week’s City Commission meeting.

Portions of several driveways along Avenue C have been or will be torn up by Westra Construction as county sewer and water lines are installed in city rights of way.

At the commission’s Feb. 6 work meeting, it was learned that Westra is only obligated to replace driveway materials removed from city rights of way with 57 stone – the same material to be used by the city when stormwater infiltration trenches are installed along Avenue C and other locations later this year. Westra is not required to replace pavers, concrete, asphalt, shell or gravel removed from city rights of way.

The restoration conditions were established in a letter drafted by Burnett

city right of way and put them back to the way they originally were?”

John Chappie, Bradenton Beach mayor

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Driveway aprons located in city rights of way are being disturbed along Avenue C. and sent to the county’s project manager in June.

“It’s definitely too late to make the county do it,” Mayor John Chappie said, when discussing the complete restoration of impacted driveways at the Feb. 15 commission meeting.

When seeking the commission’s approval to write the restoration letter, Burnett told the commission the disturbed rights of way would be restored consistent with the current adopted land development code and city standard details, but 57 stone was not specifically mentioned.

Chappie referenced a conversation he recently had with Building Official Steve Gilbert regarding the right of way use permit then issued to Westra.

“It’s my understanding there are no standards for driveways in our land development regulations,” Chappie said.

SEE RESTORE, PAGE 31

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THE SUN

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 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

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

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Your thoughts?

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say.

There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to e-mail The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

Or you can hand-deliver a letter to our office in Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside.

Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed.

The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Something to smile about

There seems to be a complaint or two on our precious island by the sea Just watch those woes all disappear with a cure that’s simple and easy.

Smile anyway Sure, it may get a little noisy with some traffic jams to bear It may be tough to get to Publix with so many of our visitors here.

Smile anyway

the lovely island sunsets are still free.

Smile anyway Smiling won’t change these things, of course But there’s a more important case You’ll be helping to keep our island a friendly and happy place - so Smile anyway

There are shouts of children playing on the beach or in the pool They get a little noisy ‘cause they’re happy to be here and not in school.

Smile anyway We have only minor problems there’s a house up in a tree Red Tide might make you sneeze - but

There’s really no reason to ever frown When a smile is all it takes So rest your face for a little while and help brighten up the place.

Smile anyway AMI is an isle of joy Guests come for the Gulf and the sun They love the beach much like we do Let’s help them have a lot of fun.

Smile anyway Gene Ciliberti Anna Maria

SUN FACEBOOK PAGE COMMENTS Reader comments on The Sun's Facebook page about the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

Sue Tuttle Kleinow: Wish I was there. Weather looks perfect, good food and great music. Have fun!!

Alan Shortz: Wishing I was there and not here in Indiana.

Anastasia Henize: So cold in Ohio :( Love Florida!

Comments about driveways torn up from the county's pipeline project.

Lynn Keenan: This is so wrong that this mess is allowed to remain and not be repaired ... makes a

dangerous situation for many.

Many of the folks in this area are out of town owners. Who will notify them of the mess left behind for them? This is a terrible mess...

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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ON THE AGENDA

THE SUN SURVEY

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Who should pay for repairing residential driveways damaged by the county's ongoing water pipeline replacement project?

84% The county

6%

ANNA MARIA

HOLMES BEACH

Feb. 22, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting For information, call 7086130

Feb. 26, 1 p.m. – Ad-hoc form of government committee meeting March 1, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow For information, call 7085800

10005 GULF DRIVE

BRADENTON BEACH

The Island cities

107 GULF DRIVE N.

Feb. 21, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting For information, call 7781005

5801 MARINA DRIVE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

WEDNESDAY

0%

FEBRUARY 21

The residents

0%

9%

All of the above

The contractor

THE SUN SURVEY IS NOT A SCIENTIFIC POLL AND IS USED FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY What do you think of the decision to rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier using concrete pilings instead of wood?

• Good idea. Use whichever material is going to last the longest.

• I think it will lose its "old Florida" aesthetic.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun The Anna Maria Island Sun staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Diane Martin

Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Memoir Writing, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $20.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call 941-518-4431.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon.

Ringling College’s Lifelong Learning Academy presents "Our Digital Future" with Alex Beavers, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Meet the author with Ken Boring Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2 to 4 p.m.

Family movie in the park, Anna Maria City Pier Park, across from the Anna Maria City Pier, 101 S. Bay Blvd., 7 p.m.

THURSDAY Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Sean Murphy Monica Simpson

FEBRUARY 22

Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Quilting, Island Branch

Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided.

Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

Meet the author with Marie Corbett, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Friends of the Island Library lecture ‘The Making of a Restauranteur’ with Adam Ellis of the Blue Marlin, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 6 to 9 p.m.

FRIDAY

FEBRUARY 23

Reiki II, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Painting with a fish, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 9:30 a.m., $35.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy Lecture Series, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to noon, $55 for four SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 16

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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THE SUN

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Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. One Particular Harbour and the One Particular Harbour logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 2/2018.

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THE SUN

Changes proposed for dog park Major changes are being planned for the Holmes Beach Dog Park.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Dog park users and members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee are finally making some progress in determining changes to present to commissioners for the city’s dog park.

During a special committee meeting, users and committee members discussed how each would like to see the $50,000 in funds allocated for park improvements used. Some of the ideas, which will be presented to commissioners when a fullyformed plan is in place, include redoing the rusting fence, adding benches, adding turf in areas where grass doesn’t grow and putting in new water fountains for dogs and their humans.

Other ideas are to add access gates, change gate access to a push button system, add landscaping in and around the park and add sunshades. At the end of the meeting, after public input, committee members also amended a previous vote, agreeing to present an idea to commissioners to expand the park slightly by squaring it off on the south end where the park curves around the city’s ball field.

Committee member Joshua Linney said squaring off the south end of the park will add a small amount of space to the large dog park, allowing for more dog run areas, and also may allow committee members to move the dividing fence line between the large and small dog parks, giving both more room.

Committee member Dennis Groh proposed adding coco plums to the

outer perimeter of the park to beautify the exterior while also helping to block sound from the park for surrounding residential homes.

Committee members voted to add the plants to two sides of the fencing, but leave one open to allow easy site lines for park goers. Also around the perimeter, committee members agreed to propose a black vinyl coated fencing with four gates into the park, two for each side, along with maintenance entrances for city workers.

Inside the park, the vote was to add benches, add a metal sunshade to each side of the park, put in water fountains that allow for both humans and dogs to use and add pavers underneath the benches.

With the pavers, committee members hope to discourage dogs from digging underneath the benches.

Wolf Fibar, a material designed for use in dog parks that resists bacteria and resembles wood mulch, is recommended to be used experimentally underneath one bench to see how the dogs react to the new substance. Two trees are planned to be added to the interior of the park as a part of April Arbor Day celebrations.

Committee members said City Engineer Lynn Burnett is working to address the drainage situation in the park to prevent future flooding during rain events.

One item that was a hot-button issue for dog park users is current access to the park. Despite new large signs being added to the dog park advising of rules and regulations, users said only two gates to the park were opened, creating an access issue.

“I don’t understand what it takes SEE DOG PARK, PAGE 39

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Mission 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY Fest 10:00 AM Nursery & Church School FEB 255 • Browse the booths • Meet missionaries • Enjoy refreshments

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS

5:30 • Dinner ($6) 6:15 • 3 Classes, The Groove for Youth!

8:30 AM Early Bird Sunday School 8:45 AM Adult Bible Study

A NON-DENOMINATIONAL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH • EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

512 Pine Ave • Anna Maria

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941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

MANGO-CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD WITH LOCAL SPINACH

I’m an Original At enRich Bistro every menu item is a ‘special.’

Our mission is to enrich Bradenton’s dining experience by integrating global flavors with local ingredients in a refreshing atmosphere.

We’re proud to serve locally-sourced food, including vegetables from the Geraldson Family Farm, Gamble Creek Farm, and O’Brien Family Farms; Daikin Dairy products; and fresh seafood caught in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s what makes us Original! Dining at enRich Bistro will delight your palate and stimulate your senses!

Rich Knowles, chef/owner, enRich Bistro

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a group of locally owned restaurants who share a passion for dining excellence and commitment to our community.

eatlikealocal.com 15 South Ristorante • Amore Restaurant • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • Arts & Eats Restaurant and Gallery • Beach House • The Bijou Café • Birdrock Taco Shack • Blase Café • Blu Island Bistro • Blue Marlin Seafood • Bridge Street Bistro • Café Baci • Café Gabbiano • Café Venice • Cassariano Italian Eatery • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Chaz 51 Bistro • Ciao! Italia • The Crow’s Nest • Drunken Poet Café • Duval’s • enRich Bistro • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Fins at Sharky’s • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive Café + Tiki • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • MADE Restaurant • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Mattison’s Forty-One • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Miguel’s Restaurant • Oasis Café and Bakery • Ophelia’s On The Bay • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Paradise Grill • PIER 22 • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Seafood Shack • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • State Street • Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse • Tsunami • Village Café • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

THE SUN

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NEST open for learning, enjoyment

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

BRADENTON – Birds twittered right on cue as Charlie Hunsicker welcomed hundreds of people to the grand opening of the NEST at Robinson Preserve on Friday, Feb. 16.

The director of Manatee County’s Parks and Natural Resources Department thanked the Mosaic Company Foundation for funding the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology, along with architects, engineers, builders, government officials and other key players in the project, presenting them with plaques featuring nests and eggs.

Visitors enjoyed cupcakes topped with woven sugar and cinnamon nests with gumdrop eggs as they explored the elevated tree house education center.

Kids tested the slide and the net ladder connecting the classrooms to the outdoors, while adults walked the elevated boardwalk around the NEST, which

CINDY LANE | SUN

Above, Visitors to the NEST enjoyed cupcakes topped with woven sugar and cinnamon “nests” full of gumdrop eggs. Right, The NEST is surrounded by 150 acres of the Robinson Preserve expansion that will never be developed. meanders through old-growth trees.

The parks department’s interpretive programs for all ages, including the Tall Tails Tribe preschool class, Green Ex-

CINDY LANE | SUN

From left, Jackie Barron, of Mosaic Company, Manatee County Commissioners Betsy Benac, Steve Jonsson and Priscilla Whisenant Trace, former landowner Bill Robinson and Commissioner Carol Whitmore were among those cutting the ribbon at the NEST at Robinson Preserve on Friday.

GREAT FOODhCOCKTAILShCRAFT BEER

5346 gulf drive holmes Beach 941.778.5788 hurricanehanks.com

plorers experiential play group, Wild FL 101 adult lectures, nature-based photography classes and Tai Chi, will be held in the NEST. Under the NEST, animal exhibits and a marine life touch tank will be built.

A play area is planned under nearby towering exotic trees on what is known as the Reasoner tract. The exotics will not be removed, as they normally would be in a preserve restoration because of their value as heritage landscaping, according to county officials. The Reasoner family has grown trees and plants in Manatee County since 1881, when Pliny Reasoner settled in Oneco (one company – Royal Palm Nurseries) and built a nursery business.

The NEST is surrounded by 150 acres of the Robinson Preserve expansio which will never be developed under an agreement with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, which bought

the land with Mosaic Company Foundation funds and donated it to the county.

The expansion, still under construction, will have kayak launches, storage tubes and trails, mangrove tunnels, covered parking, a 1.6-mile, low-impact rubberized jogging trail including Heartbreak Hill, wildlife viewing, hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, bridges and more.

It borders the 487-acre Robinson Preserve, which was purchased by the county from the Robinson family in 2002 for $10 million, in part with a $6 million grant from Florida Communities Trust.

The entrance of the NEST is at the corner of Ninth Avenue Northwest and 99th Street Northwest. Robinson Preserve's gates are at the western end of 17th Avenue Northwest in Bradenton and on the south side of Manatee Avenue west of the Perico Island Bridge.

Sunday Brunch 10:00 am - 1:00 pm $10.00 brunch menu 2 for 1 Mimosa & Sangria

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THE SUN

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

CRA discussing underground utility lines CRA members discussed undergrounding utility lines on Bridge Street and beyond.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is ramping up its conversations on putting utility lines along Bridge Street underground.

CRA chair Ralph Cole has been advocating for underground utility lines since 2016. During the Feb. 7 CRA meeting, he said it would cost $160,000 for Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) portion of an undergrounding project on Bridge Street. There would be additional work and costs associated with the cable TV and internet providers and underground boring services. Cole said there would also be some cost to Bridge Street business owners, but he thinks they would support the project.

“You have to start somewhere. It might be time to lay the foundation to start undergrounding the power. My goal is get everything underground eventually and get rid of all the wires,”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

CRA chair and City Commissioner Ralph Cole has long advocated for underground power lines.

Cole said, noting that underground utility lines were included in the original CRA plan in 1992.

Cole said FPL’s work would cost $1.7 million if undergrounding the entire CRA district from Fifth Street South to the Cortez Bridge. He said the project could be done citywide as funds become available or the city could borrow the money and charge property owners a special assessment fee.

Public Works Director Tom Woodard estimated the total cost to underground utility lines on Bridge Street alone to be slightly less than $1 million.

“The $160,000 is basically FPL’s small part of it. That’s for the cable and the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Community Redevelopment Agency would like to underground the utility lines along Bridge Street. conduit. That does not include Bright House, Spectrum, Frontier or whomever. There are a lot of other factors,” he said.

Woodard and City Engineer Lynn Burnett met with Longboat Key representatives to learn more about that town’s undergrounding efforts. Bur-

nett said the town hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study and help coordinate the parties involved.

In 2015, Longboat Key voters approved the town borrowing $25.25 million to underground all electric, phone SEE UTILITIES, PAGE 40

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

THE SUN

13

City to pursue tree house demolition in court City leaders agreed to dismiss a request from owners of the beachfront tree house and pursue a court order to have the structure removed.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The beachfront tree house in front of Angelinos Sea Lodge won’t stand much longer if city leaders have anything to say about it.

City commissioners voted unanimously to reject demands from the tree house owners that would allow

them to retain the structure and to pursue a court order to have the two-story tree house taken down.

Treehouse owners Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran were given until Feb. 9 to apply for a demolition permit with the city. In the hopes of reaching an agreement with the city to end years of litigation and keep the tree house, Hazen and Tran instead submitted a letter of notice and demand refusing to file for a permit and asserting that the city has violated their rights by attempting to force them to remove the structure.

Their demands, with a deadline of April 11, require the city to revoke

a 2013 code enforcement board decision requiring the tree house owners to either get a building permit for the structure, which was denied by the city, or remove it.

Building Official Jim McGuinness refused to issue an after the fact permit for the tree house stating that its supports need to be deeper in the sand, the structure is not ADA compliant and it’s located over the erosion control line where building is only allowed by city and Florida Department of Environmental Protection special permit.

They also demand the city reimburse the couple for $180,000 in monetary damages and allow the

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tree house to remain aloft in its Australian pine perch as “exempt from permit requirements.”

If these demands are not met, Hazen and Tran said in their letter that they would continue to pursue the case in court.

In late 2017, Tran and Hazen petitioned the U. S. Supreme Court to hear the case. On Jan. 8, that request was denied, and the city sent a letter demanding the owners remove the structure.

With commissioners agreeing to seek a court order to force the removal of the structure, it looks like the tree house case may be going back to court for a final determination.

14

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THE SUN

Two new court cases for Holmes Beach The city of Holmes Beach’s leaders are being brought back to court as two more Bert Harris cases found their way to city hall Feb. 14.

The first case being brought against the city is for a claim filed with the city April 27, 2017, on behalf of Shawn Kaleta and his limited liability company Mojito Splash, owner of 302 55th Street. The case asserts that Kaleta purchased the property in 2008 and proceeded to build a five bedroom home that was regularly rented to parties of 12.

Under the city’s vacation rental ordinance, occupancy is limited to two people per bed-

room, bringing the maximum occupancy for the home down to 10 people. In the Bert Harris claim, attorney Aaron Thomas asked for $275,000 in lost value to the property or for the occupancy restriction to be lifted.

City attorney Patricia Petruff sent a letter on the city’s behalf refusing both requests.

Similarly, 302 55th St. LLC, owners of an eight bedroom home at 302 55th St. also filed a claim through Thomas with the city April 27, 2017. The claim, also concerning occupancy reductions, in this case from 20 to 16 people, asked for $655,000 in lost value to the property or for the restrictions to be lifted.

On the city’s behalf, Petruff refused. The city has 20 days from the date of the summons

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

to register a written defense with the court. No hearing date had been set as of press time for The Sun.

MCAT boosts AMI bus service Just in time for the seasonal increase in traffic, Manatee County Area Transit is increasing service to and from Anna Maria Island.

Bus service to and from the Island increased to every 30 minutes Feb. 17. The route, Route 3, begins and terminates service on the Island at the Manatee County Public Beach.

Passengers can catch the free Island trolley from the beach to all local destinations on the Island. For more information, visit www.ridemcat.org.

EXPOSING

STROKE through early detection

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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15

Chamber events listed The Golf Boot Camp located at 6415 53rd Ave. W. in Bradenton at the Manatee County Golf Course will host the Anna Maria Island Chamber February Business Card Exchange from 5 to 7p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members.

On Wednesday, March 14, the Chamber March Sunrise Breakfast will be held from 7:45 to 9a.m. at Olympic Café, at 6408 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. The cost to attend is $8 for members and $16 for prospective members.

The Chamber March Business Card Exchange will be held on Wednesday, March 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Steam Designs located at 5343 Gulf Drive, Suite 600, Holmes Beach. The cost to attend is $5 for members and $10 for prospective members.

Call 941-778-1541 to RSVP for these gatherings.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

On Saturday, April 14, the Chamber will host the Beach’N Food Truck and Music Festival from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Coquina Beach just south of the Coquina Beach Café at the 2650 Gulf Drive S. trolley stop in Bradenton Beach. It’s an all-day family fun festival with live music, kids zone, arts and crafts vendors, adult beverages and food trucks. The festival will also feature the Bill Mergens' Memorial Car Show, with more than 100 classic, antique, custom and muscle cars on display from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Contact the Chamber at 941-778-1541 or info@amichamber.org for vendor and sponsor information.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

How lucky they are The ribbon flies after being cut for the opening of howluckyami at Restless Natives, 5416 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

From left to right: Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce past president Karen LaPensee; howluckyami partners Carol Clifford, Jan LaBriola and Jane Sperlazzi; and Chamber President Bev Lesnick. The partnership markets products under the howluckyami name at Restlss Natives, Pineapple Junktion on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria and at Sea renity Spa in Bradenton Beach. Clifford said they want to push a positive image, “Because who wouldn’t feel lucky on Anna Maria Island.”

16

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THE SUN

HBPD increases security at AME

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

HOLMES BEACH – Police Chief Bill Tokajer wants parents and students to feel comfortable at Anna Maria Elementary School, so he’s working to make the campus as secure as possible.

In the wake of a school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, Tokajer said he’s working to make the school as safe as possible. Part of that initiative is to make sure that every entrance to the school is locked other than

the front door, which must be open during staff hours to receive visitors. Tokajer said he’s in discussions with members of the Manatee County School Board to request a locking mechanism for the front door that would also keep that door locked but allow the school secretary to admit people by pushing a button. Students and parents also may notice an increased police presence at the school.

The day after the Parkland shooting, which left 17 dead and 14 injured, a blackout occurred that left the school in darkness

during school hours. To calm students, Tokajer said every available officer reported to the school to patrol the halls until the blackout ended and power was restored. He took to the school’s halls himself to personally check on students in every classroom and calm fears.

Another step in helping to further secure the campus is having an officer trained to deal with an active shooter situation. Tokajer said one of the HBPD’s officers is currently undergoing the training and will be able to train members of the community at public workshops in the future.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR From Page 7

lecture series or $15 per lecture. Reserve to www.rclla.org or 941-309-5111.

Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies.

Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Bingo, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 to 8 p.m., $10 for 10 cards.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24

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

CPR Training, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve to 941-778-6341.

Southwest Florida Cultural Conference,

The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $25.

Healing meditation, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-2169600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

THE SUN

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SUBMITTED

Lovely art project

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Ms. Paul’s Anna Maria Elementary School third graders celebrated Valentine’s Day by making valentines and special bags for their cards.

Waterfront Dining & Boaters Welcome Home of RumDay Monday

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

THE SUN

19

Uncle George – a genius of molecular gastronomy

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

M

olecular gastronomy is a raging new food fad.

Food bloggers love it.

It is selling tons of cookbooks.

It is mostly smoke and mirrors.

Food in this country did not start to get sexy until the 60s.

Before that we loved cans of stew and Spam and TV dinners.

TV dinners were huuuuge.

Most chefs were guys who could not stand school and left before graduation.

They went to work in kitchens and got to drink wine and hang out with pretty girls in bars until late at night.

They never took chemistry, but they learned that sauteeing a filet of fish flesh to a golden color gave you the best flavor.

They learned that if you seared a steak in a pan and deglazed the seared bits stuck to the pan with a little red wine and added butter that it tasted damn good.

They did not read Einstein, they read Escoffier.

Then one day it was cool to be a chef.

Emeril was on TV and kids started to quit college to go to the CIA – the chef one not the spy one.

Some of them quit school after taking Chemistry 101.

They figured out that the golden color on the seared fish flesh was the result of a chemical reaction. The high heat chemically transformed the proteins in the fish. The resulting proteins interacted with sensors on the tongue. The sensors tell us it tastes good because over time individuals who preferred seared flesh lived longer.

Yup – there is chemistry in cooking.

The chemistry was always there. It was explained with more romantic language.

My Uncle George was a genius of molecular gastronomy. He went beyond the chemistry of cooking food to the chemistry of cooking the guest.

Our family lived around a rocky cove.

Every weekend during the summer George and his buddies would go poaching lobsters.

Poaching lobsters is different from stealing lobsters.

Poaching means you are catching lobsters without a license.

Stealing lobsters is when you take the lobster from the other guys’ traps.

The other guy is allowed to kill you for that.

In that both activities are accomplished in a small boat in the dark of night lends to grey areas.

Once the lobsters were landed, it was all the same.

George and his buddies built a big fire on the shore and got a big pot over the flames, and when the water in the pot got to a raging boil, they would plop the lobsters into the pot and cook them for about 18 minutes. Sometimes there were big fights over 18 or 19, but the simple matter was that they boiled the bejeezuz out of those lobsters.

Later in life this bothered me a lot because I won the chemistry prize in high school, and I knew that all the flavor molecules in that lobster were leaving and going into the water and the lobster meat was toughening in that hot water.

At the Bistro we figured out how to ease the lobster into lobster heaven and then poach the meat slowly in a low temperature butter and broth bath so that the

lobster is tender and delicious.

We serve the butter-poached lobster with citrus grits and a lobster beurre blanc kissed with anise. It may be the best thing I have ever tasted.

Uncle George was a chemical genius in his own right. George maintained that if you took some rum and rubbed it into the back of the lobster’s head that it soothed the lobsters so they did not mind the boiling water, and they did not get tough.

A little rum on the lobster, a little rum in George’s buddies.

All his buddies swore that the rum trick worked.

No one ever asked the lobsters.

None of his buddies ever got into the pot.

So it is hard to say for sure.

You can use chemistry to understand a cooking method or you can use chemistry to just cook the guest.

Advanced molecular gastronomy. Invented by my Uncle George.

Sean Murphy is the head coach of the incredibly talented team that runs the Beach Bistro; its little sister, Eat Here; and its new craft cocktail bar, The Doctors Office. Some of his articles can be found on the Bistro’s web-site, www.beachbistro.com

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Located at the south end of the island, Gulf Drive Cafe overlooks sugar-white sand beaches, the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise-emerald waters and multi-colored horizon during sunset. The Gulf waves provide a picturesque backdrop when saying, “I do.� The most popular feature is tying the knot near the coastline on a romantic sandy walkway of multi-colored rose petals.

You may also choose to have the ceremony performed at the Seastar Pavilion, next to the water. It offers sand-covered, open-air, secluded spaces surrounded by miniature tiki huts. The rustic Sunset Tiki is a reception space perfectly suited for groups over 50 people. It has a lovely tile dance floor for you and your guest to dance the night away, and there are drop down sides in case of bad weather.

The wedding party and guests are welcome to dance barefoot in the sand. You also have the choice of bar set up during the length of your reception for private use. Their team of experts will work with you on creating your perfect tropical, dream wedding. They offer several wedding packages to fit your budget and invite you to visit the property, sample their chef’s creations and learn more about the wedding packages they offer.

For more information, email thesunsetweddings@ gmail.com.

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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21

Pam Fitzpatrick and Jim Maisel were married on Oct. 27, 2017, at the Sandbar restaurant. Chuck Caudill provided the music for the ceremony and reception.

Molly Powers, Kathy Campbell and Jim Harwood, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception.

Pam and Jim honeymooned on Anna Maria Island, before returning home to New Kensington, Penn.

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Jennifer Caez and Shawn Carpenter were married at the Sandbar restaurant on Oct. 21, 2017. Chuck Caudill provided the music for the ceremony and reception.

Kathy Campbell, Molly Powers and Jim Harwood of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception.

Jennifer and Shawn honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Elmwood Park, Ill.

GULF DRIVE CAFE | SUBMITTED

Julie and Jim Couzin were married by Joan Dickson on a brisk evening Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at The Sunset

by Gulf Drive Café. They were surrounded by close friends and family, having Julie’s four children by her side, as Julie and Jim said I do under the Sunset Tiki.

Julie and Jim travelled from the chilling city of Chicago to share their beautiful love story that started over 20 years prior. The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café is proud to share their story.

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Formula business ordinance gets contested first approval The formula business ordinance passed first reading with a unanimous vote despite concerns from local commercial property owners.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners somewhat reluctantly voted unanimously to pass the first reading of the city’s formula business ordinance, moving forward regulations that would allow formula or chain businesses in the city’s downtown business district only by special exception.

Commissioners’ issue with the ordinance is that they couldn’t make the regulations more restrictive and spread to other parts of the city while also making it legally defensible. Even City Planner Bill Brisson previously stated that if the ordinance were to cover the shopping centers on East Bay Drive, he would not be able to testify in court on the city’s behalf because the ordinance is built on preserving the character of the city. The character of that

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The west side of East Bay Drive, where several formula businesses already exist, will not be included if the city’s regulations on formula or chain businesses passes a second vote. particular area has been defined as modern shopping center which wouldn’t be lost if more franchise shops opened up. The ordinance allows new formula businesses to open in the city’s downtown district by special exception only.

“It’s not what I want,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said, voting in favor of the ordinance.

Commissioner Rick Hurst agreed but also echoed the sentiments of Brisson and City Attorney Patricia Petruff by saying

he wants to make sure whatever ordinance passes a vote can stand up in court. “I think we have to be smart about this,” he said.

Commissioners voted in favor of the ordinance, pushing it forward to a second public hearing and final vote in March with Commissioner Judy Titsworth abstaining because her family owns a shopping plaza in the downtown district.

SEE ORDINANCE, PAGE 29

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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26

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OUTDOORS

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

World’s greatest lure Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

T

his day and age anglers have so many lures to choose from that the task of picking one can get almost overwhelming. This is a good time to realize that dropping back to an old stand-by can be a good option. If I could only have one lure in my tackle box, it would be a jig. The jig is one of the oldest and most effective lures ever made, which explains why it has a prominent place in most anglers’ arsenal.

Today’s jigs come in a breathtaking array of shapes, sizes and colors with holographic patterns and live bait scents.

And while there have been many advancements in design, the basic jig with a lead head and buck tail body is still the go to lure for many anglers. That’s because if you have faith in the lure and vary the action, it's possible to elicit a strike from any game fish (fresh or salt) that swims local waters.

Jigs are often used half-heartedly by anglers who substitute them for live bait. If you take the time to really give them a chance, you’ll find that they will often out perform

live bait. This may be hard to believe, but consider the facts.

First you gain an advantage by not having to catch or keep live bait. In addition, you don't have to constantly re-bait a hook, and you can cast and retrieve continuously, covering a greater area.

While you’ll vary your retrieve given the situation and fish you’re targeting, in general, the best presentation is made by allowing the lure to sink completely to the bottom.

Using a slow retrieve, bounce the jig across the bottom.

This method is effective for a large majority of species including trout, redfish, grouper, tarpon, flounder and snook.

A fast, jerky retrieve will produce better results on Spanish mackerel, Jacks, bluefish and ladyfish. When fished properly, the retrieve should be smooth and effortless.

Hold the rod at about a 45-degree angle to the water, imparting action with the wrist and forearm. Don't allow much slack to form on the retrieve, as most strikes happen on the drop. Watch the line closely, and you’ll know the jig is on the bottom when the line goes slack. With practice, the retrieve will become second nature. Since you’ll get lots of hits on the slack line fall, a sharp hook will greatly improve your odds. Sharpen your hooks before you start fishing and check them often, especially when fishing structure like rocks and oyster beds.

One of the most productive areas to fish jigs is on and around the grass beds that carpet the bay. Make repeated

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Discover the magic of jigs. casts in a 180 degree arc with about 10 feet between casts.

This will allow you to cover a lot of water. Make casts to sand holes and the edges of slues. Cast beyond holes and then let the jig bounce across the sandy bottom.

SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 27

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

THE SUN

27

Offshore action phenominal CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Things have been phenomenal offshore of Anna Maria Island lately. We here at Anna Maria Charters have been putting the meat in the boat.

The red grouper are readily chewing dead sardines in about 100 feet of water. A fishfinder rig with an 8-ounce weight will get your bait to the bottom where these guys lie in wait.

Over the wrecks and springs we’re catching big African pompano and catch and release amberjack. These pompano are great fighters and some of the best table fare you can target. They eat large live baits such as pinfish and squirrelfish.

Inshore, sheepshead, pompano and snook are the name of the game. Snook are catch and release right now, but they are hardy fighters and a ton of fun on light tackle.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing trout in Sarasota Bay on CAL jigs with shad tails and flies and snook and blues in the ICW at night on flies during the past week. The best action was with snook and

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Martin Willson on Bradenton Beach shows off a hefty African pompano caught with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters. blues in the ICW at night.

Siesta Key and Longboat Key winter residents, Joe Brinkmeyer and Jim Brady, Phil and Brenda Rever, from Maryland, and Bill Morrison, from Anna Maria Island and his grandson, Patrick Morrison, from Massachusetts, all fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with me on several different trips. They had good action catching and releasing trout and more on CAL jigs with shad tails and flies.

Jerry Poslusny, from Palmetto, and Rich Hunter, from Longboat Key, fished the ICW

with me on Tuesday night.

We had a blues invasion as hungry bluefish dominated some of the areas we fished.

They caught and released about 20 fish on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly, half snook and half bluefish up to 4 pounds. It was not a problem, since the chunky blues fought as hard as or harder than many of the snook.

Martin Marlowe, from New York, fished the ICW at night with me on Thursday.

He also had great action with snook to 27 inches and blues to 4 pounds on the same fly.

I saw something that night

that I’ve never seen before in more than 30-years of fishing our waters, a 75-pound or larger Goliath grouper in a snook light along with many snook, blues and ladyfish.

The big fish took a prominent ambush spot behind one of the outside pilings of a boat lift. Although we caught snook and blues out of the same dock light, the fish never tried to eat any of our hooked fish or our flies.

There is still time to sign up for CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing School on Saturday, Feb 24.

The course, designed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basics, but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills. Cost for the school, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., is $175 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941-349-4400 or info@ cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

There should be good action with trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and more on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Fishing shallow water for big trout and reds should also be a good option.

REEL TIME: World’s greatest lure FROM PAGE 26

Start at one end of the hole in the grass, and then make the same spaced casts across its width to completely cover the pothole. On the edges of grass flats and slues try casting parallel to and just off the grass edge.

Another excellent area to fish jigs is along the beaches, right up against the shore break and around any structure. Species like flounder, permit and pompano often key in on the puffs of sand that jigs produce when they strike the bottom. When you find obstructions such as limestone, rock groins or jetties, work the edges carefully.

The best spinning and bait casting outfits for jigging

have a tip that can telegraph a subtle strike and enough backbone to set the hook. Jigs will take 100-pound tarpon, 20-pound snook or 2-pound trout, so line and leader should be rigged accordingly. When fishing the bay, an 8-10 pound outfit with a smooth, properly set drag is perfect. Rig by doubling the standing line using a Bimini Twist or Spider Hitch and then attach about a 12-inch leader (20-40 pound) using a surgeon’s or uni-knot. A small swivel can also be used to make the attachment from standing line to leader. Attaching the leader to the jig with a loop knot will improve the action and the hook-up ratio. The non-slip mono loop is the best knot for the job.

If you don’t know how to tie these knots, there are lots of instructional videos available online.

Like other lures, there are a vast number of jig types to choose from. All of them can be effective, but color may be the most important characteristic. Scientists have discovered that fish can better locate darker colors in cloudy water and a light or clear color in clear water. Tailor the color of the jig to that of the water.

If you haven’t discovered the magic of jigs, you’ll find them efficient, inexpensive and very effective. Test them on your favorite fish, and I’m guessing you’ll soon be hooked on jigs.

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

MIKE FIELD | SUN

Tuna time Bortell's Lounge owner Steve Rosehelm, right, and buddy Keith Corso, hold a 26-pound tuna they caught in the Gulf off Anna Maria Island.

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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ORDINANCE: Approval contested FROM PAGE 22

Attorney Bradley Ellis, appearing on behalf of Benderson Development, owner of the largest shopping plaza on East Bay Drive, said as long as the city doesn’t attempt to regulate formula businesses on his client’s property, there’s no intent to challenge it legally.

Attorney Matthew Brockway, on behalf of the owners of the old Regions Bank building, did not agree.

The Regions Bank building at 503 Manatee Ave., is located in the C-1 district where retail businesses are not allowed. With his client considering asking for a rezone of the property to C-2 or C-3 to potentially attract more business owners

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Owners of this building, the former Regions Bank, are threatening a lawsuit if the city commission passes the formula business ordinance because it would prevent chain businesses, such as real estate office franchise, from moving in. to the property, Brockway said his client is prepared to challenge the ordinance, if it passes second reading, in court.

Titsworth said commissioners would consider the ordinance

in the time between meetings and present any changes to be maade to the regulations at the second public hearing, scheduled for March 1.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Learn about the digital future

Alex Beavers presents “Our Digital Future: Hopeful to Hopeless” at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. This free event is part of the Lifelong Learning Academy’s series of lectures. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Meet the author Local author Mary Maki will sell and sign copies of her new mystery, “Fatal Dose,” at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Maki spoke previously of her first mystery, “An Unexpected Death.” The main character of both books is Caitlyn Jamison, a fictional character who gets drawn into solving the mysteries. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

A taste of the restaurant industry Hear how a dream came true at the Island Branch Library’s Friends’ Travel and Lecture Series event on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. at 5701 Marine Drive, in Holmes Beach.

Adam Ellis opened the Blue Marlin restaurant on Bridge Street in 2011 with a dream of combining fresh seafood with great recipes, and it became an award-winning dining establishment. He thanks his friends, family and locals for his recipe for success.

The lecture is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

Seniors sell, eat on Friday Senior Adventures will hold its end of month book sale and potluck lunch at Annie Silver Community Center,

103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23.

Join them for a relaxing time shopping for books and learn what they have planned for the senior’s future entertainment and education. For more information, call Kaye Bell at 941-5380945

Folklore conference at museum The Florida Maritime Museum, at 4415 119th St. W. Cortez, will be closed to the general public on Saturday, Feb. 24, to host a day-long program from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. where members of the community can immerse themselves in the region’s traditions and culture.

The study of folklore is the study of the traditional beliefs, legends, and customs of a people. This full day program is a community-based educational event that highlights traditionbearers, someone who “is an expert at a traditional art or skill and passes that knowledge on within a cultural group” according to Florida State Folklorist Amanda Hardeman, as well as presents fieldwork conducted throughout the region and oral history training.

This event will be presented by the Florida Department of State’s Florida Folklife Program and will be hosted at The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum.

The forum provides community members the opportunity to learn about southwest Florida’s traditional arts and culture while learning techniques on how to conduct their own oral history projects.

Full day admission to the Southwest Florida Cultural Conference is $25 including lunch, which is being generously donated by SwordFish Grill & Tiki Bar. To register, visit FloridaFolkSchool.org.

Ride through the preserve

Join the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources for a naturalist led wagon tour of Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 9 to 10 a.m. These special tours provide access to portions of the preserve that normally take 30 to 45 minutes to reach by foot. The naturalist tour guide will interpret the land’s history, habitat, wildlife and plants.

This tour is suitable for all ages.

Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour organizers recommend arriving 15 minutes in advance during this busy time of year and meet at the wooden ramp near the screened-in pavilion.

Medical advice at JOY JOY (Just Older Youth), of Roser Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, invites all to a talk by Kathleen Hnat,CPh, director of pharmacy, HealthSouth and Erin McKeown, BSN, RN, HealthSouth infection preventionist, on "Bugs and Drugs" at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Lunch will be provided at no cost.

Those interested are asked to make a reservation before Sunday, Feb. 25, by calling the church office at 941-7780414 or go online at www.roserchurch. com/joy. Please notify of dietary restrictions.

Find your Zen Sheryl Spikes will teach a healing meditation class on the fourth Saturday, of every other month; March 24, May 26, July 28, Sept 22, and Nov 24 at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach. A full time Island resident for more than 30 years, Spikes has been a licensed registered nurse for more than 50 years, practicing energy heal-

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

ing work and teaching meditation and Reiki Master for the past nine years.

The cost is a donation and proceeds go to the AMI Art League. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call 941-778-2099 or visit The Anna Maria Island Art League between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.

Soft opening at maritime museum The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM), at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, presents the Shake Your Buoy donor event and soft opening for the Burton Store on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Shake Your Buoy features light refreshments and live music from the Shanty Singers with traditional tunes from salty sailors. Short tours of the museum and the newly renovated historic Burton Store will also be given throughout the evening along with some sneak peeks of the projects the museum has on the horizon.

This event is open to the public and is a celebration of donors who have contributed to the renovations of the Burton Store coming to a completion and to the members of the community who have encouraged the progress over the years.

The two-story historic Burton Store was the original general store for Cortez and was originally located on the Cortez waterfront where the present day Coast Guard Station is located. The downstairs of the store has been renovated to be used as classroom space for The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum and the upstairs to be used for collection storage and a research library.

RSVP is appreciated by calling 941708-6120.

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

OBITUARIES Ryan M. Bazell Ryan M. Bazell, 23, Bradenton, passed away Feb. 8, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son, Caiden; his parents, Krista and Michael; sister, Kayla Weiss; and his brother, Adam. He is also survived by his nephew, Chase Weiss; grandparents Lee and Marvin Zerkel and Clara Bazell; brother in law and best friend Keith Hoover and brother in law Cody Weiss.

Ryan was a member of the 941 Riderz Motorcycle Club to which he considered his family. Ryan touched many people and was loved by so many. Although his time was cut short the memories of him will remain in our hearts always. May he forever Ride in Paradise. Visitation was on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, and services for Ryan were held on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.

A celebration of life will follow at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop @ 4808 14th St. W., Bradenton Fl, 34207. Condolences made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com

Linda Keyworth Davis Aug. 25, 1943 – Feb. 11, 2018 Linda was born on Aug. 25, 1943, in Boston, Mass., to R. Allen and Leontine Briggs Keyworth of Gardner, Mass. She had three brothers and one sister.

Linda is survived by her husband, William, 78; three sons, Bowman, 50, Russell, 45, and Nathaniel, 39; one daughter, Katherine, 41, and eight grandchildren.

She attended Emma Willard High School in Troy, N.Y. She received a B.A. from Boston University and an M.A. in English from Duke University.

She taught high school English at Keshequa Central High School in Nunda, N.Y., for 17 years. She lived in Rochester, N.Y., for many years where her children grew up and went to school.

In 1996, she and her husband, William, moved to Holmes Beach. Her interests included watching her favorite television show, “Judge Judy,” and the Winter Olympics; keeping up with her grandchildren; and playing computer games. She loved to read and frequented the Island Branch Library.

She is remembered for years of work as the vice president for the Manatee County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Florida. She was outstanding at supporting, educating, and advocating for

families who had loved ones struggling with mental illness. Her constant assistance brought solace to innumerable families who turned to NAMI in a time of need. She will be missed immensely by her family and friends. She was there to watch her own son go through a successful recovery from mental illness, and it brought a smile to her face to see her children have children of their own.

Her death, though sad, was not precipitated by a prolonged period of pain and discomfort. Mom was a special person, and we all loved her very much. A private celebration of her life will be held in the near future.

If you would like to make a donation to NAMI Manatee County in memory of Linda’s life, please do so to the following address: NAMI Manatee County, P.O. Box 9088, Bradenton, FL 34206.

Karen C. Schroder On Feb. 9, 2018 at 11:20 a.m. Karen C. Schroder passed away and for all who knew her, our Suncoast became dimmer as Heaven became brighter. Karen was 81, when she died. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Bradenton in 1981 after spending her early adult years in California.

Karen was predeceased by her parents, Joseph M. and Dorothy (Bosworth) Creamer. She is survived by Don, her husband and soul partner of almost 40 years; a son, F. James Copeland and four bonus children: Donald Schroder, Katherine Albertz, Patricia Dragon and Nancy Goodenow; brothers, Jeffrey, Daniel and Paul Creamer; sister, Jane Latham and 10 grandchildren.

Visitation was on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in the Chapel at Brown & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209., followed by a celebration of Karen’s life to fondly remember this extraordinary and gracious lady who touched so many with her vitality, vivaciousness and uncommon presence.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Manatee/Sarasota Counties Chapter,1230 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239; Tidewell Hospice, Inc., 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238 or Freedom Village, 6406 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.

Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA

2/7, larceny, 800 block of South Bay Boulevard. The victim said his old license plate was stolen and he began getting unpaid toll transactions from the Florida Department of Transportation.

BRADENTON BEACH No new reports

CORTEZ

No new reports

HOLMES BEACH

2/8, found property, Island Animal Clinic, 5343 Gulf Drive. The complainant found two steak knives in a planter near the front door. The officer took possession of them and placed them in the police station.

2/9, alcohol code violation, beach access at 43rd Street. The officer found two juveniles drinking beer on the beach, The were ordered to pour out the beer and given citations.

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2/11, Baker Act, 200 block of 82nd Street.

Police responded to a call from a man who said his wife was high on drugs and wanted to be Baker Acted/ The husband said she had taken heroin.

She was taken to Centerstone for treatment.

2/11, traffic, 8200 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the suspect for speeding and found his license was suspended. He gave the driver a summons to appear in court.

2/121, burglary, 3200 block of 6th Avenue.

A television was taken from an unsecured porch.

2/13, possession of a controlled substance, 3000 Gulf Drive. The office ran a computer check of the suspect’s plate and found out the drive’s license was suspended and he had a warrant for an outstanding traffic violation. When the officer stopped the suspect, he wrote there was an “overwhelming odor of burnt cannabis emitting from the vehicle.” The suspect said he knew he had the warrant. The officer handcuffed the suspect and found a baggy of mushrooms in his pocket and a bag of leafy green substance and paraphernalia in the car. He was arrested.

RESTORE: Driveway restoration discussed FROM PAGE 5

COST ESTIMATE QUESTIONED

Spooner said he didn’t think the driveway restorations would cost nearly as much as the $580,000 worstcase scenario Burnett suggested at the work meeting.

“I think that figure was a little off,” he said.

“I think it was way off,” Chappie added.

Spooner said he thought Burnett’s estimate of 100 driveways along Avenue C was also high.

He said most of the Avenue C driveways are covered with shell, gravel or pavers, and Westra is setting removed pavers aside, which means that could be put back in place without buying new ones.

Spooner also noted pavers, asphalt and other driveway materials could be placed atop the 57 stone without significantly impacting its subsurface drainage capabilities.

Chappie said Gilbert estimated the restoration efforts, if pursued, might typically cost $400 per driveway.

Commissioner Ralph Cole said he drove down Avenue C and didn’t see that many torn up driveways. He agreed that removed pavers, stones or shell could be easily replaced or restored.

Cole asked if it’s common for a county project to not require the full restoration of disturbed driveways.

“It depends on how they bid the job.

It’s an extra cost for the contractor,” Chappie said.

Spooner said Westra is using directional underground boring equipment to install its lines, which could result in fewer driveways being torn up.

“But we’re going to have other areas on other streets where we’re doing stormwater stuff. There still some more work to do. Are we going to replace the driveway areas in the city right of way and put them back to the way they originally were? We have to look at the money and see where it could come from,” Chappie said.

Chappie received commission consensus to direct city staff to begin photographing potentially impacted driveways and he said he would will schedule another commission work meeting.

A ride down Avenue C after Thursday’s meeting indicated 35 shell driveways, 23 paver driveways, eight concrete driveways, six asphalt driveways, one rock driveway, one grass driveway and one concrete sidewalk in the city rights of way.

The largest asphalt driveways are the parking lots at the Lay-Z Liv-N condominiums. A Westra employee said the parking lot and palm trees in the right of way on the west side of the street would likely be impacted.

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

FESTIVAL: Bigger than ever in 2018 FROM PAGE 1

Kids enjoyed having their faces painted and their likenesses drawn, riding ponies, playing with marine life in a touch tank and bouncing to the sky in a harness.

Visitors learned about commercial fishing and local marine life in a Cortez fish house on Sarasota Bay before selecting meals from dozens of fresh seafood vendors.

Live music provided the backdrop for the party with a purpose, namely, to raise money to continue purchasing land to add to the FISH Preserve and continue restoring the nearly 100 acres already acquired by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH).

FISH presented awards to: • John Floersheimer, FISH Community Service Award for volunteer work at the FISH Preserve, • Theodore (Ted) Adams, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage Community Service Award for outstanding support and service to the village of Cortez and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, • Fidelity Bank, Cortez Branch, the Business Community Service Award for contributions to the business community of Cortez and for volunteer support of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, and • James O. (Junie) Guthrie, the 2018 Cortez Pioneer Award to one of the oldest living residents of a founding family of the village of Cortez.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Left, kids enjoyed playing with horseshoe crabs and other marine life in touch tanks.

Above, coconut fish greeted festival goers in one of the arts areas. Right, seafood was the centerpiece of the 2018 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

CINDY LANE | SUN

CINDY LANE | SUN

PILINGS: Concrete for new pier FROM PAGE 1

additional support for an additional $99,440, bringing the total estimated cost to $349,440.

Saxena said 240 10-inch diameter, 50foot long, gray, concrete spun pilings would cost an estimated $180,000.

In response to a question from Commissioner Carol Carter, Saxena said an individual piling could be replaced if it fails in the future. The failing piling could also be left in place if the surrounding pilings are sufficiently bearing the additional weight.

After further discussion, Carter made the motion the go with the less-costly concrete pilings. Commissioner Doug Copeland said he preferred the aesthetics of the composite pilings, but he supported the concrete option for its cost benefits. Commissioner Brian Seymour also supported concrete pilings.

DECKING OPTIONS

After the piling decision was made, Saxena presented Mayor Dan Murphy and the commission with two potential hardwood decking options: Epay and Kebony.

Woodland asked why wood timbers and Trex decking were not included in those options.

Saxena said Ayres could provide cost estimates on the additional decking materials if that was the commission’s desire.

Copeland said the existing pier was essentially re-decked prior to the pier centennial in 2011 and less than 10 years later many of those pine planks were already failing.

“I don’t think pressure-treated pine meets our criteria. I don’t know if it’s worth the time for Jay to investigate it,” he said.

Referencing the wooden planks on the privately-owned Rod & Reel Pier, Carter said, “Those planks are newer than the City Pier planks, and they have weathered terribly.”

Saxena said wood decking would not perform to the commission’s desired service life standards.

Saxena did not provide estimated costs on the hardwood decking materials. The commission directed him to provide a cost and performance analysis for the Epay, Kebony and Trex decking options at the commission’s next pier meeting in March.

Regarding permitting, Saxena said the Army Corps of Engineers was gathering additional permitting insight from the National Marine Fisheries Service and other agencies. He expects to have a better idea on the permitting status in mid-March. He said the cur-

rent lack of permitting was not impeding the design process.

Saxena said the commission would be provided with preliminary renderings of the proposed pier at the March meeting. Saxena expects to complete the design process and begin the construction phase by late summer, with 50 percent design drawings provided before then.

During public input, Anna Maria resident Dennis Ellsworth asked if the pier design includes dockage for a water taxi. Mayor Dan Murphy said it does not currently, but that could be an add-on item later.

Holmes Beach resident Mike Deal asked why the commission and design team were discussing the potential replacement of a piling when discussing a pier that is supposed to last 75 to 100 years.

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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

AMIHS celebrates the past and the future at luncheon Left, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy welcomes members to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society luncheon and thanks them for their organization’s contribution to the community. Above left, Anna Maria Island Historical Society members check out raffle prizes donated by Olive Oil Outpost, The Sandbar, Anna Maria Commissioner Carol Carter and speaker J. B. Crawford.

Above right, Anna Maria Island Historical Society member Carol Buskirk shows off her raffle win, a gift basket from The Sandbar.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

SUBMITTED

They’re back

Winner

The group Patchouli returned to Anna Maria Island to perform at the arts festival at Holmes Beach Field on Saturday, Feb. 10. Julie Patchouli and Bruce Hecksel hail from Minnesota, and they play engagements in warmer climates during the winter, playing their nuevo flamenco music. They have a new album that is racing toward the top of the international charts.

“Friday on Frenchmen’s Street,” by Cortez artist Susanna Spann, won the merit award at the Suncoast Watercolor Society gala opening reception at Art Center Manatee, 209 9th St. W., Bradenton, on Thursday evening, Feb 15. The show continues through March 23,

Plein air opens The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, hosted the reception for "A Plein Air Affair," a juried exhibit that opened on Feb. 7 and runs through March 3. The artists’ reception was held on Thursday, Feb. 15. Charlie Reine and Kerry Walsh, artists from the New York area, attended. They are frequent visitors to the Island and said they would love to become permanent members of the art scene someday.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Census data a good place for genealogy Ray Maki spoke at the Friends of the Island Library’s Travel and Lecture series.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The search for ancestry is a lot easier, thanks to the United States Constitution’s requirement to take a regular count of citizens so that the U.S. House of Representatives could accurately represent the population. That’s the finding of Ray Maki, a genealogist who has experience with looking for his roots.

Maki spoke at the Island Branch Library as part of the Friends of the Island Library’s Travel and Lecture series. He said the first census was held in 1790, and it took 18 months to complete.

“Not everyone was counted,” he said. “Male heads of households were counted, not women, children or slaves. If you paid taxes, you were counted.

Maki said census takers filled out massive sheets by hand and the handwriting wasn’t always legible, Maki said.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Ray Maki outlined ways people can look up their ancestry, including United States Census statistics.

Over the years, the census expanded, counting all the family members. By 1830, they had standardized forms, and eventually, the census took less than 18 months.

Maki said the census started long before anyone could dream of computers, and it was too bad, because computers were a perfect fit for the task.

The library has access to many websites that contain leads on getting in touch with one’s past.

One is family search and another is heritage quest.

In the complete history of the census, only one was lost. The 1890 results were destroyed in a 1921 fire.

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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Commission wants AMOB sign lowered City Commissioners approved the conditional use permit for the AMOB sign in late 2016.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne is willing to lower his sign and modify the lighting, but he’s not interested in moving it to accommodate the wooden sign that previously promoted the historic Bridge Street Pier.

Mayor John Chappie suggested the AMOB sign be moved closer to the adjacent aboveground stormwater cistern to make room for the wooden sign currently stored underneath the cell tower.

The rest of the commission supported lowering the AMOB sign, replacing the internal illumination with top-mounted front-lighting and doing some gingerbreading to give it a more historic look. The commission did not support Chappie’s request to move the sign to the right.

The AMOB sign was erected in early 2017 after the commission approved the conditional use permit in late 2016 that allowed it to be placed on city property near the pier entrance. AMOB operates its Bradenton Beach location in pier space leased from the city.

The city receives monthly rent payments and a percentage of the restaurant revenues.

Chappie said previously he made a mistake by not asking enough questions about the sign before the commission approved the conditional use permit, and he requested the sign discussion at the Thursday, Feb. 15, City

BRADENTON BEACH PUBLIC WORKS | SUBMITTED

Above, a test sign was temporarily placed to the right of the AMOB sign to gauge its visibility. Right, the AMOB sign at the foot of the historic Bridge Street Pier is beng questioned.

Commission meeting.

His agenda request was prompted in part by concerns raised by Scenic WAVES Committee member Fidencia Pla at the commission’s Feb. 1 meeting. At that meeting, Pla said the AMOB sign exceeded the building code’s 12-foot maximum height limit by four and a half feet. She said it was not permitted as an illuminated sign and was not permitted for the additional business signs later attached to the pole. Pla said the illuminated sign blocks the view of the historic clock tower.

Chappie reiterated many of those same concerns last week. To date, Chappie and Pla are the only ones to publicly express these concerns about the AMOB sign, but Chappie said he and Vice Mayor Marilyn Maro have heard complaints from other constituents.

“I’m not against the AMOB sign being in

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

that area, I just don’t think that is the proper location. I’d just like to see it relocated, and I’m not talking at Mr. Horne’s expense,” Chappie said.

“For the record, he doesn’t want to move it,” Chappie added.

Commissioner Ralph Cole suggested lowering the sign would create a sightline similar to what existed when the historical sign stood there.

Last summer, a test sign made of bare plywood was erected to the right of the existing sign, closer to the Bridge Tender Inn. Last week, Horne showed the commission a video he took while driving down Bridge Street when the test sign was in place. He said the existing AMOB sign did not block the view of the clocktower and the test sign did not provide the same exposure.

“You don’t see the test sign until your

almost to the Bridge Tender. That makes no sense,” Horne said.

Chappie disagreed and said he thought the test sign could be clearly seen.

Regarding the additional signs, Building Official Steve Gilbert said permits have been applied for but the issuance of the permits is being delayed while the other issues are being worked out.

During public comment, Pla said, “We want it to look historic. We want it to be lower. We love the business. We all patronize the business. It’s nothing against the business. We just want the historical look and to be in keeping with the code.”

The commission directed the Pier Team to review AMOB’s conditional permit issues and bring back a proposal for commission consideration.

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REAL ESTATE

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Home buying and selling confidence

Y

ou need a lot of confidence to enter into a real estate transaction. Whether you’re the buyer or seller, you want to feel comfortable with the person you’re working with, both financially and personally, and there are a few ways to achieve that level on both sides of the transaction.

If you’re a buyer, there are times when you walk into a house and you know this the one. There are also times when you can’t take your eyes off the peeling paint on the lanai or the crack in the living room window. Despite the quartz counter tops and bamboo flooring, your mind keeps going back to these two very minor problems making you wonder what else is going on.

Like shabby shoes with a designer dress, all everyone notices are the shoes. Don’t think buyers won’t notice the little things.

Buyers, however, have a harder time instilling confidence with sellers since their interaction with a seller is much more intangible, less personal. Typically, all cash

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER offers double a buyer’s chances of having their offer accepted, and certainly eliminating a mortgage contingency in an offer could put you ahead of the other offers. But there are sellers who, believe it or not, can be influenced by the personal touch.

Redfin, a Seattle real estate broker, collected data based on competing bids for 2016 and 2017. What it found was although all cash offers increased a buyer’s chance of getting the house by 57.9 percent, writing a personal letter to the seller increased the buyer’s odds by 52.2 percent. Yep, a letter. When’s the last time you either wrote or received one of those?

Sellers, especially those who have a great love of their homes and are not necessarily driven by financial returns, love being flattered. Write a profile of your family – your 8-year-old who wants to play soccer in the yard, your plans for a new deck and how much you love the design of the pool. Appealing to a seller’s ego and assuring them their beloved home will be well taken care of goes a long way in instilling confidence in the seller, which could serve you well down the road if a few little blips materialize.

There are other techniques designed to make an offer stand out, and these are some of them compiled by Redfin broken down by percentage of offers that include the strategy: As discussed, the client letter is a great way to put a human face on your offer, 40.4 percent. An escalation clause which is an arrangement that automatically increases a buyer’s bid by a specific dollar amount

or percentage if another buyer bids higher, 24.8 percent. Waived inspection contingency, seller goes forward regardless of the results of a home inspection, 24.1 percentage. Financing contingency waived, if a potential buyer applies for financing and does not qualify, their down payment is at risk – not as attractive as all cash but a nice way to stand out, 16 percent. Pre-inspection is when a buyer orders an inspection before making an offer, not something that is done frequently, but one that will show good faith to a seller, 8.7 percent. And finally, the all-cash offer that not only waives a mortgage contingency but also allows the transaction to close substantially faster, 6.9 percent.

Doing business with just a handshake is a thing of the past, but it’s still important to build confidence into a real estate transaction. Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, put your best face forward, and get rid of the shabby shoes.

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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Day dock delayed again The delays are becoming a source of frustration for some of the pier tenants.

in February. Due to three hurricanes, the plants and suppliers in the marine industry are backed up. Now that this has been brought to my attention, the communication will be better,” Sanderson said.

On Dec. 11, Director of Operations Anna Bennett sent Speciale an updated construction schedule that said mobilization the dock would be installed between Feb. 19 and March 9.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Technomarine has pushed back until April the installation of a new floating day dock next to the historic Bridge Street Pier.

On Wednesday, Feb. 14, Pier Team facilitator Sam Speciale received the updated construction schedule he requested the previous week from Technomarine President Jat Talton.

Mobilization at the pier worksite is now anticipated March 19-23. Delivery of the pre-manufactured dock sections is expected between March 26 and April 6. Installation of the dock and pilings is expected April 9-27, with final inspections on April 30.

“We’re hopeful that we’re going to move forward with the project and that the dock is going to be everything they say it’s going to be,” Speciale said Wednesday afternoon.

When asked about the delays, he said, “Of course we’re disappointed.

PIER TEAM DISCUSSION

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The gangplank at the historic Bridge Street Pier City does not yet connect to a new public day dock.

We would have liked to have had it done prior to season, but with the reasons they gave us about the storms setting their construction schedules back, we’re going to move forward. We just want to get the job done and get everybody on our new dock.”

Speciale said Talton provided no explanation for the latest delays.

The new dock will replace the original floating dock removed in August

due to storm damage.

PREVIOUS DELAYS

On Dec. 8, Technomarine CEO Erik Sanderson responded by phone to an email inquiry from the Sun regarding the delays and the lack of communication with Speciale.

“The dock is in fabrication. It is scheduled to be delivered to the site toward the end of January and installed

During the Feb. 7 Pier Team meeting, Speciale said he had not yet received a project update, and pier tenants John Horne and Sherman Baldwin expressed frustration with the delays.

Horne is part of the ownership group that operates the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in space leased from the city. He noted the dock was originally expected to be installed in September or early October and said, “This is becoming ludicrous."

Baldwin is the general manager of Paradise Boat Tours and Tevatan LLC. He said the lack of pier dockage is SEE DAY DOCK, PAGE 43

38

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THE SUN

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Library book sale Thomas Apposporos, Jr., looks through the remaining supply of books at Roser Community Church Saturday. Friends of the Island Library President Ginny Upshaw said they counted 100 customers per hour on Friday, and they ran low on books.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN 1-5 BEDROOMS * &21'26 ຺ +20(6 * :((./< ຺ 0217+/< )$0,/< ຺ 3(7 )5,(1'/<

Personalized Property Management!

“Thank you for the quick ability to accommodate our family! You all were awesome to work with.” ...The Burkins Family

941-567-6253

C O A S TA L C OT TA G E S A M I . C O M

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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39

DOG PARK: Changes proposed FROM PAGE 10

6101 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach www.IslandReal.com Office: (941) 778-6066

to open a gate,” resident Don Anthony said. “What is preventing us from getting a sign and opening the south gate today?”

Public Works Foreman Dave Benton said part of the issue with putting up signs, which would allow gates to be opened, is the ongoing push to renovate the park. With work already being planned for the area, he said it would be preferable to wait until work is completed before placing the signs.

Committee member Zan Fuller committed to speaking with Mayor Bob Johnson and working to rectify the situation temporarily while park improvements are in the planning phase.

“Some of the things will be an easy fix,” Fuller said, “and some things will take some time.”

“Ya’ll have done wonders today,” Anthony said near the close of the meeting. “You’ve done more today than has been accomplished in years.”

As plans for dog park improve-

Some of the things will be an easy fix and some will take some time."

Zan Fuller Committee member

ments continue to evolve, anyone with suggestions is asked to contact Linney at jlinney@holmesbeachfl. org to have their comments considered by committee members and discussed at a future meeting.

40

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THE SUN

UTILITIES: Underground lines discussed FROM PAGE 12

and cable lines and install fiber optic cables along Gulf of Mexico Drive. The town website says the project is in the early stages of implementation. This includes establishing special assessment fees for each parcel of land. The fees range from $2,400 to more than $5,500 and full construction of the underground network will take several years.

BOARD RESPONSE

“We’re about this beautiful setting and power lines suck. It’s certainly safer because we are really susceptible to power going down in storms,” CRA member Ed Chiles said. “What’s the negative to putting power underground, besides a property owner changing his lead?”

Member Jake Spooner said underground lines are harder to maintain, and it can be more difficult to locate breaks and trouble spots.

“If we’re going to do it, let’s look at the whole thing. What’s it

gonna cost? Is it feasible?” member John Horne said.

“I think it is something we should look at for the entire city,” member John Chappie said.

Extending the project beyond the CRA district would require City Commission approval and CRA funds could not be used outside the district boundaries.

City Treasurer Shayne Thompson said the current CRA fund balance is slightly more than $1.9 million including $347,000 in tax revenues received this year. He estimated the CRA would receive $400,000 next year.

Member Randy White asked how deep the power lines would be buried.

Burnett said the depth varies depending on several factors. She said some lines in Longboat Key would be buried to 25 feet and others would be shallower.

“I’m thinking of Avenue C and what a mess that is. Would that not happen on Bridge Street?”

White said when asking about the amount of digging required.

If we're going to do it, let's look at the whole thing. What's it gonna cost? Is it feasible?"

Jake Spooner CRA committee member Burnett said bore pits would be needed where the underground boring begins and where the conduit and lines are pulled to the surface.

“It’s not a trench dig,” she said, noting the work on Avenue C is a combination of boring and an open-cut trench dig.

The board directed Burnett and Woodward to gather more information for its March meeting.

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

41

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Privateers Thieves Market The Anna Maria Island Privateers held their Thieves Market at Coquina Beach on Saturday, Feb. 10. There was a large crowd, thanks to the weather and shoppers perused merchandise for sale including clothing, purses, toys, recordings, and collectibles, such as a head of a Howdy Doody puppet. The privateers cooked food for the shoppers, and Big John had his barbecue for sale.

The next sale will be on Saturday, March 10, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

42

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Couple granted parking exception Planned renovations to an old fishing cottage would have required five parking spaces.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The City Commission has approved Pam and Rob Randelman’s request for a special use permit that reduces the parking requirements for their soon to be expanded vacation home.

The Tarpon Springs residents want to add a bedroom, full bathroom, loft bedroom and half-bath atop the garage next to the one-bedroom cottage at 103 Highland Ave. they use as a second home and as a vacation rental.

According to the city’s land development code, the additions would require a total of five parking spaces.

On Thursday, Feb. 15, the commission reduced that to three.

City Planner Alan Garrett read aloud a letter of objection from Pelican Post Motel owners Alastair and Marie Nicoll. The couple operates their small hotel around the corner on First Street South. Their Feb. 14 letter was addressed to the Planning and Zoning Board that voted 3-1 in favor of the parking exception in December.

The letter made several references to vacation rentals and problem owners in general.

Regarding the parking reduction, it said, “In my opinion, waiving this rule today will surely invite every other rental property owner to quote this ruling (and) submit similar tales of woe

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Pam and Rob Randleman explain to commissioners their request for reduced parking requirements. The Randelmans plan to add more living space atop their garage. about family reunions and celebrations in order to circumvent the rules and bylaws.”

The letter says the Randlemans’ property sits empty for two-thirds of the year.

“Is this a problem? Yes – empty properties do not shop in our stores or eat in our restaurants,” the letter said.

The letter notes there were three vehicles parked outside the one-bedroom home rented to six adults and one child during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday. The author alleged this was a non-compliant use.

Rob told the commission they bought the old fishing cottage in Sept.

2002, before the Nicolls bought the Pelican Post.

“We want to do this construction for two very specific reasons. Our family is growing, our daughter’s getting married, and we expect more family time as I’m semi-retired and my wife is soon to retire. The second reason is to help beautify the property. We’ve done a lot

of work on the main cottage, and we have a 1959/1960-era garage we want to beautify,” Rob said.

“It would be easy to demolish the property and build some other thing that would be an eyesore. We chose not to do that in order to keep the character of Bradenton Beach, which we love so much,” he added.

“We do rent it out in full compliance with Bradenton Beach and Manatee County laws, including all licensing, and we’ve always done that. We rent it out in order to cover our expenses,” he said.

He noted the property is zoned commercial and surrounded by other commercial properties, including the Pelican Post “If you read that note from the Pelican Post it’s a little bit all over the place in terms of the issues and then it

comes back to our parking. To ever see three cars would be unusual, and our website says two vehicles,” Pam said.

“The cottage is empty more than it’s rented. We’re not in this for a churn and make money situation,” she said, noting the home was not rented more than 10 times last year.

Pam said she’s sorry the empty cottage isn’t generating revenues for the restaurants or stores, but she prefers that to a constant stream of partying rental guests.

“It’s not an investment property for us, it is a family property,” Rob said.

“Three parking spaces is sufficient for a small cottage,” Commissioner Jake Spooner said before the commission unanimously approved the parking reduction.

Vacation rental bills seek common ground

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

TALLAHASSEE – There was no public action taken last week on the Florida House and Senate vacation rental bills, but there was some action on the House side behind closed doors.

House Bill 773, filed by Rep. Mike La Rosa (R-St. Cloud), was scheduled for its first committee discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 13, before the Government Accountability Committee, but that didn’t happen.

According to the House website, La Rosa filed a 63-page strike-all amendment at 6:12 p.m. the night before. The filed, but not yet adopted, amendment language would replace the original language in La Rosa’s bill that said: “A local

law, ordinance or regulation may regulate activities that arise when a property is used as a vacation rental provided such regulation applies uniformly to all residential properties without regard to whether the property is used as a vacation rental, a long-term rental or whether a property owner chooses not to rent the property.”

La Rosa’s amendment language mirrors the language contained in the Senate bill that currently seeks to preempt all regulation of vacation rentals to the state. If amended as proposed, HB 773 would serve as the companion bill to CS/SB 1400 – the Senate committee substitute bill that combines elements of SB 1400 filed by Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) and SB 1640 filed by David Simmons’ (R-Longwood).

According to Anna Maria

Commissioner Carol Carter, a closed-door meeting took place last Wednesday morning before the 3 p.m. committee meeting. The private meeting failed to produce a preliminary agreement that would have resulted in the La Rosa amendment being proposed publicly to the Government Accountability Committee.

The house bill still has two potential committee stops where La Rosa’s amendments could be adopted. As of Monday, its first stop in the Government Accountability Committee had not been rescheduled and legislators were not in session because of President’s Day. Anna Maria City Hall was also closed Monday, but Mayor Dan Murphy sent out an email update on the House bill.

WWW.FLORIDACAPITOL.MYFLORIDA.COM | SUBMITTED

State legislators conduct their legislative sessions inside the 22-story Capitol building in Tallahassee, behind the Historic Capitol that now serves as the Florida Historic Capitol Museum.

“Rumor has it there is a strong possibility that the House version of the vacation rental bill will come up again this week, possibly on Thursday. Evidently the Speaker

of the House (Richard Corcoran, R-Lutz) has decided to weigh in on the issue as well. I would ask that SEE RENTALS, PAGE 43

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

THE SUN

43

RENTALS: Bills seek common ground FROM PAGE 42

you crank up the email efforts ASAP and include the Speaker of the House.

Thank you for all of your help in this effort,” Murphy wrote.

If the La Rosa amendments are adopted and the bill is reported favorably in its first committee, it would then be forwarded to the Commerce Committee chaired by Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton).

If reported favorably by Boyd’s committee, the amended bill could be sent to the House floor for a final vote.

SENATE BILL

Simmons recently told The Sun he still hopes to amend the Senate bill in a manner that allows local governments to continue regulating detached singlefamily homes used as vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods. He will also seek an amendment that allows local governments to continue inspecting vacation rentals for compliance with building, fire and life safety codes.

Simmons will propose these previously discussed amendments when the Senate bill makes it final committee stop in the Appropriations Commit-

tee that includes Sen. Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton). As of Monday, the Senate bill and any potential amendments were not included on the agenda for the committee’s Thursday, Feb. 15, meeting.

If the Simmons amendments are adopted, the House bill would have to be further amended to match it.

“For a bill to become an act it must be passed by both houses (the House and the Senate) in precisely the same words and figures,” says the Committee Process page at www.leg.state.fl.us.

The 2018 legislative session is scheduled to end on Friday, March 9.

DAY DOCK: Delayed again FROM PAGE 37

delaying the start of Tevatan’s ferry service between Sarasota and Bradenton Beach.

Speciale reminded Horne and Baldwin that although the new dock will provide time-limited dockage for ferries, water taxis and other commercials vessels, the dock is intended primarily for recreational boaters.

Baldwin noted that Technomarine is also involved with a dock project at the Twin Dolphin Marina in Bradenton. Technomarine is also involved with the One Particular Harbour development on Perico Island.

The $119,980 dock is being paid for with Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds. Using resort tax revenues, Manatee County is reimbursing the CRA for half its costs.

City Commissioner Jake Spooner referenced the CRA’s contract with Technomarine.

“Let’s stop being the nice guy,” Horne added.

In future contracts there needs to be firm dates or a penalty, and if we don't get it, we can go with somebody else."

Jake Spooner City commissioner “The biggest mistake was we don’t have any recourse. In future contracts there needs to be firm dates or a penalty, and if we don’t get it, we can go with somebody else,” Spooner said.

CONTRACT TERMS

The City Commission approved the preliminary contract with Technomarine Jan. 16, 2017. The contract was revised on March 1 after it was decided this would be a CRA project using CRA funds instead of the city’s general fund.

The CRA made a $29,995 down payment to Technomarine Construction Inc. (TCI) on April 10 and a second payment of $23,996 on Aug. 16.

The contract says, “Time is of the essence ... all work shall be completed within six months. TCI shall not be considered in default if such failure arises out of causes reasonably beyond the control of TCI or its subcontractors.”

Abnormally severe and unusual weather conditions are among the possible causes listed.

White elephant sale Sylvia Hemmer hold the raffle quilt she made for the Church of the Annunciation White Elephant Sale Saturday morning. There was a good turnout for the preview sale Friday from people who paid $5 to get the pick of the crop.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

44

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Best-selling book generally not on bestseller lists 6 Benchmark: Abbr.

9 Early automaker 13 Won't go near 15 Back again 16 Heist haul 17 Magoo's malady 18 Ended up off the mark 20 Agricultural college facility?

22 Polling abbr.

25 Arrive at hastily, as a conclusion 26 Sundial marking 27 Content of little substance 30 Madrid-to-Paris dir.

31 Rose in a field 32 One who got in before a crash?

36 Achilles __ 37 Take turns 40 Lancelot bragging about his exploits?

44 "The BFG" author 46 Intelligence org.

47 Dutch genre painter 48 Juillet's season 49 KFC option 52 Red __ 53 What theater districts offer?

57 Financial workers 58 Like merciless opponents 62 Gospel travelers 63 Get 64 Not nice at all 65 Urgent request

66 Decline, with "out" 67 They traditionally appear in red ... and in another form in 20-, 32-, 40- and 53-Across Down 1 Loud sound 2 Columbia, e.g.

3 "That's lousy!"

4 Enlarged Revlon ad image 5 Reduce a sentence, say 6 MLBer at AT&T Park 7 Highway pursuer 8 Bakery item with some shortening?

9 "Frozen" snowman 10 What most pitchers have, as batters 11 "Little" Dickens title character 12 Obstruct 14 Author Bellow 19 What that is in Spain 21 Scout groups 22 [It just vanished!]

23 Answer guide?

Answers to 02-14-18 Crossword Puzzle.

24 Get on with one's life 28 Revolutionary first name 29 Child subject 31 It's not big in France 33 Verse lead-in 34 Prize for Indy 35 Oxford figures 38 Fare-well link 39 Italian peak 41 Like the simplest process 42 Toyota's Ky. plant, e.g.

43 Old-school diplomatic accessory 44 Pack up the tents and supplies 45 Like some Alban Berg works 49 Tiny Tim, for one 50 Rene of "Thor" 51 Vegan staple 54 Hipbones 55 Direct (one's way) 56 Ginza quaff 59 Barbecue morsel 60 Sinus doc 61 Driller's deg.

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

CLASSIFIED

ADULT CARE

CLEANING SERVICE

ESTATE SALES

RETIRED CNA/CMA ISLAND Resident. Home care for you or loved one. Also errands, Doctors appointments, housekeeping, Cooking etc. Call 941-3741227

TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals.

Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570

ESTATE SALE FRIDAY February 23. 9:30-3. 507 70th St Holmes Beach 34217 (located off Marina Dr). Sherrill Sofa & pair of chairs, large painting, natural wicker cofee end tables & server. Lamps including natical, double bed, 2 white wicker queen bed sets, recliners, Rattan server & sofa bed. Sony TV, Florida style dinning set & buffet, decorative accessories, patio furniture, some tools, linens, vaccum, china glass and Bric-Brac. See pictures at estatesales.net Sale conducted by Palma Sola Sales. Numbers given out at 8am.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: SALES & RENTALS BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. I am in Need of Boats. No Contracts, No Hassle.

If I List It, It’s Sold. I also Buy Boats. Island Boat Sales. Dave/ Owner 941-228-3489 BOAT DOCK for RENT in Holmes Beach. 16,000 lb lift. Deep Water. Call 941-518-3682

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

317-908-9483 AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning.

Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning.

Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931

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

COMMERCIAL SALES

FOR SALE

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4-sale Resorts Bradenton Bch *5 units $1,048,800 *13 units $4,999,000 *9300 Sq. Ft. Ware-house, Machine Shop heavy duty elect or Car Storage, So Many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport $595,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

WHEEL CHAIR (capable of going on Beach) Large Balloon Tires. $600 obo. Call 603-568-3716 SOFA & LOVESEAT. LEATHER, Forest Green $500. Call 941-792-0014

COMPUTER SERVICES

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES

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

ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. 10am1pm Saturday Donations preferred 9am-11am Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Phone 941-779-2733

EMPLOYMENT

BAR BACK NEEDED 3 or 4 nights per week. Apply at Bortell's 10002 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria After 1pm.

HELP WANTED 3 POSITIONS AVAILABLE. Full time night cashier, part time nightcashier/cashier assistant. Part time Deli position. Please apply in person at Jessie's Island Store 5424 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. See Jimmy or April for more details.

GIFT SHOP PART-TIME Position on AMI. Nights/ weekend shifts. Retirees Welcome. Call Manager 813-409-7540

GARAGE SALE 11425 Perico Isle Circle, Perico Island. Friday and Saturday February 23 and 24. 9 a.m- 4 p.m. Home and patio decor, wicker table set, chairs, sofa bed, lamps, microwave, tools MOVING SALE. SOMETHING for Everybody! 223 Periwinkle Plaza, Anna Maria. 8am-1pm. Friday & Saturday. February 23 & 24

HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all.

Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772

THE SUN

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

Neil 941-726-3077

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

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

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

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us

LEGAL NOTICE

DECKOUT MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks.

Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office.

Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident.

STORM DAMAGE? Prompt Response. Tree work, Carpentry, Painting, Roof/ Fence Repair, Etc. Medium and Small Jobs Accepted.

See ORANGE AD in Painting Section. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 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.

FENCING, CAN'T GET ANYBODY? Wood, Vinyl. New or Repair. Call Richard. Free Estimates.

941-448-3571 Bespoke Services.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 03/14/2018, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1H9ACD621R4127026 1994 HARDEE TRAILER

LOST & FOUND WATCH TURNED IN to the police department which was found on the beach.

Turned in on Jan. 7th. Call Detective Brian Hall 941708-5800 ext 243.

LOST 18" DIAMOND CHAIN NECKLACE with my grand mother's diamond in center – REWARD Call 267454-0725 FOUND WEDDING RING October 2 in Holmes Beach. To Rayburn with love Kathy. Call 941-9008226 LOST ENGAGEMENT RING. Solitaire white gold. Lost on 10/22/2017. Call 770712-8819 FOUND NECKLACE PENDANT near Anna Maria Post office. Call 941-7733182

45

LOST GOLD BRACELET with toggle clasp & charm with 50th anniversary engraved.

Sentimental value. Lost in vicinity of Palm Ave. in Anna Maria. Call 407-8730078.

LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

Call 407-579-1621

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 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates.

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

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

46

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows.

Call 941-251-5948

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FROM THE LOW $300’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com 113 BEACH AVE 3BR/3BA Pool Home. Great location West of Gulf Drive with Direct beach access! $1,055,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941228-6086

Call us today! 941-778-3986

CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 PERICO ISLAND 2BR/2BA CONDO The best water views. $283,900. Call for showing today. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 LONGBOAT KEY $139,900 You own the Land! Private Beach & Marina https://www.wagnerrealty. com/p/77/A4204164 Call 941-735-9956 2BR/2BA CONDO End unit, Ground Floor.

1027sf. Turnkey. Perfect condition with remodeled kitchen & new appliances. Great location in Holmes Beach on Gulf Dr. $330,000 Call 614-946-5070

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE: PERICO ISLAND 11004 Perico Way 34209.

Sunday, February 25.

3BR/2.5BA. 12-3pm Master on the main, GREAT water Views 2 car garage, fireplace, sunroom. $379,900.

Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941330-5054

RENTALS: ANNUAL

NEWER RAISED 2BR/2BA home on duplex lot, built in 2003. Very spacious great room layout & casual canal views from windows. Nice bathrooms , ceramic tile in main body of home, carpet in bedrooms. Washer/ dryer. Plenty of parking, community boat dock across street. Short walk to incredible beaches of Anna Maria. Quiet neighborhood. Close to trolley, restaurant's, shopping and Public Beach. Small pet ok with $250 pet fee. This won't last long. ONE OF THE largest floor plans at Perico Bay Club, 3BR/2BA. Kitchen cabinets refaced, Corian countertop installed, both baths have seamless Corian countertops . Porch enclosed, can be used year round. There is a lake front downstairs corner unit; but, bushes hide estuary/lake. 1866sf with covered carport.

Pool directly across street with hot tub. Beautifully maintained & landscaped property. gated entry 24 / 7. Master pool is Olympic size ideal for swimming laps. Tennis, Horse Shoe pit, Workout room, Library, Game room, Kitchen and dinning space. Active, quiet & safe community. Great space to enjoy Florida living & entertaining. Background & credit required on all tenants 18 years and older. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

FEBRUARY 21, 2018

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA, carport, storage, W/D hookups $1,450/mo, Non-Smoking. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

2BR/2BA TOWNHOUSE with a 1 car garage at Palma Sola Trace. Available immediately. Call A Paradise at 941-778-4800 Coming soon a 3BR/2BA and a 1B NEW email R/1BA. Call for information

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-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915

2018 SEASONAL RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $3,850 per month, 2BR with sleeping loft from $3,850 per month. Three month minimum. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@tampabay.rr.com GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 OLD FLORIDA AMI COTTAGE. N. Shore Dr., Anna Maria. 2BR/1BA monthly.

Available October, November and December 2018.

Call 201-704-8078

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $65. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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FEBRUARY 21, 2018