Seafood Shack parcel sale closes
The county plans a public boat ramp and other amenities at the site.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Manatee County purchased the Seafood Shack and Marina on Dec. 31 after delays caused in part by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Manatee County Property Acquisition Division Manager Charles Meador made the announcement at a Jan. 8 Manatee County Commission meeting.
“We had this agenda item on here just to provide an update, but fortunately over the past week we were able to close on the property, so that is the update, so now we left it on here so we could announce to the public that we own the property,” Manatee County Deputy County Administrator Bryan Parnell said. “It was a long journey.”
The property, which consists of seven upland
SEE SEAFOOD SHACK, PAGE 16
Island mayors relieved by OPPAGA consolidation report
State legislators are no longer pursuing the potential consolidation of the Island cities.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The consolidation of the three Anna Maria Island cities appears unlikely according to a consolidation study-related letter sent to the three Island mayors last week from State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and State Sen. Jim Boyd.
“The OPPAGA study confirms what we have discussed over the past year,” the letter says. “Merging or eliminating cities could negatively impact the unique and special character of the Island and could have a detrimental impact on issues like building height. The lower height of buildings on the
Island must be valued and maintained at all costs. Anna Maria Island must never become a high-rise community and anything that would cause that to happen would be a nonstarter to us.”
Dated Jan. 9, the letter accompanied the completed OPPAGA (Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability) consolidation study report emailed to Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth on Jan. 8. The mayors then shared the report and the letter with their respective city commissioners.
OPPAGA is a research arm of the Florida Legislature.
The issuance of Boyd and Robinson’s letter and the sharing of the completed 25-page OPPAGA study
Pines homeowners caught off guard by closure
After the city allowed residents to begin repairs, the park owners announced its closure.
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – In a community that Pines Trailer Park homeowners expected to be bustling with activity once again after receiving the city’s permission to repair their hurricane-damaged mobile homes, the 86-unit park now sits quietly following the ownership’s decision to shut the park down.
Pines Trailer Park mobile homeowners reacted to the Jan. 4 park closure notification from Pines Park Investors LLC, including those who bought there in 2024 based on what they said were assurances from
the ownership that the park would remain in existence for five to 10 more years.
Two months before Hurricane Helene hit on Sept. 26, Cory Jackson purchased four mobile homes in the Pines. Those purchases were based in part on what he said were assurances by the owner and management that the park would not only remain in place for 10 years, but that improvements were planned in the coming years.
“I was told by Brien (Quinn, former park manager) and Shawn (Kaleta, Pines Park Investors LLC manager) that it would be 10 years before anything would happen and the intent was to add a pool by the clubhouse in a couple of years,” he said.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
The Seafood Shack parcel was sold to Manatee County on Dec. 31 and will be used as a public boating facility.
Farrington sworn in as elections supervisor
Scott Farrington takes over for interim Supervisor of Elections James Satcher.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY –
Scott Farrington has been sworn in as Manatee County’s new supervisor of elections.
On Jan. 7, Clerk of the Court Angelina Colonneso swore Farrington in with his wife, Amy, and his son, Jacob, standing by his side. The ceremony took place at the supervisor of elections office in Bradenton in a room filled with county residents and elections office staff members.
In January 2024, Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett announced his retirement effective March 1. In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher to
serve the remaining months of Bennett’s four-year term, despite Satcher having no prior experience conducting an election or running an elections office.
In response to DeSantis’ decision, Farrington resigned as the elections office chief of staff. He then sought election to serve as Manatee County’s next duly-elected supervisor of elections. In August, Farrington defeated Satcher in the August primary election and he ran unopposed in the general election in November.
The swearing-in ceremony began with Bennett addressing the large crowd and saying, “This goes to show what happens when the right people win.”
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Colonneso conducted the brief ceremony that ended with a warm round of applause.
Farrington then thanked Bennett, for whom he served as chief of staff for 11 years.
He also shared some thoughts about being a first-time candidate and having to gather petition signatures, design campaign signs, attend campaign fundraisers and participate in other campaignrelated activities.
In reference to the non-partisan nature of the elections office and attending a campaign fundraiser organized
by Bennett, Farrington said, “I’ve done my best to stay out of politics. That was the first fundraiser I’ve ever been to and I hope it’s the last.”
Getting more emotional, Farrington thanked his wife and son. “My family: I wouldn’t be here without their support. Amy knew when to push, when to support and when to kick me in the ass –
and she enjoyed the last part a little too much.”
Farrington praised the elections office staff for successfully conducting the primary and general elections – a feat accomplished with an inexperienced, first-time supervisor. He asked them to stand and be recognized with a round of applause.
“Without them, you would not have had an election. I know I can count on you,” he told them.
To the county residents in attendance, he said, “I believe the reason you decided to elect me is because you trusted the elections we’ve had under Mike Bennett and you want to still trust them. I believe the reason you have put me here is you want to hold safe, secure, accurate and transparent elections and that is what we are going to do. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I am so proud to be your supervisor.”
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Angelina Colonneso swore Scott Farrington in, with his wife, Amy, and son, Jacob, by his side.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
County commissioners approve Bradenton Beach Pier repairs
The Manatee County Commission approved an interlocal agreement with Bradenton Beach officials for city pier repairs due to damage from Hurricane Milton. The agreement was on the consent agenda of the Jan. 8 commission meeting. The scope of repairs will include replacing piling decking and handrails, repairing the pier’s adjacent dinghy dock and replacement or repair of floating docks on the south side of the pier. The Bradenton Beach City Pier is a ferry stop for the county-run Gulf Islands Ferry. The total project costs to be reimbursed by the county to the city of Bradenton Beach shall not exceed $375,000. Should the city receive any insurance or FEMA payments for any pier repair costs, the city shall reimburse the county for funds paid by the county, up to $375,000.
Commissioners to discuss building department services
Bradenton Beach commissioners will discuss building department services at a city commission meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16 at noon. Under attorney business they will discuss adopting and signing the TECO Franchise Agreement ordinance, hear a Drift In update and discuss a proposal for legislative and executive branch representation by the Ramba Consulting Group LLC. The consent agenda includes the approval of invoices from M.T. Causley LLC and Debris Tech, as well as approval for Police Chief John Cosby to attend the 2025 FEPA Conference in Orlando. The meeting will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.
Bradenton Beach CRA meets Thursday
CRA members will hear updates from City Attorney Ricinda Perry and Police Chief John Cosby at a CRA meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 9:30 a.m. The consent agenda includes approval of police and public works reimbursements. The meeting will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.
New farmers market begins Tuesday
On Jan. 9, the Anna Maria City Commission approved the special event permit needed for the Anna Maria Community Farmers Market to begin at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The market will continue every Tuesday through May 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Center soccer fields will host 30 market vendors offering a wide variety of goods and services including produce, baked goods, meat, poultry, coffee, juices and other beverages, pickles, microgreens, art, massages, clothing and more. The Center’s market temporarily replaces the city-hosted farmers market at City Pier Park because a portion of the park is still being used as a temporary post office. The Center is located at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
Federal, state funds can help elevate ground-level homes
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Federal and state funds may be available to help Anna Maria homeowners elevate their ground-level homes.
During the Anna Maria City Com mission’s Jan. 9 meeting, the city’s contracted FEMA and floodplain consultant, Del Schwalls, gave a 56-minute flood prevention presentation that included information about the soon-to-be-initiated Elevate Florida program that is expected to provide grants and low-interest loans to those who own ground-level homes in designated flood zones.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
FEMA and floodplain consultant Del Schwalls addressed the city commission on Jan. 9.
Fourteen minutes into his multitopic presentation, Schwalls addressed the Elevate Florida program. He noted that it is not yet in effect and an exact start date has not been
Schwalls said there are a lot of FEMA and state funding options to help mitigate and reduce flood
“They look at how much money FEMA spent and they give a percentage of that and that money is available for grants,” he said.
Schwalls made his presentation at the request of Mayor Mark Short and the commission chamber was filled to standing room only capacity during the presentation.
The Elevate Florida program was announced in early December during the Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit in Orlando. Manatee County government
recently issued an Instagram message that said, “The Florida Division of Emergency Management has announced the first statewide residential mitigation program – Elevate Florida – to help homeowners implement preventative measures to reduce potential damage caused by natural disasters. More information about how and when to apply is coming soon. To learn more about eligible project types, please visit floridadisaster.org/residentialmitigation.”
The grant programs fund elevation projects, acquisition projects, stormwater projects and other mitigation projects that help reduce flood damage.
He said FEMA funds are available to elevate a ground-level home or relocate a ground-level home outside of a flood zone. He noted the entire city of Anna Maria (and the rest of Anna Maria Island) is designated flood zone.
Lynch appointed to Anna Maria Commission
John Lynch brings his extensive experience to the Anna Maria Commission.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – John Lynch is Anna Maria’s new city commissioner.
On Jan. 9, the four sitting commissioners unanimously appointed Lynch to serve the remainder of former commissioner Jon Crane’s term that expires in November.
Anna Maria businessman Brian Seymour also applied to fill the vacant seat but he withdrew his application on Jan. 4. Seymour’s withdrawal left Lynch as the only remaining applicant and the only participant in the Jan. 7 candidate forum moderated by Mayor Mark Short and attended by commissioners Chris Arendt, Kathy Morgan-Johnson, Gary McMullen and Charlie Salem.
Lynch spent approximately 20 minutes answering 10 questions posed by Short. Lynch said he retired
as a senior director of engineering for the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company in 2023. Before that, he spent 35 years in various supply chain, manufacturing and innovation management roles with Proctor & Gamble. He has a chemical engineering background, managed large construction projects and was the president and secretary of the Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation.
“My brother, Michael, was a firefighter killed on 9/11. He was one of the folks that responded to the south tower. Over a 12-year period, we were able to award over $7 million
in scholarships to first responders, their children and other survivors.”
Lynch still has a small, self-owned supply chain and innovation consulting company that primarily assists investment banks and he has a charter boat business in Avalon, New Jersey, where he and his wife, Lou Ann, have a second home. He said he has no business interests or conflicts in Anna Maria.
The New York native grew up in The Bronx, lived in New Jersey and lived in Cincinnati for 25 years while working for Proctor & Gamble. He and Lou Ann have an adult son and two adult daughters, including one in Cincinnati who has a chronic illness.
The couple visited Anna Maria often before they bought their North Shore Drive property in 2013, built their home in 2019 and became permanent residents in 2021. Lynch said he spends 7-8 months a year in Anna Maria and also spends time in New Jersey and Cincinnati. When
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
City Clerk LeAnne Addy swore John Lynch into office on Jan. 9.
Jim Toomey named Distinguished Citizen of the Year
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – Anna Maria and Manatee County business owner Jim Toomey is the Manatee River Fair Association’s 2025 Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
Toomey built the Bayview Plaza in Anna Maria in 2000 and remains partners in three businesses that operate in the plaza: the Two Scoops ice cream shop and the Two Sides of Nature and Two Sides of Nature Too apparel shops.
Toomey is director and co-manager of Renovo Resource Solutions, co-owner of AMI Holdings Inc., CFO and manager at Florida Fuel Solutions, co-owner of Braden River Industries Inc. and a trustee at Sarasota Marine Safety Foundation.
Toomey is a volunteer booster of the Braden River High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) youth organization and he spent 10 years as a Bishop Museum of Science and Nature board member. He’s currently the secretary and director of the Kingfish Holding Corp. and he founded the Toomey Foundation for the Natural Sciences in 2000.
Toomey received the award on Jan. 10 during the VIP luncheon that coincides
with the annual arrival of the Manatee County Fair. The luncheon was held at the Manatee County Fairgrounds and attended by local community and business leaders.
According to a press release issued that day, Toomey is an avid supporter of
local agriculture businesses, 4H students and FFA members and he’s known as a reliable volunteer who goes the extra mile for the causes he supports.
Bob Gause was among those who nominated Toomey as this year’s award recipient.
“Jim has always done it quietly and has provided many an FFA student with a backstop to make sure they could sell their livestock,” Gause said in the press release. “Jim doesn’t do any of his philanthropic activities for notoriety or business gains. He does it to help the community and the youth of the community.”
According to the press release, Toomey routinely supports local youth at the fair by purchasing swine and steer.
Former Bishop Museum Director Brynne Anne Besio said, “He has a deep commitment to public education as evidenced by his support to teacher professional development with hands-on experiences.”
The Manatee County Fair begins Thursday, Jan. 16 and ends Jan. 26. This year’s theme is “Keeping Agriculture Alive in 2025.” Fair admission is $10 for adults 13 and older, $6 for active-duty military personnel, $6 for children ages 6-12 and children 5 and under are admitted free. Parking is available in several locations for $10. Learn more at www. manateecountyfair.com or the Manatee County Fair Facebook page.
SUBMITTED | AZZARA COMMUNICATIONS
Jim Toomey, in gray jacket, stands with his Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award, joined by, from left, Jon Neuhauser, Kristen Toomey, Lori Toomey, Janelle VanHoose, Fair Board President Patrick Bryant and Fair Manager Danny Alfonso.
OPINION
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Residents insist on equal protection in noise ordinance
The Holmes Beach Commission is working diligently on the Island Bazaar site plan for the old Wells Fargo location in addressing the noise issue, the discussion of which was initiated by the mayor. We learned long ago that noise is a difficult issue to understand unless you have actually experienced it. It is an issue that has been greatly researched, and the mayor's dialogue touched on some of what is deeply rooted in that research, and that is that there can be negative impacts. The reduction to 50 decibels during the day in this resolution was noteworthy; it will be great for
the mayor and her family, who live nearby.
We all know that we have lost many residents, and for some, noise was a contributing factor. Sometimes the sustained shouting, yelling and screaming in our neighborhoods is what forced people out. For years, noise was mischaracterized, and residential zones were misreferenced as vacation rental districts, resort zones or commercial zones, although the zone should have no bearing since the noise control ordinance is citywide. It took seven years for reprieve for us, and although the situation is better, it is not 50 decibels during the day.
That level of protection is now only in this one geographic region, at the old Wells Fargo location. It may not have been the
Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email
The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail
intent to deny equal protection to others within the city, but it is reasonable that all residents should be protected equally regardless of where they live. Many residents have been exposed to similar levels of sustained and repetitive noise; we are not seeing any reason that others should be treated differently. It is reasonable that equal protection, both literally and figuratively, should be provided to everyone in the city and that there should be even enforcement. Considering that the 14th Amendment grants equal protection, we think the city needs to take action to apply that same daytime 50 decibel level citywide.
a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, 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.
Dick and Margie Motzer Holmes Beach
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL
941-708-6130
Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
Jan. 20, all day – City offices closed, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 23, 2 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. 15, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting
Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m. –Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Jan. 16, noon – City Commission meeting
Jan. 20, all day – City offices closed, Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 22, 10 a.m. – Pier Team 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. 15, 3:30 p.m. –Planning Commission meeting
Jan. 20, all day – City offices closed, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m. –Police officer’s pension board meeting
Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Jan. 28, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
ISLAND-WIDE
Jan. 21, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15
Coquina Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Creative Aging: Watercolor Magic, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Holy yoga, Roser Church, outdoor stage, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m.
Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JAN. 16
Seashell shore walk, Coquina Beach South at the Longboat Key Bridge, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.
Island Morning Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.
Friends 2025 Lecture and Travel Series: Congressman Thomas Reynolds, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
FRIDAY, JAN. 17
Coquina Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tall Tail Tribe: Birds the Word, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.
Forty Carrots toddler playtime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Explore Nature: Tower Talk, Robinson Preserve Tower, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Bingo, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6-8 p.m.
SATURDAY, JAN. 18
Coquina Beach Winter Arts and Crafts Show, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Author Talk with Judy Silverstein Gray, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.
Family game night, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, JAN. 19
Coquina Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coquina Beach Winter Arts and Crafts Show, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
OPPAGA: Mayors relieved by report
coincided with the Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting held in Bradenton on Jan. 9. Robinson, Boyd and the other state legislators who comprise the Manatee County Legislative Delegation announced their desire for a consolidation study in 2023.
The consolidation study was requested at a time when Robinson, Boyd and former Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge were at odds with Holmes Beach officials regarding public parking for beachgoers and the county’s desire to construct a parking garage at the county-owned Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach.
In 2023, Robinson filed legislation that resulted in the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis authorizing the county to construct a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach despite the city’s existing prohibition on multi-level parking garages and substantial public opposition. In August, the county commission reversed course and terminated the parking garage design process.
While pursuing the consolidation
study, Robinson and Boyd repeatedly expressed their desire for the three Island cities to reduce operating costs and lower property taxes by consolidating some of the similar services provided by all three cities.
THE STUDY
The 25-page OPPAGA report begins with an executive summary that says the Legislature directed OPPAGA to analyze the potential benefits of consolidating the services provided by the three Island cities and present options for the potential restructuring of the Island’s governance.
The study notes the Island’s permanent resident population declined 42% between 2007 and 2023, from 8,449 residents to 4,915. It also notes that 66% of the new vacation rental properties developed in Manatee County between 2000 to 2023 were developed on Anna Maria Island.
“There are some municipal services on the Island that could be streamlined through interlocal agreements, contracts or government reorganization. This streamlining of services could result in savings for Island residents,” the report says.
OPPAGA
| SUBMITTED
the report summarizes each city’s revenues, expenditures, outstanding debt and reserve funds.
The report references four government restructuring options:
• Leaving the Anna Maria Island governmental structure as is;
• Combining the three Island cities into one new city;
• Including the three cities as part of unincorporated Manatee County; and
• Including the three cities as part of the city of Bradenton.
The analytical report does not include a recommendation of any of the consolidation options, but provides considerations and potential impacts for each consolidation option.
The OPPAGA Anna Maria Island consolidation study report has been made public. SEE
The report notes all three cities provide administrative, building and planning, public works, code enforcement and emergency management services; and Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach have their own police departments. Anna Maria contracts with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. Using data provided by the cities,
In regard to maintaining the status quo, the report states the duplicated services and the financial impacts created by those duplications would continue and each city’s property tax rates would remain the same. Maintaining the status quo would also avoid the expense, time, effort and disruption of city governance, and Island residents would not have to change their addresses.
Roser Guild Thrift Shop reopens
The Roser Guild Thrift Shop and the thrift shop annex are now open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, weather permitting and not on holidays. The front room is open for clothes shopping and the outdoor annex is stocked with household items. The thrift shop welcomes donations of books, recent magazines, housewares, nice clean clothes for men and women, linens, etc. The thrift shop does not accept large or heavy furniture, TVs, telephones, electronics, computers, microwaves or handicapped and medical equipment. Donations are preferred on Wednesdays between 9-11 a.m., but are accepted anytime the thrift shop is open. Volunteers are needed to sort and hang clothes and stock shelves. The Roser
Guild Thrift Shop is located at 511 Pine Ave., across the street from the historic church chapel. To volunteer or get more information, stop by the thrift shop, call the church office at 941-778-0414, visit www.RoserChurch.com or visit the Roser Church Facebook page.
LYNCH: Appointed to Anna Maria Commission
never served as a government official.
he’s out of town, he’ll participate in commission meetings remotely or fly back.
In preparation, Lynch read the city commission meeting minutes for the past year. He wants to help improve the city’s storm resiliency to help offset future climate change and he believes his supply chain, engineering and executive leadership experience can help bring city projects to their timely completion.
He said it’s important to the balance the priorities of residents, visitors and business owners.
“Residents are first and foremost, but you need to have those others to make this place the wholesome, growthful community it needs to be.”
Lynch said he has “a collaborative spirit,” listens well, works well with others and has
Regarding the most significant challenges facing the city, Lynch mentioned storm resiliency, drainage, hurricane recovery and restoring of the “legacy infrastructure” that includes the City Pier and the privately-owned Rod & Reel Pier.
“I think financial stewardship is important,” he said when praising the city’s recent millage rate reduction.
“I am an advocate for home rule. I read about the OPPAGA study. We need to serve the residents of this community and work collaboratively with those other cities. If there’s an ability to consolidate services, we should do that,” Lynch said, noting it’s also important to work collaboratively with state and county officials.
In closing, he said, “I love this place and I think I can make a difference.”
FROM PAGE 4
ROSER CHURCH | SUBMITTED Penelope Ypma shops for clothes at the Roser Guild Thrift Shop.
Benefit for workers Saturday
A benefit for Anna Maria Island service industry workers impacted by the recent hurricanes will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 7-11 p.m. at Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.
The Service Industry Relief Fund was founded by Tracy Thrall after he saw the devastation to homes and businesses on the Island after Hurricane Helene.
“He recognized that immediate financial assistance was crucial for those who had lost their livelihoods,” according to the Service Industry Relief Fund website, www.serviceindustryrelieffund. com. “His vision was clear - to create a fund that would provide critical support to those in dire need, helping them rebuild and recover.”
The organization is accepting applications from those needing
assistance as well as donations from people who would like to donate.
“Our mission is to offer a lifeline to those affected by the hurricane, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary to navigate this challenging time,” the website states. “We are actively gathering applications from individuals and families who need assistance, aiming to provide swift and efficient relief.”
Once the application is approved, the funds will be transferred directly to recipients’ bank accounts. The financial grants are intended to be used for immediate living expenses, rebuilding or other essential needs.
The Eric Von Band will be performing at the benefit. There is no cover charge and donations will be accepted.
941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria
PINES: Homeowners caught off guard by closure
Jackson said he has approximately $650,000 invested in the four units.
“I’m just going to walk away,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking for everyone.”
Steve Jackson purchased a unit in July 2024 for $125,000 with the intention of renting it out for passive income in his retirement.
“I met Shawn the day I looked at the unit and he seemed to have some great plans for the park,” Jackson said. “It seemed like he was invested and had a clear vision and put me at ease.”
He said he was shocked to learn the park was being closed.
“I read some people may have the option to stay, I’d be willing to invest if it’s going to be a few more years,” he said.
The Jan. 4 letter does not make it clear what the plans are for the park, and states that one option that is being considered, pending city of Bradenton Beach approval, is to allow continued month-to-month tenancy for some residents, possibly extending up to a couple of years, depending on the overall timeline for vacating the property. The letter does not indicate what criteria would be used for allowing some residents to stay.
Jeffrey Roth bought his unit for more than $150,000 in March 2024, in part to be close to his in-laws in Cortez when he and his wife visit, and they intended to rent the mobile home when it wasn’t in use.
“It was an investment,” Roth said. “I was told when I purchased this it would stay as a park for at least five years. I’m actively looking for an attorney in Florida to discuss my legal options. I was misled and I’m not the only one.”
The Sun reached out to a representative for the LLC for comment.
“Our intention was always to keep Pines a trailer park. Neither Shawn or Brien was being untruthful,” Pines Investors representative Sam Negrin wrote in a Jan. 8 text to The Sun. “The hurricanes created these circumstances where only approximately 50% of residents were willing to rebuild and continue their tenancy. Additionally, 75% of residents decided they no longer needed to pay rent due to the storms, and we’ve had to close the park for that reason.”
Ryan Pfahler and his wife, Marcy, own three units and live in one. He said the two units had been booked as rentals for February and March
but over the Christmas holiday they were returning thousands of dollars in deposits.
Pfahler said there was no communication from the LLC since shortly after Hurricane Helene in September until the Jan. 4 communication saying the park would be closed.
“Saying nothing is saying something,” he said. “I feel like they sabotaged their own park, and I don’t believe he doesn’t have a plan. They’re not going to shut down the park without a plan.”
“I don’t believe he wanted to keep it a park,” Pfahler said. “If they wanted to keep it a park he would have lent us a hand.”
He and other residents took issue with many of the reasons for closing
the park that the LLC cited in the Jan. 4 letter.
The letter gave the following four reasons for the decision to close the park:
“Financial challenges: The park is operating at an unsustainable income level, with high delinquency rates (approximately 75%). While some residents have expressed concerns about amenities needing restoration, such projects - such as waterfront docks - would take years to complete and require significant investment. Combined with delinquency issues, it is not financially viable to operate under these conditions,” the LLC’s letter states.
“The only cleanup was done by Brien or the residents. They were ignoring the whole thing,” Pfahler said. “There was no care or concern and they threw this back in our faces. Had they shown any care or concern, everyone would have been back paying rent. I believe it was 100% intentional to use that as an excuse.”
Pines resident Lesley Mullaney posted the following on the AMI Sun Facebook page:
“102 days without communication? The city giving us the green light to repair and offering free permits. A clubhouse that is so disgusting, dirty with dried muck all over the floors. We cleaned up our streets. WE did that without any help from his crew. A laundry facility that is void of all equipment with debris still littering most areas. Would you be willing to pay between $1,200-$1,475 a month when your place is uninhabitable?”
SEE JUMP, PAGE 15
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
The former laundry facility at The Pines is still out of order.
FEMA: Funds can help elevate homes
space. If there’s no house there, it can’t get damaged.”
He also said, “FEMA will provide money for the city to acquire your house and demolish it and leave it as open
Funds are also available for business and restaurant owners to make their businesses more flood resistant.
“All these projects can be funded by FEMA,” Schwalls said.
Regarding elevating a home, he said, “There’s a common misconception that you can’t elevate block homes. You can elevate any house.”
He said elevating a home costs between $20,000 up to $100,000 or more, depending on the location, and FEMA will cover 75% of the elevation costs. The remaining 25% must be provided by the homeowner or other non-federal funding sources and Schwalls said there are many ways to shrink the remaining costs. He said FEMA will cover 90-100% of the cost to elevate a ground-level home that has suffered repeated flood damage and is included on the repetitive loss list.
Schwalls said the city must apply for the FEMA funds on behalf of the homeowner and it may take two or three years to receive the funds. The Elevate Florida program hopes to expedite the funding process by removing the city from the application process and removing some of the red tape that slows the process.
Similar to FEMA, the Elevate Florida program will fund elevation projects, repair and elevation projects and acquisition projects.
Schwalls said older, wooden, ground-level bungalows that suffer hurricane and/or flood damage are often demolished and replaced with an elevated home.
“We want to preserve this character. Some of these houses are generational homes, they’ve been in the family,” he said.
“The current regulations may not work for preserving these, so we’ve been chewing on some other options. The current regulations say if your home gets damaged by
more than 50% you’ve got to bring the home into compliance with today’s regulations. If I’m going to improve it more than 50%, federal law and state law says you’ve got to elevate it.”
In response to a question from Commissioner Chris Arendt, Schwalls said FEMA might prioritize primary residences but second homes and vacation rentals statewide are also eligible for FEMA funds.
In response to a question from Commissioner Kathy Morgan-Johnson, Schwalls said FEMA won’t reimburse a homeowner for work done before FEMA approves the work and the approval process might take 6-8 months.
Local contractor Kevin Hutchinson said he’s currently working on a project that entails abandoning the groundlevel living space, converting it to garage and storage space and building new living space above it. He asked Schwalls if it would be more cost effective to raise the whole house instead.
Schwalls said he’s not a contractor and can’t provide a cost comparison, but he said FEMA will help fund those types of elevation projects too.
Hutchinson questioned the accuracy of Schwalls’ estimated elevation costs. He said an elevation contractor he spoke with said elevating a wood-framed home costs $100-$160 per square foot and elevating a concrete block home costs $300 per square foot.
Schwalls acknowledged elevation costs vary depending on location and he said the estimates he provided came from companies he’s familiar with in New Orleans and New Jersey.
The city asks those interested in the pursuing FEMA funds to elevate their homes to contact City Planner Ashley Austin at amplanner@cityofannamaria.com. She will compile a list of interested homeowners and future public meetings and/or information sessions will be scheduled. The video of Schwalls’ entire presentation can be viewed at the Anna Maria Island Sun Facebook page.
YOUR COMFORT ZONE?
OPPAGA: Mayors relieved by report
PAGE 8
Regarding the one city, county and Bradenton consolidation options, the report notes each of those options may produce economies of scale and cost savings but would also result in the elimination of each city’s charter, code ordinances, land development codes and comprehensive plan. Consolidation would also eliminate the current city commissions and advisory boards and require the restructuring of existing municipal contracts.
Robinson and Boyd’s letter notes that Manatee County government and the school district have also been encouraged to become more efficient and lower their taxes and millage rates.
“We know that cutting taxes and finding efficiencies is challenging, but
we believe it is possible to accomplish this with hard work and now with this OPPAGA study as a roadmap,” the letter says.
“As we head into the 2025 Legislative Session, we would like to hear from you prior to Feb. 13 on ways you all believe services can be streamlined and better coordinated,” the letter concludes.
MAYORS RESPOND
In her Jan. 9 email to The Sun, Mayor Titsworth wrote, “I appreciate the time and effort that the team put into this study. I also look forward to working with the Island mayors, the new county board members and our state leaders in identifying efficiencies to decrease taxes for our citizens. I am
OPPAGA, PAGE 27
RY
JANUARY 18-19
PINES: Homeowners caught off guard by closure
FROM PAGE 11
The second reason given by the LLC is: “Restoration and Compliance: The required renovations for many units to meet the 50% rule for updates would involve considerable investment, which we are aware many residents are unwilling or unable to make, if permits were to even be issued. Additionally, the park’s compliance with fire codes presents a complex and costly challenge, as addressing one unit’s compliance issues often triggers a chain reaction requiring others to come into compliance.
“With the exception of the three on the bay that were condemned, I know for a fact people would have fixed them up,” Pfahler said.
City Building Official Daryn Cushing told The Sun in December that he received multiple permit applications from Pines mobile homeowners for repair work.
The LLC letter continues: “Resident Concerns and Safety: We have received numerous requests from residents wishing to relinquish their deeds, but as a property management
team, we are not in the business of owning trailers. Furthermore, the park has faced yearly flooding and other storm-related damages that create unsafe conditions for residents and untenable liabilities for management. This, coupled with instances of harassment toward our team and city officials, has exacerbated the challenges of maintaining operations.”
“What they’re calling harassment, I would call being persistent,” Pfahler said. “You keep trying to get a hold of anybody and there’s no response.”
“Long-Term Viability: The cumulative impact of delinquency, loss of units, and the need for significant investments makes it clear that the park’s current model is no longer feasible. Additionally, management cannot continue to bear the risk of another storm coming and once again losing almost all income, all of which is essential to remain afloat.”
The LLC has not disclosed plans for the park. According to Cushing on Jan. 6, the LLC has not applied for any permits for work there.
SEAFOOD SHACK: Parcel sale closes
parcels of approximately 5.9 acres and two submerged land leases of 2.9 acres, was appraised at $12.55 million. That appraisal assumed that two expired submerged land leases will be renewed
Commissioners unanimously approved the $13 million purchase from Vandyk Properties at a Sept. 5 land use meeting with anticipated use of the property as a public boating access facility with a boat ramp, dry storage facility and marina.
“There’s so much storm damage, the property’s unsafe; all of the facilities are condemned and we’ll have to rebuild with our new design,” Parnell said. “Most of the slips and docks and piers are destroyed as well. There’s 10 to 15 boats that are still capsized and unable to be removed. We’ll have to work through with our natural resources folks to make sure those boats are removed, and the property is made safe, so we’re going to put up a fence and make sure to cordon off the property.”
Commissioners discussed the next steps for the project, plans and possible amenities and potential leases for
existing businesses on the parcel.
Commissioners Tal Siddique and George Kruse both spoke in favor of keeping Annie’s Bait and Tackle in place.
“What are we going to do about the existing leases? There’s been a lot of great places here, like Annie’s and other places, that have been longtime staples of that property,” Siddique said. “I’m fully on board with the board discussing options to discuss
what the future might look like for places that currently have agreements with the prior property owner and at least having public input on that.”
“Annie’s has been there for a long time, I don’t care if we call it a marina, I don’t care if we call it a boat ramp, I don’t care if we call it a fishing pier, people need bait. It’s a part of Cortez, and Bruce (Shearer, Annie’s co-owner) is willing to put money in to get that back up and running but he can’t do
that without some assurance that he’s going to have a viable business,” Kruse said. “He’s not going to put money into it just to have it knocked down.” He asked project planners to reach out to Shearer.
“Start that conversation to see if that’s a viable option,” Kruse said. “I’d love for that to be a viable option. I think the community in Cortez would love that. It will give them some sense of normalcy in that area if we make changes to the Seafood Shack footprint. That’s my request to you.”
Annie’s has been in its current location since the 1950s and has been co-owned by Shearer and Kim Shepherd since Jan. 1, 1995. The shop sells bait and tackle, gas, beer and ice along with food served from a waterfront patio.
Annie’s building and docks sustained damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Shearer told The Sun after the meeting,“I would be willing to put the money into it to get it back together if I could get a five-year lease from the county,” he said. “I could be back in business in a short time.”
27
SEE SEAFOOD SHACK, PAGE
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Annie’s Bait and Tackle, on the recently sold Seafood Shack property, was damaged in two 2024 hurricanes. Co-owner Bruce Shearer said he will repair the building if he receives a five-year lease from Manatee County.
Fly casting for beginners
ly casting and fly fishing are lifelong learning experiences that you can participate in whether you’re 9 or 90. They will introduce you to a whole new way of approaching fishing and a cadre of enthusiasts who love, like traditional anglers, to share their techniques, experiences and perspectives. In addition, you’ll be introduced to a segment of anglers that create their own flies (lures). If you’re thinking of getting into fly fishing or just need to develop your casting skills, consider exploring the Fly Fishers International website. While there’s a wealth of good fly-casting videos on the internet and YouTube, there are also videos that can confuse or misdi-
rect budding fly fishing enthusiasts. The FFI will provide you with videos and information vetted by some of the best fly casters in the world.
Giving fly casting instruction taught me that being a newcomer to the sport has its advantages. Learning from scratch using the fundamentals (physics) of the cast is often easier than correcting the bad habits of long-time casters. For someone who has been fly casting for a long time but has ingrained, incorrect techniques, it can be harder to correct.
The good news is that long-time casters who have been using improper techniques can “retrain” the brain with dedicated practice sessions. Besides learning proper technique and practicing, it’s important to realize that there is no right or wrong “casting style.” Casting is governed by physics and the repetition of a correct casting stroke builds what has been called “muscle memory” although wiring neurons into patterns is a
more proper characterization. Science has shown that it’s more effective to practice often for short periods than long sessions.
There are essentials that every fly caster must master, although they may have individual skills or styles.
This is the difference between the art (style) and science (physics) of the cast. Different people learn at a different pace. Some people pick up casting quickly and then plateau.
The Fly Fishers International website has a wealth of information on all things fly fishing and casting. Here you’ll find answers to your questions that have been vetted by some of the world’s most respected practitioners.
RUSTY CHINNIS
REEL TIME:
Fly casting for beginners
BEACH BEAT
HOLMES BEACH
Others start slow, but when they finally “get it” they’ve “got it.” The only common requirement is practice. It can be compared to learning how to ride a bike. When we first start, we fall off and are unsteady. When the activity is practiced repeatedly it becomes second nature, like when we jump on that bike and ride off without thinking of the components required to stay upright and move forward. It’s the same with fly casting. To become a good caster you need to practice, but that practice will reward you with a lifetime of pleasure and provide the camaraderie of good friends.
Next Week: The Fundamentals
Jan. 3, 10:58 a.m., Flotilla Drive, stolen bicycle. Police reports state an unknown person entered a Flotilla Drive home carport and stole a large blue specialized "The Roll” bicycle. The bicycle owner reported having last seen the bicycle on Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. and it was locked up. On Jan. 1 it was found missing. The bicycle serial number, make and model were recorded. Jan. 3, 2 p.m., Manatee Beach, stolen bicycle. Manatee County Property Management employees observed a group of six young adults walking with a light blue colored bicycle in the parking lot. The group reportedly laid the bike down by some trash cans and began stomping on it. The employees asked whose bicycle it was and the group said it was stolen. The group then walked toward Manatee Avenue. Employees took photos, which reportedly showed the group walking away with a black e-bike. The bicycle that had been left
on the ground was a light blue Nishiki Pueblo mountain bike with red lettering. The damaged bicycle was brought to the Holmes Beach Police Department bike barn for safekeeping.
Jan. 3, 11:15 p.m., 65th Street, stolen backpack. Police were called to a report of a stolen black and brown CamelBak backpack at a rental property. The backpack was left on a table on the back patio and while the complainant went inside to shower, they heard their dog barking, and then found the backpack gone. The backpack contained a pair of silver Ray Ban sunglasses, a black KaBar folding knife, air pod pro earbuds and an Apple air tag. While on the property, the neighbor directly behind the house contacted police after receiving a notification from security cameras that someone was in his backyard.
Jan. 6, 7:55 p.m., 28th Street, suspicious circumstances. Police observed two females on a motorized scooter park on the side of 28th Street and walk into an undeveloped mangrove area to the north. One of the women told police they were doing a welfare check on a man who has a camp in the mangroves. Police told the woman that no one is supposed to be trespassing or camping
there. She told the police the man has been living there for quite some time and has expensive fishing gear and bicycles given to him by rental companies. Police stated the man is a transient known to them. Police discovered two red Trek bicycles, which matched the description of a recent report taken in Bradenton Beach for stolen bicycles.
BRADENTON BEACH
Jan. 3, Gulf Drive South, 10:27 p.m., eluding, attempt to flee. Police reportedly observed a motorcyclist speeding northbound on Gulf Drive South from the Longboat Key Bridge. When officers attempted to make a traffic stop, the motorcyclist reportedly accelerated at a high rate of speed. He was apprehended with the assistance of another officer in the area of the 500 block. The man told police he did not speak English and did not have his driver’s license. The vehicle was towed and the man was charged with fleeing to elude, speeding, improper passing and driver’s license not exhibited on demand. Police report that the man had fled from a Longboat Key officer earlier and will be charged there as well.
REAL ESTATE
Get out your calculators
If it’s costing you more to live these days, it may not be just your grocery bills; there are additional expenses in almost all aspects of our lives. Basi cally, better get out your calculators and see where you can stem the tide before you start drowning.
One of the biggest increasing costs for homeowners is property insurance. Insurers have been raising rates to compensate them for losses from natural disasters for several years now, but after this year’s expenses are calculated, the increase in premiums could be staggering.
Castles in the Sand
is the highest since 2014, and in many metro areas this number reaches 50%.
Keep in mind this has nothing to do with flood insurance, which is managed by the federal government, and have been kept artificially low. This may come to an end soon since the government is now looking at their losses in coastal areas and attempting to mitigate that loss.
Last year, FEMA changed the way it calculates flood insurance prices. Instead of relying on old flood zone maps covering broad areas, it’s now basing premium prices on a wider range of factors, like an individual property’s distance from the ocean, rainfall levels and the cost to rebuild a home. This system sure looks a lot like the model private insurers use to determine their premiums.
The second major factor facing homeowners is an increase in property taxes. In September, 32% of the average single-family mortgage payment went to property taxes and home insurance. This
The triple threat of rising taxes, homeowners’ insurance and fluctuating mortgage interest rates is keeping homebuyers out of the market. This is keeping the number of sales down, but the prices are still high. With sellers’ fears escalating, there could easily be an adjustment in selling prices.
Many senior homeowners on fixed incomes are having difficulty keeping up with the increase in expenses and are facing the possibility of a relocation to a less expense lifestyle. In addition, young families who bought at the margin of what they could afford are also struggling with the additional homeowner expenses, school costs, gasoline and food.
In spite of all of the increase costs, homeowners still want to give their homes a facelift, either to prepare for sale or just for personal enjoyment. If you’re thinking of this there are a
few upgrades you would want to skip: Kitchen remodeling with anything but the most neutral materials is not going to get you money back; home extensions like oversized primary suites may make purchasers swoon, but they won’t pay more for it; and expensive or custom exterior upgrades like roofs and trim should be replaced with the moderately priced choices that look new.
There are plenty of low-cost items that can be upgraded and will give you good value for your money: The big one is paint, it’s cheap and leaves a clean appearance; replace old carpets, wash windows, clean the bathrooms of anything that looks like mold and declutter.
We’re all in this together since housing is so much a part of our lives and economy. And as far as calculators are concerned, I suggest you get a nice big one with oversized numbers to go with your oversize expenses.
LOUISE BOLGER
OBITUARIES
Lynn Horne Sr., 94, of Anna Maria Island, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at home surrounded by his family, friends, love and laughter. He was born in Canal Point, Florida on Oct. 24, 1930, to Florence (Flo) Hayes and Valdah DeForest Horn. The recording
official in Palm Beach County inadvertently added the “e” to Horn on the birth certificate and Valdah Horn’s son became Lynn Horne. He attended school in Palm Beach County, Florida, Clay County, Georgia, Monte Verde Academy, Florida, Emory Junior College, Valdosta, Georgia, NYU, New York and graduated with a Citrus Degree from Florida Southern College in Lakeland on the GI Bill following his service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. He was a 32nd degree Mason for 65 years. He met and married Barbara Ann Senn in Bartow, Florida in 1957. The two enjoyed 61 years of marriage splitting time between homes in Bartow, Anna Maria Island and Woodfin Mountain, North Carolina until her death in 2018.
Lynn worked in the citrus industry in Florida as a salesman and citrus grower for over 50 years including 26 years with Ben Hill
Griffin in Frostproof. He was a man of conviction and integrity to growers who trusted his recommendations for generations. He never met a stranger and loved to learn about people and places daily. He had stories that would blow you away the first or the 400th time you heard them. And the story details were always the same. He knew everyone or walked up and introduced himself to them.
He is survived by two sons, Lynn D. Horne Jr. (Sandy) and John Curtis Horne (Amanda); four nieces a/k/a daughters, Debby Doo (Bill), Kathy Adela (Bubba), Stephy Lee (M. David) and Jules; grandchildren, Nic (Stephanie), Jake Ann and Trey (Kristin); greatgrandchildren Audrianna Ann “Addy” and Trenton Horne, all of whom called him “Purdy.” He also leaves behind his dear friend and companion Linda (Saint Linda) Schenk. There are count -
less others who knew him as Papa Lynn because he was a surrogate for many who needed a wise, sage advisor in their lives - or didn’t know they needed sage advice - on fire building techniques, trimming trees and bushes properly, road construction on mountainsides, anything to do with horticulture and so many other topics. He will be missed terribly by all the Anna Maria Oyster Bar family, where he played a key role as French Fry Inspector and initiated all new managers on how to throw a wayward old guest out of the kitchen. He always walked into the kitchen through a back door or wherever and would wander into the kitchen to test the food in the back. So many times, a new manager would come into dining room, having never met “Papa Lynn” saying, “there’s some old guy back in the kitchen wandering around, what do I do?” We’d set them up and tell them, “We can’t
allow that, he might get hurt, throw him out of the kitchen and send him back to the dining room.” The look on their faces when he would tell them no, he was fine back there to see all the staff laughing and welcoming the new manager into “the family.” He loved his role at AMOB. A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 1-4 p.m. at the home of John and Amanda Horne to raise a glass to everyone’s “Papa Lynn.” Lynn knew the value of education in everyone’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations for our Shuckin’ Good Cause to help fund our Dive Into Reading program at: Shuckin’ Good Cause, 6688 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, FL 34210. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.brownandsonsfuneral. com.
Lynn Horne Sr.
FISH Preserve being restored following hurricanes
Beetles are attacking saltwater-weakened native pine trees and invasive seedlings are sprouting throughout the preserve.
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – The recent hurricanes took their toll on the 98-acre FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve.
Allen Garner, a retired landscape architect who has been working on the preserve for many years, gave a report on the post-hurricane impact at a Jan. 6 FISH meeting.
“The hurricanes were just the beginning in a whole new era in our history as far as the preserve goes. The amount of devastation plus what’s carrying through into other things has been very significant,” Garner said. He said the trees have thinned out to such an extent that very few shady areas remain.
“You might be able to find some shade in some patches of the mangroves, but it’s very sunny out there,” Garner said. He said the preserve is losing weakened native pine trees due to an infestation of beetles.
“The native pine trees in the preserve, we’re losing nearly all of those, and the reason for it is because of a little beetle called an ips beetle that’s
always around and they bore into the trees and lay their eggs,” he said. “In a healthy pine tree, the sap is toxic basically to the water bug, it kills it off. But if the tree’s weakened from sitting in salt-saturated soil and it’s too weak, then the larva win.”
He said mature pine trees are turning brown.
“The pines didn’t die from the salt water,” Garner said. “They got weakened and the beetles moved in and that’s what’s killing them off. They’re dying now rather than three months ago.”
Due to the abundance of sunlight reaching the soil, there has been a proliferation of seed distribution.
“Everything is starting to sprout, both good and bad,” he said. “The two things that have significantly started sprouting are the Australian pines and the mangroves. The mangrove seeds got everywhere. They’re sprouting on top of hills, between two crab traps, in our yards, in shell parking lots, all over.”
Garner had been working on removing the remaining Australian pines
over the past several months.
“One of the things we’re going to have happening as we go into spring are the Brazilian pepper trees, the carrotwoods, all the invasive things. It’s going to be an overwhelming number and it’s going to be this year,” Garner said.
He suggested FISH hire one or two people to go through the preserve weekly over the next four or five months and pull out seedlings of the invasive species. Garner said spraying is not an option.
“The problem with spraying is we’re going to have all the good stuff sprouting too and we want to pull out the pepper trees and not pull out the native things,” he said. “Spraying becomes a bad overkill approach.”
He said by summer, the seedlings will be too big to pull out by hand.
Garner said he would have to train potential subcontractors, and he recommended FISH allocate funds for the new few months for the seedling removal project.
A motion to spend up to $1,500 a month for the next six months to pay one or two people to pull the unwanted seedlings was approved unanimously by the board.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
The 98-acre FISH Preserve is under restoration following damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
SEE FISH, PAGE 23
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival just weeks away
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Reflecting the resilience of Cortez following back-to-back hurricanes, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) board members are choosing “Swamped But Never Sunk” as their theme for the 43rd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.
The two-day weekend festival will be on Feb. 15-16 in front of Star Fish Co. on 46th Avenue at the end of 123rd Street and will feature music, arts and crafts vendors, educational activities and local seafood. The festival celebrates local commercial
fishing heritage and all proceeds go toward restoration and maintenance of the FISH Preserve and multiple community projects.
Due to the hurricanes that impacted Cortez village in 2024, the FISH board held a Nov. 11 meeting at Star Fish Co. with Cortez residents to determine how the community felt about holding a festival this year. The consensus among most of those at that meeting was that the festival should be held and that it would have an uplifting effect on the community.
The two-day festival was rained out for one day in 2024 and was cancelled altogether in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The entertainment lineup for both days, which has not yet been announced, will be staged on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Dock Talks by University of Florida IFAS Florida Sea Grant program leaders will be presented both days at Fulford Fish House, east of Star Fish Co., and a festival photo contest gallery show will be on display at A.P. Bell Fish Co., west of Star Fish Co.
The festival is run by volunteers. Anyone wishing to volunteer may email Angela Collins at abcollins@ufl.edu
The Boy Scouts in partnership with
FISH: Preserve being restored following hurricanes
Preserve in fulfillment of a grant from the Barancik Foundation.
Garner said for the past three months he has been doing mostly restoration of the preserve following the storms, but is making progress on the work funded by the Barancik grant.
In June of 2024, the FISH board approved a proposal by Garner to complete the public accessibility project at the FISH
Garner is working on the following projects:
• Design and build two new bridges; one sufficiently strong and sized to accommodate both pedestrians and maintenance vehicles and the other for foot traffic;
• Grade and create 12,000 square feet of shell trails;
• Build a portable information kiosk;
• Create and install a FISH Preserve entrance sign, four education signs, four orientation signs and 12 trail markers;
• Build two picnic shelters;
• Provide and install four picnic tables and six benches; and
• Provide construction support for completion of the Bradenton Kiwanisfunded bridge.
FISH will offer on-site parking at the FISH Preserve, one block east of the village off Cortez Road, for a $5 donation. Bus and golf cart transportation to the festival entrance at 123rd Street Court West will be provided.
Off-site parking will be available at Cortez Road Baptist Church between 99th and 100th Streets and Cortez Road, with a free shuttle to the festival provided by The Monkey Bus. In previous years, MCAT bus service was available from G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton to the festival. Due to the construction on Cortez Road, that service will not be available this year.
“We have been putting pilings in and probably finish up the pilings tomorrow or the next day for the bridge,” he said at the Jan. 6 meeting.
Garner began the grant project in July.
The total budget for the project is $180,000 with the grant amount being $165,000 and FISH providing the additional $15,000. The grant application for the FISH Preserve Enhanced Public Access Project was approved on Feb. 9, 2024.
BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Winter flag takes the field
ANNA MARIA – Under the lights of The Center field, the coin toss opened the winter flag football season last Thursday night on the Island. The big kids took to the gridiron with 11 adult co-ed flag football teams playing this season.
The first game started with a 47-6 Moss Builders blowout over the Slim’s Place squad. With Richard Fosmore returning to the field as the Slim’s Place quarterback after many years, his touchdown pass to Dave Kesten just was not a match for the talents of the Moss Builders team.
Offensively, Moss Builders used the arms of team captain Ryan Moss, throwing for four touchdowns, and James Roadman, who also completed four TD passes.
As the scoring targets, Evelyn Long, Zachary Long and Logan Heath all caught two touchdown throws. Roadman was hit by Moss for a six-point catch, as well as a point-after conversion for one point.
Heath and the Longs also helped add points to the scoreboard with post touchdown extra points. The win puts
Moss Builders on top after week one play along with teams MI-Box, Floridian Mortgage, Moss Air and Ross Built Custom Homes.
MI-Box showed up to win over the Gulf Drive Café squad 25-12. Matthew Briley led his team to victory as the team captain and QB, throwing for two TDs and taking two to the endzone with rushing yardage.
On the other side of the football, Briley had three interceptions against the Gulf Drive quarterbacks. Christian Hampton had the hot hands for the MI-Box team, catching the two Briley TD passes.
Silas Banyas put statistics in the books with two sacks and a one-point conversion.
Gulf Drive Café’s Cody Allen shut down a MI-Box drive with an interception, picking off Briley. Never giving up, the Gulf Drive team scored 12 points with passes by Jeremy Rodriguez to Steven Pavina, and Pavina to Jaden Grant.
The result of game three was no surprise as team Floridian Mortgage handily won against Reel Coastal Properties. Scoring six points, new Reel Coastal team’s QB Sequiel
Mason, Livedoti victorious
Marintez threw to Roman Marintez for the team’s only score in the game.
Slicker’s Eatery could only find the endzone once in their match-up against Moss Air. With the final score 20-7, Dominick Otteni connected with Donte Filletti for six points and the one-point conversion to end the team’s scoring.
Chad Woods, Jesse Skipper and Jonathan Soultatos were hit by QB Jonathan Moss. Team captain Moss threw for two extra points, including one to Skipper to seal the win.
Closing out the night in the only nailbiter in week one, Ross Built defeated team Solid Rock Construction by two points. Solid Rock showed their promise this season with team captain Charles “Tuna” McCracken at the helm as the QB. Throwing for two TDs and rushing for 12-points, McCracken led his team to near-victory.
Connor Ludwig and Tyler Brewer caught the McCracken passes, but failed point-after attempts were the ultimate demise of the Solid Rock team.
Ross Built Custom Homes converted
successful passes by Miguel Rodriguez and Corey Vonborstel. Zaon Williams, Vonborstel and Rodriguez each had solid hands, receiving for 24 points. Making the difference, Andrew Ross scored one point along with teammate Williams, while Rodriguez scored two additional points to put the first W in the books for their team this season.
Continent - Bye
Acing the hole
Ending 2024 on a good note, Jimmy Livanos made a hole-inone on #8 using a 5 iron at Key Royale in Holmes Beach on Dec. 31. As tradition calls, he bought drinks for all who were at the club that afternoon. Also that day, Jan Turner took first place with 32, Connie Livanos tied for second place with Debi Wohlers with 33 and Roxanne Koche and Margrit Layh tied for third with 34. Jean Holmes had two chip-ins on #2 and #7 and Wohlers birdied #8.
JAN. 6 - STABLEFORD
First Place - Rod Hammonds, +9 Second Place - Rob Ellis, +6
JAN 9 - SCRAMBLE/SHAMBLE COMBO
First Place - Jim Hitchen, Jeff Jump and Al Waal, -2 Second Place - Jenny Huibers, Dale Hudson, Bill Merrill and Nob Turner, even par
Bob Mason, left, and Dominic Livedoti came out on top after a three-way playoff of 3-0 teams at AMI Horseshoes on Jan. 8. They drew the bye and watched Bob Heiger and Tim Sofran take out Tom Skoloda and Tom Farrington 21-10. Mason and Livedoti won the final 22-19 over Heiger and Sofran. On Jan. 11, Farrington earned the day’s bragging rights after posting the only 3-0 record.
FUN IN THE SUN
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THRIVE BEACH YOGA: All Levels Welcome! 100 Pine Ave on AMI. 8:30am every Saturday & Sunday, Wednesdays (Oct-May). $15 PreRegistration required at ThriveYogaFit.com
OUTDOOR YOGA at Roser Church returns January 15th! Experience the Holy Spirit in a whole new way. All levels, no experience necessary. Bring a mat and a friend! 11:30am12:30pm info@Roserchurch.com
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SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, however boats are selling very well now. Dave Struber/Owner 24 Years, Islandboatsales. net-941-288-3489
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HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island
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TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
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ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115
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.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.
BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585
A.R.E. Renovation’s WHOLESALE KITCHEN CABINETS DIRECT., Remodeling, Bathrooms. Trim Flooring and Decks Tile and more Free quote, references available. Lic. # CRC.1334176 941-4653045.
CCS DRYWALL REPAIRS
We are local. Family owned & operated since 1991. Free Estimates. Licensed/Insured/Bonded. License # SCC131149803 Call 941-713-6531.
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I’m an Island resident. Pressure washing, tree work, fence repair, mailbox replacement. Also see ads under “Landscaping & painting. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
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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, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315
SHELL DELIVERED AND spread. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770
{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
DEVINE DESIGN LANDSCAPE - Professional Landscape and Design Services for your entire property. Irrigation services, Tree Removal and trimming, Sod, Mulch, Fencing, Pavers and Landscape Lighting. Commercial and Residential. Call 941-4656015 DevineDesign7@ yahoo.com
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MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.
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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
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
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ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL Call 941-7781630
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FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + 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
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TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
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
WATERVIEW VILLA in the peaceful community of PERICO ISLAND! Beautifully renovated 2/2, attached 2 car garage. No damage from hurricanes. $567,500 Karen Parsons, Good Life Realty 407-2337059
HOLMES BEACH
2BR/2BA CONDO #64 West Bay Point. Best bay views 6400 Flotilla Dr. Soon “white box” ready for interior design. New roof, AC, windows. An opportunity to create new 1300sf up to code condo. Call Ralph Sandberg 847-530-8833 a twenty year owner offering for bid starting at $660,000.
RENTALS: ANNUAL
2BR/2BA BRIGHT RENOVATED CONDO - Perico Bay Club, minutes from AMI beach - pool/hot tub/tennis/gym/ parking/ Security gate. $2500/ month Starting January 25 Call 952-818-4685
HOLMES BEACH, 2100 sq f house , 3 min to the beach 3BR/3BA 2 car garage , $5950 monthly 514-7304825 kondiloveroutis@ gmail.com
FULLY FURNISHED
2BR/2BA Condo in Holmes Beach. Includes all utilities, cable, internet, and trash. 6-month lease available April 15, 2025. Call Jack at 312-835-2323
ANNUAL RENTAL minutes to beaches 2BR/2BA Condo. Water/cable included, pool, washer/ dryer. $1795/mo Call 941713-6743
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
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ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095
AIRPORT SHUTTLE Quality Transportation: 10 Years by Lewber 352-339-3478. Happy New Year
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SEAFOOD
SHACK: Parcel sale closes
He said it would be up to the landowner, the county, to repair the docks and he would be responsible for repairing the building.
In addressing possible traffic issues, Siddique said he would like to see ferry service run from the new facility to the Bradenton Beach Pier.
“This can allow us to reduce the number of cars on the road and give residents who are not boaters an ability to leverage this boat ramp,” Siddique said. “It would be a good idea to be good stewards of traffic, our neighbors and residents of the county who don’t want to sit in traffic going to the Island, Bridge Street, in particular, and just enjoy it. The design absolutely needs to include ferry storage and a ferry transit option to Bridge Street.”
He also noted that with the planned replacement of the Cortez Bridge in 2026 and the Manatee Bridge replacement planned after that, two fishing locations will be lost.
“With the new heights of the bridges, we will be losing two informal fishing locations. I do want staff to solicit public input and consider what we
can do to allow residents to enjoy the boat ramp and have some place to cast a line and fish,” Siddique said. “At least have the design and option to fish in that spot. It’s just a great pastime and it’s a historic fishing village for a reason.”
He asked for the final marina design to consider noise abatement and pedestrian safety.
“The one thing I’m concerned about is Manatee County running a marina effectively competing with private businesses,” Siddique said. “I think we’re straying out of our core competency on that one. I’m open to be convinced otherwise, but I’ll tell you, there will be pushback you’ll see from residents and some of the business owners there.”
“The primary requirement for meeting here is we’re just putting in a boat ramp right now,” Parnell said. “If there’s additional scope through working groups that the board wants us to incorporate in there, then we’ll have those discussions.”
“I know it’s been a long haul with that seller, now let’s do something great with it,” Kruse said.
FROM PAGE 14
pleased that the threats of consolidation and or elimination of our cities has passed and I appreciate the respect our Legislature has for home rule.”
During the Jan. 10 city commission meeting, Mayor Short read aloud some key points contained in Robinson and Boyd’s letter.
“I have reviewed the report,” he said. “I don’t necessarily agree with some of the data that’s in there, but it’s there. I need to digest this some more. I’d like the commission to do the same.”
Short said the report contains some inaccuracies, including some inaccurate financial figures, and he intends to issue a formal response to the report.
Commission Chair Charlie Salem thanked Short, city staff and former mayor Dan Murphy for ensuring the OPPAGA team received the data and information they requested. He also credited the citizens who sent emails and letters of opposition to the state legislators opposing consolidation and reinforc-
OPPAGA: Mayors relieved by report
ing the importance for the Island cities to maintain their home rule rights.
In conclusion, Short said, “This was an Island-wide effort. This wasn’t just us. It was all three cities, as well as support from others off-Island. I take comfort in this letter, but I’m not 100% convinced that it’s completely done.”
When contacted on Jan. 10, Mayor Chappie said he was glad the state legislators shared the report with the Island mayors, which is not a legal requirement.
Chappie also questions some of the figures and facts stated in the study, but he feels the study reinforces the unique characteristics of the three Island cites and the need to maintain local governance.
Chappie feels the three cities can use the OPPAGA report to help address Boyd and Robinson’s ongoing cost-cutting and tax reduction concerns.
“This is going to be a tool to help us look at ourselves as a community and how we can better our community,” he said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short read aloud excerpts from the letter that accompanied the OPPAGA study report.
