Anna Maria Island Sun February 28, 2018

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 18 No. 20

February 28, 2018

Pier plank firings reversed New information presented to Mayor Dan Murphy indicated Peter Piir and Taylor Mannhart were not the first city employees to remove items from the storm-damaged pier.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

A wagon-seat view SUBMITTED

Riding a wagon around Robinson Preserve seemed like a good idea to more than three dozen people Saturday. Some of them had to wait, but Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources volunteers arranged a second tour. As the roads fill up with tourists and snow birds on the Island, the preserves are getting busier as well.

ANNA MARIA – Peter Piir and Taylor Mannhart are once again working for the city of Anna Maria.

They returned to work on Friday, Feb 23, after being reinstated by Mayor Dan Murphy. They were fired on Jan. 25 for removing engraved planks from the Anna Maria City Pier without permission, which was later deemed misappropriation of city property.

After being fired, Piir told The Sun he meant no harm and simply wanted to remove a cracked plank that memorialized his friend Denise Raykov’s deceased son, Phil Guttridge. The planks Piir and Mannhart removed now remain in the city’s possession.

Disciplinary letters Murphy issued to Piir and Mannhart the day before they returned to work revealed new details that were not available when the firings occurred.

The letter issued to Piir referenced subsequent meetings he and Murphy had on Feb. 14 and 20.

“New information was brought to my attention.

Specifically, at some point immediately followSEE PLANKS, PAGE 30

Fishermen to cast vote against net ban

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

CORTEZ – Local commercial fishermen plan to petition Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) next month to place an amendment on the November ballot reversing the gill net ban.

Mark Coarsey, of Fishing for Freedom’s Manatee County chapter, has been collecting signatures in support of lifting the net ban at the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival in recent years.

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 SEAN MURPHY 17 FOOD & WINE 20 OUTDOORS 22 OBITS 25 REAL ESTATE 28-33

He will be taking them to the last of five CRC meetings in the state on Tuesday, March 13, from 1-7 p.m. at the University of South Florida Student Center, 200 Sixth Ave. S. in St. Petersburg.

Florida voters passed the gill net ban amendment to Florida’s Constitution in 1994, and it became effective July 1, 1995, a date which lives in infamy in the historic fishing village of Cortez, where many lost their jobs with the loss of the gill nets.

“They made criminals out of us,” Coarsey said, explaining that the

FAT CAT has

been cleaning up for you for 25 years.

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Anna Maria Island, Florida

smaller cast nets that are still legal are not sufficient to make a living.

Coarsey demonstrated both gill nets and cast nets at the fishing festival earlier this month, saying that unwanted juvenile fish are able to swim through the nowillegal two-inch mesh of gill nets and survive, while legal smallermesh cast nets wastefully catch everything.

Recreational fishermen and environmentalists proposed the ban, claiming that mullet were being SEE NET BAN, PAGE 31

MARK TAYLOR | SUBMITTED

In this historic photo, mullet is hauled onto a Cortez commercial fishing boat in New Pass in a gill net, outlawed in 1994 by an amendment to the Florida Constitution.

STATE vacation rental bills in peril thanks to amendment. 3 TRAVEL the Gulf Coast Heritage

Trail. 21 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

THE SUN

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Vacation rental bills in peril Neither the House nor Senate rental bill was scheduled for committee discussion this week.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

TALLAHASSEE – Behind the scenes maneuvering by lobbyist Chip Case, Anna Maria City Attorney Becky Vose and her attorney son, Wade Vose, may have helped derail two vacation rentals bills being debated by state legislators.

Defeating either bill would preserve local governments’ ability to regulate vacation rentals.

During the House of Representatives’ Thursday, Feb. 22, Government Accountability Committee meeting, Rep. Jay Fant (R-Jacksonville) introduced a sexual predator/offender amendment to Rep. Mike La Rosa’s (R-St. Cloud) vacation rental bill, HB 773. With La Rosa’s support, the committee adopted the amendment with no objection.

According to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, the amendment was drafted by the Voses, tweaked by Case’s staff and introduced by Fant, who utilizes Case as a political consultant.

The amendment proposes sex offenders or sexual predators be required to register

with the local county sheriff's office 48 hours prior to arrival at a vacation rental and the rental owner/operator would have to notify all property owners within 1,000 feet 24 hours before the guest’s arrival.

Violating owner/operators would be subject to fines or the suspension or loss of their vacation rental license.

The amendment proposes all on-line advertisements and rental postings prominently display the rental unit’s complete street address and include a link to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s sexual predator and offender website. Fant said the amendment would apply only to vacation rentals, and not to hotels or other public lodgings.

“If this is what we need to do to protect children and make people feel comfortable, we absolutely need to do it,” La Rosa said.

During Thursday’s Anna Maria Commission meeting, Murphy discussed the amended House bill and its potential impact on both the House and Senate bills.

“It doesn’t match the Senate bill (CS/SB 1400), and it’s a very onerous thing for the vacation rentals to have to go through this notification process. The Senate will probably not take that bill up because of that amendment, so we maybe have dodged a bullet,” Murphy said.

With Becky Vose present, Murphy thanked the trio for their “work, diligence and creativity.”

ADDITIONAL AMENDMENT

The House committee adopted a second amendment proposed by David Santiago (R-Deltona) that would apply to all public lodging establishments, including hotels.

This amendment pertains to sexual predators only. According to Florida law, a sexual predator has been convicted of a first-degree felony sex crime or two second-degree felony sex crimes. A sexual offender has been convicted of a sex offense involving a minor.

The amendment proposes public lodging operators must ask at check-in if any guest is a sexual predator. If so, the operator shall immediately inform all the lodging’s other guests.

Rep. Cary Pigman (R-Sebring) asked if this would create a circumstance where he, his wife and his teenaged children are asked if they’re sexual predators when checking into a Disney hotel.

“While I laud your efforts. I get bogged down in how we’d execute this without making Florida the weirdest state in the world to get a hotel room,” Pigman said.

“This would make things a little bit weird,

but it would make it safe,” La Rosa said before the Santiago amendment was adopted with no objection.

By a 13-11 vote, the committee reported favorably on the amended House bill and forwarded it to the Commerce Committee chaired by Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton). The amended bill was not listed on the committee’s Monday, Feb. 26 meeting notice.

HOMESTEAD AMENDMENT

The House committee rejected by an 8-14 vote an amendment proposing local governments continue regulating vacation rental properties not homesteaded as primary residences. La Rosa opposed the amendment, but said he heard good points made during that discussion. He acknowledged his bill needed more work and withdrew the strike-all amendment that would have matched his bill to the Senate bill – except for the sexual predator/ offender amendments. La Rosa’s bill still differs significantly from the Senate bill’s attempt to give all vacation rental regulation to the state.

As of Monday, the Senate rental bill was not on the meeting notice for the Appropriations Committee’s Feb. 27 meeting. The legislative session is scheduled to end on March 9, but it could be extended.

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ISLAND NEWS

Heritage Day festival celebrates the past

Center receives four-star rating Good news came to The Center of Anna Maria Island Feb. 1, this time in the form of a four-star rating from online nonprofit and charity ranker Charity Navigator. Out of a possible 100 points, Charity Navigator awarded the Center 93.93 overall, 96.91 in financial reporting and 92 in accounting and transparency. The ratings were based on data from the 2016 fiscal year reported to the IRS on Form 990. Ratings are updated as information becomes available. The Center’s previous score was a three-star 86.52.

A four-star rating is the highest awarded by Charity Navigator, an online organization created to provide donors with reputable information about the nonprofits they’re donating to and identify scams claiming to be charitable organizations. For more information visit www.charitynavigator.org.

WMFR introduces paramedic service The first West Manatee Fire Rescue fire truck featuring advanced life support, or ALS, trained firefighters left the Island station Feb. 20. The launch of the program on the Island marks a milestone for WMFR leaders who have been working to build the program for years. Under the new program, at least one firefighter on each truck WMFR dispatches to an emergency will have paramedic training, a level above the EMT training all district firefighters are required to have. Firefighters will be able to administer the same type of care as Manatee County EMS workers without the ability to transport patients to the hospital for further treatment.

Correction John Lefner works for the Oregon-based vacation rental company Vacasa. A story in the Feb. 14 edition of The Sun indicated a different company.

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Tripp joins Anna Maria Commission

IN BRIEF

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, will feature music, arts and crafts and a Settler’s Market.

Artisans will demonstrate 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 throughout the grounds of the complex.

Purchase organic local produce and herbs, Early Settler’s Bread and honey at the Settler’s Market, tour Belle Haven Cottage and the surrounding native plant garden and purchase vintage items from the museum’s attic in the collectibles booth. Watch as the AMI Privateers invade the grounds, have a historical book signed by the author and take a chance on 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.

Amy Tripp is an advocate for cities’ home rule rights.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Amy Tripp has been appointed to fill the City Commission seat recently vacated by Nancy Yetter.

The commission appointment occurred at the Thursday, Feb. 22, commission meeting. Tripp will serve the remainder of the two-year term that expires in November.

Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland, Brian Seymour and Dale Woodland unanimously ranked Tripp as the top candidate from a trio that also included Jonathan Crane and David Bouchard.

The appointment process devised by City Attorney Becky Vose required each commissioner to rank on paper the three candidates as their first, second and third choices. The seat went to the candidate with the lowest total score.

Tripp’s score was four, followed by Crane’s nine and Bouchard’s 11.

Commission chair Doug Copeland thanked Crane and Bouchard for their willingness to serve and City Clerk LeAnne Addy swore Tripp in so she could participate in the rest of the meeting.

CANDIDATES SPEAK

Each candidate was given three

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Commissioner Amy Tripp is sworn into office by City Clerk LeAnne Addy. minutes to speak before the commissioners voted.

“I saw an opportunity. I ran for commissioner a few years ago and thought it might be a good idea to throw my hat in the ring again. I hope to assist in any way I can,” Bouchard said.

Crane said, “I’d very much like to serve alongside all of you on this commission. I believe I’m the best candidate here in terms of qualifications because of my experience and because of my lifelong commitment to public service.”

He cited his current chairmanship of the Planning and Zoning Board and his experience as a private and public attorney, hearing officer, small court claims judge and mediator in Los Angeles County.

Tripp spoke last.

“The Tripp family has had a presence in the city of Anna Maria for over 65 years. My father- -in-law (Ted Tripp) was a mayor and served on the Planning and Zoning Board for 25 years.

My mother-in-law, Paula, was on the board of directors at the Historical Society and was a turtle watch volunteer before there was a turtle watch organization. I would like to follow their commitment to service,” she said.

“One things that is most important to me is the home rule protection and I have worked the past two years trying to keep that in place,” she said.

Last year, Tripp gathered more than 600 petition signatures in opposition to the State Legislature’s unsuccessful SEE TRIPP, PAGE 27

Man charged after high-speed chase and crash The suspect is being held with no bond.

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

HOLMES BEACH – An 18-year-old Bradenton resident was arrested on Saturday, Feb. 17, after he led Holmes Beach Police officers on a high speed chase off the Island and back on, according to a Holmes Beach Police report. Jeffrey Tashawn Clarke was arrested after the chase, which ended when Clarke crashed into a tree.

The incident began at 10:55 p.m. when an officer operating radar clocked a gold Cadillac going 53 mph in a 35 mph zone around 38th and Gulf Drive,

according to the police report. The driver also failed to dim his headlights in traffic. When the officer activated his emergency lights, the Cadillac accelerated and ran a red Clarke light at Gulf Drive and East Bay Drive, headed north. During the chase, the dispatcher informed the officer the Cadillac had been reported stolen in Bradenton.

The vehicle turned eastbound at Manatee Avenue, almost hitting oncoming traffic on the bridge and accelerating to speeds in excess of 100 mph. The chase continued until the defendant turned north on 81st Street, in northwest Bradenton, sped past residences, then

he turned back to Manatee Avenue. The suspect drove west, tried to turn left on Flamingo Drive, but he lost control and ran into a palm tree, disabling the car.

Police caught up with the driver and they took him and his three passengers into custody. One was a 15-year-old minor. While getting treated for his injuries, Clarke admitted the passengers had nothing to do with the car chase, according to the report.

A computer check showed Clarke did not have a valid driver’s license, according. He was arrested and charged with driving with high beams on, speeding, running a red light, passing in a no passing zone and fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer. He is in jail with no bail.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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Center says goodbye to Kristen Lessig The Center’s executive director left, but she’s leaving behind a positive legacy and a plan for the future.

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

ANNA MARIA – Feb. 19 marked former Center Executive Director Kristen Lessig’s official last day on the job, but she didn’t leave the organization without a plan for the future.

During her final board meeting at the Center, Lessig gave board members an update on ongoing projects as well as an update on the search for her replacement.

While a permanent executive director candidate had yet to be identified, Lessig and board member John Mann said they had both spoken with a candidate to fill the position part-time for the short-term.

Peg Beck, of Creative Consulting Associates, who’s heading up the search for a new executive director, said three months should be the perfect amount of time to find and install someone in the roll. The human resources specialist said she’s conducting a local search for can-

didates to encourage someone to move into the role quickly and narrow the pool of prospective replacements for Lessig.

Interviews for the position are expected to begin the week of March 19.

Once Beck works through the first round of interviews, finalists will be invited to interview in person before the search committee. The search committee members are Mann, Karen Harlee, Barbara Soto, Steve Johnson, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Center board chair David Zaccagnino.

In the meantime, the interim director is planned to serve as a liaison between the board members and Center staff, though decisions and policy will primarily be left in the hands of the board.

Lessig will return to the Center as a volunteer for this year’s Tour of Homes March 17.

Throughout the meeting, board members expressed their support for Lessig in her new endeavor and thanked her for her work over the past three years.

For her part, Lessig said there are some things she’ll miss about being at the Center every day.

“It’s a great place and a great resource

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

At her last meeting as executive director, Center board members say goodbye to Kristen Lessig. for the Island,” she said of the Center. “It truly is a community in here. I love seeing the same faces come in. I especially love when the snowbirds return. I love the people that work here and have served on the board. They all put themselves out there for the betterment of the community.

I’ll miss seeing everyone on a daily basis.”

Lessig did say one of the things she’s looking forward to is coming to the Center as a member with her daughter and being able to enjoy the facility “from the other side.”

Members of the Center also are sad to see Lessig go, but they’re hopeful for the future of the organization.

“She’s just been a godsend to us on the Island,” member Janet Kingan said of Lessig. “I watched her turn this place around. I hope everyone continues to support the Center and we get a great new executive director. We have something special here.”

Mary Zion agreed with Kingan. “The Center needs a lot of support, and I hope they get it,” she said, adding that she hopes new staff and new board members coming into the organization are “passionate about the Center.”

Member Liz Hager said she hopes that the community maintains its newly positive attitude toward the Center long after Lessig is gone.

“I hope that when Kristen takes this very positive move for her that the support remains,” she said.

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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

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

EDITORIAL Lessons learned

T

he rehiring of Peter Piir and Taylor Mannhart after they were fired for removing engraved pier planks without permission can serve as a valuable lesson for many of us moving forward.

Hopefully, Piir, Mannhart and anyone else considering a similar act of unauthorized plank removal has learned that you can’t just help yourself to the pier planks; and there really are plans in place to return them to those who properly requested them.

We should all know by now that the commemorative and memorial planks will not be discarded or destroyed. The unclaimed planks will become memorial walls for all to see at City Pier Park and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum.

From Piir's actions, we are reminded that no good deed goes unpunished, and the path to potential unemployment can be paved with the good intentions Piir displayed when he removed a memorial plank for his close friend, Denise Raykov. And Piir and the rest of us learned that a longtime, part-time right of way mowing man can become a highly-valued member of a close-knit beach community.

F

ar too late in the process, Mayor Dan Murphy, through no fault of his own, learned that Piir and Mannhart were not the first or only city employees to remove memorabilia or items from the hurricane- damaged pier without the mayor or City Commission’s permission. Murphy said last week that had he known that earlier, Piir and Mannhart would not have been fired.

Former Commissioner Gene Aubry, city resident Sandy Rich and the more than 180 people who signed petitions in support of bringing Piir and Mannhart back learned that the local citizenry still has a voice, regardless of the role that collective voice played or didn’t play in the rehiring decision.

Hopefully, we all learned that we can make mistakes and disagree on how those mistakes should be addressed. But in the end, we can put those mistakes behind us and get busy with the real business at hand: in this case, getting a new pier built.

In his disciplinary letters to Piir and Mannhart, Murphy wrote: “I wish you well in your continued employment with the city of Anna Maria.”

We share those wishes and we wish the mayor and city commissioners well in their efforts to replace that beloved pier with something that will one day be equally cherished.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

City pier decisions I attended the last city commission special meeting on the city pier. I have to say I am amazed by how important decisions are being made.

I saw a 15 minute presentation on cost comparisons between a composite material and spun concrete pilings. This presentation probably took no more than an hour to prepare. The information presented was very top level and designed to make one option look much better than the other.

The cost analysis presented could not have taken much more than an hour to perform. I am sure that if wood pilings were included as an option the cost analysis would have taken weeks or months to perform, and as it was stated in the previous meeting not worth the engineering company’s time. I would spend more time on a home project that might cost $500 than our commissioners spent on this decision, which will probably cost 3-4 million dollars.

This engineering company amazes me. They have been on this job for several months and do not even know the cost of potential decking material.

All they knew at the meeting is that one cost more than the other. A few phone calls is all it takes to obtain the cost information, and they have not been able to do that yet in all the time they have been on the job.

Twice now I have inquired about plans for a water taxi at the city pier.

I have been given nothing but evasive answers. So I ask the question again.

Has the engineering company been directed to include accommodations for a water taxi in the pier design?

Dennis Ellsworth Anna Maria

Noise solutions possible I'd like to see the residential neighborhoods get the same type of noise relief they require in the commercial zone.

When Barefoot Tiki first opened, the police used to stand across the street with decibel meters, and the minute the sound level exceeded what was allowable, they were forced to bring it down to acceptable levels.

The owners were proactive and found a solution: soundproofing cloth. Once installed, it greatly reduced the noise creep.

When the Ugly Grouper took over, they were likewise mandated to install this soundproofing cloth, again to minimize their noise carrying over on to adjacent properties. You can no longer hear their noise from a half block away.

Some of us in the neighborhoods have been complaining about the noise pollution from these pools with no setbacks for over eight years. After about five years of complaining, the city finally started issuing tickets.

Yet citizens still need to initiate the complaints, and those of us that do

soon get a reputation. We get no noise relief, though, despite the fact that even the splashing sounds carry over half a block.

Why does the city not set the same standards for noise as they do in the commercial district? Why are developers in residential zones not held to the same soundproofing standards as those in the commercial zones?

Nicole and John (Heslop) introduced the city to soundproofing cloth several years ago. Why isn't it being required in the residential zones in the same way it is in the commercial zones? Why are resort housing owners not required to use the same technology and methodology to mitigate ongoing noise pollution from their units? Why is the city not requiring the use of this material on the required fences, like they are now doing for noisy businesses in the commercial zone?

I understand that the city was not aware of this material until Barefoot Tiki introduced it as a cost-effective, workable solution. But now, the city knows about this material and is fully aware of how its use can bring relief to folks who like things quiet. I am not understanding why they are not requiring its use in units with ongoing noise pollution issues in the residential zones.

Laurel S. Nevans Holmes Beach

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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ON THE AGENDA

THE SUN SURVEY

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think of the decision to rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier using concrete pilings instead of wood?

29%

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

ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

March 6, 10:30 a.m. – City Commission special meeting March 8, 6 p.m. – City Commission special meeting For information, call 7086130

March 7, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting March 8, 1 p.m. – Department Head meeting For information, call 7781005

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

March 1, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting March 6, 1 p.m. – City Commission workshop March 7, 9 a.m. – Pier Team meeting March 7, 9:30 a.m. – CRA meeting

March 1, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow March 7, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting March 7, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting For information, call 7085800

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

71%

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28

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

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

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Do you agree with commercial fishermen who say the ban on the use of gill nets should be lifted?

• Yes. Lifting the net ban will revive the commercial fishing industry without hurting the environment.

• No. The ban has allowed fish stocks to return to healthy populations.

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

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

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

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

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

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

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m.

AMI Chamber of Commerce February Business Card Exchange, The Golf Boot Camp at Manatee County Golf Course, 6415 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton, 5 to 7 p.m., $5 per member or $10 per prospective member.

Paying for College, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

Family movie in the park, Anna Maria City Pier Park, across from the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., 7 p.m.

THURSDAY MARCH 1

Veteran Services Information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Ageless Grace with Gail Condrick, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico

Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 9 a.m., $10 per week.

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

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.

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 featuring Peg Herring, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

“Oh, Florida!” lecture with Craig Pittman, 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 MARCH 2

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, SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 24

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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Steube running for Congress Florida Sen. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) will try to make the leap from state politics to national politics. On Monday, Steube announced he would run for the District 17 U.S. Representative seat currently held by Tom Rooney, who announced on Feb. 19 that he would retire when his term expires in November. District 17 does not include Anna Maria Island. Steube spent six years as a state representative before being elected to the Florida Senate in 2016.

The Anna Maria Island Art League presents the 30th Annual

“Springfest” March 10th & 11th, 2018

Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Festival Sat. & Sun.

10am - 5pm

5901 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach, FL City Hall Field

Juried Art Exhibit

Live Music (Saturday) with

“Koko Ray”

“Young at Art” Face Painting 11:30am - 2pm Children’s Exhibit & Activities

Artwork Courtesy of John Cheer

Raffle, Community Booths, Food Court Free Admission & Parking

w ww www.IslandArtLeague.org 941-778-2099 9 Edward E. & Lillian H.

Bishop Foundation

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THE SUN

Tour tickets on sale now It’s that time of year again. The 25th Annual Tour of Homes is coming to Anna Maria Island from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 17. This year’s tour features five homes along with the Tropical Treasures Boutique at the Center Bazaar, located on the nonprofit’s campus at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Homes to be featured on the tour include The Magnolia Home and those owned by Wooley and Art Dutton, Don and Leah Purvis, Ron and Peggy Jude, and Jane and Tom Gauld.

Tickets for the one day event are $30 and can be purchased at the Center,

The Sun’s office, Duncan Real Estate, the AMI General Store, Egret’s Nest, The White Egret, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Holmes Beach Ace Hardware, LaPensee Plumbing, The Egret’s Landing and Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware in Bradenton.

Tickets for this year’s quilt, created by the Eyeland Needlers, can be purchased for $1 each or six for $5 at the Center up until the quilt drawing the afternoon of the Tour.

For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.centerami.org.

Two more movies in the park The city of Anna Maria will host two more Classic Movies in the Park at City Pier Park. Starring Harrison Ford and Sean Connery, “Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade,” will be screened at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The free outdoor movies will conclude for the season with the 2017 drama “Wonder” on Wednesday, March 7. Starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay, “Wonder” tells

the tale of a boy with Treacher Collins syndrome who just wants to fit in.

The outdoor screenings will be suspended after daylight-saving time takes effect Sunday, March 11, because it gets dark too late to show familyfriendly movies on a school night.

The next two movies will feature free popcorn, and attendees are invited to bring chairs, blankets, drinks and other snacks.

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Loving Christ • Sharing His Grace • Serving All COMMUNITY CHURCH

SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 AM and 10:00 AM Call for a ride to the 10:00 AM Worship Service

IN THE SANCTUARY 10:00 AM Nursery & Church School 8:30 AM Early Bird Sunday School 8:45 AM Adult Sunday School 9:00 AM Adult Book Study

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

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

THE SUN

11

Daniel Hoffman, Michelle Giglio and Russell Andrade sing.

RICK PICKWICK | SUBMITTED

On Broadway Michelle Giglio and Daniel Hoffman.

The largest audience to date watched the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) perform “Broadway and Beyond” last Sunday. Guest Artists Michelle Giglio, Russell Andrade and Daniel Hoffman with the AMICCO Chorus and Orchestra performed selections from famous Broadway productions that had the audience constantly jumping to their feet with applause. AMICCO board of directors member Jeanie Pickwick called the concert a joy for all that showcased the amazing talent we have in our community. AMICCO’s final concert of its 25th season, “Return of the Three Tenors,” is March 25 starting at 2 p.m. at Manatee High School Grant Performing Arts Auditorium.

Russell Andrade with members of the choir.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Holmes Beach hosts contractor workshop

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

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s building department staff is continuing its efforts to reach out to the community, particularly building officials. The department’s latest offering was a contractor workshop held Feb. 6 focusing on educating building professionals about new changes to the Florida

Building Code. The sixth and most current edition of the Florida Building Code went into effect Dec. 31, 2017.

Because the city’s primary building business is residential properties, the workshop spent a great deal of time focusing on residential, single and dual family structures, as well as mechanical and plumbing code changes.

“It was a great success,” Building Official Jim McGuinness said of the work-

shop. “We had a tremendous turnout.

It was a great interaction between the city and local building professionals.”

Another part of the workshop was the announcement of the building department’s goals for the future, including digital plans review, online building permit application submission and the launch of a contractor portal where building professionals can go online to view the status of their applications or

plans review and learn more about current codes and the permit process.

“I was very impressed,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said of the workshop.

“It was very informative.”

Commissioner Judy Titsworth echoed Soustek’s sentiments. “For the first time with the building department we’re really doing what we should and that’s providing service.”

Sunshine Protection Act’s final committee stop On Feb. 14, the Florida House of Representatives voted 103-11 in support of House Bill 1031 and Florida switching to daylight saving time on a year-round basis. The Senate bill first filed by Sen. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota), SB 858, was

scheduled to make its final committee stop Monday, Feb. 26, in the Rules Committee. If reported favorably there, the legislation could be headed to the Senate floor for a final vote.

Enactment of the Sunshine Protection

Act would still require an amendment from the U.S. Congress authorizing states to observe daylight saving time year-around. If the legislation is adopted by the Senate and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott, the State Legislature

would submit a request to the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation to initiate rulemaking to re-designate the portions of Florida that currently lie within the Central Time Zone to the Eastern Time Zone.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

THE SUN

13

Holmes Beach bike path hits a roadblock While a bike path in Holmes Beach through residential districts off the main roads has been planned, that doesn’t mean residents want it in their neighborhoods.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Some residents aren’t sure they want a mapped bike path going through their neighborhoods and commissioners aren’t sure they want it either.

City Engineer Lynn Burnett gave an update on plans for the bike path as a part of her engineering projects update for commissioners. Her plans were met with mixed reactions.

While a plan is still in place for a complete streets project down Gulf

Drive, Marina Drive, East Bay Drive and Palm Drive to allow for vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic, Burnett said during construction those cyclists will need somewhere to go. That somewhere, she proposes, is a mapped path through the residential neighborhoods of Holmes Beach using existing and widened sidewalks along with sharrow lane striping and lighted crosswalks.

While no one took issue with widening sidewalks and introducing more lighted crosswalks, several people spoke against mapping an official bike path through neighborhoods.

“Why we’re doing this convoluted path is beyond me,” resident John Hutcherson said, adding that he feels it wouldn’t be safe for residents or pedestrians. He proposed spending the funds budgeted for the bike path on other projects such as maintaining and repairing current facilities.

Resident and frequent cyclist Nancy Deal suggested approaching the issue from a safety perspective by identifying “hot spots” for cyclist traffic and enhancing those areas while doing away with the rest of the bike path plan.

“I’m concerned about safety,” she said. “There are just too many people here to protect them all. I think safety should be our priority with where we spend our money right now.”

Fellow resident Claudia Carlson agreed. “Safety is the big issue here,” she said, suggesting a fast-track approach to addressing some of the issues.

To quell some residents’ concerns, Burnett assured commissioners that a bike path will not be put down Holmes Boulevard. Instead, she proposes widening sidewalks to eight feet and installing crosswalks with flashing beacons to help cyclists and motorists cross city streets safely. She still plans to have sharrow lane striping installed on some city streets to warn drivers of the requirement to share the road with cyclists.

While basically the same facilities as previously proposed would be installed, Burnett said it doesn’t have to be designated as a bike path or a route through the neighborhoods mapped for cyclists.

“People are concerned with having rental bikes and tourists going

down quiet little streets on a mapped path, even if it’s short-term,” Commissioner Judy Titsworth said. While she agreed with Burnett that a safe bike path needs to be created, she said that path should go down the Island’s main roads, not through neighborhoods.

“I want us to be a walking, bikeriding community, but I would like to widen sidewalks without calling it a mapped, routed bike path,” she said.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she has no problem with the idea of widening sidewalks and adding crosswalks though calling it a bike path might be irrelevant. “They’re going to go where they want to go,” she said of city cyclists.

Commissioner Pat Morton said he wants to see a bike path going along main roads through the city center that’s safe for cyclists and motorists. Though he often rides a bicycle, he said he doesn’t feel safe riding on sidewalks with pedestrians present and the existing bicycle lanes feel unsafe as a cyclist.

With state funding potentially five years or more off for development of the Sun Trail, commissioners said they have no issue allowing Burnett to continue work on installation of wider sidewalks and crosswalks, just as long as no one calls the project a bike path.

AME goes under the sea The Anna Maria Elementary School has found an interesting theme and location for this year’s spring gala.

The theme is “Under the Sea,” and it will be held on Friday, March 9, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the South Florida Museum.

There will be food, music, dancing, auctions and a photo booth.

Students are working on items to be auctioned. Local businesses and fami-

lies are donating some of the auction items. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

The Spring Gala is a major fundraiser for the PTO as it provides financial assistance to better the educational experience for the students and teachers.

For more information, contact Emily Wettstein at 941-224-9781 or emilypwettstein@icloud.com

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THE SUN

BUSINESS

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Fat Cat cleans up for you

BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRITER

F

at Cat is a funny name for a carpet cleaning service, but it’s definitely one that’s easy to remember. And this fat cat is all about building relationships and has been doing it for the 25 years he’s been living on Anna Maria.

When Larry House and his wife, Nancy, decided to move from Ft. Worth, Texas, in 2001, semi-retirement seemed like a good idea. He was a K-Mart project manager with years of airline miles under his belt and was ready for a new adventure with fewer airports in his future.

They had been visiting family in the area for many years, so island living and being close to family was the attraction.

However, when Nancy decided to open a small restaurant with her sisters in Sarasota, it was time for Larry to find something to do.

In 2002 he purchased the well-

established business in Holmes Beach with the quirky name of Fat Cat, and even though Nancy has long since sold her restaurant, Larry still hasn’t retired.

Fat Cat does carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and tile and grout cleaning. It also specializes in leather cleaning and area rugs. In fact, you can drop off your area rug or Fat Cat will pick up your rug and deliver it back to your home.

Fat Cat also offers interior boat cleaning for boat owners in the area. They can clean the carpeting and leather and vinyl upholstery in the interior of most boats.

And this cat also moves around. Larry says he covers all of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key and works with customers in west and northwest Bradenton. He tries to accommodate his loyal customers, even if they’ve moved to other areas. Larry runs the business with the help of one other person and is always looking for experienced technicians to give

FAT CAT Holmes Beach 941-778-2882 Call for an appointment All major credit cards accepted them a hand.

During the years Larry and Nancy have owned Fat Cat, their goal has been to build a relationship with their customers, show up on time and do a great job. Ninety-nine percent of their business is residential, so Fat Cat gets what’s it’s like to be in people’s homes and have them place their trust in you even giving you a key to their house.

The next time you need your carpets, upholstery, tile or boat interior cleaned, call the cat – Fat Cat, that is. He’s a cool customer, and you’ll be one too.

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

Larry House cleans carpets, tile upholstery and boat interiors.

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

THE SUN

15

Records request comes with high cost The opposing attorneys involved in a Sunshine Law lawsuit find themselves at odds over a public records request made on behalf of a defendant.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The legal team representing the city as plaintiffs in a Sunshine Law lawsuit is dealing with a $19,991 public records request submitted to the city clerk’s office in January by defendant John Metz and/ or his attorney Thomas Shults.

Paralegal Michael Barfield is assisting attorney Robert Watrous in his representation of the city.

The lawsuit was jointly-initiated by the City Commission and city resident Jack Clarke in August.

The lawsuit seeks a judge’s ruling as to whether Metz and five other Planning and Zoning Board or Scenic WAVES Committee members violated the Florida Sunshine Law when discussing a parking garage prohibition and other city business at a Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach meeting

in July.

The records request was addressed in a Feb. 12 letter attorney Watrous sent to Shults. The letter says the completion of the requested task pertaining to 22 separate categories of public records would require the extensive use of information technology resources and/or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance.

“Because you seek records relating to an ongoing litigation between your client and the city, it will be necessary for both attorneys and paralegals to separately review records responsive to your request to ensure that information protected by the attorney-client and work product privilege is redacted,” Watrous’ letter says.

The letter provides an estimated hourly wage breakdown of $19,991 and states the actual cost could be more or less. The letter informs Shults the city requires a $9,995 deposit before attempting to fulfill the request.

“Until such time as we receive your deposit, the city will not undertake any additional efforts to fulfill the balance of your request. Regardless, you will be responsible for full payment of the expenses the city has already incurred

to fulfill your request, which is $300,” the letter says.

Watrous’ letter also addressed activities that occurred after the record request was made on Jan. 10.

“I don’t understand why you would represent the facts to blatantly and completely ignore the correspondence sent to by Michael Barfield dated Jan. 31, in which the city sought clarification of your extensive public records request,” the letter says. “You have not only refused to provide clarification, but you have also refused to reply to his response and instead engaged in direct communication with the city clerk.”

A second letter Watrous sent to Shults that day said, “Michael Barfield advised you that he would be the individual with primary responsibility for responding to your public records request. Mr. Barfield informed you that if you had any questions about the request to contact him. You ignored Mr. Barfield’s communication and had direct communication with the city clerk in your correspondence dated Feb. 7.

Your correspondence appears to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct. I insist that you comply with Florida

Bar Ethics Opinion 09-01 and that you not communicate directly with the city clerk. Do not have any direct communication with my client.”

Many of the records requested are from City Attorney Ricinda Perry, and many of those pertain to Metz’s time as a planning board member.

On Feb. 7, Perry addressed the requests in an email sent to Shults, Watrous, Barfield, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente and Mayor John Chappie.

“I have worked for Bradenton Beach for nearly 15 years. There are voluminous records dating back over the nearly 15 years that could be responsive. The legal costs to pull these files from storage and review each and every file, all agenda packets, taped recordings, minutes, email, etc. will be very time consuming and expensive,” she wrote.

According to City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, the city has already incurred $52,310 in legal fees related to the lawsuit – and no court date has yet been set.

16

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

THE SUN

17

Beard House memories

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

I

was asked the other day to tell about my most memorable meal.

There have been a bunch of memorable meals.

I am grateful that the brighter and more beautiful memories, the memories of birthdays and anniversaries and proposals, are abundant.

There was the evening I danced with a beautiful young woman on her 100th birthday while the room sang, or the night the room sang again to a delighted 10-year-old perched on a chair in the dining-room on her birthday.

There also were meals memorable for their meaner attributes.

There was the lady that pinched me.

Not there, on my arm.

She wanted to say the F word out loud over and over at a Bistro table, and I was explaining to her and her drunken friends that they were leaving.

She was trying to impress me that they were really important because they had

been to the Russian Tea Room in New York.

I told her that I wished she still was in the Russian Tea Room in New York.

There was tussling. I was amazed that she was quick and long and skinny enough to get her fingers through the maze of bodies to give me that pinch.

But the most demanding and most exhilarating and most memorable dinner that a restaurateur will ever produce is a performance dinner at The James Beard House in New York City – America’s culinary Olympus.

You have to be invited. The coveted invitation begins with discreet visits from anonymous members of the Beard House board.

If they consider you worthy, you get an interview with Mildred. Mildred is the Cerebus who guards the gates of the Beard House.

Our Mildred interview was tough.

She scoffed at my golden spoon. She belittled my St Patrick’s day parade.

Mildred's culinary universe ended at the shores of Manhattan.

She saw no signs of culinary life south of the Mason-Dixon.

We got invited to perform a dinner despite Mildred.

For the Beard House I had to create a

dish that would astound some of the toughest food fans and writers in the country, a dish of Olympian proportions. Something that would even impress mean old Mildred.

My inspiration for that dish came to me in a Dionysian vision from the end of a pier in Maine.

I walked out through the fog to the end of a long dock in Southwest Harbor with an excellent bottle of Barolo and came back with an empty bottle and a culinary vision for the Beard House – Food Heaven.

I imagined the marriage of three of the best and most delicious proteins in our arsenal in a single presentation.

The flag-bearer for the dish is, biblically, sacrificial lamb – the best lamb in the world – American lamb, corn-fed from American ranches, served on an altar of savory bread pudding.

Poseidon is represented by butterpoached maine lobster, lush and delicious, poached slowly in a butter and lobster bath.

Crowning the dish is the only food product that can dance with American lamb and butter-poached lobster – America’s richest food flavor, seared Hudson Valley foie gras.

The three stars are supported by the savory-touch-sweet flavors of the bread pudding and a demi-glaze kissed with port and garnished with crunchy toasted faro.

Food Heaven is truly sublime. Guests struggle with the words to describe the depth and profound fullness of the flavors.

Our presentation of Food Heaven at the Beard House capped days of maddening logistical and culinary adventures against a backdrop of UN week, Fashion Week and a presidential visit, but the crowning achievement of our Beard House evening was the abundance of praise for the chef team’s craftsmanship that night, and their keystone presentation, Food Heaven.

One chef-writer took me aside at the beginning of the evening and expressed his concern that we were trying to accomplish too much with Food Heaven – that the timing of three different proteins for the presentation was too complex and that the flavors were too large and profound for one plate.

I checked on his meal during the dinner.

He consumed every morsel.

As he was leaving the Beard House that night, I asked what he thought of Food Heaven.

He said it was such a compelling yet complex dish that he was still thinking about it.

I told him that in two weeks he would still be thinking about it – but that there would be only one place in America where he could get it.

Food Heaven – memorable.

Surfside … Anna Maria Island

“Best Restaurant in America” 4.9 out of 5 ZAGAT stars One of only 11 in the entire country

941.778.6444 www.BeachBistro.com

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THE SUN

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Class to cover response to active shooter situation The Manatee County Sheriff's Office will host a civilian response to active shooter class on Thursday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. This class will discuss what is an active shooter situation, the mentality of an active shooter and what your response should be if found in that situation.

The class will be held at the Sheriff ’s Office Crime Prevention Office at 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton. If interested, call 941-747-3011, ext.

2500, to reserve a seat today as there is limited space.

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Fri. 3/2 - Larry Yunker 7PM

Sat. 3/3 - Tim Chandler 12-4 Bitter Kreek 7PM Sun. 3/4 - Tim Chandler 12-4 Ted Stevens & The Doo Shots 5-8 Mon. 3/5 - Natural Vibes 5:30PM Tues. 3/6 - Tim Chandler 6PM

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19

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20

THE SUN

FOOD & WINE

FEBRUARY 28, 2017

Oyster recipe gets rave reviews

John Horne

Tequila Lime Oysters Ingredients

12 each clean prime oysters 4 c. garlic butter 1 c. tequila 1 c. Mixon Fruit Farm orange juice 1 c. lime juice 1 tsp. crushed red pepper 1 tsp. green onion, diced 2 oz. grated Parmesan

ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR

W

here do your recipes come from? I hear that a lot. “Do your chefs come up with menu items?” Well, we don’t have chefs at the Oyster Bars; we have cooks that love to eat and cook.

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ annual food and wine tasting event, Forks & Corks, was last month, and when we were trying to decide what item to feature, of course, our Grandma Georgie’s Chipotle Oysters was our first choice, but we’ve served them (to everyone’s delight) three years in a row.

We thought it might be time to serve something different, and since we have oysters in our restaurant name, it should be an oyster dish, right? What better way to come up with a new menu item than to make it a contest between our kitchen staff at all four Oyster Bars.

I mean we already serve oysters so many ways you can hear Bubba Blue saying, “We got steamed oysters, fried oysters, oysters Maria, chipotle oysters, garlic Parmesan oysters, oyster stew, oyster Rockefeller, raw oysters ... ” I loved Forrest Gump.

We challenged each store, and on the Monday before Forks & Corks, we had a taste off. That was a tough task to have to eat four different oyster dishes. There was a knock off of the New Orleans classic Bienville style, one with ghost peppers – wow, was that good and hot, a bacon, tomato and sour cream oyster – how can you go wrong

Sauce preparation

In saucepan, combine tequila, orange and lime juices. Reduce liquids to half.

Add crushed red pepper, black pepper and onions. Cook 2 minutes to release flavor of the pepper.

Add garlic butter to reduced liquids, and mix thoroughly.

Remove from heat and use immediately or cool for later.

Oyster preparation SUBMITTED

Tequila LIme Oysters were a hit at the Forks & Corks food and wine tasting event. with bacon? You can’t is the answer.

But the winner was our new Tequila Lime Oysters. OMG are they awesome. We’re known for Margaritas and oysters, and this combines both. Will, Rolando and Luis at our Cortez kitchen worked together and came up with a great new oyster dish that has tequila (cooked down) lime juice, orange juice, garlic butter, pepper, chili flakes and green onions.

We cooked them at Forks & Corks, and we served over 900 of them and got rave reviews from almost everyone. Must have been the bacon lover that wasn’t sold on the new ones. We

sampled the new ones with a shot of our famous Margaritas. They both were a hit!

So we’re rewarding Rolando, Will and Luis for coming up with our new dish by giving them part of the proceeds from all four stores’ sales of the new appetizers for February and March. So come in and order a dozen or two dozen or chipotle or raw, steamed, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, BBQ shrimp, shrimp scampi.

Thanks Bubba.

And thanks to Rolando, Will and Luis and Jose, Mike and Edensen and Danny and Jefe and Madden, Jose and

Place oysters on grill, and fill oyster shells with sauce covering oysters.

Cook until bubbling, and then lightly cover liquid with grated Parmesan cheese.

Remove while bubbing, but before oysters become too small and overcooked.

Sprinkle green onions over and serve.

Pedro. You guys are the best anywhere!

Do you know the difference between a cook and a chef?

About $50,000 a year. There are a lot more differences, but that’s enough for me. I love our cooks ‘cause we all love food.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

THE SUN

21

Explore the Gulf Coast Heritage Trail

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

Looking for something new to do on Anna Maria Island?

The Gulf Coast Heritage Trail winds through the Island on its route from St. Petersburg’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge south to Englewood Beach.

Accessible by car, motorcycle, trolley, bicycle or on foot, 12 of the trail’s 117 stops are here on the Island, showcasing cultural, historic, and scenic areas.

Here are the stops from north to south:

ANNA MARIA

1. The path to Bean Point Beach at North Shore Drive and North Bay Boulevard marks the spot where the Island’s first homesteader, George Emerson Bean, settled 100 years ago.

2. Rod n’ Reel Pier, 875 North Shore Drive, was built in 1947 and offers fishing, a restaurant and views of Egmont Key and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

3. Bayfront Park on North Bay Boulevard in between the two piers features a playground and picnic tables.

4. The Anna Maria City Pier at 100 Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria was built in 1911 as a dock for excursion boats from Tampa. It’s now under reconstruction, but you can enjoy the views of Egmont Key and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from the beach.

5. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum at 402 Pine Ave. features exhibits of Island life, the Belle Haven Cottage, formerly attached to the Anna Maria City Pier, and the Old City Jail, built in 1927.

6. The Island Players at 10009 Gulf Drive N., founded in 1948, stages dramatic and musical productions.

HOLMES BEACH

7. The Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., features an art gallery, art classes, and presents the Springfest and Winterfest Festivals of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts each year.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Manatee Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Island.

8. The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, 5414 Marina Drive, features an art gallery and free art demonstrations.

9. Manatee Beach at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive has indoor and outdoor dining areas, a gift shop, restroom facilities with showers, lifeguards and beach equipment rentals.

1

2 3 4 6

5

BRADENTON BEACH

10. Historic Bridge Street once was connected to the mainland by the old Cortez Road bridge, now the Bradenton Beach Pier.

11. Coquina Beach, on the southern end of Anna Maria Island on the Gulf of Mexico, has lifeguards, picnic tables and covered pavilions, grills, shaded parking, restroom facilities with showers and a concession stand with outdoor dining.

12. Coquina Baywalk at Leffis Key, across Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach, is a 30-acre waterfront park featuring shell hiking paths, mangrove-shaded boardwalks and scenic overlooks on Sarasota Bay. Coquina Bayside Park to the south has a boat ramp and restroom facilities.

7,8

9

10

11 CINDY LANE | SUN

The Anna Maria City Pier, which is still standing, is closed now due to damage from Hurricane Irma and will be replaced with a new pier.

12

22

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Snook season opens March 1 CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

The snook fishing around Anna Maria Island has been absolutely insane lately. The unseasonably warm temperatures have these tropical gamefish going crazy. These fish are targeted in the shallow estuaries and along mangroves in all surrounding waters of our little Island. Bait for these range from artificial lures to live pilchards, also, commonly targeted on the fly.

Although out of season at the moment, they open on March 1 and will remain open until May 1. These fish have to be over 28 inches and under 33 inches to keep. The FWC is extremely serious about the conservation of these animals, and so should we.

Also, the blackfin tuna have been showing up offshore. These spectacular fighting fish are great for the table.

For those sushi, sashimi and pokĂŠ lovers out there. Heavy spinning tackle and live Spanish sardines are my bait of choice, although they can be taken using various methods.

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 reds, snook and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande during the past week. With water temperatures in the 70s, shallow water fishing is turning on.

Sam Diviase, from Longboat Key, and Mark Rinalli, from Pennsylvania, fished deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay with me on Monday and Tony Merlis, from New Hampshire, fished the same area with me on Tuesday. They had good action catching and releasing trout to 18 inches and more on CAL jigs with shad tails and Ultra Hair Clouser flies.

Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, Ill., and Ron Shay, from South Carolina, fished the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with SEE CAPTAINS, PAGE 23

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Heather White, of Cortez, shows off a gorgeous breeder snook caught on a live pilchard caught with her husband, Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

THE SUN

23

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Larry Wachtel, from Boca Raton, displays a nice red caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with Captain Rick Grassett.

CAPTAINS: Fish shallow water FROM PAGE 22

me on Wednesday. They had good action catching and releasing trout to 4 pounds, reds and snook on CAL jigs with shad tails. Larry Wachtel, from Boca Raton, Fla., and Stan Brady, from Ohio, fished the same area with me on Thursday. They also had some action catching and releasing trout to 21 inches and a nice red, also on CAL jigs with shad tails.

I was the instructor for a full class at CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing School on Saturday.

Students received fly casting instruc-

tion and also learned leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques. The next school will be on March 24. 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, snook and reds should also be a good option. Our natural resources are under constant pressure, please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit.

CAPTAIN TOM CHAYA | SUBMITTED

Tripletail treat Jason Smith, from New Hampshire, with a hefty tripletail caught while fishing with Captain Tom Chaya.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Keith McClintock, fom Lake Forest, Ill., holds up a big snook caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with Captain Rick Grassett.

Grady-White & Yamaha Sale Save up to $7.5K on a new Grady and get upto 5 years of warranty on a new Yamaha.

6040 Gulf of Mexico Driv v e, Longboat Key | 941-- 383-1311

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THE SUN

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SUNDAY

From Page 7

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

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to noon, $55 for four 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.

Knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m.

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

SATURDAY MARCH 3

Valentine House open, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Heritage Day Festival, Anna

Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bay Guardians planting, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Reserve to https://www.eventbrite. com/e/sarasota-bay-guardians-planting-at-perico-preserve-tickets-43207421561.

Fermented Pickles and Veggies, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $35.

Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.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.

NEST Nature Days, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton, 2 p.m.

MARCH 4

MONDAY MARCH 5

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

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

TUESDAY MARCH 6

Yoga with Cheryl Kaiser, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10 a.m., $10.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ theparadisecenter.org or 941383-6493.

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

Pasta Making, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $35.

Mahjong for beginners, The Paradise Center, 6200

Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., $10, snacks are provided. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter. org or 941-383-6493.

Tortoise talks, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 12:30 p.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.

Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 7

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.

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

OBITUARIES Theodore 'Ted' Cunningham Theodore "Ted" Cunningham, 83, of Anna Maria Island, passed away at home on Saturday Feb. 17, 2018.

Ted was born in Liverpool, England, on May 1, 1934, to Irene and James Cunningham, brother to Alma and Bernard and loving member of family in the United Kingdom.

Married to Mary Lillian McGarrigle on April 2, 1956, in Liverpool, England, their 62 years crossed three countries, England, Canada and the United States.

Ted is survived by his wife, Mary; five children, Michael (spouse Judy, daughter Elizabeth, son Theo), Ann (spouse Frank), John (spouse Melinda, sons Andrew and Matthew), Mark (spouse Kimberly, daughters Jennifer and Sara and sons Brad and Josh) and Paul (spouse Yvette, son Brady and daughter Abby); ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, Aiden, Abel and Olivia.

Ted was famous for his boundless energy, lust for life and his awesome sense of humor, which was contagious and brought him many friends for life. He had a gift for bringing fun wherever he went. Ted was an avid sailor and motorcycle enthusiast. Both activities fed his desire for adventure and freedom.

Ted’s thirst for knowledge and drive kept him working well into his 60s, avidly reading and reaching out to his friends, colleagues and acquaintances with his newsy and funfilled emails.

He was the greatest storyteller and had an anecdote for every situation. There was no stopping Ted; he was ready for anything. He loved his family unconditionally, encouraging them to reach farther, try harder and be the best you can be. If you needed anything, Ted was always there to help, no questions asked.

His love for Mary was and is infinite. They

were well-matched both loving to laugh, travel and enjoy times with family and friends. Their 62 years together is a testament to commitment, loyalty and true love.

The memorial service took place on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 South Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, Florida.

Directly following the service for Ted, a celebration of life was held at Bortell’s Lounge, 10002 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in memory of Ted Cunningham to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Griffith-Cline Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Marion Hall Marion Hall, 98, of Holmes Beach, passed away Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018.

She is preceded by her husband Bob in 1995 and son Craig in 2013.

Marion was born Aug. 20, 1919, in DuBois, Pa., and raised her family in Niagara Falls, N.Y., spending summers at the cottage on Lake Ontario.

After moving to Florida in 1981, she delighted in being with her grandsons, where they frequently played her favorite game of Rummikub. A lover of all holidays, Marion would awe everyone with her artful displays of her collections. She was a voracious reader of books and The N.Y. Times. Mostly, Marion adored being with her beloved dog, Shayna.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet (Ellis); daughter-in-law Judy (Craig), grandchildren Andrea, Joel (Chelsey), Joshua Foster and four great grandchildren. A private memorial is planned.

A. Dolores 'Dolly' Klosky Mrs. A. Dolores “Dolly” Klosky, 93, of Centreville, Md., died peacefully on Feb. 18, 2018.

Born in Williamsburg, Iowa, on Nov. 18, 1924, she was the daughter of the late J.

THE SUN

Carl Rush and Bernadette O’Meara Rush.

She grew up in Iowa, helping on the family farm. She was married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, had two children, and was then divorced. In 1981, Dolly married Peter Klosky and moved to Fulton, Md. Mrs. Klosky worked for the Department of Defense as a telemetry analyst, retiring after more than 20 years of service. She spent her time in both Emmitsburg, Md., and Anna Maria Island, Fla., before moving to Centreville, Md., in 2005 to be closer to her family.

Dolly was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Emmitsburg, St Bernard’s Catholic Church in Holmes Beach and Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Centreville. She served as a Eucharistic Minister in the church. Mrs. Klosky loved her orchards, and enjoyed spending time gardening, swimming, playing bridge, hosting parties and solving puzzles and Sudokus.

She is survived by her husband, Peter Klosky; her children, Nancy Ermenidis, Johnathan Wiebold, Sara Klosky, Peter Klosky, Jr., Rea Maria Klosky Giner-Sorolla, James Ledlie Klosky, Kathryn Klosky Howlett, Stephen Klosky, Matthew Klosky and Anne Klosky Arpa; a brother, Eugene Rush; 15 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Rita Rush Miller and Joseph Rush.

A memorial mass was held on Friday, Feb. 23 at St. Anthony Shrine, Emmitsburg, Md. In lieu of flowers and in honor of the Lenten season, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Salvation Army.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. in Centreville, Md. For online condolences, visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com.

June Edwards Myers June Edwards Myers, age 75, of Alpharetta, Ga., passed away Monday, Feb.12, 2018, surrounded by her four children. A second generation Manatee County native, June was born in Bradenton, Fla., on June 25, 1942,

25

to the late Mary Stevens and Edwin Rivers Edwards. She attended local schools and was graduated from Manatee High School, where she was captain of the cheerleaders and involved in many club activities. She was a member of Mam'selles. She attended Southern Methodist, Lakeland.

June and her family were active charter members of Trinity Methodist Church where she married Allen Myers, a naval officer and medical student, also from Bradenton.

Their four children were christened at Trinity Methodist. Growing up on the beaches of Anna Maria Island, June had a lifelong love of the sand and surf. Never shying away from adventure, she and her husband crisscrossed the country starting their family with fond memories from Augusta, Ga., Brunswick, Ga., Beaverton, Ore. and finally settling in Alpharetta, Ga., in 1973. Once in Alpharetta, she found her home church at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church.

There she enjoyed being an active member of the Open Door Sunday School class. She devoted herself to many years as the church's wedding director and found great joy in working with couples to plan their wedding day. June was fully devoted to her children, grandchildren, church work and community.

Whether as a room mom, Cub Scout leader, youth group leader or cheer coach, she was always involved and supported her children's interests with great pride. She was also fully dedicated to her work, where she touched countless lives throughout her 32 years as a teacher assistant for Fulton Count Schools.

Her commitment to the classroom and her students was recognized by being awarded the 1995-1996 Fulton County Teacher Assistant of the Year.

June is survived by her four children – Brent Myers (Tama), of Cummimg, Ga., Blair Myers (Kelli), of Nashville, Tenn., Melissa Luftis (Josh), of Minneapolis, Minn., and Meredeth Murr (Bart), of Charlotte, N.C.; and nine grandchildren: Barrett, Allison, Erin, Molly, Jack, Wesley, Anna Blair, Andrew SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE 26

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OBITS From Page 25

Jack, Wesley, Anna Blair, Andrew and Elliott. June is also survived by her sister and brother, Mary Louise Gerard Kendler (Ernest) and Ted Edwards (Deanie); four nieces – Dr. Elizabeth Gerard, Stephanie Gerard Rowlands (Ryan), Johanna Edwards Frizzel (Rocky) and Kristin Prather (Jeff); and nephew Brian McDonald.

A special thank you from June's family to her dear friends and caregivers at Northside Forsyth Hospital, Chestnut Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Longleaf Hospice for their loving care. The family received friends on Friday, Feb.16, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Northside Chapel. A service to celebrate June's life was held Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Alpharetta United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society

Elva A. Youngs Elva A. Youngs died peacefully on Feb. 21, 2018, at the age of 88 at Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton Fla. She was a long-time resident of Eaton Rapids and Holt, Mich. and Bradenton, Fla. She was born in Lansing, Mich., on Jan. 3, 1930, the daughter of Harold Golden and Blanche (Moore) Golden.

She is a graduate of Sexton High School and Davenport College, Lansing, Mich. She was a homemaker and wonderful mother. She was an avid MSU Spartan fan, loved playing games, technology, a good meal and visiting with her many family and friends.

Elva married Darell Youngs in Lansing on Sept. 21, 1951.

Surviving family members are two sons and two daughters, David (Nathan Solomon) Youngs, Peter (JaynĂŠ) Youngs, Nora (James) Anderson, and Bethany Youngs. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Joan (Rebecca Brannon) Anderson, Ruth (Stephen Ancona) Anderson, Julia Youngs, Glenn Tigner and Grant Tigner; three great grandchildren, Seth and Ziva Anderson-Brannon and Lincoln Ancona; as well as brother Vern (Donna) Glew, several nieces, nephews and cousins in the U.S. and Canada. She was preceded in death by her husband, Darell; her daughter, Joan; son Frankie; her father and mother, Harold and Blanche Golden; sisters Mary, Margie, Barbara and Eileen; and in-laws Ellsworth and Mildred Youngs.

Funeral services will be held at Estes-Leadley Funeral Home located at 2121 N. Cedar, Holt, Mich., at 11 a.m. on, March 10, 2018. Interment will follow at Dimondale Cemetery, but there will be no graveside service. The family will also receive visitors on Saturday, March 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Estes-Leadley Funeral Home in Holt. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions in memory of Elva to the American Tinnitus Association, www.ata.org.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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TRIPP: Joins commission FROM PAGE 4

attempt to eliminate local governments’ ability to regulate vacation rentals. She traveled to Tallahassee to meet privately with legislators and presented them with copies of her petition.

Working from home, she continued her advocacy efforts during the current legislative session that has seen state senators trying to preempt all vacation rental regulation to the state.

At the request of Mayor Dan Murphy, Tripp developed the Anna Maria bike route and route map two year ago. “These things show that I know how to build a coalition to do positive things for the city,� Tripp said.

TRIPP REACTION

Tripp’s husband, Alan, was born on Anna Maria Island. While raising two daughters in Atlanta, the couple bought a second home in Anna Maria in 2001 and became full-time residents in 2013.

Speaking by phone on Friday, Tripp said, “I felt honored that I was their number one pick across the board. I feel it’s a good fit for me, the commission and the mayor and I look forward to working with them.�

Regarding home rule rights, Tripp said,

She’s got great experience and she knows the issues.�

Dan Murphy Anna Maria mayor “I think local government does the best job governing people. They’re the closest to us.�

She referenced comments state representatives Carlos Guillermo Smith and Kristin Jacobs made last week when discussing vacation rentals. “Like they said, the homesteaded property owner should have privileged rights over an LLC owned by someone in another country or another state. They shouldn’t share the same privileges,� Tripp said.

When asked about Tripp’s appointment, Murphy said, “I’m pleased that Amy has joined the commission. She’s going to be a valuable member. She’s got great experience, and she knows the all the issues.�

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

There are markets, and there are markets

G

oing back to ancient times, there have been markets where consumers bought and sold goods, traded stories and expressed political opinions. Even in today's fast paced electronic culture, there still are markets, only now they have names like the financial markets and the housing market, and these are the markets many of us live and die by.

First the housing market, which I can unequivocally state is the best since 2011.

It’s not only Manatee County and the state of Florida that are doing great, it’s also the entire country. Lawrence Yun, the National Association of Realtor’s chief economist, stated after the 2017 statistics were published that home prices have risen a cumulative 48 percent since 2011 nationally.

This translates to the national median existing single-family home price in the fourth quarter being $247,800, an increase of 5.3 percent from the fourth quarter of 2016.

Think about it. If you bought a $200,000 home six years ago, on average, it would now be worth $296,000, not a bad return

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER on your investment. There are, of course, different rates of performance in different regions of the country because as we know all real estate is local.

In Manatee County, the end of year statistics for single-family homes were better than the national, but slightly less than the state-wide.

The median single-family sale price was $295,000 in Manatee County, 7.2 percent higher, and the average was $367,611, a 7.7 percent increase. The condo numbers for the end of the year show a $180,000 median, which is plus 5.9 percent, and an average of $218,415, which is 1.6 percent less. Florida’s median end of year singlefamily existing home sales was $244,185,

up 8 percent from 2016.

The December 2017 sales statistics were equally impressive compared to December of 2016. The median sale price for single family was $317,500, up 11.4 percent. This is the first time that Manatee County’s median price has gone over $300,000. The average sale price for December of 2017 for single-family homes was $376,336, up 9.1 percent. The December condo median sales were $195,000, up 5.4 percent from December of 2016, and the average was $220,666, up 5.2 percent.

The other big markets are, of course, the financial markets, and right now we’re in turbulent times, which could get worse according to the big brains who translate this information for our consumption. The fear is that the economy is doing so well that we’re headed for inflation, and the way to control inflation is for the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates. Currently interest rates are still relatively low with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage coming in around 4.2 percent and a 15-year fixed at about 3.7

percent.

Higher interest rates, of course, mean the cost of borrowing money becomes more expensive, including mortgage money. It also excludes some buyers from the real estate market or at least forces them to adjust how much home they can afford.

Again, Lawrence Yun expects 30-year fixed rate mortgage rates to rise to 4.5 percent by the fourth quarter of this year and 4.8 percent by the end of 2019. Call me crazy, but these are still excellent rates that, in my opinion, won’t keep the majority of buyers out of the market. The bigger problem in all real estate markets around the country, including ours, is still a lack of inventory, with most areas showing approximately a four-month’s supply of properties.

So, we’re not actually all that different from the ancients. Our lives still revolve around the marketplace, only now the effects of the marketplace are instantaneous and sometimes deadlier.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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Farmer’s market starting soon The market will feature produce, fruit and other natural products and steer clear of prepared food and drinks and other items that would compete with Pine Avenue businesses.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city’s new farmer’s market is scheduled to start Tuesday, March 6, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Operating on a trial basis through Tuesday, May 8, the weekly market will take place at the northwest end of City Pier Park, near South Bay Boulevard and the humpback bridge.

Six vendors have expressed initial interest, and more vendors are being sought for a market that will focus on fresh produce, fruit and other natural products.

On Thursday, Feb. 22, the City Commission unanimously authorized Mayor Dan Murphy and Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Debbie Haynes to move forward with the market plans Haynes has been spearheading.

“I think she’s made significant prog-

ress,” Murphy said before asking Haynes to provide the commission with an update.

Haynes said one goal was to find a day of the week that wouldn’t compete with the Beach Market at Coquina Beach on Wednesdays and Sundays or the farmer’s markets in Bradenton and Sarasota on Saturdays.

Haynes said they considered Tuesdays or Thursdays, but visitors who leave on Fridays may not be interested in buying fresh fruits and vegetables if they’re leaving in the next day or two, so Tuesday it is.

Haynes said two produce vendors have expressed preliminary interest, as have a salsa vendor, a coffee roaster, a grower of microgreens and edible plants and a florist.

“That’s kind of where we’re at right now,” she said.

“The intent is to bring some traffic to the businesses that are suffering on Pine – and they are suffering on Pine as a result of the pier being closed,” Murphy said.

“We don’t want to compete with anything that’s being sold with the businesses that are down there now. You don’t come and spend the day at the farmer’s

I hope this works out because there’s certainly a need for fresh produce on this Island.”

Doug Copeland, Anna Maria Commissioner market. There’s no prepared food, there’s no tourist trinkets, jewelry, clothing or anything of that nature. It’s organic produce and things of that nature,” he added.

Commission chair Doug Copeland asked Murphy if the city has reached out to the Pine Avenue merchants to gauge their interest in setting up booths that might help attract customers to their business locations. Murphy said there were some discussions in that regard but not every business has been contacted.

“We certainly could expand on that and see if they are interested,” Murphy said.

“I move we go forward and try it out,” Commissioner Carol Carter said when making the motion to proceed.

Casting her first vote as a newly-appointed commissioner, Amy Tripp joined the rest of the commission in supporting Carter’s motion.

“I hope this works out because there’s certainly a need for fresh produce on this Island,” Copeland said.

When further discussing the market by phone Monday morning, Haynes said interested vendors need to fill out an application form and provide proof of liability insurance. City staff will determine which vendors participate. Vendors will typically be allotted 10 x 10 spaces, and Haynes said there’s enough space at that end of the park to accommodate 10 to 15 vendors. Vendors will not pay a fee to participate. There are currently no plans to hire or partner with a market manager, but that could change if the trial run is successful.

Haynes said there would be no prepared food or beverages available for consumption at the market. The goal is for folks to drop by, pick up their produce and other natural goods and enjoy the day elsewhere in the city.

For more information, visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact Haynes at 941-708-6130, ext. 121.

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PLANKS: Public works firings reversed FROM PAGE 1

ing the storm (Hurricane Irma), other city employees removed memorabilia and memorial benches from the pier. You had indicated on Feb. 20 that you were aware of this activity, but failed to mention it until that meeting,” the letter to Piir said.

“During our meeting on Feb. 14, you accused your supervisor (Public Works Manager Dean Jones) of possessing stolen city equipment.

As to the matter of theft, these accusations were discussed with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department and subsequently investigated. No evidence was found to substantiate your allegation,” the letter said.

“As to your action on Jan. 19 which led to your discharge, the circumstances of your actions differ somewhat from the new information brought to my attention last week. I would have reached a different conclusion had these new facts been known at that time,” the letter said.

“You knew the commission approved a program to remove and return the planks. You stated that

your motivation to remove the plank was a result of your lack of confidence in the contractor to adequately remove planks. You then took it upon yourself to remove the plank even though you did not ask permission from your supervisor to leave your job assignment. In view of the new information received, it is my opinion that you did not understand you were misappropriating city property. As a result, you are being afforded this opportunity to return to the employment of the city,” the letter said.

The disciplinary letter issued to Mannhart also mentioned other city employees removing pier memorabilia and memorial benches.

“Although the circumstances of those events differ from those associated with your actions, it is my belief that I would have reached a different conclusion than discharge had they been known in your situation. In view of this new information received, it is not my opinion that you understood you were intentionally misappropriating city property,” the letter to Mannhart said.

REHIRING RESPONSES

During public comment at the Thursday, Feb. 22, City Commission meeting, former Anna Maria Commissioner Gene Aubry referenced the reinstatements and the petitions circulated in support of Piir and Mannhart.

“On behalf of my friend Sandy Rich, myself and 183 citizens all I want to do is say thank you very much for what you’ve done,” Aubry said.

On Friday, Murphy was asked if the petitions played role in his decision to rehire Piir and Mannhart.

“Absolutely not. This was just new information that came up,” he said.

When contacted Sunday, Piir said, “I was happy to get my job back and I really appreciate everyone signing the petition. I’m going to go back and work as hard as I used to.”

“I think it’s great and well-deserved. We appreciate everyone’s concern and input. I am still hoping that I see my plank somewhere sentimental to us, as my son would love it,” Raykov said.

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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31

NET BAN: Fishermen to vote FROM PAGE 1

overfished and that commercial fishermen were catching marine mammals and turtles in their nets.

Commercial fishermen’s denials were ignored by voters, who approved the amendment.

Coarsey plans to speak at the hearing on Fishing for Freedom’s proposal, “Protecting Florida’s Traditional Fishermen and Restoring Sound Science and Best Management Practices to Florida’s Fisheries,” which crosses out every word of the net ban amendment, Article X Section 16 of the Florida Constitution, “Limiting marine net fishing.”

The petition to reverse the net ban is one of 37 proposals on the commission’s agenda, including Proposal 91, which would ban offshore oil drilling.

Proposals approved by the commission will be placed on the November ballot as constitutional amendments; at least 60 percent of the state’s voters must approve an amendment to make it law.

The chair of the commission

FILE PHOTO

This is one of the legal, smaller nets that commercial fishermen are allowed to use. is Carlos Beruff, a Bradenton real estate developer and CEO of Medallion Homes. Cortezians have largely opposed his Aqua by the Bay development, planned for construction on the opposite shore of Sarasota Bay from Cortez.

Read the state's existing net ban at www.amisun.com.

IF YOU GO:

Constitutional Revision Commission hearing Tuesday, March 13, 2018 1-7 p.m.

University of South Florida St. Petersburg University Student Center 200 Sixth Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33701

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 505 S Bay Boulevard Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4199179 $1,850,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 532 70th Street George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184561 $1,750,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2907 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4191229 $749,000

L O N G B OAT K E Y 5611 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 5 Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4207769 $699,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 871 N Shore Drive Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4204189 $1,699,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2509 Avenue C A Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4208163 $595,000

BR ADENTON 4919 52nd Avenue W Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4199274 $585,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6300 Flotilla Drive 99 Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4208643 $379,000

BR ADENTON 5016 64th Drive W Debbie Capobianco & Adam Cuffaro 941-704-2394 A4136838 $1,350,000

BR ADENTON 330 Compass Point Drive 202 Susan Nemitz & Betsy Hagen 941-237-0045 A4200223 $750,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 234 Gladiolus Street Deborah Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4199942 $675,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 101 66th Street 9 Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Story 941-799-1943 A4178549 $635,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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

BR ADENTON 5724 8th Avenue Drive W Debbie Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4203129 $290,000

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

BR ADENTON 3412 79th Street Circle W 103 Rich Sporl 941-737-1754 A4211026 $425,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 309 65th Street A 3 Bed 2 Bath 3132 SqFt $2,600

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

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www.amisun.com

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SUBMITTED

Fishing for sharks is still a popular pasttime in and around Anna Maria Island, although the goals aren't always the same. Above left, a hammerhead shark caught off AMI in 1937 is proudly displayed on the beach. Above right, after hooking and landing this hammerhead in Bradenton Beach, the fisherman grabbed the shark by the tail and moved it back and forth to get water flowing over its gills. It then swam off on its own.

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

www.amisun.com

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33

Ohio Bob A memorial service will be held for former Pines Trailer Park resident “Ohio Bob�

McClannan on Saturday, March 17, at 10 a.m. at the mobile home park boat dock.

McClannan was known in the Bradenton Beach community for his good deeds which included riding around on his bike and picking up trash. McClannan was killed in a lawn mowing accident in Ohio last May and the upcoming service will give his Florida friends a chance to say their farewells.

HILDA RICHARD | SUBMITTED

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SPORTS

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Adult flag football struggles to make plays

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

After more than a week off the gridiron, the Island’s coed adult flag football league came out flat last week.

Only two games were played due to the forfeit by former league leader. Bins Be Clean had to forfeit its game Thursday night against Beach House Real Estate with only three players healthy and in town. This loss put Bins Be Clean in second place after Beach House in the regular season rankings.

The other four teams all exhibited uncharacteristic dropped footballs, over thrown passes, missed flag pulls and the inability to change game strategies.

In the first game of the night, quarterback Ryan Moss and Team Moss Builders faced Chris Gillum and Team Beach Bums. Each with full squad, the game had 12 snaps of the football and two offensive possessions by each team before Beach Bums made something happen on the field.

Taking over on offense with less than 10 minutes left in the first half of the game, QB Gillum hit the only consistent player on the squad during the game, Jay Hoffmeister, for a long gain to the Moss Builders’ 7-yard line.

On third down, Hoffmeister score the first six points of the game with a follow-up point after by Dwight Roberts Beach Bum’s seven-point lead ignited Moss Builders to its first touchdown despite strong defensive play by Dina Calvary. The extra point catch

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Moss Builders quarterback, Ryan Moss, is calm under the pressure of Team Beach Bums Thursday night. was dropped in the end zone

by Jon Moss after the TD. Up by one, Beach Bums could not find the end zone before the close of the half with dropped passes and tight Moss Builders defense. Near interception by Roberts and more incomplete passes resulted in zero points for Moss Builders as well in the last seconds of the first half.

The last 20 minutes of the game was more of the same, but with a little more scoring by both sides.

Moss’s offensive start went nowhere giving the football back to Beach Bums after four plays. In a defensive game, Moss Builders was also successful in stopping its opponent before getting to the end zone.

Lane Burnett, in his first snap, caught the long ball in

the end zone for the Moss Builders’ second touchdown of the night. Emily Moss’ point after gave her team a six-point lead.

Beach Bums quickly came back with seven points of their own with a catch by Jake Parsons. Parsons ran the football for the score after sliding and gliding past three Moss Builders defenders.

With the extra point catch by Calvary, Beach Bums took the one-point lead.

After giving up the football with three snaps and no first down, Roberts walked the football in for the score leading to the extra point by Mike Gillum, moving the score to 21-13.

Looking for the go-ahead touchdown and two-point conversion, Moss Builders

got the first down with smart play by Jim Ptak. Seeing 20 seconds on the game clock, J. Moss got the call for the next two catches, including one for a touchdown.

Two points behind, Moss Builders went for two points with Roberts rushing R. Moss.

R. Moss quickly pitched the ball to brother J. Moss. Feeling the continued pressure by Roberts, J. Moss was forced to throw the ball over the heads of his teammates in the end zone, ending the game with the two-point loss.

The second game of the night proved to be just frustrating for the two teams playing: Lancaster Design and CABB Cleaning.

With CABB’s starting quarterback Jason Sato missing from the lineup, Mark Rudacille took over behind center. Struggling

to get the snap count correct, CABB suffered from numerous flags for false starts by the offense, giving the ball to Tim Shaughnessy and Team Lancaster Design.

Both teams made critical errors during the 40 minutes of play. Within the last minute of the game with CABB Cleaning leading by a touchdown, Shaughnessy made a critical interception and took the football to the end zone.

With the game tied up with the score 13-13, CABB Cleaning went back on offense hoping to run the clock out before making a mistake. Holding their breathe, the game ended with a tied score for the two teams that are currently at the bottom of the rankings with only one regular season game to be played.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, FEB. 20 ADULT CO-ED VOLLEYBALL

Bins Be Clean 25 25 Signarama 22 21 Slim’s Place #3 Signarama

25 25 (1-9) 14 6

#1 Slim’s Place (9-1) 25 27 #2 Bins Be Clean (5-5) 13 25

THURSDAY, FEB. 22 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL

Bins Be Clean (5-2) L Beach House Real Estate

(5-2) W

by Forfeit Moss Builders Beach Bums Lancaster Design CABB Cleaning

(3-4) 19 (4-3) 21 (1-5-1) 13 (2-4-1) 13

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT 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 online at www.roserchurch. com/joy. Please notify them 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 Blvd., Holmes Beach. A full-time Island resident for more than 30 years, has been a licensed registered nurse for more than 50 years, practicing energy healing 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 Art League between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.

Help preen the preserve Volunteer to join the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department and Around the Bend Nature Tours to enhance Perico Preserve at 11700 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton, with native grasses on Saturday, March 3. The workday will begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up for a free picnic lunch at 11:30 a.m. This event is appropriate for all ages.

Jungle paddle set The Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club will host a canoe-kayak paddle up and down the Braden River, east of Bradenton on Sunday, March 4. They will paddle through the jungle of upstream Braden River then downstream to more open habitats, looking for birds and carnivorous reptiles. For information email Marsha at mw121150@gmail.com.

Turtle talk in Sarasota The Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club will hold a general meeting on Thursday, March 8, at 7p.m. at the Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd. Of the Arts,

THE SUN

Sarasota. George L. Heinrich, of Heinrich Ecological Services; Florida Turtle Conservation Trust, a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles, will speak about Turtles playing significant ecological roles and are visible elements in many habitats. For information email Marsha at mw121150@gmail.com.

Fused glass fun Join instructor Cindy Fielding for an introductory fused glass workshop at The Studio at Gulf and Pine, located at 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, on Thursday, March 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will create a small fused glass suncatcher. Sample designs will be available for inspiration, but each student can create their own design.

In this class, students will learn and use the basic glass tools and discuss the different types of glass and how they react with one another, as well as the four different types of firing.

Pieces will be fired and returned to The Studio for pick up. Class fee is $42 per person and is limited to 12 students.

No experience necessary; all materials are provided. Wear closed toed shoes.

Call 941-778-1906 or visit www. studioatgulfandpine.com for more information about all the upcoming artist workshops, exhibits and other cultural events.

A call for volunteers The Anna Maria Island Art League is seeking volunteers for its 30th annual Springfest to be held on Saturday and Sunday March 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The success of Springfest relies on a squad of volunteers to help with all sorts of tasks throughout the weekend.

Help is needed for food tickets, the hospitality booth, selling raffle tickets, booth sitters, and the Young at Art Booth. Those who could give an hour or more are asked to give Fran a call at 941-778-2099 or artleagueami@ gmail.com.

Bike the county’s preserves The Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club is hosting a bicycle tour of area preserves on Sunday, March 11. Visit four western Manatee County preserves with a short walk. Attendees will need a hybrid or similar bike with tires for packed shell and a bicycle helmet.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, sunscreen, camera and a snack.

A $5 donation is requested. Reservations are required. Email Marsha at mw121150@gmail.com.

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Conservation meeting

Join the Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club on Monday, March 12, at 1:30 p.m., at the Bradenton Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton, for an update and for a discussion of issues the conservation committee is following.For more information , contact Marsha Wikle at mw121150@ gmail.com.

A salty display at IGW Judy Saltzman’s month-long March exhibit, "Sea Escapes: Celebration of the Sea and Sail," is a collection of vibrant and expressive watercolor paintings at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach. Saltzman has a deep affinity for watercolor, both for its ability and its unpredictability.

As an award-winning artist and Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society and American Society of Marine Artists, Saltzman's work has been featured in national and international magazines.

The public is invited to the reception on Friday, March 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. as part of the monthly Holmes Beach Art District monthly ArtWalks.

Saltzman also will offer a demonstration, Just Add Water, at the gallery on Saturday, March 24, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

For more information, visit www. islandgallerywest.com, Facebook or call 941-778-6648.

Art matters Pricing one's artwork is a thorny area for most artists, since they vacillate between thinking their work is priceless or worthless on any given day. The March 5 meeting of the Artists' Guild of AMI will attempt to shed light on this subject with a panel discussion, led by Roger Rockefeller, at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Holmes Beach. Meet and greet begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a short business meeting at 7 and then the discussion.

Catch it early You could be alerted to possible stroke or other health problems by taking Prevention Plus Stroke and Vascular Screening offered on Saturday, March 3, at The Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria.

The screenings are being offered at reduced prices. They include stroke/carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179.

Blood tests, liver, cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests are also available.

To register, call 888-667-7587.

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Chimpanzee relative 7 "Teen Wolf" airer 10 One on a sting operation?

14 You'll need a lift to use one 15 "Madam Secretary" star 17 Have grand ambitions 18 Deal maker 19 Pronoun for Catherine de' Medici 21 Mariner's home 22 Classic 26 Peels off, perhaps 27 Revolutionary icon 28 Mideast capital once called Philadelphia 29 Prima __ 31 They might be set in windows: Abbr.

34 Included in the game 36 Canal treatment fluid 38 Not irreg.

39 Made waves, in a way 41 House Lannister member on "Game of Thrones" 42 Basses' sect.

43 First period of the Mesozoic Era 45 Pass for now 48 Script used by ancient Minoans 49 Oft-layered item 50 Share of ownership 52 Renew one's strength 56 Trial area 57 Automaker Bugatti 58 Freezer brand 59 Stereotypical corny joke teller

60 Tin ear, to a pathologist Down 1 Jamboree-on-the-Air org.

2 Accepts 3 Something in the air 4 With a hotel, avenue whose rent is $550 5 Break down 6 Request for a small delay 7 Some are named for presidents: Abbr.

8 Flirt 9 Spanish autonomous community or its capital 10 Little white breed, affectionately 11 Vital circulation aid 12 Fisherman's knot 13 Lead Clue weapon 16 Stereotypical doowop garb 20 Put on one's wish list 22 Outdoor lecture sites 23 Like some unreasonable requests

Answers to 02-21-18 Crossword Puzzle.

24 "Your noble son __": Polonius 25 Issuer of three-part nos.

30 Comedian __ the Entertainer 31 Surface 32 Lewis Black, e.g.

33 Barely a blip 35 "American Pie" actress 37 Makes a break for 40 Zeta-theta go-between 42 '50s-'60s country singer McDonald 44 How land is measured 45 Like rakes 46 Pacing, maybe 47 Many a reggae artist 48 Beer case word 51 Mosby on "How I Met Your Mother" 53 Homework amount?

54 Ocean State sch.

55 Princess' bane

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

CLASSIFIED

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS 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, and Walgreen’s.

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

CLEANING SERVICE TOTAL HOME SERVICE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals.

Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

317-908-9483

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

COMMERCIAL SALES 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

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

EMPLOYMENT

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.

PART-TIME POSITION Green Turtle Shell & Gift Shop. Looking for a personable, energetic person with excellent Customer Service skills. Position includes cash register usage, stocking merchandise and light cleaning. Call manager 813-409-7540 FULL TIME or PART TIME. Cook for PM shift. Experience preferred. Small family Sports Pub. Solo's Pizza.

Call 941-962-4491

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

FOR SALE BEACH WHEEL CHAIR Rolleez Large Tires. Non Corrosive, Nylon Bearings.

Eezz in Sand. Comfortable Cushion Seat. Call Jon Huntington 603-568-3716

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES 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 FLEA MARKET RADERS REEF parking lot Sunday March 4. 8am-4pm 5508 Marina Dr. Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, misc. items ANNUAL FLEA MARKET Saturday March 3. 9am-2pm.

Baked goods, Clothing, Jewelry, Linens, Tools, Books, White Elephants Furniture. Mt Vernon Club House 4701 Independence Dr South (off Cortez Rd.) YARD SALE LOADS of Household goods! 8799 Cortez Road, Bradenton.

Friday & Saturday March 2&3 PINEBROOK/IRONWOOD REC III Community Rummage and Bake Sale. 3606 Pinebrook Circle. From 51st or 43rd Street W, Follow Signs.

Huge Sale, lots of Deals.

Saturday March 3. 8am12. Cash Only GARAGE SALE SATURDAY March 3. 8am-1pm 619 Foxworth Lane, Holmes Beach. Furniture, Large dinning table & chairs, beds, modern recliner, antiqueish sofa, chairs, decorator items & miscellaneous good stuff

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

Neil 941-726-3077

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us 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.

HOME SERVICES AMI VACANT HOME CHECK weekly visits to keep your vacant Island home secure! Report of each visit. I check all systems & building security. Founded in 2012. 20+ year Island resident 941-685-8999 amivacanthomecheck@ aol.com

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL 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 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LEGAL NOTICE 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 03/21/2018, 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.

1J4HS58N85C684726 2005 JEEP

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/04/2018, 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.

1C4GP45RX5B145339 2005 CHRYSLER 1FA6P0HD8G5111458 2016 FORD 1FADP3F25DL211938 2013 FORD 1FAFP56S4YG174271 2000 FORD 1GKS1CE00DR162829 2013 GENERAL MOTORS CORP 3C4PDCGB1GT202953 2016 DODGE 3GTP1UEC6EG162093 2014 GENERAL MOTORS CORP 4S2CM58W0W4308251 1998 ISUZU 5NMZT3LB0JH083329 2018 HYUNDAI JTKDE167470209791 2007 TOYOTA KNAFB1212X5760957 1999 KIA KNAFE221695651840 2009 KIA KNAFU4A25C5509947 2012 KIA

LOST & FOUND FITBIT LOST THURSDAY February 22 on Bradenton Beach near Sandpiper heading south. Wristband is Plum color. Call 440901-8586.

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 941-900-8226 LOST ENGAGEMENT RING. Solitaire white gold. Lost on 10/22/2017. Call 770712-8819 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.

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CLASSIFIED

LOST & FOUND

POOL SERVICES

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

Call 407-579-1621

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657

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

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

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

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

REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE SPECTACULAR OVER SIZE Canal Front Corner Lot (canal on both sides) Access Tampa Bay with no bridges. Dock two boats, Seawalls of 80' and 108'.

Build Dream Island Home exactly like you want or remodel existing building.

Room for pool. $798,000.

Call 860-922-3857.

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE FEBRUARY 28 2408 Ave B 1-3pm. Single Family Home. No HOA this home may be rented 52 times a year, when you must leave the Island it can generate income while you are away. 2BR/1BA, has a large fenced in yard, with room for a pool, RV, boat. Located one block from beach and one block from bay Offered @ $439,000 Erlene Fitzpatrick RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-224-6339

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 INCREDIBLE NEW CONSTRUCTION Home on Pine Ave! Prime location to shops, restaurants, bay and beach! $1,995,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com 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.

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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

AVAILABLE WINTER SEASON 2018 and 2019; 2BR/2BA ground-level with carport and patio. 1.5 blocks to Gulf. Updated, flat-screen TV’s, must see!

Anna Maria 941- 565-2373

RENTAL WANTED RENTAL WANTED ANNUALLY: Artists workspace Anna Maria Island or nearby w/sink/ water 917-545-0613 dehaanx2@tampabay. rr.com 917-843-1615 blbachner@earthlink.net

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 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured

AMISUN.COM

ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

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THE SUN

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 MOVERS

HAULING

PAINTING

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THE SUN

www.amisun.com

FEBRUARY 28, 2018