Anna Maria Island Sun January 12, 2022

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- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 22 No. 14

January 12, 2022

Woman completes ‘round-the-Island swim

Julie Madison may be the first person to swim around Anna Maria Island. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION | SUBMITTED

More Florida manatees died last year than in any other year since the turn of the century.

Florida loses record number of manatees in 2021 A record number of manatee deaths in 2021 has prompted officials to urge that manatees be restored to endangered status. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

More than 1,100 manatees died in 2021, a record high since the turn of the century, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Brevard County on Florida’s east coast had the highest mortality toll, with 359 manatee deaths in the Indian River Lagoon system, where manatees starved because harmful algae blooms destroyed their primary food supply – seagrass, according to wildlife officials. Algae blooms may also have caused some of the 28 manatee deaths in Manatee County, which includes Anna Maria Island. A red tide lasted for nearly eight months last year in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico around the Island, exacerbated by nitrogen and phosphorus-laden wastewater dumped into the bay in March and April at the closed Piney Point fertilizer plant. Statewide, last year’s manatee deaths nearly doubled the five-year average of 625 annual deaths.

INSIDE NEWS OUTDOORS RESTAURANTS CASTLES IN THE SAND REAL ESTATE CROSSWORD CLASSIFIEDS

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HOLMES BEACH – It may be a first. Julie Madison, 34, swam around Anna Maria Island on Dec. 30, traveling 16.8 miles in 67-degree water in about seven and a half hours. It doesn’t officially count with the Marathon Swimmers Federation, the Madison gatekeepers of such feats, because she wore a wetsuit (non-standard equipment) and her husband was the only observer, Madison said. But she plans to do it again this spring for the record books. “It felt like the right time and right place,” said Madison, who recently relocated to Cortez from Connecticut when the pool where she worked as a swim coach shut down for nine months during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I knew a few people were thinking about doing it and I wanted to get it done before they did.” SEE MADISON, PAGE 26

Water quality key to tourism

The FWC confirms that 2021 manatee mortalities meet the criteria for an “Unusual Mortality Event,” which has led to agency rescue efforts, including hand-feeding starving manatees. “We take this situation seriously and are committed to working with our partners including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to explore short-term solutions to the die-off, as well as much-needed long-term solutions to restoring the lagoon ecosystem,” FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said in a press release. The last manatee population survey, conducted by the FWC in 2019, counted 5,733 manatees in state waters. An alternate method, the abundance survey method, employs mathematical and statistical formulas to extrapolate an estimated number of manatees based on those actually counted, and estimated at least 7,500 manatees in state waters three years earlier, in 2015-16. Those numbers were cited in 2017 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to remove manatees from the federal “endangered” species list and downlist the species to "threatened." Manatees had been protected as “endangered” since 1967 under the federal Endangered Species Act. SEE MANATEES, PAGE 26

Water quality in Sarasota Bay is not only key to tourism and a healthy economy, it is vital to the health of the manatee population. BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - While Sarasota Bay is healthier than it was in the 1970s and 1980s, it’s not as healthy as it was 15 years ago. That little-known fact is a serious concern to Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. “We are the only estuary program whose number one goal is to protect water clarity,” Tomasko said during the December meeting on the Island of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. “People want to throw out the anchor on their boat, jump in the water and see their feet.” Tomasko said there are three main reasons to worry about water quality in Sarasota Bay. One of them is quality of life, since people don’t like spending their time in murky water or covered in algae. SEE WATER, PAGE 26

BLUEBERRY

THE PINEY Point gypsum stack

muffins are an easy treat. In Food & Wine. 20

springs another leak. 4 VOTE for your favorites in The Sun’s Readers’ Choice Contest. 9

Anna Maria Island, Florida

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JANUARY 12, 2022


JANUARY 12, 2022

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AME still COVID-19 free, but county numbers rising BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - For more than three months, Anna Maria Elementary School has been free of student or staff cases of COVID-19. While this is good news, Manatee County is seeing record numbers as both the Delta and Omicron variants are spreading quickly. Just three weeks ago there were only 218 COVID cases reported in Manatee County. Today, that number is quickly approaching 5,000. Manatee County schools had no student cases and one staff case as students left for Christmas break. Now there are 19 student cases and 15 staff cases as they return to the classroom. Hospitals with plenty of empty beds are now filling back up, and lines for rapid tests are hours long. There are no plans to send students home for virtual learning at this time, but as cases increase throughout the county, anything is possible. Fortunately, the students of Manatee County are not showing numbers of positivity parallel to the county as a whole. If this trend continues, there

MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS COVID-19 Jan. 3 AME - 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 1 staff, 0 students Total since first day of school (AME) 0 staff; 13 students Total since first day of school (county) 386 staff; 2,626

Jan. 10 AME - 0 staff, 0 students Manatee County - 15 staff, 19 students Total since first day of school (AME) 0 staff; 13 students Total since first day of school (county) 468 staff; 2,647 students

COUNTYWIDE COVID-19

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

While AME remains free of COVID-19 cases, other Manatee County schools have seen the highest numbers since October. will likely be no change to the learning process as it currently exists. The state of Florida still bans mask mandates and prohibits any event or business from requiring proof of vaccinations. While this is not the norm in many states, there is no sign it will change anytime soon. It remains

up to individuals to make their own decisions on getting a vaccination or wearing a mask. All Manatee County schools are following the governor’s orders and not requiring masks, though any student who wishes to wear one is encouraged to do so.

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Jan. 2 Cases 819 % Positivity 12.31% Deaths <10 % Eligible population vaccinated 61.8% New hospital admissions 26 Jan. 10 Cases 4,561 % Positivity 26.84% Deaths <10 % Eligible population vaccinated 62.1% New hospital admissions 77 Source: Manatee County Schools; CDC


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ISLAND NEWS

Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

JANUARY 12, 2022

IN BRIEF

Holmes Beach Art Walk returns Friday The Holmes Beach Art Walk is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 14, and it’s not just the art galleries that will take part. In addition to Island Gallery West and the Artists’ Guild Gallery, other businesses including The Feast, Restless Natives, Sun and Surf Beach Shop, Original Sand Dollar and The Scavenger Market will stay open late to encourage shoppers to see the many things Holmes Beach has to offer. The Art Walks are scheduled on the second Friday of every month in 2022.

‘All Clams on Deck’ launches website The “All Clams on Deck” initiative would like you to visit its new website and learn more about the efforts being made to restore seagrass meadows and native clam populations. Learn why seagrass is critically important to the health of the manatee population. More than 1,100 manatees have died this year, and one of the main causes of these deaths is starvation due to lack of seagrass. Degraded water quality in our estuaries is one of the leading causes of seagrass depletion, so this effort is critical for many reasons. Visit www. allclamsondeck.org to learn more and find out what you can do to help.

Anna Maria Commission meets Thursday The Anna Maria City Commission meets for the first time in 2022 on Thursday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. Business owner Ed Chiles will initiate discussion on using some of the city’s American Rescue Plan funds for seagrass and bivalve restoration. The city attorney and city planner will present the first reading of an ordinance regarding allowed buildable area and another ordinance regarding a comprehensive plan amendment about private property rights. The commission will also resume a previous discussion about lot splits and the mayor and city clerk will update the commission on the Citizen of the Year nominations. The mayor will provide an updated timeline for the Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvements. The commission will receive an update on the upcoming state legislative session. The consent agenda includes special event permit and fee waiver requests for The Center’s Lou Gramm concert on Jan. 22 and the Don Felder concert on Feb. 20. The commission will also be asked to approve special event permits and fee waivers for the Arts at the Museum event on Jan. 21 and The Vintage Flea at City Pier Park on Feb. 13. The consent agenda includes the appointment of Dr. Jose Erbella, David Haddox and Kevin Hutchinson to the Local Construction Regulation Board, and the appointment of Charlie Salem as the board’s alternate member.

TROY MORGAN/PHOTOSFROMTHEAIR.COM | SUBMITTED

New leaks have emerged in the gyp stacks at Piney Point, which contain contaminated phosphate process water.

More leaks appear at Piney Point The source of three more leaks at the Piney Point gyp stacks remains unknown. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

PALMETTO – Three more leaks from an unknown source have emerged in one of the gypsum stacks holding contaminated water at the closed Piney Point phosphate plant. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) reports that the leaks, discovered on Jan. 5, are “low-volume,” seeping less than three gallons of water per minute combined. A more serious leak in March 2021 resulted in FDEP approving the dumping of 215 million gallons of contaminated water into Tampa Bay to prevent flooding of homes

and businesses in the event the stack collapsed. The contaminated water discharged in March and April spread throughout Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay, transporting nitrogen and phosphorus that exacerbated a bloom of the toxic algae red tide that lasted from April to November, causing fish kills and respiratory irritation. Since then, about 265 tons of nitrogen and 240 tons of phosphate have been removed from the wastewater ponds as a precaution. “Currently, there is no indication of any concern with the integrity or stability of the stack system, and there will be no offsite discharges at this time,” according to the FDEP’s report. “Seepage volume remains low and is completely contained within the on-site lined stormwater management system.” The leak worsened slightly Mon-

day, and the leaked wastewater was being pumped back into the pond on top of the gyp stack, according to FDEP, whose engineers and regulatory staff are coordinating with contractors to determine the cause and source of the leak. The current storage capacity for additional rainfall at the site is approximately 18.2 inches, FDEP reports. Expected rainfall through the end of May 2022 is approximately 14.5 inches. The wastewater eventually will be injected into a deep well now under construction at 3105 Buckeye Road. The FDEP issued a permit in December for Manatee County to build the 3,300-footdeep well, despite objections from five environmental groups and others concerned about the potential for contaminating underground drinking water in the Floridan aquifer.


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JANUARY 12, 2022

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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

NANCY LIEN | SUBMITTED

Vacation rental owner chosen for coin toss Retired fire lieutenant and Holmes Beach vacation rental owner Michael Wilcox successfully conducted the ceremonial coin toss prior to the Vrbo Citrus Bowl college football game in Orlando on New Year’s Day.

The Sun honors Peggy Nash The Sun’s Person of the Year, Peggy Nash, receives her award Jan. 9 at Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria. Nash was selected as The Sun’s Person of the Year for her commitment and service to the community through volunteer work over the past four decades since moving to Anna Maria and joining Roser Church in 1977. Nash is one of the founders of the Roser Guild Thrift Shop and works to help raise funds for scholarship programs and local nonprofits as well as volunteers with numerous committees and service groups.


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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Jason Schaffer Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors Editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee

Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Leslie Ketchum Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reimagine Gulf Drive

Reimagine Pine - such a wonderful idea, but with little imagination. Same old complaints and same old ideas. Even with input from citizens, the plan was the same. Parking, parking, parking. Everything else is just window dressing, pedestrians and cyclists be damned. While the idea is to “fix” Pine Avenue, and it is a noble thought, there are other things in Anna Maria that need attention. Like the entrance to our city. As one enters the first part of our entertainment district (this is the area between Willow Ave and Pine, named it myself). Things

get pretty dangerous there, and it looks horrible for the most part. Here you will find pedestrians, cyclists, cars, delivery trucks, scooters, golf carts, runners, and others. This is the entrance to the city, the first thing many see for the first time is located here and it’s a mess. The shoulders of the road drop off in many places and are a lawsuit waiting to happen. I wonder if the mayor and city know that there is a block of bike path covered in grass, sand and rocks between Willow and Palmetto Ave.? Across the street, the existing bike lane is covered in sand and rocks. How are visitors supposed to know that it’s a bike lane? I bet if you were to actually clean those areas you may find

ancient hieroglyphs under there of a cyclist. The whole area needs work before Pine. Which brings me to my reimagine of Pine - I suggest returning it to its roots. Make it dirt again! Yup, just a quick look at old photos will show you how cool it was. No sidewalks, bike paths, and parking is wherever you want. Problem solved. It would also give a couple people jobs to drive the road grader. So, fix the six or seven blocks of the entertainment area and the entrance to the city first and reimagine Gulf Drive! Rick Lewis Anna Maria


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JANUARY 12, 2022

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Jan. 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Jan. 17, all day – City offices closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Jan. 17, all day – City offices closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 20, noon – City Commission 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. 12, 10 a.m. – Clean Water AdHoc committee meeting Jan. 12, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Jan. 17, all day – City offices closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 19, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Jan. 25, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Jan. 27, 11:30 a.m. – Police officers pension board

ISLAND-WIDE

Jan. 18, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall Jan. 19, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue District board meeting, administration offices, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

MARKYOUR CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ukulele Instruction Beyond Beginner, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486411 Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2:45 p.m. Register online manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/8486471

THURSDAY, JAN. 13

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. AMI Chamber luncheon, Bonefish Grill, 7456 Cortez Road, Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $18 for members or $30 for prospective members. Reservations required annamariaislandchamber.org/ event/member-luncheon-bonefishgrill/ Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online at manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8511516 Friends of the Island Library Lecture and Travel Series, “60 Years with the Pittsburgh Pirates” presented by Steve Blass, fellowship hall, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 2 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and

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food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m. Craft Club, Robinson Preserve NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 5:30 p.m. Free, reservations required Eventbrite.com/e/ craft-nights-at-the-nest-tickets-227789523597

Players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8486610 Bingo, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m., $10 for 10 cards.

FRIDAY, JAN. 14

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8486847 Mahjong Club – Experienced

SATURDAY, JAN. 15


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JANUARY 12, 2022

Shark bites wing foil rider off Anna Maria Erika Lane has returned to the water after her recent shark encounter. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Erika Lane was bitten by a shark on Dec. 22 while wingfoiling in the waters near the Anna Maria City Pier. On Dec. 30, Lane shared a video recap of the incident on her YouTube channel. The 54-second video includes still photos of the bite wounds she received, the bite marks in her wet suit and the bite marks on the mast that connects to the submerged hydrofoil. Her injuries were not life-threatening. In her YouTube video, Lane says, “I am thankfully OK. I was attacked by a shark. I was out wing-foiling and I was heading back towards shore. I felt large creatures swimming beneath me. I could feel the turbulence of them swimming underneath the foil and then something grabbed me and pulled the foil and board out from under me. As soon as I hit the water, I was bitten. It was more scary than painful. And then,

I saw the flash of a shark’s face and jaws go right towards my face, right past me, and I jumped on top of my wing. It was my instinct and the beautiful, red wing kept me afloat above the water and out of the frenzy.” Lane commented in her YouTube post: “I jumped on my floating wing and out of the chaos. I am thankful for that wing. I realized I had to get myself back to shore. I had to get back in the water to get on my board and pump back on foil. I was so scared,” she wrote. “I got going again and went straight to shore. I looked down and saw blood running down my leg through my wetsuit and teeth marks puncturing my wetsuit. I realized I was actually bitten by a shark. I was very lucky. I know it was a case of mistaken identity. The water was cloudy and my foil probably looked like a fish and I just got in the way of the confusion. If the shark wanted to eat me it would have. I am back in the water again foiling and enjoying the ocean. I won’t let this rare incident stop me from doing what I love,” Lane wrote.

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LANDSIDE

6906 14th St. West 941.758.7880

ERIKA LANE/YOUTUBE | SUBMITTED

Wing foil rider Erika Lane recently encountered a shark offshore of Anna Maria. Erika Lane was bitten on her left leg and on her left ankle, too. The shark’s teeth also punctured Lane’s wetsuit.

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CORTEZ

6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077

ELLENTON

1525 51st Ave East 941.721.7773

BRIDGE ST. PIER

Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)


JANUARY 12, 2022

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JANUARY 12, 2022

2022 Anna Maria Island Sun Readers’ Choice Business

Business

People & Places

1

Antique/Collectible Store

40

Pool Cleaner (include location)

78

Schoolteacher (include location)

2

Auto Service

41

Pool Contractor

79

Veterinarian (include location)

3

Bait & Tackle Shop

42

Real Estate Assoc. (include location)

80

Veterinary Clinic

4

Bank (include location)

43

Real Estate Co.

81

View

5

Bike Rental

44

Rental Co.

82

Waiter/Waitress (include location)

6

Boating Store

45

Resort

83

Yoga Studio

7

Car Wash

46

Retirement Community

8

Carpet Cleaner

47

Service Org.

9

CBD Store

48

Service Station

10

Clothing Store

49

Shopping Center

11

Convenience Store

50

Souvenir Shop

12

Dry Cleaner (include location)

51

Spa

13

Electrician

52

Window Repair

14

Fine Dining

53

Women’s Apparel

15

Fitness

16

Floor Coverings

People & Places

54

Architect

17

Florist

55

Architectual Design

18

Gift Shop

56

Art Gallery

19

Golf Cart Rental

57

Attorney

20

Grocery Store

58

Band

21

Hair Salon

59

Bar & Grill

22

Hardware Store (include location)

60

Bartender (include location)

23

Heat & Air

61

Beach

24

Home Builder

62

Boat Captain (include location)

25

Hotel/Motel

63

Business Person

26

Jewelry Store

64

Caterer (include location)

27

Liquor Store

65

Charity

28

Manicurist (include location)

66

Chef (include location)

29

Marina

67

Chiropractor

30

Men’s Apparel

68

Dentist

31

Outdoor Sports Store

69

Doctor

32

Pack & Ship

70

Eye Care

33

Painter (include location)

71

Financial Planner

34

Pest Control

72

Fishing Charter

35

Pet Grooming

73

Individual Entertainer

36

Pet Store

74

Interior Design

37

Pharmacist (include location)

75

Massage Therapy

38

Pharmacy

76

Personal Trainer (include location)

39

Plumber

77

School

ENTRY FORM (Must be completed for votes to be accepted) Name: Address: Email (optional): Phone: Day

| Night

I am at least 18 years of age or older (please check box)

Signature:

Food & Entertainment 84

Bagel Shop

85

Bakery

86

Barbecue

87

Breakfast

88

Burger

89

Café

90

Candy Store

91

Asian Restaurant

92

Deli

93

Festival

94

German Restaurant

95

Golf Course

96

Grouper Sandwich

97

Health Food Store

98

Ice Cream Place

99

Key Lime Pie

100 Italian Restaurant 101 Live Theater 102 Margarita 103 Mexican Restaurant 104 Most Romantic Restaurant 105 New Restaurant 106 Night Spot 107 Pier 108 Pizza 109 Place to see a Sunset 110 Restaurant (overall) 111 Seafood Restaurant 112 Specialty Cocktail (include location) 113 Specialty Gourmet 114 Sub/Sandwich 115 Takeout

RULES

Please read carefully. To vote in The Sun’s Readers’ Choice Awards you must use an official entry ballot published in The Sun. Copies and faxes will not be accepted. The ballots will appear in The Sun on Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Jan. 26 Only one ballot per person is allowed. At least 10 CATEGORIES must be filled in for the ballot to count and the entry form must be completed. If you work for The Sun or are related to someone who does, you can’t play. Complete ballots may be dropped off at The Sun’s office, 3909 East Bay Drive Ste. 210, Holmes Beach. Or you can mail it in to The Sun Newspaper, PO Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. All ballots must be in by January 28, 2022 at 4pm. Prizes in the drawing may not be transferred. Winners are drawn at random from all entries and you don’t have to buy anything to win. Accepting the prizes means winners agree to the use of their names and photographs in subsequent ads and news stories. You must be 18 years or older to participate. Ballots which show signs of tampering will not be counted. We reserve the right to reject any ballot(s) or disqualify any contestant(s).


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Builder, city head back to court Local developer Shawn Kaleta and the city of Holmes Beach are headed back to court, this time in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders and local developer/builder Shawn Kaleta are no strangers to meeting each other in court. This time, Kaleta’s attorney, Michelle Grantham, has filed a suit against city leaders in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida Tampa Division alleging that city leaders are discriminating against him and his various businesses in the city. In the paperwork filed Dec. 31, Kaleta states he is filing for damages, along with declaratory and injunctive relief, alleging deprivation of property and civil rights by the city. The filing alleges that city leaders have violated Kaleta’s right to free speech and equal protection under the law, both protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit argues that city leaders have passed regulations specifically targeting Kaleta and his businesses, particularly concerning the development and regulation of short-term rentals, and that he is held to a different standard by the city for the operation of his businesses than other business owners. It also argues that Kaleta, along with his development and rental properties, are singled out by the city for code enforcement and other potential violations and that city leaders publicly subject Kaleta to slander and blackballing.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The struggle between resort ownership and city leaders over operations at the Bali Hai are once again being discussed in court. Included in the lawsuit is the ongoing struggle between the city and Kaleta over the operation of a bar/lounge at the Bali Hai Beach Resort. Kaleta and Louis Najmy, serving as the attorney for the resort’s owners, have argued before the Holmes Beach code compliance special magistrate and city commissioners that there was a bar/lounge previously existing on the property, granting Kaleta the right to have one serving alcohol to patrons now. Due to the remodel of the space used as a bar/lounge at the Bali Hai, along with the introduction of a spa service area and construction work done at the site without prior building permits, the property ended up before city commissioners in 2021 for a site plan approval. After being discussed by commissioners at several meetings, commissioners eventually voted to not allow the operation of the bar/lounge on the resort property, one of the stipulations

5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 | hurricanehanks.com

of the site plan approval. This action is listed in the current lawsuit as one example of how city leaders are allegedly discriminating against Kaleta and his businesses. The lawsuit also alleges that the city and its special magistrate, attorney Michael Connolly, who is not mentioned by name in the paperwork, have arbitrarily regulated and fined Kaleta’s businesses. The relief sought through the court by Grantham on Kaleta’s behalf includes having a trial by jury, a declaratory judgment on the city’s policies, interpretations, practices and actions as they related to the protection of Kaleta’s rights to free speech and equal protection clauses under the Constitution, an order by the court granting Kaleta injunctive relief ordering the city “to cease the unconstitutional and unlawful practices directed at plaintiff’s (Kaleta’s) ability to be properly

notified and represented at code enforcement hearings, be treated fairly at code enforcement hearings, conduct his business, including hotel/motel and short-term vacation rentals, in compliance with city code and without arbitrary interruption by the city, and order the city, their officers, agents, employees and attorneys to cease from making false and slanderous public statements regarding plaintiff and his businesses and to record all future code enforcement hearings.” Other relief sought would require the city to issue a public apology to Kaleta through local newspapers and award Kaleta damages, pre-judgment interest, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. At press time for The Sun, the case had not been assigned to a judge and no hearings have been scheduled. In the Manatee County Circuit Court, Kaleta had a win against the city as Judge Charles Sniffen denied the city of Holmes Beach’s motion to dismiss the second amended counterclaim submitted on behalf of the Bali Hai during a Jan. 5 hearing held by teleconference. The case before Sniffen concerns the operation of the bar/lounge and right of the bar/lounge to serve alcohol at the Bali Hai resort property. Attorneys for the city argued that the second amended counterclaim failed to state a cause of action upon which relief could be granted and that the promissory estoppel claim listed in the second amended counterclaim should be dismissed with prejudice, arguing that city leaders never gave the Bali Hai’s representatives a promise that alcohol could be served indefinitely at the property. With Sniffen’s denial of the city’s motion, the case will move forward in Manatee County Circuit Court.

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SHELLING OUT FOR TAMPA BAY

clammotion SEE S EE WHAT ALL

T THE HE

IS ABOUT!

IslandDining.com

Florida’s economy is built on the beauty of its beaches, history, and tradition. Nowhere is that more evident than the area spanning southern Tampa Bay to Sarasota. Thanks to six blue-wave FHUWL¿HG EHDFKHV DQG WKUHH QDWXUDO HVWXDULHV WKLV region is also a highly sought-after vacation spot. 2I FRXUVH DQRWKHU EHQH¿W RI WKRVH DPD]LQJ *XOI ZDWHUV LV IUHVK DQG ÀDYRUIXO VHDIRRG As populations grow, those natural resources become strained. Nutrients from wasteZDWHU V\VWHPV VWRUPZDWHU UXQR൵ WKDW FDUULHV land-based nutrients, intensifying storms, and harmful algal blooms all pose a problem. The UHVXOW" 5HG WLGH ¿VK NLOOV DQG D ZHDNHQLQJ RI Florida’s tourism industry, as well as the businesses depending on it. Local Restaurateur Ed Chiles has long been a force for positive change in the area’s HQYLURQPHQWDO H൵RUWV $ VXSSRUWHU RI DTXDFXOWXUH DQG VXVWDLQDELOLW\ KLV SDVVLRQ LV UHÀHFWHG LQ DOO &KLOHV *URXS HVWDEOLVKPHQWV 7KH 6DQGEDU The Beach House & Mar Vista have composting programs, recycle oyster shells, and feature ethically sourced ingredients on their menus. Two 'RFNV 6KHOO¿VK LV RQH ORFDO SDUWQHU WKDW KDV EHHQ LQWHJUDO WR ERWK 7KH &KLOHV *URXS¶V GLVKHV DQG the clean water initiatives in the area. 7ZR 'RFNV 6KHOO¿VK IRXQGHG E\ WKH :HOFK IDPLO\¶V IDWKHU DQG VRQ WHDP DUH ¿UVW DQG foremost “farmers and water`men who are dedicated to our regions’ agricultural and maritime WUDGLWLRQV DQG WKH XQLTXH PDULQH HQYLURQPHQWV ZH

DUH SULYLOHJHG WR ZRUN LQ ´ 7KHLU H൵RUWV FXOWLYDWing clams across 15 acres of the Tampa Bay area LV FUXFLDO WR ¿OWHULQJ KDUPIXO QXWULHQWV IURP WKH water. Improving water clarity enables seagrass growth, creating a habitat for diverse sea life and preventing erosion. These clams also happen to be showcased beautifully in a white wine cream sauce at The Sandbar and Beach House, and Paella at Mar Vista.

After the Piney Point spill last March, Chiles united with local leaders to launch All &ODPV RQ 'HFN D SURJUDP WKURXJK 7KH *XOI 6KHOO¿VK ,QVWLWXWH 7KH RUJDQL]DWLRQ¶V PHWKRGRORJ\ LV WZR IROG VWRSSLQJ WKH DODUPLQJ ÀRZ RI pollutants entering our waterways while ridding excess nutrients and erosion through bi-valve ¿OWUDWLRQ $ SLOODU RI WKH PLVVLRQ LV FRPPXQLW\ involvement, and there are plenty of things people can do to act. Visit AllClamsOnDeck.org for more information. “Imagine annual neighborhood celebrations with local seafood, everyone with bumper stickers celebrating the cleanest waters anywhere, something our neighbors can all be proud of! We can’t wait to make this a reality.” – Ed Chiles. Content provided by: The Chiles Group


JANUARY 12, 2022

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GOOGLE MAPS | SUBMITTED

The accident occurred near the Cortez Clam Factory and the Safeguard Self Storage facility.

Police chief responds to multi-vehicle accident A pickup truck T-boned an SUV on Cortez Road West. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

CORTEZ – Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby was among the first to respond to a three-vehicle accident on Cortez Road West Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 4. The accident occurred near The Cortez Clam Factory restaurant and the Safeguard Self Storage facility. The following day, Cosby provided a brief summary of the accident being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. Cosby said a pickup truck T-boned the passenger side of an SUV. While trying to avoid the collision, a third vehicle crossed Cortez Road and struck two cars across the street at Paul’s Automotive Services. “The two guys in the pickup truck weren’t wearing seatbelts. The dash pinned them between the dash and the seats and they suffered broken legs, broken hip,” Cosby said. “The SUV got hit so hard that the bar between the passenger doors was pushed against the driver’s seat and had him pinned between the driver’s door and the seat. I was able to reach in and undo his seat belt and that much relief stopped his pain. He had glass all in his face. It was a mess,” Cosby said. The accident resulted in traffic being significantly backed up on Cortez Road that afternoon.


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JANUARY 12, 2022

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IGW featured artist paints what he loves Island Gallery West honors its featured artist for January, Darryl Goldman, whose show, “Simple Memories,” is currently on display. BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Island Gallery West’s January Featured Artist, Darryl Goldman, paints what he loves and draws inspiration from his life experiences and his strong faith. A display of Goldman’s art titled “Simple Memories” takes center stage in the front window of the gallery in Holmes Beach. Oil paintings of animals range from exotic birds to farm animals including sheep. “I like to paint sheep because of my faith,” said Goldman. “The Bible is full of sheep, and I really enjoy painting them. The mules come from growing up around farms. My relatives had farms in Mississippi and growing up, there were always mules.” Goldman is a retired Army Chaplain who served for 25 years in the U.S. and Europe. Spending a great deal of

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Island Gallery West’s featured artist for January, Darryl Goldman, works in his home art studio. time in Germany, he often found time to paint the beautiful sights of Bavaria, but since there was never enough time for oil to dry, his Army days were spent painting with watercolors, which dry much faster. After retiring, Goldman and his wife, Linda, spent more than two years traveling the country, which allowed him to work many plein air scenes (paintings done outside, on location). There are multiple examples of Goldman’s plein air works on display, ranging from farm life in the upper Midwest to nautical scenes in Cortez.

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“I really like to paint from old black and white photos,” said Goldman, who pointed out examples on display at the gallery which he painted from old photographs that caught his eye. “I painted that trailer court down there. I imagine you don’t see too many trailer park paintings, but being new to Florida, I just found it fascinating.” “Simple Memories” will be on display until the end of January, and all works on display are available for purchase.

You can meet Goldman on Friday, Jan. 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the monthly Holmes Beach Art Walk reception. There will be drinks and bites, live music by Chip Ragsdale and plenty of art. Island Gallery West is at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information call 941-778-6648 or visit www. islandgallerywest.com.


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OUTDOORS

JANUARY 12, 2022

Suncoast Waterkeeper, guardian of the bay Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

A

s readers are no doubt aware, I love to write about all things fishing, including the need to actively work to protect the resources that support this special area. That’s why I work with and write about Suncoast Waterkeeper, the organization that I believe is the driving force in protecting water quality in Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Sound. The organization has experienced significant growth recently and is now seeking an executive director. A member

of the International Waterkeeper Alliance, the group was formed in 2012 by attorney Justin Bloom. A graduate of New College in Sarasota, Bloom worked in New York City as Waterkeeper Alliance’s Eastern regional director before moving back to Sarasota and founding Suncoast Waterkeeper. The mission of Suncoast Waterkeeper is to protect and restore the Florida Suncoast’s waterways through enforcement, field work, advocacy and environmental education for the benefit of the communities that rely upon these precious coastal resources. The group’s stated priority is to work with local municipalities to ensure that appropriate laws are being followed, and to take corrective action when they are not.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Suncoast Waterkeeper's work helps ensure that quality trout swim local waters. Eben Schaefer took this fish on fly in Palma Sola Bay. Their work is supported by science, statutes and environmental ethics. This is a terrific opportunity to lead an organization with a committed board that has a proven track record of suc-

cess and has seen exponential growth over the past few years. While the organization’s focus is on the coastal waterways of Sarasota and Manatee counties, it has negotiated major settlements with Sarasota

County, St. Petersburg and Largo. These settlements have led to millions of dollars of investment in upgrading outdated wastewater treatment facilities that have and will have a major impact on preventing nutrient loading to Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. The organization is highly respected in the community as a leader in protecting the resources that are the economic engine of the region. Suncoast Waterkeeper is located in an area that is rich in philanthropy, at the center of three National Estuaries, and is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. This position provides direct access to some of the area’s most influential decision-makers. SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 19


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JANUARY 12, 2022

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FISH board votes to invite Kiwanis members to come to the FISH Preserve for a weekend of camping and fun. BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ - The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) held its monthly meeting on Jan. 3 at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez, and on the agenda was a vote to hold a campout weekend at the FISH Preserve for the Bradenton Kiwanis Club. “The Kiwanis Club has been working with us on a project out here, but it’s a small portion of the Kiwanis Club,” said Allen Garner, who has worked hundreds of hours on improvements to the FISH Preserve in Cortez. “Those of us that have been working on the project wanted to get more of the club members out here to see it.” Garner says the purpose of having a campout is to get Kiwanis

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Allen Garner addresses the FISH board of directors at their Jan. 3 meeting at Fishermen’s Hall in Cortez. members who were not able to the extent of the preserve,” said participate in the project to have Garner. “We want to get more a chance to see all the good work members out to see the place, and that has been done. They are welmaybe that will help with funding come to bring tents, motorhomes in the future.” or whatever they may choose to The FISH board of directors camp in and enjoy a weekend of voted unanimously to approve the fun at the Preserve. camping weekend, which will be “We also want to make it a Feb. 11-13. kayaking day so they can see BRING IN THIS AD FOR

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Suncoast Waterkeeper's executive director will lead the organization’s daily activities while developing sustainable streams of revenue through fundraising. The director will have overall operational responsibility for Suncoast Waterkeeper’s programs and will work with Publitics, the organization's public relations firm, to manage its social media presence and website management. The director will report directly to the board of directors. This is a remote/ virtual workplace position to start and has the potential for an office location in the future. The director will be expected to communicate a clear vision for Suncoast Waterkeeper, coordinate and implement ongoing strategic planning and direct fundraising and budgeting. A major focus will be on identifying, applying for and monitoring grant applications. The director will also oversee committees to strengthen membership, donations and sponsorship programs. Strong communications skills will be necessary to effectively serve as the official spokesperson and to clearly articulate a compelling case for supporting the mission. The di-

CODE: rector will work with aPROMO variety of au- LP40off sciences and/or environmental SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. diences, particularly city and county studies or nonprofit management. officials, community leaders and An advanced degree is a plus. major donor prospects. The director Equivalent experience in ALSO AVAILABLE! will attend community, government environmental sciences and/or and agency meetings to represent environmental studies or nonprofit the organization. In addition, the di- management will be considered. rector will advise and inform board The director should also have a members, recommend policy and proven track record of 3-5 years provide clear and accurate reports in a leadership role, preferably in for the board to effectively monitor a nonprofit. Public speaking and the organization’s progress. The media experience will be a critical director also will be charged with component. establishing evaluation systems and Suncoast Waterkeeper is an equal organizational processes to monitor opportunity employer. The organiproject and program outcomes and zation celebrates diversity and is improve quality services. committed to creating an inclusive Financial planning, compliance environment for all employees, conand management skills will be tractors, volunteers and members of needed to work with the treasurer our community. Salary and benefits and accountant in preparing and are commensurate with experience. presenting the annual budget with the board’s direction and guidance. APPLICANTS SHOULD SUBMIT: The director will also monitor • Cover letter cash flow and provide regular, • Resume/CV comprehensive reports to the board • Three references (references on revenues and expenditures. The will only be contacted during the director will oversee all necessary final round of interviews) registrations and certifications to Submit applications to: EDcomply with state requirements for Search@suncoastwaterkeeper.org, nonprofits. P.O. Box 1028, Sarasota, FL 34230 Qualifications require a • 941-202-3182 bachelor’s degree in environmental www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org


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FOOD & WINE

JANUARY 12, 2022

Blueberry muffins an easy treat Paul Foster

Blueberry Muffins (Serves 15 6oz muffins)

I

GINNY'S AND JANE E'S CAFE AND GIFT STORE

t’s morning and you’re on the way to work or you’re about to sit down and read the paper. You got a great espresso, Americano or latte with something to nibble on. Pretty good chance that “something” is a fresh morning muffin. There are many kinds to choose from. It could be a bran muffin with raisins or maybe a cake-base banana muffin. Corn and bran muffins go back to the early 1800s in America. They were dense and hearty then, with a focus on lots of calories. Nowadays, it’s about just being flavorful and delicious. Americans love to accompany their coffee with something sweet. It can be a fruit or cheese turnover, a donut, eclair, a muffin or a decadent cinnamon roll. It’s easy to pick at while reading or going to the beach or while you are driving somewhere. Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks have good coffee, but they bring you in for a donut or muffin to accompany that cup of coffee. At Ginny’s, our number-one selling muffin is our blueberry. It can be challenged by our chocolate chip and bran muffin, called the “morning glory,” but the blueberry is the top choice for many locals and visitors. The key, of course, is lots of blueberries. No secret there. Noth-

Ingredients

24 oz butter 43 oz sugar ¼ cup baking powder 1 tablespoon salt 12 large eggs 62 oz AP flour 3 cups whole milk 20 oz frozen Maine blueberries 1/8th cup vanilla extract Brown sugar

Directions

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ing worse than getting a muffin that’s all cake. It needs to be moist and full of fruit. At home, if you are having company over in the morning, have some fresh-baked muffins on the table. It’s easy, delicious and not too messy. No muss, no fuss. The recipe we share with you here can have any fruit put into the mix. Blueberries are great, but so are strawberries, blackberries, banan-

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as, pecans and brown sugar, (coffee cake muffin) apples, and cranberries. The key is, add the fruit into the batter last, and directly put the mix into the muffin tin for baking. The following is our recipe at Ginny’s, tried and true. We use frozen, wild blueberries from Maine. But there are lots of Florida blueberries, as well. Personally, the smaller Maine berries are full of flavor and it’s why we use them. Also, we add

• On low setting, mix butter, sugar, baking powder, salt, and eggs in a bowl. • Scrape all of mix off of side of bowl, then break up any butter chunks. Then mix on low for one minute, then high for one minute. Then stop, add milk, eggs and vanilla, mix on low until well mixed. Stir in the berries until well blended. Spray veggie oil into muffin pans making sure to cover sides and scoop 5 to 6 ounces into each muffin cup. Press some brown sugar on top to taste. • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes depending on the size of muffin.

the berries frozen to the mix. The juice can water down the mix but if you remove the juice, you remove the flavor. The berries will begin to thaw when you mix them in and you will get that wonderful color throughout the mix.


JANUARY 12, 2022

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REAL ESTATE

JANUARY 12, 2022

Price, commissions and marketing

hat’s the common denominator in the real estate market? The sale price, the commission you pay to brokers and the marketing techniques. All three of these topics are creating headlines in the new year. Starting with the price of real estate, it’s almost redundant to say that existing home sales are on track for their strongest year since 2006, and this is expected to continue with low mortgage interest rates. Currently, mortgage interest rates for a 30-year, fixedrate mortgage are just over 3%. However, the Federal Reserve has indicated they could move to raise the federal funds rate, which could influence the long-term mortgage rates. Nevertheless, the rates are still low for most buyers and won’t have a major impact on the market. As reported at the end of December, Manatee County hit another record high in November with the median sale price of single-family homes at $450,411, 28.5% higher than last November. Nationally, as reported by the National Association of Real-

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER tors, the median single-family home sold for $353,900, up 13.9% from last November. Note that this is about $100,000 less than Manatee County’s median. Realtor commissions have always been a source of constant conversation among home sellers, and with selling prices sky-high, the conversation is not about to change. Now, the Justice Department is investigating home sales commissions, which are typically in the 5% to 6% range. Previously, the Justice Department and the National Association of Realtors reached an agreement to provide more disclosure on broker fees and make them more competitive. This agreement was withdrawn last summer so the government can pursue a broader investigation into bro-

ker commissions. The National Association of Realtors indicates that in a tight sales market with rising prices, the job of the real estate agent has become more important than ever to sellers and buyers trying to navigate an unpredictable market. In addition, real estate commissions are fully negotiable and have declined slightly to a national average of about 4.9%. Finally, since every seller is looking for the best deal they can get, many, especially those who need a degree of privacy, are choosing off-market transactions. Off-market transactions are those that do not go through the local Multiple Listing Service to market the property. This frequently happens when brokers approach homeowners directly with the promise of a buyer for their property, which is technically not on the market. Some homeowners may be thinking of selling but don’t really know the true value and are overwhelmed when they are told what the value actually is. This may or may not work out for the homeowner, or it can be the old adage: if it

sounds too good to be true, it may be too good to be true. There are lots of pros and cons to off-market, with the top con being not hearing offers from other potential buyers and eliminating the “bidding war” that is happening in most transactions in this market. The National Association of Realtors does allow brokers to market homes through its agency in certain circumstances without sharing with other brokers in the community. This is called an office exclusive or pocket listing and again may be advantageous for certain sellers. If these types of marketing techniques appeal to you as a seller, do your homework first. Get the comps independently of the broker by checking tax records and online comparable sales, and make sure your home is located in a desirable area. Every property has its own unique qualities, and every property also shares similar marketing options. It’s up to you to choose what’s the best way to market your property. Sale prices up, inventory down; nothing appears to be changing in the new year.


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JANUARY 12, 2022

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Butterfly garden plans move forward Plans for re-establishing a butterfly garden in Holmes Beach are flying forward. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The city’s Parks and Beautification Committee members are moving full steam ahead with a plan to re-establish a butterfly garden at Veterans Park. The park, located next to city hall at 5801 Marina Drive, once was host to butterflies and plants that help protect and nourish the insects. However, after issues arose with the care of the park and its plants, the overgrown plants were removed from the park, which was later renamed Veterans Park. Currently the park features a brick walkway around a water fountain, a few trees and flowering plants and park benches. Parks and Beautification members discussed planting butterfly-friendly plants back in the location during their December meeting and at their Jan. 5 meeting they were already establishing a plan for what plants to put in the park with the help of Manatee County Master Gardener Norma Kisida.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Manatee County Master Gardener Norma Kisida presents her plan for planting butterfly-friendly plants at the Holmes Beach Veterans Park. Kisida gave committee members a presentation on butterflies and the best plants to feed the insects at all life stages and also to protect them. She also gave them a list of plants she hopes to see planted at the location to help en-

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courage butterflies to return to the park and a proposed layout for the plants to best provide for the butterflies. Before moving forward with planting, committee members are awaiting the results of a soil salinity test to deter-

mine if the soil at the park will support the growth of butterfly-friendly plants and if the plants need to be placed in some kind of berm or raised bed. They also plan to narrow down the list of which butterfly plants have the best chance of thriving in the park. Committee member Mary Lange said she would work on an application for a grant to potentially receive up to $500 toward the cost of planting at the park. Also planned for installation at the park is a veterans memorial wall where the names of military veterans from the Anna Maria Island community can be memorialized after their passing. The discussion on the butterfly garden is expected to continue when committee members meet in February as is the one on the community garden, planned for installation on a city-owned lot adjacent to Grassy Point Preserve. City Engineer and committee Chair Sage Kamiya said that the material for the community garden’s raised planting boxes has been purchased and the boxes will be constructed by public works employees over the coming weeks. He added that grading at that site is expected to happen soon.


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BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

12/31, 11:30 a.m., theft, 135 Bridge St. The officer was dispatched in reference to a past theft. The victim said she had left her purse at The Bridge Tender Inn on Dec. 29 and returned to retrieve it on Dec. 31. When the purse was returned, the victim claimed $300 in cash was missing, along with a pair of Apple Air Pods valued at $350. The victim was able to track the air pods through her phone and the address was a location where her server at the restaurant was known to live. Police tried to reach the server but have not been able to make contact. A bar receipt shows the employee in question was the victim’s server.

HOLMES BEACH

12/31, 12:07 a.m., suspicious circumstances, 6900 Gulf Drive. Two officers were dispatched to the location in reference to a suspicious person looking into the caller’s daughter’s bedroom window. After the daughter saw a man looking into her window, she left the room and got her father who went outside and saw the suspect heading down the stairs from

the second floor. The father also said he called out to the man who turned around and clearly showed the record screen of his phone. A search was conducted in the area, but the suspect could not be found. 1/1, 1:28 a.m., domestic violence, 213 84th St. A female victim called police, who responded when the victim said her boyfriend had hit her then fled the scene. The victim said she woke up to her boyfriend kicking her and pulling her hair. The victim would not give information on the boyfriend’s possible motive for the attack. The victim refused treatment by EMS and stated she did not want help from police, she just wanted the boyfriend to leave. Police cleared the scene and completed a capias request. No further action was taken. 1/1, 6:58 p.m., reckless driving, 2900 Ave. F. Officers responded to the 38th Street public beach access after receiving reports of a truck driving on the beach at a high rate of speed running over sandcastles. Multiple beachgoers witnessed

JANUARY 12, 2022

the vehicle, and at least one had video and photographic evidence. They also said the truck had logos on the doors and believed it was a city or county vehicle. A truck with Manatee County logos on the doors was found in the public beach parking lot with sand in the fender wells. The driver said her supervisor gave her permission to drive on the beach to avoid traffic. She admitted to driving through a sandcastle on purpose but said she did not exceed 15 mph. Two other employees were also in the truck and admitted to running over a sandcastle on purpose. The driver’s supervisor was contacted by police and informed the officers she was no longer allowed to drive county vehicles. The driver was cited for reckless driving and given a ride back to her personal vehicle.

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JANUARY 12, 2022

SARASOTA 473 Partridge Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,226 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4511642 $3,095,000

SARASOTA 3835 Pomegranate Place 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,179 Sq. Ft. Kelly Quigley 941-356-9954 A4519108 $2,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1445 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,982 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Fox & Susan Fox, PA 941-544-6649 A4515949 $1,330,000

BRADENTON 10012 Kingfisher Road E 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,473 Sq. Ft. Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Maureen Horn 941-799-1943 A4516775 $1,295,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $3,999,000

LONGBOAT KEY 100 Sands Point Road 323 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,941 Sq. Ft. Peter Salefsky & Rachelle Golden 941-724-5107 A4517962 $995,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Brigitte Von Kessel 941-266-2174 A4519006 $895,000

BRADENTON 3912 Plumosa Terrace Street W 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,679 Sq. Ft. Pam Goodwin & Fran DeDona 941-812-0754 A4517658 $749,000

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LONGBOAT KEY 4410 Exeter Drive K205 2 Beds 2 Baths 992 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4519064 $595,000

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HOLMES BEACH 4003 5th Avenue 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,200 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4514159 $1,585,000

SARASOTA 1350 5th Street 303 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,928 Sq. Ft. Heidi Lusk 941-681-5227 A4519729 $1,575,000

LONGBOAT KEY 741 Fox Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,390 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer & Mark J Baron 941-465-1124 A4520104 $1,195,000

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JANUARY 12, 2022

MANATEES: Record number die in 2021 FROM PAGE 1

The downlisting came after the Pacific Legal Foundation, on behalf of Save Crystal River Inc., a recreational boating group, petitioned the USFWS, saying the safety measures addressing the manatee’s endangered level of protection were bad for tourism and boating businesses. In light of record-high 2021 mortalities, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Manatee) has called on the USFWS to revisit its decision and restore the manatee from “threatened” to “endangered” status, joined by former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham, co-founder in 1981 with singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett of the Save the Manatee Club.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

To help protect the state’s official marine mammal, follow these tips: • Obey posted signs for manatee slow-speed zones. • Wear polarized sunglasses to see manatees in your path. • Keep a lookout for the circular “footprints” or ripples they leave on the surface of the water. • If you observe a manatee mating herd - several manatees gathering as males vie to mate with a female - watch from at least 100 feet away. Coming any closer might disrupt the mating or endanger you; adult manatees typically

weigh more than 1,000 pounds. • Never feed or water manatees as they will become habituated to people, which could put them at risk of injury. • Stow trash and line when underway. Marine debris that blows overboard can become ingested by or entangled around manatees. Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), dial #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text Tip@MyFWC.com if: • you see a manatee with a pink or red (fresh) wound. • the manatee is tilting to one side, unable to submerge or seems to have trouble breathing. • you see a manatee calf by itself with no adults around for an extended period. • you see anyone harassing a manatee in any way. • you see boaters speeding in a protected area. • you see a manatee entangled in monofilament, crab-trap lines or other debris. • you see a dead manatee. To support the FWC’s manatee research, rescue and management efforts, purchase a Florida manatee license plate or donate $5 to receive a collectible FWC manatee decal at a local Tax Collector’s office.

Manatee deaths in Florida this century YEAR

DEATHS

2000 ������������������������������������������������� 272 2001 �������������������������������������������������� 325 2002 ������������������������������������������������� 305 2003 ������������������������������������������������� 380 2004 ������������������������������������������������� 276 2005 ������������������������������������������������� 396 2006 ������������������������������������������������� 417 2007 ������������������������������������������������� 317 2008 ������������������������������������������������� 337 2009 ������������������������������������������������� 429 2010 ��������������������������������������������������766 2011 ��������������������������������������������������453 2012 ��������������������������������������������������392 2013 ��������������������������������������������������830 2014 �������������������������������������������������� 371 2015 ��������������������������������������������������405 2016 ��������������������������������������������������520 2017 ��������������������������������������������������538 2018 ��������������������������������������������������824 2019 ��������������������������������������������������607 2020 �������������������������������������������������637 2021 �����������������������������������������������1,101

TOTAL: 10,898

Manatee population surveys 2021. not conducted due to COVID-19 2020 .not conducted due to weather 2019 ���������������������������������������������� 5,733 2018 ���������������������������������������������� 6,131 2017 ��������������������������������������������� 6,620 2016 ���������������������������������������������� 6,250 2015 ���������������������������������������������� 6,063 SOURCE: FWC

MADISON: Swims around AMI FROM PAGE 1

Those people are members of the local Open Water Swim Club based on Anna Maria Island, casually organized by Garry Fenimore. The group has been together for about nine years and varies from 10 to 20 people depending on the time of year and the weather, he said, adding that last week, they held a special event, swimming from Bean Point to Manatee Beach. The group meets every Sunday at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, where Madison started and ended her swim. “Her husband kayaked for her,” Fenimore said. “You really have to have a kayaker because of boat traffic and the length of the swim.” Unlike marathon swimmer Diana Nyad, who trained off Anna Maria Island in 2010 to swim from Havana to Key West with a Sun staff member as observer, Madison encountered no stinging jellyfish, but only friendly dolphins on her swim. She accomplished the feat a little at a time.

JULIE MADISON | SUBMITTED

Julie Madison begins her swim around Anna Maria Island at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach on Dec. 30. “It’s all about figuring out goals that work for you and pushing yourself just a little bit,” said Madison, who also works with the Fresh Start Swim Series, organizing swim races in Madeira Beach, Honeymoon Island and St. Petersburg Beach to benefit Forgotten Coast K9, which trains service dogs for veterans. “I started out 15 minutes at a clip and pushed my speed and pushed my distance until I could eventually do 17 miles.”

WATER: Quality key to tourism FROM PAGE 1

Locals and tourists choose this area partly because of optimal swimming and boating conditions. Tomasko stressed how much the quality of the water has to do with our economy. “People pay a premium to live here,” Tomasko said. “If you want to have cheap waterfront communities, go to Merritt Island. You’ll pay a lot less per square foot than you will here or on Siesta Key or Longboat Key. The water is not good there.” There are 20,000 jobs associated with the bay, he said, including not just the fishing industry, but service industry people like bartenders and servers, bayfront businesses and their owners and staff. The list goes on, he added, saying that water quality is a major factor in keeping these people employed. “The final thing is Florida’s wildlife heritage. This is the worst year on record for manatee deaths in the state of Florida,” said Tomasko. “Over a thousand dead,

and halfway through this year we were already in the worst year. The previous worst year was a red tide year in 2013.” According to data gathered by Tomasko and the program, the reason for the manatee deaths is very simple; they’re starving. Decreased water quality has caused the seagrass meadows, which are the primary food source for manatees, to die off by at least 60% in the Indian River Lagoon. To help save the starving manatees, for the first time ever, the Estuary Program is going to pay people to feed them romaine lettuce. While Sarasota Bay has not reached that level, it has lost 22% of its seagrass and could be headed in that direction sooner than later. The Piney Point wastewater spill last spring was cited as a major concern and may be doing more damage than just the red tide outbreak in 2021, he said, and the ripple effect could cause problems that the bay has yet to see.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, addresses the Manatee County Tourist Development Council at its December meeting.


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JANUARY 12, 2022

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Top real estate producers for December 2021 A PARADISE

Quentin Talbert - Listing Bobbi Marchbank - Selling

AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY

Marianne Norman-Ellis – Listing Rochelle Bowers – Selling

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE

REMAX ALLIANCE GROUP

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE

Lynn Zemmer - Listing & Selling

941.779.0304

941.504.7821

Christine Kourik - Listing Cindy Quinn - Selling

SALTY MERMAID REAL ESTATE

FRAN MAXON

Diana Sinisi – Listing Nicole Skaggs and Alex Rutland - Selling

ISLAND REAL ESTATE

Jason Sato – Listing & Selling

Stephanie Bell – Listing & Selling

the Pineapple

MIKE NORMAN

Sue Carlson - Listing Tanya McCormick - Selling

Darcie Duncan - Listing &Selling

Say hello to your new neighbors

MICHAEL SAUNDERS

Ken Kavanaugh – Listing Kathy Harman - Selling

Kathleen White and Erin Leathem – Listing Ryan Sheck - Selling

SATO REAL ESTATE

WAGNER REAL ESTATE

Team of Becky Smith & Elfi Starrett – Listing Miguel Rosa - Selling


28

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JANUARY 12, 2022

Engineering underway for potential shoreline resiliency project There is no funding in place to carry out the engineering plans being developed. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials do not support a barrier wall being included in the plans for a potential living shoreline/ shoreline resiliency project along Bay Drive South. On Thursday, Jan. 6, the city commission voted 5-0 in favor of accepting the revised 30% completed engineering plans presented by the Tampa-based Environmental Science Associates (ESA) firm. The plans presented Thursday evening included revisions made as a result of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) discussion that took place the day before. During both meetings, the plans were presented during a videoconference with ESA representatives Brett Solomon, Bryan Flynn and Tom Ries. The living shoreline/shoreline resiliency engineering plans are being funded by a $92,433 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The grant only covers engineering and design costs and does not include additional funds for the actual construction of a living shoreline/shoreline resiliency project, and no city or CRA funds are currently budgeted for such a project.

CRA DISCUSSION

The plans presented to the CRA members on Wednesday originally referenced a barrier wall to be installed along a portion of the project area that extends along the eastern side of Bay Drive South, from Bridge Street to Fifth Street South and including the area near the Bridge Street Pier and city-owned dinghy dock. The engineering plans also propose the use of natural fill materials, man-

groves and other plants, sloped earthen berms, concrete reef balls, oyster bags, bio logs and other onshore and offshore materials that could help make the Bay Drive South shoreline more resilient to future sea-level rise and rising tides. The plans are based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projection that sea-level rise is expected to increase by approximately 4.5 feet by 2050. Flynn said the southern portion of the Bay Drive South shoreline currently has a 2-3 foot ground elevation and the elevation increases to 5-6 feet toward the northern end of the street. He said the goal is to get consistent elevation of greater than 5 feet along that entire shoreline to combat sea-level rise and increase shoreline resiliency. Flynn said off-shore reef balls and oyster domes or oyster bags would help dissipate wave energy before the waves reach the plants, berms and other onshore elements. The seven-member CRA board that includes all five city commissioners and two non-commissioners made it clear they did not support a concrete wall being included in the project. CRA Chair Ralph Cole said, “That has been such a natural beachline for such a long time and it has been beat down by erosion. When man gets in and makes walls and does a lot of stuff I don’t think it does as good as just helping out Mother Nature and maybe pushing some fill back in there and some natural grass or whatever.” Cole also expressed concerns about the maintenance requirements associated with a concrete wall that may eventually require replacement. CRA member David Bell lives in the Old Bridge Village condominiums located along the western side of Bay Drive South. “I think there’s going to be a lot of resistance to the wall,” he said.

JOE HENDRICKS / SUN

The Bay Drive South shoreline varies in elevation and shoreline features. CRA member Jan Vosburgh agreed. Bell also expressed concerns about a solid wall retaining rainwater on the landward side and preventing that water from dispersing into Sarasota Bay. He also questioned whether the offshore reef balls would be visible during low tides. In addition to the aesthetics of a shoreline wall, the CRA members expressed concerns about obstructing property owners’ existing views and access to their private docks. CRA member Jake Spooner noted most of the shoreline property being discussed is privately owned. It was also noted that the Bay Drive South rights of way are owned and controlled by

the city. Solomon said ESA representatives could engage in on-site meetings with potentially impacted property owners. Those meetings are to be coordinated by the city clerk’s office. In response to the wall concerns, Ries referenced an illustration that shows how an earthen berm can be used to disguise a concrete storm wall contained within, with the top of the wall serving as a raised sidewalk. He said such a berm would not need to be more than 3 feet above the existing ground elevation. “Three feet high is not going to block your view. We want this to be as natural as possible, but in some locations we’re constrained

by space. We are trying to get away from seawalls. We want something that truly has resiliency and will work with the nature we have,” Ries said. As to whether to continue to engineering process, Cole said, “If it’s a grant, it’s free money to get it designed. We’re not obligated to carry that out.” City Attorney Ricinda Perry noted additional project-related grants may be easier to obtain when associated with a pre-designed shovel-ready project. CRA member John Chappie said the goal is to create a long-term plan that can be implanted in phases as funds becomes available. “This is a long-term commitment to get to where we want to be five, 10, 15, 20, 30 years down the road,” Chappie said. The CRA members unanimously supported moving forward with the engineering plans to be revised based on the input provided during Wednesday’s meeting.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION The revised design options presented to the city commission Thursday evening still reference earthen

berms but no longer reference a shoreline wall. In response to a question from Spooner, Flynn clarified that the offshore oyster bags would be comprised of discarded oyster shells and would not contain live oysters but would help create reef habitats for oysters and other marine life. During public comment, Old Bridge Village resident and board of directors member Bruce Herard thanked the mayor and commission for pursuing the shoreline resiliency project. Herard said during a tropical storm in 2020 he sat in his home watching the water rise and the waves wash over Bay Drive South. “It was the waves that were really frightening in terms of what might ultimately happen to our property. The water came right up to the lip of my garage but didn’t enter. That causes you to understand that we have a real issue. I don’t want my view screwed up, but on the other hand I want my building to not be flooded,” Herard said. The 60% completed engineering plans are due Feb. 8 and the 100% completed plans are due April 29.


JANUARY 12, 2022

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 "Amanpour & Co." network 4 Enough and then some 9 Strand during a hail storm, say 14 GPS finding 15 Take it easy 16 "__ Rae" 17 Put to work 18 Small earthen pot 19 Huge success 20 Sandwich in Denver? 23 Astronomical octet 24 River Foyle's province 28 Form 1099 agcy. 29 Japanese sandal 31 Hullabaloo 32 Puts up, as drapes 35 Sandwich on the briny? 37 Scott of "Big Little Answers to 01-05-22 Crossword Puzzle.

Lies" 38 Examined in court 39 Metric prefix 40 Sandwich in the neighborhood? 42 Like a soufflé, if everything goes well 43 Busy mo. for the 28-Across 44 Senate staffer 45 Some MIT grads 46 Wright who quipped, "Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time" 48 Elaborate wardrobe 52 Sandwich at a church concert? 55 Left 58 Bugs with weapons 59 Oral health org. 60 Musical work 61 Revise 62 Casual greetings

THE SUN

63 Gets the kitty going 64 They may be pressing 65 Neruda verse Down 1 Zaftig 2 Pho garnish 3 Inscribed pillar 4 Quiver carriers 5 Rates 6 Promotes 7 Mascara target 8 Corp. bigwig 9 Pancreatic hormone 10 "The Gift of the Magi" gift 11 Stat for Clayton Kershaw 12 Online chats, briefly 13 "Hard pass" 21 "The Imitation Game" encryption machine 22 Shockingly vivid 25 Zaps 26 Elicit 27 Sign of spring 29 Former name of the Congo 30 Cookie with a Tiramisu Flavor Creme variety 32 "Papa Bear" of football 33 Take on 34 Mother-of-pearl 35 TV's talking horse 36 Acquirer of more than

1,000 patents 38 Doohickey 41 Ophelia's brother 42 Does some jogging? 45 Task for a gofer 47 Word with mail or

box 48 Say yes 49 You can cross it in about an hour on I-90 50 Fixed up 51 Remove all traces of

53 Grace period? 54 Alaskan seaport 55 Place for a peel 56 Map insert 57 Service to redo

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CLASSIFIED

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 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.

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

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941565-3931

EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE WORKER AT ISLAND CONDO. 40 hours per week plus benefits. 941-778-5915 westbaypoint@verizon. net

Call us today! 941-778-3986

THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT is hiring all positions Front of House Back of House Full time & PT Very competitive pay Come by in person @ 111 South Bay Blvd Or Call Manger Chef Billy 678-229-8888

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

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

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.

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

FISHING CHARTERS

GARAGE SALE: Gardening, fishing, construction, bench tools (power), kids’ furniture, bikes. Saturday January 15. 10am-1pm. 327 Tarpon, City of Ana Maria

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

LOCAL LONG STANDING Island Business looking for an experienced full charge bookkeeper/accountant. Pay Commensurate with experience. Please send your resume to info@ gaunt.com

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.

HIRING VACATION RENTAL Reservationists/Quality Control Anna Maria Island 40 hours a week plus benefits, weekends required Customer focused individuals, willing to train please send resume liz@ SaltyMermaidami.com

“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money. 941-778-3206

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

LOST & FOUND FOUND PACKAGE WITH CAMERA EQUIPMENT including SD cards, Cannon Lenses. Found near 1101 Gulf Dr N Queen’s Gate Resort Call 941-320-2697

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. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

JANUARY 12, 2022

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

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

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 AUTHORITY ONE 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

RENTAL WANTED

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

SEEKING 2BR/2BA on AMI. Clean, quite married couple. 20 year island residents in search of unfurnished house or apartment. Long term rental, excellent references. Call 941-704-2357

REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com

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.

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 $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525 VACATION RENTALANNA MARIA 3BR/2.5BA beautiful home west of Gulf Drive just steps to the beach. Available January and February 2022. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307. SEASONAL/MONTHLY/ WEEKLY 2BR/2BA Cozy Cottage. Tastefully furnished, close to beach, tennis courts and boat ramp in Holmes Beach. Call 941778-2919 Renting March 26 thru December 31.

TRANSPORTATION

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600


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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

TRANSPORTATION

PAINTING

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the Team Duncan Difference! Local-Area Expertise Outstanding Customer C t S Service i Experienced Professionals Proven Performance

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