Anna Maria Island Sun January 4, 2023

Plunging into a new year

gather for a group photo before hitting the water in the 2023 Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge.

Although it was nearly 80 degrees, the Gulf water was cool enough to give a chill to the hundreds at this year’s Shamrock Shiver.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Hundreds of people, many in creative costumes, gathered on the sand for the 15th year of the Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge. Although the weather was in the high 70s and the sun was shining the water temperature was a chilly 59 degrees for the annual event held by Clancy’s Freaki-Tiki to raise money for local charities that help area children. “This is hilarious, you guys are killing us with this,” said Rhonda Klaren of Lancaster Pennsylvania. Klaren was enjoying some beach time near the event with her husband, Carl. “They do this where we live; I think they call it the Polar Bear Plunge, but it’s at a boat ramp on a river that is close to literally being

frozen. You guys run into water that’s hilariously warm, all things considered. It’s for charity though, so we won’t knock it. The people here are wonderful.”

To date, the annual plunge into the Gulf has raised $362,284. This year, the goal was to raise $40,000 with all of the funds going to Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. and Take

Stock in Children of Manatee County, all 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations. A post-plunge party took place at Clancy’s on Cortez Road with the Dr. Dave Band performing and more money raised through raffle tickets, a silent auction and live auction as the party continued.

Clancy’s is located at 6218 Cortez Rd. W. in Bradenton.

Further discussion planned for resiliency projects

The proposed resiliency project is designed to help combat rising tides and storm surges.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – One resident’s concerns about a proposed resiliency project garnered enough interest from Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members to seek an additional plans review.

After resident and board member David Bell presented his concerns and suggested alterations to the city’s plans during a Dec. 7 meeting, CRA member John Chappie suggested asking ESA Senior Environmental Scientist Brett Solomon to appear before the board in January or February to review the plans and address those concerns. The board supported that suggestion.

“This is one of our big projects for resiliency and we want to do right,” Chappie said.

CRA Chair Ralph Cole agreed and said it’s important to consider the potential impacts to the property owners along Bay Drive South.

THE PLANS

The plans propose using the city-controlled rights of way between the bay and the eastern edge of Bay Drive South pavement from Fifth Street South to Third Street South as well as the Bridge Tender Inn shoreline property owned by Fred Bartizal to construct a 3-4-foot-high resiliency barrier from the Bridge Street Pier boardwalk to the corner of Fifth Street South.

flocking

Participants

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

At exactly noon participants rush to be first in the water at the 2023 Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

CRA member David Bell recently expressed some concerns about the resiliency project plans.

The Center’s annual fundraising campaign has raised $169,475 and counting.

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

ANNA MARIA – The holidays were definitely happy at The Center of Anna Maria Island as the nonprofit exceeded its annual fundraising goal with staff setting the bar higher for the start of 2023.

The fundraiser brought in $169,675 in donations by Dec. 28, far exceeding its original $100,000 goal. That number includes $75,000 in matching donation funds from The Tucker Family Foundation, John and Tricia Rice, Chuck and Joey Lester, Bob and Carol Carter, Caroline and Brian Leibfried, The Silver Lining Foundation, Paul and Amanda Gordon, Elizabeth Moore and an anonymous donor.

Center tops financial goals

With the end of year success, Center staff members set a new goal for the fundraiser – to have 150 donors for the campaign and 50 new donations of any size by Jan. 13. As of Dec. 28, 98 donors had contributed to the annual fund donation challenge which helps to support The Center’s Beyond the Classroom after school program along with salaries and benefits for the nonprofit’s staff.

The latest available financial statements for the nonprofit show a net income loss of $239,824 through the end of October 2022 after all expenses. Though a loss for the fiscal year to date, which runs from July 1, 2022 through June 30, The Center’s financials are still showing as $56,675 better than the previous year at the same time.

At the end of October, programs had brought in $257,092 in revenue which,

after direct costs of $155,409, left a total of $101,682. Fundraising brought in $107,636, 62% lower than the previous fiscal year. With direct fun -

draising costs of $121,281, capital expenses of $70,528 and general, indirect and administrative expenses of $257,334, The Center was

left with the net income loss of $239,824.

To view The Center’s financial statements, visit www. centerami.org.

THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA ISLAND | SUBMITTED

The staff at The Center celebrated the new year with good financial news.

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Public invited to sewer rehabilitation meeting

An informal public information meeting pertaining to Manatee County’s pending sewer rehabilitation project will take place at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Dr. N., on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the sewer rehabilitation project that will take place in 2023 and 2024 along Gulf Drive South from 6th Street South to 13th Street South. No formal presentation will be given but project boards and design plans will be on display and project-related staff members will be on hand to answer questions and provide additional information. Bradenton Beach city officials expect the lengthy county project to cause significant traffic congestion and parking issues along Gulf Drive South.

Bradenton Beach Commission meets Thursday

The Bradenton Beach City Commission will meet for the first time in 2023 on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. As part of the consent agenda, the commission will be asked to authorize payment of a $3,750 invoice from Colliers Engineers and a $22,517 invoice for building official and city planner services provided by M.T. Causley. Other consent agenda items include an engagement letter for the annual city audit to be conducted by the CS&L accounting firm, a $10,382 police department boat lift repair estimate and a $7,625 tractor repair estimate for the public works department, along with an after the fact New Year’s Eve noise ordinance extension that allowed live music to be performed outdoors until 12:30 a.m. Under new business, commissioners are scheduled to consider two applications for appointment to the Scenic W.A.V.E.S. Committee and the mayor will discuss the appointment of city commission liaison positions. Under old business, commissioners are scheduled to receive an update on a $315 invoice from Sunshine Law lawsuit attorney Robert Watrous and City Attorney Ricinda Perry will discuss pursuing state funding appropriations.

2023 county calendars now available

Manatee County’s 2023 wall calendars are now available. This year’s calendars feature a “Historic Manatee County, Then and Now” theme and images of familiar sites associated with the area’s history, including the Bradenton Beach clock tower. Old photos from the Manatee County Public Libraries’ Historical Digital Collections are juxtaposed with current imagery captured by county staff and enhanced with integrated QR codes. The free calendars are available at the county administration building, public libraries, local city hall offices, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, tax collector’s office, G.T. Bray Recreation Center and the Manatee County Public Works building.

Correction

A story in the Dec. 21 issue of The Sun incorrectly stated the year in which former Anna Maria City Commissioner Carol Carter ran unopposed and earned another two-year term in office. Carter ran unopposed in the 2021 general election and the remaining 10 months of that commission term will now be filled by a city commission appointment to be made on Thursday, Jan. 26.

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Drainage project still impacting beach parking

The ongoing Coquina Beach drainage improvement project temporarily eliminates beach parking spots while the work takes place.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Portions of the Coquina Beach parking lot remain closed to beachgoers as work on the second phase of Manatee County’s extensive drainage improvement project continues.

The project’s primary goal is to improve drainage at the countyowned beach park in Bradenton Beach. The scope of work includes the installation of new underground stormwater collection and drainage components that are then covered with pervious pavement that allows water to drain downward and into the drainage systems below. The paved and striped parking spaces also create better delineated parking spaces than the previously unpaved, unstriped parking areas.

The first phase of the project that took place at the south end of the beach park was completed in 2020. Work on the second phase began in February 2021 and

the ongoing work continues to temporarily reduce the number of available parking spaces.

On Dec. 27, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan provided The Sun with a project update that included a project map he received from the county public works department. According to the map, construction in the parking area just south of the main entrance and bus loop – highlighted in blue on map and referred to as sub-phase 4 – is nearly complete and those 221 parking spaces should be available in early January.

A visit to the Coquina Beach parking lot on Wednesday confirmed the pervious concrete paving has been installed atop the previously installed stormwater and drainage components, but that parking area was not yet open to the public.

“Woodruff & Sons is off until Tuesday of next week. They still need to pin the car stops and stripe the area before it can be opened,” Logan told The Sun. “They will then move north of the bus loop to work on sub-phase 3. This is the last of the second project phase.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The overflow parking area remains a work in progress.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Coquina Beach parking lot south of the bus loop will soon be reopened.

PARKING: Drainage project still impacting beach parking

FROM PAGE 4

According to the project map, the sub-phase 3 area (highlighted in yellow) contains approximately 170 parking spaces that will be closed to the public in early 2023. Logan noted some additional tree removals will be needed as part of the work taking place in that area.

The map also shows an overflow parking area (highlighted in red) south of the soon-to-be-completed sub-phase 4 area that will contain an additional 140 parking spaces and is expected to open in late 2022/early 2023. As of Wednesday, that area remained closed, had not yet been paved and appeared to need quite a bit of work yet.

Logan noted the county’s contract with Woodruff & Sons is scheduled to end in March, but the overflow parking area and the parking area at the north end of the beach park were added to the project. He said that it’s not yet known if more time will be needed to complete the additional work.

Above, this project map highlights the various sub-phases of the drainage and parking improvements taking place at Coquina Beach.

Left, the new impervious concrete in the Coquina Beach parking lots allows water to flow downward and into the drainage systems below.

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

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P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

Jan. 5, 1:30 p.m. – Citizen Recognition committee meeting

Jan. 10, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Jan. 12, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Jan. 16, all day – City offices closed, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information. Jan. 4, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Jan. 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Jan. 11, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Jan. 12, 4 p.m. – Manatee County stormwater meeting Jan. 16, all day – City offices closed, Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m. – City Commission and Planning and Zoning Board joint meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Jan. 4, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

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

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

Jan. 12, 9 a.m. – Stormwater Improvements selection committee meeting Jan. 16, all day – City offices closed, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

ISLAND-WIDE

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

Jan. 17, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue district board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

EVENTS

THURSDAY, JAN. 5

Cleanup, Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to noon Cleanup, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 1-3 p.m. Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 6

Explore Nature Tower Talks, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina

Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Paper crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 7

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

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

Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

Paper crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 9

Sunset Tai Chi at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 10

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

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

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

Holiday crowds may break Island records

Although all the data won’t be available for a few weeks, all signs point to this being one of the busiest holiday seasons for tourism.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted more than two years ago, Anna Maria Island has broken tourism records month after month with few exceptions. It’s been a perfect storm of being one of the first states to lift restrictions, the addition of dozens of new flight destinations to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and many other factors that have brought a record number of tourists to the Island. Add in visitors that had planned to go places like Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers and other places hit by Hurricane Ian who decided to come here after their reservations were cancelled, and the result is a big holiday crowd.

“We had planned to go to Fort Myers for the holidays, but the

place we normally stay was damaged pretty bad from Ian,” said Stacy Haynes, here with her husband and two children from London, Canada. “We’re having fun exploring this Island, it’s very different from Fort Myers, but extremely charming and everyone is very friendly. We like it here and will probably visit again. The pace is much slower than Fort Myers.”

After a busy Thanksgiving holiday, the Island was quiet for the first three weeks of December. Less traffic clogged up the streets, no reservations were needed and there wasn’t much of a wait at just about every restaurant on the Island. An icy cold front swept through the area, putting a chill in the normally warm air. The local cold weather was no match for the will of those that wanted to get away from the bonechilling cold north of Florida, and a noticeable increase in visitors soon followed.

The Sun called seven popular local restaurants Dec. 27 to see what the wait time currently was during the 7 p.m. dinner rush. Tuesdays are generally one of the slowest days of the week, but the

1 hour and 19 minutes. The longest was close to two hours and the shortest was 45 minutes, wait times more indicative of the busy spring season than winter.

Wait times are to be expected during a holiday week, but for many, just getting here became a problem. From Dec. 26 through the New Year’s weekend, anyone trying to attempt to get on the Island in the morning faced slow traffic getting across the bridges and traffic apps reported backups of more than a mile south to north coming from Longboat Key into Bradenton Beach with a commute of more than an hour to go just a

“The most common question officers in this department get during busy times like this is where to park,” Holmes Beach Police Lieutenant Brian Hall said. “We try to be helpful, but most of the time the best we can do is just tell them to either get here very early or drive around and hope to get lucky and find someone pulling out of a spot. Siesta Key, St. Pete and other places on the Gulf coast have paid parking lots, but here it’s free. We just don’t have the parking lots to support everybody when it gets this busy.”

HBPD officers use license plate reader cameras to count the

number of cars passing through the city in three locations, including on Manatee Avenue near the Anna Maria Island Bridge, the southern entrance to the city from Bradenton Beach on Gulf Drive and the northern entrance from Anna Maria on Gulf Drive. The three cameras counted 155,866 vehicles passing by over a sevenday period Dec. 23-30. Hall said he expects that number to soar as his department observed a large number of people arriving over the New Year weekend. The numbers reported by the LPR system can include the same vehicle passing by a camera more than once, not demonstrating an accurate number of vehicles on Island roads but the volume of traffic passing through only one of the three cities.

Despite a large influx of visitors, law enforcement officials reported very few serious criminal offenses over the holidays. Officers in both Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach police said that typically large increase in population do not equal to a significant increase in crime.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Manatee Beach was packed on Dec. 30, looking more like spring than December.

Anna Maria: The Year in Review

2022 was another active year in the city of Anna Maria.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Reimagining Pine Avenue, Mote Marine, food trucks and noise violations were among the top new stories in Anna Maria in 2022.

PROJECTS

Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission spent much time in 2022 discussing the pending Reimaging Pine Avenue safety improvements planned to include new sidewalks along both sides of the street, new and improved crosswalks and possibly some new streetlights. The safety improvements to be made in 2023 will be partially funded by a $1.28 million state appropriation received in 2022. In September, the commission decided not to pursue a project-related roundabout and delivery truck turnaround at end of Pine Avenue near the trolley stop and the city pier.

In April, the commission granted Mote Marine Laboratory a lease extension to complete the long-delayed installation of an educational outreach center on the city pier that was originally expected to open in March 2022. The extension gives Mote

Marine until March 2023 to complete the interior buildout and exhibit installation in the city-owned pier building. According to Murphy, that work is now underway.

Adopted in September, the city’s $11.4 million 2022-23 fiscal year budget maintained the existing 2.05 millage rate and included $1.75 million for stormwater and drainage improvements and maintenance and $799,000 for street paving.

ISSUES & ACTIONS

In July, the mayor, commission and city attorney began working on a proposed ordinance intended to establish a designated food truck zone that would limit where food trucks can operate in Anna Maria in response to a state law enacted in 2020 that prevents local governments from prohibiting food truck operations.

In August, Murphy proposed, and the commission supported, locating the food truck zone at the far end of Bayfront Park, near the Hibiscus Street and North Shore Drive intersection. Due to concerns voiced by the public, the commission and the mayor, the proposed food truck ordinance was rejected and discussions have not yet resumed.

In May, at the city’s request, Special Magistrate Gerald Buhr deemed a vacation rental

home at 313 Magnolia Ave. to be a public nuisance because three noise violation citations were to guests staying there during a 12-month period. In June, the city filed a lawsuit against the Mangoes on Magnolia LLC ownership group seeking a court ruling that would prohibit the home from being operated as a shortterm vacation rental for one year. Several legal filings have ensued, but a hearing before Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas has not yet been scheduled.

In July, Buhr deemed a vacation rental home at 205 South Bay Blvd. to be a public nuisance due to three noise violation citations being issued to guests staying there within in a 12-month period. The

property is owned by Shawn Kaleta’s Beach to Bay Investments LLC and managed by his AMI Locals real estate firm. A $313 lien was later placed on the property for the administrative fees and costs incurred by the city. Kaleta’s legal team is appealing the special magistrate’s ruling.

In July, the commission authorized the issuance of building permits for the construction of a new beachfront home on a previously vacant lot at 105 Elm Ave. The commission authorization was contingent on property owner Fedora Campbell providing additional drainage elements at her expense and FDEP reviewing the proposed plans, both of which occurred.

At the time, Wendy and Robert Jordan owned the adjacent

home at 107 Elm and opposed the permitting request because the construction of Campbell’s new home seaward of their home would obstruct their view of the beach. The Jordans’ opposition efforts included the Preserve AMI publicity campaign launched in 2021. The Jordans purchased their home in 2021 for $4 million and in December sold it to the Ohio-based DePalma Corporation for $4.15 million, according to the warranty deed.

POLITICS

In 2022, the city of Anna Maria and lobbyist Chip Case led the statewide efforts to defeat the Florida legislature’s annual attempt preempt vacation rental regulation to the state and take away the city’s ability to regulate vacation rentals at the local level. Those efforts were aided by citizen participation and the city-owned Home Rule Florida website. In August, the mayor and commission decided to switch lobbyists and entered into a contract with the Tallahassee-based Corcoran Partners lobbying firm for the 2023 legislative session that begins March 7.

Running unopposed in the November election, Murphy and incumbent city commissioners Deanie Sebring and Mark Short earned additional

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Reimagining Pine Avenue sidewalk installations are expected to take place in 2023.

Anna Maria: The Year in Review

Patrick and Corrie Manning served as the grand marshals of the 2022 Veterans Day parade.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bradenton Beach: The Year in Review

Several public projects planned and discussed in 2022 will be pursued in 2023.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Old Town Trams, an anticipated dock expansion project, additional utility line undergrounding, eliminating term limits and Hurricane Ian damage were among the top news stories in Bradenton Beach in 2022.

TRAM EXTENSION

In early November, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members voted 3-2 in favor of extending the CRA-funded Old Town Tram parking shuttle program for another six months. Beginning in late January, the county sewer rehabilitation project taking place along Gulf Drive South for the next year or more will temporarily decrease the number of Cortez Beach parking spaces available for tram users.

PROJECTS

Ongoing permitting issues with the Army Corps of Engineers prevented the dock expansion project alongside the Bridge Street Pier from taking place in 2022. The permitting issue pertains to the CRA’s desired eastward extension of the existing floating dock in order to accommodate additional finger piers. The Army Corps of Engineers has not yet approved the CRA’s request to extend the floating dock by approximately 40 feet to the east, toward the T-end of the pier.

In early November, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said she expected the CRA to soon receive an approved sovereign submerged land lease permit

from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), allowing the premanufactured finger docks to be installed and connected to the existing floating dock while awaiting the dock extension approval. The floating dock is also expected to serve as a landing area for the downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island water taxi service Manatee County plans to launch in early 2023. At year’s end, the finger pier installations had not begun.

Colliers Engineering & Design completed the plans for a $2.1 million flood control project designed to improve drainage and reduce flooding in the vicinities of 20th Place North, 21st Place North, the southern end of Avenue A and the southern end of Avenue B. The flood control project is being funded by a $2.6 million state appropriation. The city has until June 30, 2024 to complete the project expected to begin at some point in 2023.

The state appropriation also provided the funds for the city to purchase a new TYMCO Model 435 Regenerative Air

Sweeper truck for $154,352.

In September, the CRA board approved a $195,853 binding cost estimate provided by Florida Power & Light for the next phase of utility line underground-

Above, this map illustrates the areas where the utility lines are expected to be undergrounded.

Left, the Old Town Tram parking shuttle program was continued for six months.

Third, Fourth and Fifth streets south, Bay Drive South and Gulf Drive South in 2023. The city also received $3 million in state appropriation funds for future

5344 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beac h (941) 779-BEER

5350 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beac h (941) 251-3681

5346 Gulf Drive Holmes Beac h (941) 778-5788

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The public dinghy dock near the clock tower boardwalk was replaced in 2022.

BRADENTON BEACH: The year in review

FROM PAGE 11

undergrounding projects outside the CRA district that extends from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South. City officials still await the removal of 33 side-street utility poles associated with a previously completed undergrounding project along Gulf Drive South.

In December, the building department received the initial permit applications for a proposed hotel construction project involving multiple properties along Bridge Street, Gulf Drive South and Third Street South. The submitted plans propose a total of 103 upper-level hotel units, 126 ground-level parking spaces, a rooftop pool and deck area, ground-level retail space and a ground-level miniature golf course. Developer Shawn Kaleta and Bradenton Beach businessman and city Commissioner Jake Spooner are listed as the property owners for the proposed hotel project.

CITY ELECTIONS

In November, Bradenton Beach voters approved a charter amendment that eliminated the term limits that previously limited the city’s mayor and city commissioners to serving no

more than three consecutive two-year terms in office, allowing incumbent Ward 2 Commissioner Marilyn Maro to serve another term in office. Maro ran unopposed in the November election. Eliminating term limits also means Mayor John Chappie and Spooner can seek additional terms in office during the 2023 election. Running unopposed,

Ward 4 Commissioner Ralph Cole also earned another two-year term in office.

City voters also supported a charter amendment that now allows the commission to appoint someone from outside of a specific commission ward to fill a vacant commission seat if no one from that ward is willing to serve.

The city purchased a new TYMCO Model 435

HURRICANE DAMAGE

In late September, Hurricane Ian inflicted significant damage on two waterfront mobile homes in the Pines Trailer Park. The hurricane also damaged at least four mobile homes in the Sandpiper Resort Co-Op at the north end of the city. The hurricane also damaged the police department roof and those repairs are now pending.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Bradenton Beach City Commission and CRA provided the Bridge Street merchants with $2,000 of combined financial support for the merchants’ annual Christmas tree lighting event, Christmas on Bridge Street and the annual Holiday Boat Parade.

CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED

A proposed hotel project on and around Bridge Street is now in the early permitting stages.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Regenerative Air Sweeper truck.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The vacant beachfront lot in the foreground is now being developed. The existing home in the background was recently sold.

ANNA MARIA: Year in Review

FROM PAGE 9

two-year terms in office. In December, the commission selected Short to serve as the new commission chair for the coming year. On Dec. 15, longtime commissioner Carol Carter vacated the remaining 10 months of her two-year commission term because she and her husband, Bob, relocated to Sarasota County. The commission will appoint her successor on Jan. 26.

SPECIAL EVENTS

In May, the city hosted its annual Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute at City Pier Park. In October, the city’s seasonal farmers market resumed weekly operations. Around that time, the city-sponsored Movies in the Park film screenings resumed.

In November, the city hosted its annual “Old Soldiers & Sailors” Veterans Day parade post-parade recognition ceremony. In December, the city hosted its annual Holiday Bright Lights decorating contest and Santa Stops event at City Pier Park, followed that evening by the merchant-sponsored Holiday of Treasures open house along Pine Avenue.

HURRICANES

In late September, Hurricane Ian left many Anna Maria residents and businesses without electrical and water service for varied lengths of time, but the physical damage was mostly limited to downed trees, downed power lines, downed fences and downed street signs. In November, Hurricane Nicole had no significant impact in Anna Maria.

Holmes Beach: The Year in Review

Holmes Beach had a complicated 2022 with new commissioners taking the dais, an ongoing fight between city leaders and the county and much more.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders may be more than ready to put 2022 in their rearview mirrors. The year was full of ups and downs in the biggest little city on Anna Maria Island.

The Island Branch Library celebrated 40 years in its Marina Drive location beginning in January and concluding with a springtime party featuring speakers including elected officials, residents and members of the Friends of the Island Library.

At the city commission level, leaders began the year embroiled in a lawsuit with local developer Shawn Kaleta over fines for unpermitted work and operations at the Bali Hai Beach Resort. In 2023 that case remains in court.

City leaders made the decision in early February to reduce the speed limit

citywide to 25 miles per hour on city streets. The reduced speed limit does not apply to Manatee Avenue which is a state road and controlled by the Florida Department of Transportation. A registration program for golf carts was also enacted at the same time, requiring residents to obtain a sticker for their vehicles in order to drive them

on city streets. Issues between city and Manatee County leaders came to a head in March and April when a meeting between the two groups of elected officials ended with no solutions found for either side’s problems. Mayor Judy Titsworth and commissioners held firm on their stance to not reopen residen -

tial streets for public parking. Residents, however, are allowed to park on the street with a valid parking permit. Relations with county commissioners further deteriorated when city officials began discussing a ban on multi-level parking garages. County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge appeared before city commissioners during a June meeting to warn them against instituting the ban, saying that there would be negative consequences to the decision.

In addition to parking, county and city leaders also clashed over plans to renovate the Kingfish Boat Ramp. The project would have seen more than 100 trees at the county-owned boat ramp removed along with a popular shaded picnic area. Public outcry against the project fell on deaf ears at the county, though the renovations ultimately didn’t take place due to a loss of funding after numerous project delays.

The April closure of a private beach access point on 78th Street pitted neighbor against neighbor as nearby residents united to first protest the closure and then sue property owners

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Signs block the beach access at 78th Street in Holmes Beach from public use after a busy Easter weekend resulted in trespassers invading adjacent private properties.

HOLMES BEACH: Year in Review

FROM PAGE 14

Travis Resmondo and the neighboring Oceana Condominium Association in Manatee County Circuit Court for access. While Judge Charles Sniffen ruled against issuing a temporary injunction in August, neighbors vowed to continue the fight in court for use of the path to be restored.

The November election brought two new faces to the city commission, Dan Dig-

gins and Greg Kerchner. The two, along with Mayor Judy Titsworth, ran unopposed after former Commissioner Kim Rash decided to not run for re-election and former Commissioner Jayne Christenson dropped out of the race to retain her seat on the dais.

Construction began on longawaited road improvements at city center, the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives, in the fall, causing traffic delays

and headaches for drivers. Though planned to take place separately, the road construction intersected with a county watermain project in the area, resulting in additional delays and road closures. Public Works Director Sage Kamiya said he received a round of applause from drivers and onlookers when he authorized the reopening of both lanes of Marina Drive just in time for the Christmas holiday.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge warns city commissioners of consequences from the county if they banned parking garages. Commissioners went through with the decision despite his comments.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Great blue herons nesting in an Australian pine at the Kingfish Boat Ramp temporarily halted the removal of trees at the site, though those plans were ultimately abandoned by the county after funding for a renovation project was lost due to excessive delays.

Year in Review: Beyond the Island

Water taxi service

between Anna Maria Island and downtown Bradenton is expected to start in 2023.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Beyond the confines of Anna Maria Island, a canal dispute, mangrove trimmings and a proposed water taxi service were among The Sun’s top news stories in 2022.

HUNTERS POINT

In Cortez, the construction of 86 Hunters Point homes continued while a hearing was conducted and completed regarding a dock permitting dispute.

The permitting dispute involves Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty’s Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. ownership group and the Cortez Village Marina’s MHC Cortez Village LLC ownership group.

In 2021, the Southwest Florida Water Management District gave Cortez Road Investments the environmental resource permit needed to construct the docks. That permit was then challenged by MHC Cortez Village.

The mangroves to the left were not trimmed, but the mangroves to the right were trimmed to create better

multi-family residential units.

The multi-day hearing began in June 2022 and concluded in September. Attorneys representing Cortez Village Marina argued the proposed docks would impede navigation along the canal and negatively impact their clients who have larger boats.

The attorney representing Gobuty argued the new docks would not significantly impede navigation and she repeatedly noted the man-made canal in question is privately owned by Cortez Road Investments and MHC Cortez Village LLC has no existing usage agreements for the canal.

The parties involved in the permitting dispute are still awaiting a recommended order from administrative law judge Bruce Culpepper, to then be followed by a final order issued by the water management district’s governing board.

In separate but related actions that took place in 2022, Cortez Road Investments filed a civil lawsuit seeking a court order that would prohibit Cortez Village Marina clients from using the privately-owned canal.

Cortez Road Investments also filed

lawsuits against several canal-side property owners requesting that their docks and other structures be made fully compliant with the county’s dock regulations that prohibit any docks, boat lifts and other structures from extending more than 25% into the canal which is approximately 65 feet wide in those areas.

To date, several legal filings have been made but no hearings have been held regarding the canal-related lawsuits.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

views for those who will occupy Aqua’s

REVIEW: Beyond the Island in 2022

FROM PAGE 16

AQUA MANGROVES

In late April and early May, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) personnel inspected the mangrove trimming activities that occurred along the shoreline of the Aqua development (formerly known as Long Bar Pointe) located between Sarasota Bay and El Conquistador Parkway in unincorporated Manatee County.

In mid-May, FDEP issued an inspection report that stated, “Unauthorized trimming activity was not evident at time of the inspections. However, no pre- or post-photographs, pre-trimming notification or post-trimming notification was provided to the department.”

In late August, in response to additional complaints about the mangrove trimmings not being properly removed, FDEP Southwest District Director Kelley Boatwright issued a warning letter to Medallion Home representative Rob Bosarge and Aqua developer and Medallion Home CEO and president Carlos Beruff.

“During the inspection, department personnel noted the following: All trimmings over 3 feet long or over 3 inches in diameter were not properly removed and disposed of offsite. Remaining trimmings were not evenly distributed. A portion of mangroves appeared to

be reduced more than 25% of foliage annually. Adequate pre and post photo documentation of the trimming event was not provided,” Boatwright said in the letter.

In the letter, he went on to say, “On July 12, department personnel notified you that potential violations existed at the site and you were requested to take corrective actions within 30 days. On August 25, a follow-up site visit was conducted and violations did not appear to be adequately addressed. To date, the potential violations have not been resolved.”

WATER TAXIS

In October, Manatee County Commissioners authorized County Administrator Scott Hopes to spend up to $700,000 to design and build two pontoon boats to be used as water taxis for the downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island water taxi service the county plans to launch in early 2023.

In November, the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) recommended the Manatee County Commission allocate $950,000 in resort tax revenues to help fund the county-

initiated water taxi to be operated and managed by the Clearwater Ferry Company.

Initially operating Friday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the water taxis are expected to travel between downtown Bradenton, the Anna Maria City Pier, the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and the Coquina South boat ramp. An exact launch date has not yet been provided.

COMMISSION CHAIR

District 3 County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge served as the Manatee County Commission Chairperson in 2022 and he will serve in that role again in 2023.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Hunters Point canal in Cortez is the subject of multiple unresolved disputes.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Longtime Island resident Brian Haddix passed away on June 21, 2022.

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Reviewing 2022's top environmental stories

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – The year’s environmental news was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from loggerhead sea turtles breaking records to beaches being closed over the summer.

NO-SWIM ADVISORIES ISSUED

No-swim advisories were put in place on July 26 for four Anna Maria Island beaches and the Palma Sola causeway following Department of Health test samples showing an elevated level of enteric bacteria and weren’t lifted until Aug. 3, when the bacteria levels dropped to acceptable levels.

According to Florida Department of Health Communications Director Christopher Tittel, the cause of the bacteria was rain and runoff that washed animal feces into the water, mixing with heavy storms and elevated water temperatures.

PINEY POINT WATER RELEASED

The removal of approximately 4.5 million gallons of rainwater began on Aug. 12 at the former Piney Point facility from an on-site pond where water

Work to close the former Piney Point phosphate plant site and drain all of the onsite retention ponds made headlines in 2022.

had accumulated over the previous several months. The water was flushed out to Tampa Bay.

“This is the first pond to be closed and contains strictly rainwater,” Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) spokesperson Alexandra Kuhta said.

Approximately 262 million gallons are currently held within the NGSSouth compartment.

“The total gallons held are relating to process water,” Kuhta said. “This is not process water.”

Piney Point site is expected to be closed by December 2024.

TURTLE HATCHLINGS SET RECORDS

The record for turtle hatchlings set in 2018 was broken as Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring recorded 35,850 sea turtle hatchlings emerging from nests on Anna Maria Island in 2022. Breaking a second record, the number of nests recorded on Island beaches in 2022 reached 453, edging out the previous record of 447, also set in 2018.

AMITW’s leadership was shaken up this year with the passing of long-time environmental advocate and executive director Suzi Fox in September.

RED TIDE RETURNS

Based on samples taken Nov. 7, the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) issued health alerts for the presence of a red tide bloom in Bayfront Park, Coquina Beach South, Longboat Pass/Coquina Boat Ramp and Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission red tide status map on Nov. 9 showed background to medium concentrations in those areas. The algae remained in local waters for several weeks, leading to reports of fish kills and respiratory irritation.

SUBMITTED | MANATEE COUNTY

Cold Water Strategy

hen winter weather comes to southwest Florida, as it finally did recently, anglers need to alter their strategy to meet the changing conditions. Cold fronts traditionally drop water temperatures, cloud local waters and produce shifting cold winds. What we experienced in the last two weeks was an extreme version of the variable conditions Florida natives are used to. Before this major front, we had an unusually long spell of “stable” weather which itself can produce lackluster fishing. Fortunately, strong fronts yield to periods of calm and often balmy weather just as we’re experiencing now.

While weather conditions have always varied significantly, this first strong front was last this season. The sudden drop in temperatures put fish off for a few days but reports from Capt. Justin Moore and Capt. Rick Grassett indicated a return to consistent action as fish came back to feed over warming grass flats. Knowing the way different species respond to the chilling waters gives anglers an advantage. While winter fishing can be challenging, excellent action is available and persistence really pays dividends when the thermometer begins to plunge.

The most sought-after species, snook, redfish and trout, respond differently to the cold but will all concentrate in areas where the surrounding waters are more temperate. Snook are most sensitive to the changing water temperature and migrate to rivers, canals and basins with deep water. There are

several strategies to employ when fishing for all species, especially snook. Look for areas with dark bottom that absorb the heat of the sun warming surrounding waters, creating a magnet for the sensitive linesiders. Shallow bays and bayous that heat up quickly on sunny days and flush warm water on late afternoon outgoing tides can be particularly productive. Even the seawalls that line residential areas can warm the water and attract fish on cold days. It doesn’t take much of a temperature difference to concentrate them.

When fishing a particular flat, canal or basin, pay attention to areas that receive the most sun during the day. Explore water that is protected from cold north winds. The wind stirs the water, keeping it from absorbing the sun’s rays and warmth. Sun exposure, depth,

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUN

Stephen Smith, from Rumson, New Jersey, caught this bluefish in Sarasota Bay prior to an approaching cold front.

RUSTY CHINNIS

Audubon reports Christmas bird count numbers

Some bird species are showing an increased presence on and around Anna Maria Island.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – The cooler weather may be bringing an increased appearance of certain bird species to the area, local circle compiler of the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) Kathy Doddridge said.

She reported seeing ducks in midNovember and her first American robin on Dec. 4.

“These sightings are my personal indicators for a potentially successful Christmas Bird Count,” she said in an email to The Sun. “Cooler weather provided for a fabulous Bradenton Circle CBC.”

“Teams of people count individual birds to establish a snapshot of what is happening within their circle. A circle is a 15-mile diameter circle,” Doddridge said. “There are two circles that cover Manatee County. I am the compiler for the Bradenton Circle which goes only as far as the Intracoastal (Waterway).”

On Dec. 17, teams of volunteers logged a total of 159 species plus three during the count week within a 15-mile diameter circle centered

in downtown Bradenton including “seldom-seen American avocet, lark sparrow, surf scoter, black scoter, northern pintail and wild turkey,” Doddridge said. “The 2021 tally was 153 species plus 3 during the count week. The total number of birds was 44,345, which was also higher than the 2021 count of 40,187.” She speculated that several factors may have contributed to the increased numbers.

“Participants (volunteers) ranged in age from 6-82 and we always have changes in participants and sector leaders, which may include better, younger or newer birders,” she said. “Fresh perspectives may contribute to the increase, but the weather also influences bird activity.” She also speculated that colder weather in areas further north may have pushed birds, like American robins and cedar waxwings south to find better food sources.

Ducks and waterfowl also saw larger increases over the previous year including redhead, ring-necked duck, bufflehead, and lesser scaup.

“Last year we didn't have a single ruddy duck, but in 2022 counted 7,” Doddridge said. “Shorebirds and peeps also saw 20%-plus increases.”

However, not all bird species showed increased results.

“The out-of-control development along the southwest, north and east sides of the circle has eliminated natu-

SUBMITTED | BETH PRICE American avocets

ral habitat where we would normally find black skimmer, lesser blackbacked gull, eastern bluebird, northern flicker, great crested flycatcher, pine warbler and great horned owl,” Doddridge said.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count mobilizes nearly 80,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,600 locations across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.

The count began in 1900.

When combined with other surveys, such as the Breeding Bird Survey, Audubon's Christmas Bird Count provides a picture of how the continent's bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years, according to the Audubon website.

REEL TIME: Cold weather strategy

FROM PAGE 22

protection from the wind and the color of the bottom all figure into the equation. Find these conditions and you’ll be in an area that is more desirable to fish.

When the weather prevents the sun from warming the water, look for deep areas that harbor fish. Channels, holes under big boats in canals and boat basins are all potential refuges for fish during cold weather. These areas warm more slowly, but they also cool more slowly.

All local species are affected by the cold water to some degree but many, like trout and redfish, have a higher tolerance. One strategy to employ, even under temperate conditions, is to slow your retrieve and keep close to the bottom. Top water

can still be effective in the winter for species like bluefish, but anglers should slow their retrieve with plugs and poppers. Some species actually thrive in cold water. A good example is sheepshead and black drum. Often shunned by anglers, both are hard fighting, challenging to hook and excellent to eat. Look for them around structure, particularly bridge and dock pilings where they feed on small crabs, shrimp and barnacles. Winter weather and cooler temperatures can also stimulate species like pompano, bluefish and mangrove snapper.

Use your senses, experiment, be persistent and you can experience some very good fishing during our cooler winter months.

The ‘clam’ drops at midnight

The Drift In bar in Bradenton Beach celebrated New Year’s Eve with its annual dropping of the New Year’s Eve

ball, which this year was renamed “The Clam Drop” due to the evolving shape of the aging lighted ball.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Hundreds of people gathered just before midnight on Dec. 31 to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023 on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach as the Drift In hosted the annual Clam Drop.

Sarasota gallery features Island artist

Anna Maria Island artist Maro Lorimer will be featured from Feb. 25 through March 31 at Art Uptown Gallery in Sarasota. The display, titled “Maro Lorimer: Peace Time,” features paintings that sweeps viewers into the air above an unspoiled coastal environment. In addition to Lorimer’s signature serene horizon paintings, a new series of dynamic abstract curving shorelines also are planned for presentation. Lorimer will be at the gallery on Feb. 25 and March 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and March 10 from 6-9 p.m. Art Uptown Gallery welcomes the public to visit at 1367 Main St. in Sarasota where the work of regional award-winning artists is exhibited daily. Call 941-9555409 or visit www.artuptown.com for hours and further information.

Enjoy Island-style outdoor movie watching

City leaders in Anna Maria are hosting a classic movie in the park every Tuesday night this winter at City Pier Park. Everyone is invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair along with refreshments to enjoy while viewing a movie near the bay. Showings start at 6:30 p.m. every week. The film scheduled for Jan. 10 is “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” All showings are free to the public and subject to cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.

CENTER NOTES

Three chances to play bingo

Bingo Bonanza is returning to The Center of Anna Maria Island this winter with three chances to play – Jan. 13, Feb. 3 and March 10. The fun takes place on each of the three Fridays from 6-8 p.m. Bingo cards are available for $1 each and come with the chance to win gift cards from local restaurants and an opportunity to socialize with friends and neighbors while also raising money to benefit The Center. Wine, beer and other refreshments will be available for a donation. No registration is required.

Learn the art of capoeira

Come out to The Center of Anna Maria Island and learn Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art form incorporating movement, music and culture. Great for all ages, the beginner series will be

held on Wednesdays, Jan. 11 through Feb. 22 at 5:45 p.m. Students will learn the basic movements of capoeira and how to apply them as well as a history of the art form and how to participate in a roda. While the class is open to all ages, children under 10 are recommended to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for their first class. The cost per class is $10 for Center members or $15 for non-members. Registration is required by the Thursday prior to attendance. Participants can register online at www.centerami.org or by calling 941-778-1908.

Journey to wellness at The Center

Join Devinne Whittaker of Devs Bevs Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a January wellness workshop. This month’s luncheon workshop will feature sound healing, breath work instruction, trauma-informed yoga and a vegan lunch accompanied by a freshly pressed juice. The cost to attend is $60 for members or $65 for non-members. Registration is required by Friday, Jan. 6 by calling The Center at 941-7781908, visiting www.centerami.org or

signing up in person at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. Whittaker also will be hosting Ice Bath Wednesdays at The Center Jan. 4 through March 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Ice baths are believed to reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve sore muscles and improve mental health. No registration is required and the cost is $10 for members and $10 plus the cost of a day pass for nonmembers.

Dance into The Center

Have some fun while learning to line dance this winter at The Center. Classes take place every Tuesday, Jan. 10-April 25 with beginner students at 9:15 a.m. and intermediate students taking the floor at 10:30 a.m. The cost to attend is free for Center members and $10 for non-members. Registration is required by Thursday, Jan. 5. Students can register online at www. centerami.org, by calling 941-778-1908 or signing up in person at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

Donate blood with OneBlood

The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Give the gift of life by donating blood and receive a $20 e-gift card, a OneBlood shirt, a free wellness checkup and a free day pass to The Center. Appointments are not required but are encouraged. Sign up at www.oneblood. org/donate-now and use sponsor code 14076.

Learn about healthy hearing

Make your hearing a priority this new year by attending a healthy hearing education seminar at The Center of Anna Maria Island, hosted by Optimum Hearing Care. Participants will learn about hearing loss and new hearing aid technology along with new ear wax removal and hearing test services scheduled to be offered this winter at The Center. The seminar takes place on Friday, Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. and is free to attend.

RESILIENCY: Further discussion planned for projects

The sand-covered rock riprap barrier is designed to prevent rising bay waters from spilling over onto roadways and residential and commercial properties.

The existing rock and sand barrier along the Bridge Tender Inn shoreline would be raised and expanded. A new sand and rock resiliency barrier would also be constructed, extending from Third Street South to Fifth Street South and covered with an elevated walkway topped with semi-permeable pavers.

The plans also propose additional marsh grass and mangrove plantings along the shoreline and the installation of oyster bags and reef balls offshore of the existing rock riprap barrier near the near the clocktower and pier boardwalk to help dissipate waves.

SUGGESTED MODIFICATIONS

“We haven’t talked much about the resiliency project since we saw the 60 % plans (in March). Now that we’re at 100% on those plans, I think it’s time that we take a deep dive into what’s going on there so we’re all on the same page,” Bell said. Bell and his wife, Mary, own and reside in one of the Old Bridge Village condos located along the west side of Bay Drive South.

As a retired landscape architect, he also expressed concerns about existing mangroves potentially being removed to accommodate the walkway.

“The plans say no mangroves would be removed, but the drawings and the profiles don’t show it that way. They show about a third to half the mangroves being removed and all the trees along Bay Drive South would go also,” he said.

To further illustrate his point, Bell temporarily placed orange flagging tape in the existing mangrove trees to illustrate where he believes the project impacts would occur. He encouraged the other CRA members to visit that area to see for themselves.

“One thing we definitely learned from Hurricane Ian is that mangroves provide their own resiliency. We also know that sidewalks don’t provide resiliency. So, our tradeoff here is that we’re getting rid of the natural resiliency that we have in that area to put in a sidewalk that has no resiliency whatsoever. In my mind, that’s not a very good tradeoff,” Bell said.

Perry said ESA’s plans must account for any impacts to the existing mangrove trees and other plants currently located in the proposed project areas.

“It will be in the permit language, saying you may not remove mangroves. If they’re removed, I would be absolutely shocked,” Perry said.

She noted a FDEP representative walked the proposed project area and was comfortable with the plans.

Clockwise top, These mangrove trees are located along the Bay Drive South shoreline in the vicinity of the proposed resiliency project. A resiliency barrier approximately 2.5-feet-high already exists along the Bridge Tender Inn shoreline. The area highlighted in yellow represents the proposed walkway. The area highlighted in orange represents the proposed resiliency barrier.

Bell presented some recommendations for the CRA members to consider, including elimination of the plan elements north of Third Street South because of the existing higher elevations that exist there and focusing solely on the areas between Third Street South and Fifth Street South.

“Anything north of that is already out of the area of risk. The reason for this resiliency project – between Third and Fifth anyway – is so that we can keep Bay Drive South open because that’s a major access to and from Bridge Street,” Bell said.

He also suggested eliminating the elevated walkway to preserve the existing mangroves and said, “It really doesn’t serve a purpose for resiliency,” and recommended having a landscape architect redesign the barrier’s appearance to further enhance its scenic qualities while preserving the existing trees and plants.

Perry said some of Bell’s suggestions could likely be addressed without triggering a formal amendment to the FDEP permit but removing the proposed plan elements north of Third Street South would require a require a permitting amendment.

Chappie noted the resiliency project plans were discussed and public input was received during multiple public meetings, including an onsite public meeting in February. During some of those previous meetings, city officials stated the proposed barrier and walkway would not impede any dock access along that shoreline.

In response to Bell’s suggestion to remove the northern areas from the plans, Chappie said, “Holistically, it’s all part of the same project. That’s the way we chose to include that whole section, from Fifth all the way and around the boardwalk area.”

City officials hope to secure state funds in 2023 for the construction of a currently unfunded resiliency project along Bay Drive South.

Using a $92,433 resiliency grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Tampabased Environmental Science Associates (ESA) engineered the project, designed to lessen the impacts of rising tides, king tides, storm surge and sea level rise along Bay Drive South. Completed in August, the plans now await the FDEP permitting approval that will allow City Attorney Ricinda Perry and ESA to pursue the additional resiliency grants needed for construction.

Neither the city commission nor the CRA currently has any funds budgeted for the project which to date has no estimated cost or anticipated construction timeline.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

REAL ESTATE

Fear is in the air

Welcome to a new real estate year. Unfortunately, the new year looks a lot like the old year.

With interest rates and inventory levels fluctuating, a general feeling of confusion is spreading among both buyers and sellers –you might even call it fear.

The November Manatee County sales statistics were below average and confirm what most of us already know – that sales are down and prices have also been trending down in recent months. However, the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee stated, “median sale prices continue to show year-over-year increases, while other factors point towards more typical market conditions.” In other words, selling prices are up compared to last year and more properties are available for sale which indicates a more normal market.

By the way, these numbers came out on Dec. 21, the day I was boarding a ship in Fort Lauderdale for a holiday cruise. Therefore, I apologize for the late reporting. Nevertheless, the numbers don’t lie, but

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

they do tell us that Florida in general is still in one of the better real estate sales positions in the country. In fact, per Redfin. com, an on-line brokerage, reports that out of the top 10 relocation choices, the state of Florida has captured five of them. They are #3 Miami; #5 Tampa; #7 Cape Coral; #8 North Port-Sarasota and #10 Orlando. The other five are in Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Dallas, in that order.

So where is everyone relocating from? It’s likely you’ll find familiar names in this list, as all big American cities are all bleeding population. The number one city people are leaving is San Francisco and they go down in this order: Los Angeles, New York,

Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Seattle and Philadelphia.

Redfin says that nearly 25% of the properties searched on their site are from cities where the person doesn’t currently live. This is up roughly 10% from 5 years ago.

Let’s see what happened in Manatee County for the month of November reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Single-family homes closed 35.6% fewer properties compared to last year. The median selling price was $506,655, up 12.5% from last year, and the average selling price was $636,674, up 7.3% from last year. Median time to contract was 29 days, compared to 6 days last year, and active listings are way up at 246.2%, translating into a 3 months’ supply of properties.

Condos closed 36.4% fewer properties compared to last year. The median selling price was $358,108, up 19.4% compared to last year, and the average selling price was $391,320, up 14.3% from last year. Median time to contract was 18 days, compared

to 9 days last year, and active listings were also way up at 266.7%, translating into a 2.7 months’ supply of properties.

Interestingly, cash transactions are down from last year for both single-family by 45.6% and condos by 23.2%. Likely a reflection of the economy in general.

Predictions for the new year are all over the place. Part of the reason no one can figure it out is the speed of last year’s mortgage rate increases gave everyone whiplash. And the Federal Reserve chairman has virtually promised more to come during his December speech raising the prime rate by 0.5%. The sad thing is most prospective buyers can still qualify for loans even at the higher rates but are afraid to buy in such an unpredictable market.

Real estate is still a good investment and Florida is one of the best markets in the country. So, don’t let fear rule you in the new year, do your due diligence and make informed decisions. Welcome to 2023.

OBITUARIES

Joan Fredricka Siefken Allee

An angel on Earth is now an angel in Heaven as Joan Fredricka Siefken Allee passed away Dec. 28, 2022, at Freedom Village in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 93.

There was no finer human being as Joan didn't have a mean bone in her body, was a friend to all, and was loved by all. Family came first to her and she was always the one to plan an event and carry it through to fruition, making sure all family members were enjoying themselves. She was the glue that kept family, relatives, and friends together.

Born on Oct. 28, 1929, in Moline to Florence and John Siefken Sr., she kiddingly would say that she was the one that started the Great Depression the following day. Joan was a leader in the classroom and on the tennis court at East Mo -

line High School where she met a multi-sport star athlete from Silvis in Charles "Chuck" Allee. The two were inseparable through high school, both graduating in 1947 (also both graduating from Augustana College), and, after marrying in 1952, remained inseparable through an amazing 70 years of marriage.

And Joan and Chuck were inseparable right up until Joan's passing as Chuck was first admitted to Blake Hospital in Bradenton after a fall in his winter Anna Maria Island house, and a few days later Joan joined him in the hospital, also after a fall at their winter house. Ironically, Joan was wheeled into Chuck's hospital room on Dec. 23, his 93rd birthday. “Happy birthday!” the nurses said to Chuck as they wheeled Joan into his hospital room, much to his surprise. It was the first time in the history of Blake Hospital that a husband and wife had shared the same room.

After some time together in their hospital room, Joan was transferred

to Freedom Village, a rehab facility, with her husband scheduled to join her there just a few days later. Joan passed away peacefully at Freedom Village, talking with the nurses and smiling at them just an hour before she passed away.

Joan was the very best correspondent, always emailing people to brighten their day. She had a way with words and loved to write poems. Daughter Kyle gave her mom the best present she could have hoped for when Kyle set her mom up on Facebook. At Joan's advanced age, she took to Facebook with relish and enjoyed seeing and corresponding with her family, relatives, and friends.

She was an English teacher following college and had an impact on numerous students who remembered her fondly.

Joan was an East Moliner through and through, so much so that on Oct. 28 of 2019, on her 90th birthday, she was honored with receiving the key to the city in a beautiful plaque that proclaimed her the

wonderful Matriarch of East Moline. And Joan, along with husband Chuck, became the first Hall of Fame members of the Family Fun Doubles Tennis Tournament in 2011.

Mom would always put others ahead of herself. Always. That's why she is now an angel in Heaven, keeping track of the surviving family members who are husband Chuck; son Bill; daughter Kyle (Jim) Feehan; grandchildren Bill (Jenn) Feehan, John (Marie) Feehan, Bryan (Heather) Feehan, Katie Allee (Jeremy) Dorsey and Michael Allee; great grandchildren Allee, Connor, Carter, Collin, Hunter, Gunnar, Jasmine, Danielle, Sadie, and Avy; sister Jean Boling and sister-in-law MaryLou Siefken.

Joan, in addition to her brother John and brother-in-law Robert Boling, was preceded in death by her parents.

Tributes to Joan can be sent to kylealleefeehan@gmail.com.

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

12/24, 3:24 p.m., burglary, 2601 Gulf Drive N., Apt. 633. An officer responded to a possible home burglary at an absent owner’s trailer in the Sandpiper Mobile Home Park. The owner said she had not been there in months and

nobody had permission to be on or in the property. The officer observed signs of forced entry to the doors and holes broken in screens as he walked the property. When the officer entered the home, it looked as if someone had been staying there. Nothing is believed to have been taken. Photos were taken of the damage and placed into evidence, but there have been no suspects identified.

HOLMES BEACH

12/23, 7:28 p.m., grand theft, 3902 Gulf Drive. While on patrol, an officer saw a group of juveniles running down a private road. As the officer drove down the road, he saw one of the group riding a three wheeled bike without lights. The officer stopped the cyclist and asked why his friends were running. The young man said his friends had taken the bike from West Coast Surf Shop, but he was going to return

it. Less than an hour later, the officer responded to the Surf Shop in reference to the same bike theft. The bicycle owner said his prescription glasses were in the bike’s basket, as well as his phone and other items of significant value. Only a pair of shorts belonging to the victim were recovered nearby. The cyclist’s mother was contacted to pick him up.

Red tide numbers remain low

Red tide numbers

High

RED TIDE REPORT

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is reporting very low to medium concentrations of the algae that causes red tide in area waters, meaning that it’s safe to go to the beach.

Red tide occurs in Florida's coastal waters when a specific type of algae, Karenia brevis, reaches high concentrations –more than 100,000 algal cells per liter. With area numbers remaining low, there’s little chance for fish kills, respiratory issues in humans and other negative effects of the algae.

Although Karenia brevis occurs naturally in the Gulf of Mexico, it is not present everywhere all the time. In fact, if the algae that cause red tides are present at all, they generally occur at low to very low concentrations, according to FWC.

Medium

Low

Very

Medium concentrations were reported in Anna Maria at the Rod and Reel Pier. At this level, there can be some negative effects to sea life and humans including respiratory irritation and shellfish harvesting closures.

At Longboat Pass, Karenia brevis was detected in low concentrations and at the Anna Maria Island

Bridge the algae was found in very low concentrations.

Anyone who sees a fish kill in the water or on the beach should avoid the area and keep pets and children away from the dead fish. You can report fish kills to FWC by calling 800-636-0511. For more information on red tide, visit www. myFWC.com/RedTide.

remain low, gifting Island beachgoers with a happy new year.

(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)

(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

low (possible respiratory irritation)

Background (no effects)

None (no red tide present)

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com

TO PLAY BRIDGE Call 314324-5921 Kathleen

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

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

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

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

ENDLESS SUMMER HOME SERVICES Cleaning & Maintenance. Call Angela for your home needs. 941577-3823

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED LICENSED REALTOR! Seeking real estate agent with island expertise to join our highly productive sales team! Contact us at 941-900-4974. All calls confidential

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

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

FISHING CHARTERS

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

FOR SALE

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

RENOVATION SPECALIST

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION

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

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-962-1194

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

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

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

HOME SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

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

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

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

POOL SERVICES

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

COLE'S TROPICAL

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

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

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

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

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTALS

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

ANNUAL RENTALS – AVAILABLE NOW. 2BR/1BA, furnished. $4,500/month. 3BR/2BA, unfurnished. $5,000/month. Canal front 3BR/2BA home, private pool, boat dock. AVAILABLE 2/1/23. $9,000/mo. First, Last, and Security Deposit required Call Sato Real Estate, Inc 941-7787200 or Email monica@ satorealestate.com

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

VACATION RENTAL AVAILABLE Jan - March 2023- 2BR/1.5BA cute cottage in Holmes Beach, 1.5 blocks to the beach. Rates start at $110/nite or $4,500 for 4 weeks. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307.

WINTER SEASON 2023Vacation rentals available for January, February and March. Weekly, monthly or Seasonal. Call Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307 for details or visit www. franmaxonrealestate.com.

TRANSPORTATION

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

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