Anna Maria Island Sun January 1, 2025

Sun celebrates silver

It’s The Anna Maria Island Sun’s 25th anniversary this year, and we are beaming!

We're celebrating our future and our past, with a new section on amisun.com featuring our award-winning stories recognized by two statewide press associations. We have also made available a full set of bound print editions at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum in Anna Maria.

For those who prefer the click of the keyboard to the feel of newsprint, we had planned to offer our free digital archive at issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun back to the very first edition, but we were sidetracked by a couple of little hurricanes last year. You can currently view our print editions online as far back as 2015, and we’ll be adding the rest as we go, so keep checking back.

Culhane, The Center named Sun Persons of the Year

Chris Culhane and The Center did even more for the Anna Maria Island community in 2024.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Executive Director Chris Culhane and the staff, board of directors and volunteers at The Center of Anna Maria Island are The Sun’s Persons of the Year for 2024. The Center staff includes Director of Development Jillian Ptak, Operations Director Tyler Bekkerus, Marketing and Office Administrator Aris Thompson, Director of Customer Service Morgan Blackburn, Youth Programs Director Erica Nielsen, Sports Programs Manager Charles McCracken, Youth and Sports Coordinator Marissa Brink, Culture and Events Coordinator Raul Loera, Fitness and Wellness Director Chris

Emkey and Front Desk Coordinators Tyler Brewer and Shelby Eikel. Don Purvis chairs the board of directors that includes Daniel Anderson, Remi Drigan, Sheila Fusé, Elizabeth Hager, Caroline Leibfried, Christine Major-Hicks, Kathy Morgan-Johnson and Ben Webb.

SEE CULHANE, PAGE 24

The first quarter of the 21st century has been eventful on the Island, to say the least, and we’ve been here to cover it in what we hope has been an engaging way, always committed to truth, fairness, accuracy, and you, our readers.

We’ve made it through 9/11, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, COVID-19 and Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and we celebrate in each edition our sense of community, which becomes more precious as our neighbors are chased away by storms or replaced by the tourists we have always welcomed.

Most rewarding, you tell us that we have won your trust, and we plan to keep doing that as we continue to recover. Call, text, instant message, email, snail mail or stop us in the checkout line with your concerns, questions and ideas.

And let the Sun shine on!

-

Cindy Lane, Editor

SBA loans offer recovery relief

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering loans to help disaster victims recover. Deadlines are next week.

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

HOLMES BEACH – A new financial option may be available to residents and business owners affected by recent hurricanes.

Anna Nunez appeared before commissioners on Dec. 17 to discuss the U.S. Small Business Administration loans that are available to assist disaster victims. She said the loans are open to businesses, property owners and renters for physical and economic injury loans.

Business physical damage loans are available for up to $2 million to help owners recover from physical and financial losses related to the hurricanes.

Home disaster loans for up to $500,000 are available to help cover damage to a primary residence damaged by the hurricanes. Up to $100,000 loans are available to homeowners and renters to cover hurricane-damaged personal items, including furniture, cars and clothing.

Economic injury disaster loans for up to $2 million are available to small businesses and nonprofits to help meet ordinary financial obligations, such as payroll, rent and utilities. These are also known as working capital loans and are designed to help keep small businesses and nonprofits in business while they weather the financial implications related to a disaster.

Nunez said that some of the benefits of SBA loans include a low fixed interest rate, no payments for up to

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Executive Director Chris Culhane and The Center team are The Sun’s Persons of the Year for 2024.

Fishermen report slow mullet season

Mullet have been impacted by the loss of seagrass, fishermen say.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – With peak mullet season winding down, local fishermen hoping to cash in by selling their catches at the fish houses are reporting a lesser harvest than in recent years.

“We’ve had one good day in the last two weeks,” said one fisherman, who asked not to be identified. “I don’t know what it is that’s killing the seagrass, but the three of us have been everywhere and the fish just aren’t there.”

According to the University of Florida IFAS website, “Mullet can tolerate a wide range of salinities and can be found in fresh or saltwater. Their diet consists of bacteria and single-celled algae found attached to plants. They pick at the bottom, and scrape seagrasses consuming these.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

Executive Director Dave Tomasko weighed in on possible factors that could account for a slow fishing season.

“There have been quite a few recent hits to our water quality along with those living resources that depend on adequate water quality,” Tomasko wrote in a Dec. 26 email to The Sun. He said Sarasota Bay was impacted by four events that adversely affected the bay.

“In June, we had the highest amount

of hourly rainfall on record (going back 50 years) due to a tropical wave (not even an organized storm),” he wrote. “The amount of rainfall was thought to be so rare as to only occur every 500 years or so.”

Tomasko wrote that in August there was another “one in 100-year” rainfall event during Hurricane Debby, which

caused widespread flooding in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

“In September, we had Hurricane Helene, which gave us the biggest storm surge recorded in Sarasota and Tampa Bay’s history – in most places,” he wrote. “Then, in October, we had a Category 3 hurricane (Milton) hit us. Those storms brought us massive amounts of stormwater runoff, particularly that June rain event, and then with Debby.”

Tomasko noted that in 2024, there was more rainfall than average in a series of intense storms.

“That may be indicative of conditions that are more likely to occur over the next 30 years than was the case in the last 30 years,” he wrote. “Our air is warmer now and so is our water temperature. Both of those are expected to produce conditions that are more likely to cause intensification of tropical weather. Which means we need to get our wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to be more resilient to a changing climate, because summers like 2024 are more likely to occur over the next few decades than was the case in the last few decades.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

One fisherman's catch of mullet waiting to be weighed at Star Fish Co.

Holmes Beach: Year in Review

TREEHOUSE COMES DOWN

After more than a decade in court, Holmes Beach treehouse owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen waived the white flag in July, removing their beloved treehouse from the beach side of Angelinos Sea Lodge. The treehouse was built in 2011 without permits and became the subject of several court cases, ultimately leading to a judicial order to remove the structure. Fans said goodbye to the treehouse over the July 4 holiday. Demolition was completed on Aug. 30.

ELECTION PRODUCES TIGHT RACE

PARKING GARAGE PLANS STRUCK DOWN

While Manatee County officials still have permission in the form of a bill approved by the Florida Legislature to build a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach, those plans are currently on an indefinite hiatus. Voters fought against the parking garage, a project of former county commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, at the polls on Nov. 4. Van Ostenbridge was ousted as the District 3 commissioner and new Commissioner Tal Siddique has pledged to abandon the project.

OPPAGA STUDY RESULTS PENDING

The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability study by the state concluded in 2024, but the results have not yet been released. Ordered in 2023 by members of the Manatee County state legislative delegation, the study looked at possible alternatives to having three city governments on Anna Maria Island, including consolidation of the three cities into one and annexation into unincorporated Manatee County or the city of Bradenton. The study was met with much criticism by the public. Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer says he plans to review the results of the study with Rep. Will Robinson Jr. in the new year.

MILLAGE RATE LOWERED, TAXES UP

Holmes Beach commissioners voted to lower the millage rate from 2.05 to 1.99 mills, a 2.5% reduction for taxpayers. Despite the lowered millage rate, property taxes still went up by 7.63% for owners due to an increase in property values as assessed by the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth has two more years in office, winning by a thin margin over political newcomer Mike Roth. Titsworth took home the win by 41 votes. Joining Titsworth on the Holmes Beach dais are re-elected Commissioner Dan Diggins and returning Commissioner Carol Whitmore.

RESIDENTS FIGHT CONSOLIDATION, PARKING GARAGE

Plans by former Manatee County commissioners to build a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach and consolidate the three Anna Maria Island cities were thwarted by voters. Residents, business owners and visitors all came together to fight against both measures, holding a rally in Holmes Beach in May and a Hands Across the Sand event in April.

HURRICANE DEBRIS REMOVAL QUESTIONED

After hurricanes blew through the area in September and October, many residents questioned how well the city was handling debris removal along city streets. Hurricane Helene flooded the Island, leaving mountains of sand behind and Hurricane Milton downed trees and fences and caused widespread wind damage, leaving hundreds of tons of debris in its wake. Debris removal has been completed on the Island.

HURRICANE HELENE FLOODS ISLAND

Hurricane Helene swept past Anna Maria Island in the Gulf of Mexico on Sept. 26, but that doesn’t mean the Island was spared from the storm’s wrath. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that at one point during the storm, his officers measured 2 feet of water standing in the center of Gulf Drive near city hall. The storm caused major flooding and displaced tons of sand from Island beaches.

HURRICANE MILTON CAUSES WIDESPREAD DAMAGE

Anna Maria Island was evacuated for a second time in 2024 when Hurricane Milton approached, making landfall near Siesta Key overnight on Oct. 9. While Hurricane Helene brought the water, Milton brought the wind, downing trees and power lines and causing widespread damage. Milton hit just two weeks after Helene impacted the area. While debris removal has been completed, recovery efforts are still ongoing.

CITY ENACTS VACATION RENTAL MORATORIUM

After a second major hurricane swept through the area in as many weeks, Holmes Beach city leaders voted to enact a vacation rental moratorium in an effort to keep tourists away while recovery efforts were in their early days. Rental agents and owners opposed the moratorium, which initially banned vacation rentals in the city for 45 days. Commissioners revisited the moratorium in 30 days and opted to end it two weeks early.

LIGHTNING STRIKES TWO HOLMES BEACH BUSINESSES

A thunderstorm on Aug. 22 resulted in a two-alarm fire when lightning struck the Holmes Beach Business Center, damaging two local businesses. The lightning strike hit the roof of the west side of the complex, damaging West Coast Air Conditioning and Heating and Fun and More Rentals. Firefighters from West Manatee Fire Rescue and three other local districts quickly extinguished the fire. No one was injured but the building sustained major damage.

WATER TAXI STOP DISCUSSED

Manatee County and Holmes Beach leaders argued over the potential for a water taxi stop in the Island’s biggest city over the summer. In July and August, county officials made it clear that they want a stop for the Gulf Islands Ferry service in Holmes Beach, preferably somewhere near city center. Holmes Beach city leaders were divided on the idea with some favoring a stop at Kingfish Boat Ramp. Discussions were derailed by the arrival of hurricanes Helene and Milton.

BEACH PARKING BY THE NUMBERS

Public parking for beach access was a hot topic of conversation early in 2024 with Manatee County commissioners vowing to build a three-story paid parking garage at Manatee Beach to create more spaces. City leaders contended that there are more than enough parking spaces available in Holmes Beach for the number of people who can comfortably be accommodated on the beach.

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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

'Birthday Suite' up next for Island Players

“Birthday Suite” opens at the Island Players theater in Anna Maria on Thursday, Jan. 9.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Island Players’ 76th season will soon resume with the performance of British playwright Robin Hawdon’s “Birthday Suite.”

Directed by Island Players veteran Heiko Knipfelberg, “Birthday Suite” tells the tale of “Four hotel guests who, for very different reasons, check into adjoining hotel suites, where an unlocked door and an enthusiastic waiter leads to hilarious mistaken identities and misdirected infatuations.”

“Birthday Suite” rehearsals began about a month ago.

before showtime. The theater is located at 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.

“One thing leads to another and this gets pretty crazy. It’s very farcical,” Knipfelberg said, chuckling as he spoke.

The second production of the Island Players’ 2024-25 season opens on Thursday, Jan. 9 and closes on Sunday, Jan. 26. Tickets are $18-$28 and on sale now at www.theislandplayers. org. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office beginning one hour

Knipfelberg said the Island Players is the first and only U.S. theater company currently allowed to perform “Birthday Suite.”

The “Birthday Suite” cast features Daniel Coppinger as Tony (an Italian waiter), Eric Johnson as Bob (a civil servant), Pamela Hopkins as Kate (an attractive female), Jeff McMahon as Dick (a psychiatrist) and Sylvia Marnie as Liz (another attractive female).

“The play was chosen by our executive director, Sylvia Marnie. She saw the play performed in London and she wanted to do it here. It took some doing because the rights have not been released. She started a campaign, reaching out to the author and convincing him to let us do his play. No one else outside of England has done this play and that’s a feather in her cap,” Knipfelberg said.

“It’s a very difficult play to put on, but we’re having fun putting it

“Birthday Suite” runs January 9th through January 26th

together. Timing is essential,” he said, noting separate scenes unfold simultaneously in the two side-by-side hotel rooms.

ISLAND PLAYERS | SUBMITTED

SEE PLAYERS, PAGE 22

ISLAND PLAYERS | SUBMITTED

OPINION

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Drop us a line

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

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.

ANNA MARIA

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

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

Jan. 1, all day – City offices closed, New Year’s Day

Jan. 9, 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. 1, all day – City offices closed, New Year’s Day

Jan. 15, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES 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. 1, all day – City offices closed, New Year’s Day

Jan 8, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting

Jan. 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

Jan. 15, 3:30 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1

New Year’s Day

THURSDAY, JAN. 2

The Ginger Who?, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

OneBlood Bloodmobile donations, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 3

Coquina Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Game Night at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 4

Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

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

Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve expansion parking lot, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 6-9 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 6

The Ginger Who?, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Gentle Yoga with Delphine, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 7

AMI Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Breakfast, Gulf Drive Café, 900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, 8 a.m., $15

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

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8

Creative Aging: Watercolor Magic, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

One-on-One Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9

Toddler Play-Doh fun, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

TreeTots: Touching Texture, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Creative writing workshop, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon

Friends of the Island Library 2025 Lecture and Travel Series: Our Marine Ecosystem, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 10

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

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Zen calligraphy, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Chigiri-e Tom paper collage, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 11

Saturday Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

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

Hike with a Librarian, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 13

The Ginger Who?, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Bradenton Beach: Year in Review

PALM TREES

In a partnership between the City of Bradenton Beach and developer Shawn Kaleta, 80 coconut palm trees were planted along Bridge Street on April 23. At an April 3 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, the board approved the partnership in which Kaleta accepted responsibility for maintenance of the trees and indemnified the city against liability for damage caused by falling coconuts. The agreement was signed by Kaleta and Mayor John Chappie on May 28. Since the planting of the palm trees, at least five have fallen during storms and have been removed by the city.

PINES TRAILER PARK

Following water intrusion into the mobile homes at Pines Trailer Park from Hurricane Helene on Sept. 26, residents were told at an Oct. 17 city commission meeting that FEMA guidelines related to any hurricane-related water covering their floors deem the properties to have major damage. That damage assessment triggered a city floodplain ordinance requiring the mobile homes to be elevated in compliance with city code. In-person inspections by the city building official,

however, determined that any storm damage repairs to 83 of the 86 the mobile homes would cost less than 50% of the pre-storm structure value, in compliance with the FEMA 50% rule. In early December, city Building Official Darin Cushing notified residents that they would be allowed to repair their structures with the proper permits. The city waived permit fees until April 30.

HURRICANE DAMAGE IN CORTEZ

Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with state and federal officials, including FEMA Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, visited Star Fish Co. in Cortez on Oct. 11 to discuss

state-wide hurricane clean-up efforts and to survey local hurricane damage.

A community supply distribution hub for all Cortez residents was in place at the Sunny Shores Park clubhouse. The hub opened shortly after Hurricane Helene and ended in December.

Sunny Shores Trailer Park got electrical power restored in October with the help of Hydro One, a Canadian-based electricity transmission and distribution provider. Working as part of a Florida Power and Light Emergency Response Team, the crews made their way through piles of debris to install electrical equipment.

The 12th Annual Cortez Stone Crab

and Music Festival, scheduled for Nov. 9-10, was canceled due to the impacts of back-to-back hurricanes. The festival typically draws more than 5,000 attendees to Cortez and features live music, crafts and local seafood.

NET CAMP

Following a six-year legal battle between Raymond “Junior” Guthrie and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) over the existence of a net camp stilt structure in Sarasota Bay, the agency prevailed in May and Guthrie was ordered

SEE BRADENTON BEACH, PAGE 9

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The Pines Trailer Park was flooded by Hurricane Helene. Many residents are being allowed to rebuild.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Gov. Ron DeSantis and FEMA Executive Director Kevin Guthrie meet with Star Fish Co. owner Karen Bell to view hurricane damage in Cortez.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Coconut palm trees were delivered to Bridge Street in May for planting.

BRADENTON BEACH: Year in Review

to dismantle and remove the building. FDEP claimed the net camp was built on state submerged lands and Guthrie countered that the structure he rebuilt in 2017 was replacing a historic structure that had been in his family for decades. Net camps were wooden shacks used by fishermen to hang fishing nets to dry. According to historic photos, there were dozens of net camps on the bay off Cortez. One net camp adjacent to Guthrie’s remained, but was destroyed in September by Hurricane Helene.

BRADENTON BEACH GOVERNMENT

CRA board member David Bell resigned from the board following the March 6 meeting. Bell, a CRA member for five years, wrote in his resignation letter that there has been too much focus on parking versus circulation, accessibility, safety, environmental issues and aesthetics.

Deborah Scaccianoce was sworn in on March 21 as Ward 1 commissioner. She filled the vacant seat left by former Commissioner Jake Spooner. Spooner resigned in December 2023 citing his opposition to the state’s financial disclosure requirement. City commissioners voted on Sept. 5 to modify the makeup of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board from a seven-member to a five-member board. The five-member board

will consist of commissioners and act as a governing body as opposed to the prior board makeup as a recommending body.

The Bradenton Beach City Commission voted unanimously on Sept. 19 in favor of naming Police Chief John Cosby permanent director of public works. Cosby had served in the role temporarily following the May departure of former Public Works Director Tom Woodard.

Bradenton Beach resident and retired engineer Scott Bear was sworn in as city commissioner for Ward 2 on Nov. 18. Bear, who ran unopposed, filled the seat formerly held by city commissioner Marilyn Maro.

SAND SIFTING

In a large-scale beach restoration project to replace sand pushed across Gulf Drive during back-to-back hurricanes, tons of beach-grade sand are being sifted, cleaned and returned to beaches at the Coquina Beach processing site. Construction-grade darker sand, such as is found in parking lots, is being transported to the eastern part of the county for future use in road building and infrastructure projects. Manatee County is operating the project and expects to be reimbursed by FEMA debris funds.

PAID PARKING LOTS

The Pines Trailer Park parking lot at 201 First St. N. was converted to a public paid parking

lot on Dec. 5. The lot was used by approximately half of the 86 Pines homeowners at a cost of $750 per year and provided the only parking facility for them. Pines Park Investors LLC owns the parking lot and the mobile home park.

One of four paid parking lots owned by Shawn Kaleta was brought into compliance by the city’s 2019 deadline by adhering to several stipulations. The applicants chose to close the remaining three lots at 102 Third St. N., 206 Bay Drive N. and 207 Church Ave. All requirements for the paid parking lot at 101 Bridge St. were met.

HURRICANE CONDEMNATIONS

A 1930 Gulf Drive bungalow was demolished on Oct. 23 after storm surge from Hurricane Helene pushed the 739 square foot home to the end of 12th Street South before coming to a stop and sustaining significant damage along the way.

The City of Bradenton Beach released a list of 25 condemned properties due to hurricane damage. At a Dec. 4 city commission special emergency meeting, Public Works Director and Police Chief John Cosby told commissioners that the homeowners are responsible for the demolition and removal of the condemned buildings.

A condemnation notice on Gash Caudill’s Gulf Drive home was rescinded following an

in-person inspection by City Building Official Darin Cushing.

SEA TURTLES, SHOREBIRDS

A nesting sea turtle wandered onto Gulf Drive on June 19 and was struck and killed by a vehicle. The turtle had nested in nearby sand dunes and was likely disoriented by streetlights illuminating a crosswalk, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella. A least tern colony began nesting in Bradenton Beach the week of May 6. Their numbers grew to include 45 birds, with 20 of them sitting on eggs, along with five new hatchlings. Rainfall during the week of June 10 raised concerns about the colony’s survival. At that time many of the eggs had been incubating for more than 25 days and were expected to be close to hatching. Not only did the colony survive the storms, but throughout the

weekend five chicks could be seen peering out from under their parents, according to Mazzarella. Sea turtle nesting season came to an early end due to the remaining nests being washed out by Hurricane Helene. Anna Maria Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring’s largest fundraiser, Turtle Watch Wednesday, was canceled in 2024 due to hurricane damage on the Island.

HURRICANE RECOVERY

Bradenton Beach celebrated hurricane recovery and reopening of businesses on Dec. 7 with a Christmas on Bridge Street celebration. Following the storm surge from Hurricane Helene on Sept. 26, many parts of the city were covered with more than 4 feet of sand pushed up from local beaches. A concerted cleanup effort with FDOT and public works crews removing sand and debris from local roads allowed the celebration to take place.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

A Gulf Drive home was damaged by hurricanes and condemned by the city of Bradenton Beach.

Anna Maria: Year in Review

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

DEBRIS REMOVAL

Mayor Dan Murphy, City Commission Chair Mark Short, General Manager Dean Jones and City Clerk LeAnne all played vital roles in the city of Anna Maria’s privately-contracted hurricane debris removal efforts that earned praise from residents and state officials. Agnelli’s Pools & Construction owner Frank Agnelli and his crew also played a significant role in the debris removal efforts.

PIERS DAMAGED

Hurricane Helene badly damaged the Rod & Reel Pier’s wooden walkway. Hurricane Milton then finished the destruction of the iconic pier and restaurant/bar owned by Germanybased brewer and restaurateur Oliver Lemke, who hopes to rebuild the pier and restaurant. As of Dec. 27, the “Help Us Rebuild Rod and Reel Pier” GoFundMe page received $86,702 in donations.

After Hurricane Milton, Ross Built Construction co-owner Lee Ross reunited United Kingdom residents Shira and David Schiller with a memorial plaque recovered from the pier wreckage. The plaque honors the Schiller’s deceased 10-year-old son, Max.

The city-owned Anna Maria City Pier survived Hurricane Helene with minimal damage but Hurricane Milton then destroyed a 75- to 100-yard section of the pier walkway completed in 2020 as part of the pier replacement project necessitated by the pier damage that Hurricane Irma inflicted in 2017. The City Pier will remain closed until the repairs are completed. Mayor Dan Murphy initially estimated the repair costs might be in the $3 million range. In November, the city commission approved a $347,660 contract for the inspection, engineering, permitting and project oversight services to be provided by the George F. Young engineering firm. The city has not yet solicited bid proposals from contractors seeking the pier repair contract.

FERRY SERVICE

Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry service began in January with stops at the Riverwalk Day Dock and the Anna Maria City Pier. Service to the Bradenton Beach Pier began in February. After being disrupted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, ferry

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Debris removal proved challenging but successful in Anna Maria.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This was all that was left of the Rod & Reel Pier after Hurricane Milton.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Anna Maria City Pier walkway sustained heavy damage during Hurricane Milton.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Anna Maria City Pier and pier buildings will remain closed until the needed repairs are completed.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

In January, 8-year-old Marlon Haoui was the first Gulf Islands Ferry passenger to disembark on the Anna Maria City Pier, assisted by crew member Mike Pollard.

ANNA MARIA: Year in Review

service between Bradenton and Bradenton Beach resumed on Nov. 1. Ferry service resumed at the recently installed temporary ferry landing near the hurricanedamaged City Pier on Dec 26.

RENTAL REGULATIONS OPPOSED

Assisted by a Tallahasseebased lobbyist, and using the city-owned Home Rule Florida website that generated more than 20,000 opposition letters and emails sent to state legislators and Gov. Ron DeSantis, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and City Clerk LeAnne Addy were at the forefront of the successful campaign waged statewide in opposition to the Florida Legislature’s latest attempt to preempt short-term vacation rental regulation to the state and strip Florida cities of their local regulatory rights. In late June, DeSantis vetoed the proposed vacation rental legislation.

COMMISSION RECONFIGURED

In January, Kathy MorganJohnson and Gary McMullen were appointed to fill two vacancies on the Anna Maria City Commission. In November, Dan Murphy ended his 10-year tenure as Anna Maria’s mayor. After defeating former commissioner Brian Seymour in the mayoral election, former City Commission Chair Mark Short became

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Dan Murphy served five consecutive two-year terms as Anna Maria’s mayor. Mark Short, right, is Anna Maria’s new mayor.

Anna Maria’s new mayor. Running unopposed, McMullen and first-time candidate Chris Arendt also earned two-year terms in office. In November, citing hurricane displacement, damage and a desire to leave the Island, Commissioner Jon Crane tendered his immediate resignation and vacated the remaining year of his current commission term. In late-December, Seymour and John Lynch submitted applications seeking the commission appointment to be made in early January.

MILLAGE REDUCED

In June, Mayor Dan Murphy proposed reducing the city of Anna Maria’s ad valorem property tax millage rate from 2.05 to 1.82 mills. When discussed again in late July, Murphy proposed lowering the millage rate to 1.75 mills. The city commission majority later adopted an even lower 1.65 millage rate – the largest known millage reduction to ever occur on Anna Maria Island, according to Murphy.

COMMISSION ACTIONS

In 2024, the Anna Maria City Commission supported allowing leashed dogs in City Pier Park (except during city-hosted special events), temporarily allowing business owners to use two sandwich boards signs and one flag or banner to promote their businesses during the ongoing hurricane recovery period, allowing three Anna Maria businesses to continue selling otherwise prohibited CBD and hemp products and supporting the yet-to-be-installed shade sails over the children’s playground at City Pier Park. In response to concerns expressed by some business owners, the city commission in March pledged that the city would not impact the existing parking spaces along Gulf Drive by extending to the north the multi-use path that currently ends at Willow Avenue.

RESTAURANTS SOLD

In July, Ed Chiles sold his Sandbar, BeachHouse and Mar Vista restaurants to the Pinellas

COFFEE | FOOD | WINE |

was

passed away in 2024.

County-based Beachside Hospitality Group. The Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website lists the Daytona Beachbased Pine24 Oceanside SB LLC as the property owner for the Sandbar property in Anna Maria that sold for $16.4 million, the BeachHouse property in Bradenton Beach that sold for $9.6 million and the Mar Vista property in Longboat Key that sold for $5.4 million.

OPPAGA STUDY

2024 came and went without Anna Maria Island officials and residents being provided copies of the OPPAGA consolidation study requested in late 2023 by state legislators Jim Boyd, Will Robinson Jr. and others.

PASSINGS

In March, Bradenton Beach and Pines Trailer Park resident Ellen Scott passed away at 85. In May, Holmes Beach resident and Nautilus condominium complex manager Fritz Dahlquist passed away at 70. In June, LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air co-founder Mike LaPensee passed away at 79. In August, former City Pier bait shop bartender and longtime Bradenton resident Brian Blaine passed away at 51. In May, drummer John “Duncan” Edgar passed away in his early 60s. In July, lead singer, lead guitarist and bass player Zack Yoder passed away at 32.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mike LaPensee

among the notable Anna Maria Island community members who

SEE ANNA MARIA, PAGE 27

FDOT urges bicyclists to avoid Gulf Drive

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is advising bicyclists to avoid Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach and Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key due to unsafe conditions within the bike lanes during

hurricane debris removal. Motorists are advised to use caution and expect delays due to debris collection operations along the entire SR 789 right of way. Flagged single lanes are in place for the safe loading of debris trucks.

Cortez Bridge project resumes Jan. 6

Construction on the Cortez Bridge utility relocation project is suspended through Sunday, Jan. 5 and work will resume on Monday, Jan. 6. Work will include the Intracoastal Waterway installation of a 20-inch force main pipe. Around-the-clock operations will allow for the pulling of the pipe through the ICW crossing. On Dec. 22, the contractor completed the ICW installation of a 24-inch water main pipe from the west to the east side of the Cortez Bridge. Continuing through spring, the sidewalk on the south side of Cortez Road West, west of the Cortez Bridge, will be closed with a

detour in place to direct pedestrians. The sidewalk and bike lane on the south side of Cortez Road will be closed between 119th Street West and Avenue B with a detour in place to direct pedestrians and cyclists. Also closed will be 124th Street West, 124th Street Court West, 125th Court West, Central Avenue and Avenue A at Cortez Road West. During construction, travelers may face temporary lane closures with flagging operations on the eastbound and westbound lanes of Cortez Road West to allow for moving and delivery of construction materials and equipment.

Tased autistic man enters prosecution agreement

On Sept. 10, Holmes Beach Police officers tased and arrested Francisco Diaz, a 30-year-old autistic man, for allegedly committing battery on a law enforcement officer while resisting arrest.

This occurred while his father, Orlando Diaz, was being arrested for allegedly driving with a suspended driver’s license. The prosecuting attorney charged Francisco Diaz, a Bradenton

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

resident, with a first-degree misdemeanor count of resisting, obstructing or opposing an officer without violence. When contacted by The Sun in mid-October, after reviewing the police officers’ body camera and dash camera videos, State Attorney Ed Brodsky said, “We determined the actions of the officers were appropriate.” On Dec. 18, the younger Diaz entered into a misdemeanor criminal

Dec. 11, 8:50 a.m., Gulf Drive North, burglary. Two men were arrested for burglary in connection with a break-in at the Island Time Bar and Grill. The manager reported when he arrived in the morning, he saw the two men inside the closed restaurant. The two men then fled the establishment and walked northbound on Gulf Drive. One of the men was reportedly wearing a salmon-colored Island Time shirt that police said was stolen and the second man was wearing a plaid shirt with a plastic

deferred prosecution agreement/special exception with the state of Florida and the 12th Judicial Circuit Court. The agreement defers prosecution on the misdemeanor charge as long as Diaz does not commit any future violations of any criminal law, pays $535 in program fees and completes a one-time session with the Southwest Behavioral Center in Bradenton.

chain and pants draped around his neck. Police spotted the pair and they were detained. The manager positively identified them and said they were seen on security footage. He told police that they had taken six shirts and were drinking alcohol in the bar area. Both men, age 37 and of no known address, were charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure. One of the men admitted to police that they had been inside the closed establishment, took the shirts and drank alcohol, according to the police report.

HOLMES BEACH

Dec. 21, 5 p.m., 48th Street, damaged memorial bench. Police were dispatched to a report of possible

vandalism of a memorial bench. The complainant stated she purchased the bench after her husband passed away and she sits on it each day while watching the sunset. On Dec. 21, she discovered the bench was in pieces and smashed into the sand. According to police, the house directly behind where the bench was located had active construction taking place and a white Bobcat tractor had left track marks leading directly to the bench. Police contacted the construction company and stated an employee of the company had admitted to running over the bench, but had failed to report it to his boss. The construction company owner agreed to pay to have the bench replaced.

MANATEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE | SUBMITTED

In September, Franscisco Diaz was tased and arrested in Holmes Beach.

Best of The Sun: 25 first-place awards

FPA 2024 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Outdoor columnist Rusty Chinnis took home first place in the Outdoor and Recreation category for “Reel Time: Vote water.”

FPA 2023 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Top 25 fun things to do under The Sun on Anna Maria Island

• Bean Point beach walk

• Sunset watch anywhere along the Gulf side

• Snorkel

• Diving the Regina

• Bike Coquina Beach

• Kayak in Leffis Key mangroves

• Birdwatch at Grassy Point Preserve

• Paddleboard Sarasota Bay

• Surf Twin Piers

• Shell at Coquina Beach

• Fish offshore

• See an Island Players theater production

• Play sports at The Center of Anna Maria Island

• Enjoy Bayfest on Pine Avenue

• Horseback ride at Palma Sola Causeway

• Bike at Robinson Preserve

• Hike at Neal Preserve

• Birdwatch at Perico Preserve

• Kiteboard in the Gulf

• Skimboard at Cortez Beach

• Fish from the Bradenton Beach Pier

• Take your pup for a bark in the park

at the Holmes Beach dog park

• Lie on the beach under an umbrella

• Visit the AMI Historical Museum

• Eat out

Outdoor columnist Rusty Chinnis won first place in the Environmental category for “Reel Time: Stand up for mangroves.”

Contributor Denise Lynn Power won first place in Reader-Generated Photography for “Early Fireworks.”

FPC 2022 EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM COMPETITION

Staff writer Kristin Swain won first place in Environmental Writing for “Heron nest halts construction.”

FPA 2021 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Cartoonist Steve Borggren won first place for his Original Local Editorial Cartoon, “I miss red tide.”

Staff writer Kristin Swain won first place in the Light Features category for “Sculpture illustrates local trash problem,” about a sculpture created from trash collected by Longboat Key Turtle Watch.

FPA 2020 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Staff writer Cindy Lane won first place in the Outdoor and Recreation category for a series of articles on duck hunting near Perico Preserve, Robinson Preserve and Neal Preserve, “Residents sound off on duck hunting.”

FPC 2019 EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM COMPETITION

Staff writer Cindy Lane won first place in Commentary Writing for “Part of the job,” about the Capital Gazette shootings.

FPC 2018 EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM COMPETITION

Staff writer Kristin Swain won first place in Commu-

nity News Writing for “Hurricane recovery begins for condo owners,” about delays in the repairs of several Holmes Beach condos damaged by Hurricane Irma.

FPA 2018-19 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Staff writer Joe Hendricks won first place in the First Amendment Defense category and the Jon A. Roosenraad Award, competing against Florida newspapers of all sizes, for “Sunshine lawsuit,” beat coverage of Bradenton Beach litigation surrounding a city committee’s alleged violations of the Florida Sunshine Law.

Staff writer Cindy Lane earned first place in In-Depth Reporting for coverage of the accidental death of Manatee County’s beloved mascot due to inattention to aquarium maintenance, “Bye bye, Baby Snoots.”

Cindy Lane won first place in the environmental category for coverage of proposed oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, “Oil drilling proposal headed for ballot.”

FPC 2017 EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM COMPETITION

Photographer Maggie Field won first place in Feature Photography for “Silver Sunset.”

Publisher Mike Field won first place in Editorial for “The Big M” about a rumor of a coming Marriott hotel.

Staff writer Tom Vaught won first in the Breaking News Photography category for “Soggy Monday Blues.”

Sports Action Photography for “Redemption.”

FPA 2016 BETTER WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST for General Excellence in the state of Florida.

2015 FPA BETTER WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Tyler Kapela won first place for his Spot News Photo, “Twister Hits Skyway.”

2014 FPA BETTER WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Staff writer Cindy Lane won first place in State and Local Tax Reporting and The Florida TaxWatch Award competing against newspapers of all sizes for a series on Manatee County’s efforts to collect resort taxes.

2013 FPA BETTER WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Staff writer Cindy Lane won first place in Local Government Reporting for the tourism story, “Anna Maria Island – Filled to the gills?”

Contributor Duke Miller won first place in Feature Photo for “Perfect landing,” depicting a white pelican’s water landing off Cortez.

and marine life coming to

2012 FPA BETTER WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

The Anna Maria Island Sun won first place for best weekly statewide. place for Portfolio Photography. Staff writer Cindy Lane won first place for Serious Column and the Sally Latham Memorial Award for “Coast Lines: Oil Spill Draws Us - and Them - Close to Coast,” about people

City at odds with itself over tiki bar permit

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH –

The new tiki hut at the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., is taking shape with approval from one arm of the city while another has taken issue with the process.

Following a review of the Drift In permit application by the city planner, City Building Official Darin Cushing issued a permit for the chickee-style hut to be built at the bar. On Dec. 18, Drift In owner Derek Williams was notified by his attorney that issues with the construction would be discussed at a Dec. 19 city commission meeting.

“I put this on the agenda because I had some concerns on Friday, and I saw what was going on with the Drift In tiki and the expansion,” Mayor John Chappie said at the meeting. “I hadn’t heard any certainty that things had been moving along and there was

going to be actual construction, and it caught me off guard, because I know our city attorney had communications for a while now to discuss the easements that are in play.”

Chappie said he had concerns about three issues - existing easements on the property, the size of the structure compared to what was removed and parking.

“I approached Darin (Cushing) that morning to ask what was going on because the last I heard it was just a demo,” Chappie said. “The city has been working with two other properties that are dealing with easement issues. The easement process has to go through Planning and Zoning and the city commission. We have to follow the rules.”

Cushing said he looked at the existing tiki bar, which Williams said sustained damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

A new tiki structure at the Drift In is being constructed with city permits, but some city officials are taking issue with the process.

“It was pretty messed up. I said you’d probably be OK to demo that and replace. His replacement plan was to put a tiki structure out there,” Cushing said. Plans were submitted, and

Williams went through the city’s permitting process.

“Anything that’s commercial goes through our planner first and it gets approved by the planner,” Cushing said. “Generally if the planner finds

something he thinks needs to go through the process of Planning and Zoning, and eventually commission approval, he would flag it as such. It came to my desk and I approved it. “

Regarding the easement, which has been in place since 1993, and based on the survey, it was presented as a maintenance and operation of sidewalk easement, Cushing said. His review was done based on the Bridge Street overlay district which says zero setbacks are required.

“I looked at the parking numbers, there’s more than sufficient parking still there,” Cushing said. “We were trying to get the ball rolling and get businesses up and running on Bridge Street and it got through the cracks and didn’t get seen as an issue until I was told earlier this week.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

TIKI: City at odds with itself over tiki bar permit

Chappie said that the easement issue has been under review by the city attorney for quite a while and Cushing acknowledged there were discussions about an easement as it pertained to trees and the parking lot.

“We were told a demo permit had been issued but we were told no construction activity had been taking place,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said. “We advised Darin the property had some issue with easement and make sure we look at it before anything starts moving forward.”

She said proper procedures need to be followed.

“This sets a precedent,” Perry said. “There is another property owner on Bridge Street who has wanted a tiki bar and it’s been hung up because of setback and parking issues. This opens the door for that property owner to say ‘Why can’t I?’ ”

She said there are two easements on the Drift In property, and said it’s difficult to understand the language on one. The second easement runs parallel to Bridge Street. Part of the structure of the Drift In sits in that easement and runs through the building.

*Easements can’t have something done to them unless it comes to the commission, your code says that,” she told commissioners. “Looking at the easement, there’s a right of way that’s reserved for use which is now interfered with by the structure.”

Perry questioned whether the roof part of the structure was destroyed by the hurricane versus what was under the roof structure.

“To me there’s a distinction. If there was a modification to the size of the structure that exceeded 10%, that becomes a

major development approval and a major development approval needs to go through a P&Z review and a city commission approval,” she said.

“There is a procedure called after-the-fact permitting,” Perry said. “There’s no guarantee that an after-the-fact permit will be approved. They were trying to follow the process, unfortunately the process as presented to them was not the process that should have been followed.”

Perry said the applicant was given misinformation from the city, and any after-the-fact penalties should be waived.

Chappie suggested the building official issue a temporary Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

“He (Williams) was relying on the advice and guidance of the building official who has the apparent authority of the city,” Perry said. “You can modify the easement, but beware. 101 (Bridge Street, owned by Shawn Kaleta) has a 10-foot easement enforced through the PUD and Bridgewalk is asking for their easement to be modified.”

Williams spoke to commissioners and asked if the city has modified easements in the past.

“It’s never been done administratively,” Perry said. “It’s been done with the governing body.”

Williams said the old tiki structure had been damaged by the hurricane.

“My building was damaged, the tiki was damaged both on the roof and underneath,” he said. “I was very adamant that I wasn’t going to tear it down until my new structure was permitted. I don’t know what else I could have done.

“All I did was work with the people you told me to work with and I got a permit. I’m respectful of the permit process and the legal precedent,” Williams said.

“The bar’s been there longer than the easement. The tiki bar has been rebuilt and improved, eliminating the eyesore with the tents that were there.”

Regarding the easement running through the building, Williams said, “I’m trying to correct something that doesn’t make any sense, unless you believe the Drift In should be knocked down.”

“The Drift In is part of our community,” Chappie said. “I wish it hadn’t happened this way. There was an error as far as following procedure.”

“Let’s come up with a solution here and make it happen,”

Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “If nobody can define the back easement, we should just get rid of it.”

Perry said she is not prepared to eliminate the easement.

“Why have this one going through a building? Clear that one for him,” Cole said.

An easement modification has to go through a public hearing, Perry said.

“We gave him a permit to do it, now what do we have to do to correct it?” Cole asked.

Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce suggested an expedited P&Z process for the new tiki bar and addressing the easement issues later.

“A temporary CO will get him back in business,” Scaccianoce said.

Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to grant a temporary CO for the use of the existing structure at the Drift In property contingent on West Manatee Fire District approval and a directive to the mayor and city attorney and building official to process the improvements at the Drift In in the most expeditious manner that addresses the easement and expansion of the property.

City hands out annual awards

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders ended the calendar year on a festive note, handing out awards during a Dec. 17 commission meeting.

Former Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee member Jim McDaniel and former city commissioner Greg Kerchner were recognized for their service to the community.

Public Works employee Mike Cappello took home the city’s Employee of the Year award, receiving a standing ovation from other members of the staff.

The Hagen Foundation once again received the Community Partnership award. Mayor Judy Titsworth thanked the foundation for its continued financial support of community initiatives. This year, the foundation donated funds to resurface the city’s tennis courts.

Titsworth also acknowledged the community members and businesses who volunteered their time and efforts to assist in cleanup efforts following impacts from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

For his efforts to aide in hurricane recovery, along with many years of volunteer service to the city of Holmes Beach, local restaurant owner Sean Murphy received the Louis Strickland 2024 Citizen of the Year award.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN Mike Cappello receives a standing ovation from his fellow Holmes Beach Public Works employees as he accepts the city’s Employee of the Year award.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN Former commissioner Greg Kerchner is thanked by Mayor Judy Titsworth for his two years on the dais.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN Local restaurateur Sean Murphy is honored with the Louis Strickland Citizen of the Year Award 2024 by Mayor Judy Titsworth.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN Holmes Beach Code Compliance Officer James Thomas and police Sgt. Josh Fleischer accept a Small Agency Crime Prevention Unit of the Year award from the Florida Crime Prevention Association, presented by Mayor Judy Titsworth.

OUTDOORS

Using a Power-Pole

have a confession to make. When I first saw a boat with the novel (at the time) Power-Pole, I remember thinking, “That will never get off the ground.” Boy, was I wrong. Not only are these mechanical “anchors” present on most inshore fishing boats, now there’s also one on my boat! The originator of this game-changing accessory for anglers was John Oliverio, a Sarasota native. The concept was hatched one day in 1998 when he was fishing Sarasota Bay’s Longbar with Sweet Lady Vidalia, his dog and favorite fishing partner. He noticed that when he spotted fish, they often spooked before he could stop his boat with an anchor or push pole. According to Oliverio, “I wanted something I

could lower from anywhere on the boat without taking my eye off the fish.” It didn’t take Oliverio long to also realize the environmental benefits of his invention too. A friend who was monitoring seagrass on popular flats areas had noticed that anglers’ anchors dragging in those beds had left scars.

In 2008, Power-Pole added a new innovation to their invention that was quickly catching on with tournament anglers in salt and fresh waters alike. Oliverio had the environment in mind again with his next advancement of the product. The original Power-Pole was designed never to leak, but Oliverio realized that it was inevitable that with continued use in all conditions, the petroleum-based hydraulic fluid that powers the device would find its way into the water.

"I was thinking we needed to do the right thing here," Oliverio said. "These guys using Power-Poles are in the best places to fish. The worst thing that could happen would be to spill out a quart of hydraulic fluid in your favorite fishing hole.”

He made the decision to develop a bio-degradable fluid that wouldn't harm the environment if a Power-Pole did begin to leak hydraulic fluid.

Since their introduction, Power-Pole anchors have had a huge impact on inshore fishing, first in saltwater and then in fresh water. Produced by JL Marine Systems

in Tampa, Power-Pole anchors are available through over 3,500 dealers, retailers and boat manufacturers.

But don’t expect to hear from Oliverio about how he alone made this concept so successful. “I didn't bring this company to the level of success we enjoy today all by myself,” he said. “It's been with the efforts of all the employees associated with the company. Everyone has worked together to make Power-Pole anchors a leader in the marine industry.”

When Suncoast Waterkeeper obtained its patrol boat, the board quickly recognized the value of an innovative “green product” like Power-Pole. Much of the organization’s work is done on the shallow

grass beds around Sarasota Bay. Whether it’s monitoring water quality, conducting debris cleanups after storms, flying drones to assess mangrove health or participating with Kids for Clean Water to monitor sea grass health, the Power-Pole is the perfect partner. Ever the environmental ambassador, Power-Pole provided us with an anchor. That’s what led me to see the benefits of the device and put one on my boat. I highly recommend this innovative accessory for the ease of use and practicality and its value to protecting the angler’s greatest resource, our grass flats. To learn more about this product and get one for your boat, check out a dealer near you.

RUSTY CHINNIS

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

The Power-Pole was a great help during the recent Terra Ceia debris cleanup after dual hurricanes.

New Year brings new fishing opportunities

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

You may find reds and big trout concentrated in potholes in January. Action with trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and more on deep grass flats can be good depending on conditions. There should also be good catch and release snook action in rivers, creeks and canals this month, although fishing docks for snook and other species is also a good option. It may be worth checking the coastal Gulf for tripletail, cobia, false albacore (little tunny) and more when it’s warm. Snook season is closed during January, although catch and release fishing is allowed. Use tackle heavy enough to catch and release snook quickly with as little handling as possible. They are temperature sensitive, so I won’t target them if the water temperature dips below 60 degrees. However, fishing lighted docks in the ICW at night with lures and flies can be very good in January. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, Gurglers and shrimp fly patterns will work well for fly anglers. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs with shad tails or 4” jerk worms, DOA Tiny TerrorEyz and DOA 2-3/4” & 3” Shrimp. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action. Full regulations and details for all species can be viewed at https://myfwc. com/ .

You should also find snook in rivers, creeks and canals this month. Fish deeper water in outside bends to locate snook where you may catch them with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms, DOA Baitbusters or diving/suspending plugs. You may also find reds, juvenile tarpon and even largemouth bass in the same areas depending on salinity. Reds should be a good option this month. You’ll find them concentrated in potholes when the tide is low. Fly anglers should score with lightly weighted flies fished on a 10’-12’ leader with a floating fly line. Reds feed on crustaceans this time of the year, so crab and shrimp fly patterns

There should be good action in shallow water in January. Jerry Poslusny, of Palmetto, with a Tampa Bay red caught and released on DOA Lures while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous January.

should work well. They may tail on shallow grass flats when the tide is low. You’ll need weedless rigged plastic baits or flies with weed guards to target tailing reds. A CAL shad tail on a weedless hook or a DOA shrimp rigged weedless and fished backwards

FROM THE PREHISTORIC

are a couple of my favorite lures for tailing reds.

You may also find reds around docks, along with snook, sheepshead, flounder and more.

You’ll also find trout on deep grass flats in January along with blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano, flounder and more. I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Since trout can sometimes hold very tight to a particular spot or area, try to cover as much water as possible to find them. Once you’ve located fish, you can shorten your drift or anchor on them. A GPS can be useful for this type of fishing since the breadcrumb trail will allow you to duplicate your drift. A drift anchor will slow your drift so you

SEE GRASSETT, PAGE 22

Little Sarasota Bay has numerous oyster bars and docks that often hold reds in January. Work CAL jigs slowly along the bottom for the best action. You’re likely to find big trout in many of the same areas that you find reds. In my opinion it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders. The same lures, flies and techniques that are used for reds will also work for big trout.

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUN

REAL ESTATE

All real estate is local

If you want to know the value of your property, just go around the corner and see what recently sold. This was one of the first tenets of determining real estate value I learned more years ago than I care to say, but it was true then and is truer today.

As we look around at the real estate landscape this first day of a new year, all Manatee County and Sarasota County coastal property owners are wondering the same thing, how much impact have the storms had on property values. The answer to this question will take a while longer to answer, but I can report the key trends and the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee’s comments.

Castles in the Sand

all segments, single family and condos, for both counties.

The median time to sell is taking longer, and the inventory is growing.

resembling “normal.” Looking at the properties for sale, a large portion of them have greatly reduced listing prices and the pictures show severe damage.

Many owners are cashing out what they can, working with FEMA and moving off the Island. This will significantly change the makeup of Anna Maria Island, however, in my opinion it likely will not change values once the dust has settled and new owners have moved on to the Island.

years. However, for the year, home buying activity remains slow for the second straight year and sales of previously owned homes in 2024 are on track to hit their lowest level since 1995.

Essentially, there has been a decrease in sales in both counties in November for single family and condo properties with the exception of single-family homes in Manatee.

The median sale price is declining in

The optimistic spin on this from the Realtor Association is seeing a return to a more balanced condition where buyers and sellers have equal opportunities in the market. They go on to say that this will result in a healthier and more stable housing market in the long run.

Yes, in a normal market, more inventory is healthy but going back to the all real estate is local theory, Anna Maria Island and Manatee County’s coastal communities are far away from anything

Manatee County has also put in place a property tax abatement for eligible homeowners whose homes were uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to the catastrophic events. The claims can be filed Jan. 1, and there are more details on the Manatee County website under Catastrophic Event Information.

Nationally, according to The National Association of Realtors, home sales rose in November, resulting in the biggest year-over-year gain in more than three

Home prices continue to stay near recorded highs with the inventory of homes for sale extremely low. The national median existing home price in November was $406,100 compared to Manatee County’s median single-family November sale price of $430,000. Again, national statistics don’t tell the story for our area but it’s still interesting to throw into the real estate value pot.

No matter how the Realtor Association spins the statistics, it will be a challenging first half of the new year and maybe longer. Most of us survived the worst of it; now we have to settle into a new order of business. Wishing you and your families a safe and happy new year moving forward.

LOUISE BOLGER

Ending the year in style

Left, Tom Farrington teamed up with Bob Rowley at AMI Horseshoes on Dec. 28 and the pair ended the year in the winner's circle after winning the final 24-17 over Bob Mason and Tim Sofran. Farrington ended it in style with a double-ringer for the win.

GRASSETT: New year, new fishing opportunities

FROM PAGE 19

can fish it more thoroughly or make it easier for fly anglers to move their fly. My favorite deep grass flats have a good mix of grass and sand with a strong tidal flow. Even though there may not be much happening in the coastal Gulf this month in the way of sight fishing, it may be worth a look when it is warm. Migratory species such as king and Spanish mackerel, cobia and tripletail probably have moved further south, however they could reappear during warmups. Also look for false albacore (little tunny) when it’s warm since they may move from offshore to inshore depending on where baitfish are located.

January can be one of the toughest months of the year to fish. However, if you are able to choose when to fish based on tides and weather, it can be good. Action is usually good as weather fronts approach. Following fronts, fishing may be tough for a couple of days so afternoons may fish better at that time. I’ll let the stage of the tide determine where to look for fish. When the tide is low, look for reds tailing on shallow grass or reds, trout and more in potholes or around docks. Look for reds or big trout cruising on shallow grass flats on sunny afternoons when the tide is high.

Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural, industrial and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

Red tide detected

The red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was observed at background to medium concentrations in Manatee County by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Dec. 23. Background concentrations were reported at the Longboat Pass Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach, low concentrations were reported at the former location of the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and medium concentrations were reported at the Skyway Fishing Pier in lower Tampa Bay. No fish kills suspected to be related to red tide were reported to FWC's Fish Kill Hotline and other partners over the past week offshore of Manatee County, according to the FWC. Call 866-300-9399 at anytime to hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state. To track statewide reports, visit: https://myfwc.com/ research/redtide/statewide/

PLAYERS: 'Birthday Suite' up next

“You see both things happening, but the dialogue is only happening at one side of the stage, and then it goes on to the other side of the stage,” Knipfelberg said.

Knipfelberg, a Bradenton resident, said the theater building experienced some minor hurricane-related water damage, but nothing too serious. However, the back-to-back hurricanes that struck Anna Maria Island and the Bradenton/Sarasota area may have prevented some actors and actresses from auditioning for the play. The hurricanes also likely contributed to a smaller than usual production crew.

resident, responded to a Facebook post seeking cast members.

“He was a community theater actor in the northwest and he asked if I still needed somebody. I had him come over to my house to audition. We read half a page and I knew he was the one I needed,” Knipfelberg said.

When describing the director’s role, Knipfelberg said, “The actors need someone to coordinate their behavior with one another so it all falls into place. The director’s job is to pull it all together so they’re on the same page and working towards the same end in terms of the emotional aspects of the characters and their relationship to each other.”

Steps,” “Unexpected Guests,” “Relatively Speaking,” “Play On,” “Murder to Death” and “Regrets Only.”

“So many people have so many other things on their minds,” Knipfelberg said.

McMahon, now an Ellenton

Rehearsals began about a month ago and community theater members receive minimal compensation for their time and efforts.

“It’s a labor of love. Nobody’s going to make a living off this,” Knipfelberg said. “It’s fun. I get a kick out of community theater as an actor and director and I like to see people have fun.”

As for what he hopes the audience takes away from the “Birthday Suite” performances, he said, “I hope they enjoy it. I hope they had a laugh and enjoyed themselves. It’s just a crazy little play. There’s no moral statement to be made here. It’s just a silly play and it’s meant to be laughed at.” FROM PAGE 5

Knipfelberg has directed a play a year at the Island Players for the past 10 years or so, including, “Mouse Trap,” “39

Izzi would go

Loans offer recovery relief

12 months, no interest for up to 12 months, repayment terms of up to 30 years and no need to wait for insurance to apply. There is no application fee.

Mitigation loans are also available to help people and businesses build back better to help mitigate the effects of future storms.

All information and applications can be found online at www.sba.gov/disaster or by calling 1-800-659-2955.

Nunez encouraged everyone who is eligible to apply. She said there is no obligation to accept a loan if offered and applicants have 60 days to accept the loan once

The deadline to apply for physical damage loans due to Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton is Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The deadline to apply for economic injury disaster loans related to the hurricanes is Saturday, July 11.

When applying for an SBA loan, applicants may see a notice that approvals are on hold due to funding. Nunez said this should not deter anyone from applying for one of the loans and that loans are expected to be fully funded

To apply for a loan, homeowners, renters and business owners need to provide email addresses and other contact information, a Social Security number, financial information including income and monthly expenses, a copy of the most recent federal income tax return and any insurance information, if available.

SUBMITTED

Former Anna Maria Island grom Izzi Gomez was invited to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay, Hawaii on Dec. 22 and caught a wave big enough for bragging rights. It is only the second year women have been invited to the contest, held in memory of a legendary Hawaiian lifeguard. Gomez is the granddaughter of Ronee and Jim Brady, owners of the West Coast Surf Shop in Holmes Beach.

CULHANE: Culhane, The Center named Sun Persons of the Year

The Center offers numerous athletic, fitness and wellness activities and initiatives for youths and adults, after-school programs, senior outings, dance classes, bingo, a book club and much more.

The Center hosts community events and fundraisers that include Lester Family Fun Day, the annual Murder Mystery performance, The Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament, The St. Patrick’s Day parade and more. In July, The Center and The Waterfront restaurant co-hosted the “Rise Up for River Benefit” fundraiser to assist with infant River Anasis’ ongoing battle with a rare immune deficiency disorder.

The annual Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series serves as a primary fundraiser for The Center. Taking place at The Center, this year’s series began with Sheena Easton, continues with The Wailers on Jan. 11 and includes Robby Krieger of The Doors, The Moody Blues’ John Lodge and The Infamous Stringdusters.

Culhane was already associated with The Center when he was named executive director in 2018. At the time, The Center was struggling financially and some Anna Maria officials feared the city might have to take over operations of the facility located on city-owned property at 407 Magnolia Ave.

Under Culhane’s leadership, The Center’s financial condition improved dramatically in the years that followed. The annual report for The Center’s 2023-24 fiscal year that ended in June notes The Center finished the fiscal year with a positive net income of nearly $35,000 and experienced a 50% increase in fundraising revenues that totaled $1.09 million. Ptak became Director of Development in 2023 and the report recognizes her efforts regarding the increased fundraising revenues.

Sun Persons of the Year

2024 – Chris Culhane and The Center of Anna Maria Island

2023 – John Stevely, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage and Judy Titsworth, Holmes Beach mayor

2022 – Mary Fulford Green, Cortez Village Historical Society

“We are proud of the financial management that has enabled The Center to continue delivering on its mission and invest in the future of our community,” Culhane stated in the report. “We are also incredibly grateful for our community’s ongoing support, which makes all things possible.”

HURRICANE RELIEF

In 2024, Culhane and The Center played vital roles in the Island’s hurricane recovery efforts. The Center partnered with the Manatee County Tourist Development Council to host the Rock N’ Support hurricane relief concert at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto on Nov. 15 with Lynyrd Skynyrd as the headliner and Marcus King as the opening act.

According to Culhane and Anna Maria Oyster Bar CEO John Horne, the concert raised nearly $380,000. The Center, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar-affiliated “Shuckin’ Good Cause” initiative and the Women’s Resource Center then partnered to distribute $500 Rock N’ Support grants for hurricane-impacted full-time hospitality and tourism industry employees, and $250 grants for part-time employees, who work on Anna Maria Island, Cortez or north Longboat Key. As of Dec. 23, 680 grant applications

2021 – Peggy Nash, Roser Memorial Community Church Pantry

2020 – Jack Brennan, Roser Memorial Community Church and Kathy Smart, Minnie’s Beach Cafe

2019 – Doug Copeland, Anna Maria commissioner

2018 - Dan Murphy, Anna Maria mayor

2017 - Bob Slicker, Swordfish Grille manager

2016 – Rev. Ed Moss, CrossPointe Fellowship

were received and 628 applications were approved for a total of $293,500. Grants can still be applied for at www. centerami. org/rocknsupportgrant/.

Culhane and The Center also assisted Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan with her hurricane relief efforts.

“When I started receiving relief supplies at my dock in the wee hours the morning after Helene hit, I immediately called Chris and said, ‘Get The Center open. We are bringing supplies,’” Duncan said. “A handful of neighbors and friends pulled together and The Center relief efforts began. I organized off-Island supply donation drop-off locations and trucks to bring the supplies to The Center. It was truly amazing to see what unfolded so quickly.”

Culhane and The Center also partnered with Duncan and others on the “Let’s Give Thanks Together” community gathering that resulted in 400 free Thanksgiving dinners being served to community members at The Center on Thanksgiving Day.

Duncan praised Culhane’s leadership skills, his levelheadedness, his open mind and his willingness to listen to others as situations arose and evolved. She also praised “the incredible Center staff” that helped Culhane

2015 – Kenneth A. (Andy) Price Jr., chief, West Manatee Fire Rescue

2014 – Gail and Ed Straight, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc.

2013 - Charlie Hunsicker, director, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Dept., and Rick Spadoni, Coastal Planning

2012 – Mike Selby, Anna Maria mayor

2011 – Roser Food Pantry

ricane relief responses.

The Center is also currently assisting with the Stimart family’s Build Back the Beach post-hurricane shoreline replanting project taking place from Bean Point to Sycamore Avenue on Jan. 25-26. The Center is assisting with volunteer recruitment efforts and volunteers can register for one of three planting shifts at the “Events” section of The Center website, www.centerami.org.

COMMUNITY PRAISE

During his recently-completed 10-year tenure as Anna Maria mayor, Dan Murphy had many interactions with Culhane and The Center.

“Immediately after the hurricanes, The Center stepped up and became the hub for the Island’s recovery,” Murphy said. “They not only provided hot meals and much-needed supplies, but they also became the focal point for volunteers from the mainland who wanted to help with the cleanup. I was amazed at all the good deeds they did. The Center played a critical role in restoring normalcy.”

In June, Murphy and the city commission provided Culhane and The Center with $50,000 to help replace The Center’s aging air

2010 – Rex Hagen, Hagen Family Foundation

2009 - Charlie Hunsicker, director, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Dept.

2008 - Cindi Harrison, Anna Maria Elementary School

2007 - The Legacy III - Emily Anne Smith, Lea Ann Bessonette, John Chappie

2006 - Suzi Fox, director, Anna Maria

Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird

for a restroom remodeling and shower installation project. When recommending commission approval of the funding requests, Murphy said, “I firmly believe that improving our own property is the right thing to do. I also like the way the community center has been running for the last couple years. There were times when I worried about having to take over that community center because it was adrift. I have to congratulate Chris and his staff on bringing it back in line. You’re running a good operation there.”

Regarding The Center’s hurricane relief efforts, longtime city commissioner and new Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short said, “The Center was amazing in its efforts to help Island residents after the hurricanes and I commend Chris, his team, the volunteers and the donors who all came together in a critical time of need. Their efforts helped redefine what The Center can do to support our Island.”

Former Director of Development Jim McDaniel said, “Chris has learned so well how to manage and balance his responsibilities. Whether it is donating a kidney or dropping everything to support a friend in need, caring for the Island and its people is his passion.”

Monitoring

2005 - Cindy Thompson, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

2004 – Gene and Elizabeth Moss, Roser Memorial Community Church

2003 - Officer Pete Lannon, Holmes Beach Police Dept.

2002 - Sean Murphy, Beach Bistro

2001 - Carol Whitmore, former Manatee County Commissioner, Holmes Beach mayor

THE CENTER | SUBMITTED Chris Culhane and Darcie Duncan teamed up to bring hurricane relief to Anna Maria Island.

THE CENTER | SUBMITTED

The Center staff made Santa’s nice list again in 2024.

FUN IN THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

RENOVATION SPECALIST

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

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194

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.

HURRICANE DAMAGE?

I’m an Island resident. Pressure washing, tree work, fence repair, mailbox replacement. Also see ads under “Landscaping & painting. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.

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

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941705-7096

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

PEST CONTROL

ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL Call 941-7781630

POOL SERVICES

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ON ISLAND CONDO Available immediately for up to one year! Ready to move in. Great Value. Beautiful Upgraded 2BR/2BA Incredible water View! Waterfront Patio, Pool, tennis, pickle, walk to beach. Private carport. Excellent Rental terms. Owner/ renter. Please Call or email for details. drchristines@ yahoo.com or 570-2390431

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

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

ANNUAL RENTAL BRADENTON BEACH 1BR/1BA condo. Block to beach, large pool, parking. $3000/mo. 6 month minimum. Call 941-447-3071

NEWLY RENOVATED, FULLY FURNISHED 3BR/2BA in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. Steps to beach, includes all utilities, cable, internet, trash and landscaping. 6 month lease available January 1. Call 941-220-8300.

HOLMES BEACH, 2100 sq f house , 3 min to the beach 3BR/3BA 2 car garage , 5950$ monthly 514-7304825 kondiloveroutis@ gmail.com

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

ANNA MARIA: Year in Review

BEYOND ANNA MARIA ISLAND…

COUNTY ELECTIONS

2,316 Manatee County voters switched their party affiliations to be eligible to vote in the Republican primary races that were decided in August. In the primary election, Island voters helped Tal Siddique defeat April Culbreath in the District 3 Manatee County Commission race. Island voters helped incumbent District 7 at-large County Commissioner George Kruse defeat then-District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge in the countywide District 7 race. Island voters also helped former Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office Chief of Staff Scott Farrington defeat Gov. Ron. DeSantis’ appointee, James Satcher, in the supervisor of elections race. After his primary defeat, Satcher had four elections office employees terminated. In November, Siddique, Kruse and Farrington won their general election races.

SEWAGE DISCHARGES

In August, during and after Tropical Storm Debby, the city of Bradenton’s water reclamation facility discharged an estimated 25 million gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into the Manatee River. During that same period,

the city of Sarasota discharged an estimated 18 million gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into Sarasota Bay.

In November, the city of Bradenton Beach discharged an additional 825,000 gallons of partially treated or raw sewage into the Manatee River and 2,000 gallons of raw sewage into Wares Creek.

In November, a 66-year-old Bradenton man had his leg amputated after contracting vibrio

vulnificus (flesh eating bacteria) while fishing in Sarasota Bay near the El Conquistador Parkway. Throughout the year, the Florida Department of Health issued multiple no-swim advisories for the Palma Sola Causeway area in west Bradenton and the Bayfront Park area in Anna Maria.

FORM 6 CHALLENGED

In February, the South Floridabased Weiss Serota law firm filed

federal and state lawsuits challenging a new Florida law that required Florida mayors and city commissioners to file Form 6 financial disclosure forms that include the disclosure of one’s net worth, tangible assets and debts. Mayors and city commissioners were previously required to file the less intrusive Form 1 disclosure form and approximately 100 city officials statewide resigned before the new law took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. In June, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction suspending the Form 6 disclosure requirements for mayors and city commissioners. As of Dec. 31, the Form 6 disclosure requirements remained suspended pending a final verdict.

GEORGE KRUSE | SUBMITTED

George Kruse, Tal Siddique and Scott Farrington won their primary and general election races.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The city of Bradenton’s water reclamation facility discharged millions of gallons of partially treated or untreated wastewater into the Manatee River in 2024.