Anna Maria Island Sun January 31, 2018

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 18 No. 16

January 31, 2018

Plank removal leads to firings The engraved pier planks are city property and no one has been authorized to remove them.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

Waterline sets sail TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Welcome Waterline: Mainsail President Joe Collier cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the company’s Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club last Wednesday. The ribbon cutting was a prelude to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange, where $54,000 in trolley funds was handed out to 14 nonprofits.

ANNA MARIA – A family’s concerns about an engraved pier plank and a friend’s efforts to help cost two Anna Maria Public Works Department employees their jobs.

Last week, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy fired Peter Piir and Taylor Mannhart after they removed two engraved planks from the Anna Maria City Pier without permission.

Speaking by phone Monday, Piir said he removed one of the planks for his friend Denise Raykov, a Holmes Beach resident who lost her son, Phil Guttridge, in 2007.

“She called and asked me if I could do something.

I went out there to look at it and saw it was close to the entrance so I pulled it up. I just thought I’d get it now before it got lost or screwed up,” Piir said.

“I wish I would’ve asked. I didn’t do it for any kind of gain. I was trying to be a nice person,” he added.

Guttridge’s grandparents, Richard and Jeanette Langer, live in Bradenton Beach. The plank Piir removed said, “Beloved Grandson Phil Guttridge 1985-2007.”

SEE PLANK, PAGE 29

Pedestrian death prompts call for crosswalk

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

HOLMES BEACH – Police chief Bill Tokajer is calling for a crosswalk near where an 80-year-old Canadian tourist and her husband were hit by a car last week while crossing the street at 5600 Gulf Drive. The woman later died from her injuries.

According to a Holmes Beach police report, Marion and William Timmons, 79, were crossing the street when a southbound vehicle, driven by Tracey Leigh Thompson, of Anna Maria, ran

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION 6 SUN SURVEY 7 SEAN MURPHY 17 OUTDOORS 22-23 RESTAURANTS 24-25 REAL ESTATE 26-33 CLASSIFIEDS 37-39

into both of them. Police said the two were not in a crosswalk. Thompson told police she didn’t see the couple until it was too late to stop. A witness in a condo balcony said he saw William Timmons try to hurry his wife across the street, but they could not get out of the way.

They were taken to Blake Medical Center for treatment, where Marion Timmons later died.

The police report said Thompson was not considered to be at fault in the accident.

SEE CROSSWALK, PAGE 28

THE new city pier

may have a deck made of wood. 13

Anna Maria Island, Florida

‘American Pickers’ coming to Florida

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

“American Pickers” Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe could be coming soon to a neighborhood near you.

The popular History Channel show is looking for private collections and other interesting objects to feature on television. Hosts Frank and Mike are looking for unique items and collections while discovering the interesting stories behind them. The Pickers are SEE PICKERS, PAGE 28

SUBMITTED | SUN

“American Pickers” hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are looking for unique collections in Florida to feature on their popular History Channel show.

ANNA MARIA frowns on ‘happiest town’ promotion. 3 THE CENTER sees more signs

of community support. 25 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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JANUARY 31, 2018

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JANUARY 31, 2018

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City frowns on happiest town vote The AMI Chamber and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau are promoting the online contest.

chamber.

“I am disappointed we’re not participating at some level,” Murphy said on Friday.

CVB AND CHAMBER EFFORTS

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amsun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city will not engage in any get out the vote efforts regarding Anna Maria being named one of Coastal Living magazine’s Top 10 America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.

Anna Maria Commissioners made this decision with a 3-2 vote at their Thursday, Jan. 25, meeting.

Commissioners Doug Copeland and Brian Seymour wanted to at least put a link to the voting website at the city website, but Commissioners Carol Carter, Dale Woodland and Nancy Yetter voted to do nothing at all.

Online voting taking place through Feb. 6 at www.CoastalLiving.com will determine which of the 10 recently nominated cities and towns is ranked number one.

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce are promoting the online contest at their Facebook pages and through some of their other

CVB | SUBMITTED

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is using this graphic has part of its promotional efforts for the America’s Happiest Seaside Towns contest. digital media platforms.

ANNA MARIA’S POSITION

During Thursday’s meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy said, “The commission needs to decide what level of participation you would like in this event.”

He presented three simple, inexpensive actions that could be taken.

• Post a notice at the city website, with a link to the Coastal Living website, • Do an email blast using the city’s email data base, • Place banner signs at the entrance to the city and City Pier Park.

“It’s a tremendous amount of free advertis-

ing, whether we’re first or tenth. I think we should have it on our website,” Commissioner Doug Copeland said, noting the county and the Chamber would be promoting the contest.

“I can hear a big groan,” Commissioner Nancy Yetter countered. “I don’t think we need to do anything.”

Commissioner Brian Seymour said he supported a website notice, but he didn’t think signs were necessary.

“Most people know about it already,” he said.

“I don’t see why we have to do anything more,” Commissioner Carol Carter said, also citing the efforts of the county and the

The CVB is promoting the contest through its Instagram, Twitter and Facebook feeds, it’s electronic newsletter and at the CVB website.

“There won’t be any paid marketing initiatives,” CVB Director of Communications Kelly Clark said on Thursday.

“Visitors coming to the area is going to create economic impact, which is going to keep the businesses thriving on the Island.

We hope everybody takes the time to vote.

We’re excited that Anna Maria has been chosen as one the happiest seaside towns.

One of the things we are most proud of is there’s only two Florida destinations on the list,” Clark said.

The AMI Chamber is promoting the contest on its Facebook page, and it’s mentioned in the Chamber’s latest tourism newsletter.

“Our take on this is the city of Anna Maria was already named one of the top 10. We feel that it’s very positive to be named one of the happiest seaside cities, and we elected to embrace it. This is a benefit to the businesses SEE VOTE, PAGE 8

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Robinson Preserve to get oil spill funds Manatee County will get nearly $1.8 million from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council for a wetlands restoration project at Robinson Preserve.

Sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the project will restore 118 acres of coastal habitat, including more natural hydrology, in the preserve’s expansion area, where the NEST – the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology – is slated to open on Feb. 16.

Funds originate from the compensation program established under the Restore Act after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico, which killed 11 people and caused continuing environmental damage.

Freckled Fin pub moves to Holmes Beach A new eatery is opening up in Holmes Beach, though it should be familiar to Islanders. The Freckled Fin Irish Pub is set to open March 1 at 5337 Gulf Drive in the AMI Plaza. The restaurant will open in the space vacated by Lobstah’s in mid2017.

Owner Scott Lubore is reopening the popular Island restaurant with help from his wife, Eilen, Executive Chef Matt Schaeffer, General Manager Steve Shannon and Kevin “KJ” Umbra.

“Everyone’s glad to be here,” Lubore said of the staff and new location.

Locals and visitors may recognize the restaurant from its previous location at the western end of Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. That location was closed in late 2017 to make way for the new incarnation in Holmes Beach.

The Freckled Fin is a pub best known for its wood-fire pizzas, live music and eclectic menu featuring a wide variety of seafood and land lubber fare. Musician Dan Signor will kick off the live music for opening weekend at 7 p.m. March 1, followed by Nashville band Ocean Street on March 2, 3 and 4.

For more information, visit www.freckledfin.com.

Building Department hosts contractors’ seminar Holmes Beach Building Official Jim McGuinness is hosting a seminar to help bring local contractors up to speed with newly implemented changes to the Florida Building Code.

The informational session will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Topics for the event include updates and changes with an emphasis on residential construction and an open question and answer session.

Though anyone is invited to attend, the seminar is expected to be very technical in nature and is recommended for contractors and construction industry professionals. For more information, contact the building department at 941-708-5833.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

JANUARY 31, 2018

Commissioners hold on church land purchase

Commissioners want all of the cards on the table before they take a vote on whether or not to purchase property from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Before any deals are struck, Commissioner Judy Titsworth wants to know just how far parishioners at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church are willing to go to potentially save the institution.

Mayor Bob Johnson brought commissioners a proposal, along with two appraisals, to purchase three plots of land surrounding Gloria Dei – two in the back currently used for auxiliary parking and one in the front southwest corner facing Palm Drive. If commissioners approve, the city would be offering $1 million to the financially struggling church for the three pieces of land, costing the city an already budgeted $105,000 per year for 10 years in debt services.

Titsworth wants to know how much the price tag would be for the entirety of the church land, including the iconic church building.

If the city owned the four parcels, it could lease the ones the church wanted, primarily the one with the building on it, back to the nonprofit.

Titsworth’s reasoning is that if the church fails and the center parcel is sold off, the city will own all the land around it but not that land, preventing it from saving the iconic building from potential destruction.

“The church is not sustaining itself at this point,” she said. “I think preserving the landmark building is more important than purchasing more land for open space.”

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said that with the current zoning, public/semi-public, the

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

If the city purchases the property surrounding Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the southwest corner facing Palm Drive could be used to realign Marina Drive, connecting it to 67th Street. land and building have limited uses. Her examples of use included as an art center or wildlife rehabilitation campus.

Primarily land zoned PSP can be used by nonprofit organizations, government entities or as a public park. It cannot be used as commercial or residential space without commissioners voting to rezone the property.

Commissioners agreed to have Johnson get together with leadership at Gloria Dei to determine if there is a possibility of the city acquiring the entire property and what the price for that would be. If the possibility is there, commissioners will have to obtain two more appraisals, totaling about $5,000, before an offer can officially be made.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she remembered church officials being opposed to selling the parcel with the building on it when the matter was first brought before commissioners for consideration.

Rev. Rosemary Backer, of Gloria Dei, did not return requests from the Sun for comment.

Without a clear plan for the property, with or without the

center parcel, some commissioners were unsure if they could get onboard with the idea of putting the city in debt for more greenspace.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he’d like more discussion about a plan for the property before a vote is called to move forward with a purchase. Commissioner Rick Hurst said he’d also like to have a plan.

“I don’t want to buy land that we have no clue what we’re going to do with,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense.”

Titsworth said she doesn’t feel the city is lacking in greenspace. “Our job isn’t to buy up every piece of undeveloped land,” she said.

“It’s not about being short anything,” Johnson said, “it’s about preserving an asset.”

“Just because you don’t have a plan doesn’t devalue the land,” Soustek said. “The value is in having it for a future use.”

Commissioners agreed to put the conversation on hold until further discussions with church leadership were initiated.

JANUARY 31, 2018

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Formula business ordinance advances to first reading Trying to beat the clock before a moratorium expires Feb. 28, commissioners are attempting to fast-track a vote on the city’s formula business ordinance.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners have worked out a draft formula business ordinance they want to bring up for a vote. Now they’re just hoping it’s not too late.

Commissioners decided to attempt to fast-track the ordinance through the approval process to try to have it in place before the moratorium banning additional formula businesses from opening in the city expires at the end of February. With the moratorium already having been extended twice, commissioners were unsure about approving a third extension if there’s a chance the ordinance could go through first and second votes with public

hearings and approval by the Planning Commission for consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan.

Each public hearing on the ordinance also must be properly noticed to the public.

Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said she’s in favor of holding special meetings to make sure the ordinance is approved on-time. City Attorney Patricia Petruff, who is drafting the ordinance with planner Bill Brisson, said she, Brisson and City Clerk Stacey Johnston would get together and figure out a schedule to push the ordinance through quickly and another showing a regular progression of events to present to Titsworth for approval.

As chair, Titsworth can call a special City Commission meeting.

The final draft of the ordinance sustained few changes from what commissioners had already approved in previous work sessions.

One change is to allow only banking institutions to be exempted from the formula business definition. This change was made primar-

ily because of the location of two existing bank buildings, both on Gulf Drive in a commercial district that allows only for office buildings. Commissioners decided to not limit the use of the buildings, which were designed as financial institutions.

The ordinance disallows formula businesses only in the downtown corridor, where Marina and Gulf Drives intersect. These types of chain businesses, unless already existing, can only be approved by special exception. The ordinance limits the size of the business to 2,000 square feet and the number of businesses to 5 percent of the overall number of businesses in the area. With the current 97 businesses in the downtown corridor, that limits the number of formula businesses in the area to four.

Three already exist per the city’s definition.

What the ordinance doesn’t do is limit the number of formula businesses in the primary shopping district, the west side of East Bay

Drive. The area is home to several formula businesses including the Dollar Tree, Dunkin Donuts, CVS pharmacy, and Publix. With the reasoning behind the ordinance built on preserving community character and the potential for a lawsuit from shopping center owner Benderson Development looming, Brisson and Petruff steered commissioners away from attempting regulations in the area. Neither felt the regulations could be upheld in court because the area already contains several formula businesses and consists of modern shopping centers without any discernable character.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she’d like to begin work on a community development plan with the goal of preserving character throughout the entire city in the future. If approved, such a plan could determine how development and redevelopment of commercial districts is handled in the future to create a cohesive look for the city.

“We need to develop the protection this city needs,” she said.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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JANUARY 31, 2018

A wakeup call on the proposed Cortez Bridge

GUEST COLUMN

By Dr. Mary Fulford Green SPECIAL TO THE SUN

It is believed that if you do not know your history, you are apt to repeat it. I am one who is looking forward to the same outcome for the new Cortez Bridge as in 1995 – no 65-foot, high-rise bridge from Cortez to Anna Maria Island. Hopefully, learning the history will make this come true. So here goes with the history lesson.

Picture this: It is 1994. The Florida Department of Transportation announces a public hearing on the proposed new bridge to the Island. The hearing is scheduled for Manatee Community College (no State College of Florida). However, the weather forecast is for severe thunderstorms, and the county insists “no traveling that night.”

Two members of the Cortez Village Historical Society, Richard Culbreath and Harry Howey, ignore the warning and attend the meeting. They report back to the Society that the plan is to build a 65-foot bridge from Cortez to the Island. It would close 22 businesses and four streets into this little village As Richard looks at the map, he realizes that his mother would

look out onto a bank of dirt as her 123 Street Court would be closed. This could not be happening. At the next CVHS meeting, it was decided to contact the FDOT. We would tell them that we were in the process of getting Cortez listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. FDOT responded with a request that it be sent a map.

CVHS had received a $1,000 grant from the Florida Department of Historic Resources and had paid this to a Bradenton consultant who had identified 50 structures that were eligible for inclusion.

This map with a few more houses listed was in the mail. The new fire station on Cortez Road had just been opened so CVHS requested that the FDOT schedule a public hearing on the new bridge. It was to be held at the station.

In the meantime, the Florida Department of Historic Resources had approved an additional $3,000 to fund the application to the National Register. Another consultant was hired and with an additional $1,800 paid out the total number of structures was increased to 97.

THE BRIDGE HEARING

The date was set for the public hearing.

That day, Harry Howey noticed that the Bradenton Beach City Council was meeting in the afternoon. He rushed across the

bridge and invited the group to attend the meeting on the new bridge. The council members responded with, “What bridge?”

The group attended and heard the plans for the 65-foot bridge. It would have taken many feet off of Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. Mayor Katie (Pierola) and the council members were added to the opposition to the FDOT plan.

The CVHS representative went to Tallahassee and was told that the $3,000 would be granted but that the application was not properly prepared. Her response had always been, “If you can design a form, I can fill it in.” With help from a very capable state consultant, the application was submitted and defended before the state committee in Tallahassee. That committee was chaired by Dr. Janet Matthews from Sarasota. She was the author of the book “Edge of Wilderness.” She is now on the faculty at the University of Florida.

HISTORIC DISTRICT

On March 16, 1995, Cortez, with its 97 historic structures, was listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Please note that March 16 is the birthday of William Thomas Fulford, the 20-year-old man who bought the first tract of land in Hunters Point, now called Cortez. (He is my grandpa.)

The 65-foot bridge that would have dev-

astated Cortez would not be built. Federal funds cannot be used to negatively impact a Historic District. The current bridge was then constructed.

Now, 23 years later, the FD0T is favoring another 65-foot bridge to be built 200 feet north of the present one. So here we go again. This one would close five streets into the south side of the village.

What would be the impact on the village and on Manatee County? Consider the impact on the fishing industry if you like eating fresh fish. No, this industry is not the number one in the county. So forget the millions of dollars in lost income from the fish that are wholesaled to other places.

Just consider the impact on Manatee County’s number one industry – tourism!

It is estimated that as many as 3,000 to 4,000 people come into Cortez every day to buy either fresh fish or cooked seafood.

They visit the 12 establishments located in the village.

The 65-foot bridge or the 37-foot bridge? Which is the better choice for Cortez, Anna Maria Island and Manatee County? You can guess my answer. What is yours? I am voicing mine to FDOT. Maybe we should also contact our local, state and federal political representatives.

This is a wakeup call for all to become involved.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Too severe We are writing on the behalf of Peter Piir, who was terminated Jan. 25 from the city of Anna Maria Public Works Department after 10 years. We think the decision to fire him was much too harsh for what he did.

We sponsored a memorial plank on the pier in Anna Maria for our grandson, Phillip Guttridge, who worked at the City Pier Restaurant and passed away at 22 years old. After reading different, conflicting stories about what was going to happen to the planks we became very concerned. We asked Peter, since he worked for the city, if there was anything he could do to insure that our grandson's plank would be saved. Being an employee of the

city, he removed and brought the plank to us, and a few days later we were informed that we had to return our plank, which we did.

Peter is a long time good friend of our family, and he did what Pete does and that's to help in any way he can. Pete has been an excellent employee, with never an issue with his work ethics. This is a drastic punishment for someone trying to do a good deed. Just another situation of the city of Anna Maria not being run like the quaint little city that it once was.

Jeanette and Richard Langer Bradenton Beach Denise Guttridge Raykov Holmes Beach

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JANUARY 31, 2018

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7

ON THE AGENDA

THE SUN SURVEY

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Do you agree with the recent media designation of Anna Maria City as one of the 10 happiest seaside towns in America?

16%

Yes, but I'm even happier when I'm in my happy place (my neighborhood watering hole.)

Feb. 8, 6 p.m. – City Commission special meeting For information, call 7086130

meeting Feb. 7, 3 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Feb. 8, 1 p.m. – Department head meeting For information, call 7781005

BRADENTON BEACH

HOLMES BEACH

Feb. 1, 5 p.m. – City Commission work meeting, Ave. C restoration Feb. 1, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Feb. 7, 9 a.m. – CIP meeting Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m. – CRA meeting Feb. 7, 11 a.m. – Pier team

Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m. – Building Department Contractor Seminar, Florida Building Code Feb. 7, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification committee meeting Feb. 7, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

107 GULF DRIVE N.

5801 MARINA DRIVE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

58%

No, and I'll punch anybody who disagrees with me.

26%

Yes, of course. If you're not happy here you might want to check your pulse.

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

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY What size bridge would you prefer to

• A 37-foot drawbridge, similar to the one that's there now.

• A tall, 65-foot, fixed-span bridge.

replace the Cortez Bridge?

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 31

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

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

Memoir Writing, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $20.

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

Smart Phone Basics workshop, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 12:30 to 2 p.m., $10.

Family movie in the park, “Dolphin Tale,” Anna Maria City Pier Park, across from the Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., 6 p.m.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1

The Anna Maria Island Sun staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Diane Martin

Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz

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

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

Painting with a fish, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 9:30 a.m., $35 Zumba and mat pilates for seniors, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 a.m., $10 per class.

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

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided.

Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

Meet the Author featuring M. S. Spencer, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Taking Care of Elvis, presented by Letetia HenleyKirk, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 6 to 9 p.m.

FRIDAY

FEBRUARY 2

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

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

Intermediate bridge session, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies.

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

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

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

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

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THE SUN

MARK YOUR CALENDAR From Page 7

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3

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

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

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

Introduction to Watercolor workshop, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 1 to 4 p.m., $40 for league members or $50 for non-members. Reserve to 941-778-2099.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4

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

MONDAY FEBRUARY 5

The Swiss Chocolate Diet with Mary Bray, 6-week program, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10:30 a.m. to noon, $100 for

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

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

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6

Yoga with Cheryl Kaiser, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10 a.m., $10. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

Canning 101: Pickles, The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $30.

Preschool storytime: Butterflies, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mahjong for beginners, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., $10, snacks are provided. Reserve to maryannbrady@theparadisecenter.org or 941-383-6493.

ACBL open pairs duplicate bridge, The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 p.m., $11 per game with coffee and snacks provided. Reserve to 941-216-9600 or sjbrill@aol.com.

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

JANUARY 31, 2018

VOTE: City frowns on ‘happiest town’ vote FROM PAGE 3

of Anna Maria,” said Chamber Interim President Terri Kinder.

PUBLIC REACTION MIXED

“It is my happy place, but I don’t want any more visitors,” Carol Marer wrote in response to the Chamber’s Facebook post.

“I don’t want to vote. I don’t want any more people coming to the greatest place on earth,” Norman Joe McNary added.

Opinions were mixed at the Sun’s Facebook page.

“Don’t vote for it. It’ll be overrun,” Connie Cae wrote.

“It is no longer the serene and peaceful

Island it used to be,” Sharon Heide wrote.

“Beautiful place to live,” Debby Leigh wrote.

“Love it here. Vacation every day,” Julia Lombardo wrote.

As of Sunday morning, Anna Maria ranked fourth in the voting. Ocean City, N.J. was the leading vote-getter, followed by Traverse City, Mich. and Vero Beach – the only other Florida nominee.

The Top 10 also includes Cape Charles, Va., Bluffton, S.C., Cannon Beach, Ore., Cambria, Calif., Bellport, N.Y. and Hampton, N.H. The final rankings will be posted online June 12 and all 10 towns will be featured in July/August issue of Coastal Living magazine on sale June 15.

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JANUARY 31, 2018

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JANUARY 31, 2018

36th ANNUAL

CORTEZ I AL C R E M M Co

FISHING FESTIVAL FEB. 17&18 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission $4

Proceeds benefit F.I.S.H. Preserve

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The festival is located at the East end of town adjacent to the Florida Maritime Museum on 119th St. W. to the Bay. Off site FREE parking is available at: • G.T. Bray Park (with $3.00 round trip shuttle to Cortez) 5502 33rd Ave Dr W., 34209 -- turn east off 59th St onto 33rd Ave Dr • Coquina Beach (with $3.00 round trip shuttle to Cortez) • One block east of the village, off Cortez Road (5-minute walk)

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FOR INFORMATION CALL 941-254-4972 WWW.CORTEZ-FISH.ORG

Member FDIC

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11

A-frame signs allowed Businesses are now allowed one A-frame sign.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have temporarily lifted the ban on A-frame signs.

Last week’s 5-0 commission decision means Pine Avenue business owners and others can now use one A-frame sign to help attract customers.

The enforcement moratorium will remain in effect for one year or until the Anna Maria City Pier is reopened, but the commission reserves the right to reinstate the prohibition if the signs prove problematic.

Adopted Jan. 25, and in effect now, Resolution 18735 allows each business to have one A-frame sandwich board sign not exceed 24 inches wide and 36 inches tall, including the frame. The signs cannot be placed in the public right of way and or impede with pedestrian or vehicular traffic or vehicular sightlines. The signs are only allowed during business hours and must be removed during inclement weather.

The commission prohibited A-frame signs in 2014. Commissioner Doug Copeland recently suggested allowing them again to assist Pine Avenue businesses impacted by

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Left, Anna Maria businesses can again use A-frame signs to attract customers. Above, Island Charms co-owner Jim Collins encourages City Commissioners to assist local businesses. the closure of the Anna Maria City Pier in September.

The commission chose to go with the short-term resolution rather than fully amend the sign ordinance to no longer prohibit A-frame signs. The intent is to prohibit the signs again when the new pier opens.

COMMISSION DEBATE

Commissioner Nancy Yetter said no one she talked to supported amending the sign ordinance. She suggested Commissioner Brian Seymour not be allowed to vote because he’s the proprietor of the Anna Maria General Store & Deli and allowing A-signs would benefit his business.

Seymour challenged that suggestion and stated he could vote on matters that

apply citywide and not just to his own business interests.

City Attorney Becky Vose agreed.

“I don’t use an A-frame sign, and I don’t intend to use one. I’m not going to spend another $500 for it to go away in a year,” Seymour said.

Yetter said she thought it would be “a knee-jerk reaction” and a “big step backwards” to amend the sign ordinance.

“I don’t think it’s necessary. There’s going to be people putting them in the right of way, on sidewalks, in parking areas. It’s going to be a safety factor,” she said.

Yetter also suggested the slower sales some businesses are experiencing might be seasonal rather than pierrelated.

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“I was told by one resident that one of the businesses at the end of Pine had actually done in one night $12,000 in business. That doesn’t sound like somebody that needs an A-frame. That’s not going to be every business, but I have to feel the businesses have done a lot better this month than they have in December,” Yetter said.

Seymour again challenged Yetter.

“Year-over-year, my total business is down about 13 percent from the time of the hurricane to today. As far as a business doing $12,000, I think that’s unfortunate you’d say that. You don’t know their overhead or operating costs. Just because a business did $12,000 doesn’t mean that’s going in someone’s pocket, and they could

have been doing $15,000 last year,” Seymour said.

Seymour said Yetter’s concerns about signs being in right of ways were valid, but the resolution addresses that, and its becomes a matter of enforcement.

“I don’t understand why this is a big issue when it’s the business district. It’s not like the signs are in a residential area,” Seymour said.

Commissioner Carol Carter expressed concerns about businesses currently using moving signs and other props as additional, unpermitted signage.

“We have the means to enforce that,” Copeland said of the moving signs and the A-frame signs.

“I’m in favor of the resolution for two reasons,” Commissioner Dale Woodland said. “I haven’t heard any feedback from a single person plus or minus. If we go with the resolution, it gives us the opportunity to get some feedback.”

Jim Collins and his wife own Island Charms on Pine Avenue. He was the only business owner to address the commission.

“We’ve been open for a year, and business is definitely down,” Collins said.

“Anything this commission can do to help spur any business or add business would be a huge plus.”

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13

Pier pilings won’t be wood Wood pilings will not be used, but it’s possible the new pier might feature wood decking.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amsun.com

ANNA MARIA – The new city pier will not be built atop wooden pilings.

On Monday morning, the City Commission voted 4-1 to direct Ayres Associates to bring back cost estimates, comparative analysis and preliminary designs based on composite pilings versus concrete spun pilings. That information is expected in late February or early March.

During the special City Commission meeting, Dale Woodland cast the only opposition vote to moving past the idea of using wood pilings.

Ayres Vice President Jay Saxena provided the commission with a sample of a 10-inch composite piling he said was similar to that being used at the Statue of Liberty. He also presented the commission with a sample of a concrete spun piling, and he displayed a piece of wood piling that was three years old and already being eaten into by waterborne worms.

Saxena said wood pilings, even when wrapped with a protective vinyl covering, would not provide the estimated 75-year pier service life the commission requested in October. His firm projects a 25-year service life for wood pilings, and he said the waterborne worms now being found in Tampa

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Ayres Associates’ Jay Saxena presents the Anna Maria Commission with examples of composite, wood and concrete pier pilings during Monday’s meeting. Right, These samples illustrate what composite pilings and wood decking might look like if used together. waters could significantly shorten the lifespan of wood pilings.

Saxena said a colored composite piling, like the brown one he displayed, would provide an estimated 75-year service life. He estimated composite pilings would cost approximately $20 per linear foot, compared to approximately $12 per linear foot for wood.

The composite pilings also can be filled with concrete to provide additional support at an additional cost.

Saxena said concrete spun pilings would cost approximately $16 per linear foot and could be tinted something other than gray.

He said there are currently 305 timber pilings holding up the existing pier and fewer pilings may be needed when using composite or concrete materials.

DISCUSSION AND DEBATE

Woodland, a proponent of wood pilings, said he was not yet prepared to vote on the piling materials. He said he wanted more details and additional cost comparison figures.

Saxena said spending more time analyzing the potential use of wood pilings did not align with the commission majority’s desire to achieve a 75-year service life. He also said this would slow the design process the commission has repeatedly said it wants done as soon as possible.

Commissioner Doug Copeland said it would be a waste of time and money to continue studying wood pilings. He also said the funding requests presented to the Tourist Development Council, the state legislature and FEMA are all based on a projected 75-year lifespan.

“If we don’t get those resources there will not be a pier built, because the city does not have $4.5 million,” Copeland said.

During public comment, Anna Maria resident Dennis Ellsworth said he liked the look of the composite pilings, but he questioned whether any of the proposed materials would last 75 years. He also cited examples of past concrete underwater projects that did not last 75 years.

Holmes Beach resident Mitch Perdue again expressed support for wood pilings, and he suggest the pier could have already been repaired and reopened.

Longtime pier bait shop employee Leni Hagen introduced a new talking point when she asked if crustaceans and barnacles could grow and live on composite and concrete pilings. She said these lifeforms attract sheepshead and other fish to the pier, which in turn attracts fishermen.

Ayres associate Doug Speeler said crustaceans would grow on wood, concrete or composite pilings.

WOOD DECKING

After the meeting, Saxena presented Mayor Dan Murphy with samples of wood decking that could be used to create the pier walkway and surfaces.

During previous meetings, composite decking was discussed. Murphy said he likes the wood decking, and that will be another decision for the commission to make.

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15

Pier plank request period ends The city of Anna Maria is no longer accepting requests to return engraved pier planks.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The time to stake a claim on an engraved city pier plank has passed.

The allotted period to do so ended last Friday and Mayor Dan Murphy said no more requests will be accepted.

When the engraved planks are removed from the pier at a yet to be determined date by local contractor Frank Agnelli, the claimed planks will be set aside for a limited time and made available for pickup. The city will not deliver or ship planks to anyone and those not picked up will become part of the memorial walls built at City Pier Park and the Anna Maria Historical Society Museum.

“The original estimate was less than 10 percent of the people would want their plank back. It’s actually turned into more than double that amount. More than 200 people requested planks back,” Murphy told the City Commission on Thursday, Jan. 25.

Murphy said the request process was time consuming for city staff and in some cases multiple family members tried to claim the

same plank. Murphy said the city has no idea who actually paid for the individual planks installed on the city-owned pier leased to Mario Schoenfelder.

“We have no record of who paid for what.

This whole thing was conducted by The Islander and David Sork – manager of the pier. The Islander was unable to provide me with the financial transactions that took place with the sales of these planks. The only thing we have is an inventory of the planks by number. In many cases, people are calling and saying they want their plank back but they don’t know what was on the plank, so it’s a little bit of a mystery for us,” Murphy said.

“Twenty-five calls a day come into city hall – as I call them, ‘plank calls.’ We now have people also calling from Europe telling us they’re not going to be in town, and how do we plan to deliver their plank. We’re not in the delivery business.

"Going forward, there can be no more requesting. I want you to be cognizant of what this has done to the city and the interruption that it’s caused. If you get inquiries, I’m sorry, the program ended,” Murphy told the commission.

Murphy said he might have to contract a temporary employee to serve as plank ad-

We now have people also calling from Europe telling us they’re not going to be in town, and how do we plan to deliver their plank.”

Dan Murphy Anna Maria Mayor ministrator but he hopes those duties can be handled at no additional cost by the Public Works Department.

Commissioner Doug Copeland said he didn’t think the city should be bearing the brunt of the costs for returning the planks to their sponsors, and he suggested an administrative fee be charged.

“I don’t believe it’s the taxpayers’ responsibility,” Copeland said.

Murphy said he would discuss the appropriateness of an administrative fee with the city attorney.

“The taxpayers are paying for this program, and the taxpayers are in the minority in this deal,” Murphy said of the costs being borne by the city.

Copeland also said he’s adamantly opposed to the city delivering planks to anyone.

He said those who can’t pick up their plank when the time comes need to make arrangements for someone else to do it for them.

“I think we need to give them a strict pickup window once we’re allowed to remove the planks. If not, its forfeited back to the city,” Commissioner Brian Seymour said.

“We can’t have them out there on display for weeks on end,” Commissioner Carol Carter said.

“If you have multiple people fighting over the same plank, it’s first-come, first-serve,” Commissioner Nancy Yetter said.

“That’s what we’ve been telling people,” Murphy said. “There’s got to be a financial record somewhere – when the money was tendered and who paid it. If that record appears, we could then solve some of those mysteries.”

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17

Kosher salt and the dreaded goiter

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

I

suffer from a minor fame.

For 32 years we have operated a great restaurant.

In the last few years, we have added another great restaurant and a

helluva little bar.

On a good night, we delight a fair number of people.

During the day, I help train waiters and chefs and fix drains and do dull paperwork.

At night I watch how things are going and bus a few tables and kiss everybody over 65.

Because I have a plethora of curly white hair I can be picked out of the crowd at Publix.

A surprising number of people choose to do this.

“You’re that old guy with the white hair that has the Bistro – Kevin? Mike?

Then I am treated like a pet that has gotten out of the yard.

“What are you doing here? You silly boy, you should be at the restaurant.”

Sometimes they start poking around in my cart. It is why I always put the toilet paper on the bottom.

It also why I always put a box of kosher salt in the cart. They start to fondle things in my cart and find the kosher salt.

I am ready with my hot chef tip.

“Kosher salt, it is the only salt you should cook with.”

They get a faraway look and walk off with my kosher salt.

Salt is great. It is one of the five major food groups: salt, pepper, butter, mashed potatoes and gravy.

The fact is that God left the salt out of a few things – most notably the tomato – so you have to add some.

If there is one simple rule in cooking, it is that you should only use kosher salt.

Iodized salt is a bitter, poison sabre wielded by fools to annihilate food.

My ardent belief in kosher salt flies in the face of my Catholic faith.

In Catholic school, they scared the bejeezuz out of us every day.

Usually it was hell. Sometimes it was iodized salt.

On the first Thursday of every month they would march us over to the church for confession. The first Thursday Confession was to help get you ready for the First Friday benediction.

The priest in our church loved benediction. It was fancier than mass, and shorter, and it had way more incense and bells and standing and sitting so it was a lot harder to fall asleep.

They always marched us past the furnace room for the church.

The window was open, and we could look right in to the raging flames in the belly of the huge furnace.

Sister Fearless would get us to stick our heads in the window so we got the full effect.

“That’s what hell’s like. Burning in there for all eternity.”

Scared the bejeezuz out of us.

They also scared us into using Iodized salt. If you did not get your iodine you developed a thyroid condition. A massive tumor called a goiter would grow out of your thyroid.

The fifth-grade science book had abundant pictures about goiters the size of basketballs growing out of people’s necks.

There was nothing in that book about the birds and the bees.

The twin pillars of Catholic faith in fifth grade were that if you were bad you were going to hell, and if you didn’t use iodized salt, you were going to grow a goiter out of your neck.

The first time I saw my wife using kosher salt I was alarmed.

She is a protestant, and there are some things they just don’t know.

“So what kind of salt is that.”

“Kosher salt.”

Kosher. I am thinking maybe all those goiters in the book were on Jewish people.

“What about our iodine? If we don’t use iodized salt, we will get the goiter.”

She gave me that look that says I was being incredibly stupid again.

She told me to take vitamins. She assured me the iodine was in there.

So take vitamins and use kosher salt.

Iodized salt is bitter. Kosher salt is much milder and less likely to kill the dish. It is also flaky and more fun to sprinkle.

The next time you see me at Publix go ahead and steal my kosher salt right out of my cart.

I just put it in there for folks to take.

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Historical society annual luncheon Members and guests, prospective members and visitors are invited to attend the Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s annual luncheon at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at noon.

The menu includes candied walnut and beet salad with grilled chicken, spanakopita – Greek phyllo pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, Early Settler’s Bread and cupcakes by Cupcake Delights. Luncheon tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

The speaker will be J. B. Crawford, author of three books for young adults, a historic book on the Village of Cortez and a book about the local marijuana trade. His books will be available for purchase at the luncheon and are available at the AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Luncheon guests also will hear the Society's plans for the future and members will elect officers and board members for the upcoming year.

RSVP to Susan Anderson at 407-4152678 or amihsmembership@gmail.com.

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Kinder named chamber interim president Teri Kinder has been named interim president of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce following the resignation of Deb Wing on Dec. 1.

Then board chair Eric Cairns instructed the board to start a nationwide search for her replacement and Kinder, a six year veteran as assistant, has been serving as interim president.

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TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Seahorse art The Bridge Street Merchants artsHOP seahorse project drew a crowd at the Bridge Tender Inn. The artists were given the wood seahorse cutouts, and they decorated them in a number of ways. The art will stay there through Sunday, Feb. 25. Each seahorse is available for purchase by auction. The starting bids will be $30. For more information on the artsHOP, call Amanda Escobio at 941-896-2222.

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OUTDOORS

JANUARY 31, 2018

Show them the courtesy

ver the years, I’ve adopted a policy that I call, “Show them the courtesy they don’t show you.”

My intention is to carry this in the back of my mind at all times. I found it necessary to do this because for so many years it was a knee jerk reaction to unload on anyone who got in my space while I was fishing.

I’ve mellowed over the years after coming to the realization that I was the one that suffered the consequences of my actions. Most of the time after an outburst I’d move on anyway, carrying with me a bit less serenity. At some point in time it dawned on me to keep my composure. After all, there’s a lot of water to fish so move on.

When we’re fishing, we have no idea what’s going on with the others we’re sharing the water with. They could be fishing to eat, indulging a passion, finding solace from a traumatic experience, enjoying a day with friends or family or just getting some relaxation. We all get caught up in our fishing at times

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS and let our awareness drift as we stalk a school of fish or head to the next spot we’re going to target. Most anglers start out with areas in mind where they’ve caught fish before, and more often these days we either find someone there or nearby.

All too often this can mean that fishermen get crowded together, which has the potential to ruin everyone’s experience. There are lots of places to fish, so if you find someone else nearby, move on to another location. You may even find that you discover fish or a fishing spot you didn’t know about.

I generally hunt fish by poling in shallow water or in schools along the beaches. When I encounter another an-

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RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Schools of breaking fish will sound if a boat runs through the act, ruining the fishing for everyone. gler, I either ask them if it’s OK to pass or just give them a wide berth. Most everyone appreciates this gesture and will tell you to proceed, but sometimes they want you to stay completely away, even if there’s little chance of disturbing the action. If this is the case, I don’t argue I just move on.

Even though I don’t fish offshore, I

know that many anglers work hard to find a ledge or hard bottom where they target fish, and they carefully guard it, never overfishing it. One of the worst things they experience is anglers who look for spots that others are fishing.

Most often they don’t have the same SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 23

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Catch sheepshead with shrimp CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

‘‘Tis the season for the convicts. These numerous cold fronts have shut down some of the species in our area.

For my clients here at Anna Maria Charters, the only real guarantee right now is sheepshead, black drum and the possibility of a redfish or two. Finding pilchards, or white bait is virtually impossible right now, at least with any consistency.

The go-to bait right now for me is live shrimp, using pieces when the sheepies prove to be finicky biters.

The bigger sheepshead will readily eat a whole jumbo shrimp, as will the drum species. A sheepshead bite can be quite subtle, so I typically use a jig head to have as much sensitivity as possible. I’ll pinch the tip of the tail off of the shrimp and string him onto the hook and as far up the jig

head as possible. Keep your line relatively tight, and be prepared to set the hook with some force! Sheepshead have very hard mouths, and you need to pierce that to get a hookup.

When I get experienced clients, I’ll use artificials on the flats right now for trout, redfish and snook. But you have to be careful. The last thing anyone wants is three inexperienced anglers tossing hooks around.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action catching and releasing snook and bluefish in the ICW on flies and trout on CAL jigs with shad tails in Gasparilla Sound during the past week. Water temperatures remained cool, so the best action was in the afternoon and evening when the water was warmer.

Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, Ill., and Stephen Liska, from Naples, Fla., fished Gasparilla Sound and backcountry areas near Boca Grande with me on Monday.

We fished potholes and mangrove shorelines, and they had some action with trout on CAL jigs with shad tails.

Hal Lutz, from Parrish, Fla., and Jeb Mulock, from Bradenton, Fla., fished lighted docks in the ICW with me on Tuesday evening and had some action catching and releasing snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Water temperatures were several degrees warmer on the outgoing tide, as water that was warmed by the sun on shallow flats in the afternoon flowed out.

23

REEL TIME: Show them courtesy FROM PAGE 22

respect as the original angler and mark the spot on their GPS, returning later to catch every fish they can. If care isn’t taken, it’s possible to ruin a good hole by overfishing it.

Fishing schooling species like tarpon, Spanish mackerel, little tunny and kingfish is another time when anglers need to be considerate of each other.

Savvy anglers make a stealthy approach, working the edges of a school where they know predators patrol for prey. They understand that a careful approach is their best chance of success. Anglers who don’t know the ropes often troll right through schools of baitfish and breaking fish, causing them to sound and ruining the action for everyone.

When anglers take the time to consider others on the water everyone wins. Fishing should be fun and with a little consideration, it can be. When you’re on the water, make it a habit to stay well away from other anglers, and if you encounter someone who isn’t playing by those rules, move on. Show them the courtesy they don’t show you.

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CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Triple the fun Nick, Adam and Rob Seal, of Burlington, Ontario, show off a limit of tripletail caught with Captain David White, of Anna Maria Charters.

Linesider

Jeb Mulock, from Bradenton, with a snook caught and released on a Grassett Snook Minnow fly while fishing lighted docks in the Intracoastal Waterway at night with Captain Rick Grassett.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

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Center receives grant support In what’s been an exciting financial time for the Center of Anna Maria Island, the nonprofit has received two grants along with private donations from a trust and a local estate sale.

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

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island is celebrating something the organization’s leaders haven’t had a chance to do in a long time – the nonprofit’s finances are finally in the black.

The financial recovery of the struggling nonprofit is being made possible largely by increases in membership, grant awards and donations. On Jan. 24, Center Executive Director Kristen Lessig celebrated the receipt of a $6,500 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Trolley Giving Back Grant Award for the nonprofit’s Be-

yond the Classroom after-school program. The program also received a $1,000 grant from the Michael Saunders Foundation. In a Jan. 26 press release, Lessig said the combined grants help to make the after-school program accessible to all children in the community regardless of the ability to pay.

“The grants will make it possible for the Center to provide all the community’s children an opportunity to develop strong, healthy life and social skills in a safe, learning environment without financial barriers,” Lessig said in the release.

The release also states the Center is named as the beneficiary of a private trust and estate sale. Both donations are expected to be settled in the coming weeks.

Adding to the good news is a seeming rebound of support from community members to the organization.

In the press release, Lessig said three Island homeowners have signed up to have their

properties be a part of the 25th annual Tour of Homes. Island homes owned by Wolley and Art Dutton, Don and Leah Purvis, and Jane and Tom Gauld all will be featured during the one-day event. Another stop on the Tour this year will be the Tropical Treasures Boutique, located for the first time at the Center, where attendees can shop for locally made goodies, enjoy food, buy raffle tickets for this year’s Tour quilt and see how donated funds are being applied.

A title sponsor for the 10th annual Murder Myster Dinner Theater has been announced.

Air and Energy will sponsor the event along with The Boilermaker honoring the late Rex Hagen, a long-time member of and contributor to the Center.

Tickets are on-sale now for the Tour of Homes and Murder Mystery at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, by calling 941-778-1908, or visiting www.centerami.org.

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REAL ESTATE

ast week, we talked about the proliferation of buyers from other countries coming into the state of Florida, the national leader for international buyers at 22 percent of all international buyers in the United States. The next logical question for sellers of Florida properties is how these international buyers are financing their purchases, and the impact of doing business with an international buyer.

A statistic that will probably not be surprising is that 44 percent of foreign buyers pay all cash compared to 22.4 percent of American buyers. True foreign buyers are generally wealthy and may have lots of cash available to them for second homes, but another reason they tend to enter into all cash transactions is that the mortgage application process is more difficult for international buyers.

Lenders face a certain amount of uncertainty because of visas that could run out leaving the bank holding a bad mortgage if the owner needs to return to his/her home country.

Therefore, some lenders may require buyers

JANUARY 31, 2018

Foreign buyers Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER

have visas that are good for a minimum of three years.

In addition, lenders must verify the buyers legal right to be in the U.S. and their legal right to work here. If a green card holder applies for a mortgage, he/she tupically will be treated exactly like a U.S. citizen, however, buyers who are here on visas are more carefully scrutinized. International buyers will also require a larger down payment of at least 25 percent, as opposed to a typical 20 percent.

And assets held in foreign banks may be difficult to verify unless the buyer has an account with a global bank.

If you’re considering an offer from an international buyer like so many other Floridians,

be prepared to have some patience and flexibility. Cultural and religious differences can completely change the normal process, especially if there are extended family members involved overseas. Verify that foreign buyers who are applying for a mortgage have done their homework and are ready to go with current visas and a bank approval. Missing documents like employment authorizations or asset authorization can seriously slow the process down.

Closing dates need to be planned, allowing for money transfers, last minute inspections, out of town buyer travel and extra time to process a foreign borrower mortgage. The sales agreement should be reviewed by a real estate attorney experienced with foreign buyers and includes protection from a default.

This is sometimes where cultural differences can create a road block with international buyers not understanding the sales contracts that are common in the U.S. The good news is that international buyers will likely have a small window of time to

spend house hunting in the United States and may need to make quick decisions. They also will expect quick answers, so be ready during the negotiation process. Also, sellers shouldn’t be too worried about closing hassles when dealing with foreign buyers. Wire transfers and digital signatures have become more common in transactions in this country and with foreign buyers.

According the National Association of Realtors, residential real estate investment by foreign buyers has skyrocketed between April 2016 and March 2017, as I indicated last week. The $153 billion in properties that foreign buyers spent during this time frame was 49 percent higher from the previous year.

In today’s global economy, international buyers are much easier to do business with.

Of course, cash is always welcome in a real estate transaction, but qualified international buyers applying for a mortgage can be just as attractive. Again, Florida keeps moving along and keeps being the place everyone wants to be.

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JANUARY 31, 2018

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27

Use of county concession funds up for debate Commissioners have lots of ideas, but haven’t come to a consensus about how they propose spending beach concession funds.

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

HOLMES BEACH – More discussion will be needed before commissioners come to an agreement on how they would like to apply beach concession funds in the city.

The three Island cities have access to a percentage of funds collected from beach concessionaires by Manatee County.

Right now, that account totals more than $1,144,000 and is growing. In order to access the funds, a project benefitting the public must be approved by the commissions of all three Island cities before being presented to county commissioners for approval and release of the funds. Holmes Beach commissioners are working on their wish list to see which project they’ll ask for funding on.

Some of the ideas floated on the dais include approving if the Anna Maria city commission should ask for funds to help rebuild the city pier, recreating a dune system along

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Commissioners discuss whether or not beach concession funds could be used to help fund The Center of Anna Maria Island. the Island’s beaches, and purchasing mats to make the beach sand more accessible by persons with physical limitations.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he would support a dune restoration project, if Manatee County approved the project.

“I think that would be a great benefit to the three Island cities,” he said, adding that a dune line down the Island beaches would help protect property during storm events.

Because the beaches belong primarily to Manatee County, the county would have to be onboard with the project for it to move forward. Other considerations include the cultivation and maintenance of dunes, if

established, along with how the project could potentially impact ongoing beach renourishment efforts.

Picking up where discussions left off in 2017, Commissioner Judy Titsworth said she was most interested in obtaining funds for improvements at the city’s skate park.

With it being the only skate park on Anna Maria Island and Police Chief Bill Tokajer commenting that a large percentage of the applications the HBPD receives to use the skate park coming from visitors, Titsworth said it would be a project benefitting all three communities.

Because visitors did utilize the skate park

before it was closed for repairs, Titsworth said she’d like to find out if the Manatee County Tourist Development Council would be willing to put forward some funds for the park.

“I don’t want to use concession funds on something the TDC will fund,” she said.

Commissioners agreed to approach the TDC for skate park funds before moving forward with a request for concession funds for the project.

Titsworth had another idea for use of concession funds, one that City Attorney Patricia Petruff wasn’t sure was actually allowed under the terms of the fund use agreement.

With ongoing financial recovery moving in a positive direction, Titsworth said she’d like commissioners to consider requesting some of the concession funds monies for The Center of Anna Maria Island. Her argument is that the nonprofit’s facilities are used by residents from all three Island cities, and she received verbal confirmation the use of funds would be allowed from an attorney representing the county.

Petruff said she doesn’t think that use of the monies toward the Center would be an accurate interpretation of the agreement SEE FUNDS, PAGE 28

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THE SUN

CROSSWALK: Safety issue

FUNDS: Money use up for debate

FROM PAGE 1

Tokajer was back examining the scene Monday morning. He said he was going to ask for the Florida Department of Transportation and Island cities’ engineer Lynn Burnett to consider putting in a crosswalk near that location. Police said the accident victims were crossing the street at a curve in the road.

“There’s nothing there now,” Tokajer said. “It (a crosswalk) would have to be far enough from the curve to not cause an accident and close enough to give people a safer way to cross Gulf Drive.”

He urged pedestrians to use cross-

FROM PAGE 27

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

A curve in Gulf Drive where the accident happened hampers vision for pedestrians and drivers alike. walks when crossing the street and to wait until they know the driver approaching the crosswalk is going to stop.

PICKERS: Coming to Florida FROM PAGE 1

Pickers are specifically looking for hidden treasure, large collections of antiques or items so unique they’ve never been seen before on the show. The "American Pickers" particularly look for historically significant items that need a new lease on life and have a great story behind their acquisition. The showrunners expect to film sometime in February. Exact filming locations will be based on submissions.

JANUARY 31, 2018

To submit your items for consideration, send your name, phone number, town and state, the location of the items and a description of the items or photos. Due to the nature of the show, only privately-owned collections and items will be considered. Submissions can be sent to americanpickers@cineflix. com, shared on FaceBook to @GotAPick, or by leaving a voicemail at 1-855-OLD-RUST.

governing the fund. Mayor Bob Johnson agreed, stating that funding the Center wouldn’t be a one-time project, which is what the fund was set up to help with.

“I think it’s a convenient interpretation,” he said.

Without receiving that legal opinion in writing, Petruff said she would be hesitant to move forward with such a request. She added that there is $25,000 in the city’s current fiscal year budget which could be given to the Center if commissioners decide to help fund the nonprofit.

Commissioner Rick Hurst, liaison to the Center and a soccer coach at the nonprofit, said he’d like to readdress the potential for city funding once leadership at the organization produces a revised budget for the current fiscal year.

After a rough start to the year in July, Hurst said he’d received word that the Center was finally operating in the black as of December due to the receipt of large private donations. Financial documents obtained from Center Executive Director Kristen Lessig show the nonprofit ending the first half of its fiscal year $6,023 in the black, $19,481 better than forecasted in the current budget. The financials show the Center benefitted from lowered program costs, higher program revenue, and a leap in donations that put the organization $99,580 better than budget in that area with a total of $266,330 in donations, sponsorships and ticket sales from July 1 through the end of December.

“I’m glad to hear they’re doing better, but I think it’s still early in the process with them,” Kihm said.

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JANUARY 31, 2018

THE SUN

29

PLANKS: Removal leads to firing FROM PAGE 1

Piir removed the plank toward the end of his workday on Friday, Dec. 19, and asked Mannhart to help. While there, Mannhart removed another plank that said, “10/13/92 In loving memory Gumby 7/18/12.”

When Public Works Manager Dean Jones learned of these events the following Monday, he retrieved the plank Piir gave Raykov. The city is in possession of both planks.

Murphy confirmed the dismissals, but said he could not discuss personnel matters. He would only say the pier planks are city property, and no one was authorized to remove them.

After the firings, City Attorney Becky Vose issued a legal opinion that said the commemorative planks became city property when they were installed on the pier, and they remain the sole property of the city.

The city plans to return the engraved planks to those who properly requested them. Piir was aware of these plans, but concerned his friend’s plank might get damaged.

“I broke the board myself, and I was very careful trying to bring it up.” Piir said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The pier plank memorializing Phil Guttridge was recently removed without permission.

Piir has been with city since 2008 and he worked two days a week cutting grass. He said this was the first time he’s gotten into any trouble.

“They charged me with misappropriation of city property. I plead guilty to that. I thought I’d get a couple weeks off without pay, but I thought it was excessive to fire me. Most companies would give you another chance,” Piir said.

On Monday, Raykov said her son

used to work as a chef on the pier. She was excited when she heard the planks might grace the walls inside a new pier restaurant, but she got nervous when she learned that was no longer in the plans.

In mid-January, Raykov’s parents, the Langers, contacted the city via email and requested the plank be set aside, but the automated response they received left them with a sense of uncertainty.

“I was thinking maybe Pete can do something. I just wish he had asked permission. I feel terrible. I feel like it’s my fault. He’s got a heart of gold and he’s only trying to do good. I can’t see firing him for the first thing he did wrong in 10 years,” Raykov said.

After Piir was fired, Richard Langer emailed Murphy and asked him to reconsider.

“Isn’t there a less drastic measure?

Pete was just doing what Pete does, and that’s to help in any way he can.

We don’t think he should be penalized in this manner for trying to do a good deed.” Langer wrote.

In response, Murphy wrote, “The plank is in safe keeping and will be given to you once the city obtains the proper permits to remove planks from the pier. I share in your disappointment over this incident. Unfortunately, I cannot address your request concerning the discharge of Mr. Piir. It remains a matter between the city and Mr. Piir.”

Efforts to contact Mannhart for this story were unsuccessful.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 Key Royale Drive George Myers 941-224-6021 A4184576 $1,955,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 318 Bay Drive S 7 Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4178742 $1,170,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2307 Avenue C Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4205599 $989,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 528 72nd Street Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4204971 $2,995,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 216 83rd Street Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4203519 $725,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 101 66th Street 9 Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Story 941-799-1943 A4178549 $680,000

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

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

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 529 69th Street Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4198504 $779,000

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

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 600 Manatee Avenue 224 Susan Nemitz 941-237-0045 A4204610 $355,000

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

BR ADENTON 3440 77th Street W 201 Rich Sporl 941-761-7349 A4206654 $399,000

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

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

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THE SUN

'Dolphin Tale' this week’s movie in the park Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy hopes the third time will be the charm for the city’s free outdoor moving screenings at City Pier Park.

The last two movies have been cancelled due to cold, windy or rainy weather. Barring any more weather challenges, a free screening of "Dolphin Tale" will take place in the park Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.

Starring Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman and Kris Kristofferson, the 2011 film was inspired by a true story and tells the tale of a bottlenose dolphin taken into the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and fitted with a prosthetic tail.

A free screening of the sequel, "Dolphin Tale 2," is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

Movie attendees are

SUBMITTED

asked to bring their own chairs, blankets, drinks and snacks. City Pier Park is located at the cor-

ner of Pine Avenue and South Bay Boulevard, across from the Anna Maria City Pier.

JANUARY 31, 2018

JANUARY 31, 2018

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THE SUN

Bingo

More than 100 people attend the second night of Bingo Bonanza at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

SUBMITTED

JANUARY 31, 2018

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JANUARY 31, 2018

EDUCATION

MUSIC

Einstein’s Circle to meet

Jazz Fest almost here

The Einstein’s Circle group will gather at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to participate in some deep discussions on topics such as politics, world conflicts and what the future has in store. There is no charge.

The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO), Gulf Drive Band the Sandbar restaurant and the Anna Maria Island Sun present the 15th Annual Jazz Fest on Tuesday, Feb 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Sandbar’s gazebo at 200 Spring St., Anna Maria.

This is an opportunity to listen to classical jazz from the 1930s to modern tunes. The performers include Dana Cohen, from New Hampshire, on vocals; Ted Young, from Pittsburg, on piano; and Bil Bowdish, from Boston, on flutes, saxes and vocals. Their guest star is Koko Ray Hansen on saxes, flute and vocals.

Tickets are $10 before noon on Feb 6 and $15 at the door. The Sandbar will provide refreshments at an additional charge. Tickets are available at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce or at the door and are available on a first come first served basis. Call the Chamber at 941-778-1541 for information.

Caretaker talks about Elvis The latest in the Island Branch Library’s Travel and Lecture Series gives some insight into the man known as the king of rock and roll on Thursday, Feb, 1, at 2 p.m. Letetia Henley-Kirk served as Presley’s nurse, and she has written a book about him. She describes him as smart, kind, funny, generous and exceptionally loyal.

Admission is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The library is located at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Call 941-778-6341 for information.

Seniors observe quilts Senior Adventures will take a look at quilts when the group meet on Friday, Feb. 2. The van leaves Annie Silvers Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, at 10 a.m. and heads for the Bradenton Convention Center.

There is a van fee of $5 and a $7 donation. They will stop for lunch on the way back. Reservations are required by calling Kaye Bell at 941-538-0945.

ART Featured artist Local mixed-media artist, Wendell Graham is the featured artist for the month of February at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Gallery at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. A reception in her honor will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, as part of the Holmes Beach Art District ArtWalk at the Guild Gallery. It is free and open to the public.

As a mixed-media artist, Graham says she loves to weave natural materials with different mediums, so her art

tells a story, inspires imagination and brings texture, color, fun and a hint of mystery to an original.

"I believe strongly in helping others through volunteer work and painting, passing it forward and carry this passion over into my artwork by donating my time, art and money to various charities. It only takes one to make a difference; I am proud to be one,” she said.

An avid supporter and promoter of the arts, she is represented by the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island Gallery and the Art & More Gallery in Holmes Beach. www.fineartbyWendell. com.

A call to artists The Anna Maria Island Art League is currently accepting submissions for its 24th Annual James Pay Exhibit,” in honor of an Art League founder, entitled “Appreciation and Celebration of the Human Form.”

This will be its first exhibit of nude works of art. This carefully curated, open to the public show, will be juried and will feature a special exhibit by Richard Thomas in the Art League’s foyer.

The opening reception is on Friday, Feb. 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The art work will continue to be shown through March 2.

Artists are asked to bring submissions to the League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays no later than Feb 2. The entry fee is $20 per piece for Art League members and $30 for non-members. There is a limit of three entries per artist.

For any questions regarding submissions, contact Fran Sansbury at 941778-2099.

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Art demos and sale

The Anna Maria Island Artists' Guild, in collaboration with Keeton's Office and Art Supply, will host the yearly Demo-Sale-A-Bration on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Crosspointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach from 1 to 4 p.m. Keeton's will have new or favorite product lines on hand while Guild artists demonstrate art techniques. Tables with supplies will be set up for people to try their skills. Admission is free, and this is open to the public.

Plein air exhibit The Studio at Gulf and Pine at 10101 Gulf Drive is seeking artwork for "A Plein Air Affair," a juried exhibit opening on Wednesday, Feb. 7. There will be a reception Monday, Feb. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m.

All artwork must have been executed outdoors on location in Florida during the past three years in watercolor, oil, acrylic or pastel mediums. Island resident and award winning plein air artist Cory Wright will judge the show, which will award more than $500 in prizes to selected winners. An artists’ reception will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“En plein air” is French for in the open air. Plein air began in the late 1800s when the Impressionists ventured from their studios into nature to capture the effects of sunlight and different times of days on a subject. Plein paintings require the artist to be skilled at rapid composition and brushwork in order to capture the light before it changes.

The complete artist guidelines are available at www.studioatgulfandpine. com or can be picked up at The Studio.

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

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SPORTS

JANUARY 31, 2018

Planet Stone ends regular season with a victory

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

As the regular season for youth flag football comes to an end, Beach Bums and Truly Nolen close out at the top of the eight- to 10-year-old league, Slim’s Place remains on top and undefeated for the high school boys, and Blue Lagoon and Planet Stone finish league leaders with six wins each.

Last Tuesday night, Joe Christenson, for Planet Stone, and Gary Kortzendorf, for USA Fence, provide their teams with plays, guidance and encouragement as the volunteer coaches.

For Christenson, his team continued to dominate the gridiron with speed and agility. Kortzendorf kept his players in the game with words of wisdom and much earned praise.

The final score of the game, 45-0, does not clearly reflect the effort of the USA Fence team. In fact, the limited points on the scoreboard displayed Kortzendorf’s team’s true grit and desire to play hard for a full 40 minutes of play.

Team Planet Stone started out of the gate in two plays, with Jeremiah Sculco scoring the first touchdown. With a failed point after, USA Fence took over the football with three snaps and three short yardage gains.

Unable to make the first down, USA Fence gave the possession back to Planet Stone. Riley Quillin’s short run set up the double hand off play and a TD by Riley Lawson, advancing the score to 12-0. Speedy Anthony Nguyen scored the extra point widening the lead for his team.

Working the roster as quarterback, Aiden Templeton took the next snap and was hit by Sculco, who was called for the roughing the passer penalty.

The strong Planet Stone defense once again stopped USA Fence from advancing down the field.

USA Fence’s defense proved it could stop the opponent with no first down gain, giving it the football back. Jack Procter made a short run before the flag pull by Lawson. Templeton had nice short catch, but Nguyen stopped the first down with a critical flag pull.

Both teams exemplified what it meant to put pressure on the QB. Bobbled snaps, dropped passes and incomplete receptions led collectively to 12 snaps of the football and no score by either team to end the first half of the game.

Starting on offense, USA Fence took to the gridiron hoping to get on the

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Team USA Fence’s Aiden Templeton moves the football with Team Planet Stone’s defense in pursuit. scoreboard, but the five players on the field could not make it happen.

On its first snap of the half, Quillin weaved in and out of traffic to score six points. Evan Christenson scored the point with a catch at the front corner of the end zone.

Down by 20 points, USA Fence’s first play of the second possession led to an interception by Sculco giving Planet Stone phenomenal field position.

A quick hand off to Nguyen led to another touchdown as two USA Fence players collided on the field trying to stop the score.

The no rush mercy rule was applied with the score 26-0. USA Fence’s QB found Clay Kortzendorf alone for a nice reception before the flag pull

by Dylan Jacques. Preston Bergeron made a nice play giving Templeton the change to make the first down on the next play, but he could not get the ball across midfield.

Planet Stone made a quick effort that turned into a quick score with a touchdown catch by Grayson Mitchell, running the ball the length of the field down the right side of the field with nobody to stop him. With the score 320, Angelina Albrecht stopped the extra point.

Snaps by both teams saw strong play

by Grant Shackelford both on defense and offense, leading to a touchdown by Lawson. Planet Stone could not gain the follow-up point, giving USA Fence

the football back with less than two minutes on the scoreboard.

Feeling the seconds ticking off the clock, USA Fence’s quarterback threw pick six as Riley Quillin put another six points up in lights. Icing out the opponents as they were going for two points, Coach Kortzendorf called a timeout.

Not to be denied, Jacques was the target for the touchdown follow-up.

Crossing the line, Planet Stone scored the final two points of the game.

The community center’s youth will end with playoff games this week and championship games on Feb. 6 and 7.

Three winning teams will end up at the top of the hill.

Slim’s Place Signarama

SUN SCOREBOARD MONDAY, JAN. 22 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

Slim’s Place Blalock Walters

Cortez Pump Beach Bums

7 18

Island Charms Cloud Pest Control

31 15

Progressive Cabinetry Truly Nolen

21 14

TUESDAY, JAN. 23 ADULT CO-ED VOLLEYBALL Signarama Bins Be Clean

Win By Forfeit

Bins Be Clean Slim’s Place

27 25

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL 11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

25 12

25 7

23 25

15 7

USA Fence Planet Stone

0 45

Tyler’s Ice Cream Blue Lagoon

18 32

14- TO 17-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Salty Printing Signarama

THURSDAY, JAN. 25 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL 14- TO 17-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Slim’s Place Blalock Walters

ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL

33 27 32 (6-0) 34 (1-5)

42 40

Lancaster Design Beach Bums

13 21

CABB Cleaning Bins Be Clean

13 27

Beach House Real Estate Moss Builders

41 40

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JANUARY 31, 2018

Officer Hill back on duty The final FDLE report on the December police shooting is expected within 60 days.

BRADENTON BEACH – Officer Eric Hill has returned to active duty. He returned to work last week.

On Saturday, Dec. 30, Hill shot and wounded 45-year-old Bradenton resident Douglas Schofield after responding to an incident unfolding in the city of Anna Maria.

The shooting occurred after Schofield refused to put down the military-style knife and hatchet he held as we walked toward Hill and a deputy with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Following standard protocol, Hill was placed on paid administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducted an investigation of the police shooting.

“The initial findings of the FDLE inves-

BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA

1/1, grand theft, 200 block of Willow Avenue. A patio table and chairs were taken from the vacation rental.

1/1, lost property, 9900 block of Gulf Drive. A business owner said a Waste Management trash can was missing.

BRADENTON BEACH

1/15, theft, 2200 block of Avenue C. A rental bicycle was stolen.

1/21, possession of a controlled substance, 1888 Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver when he observed the vehicle he was driving weave in and out of its lane. He observed evidence of intoxication and smelled marijuana and

OBITUARIES Irene Donohue

positive.”

Irene Donohue, 91, of Holmes Beach, Fla., died Jan. 23, 2018.

A private memorial will be held.

Survivors include her good friends Ethel Kelley and Chris Meltzner and many good tennis buddies and step-son Mark Donohue.

Arrangements are by The Good Earth Crematory.

Sam Speciale Police chief

Edward A. Teofilak

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

THE SUN

“The initial findings of the FDLE investigation were

tigation were positive,” Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale said last week.

Speciale said Hill has completed a mandatory phycological evaluation and has qualified with his new firearm.

The handgun he used in the December shooting is still in possession of FDLE investigators.

Speciale said he expects the final FDLE report to be issued within 60 days.

asked to search the car. He found some marijuana in a bag and some prescription pills not in their bottles. The driver was arrested.

1/23, aggravated battery, 200 block of Bridge Street at the boat anchorage.

Two men were fishing and drinking, and they got into a fight. Police arrested the aggressor.

1/25, driving with a suspended license with knowledge, 800 block of Gulf Drive South. The officer stopped the driver for speeding, and she told him her license was suspended. She was arrested.

CORTEZ

1/9, battery, trespass warning, 10015 Cortez Road W. The deputy found the subject pounding on the door of the closed business. The business owner said she had an argument with the

Edward A. Teofilak, 91, of Bradenton, died Jan. 20, 2018, with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Chester, Pa., to Polish immigrants Jozef and Marianna Teofilak.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in WWII aboard the USS Sirona (AKA-43). In 1949, he married his wife Emily and raised six children. He worked as an erector of locomotive turbines for Baldwin Lima Hamilton in Eddystone, Pa. He moved to Bradenton in 1972 and worked

suspect over work productivity, and he tried to choke her. He was arrested.

HOLMES BEACH

1/18, driving with a suspended license, 700 Manatee Ave. The driver was stopped for an infraction and the officer found his driver’s license was suspended. He was issued a summons.

1/19, Driving without a valid license, 4900 Gulf Drive. The officer ran a computer check on the driver and found he had no license, the car was not registered and the plate on the car was not assigned. He was given three summonses.

1/19, driving with a suspended license, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer ran a computer check on th driver, and it showed the tag was expired and the driver’s license was suspended. His tag was seized, and he was ticketed.

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at St. Bernard Catholic Church on Anna Maria Island until his retirement. He was a member of VFW Post 10141 and lifetime member of the American Legion, Kirby Stewart Post 24.

Ed was pre-deceased by his wife Emily and a son, Edward II. He is survived by his sons Joseph/Toby (Julia), James (Trish); and daughters Mary, Christina(Jairo) and Emily (Richard). He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Kelly (Stephen), Kimberly, Lindsay (David), Christopher (Madison), Gina, Jessica (Joel), Alexander, Coleman, Eric and Nicole; great grandsons Jacob, Landon, Cameron, Noah, Corey and Maxwell; and the expected arrival of great granddaughter Hazel Irene.

A memorial service will be held Feb. 3, 201, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bradenton. Presentation of the American flag will take place at noon at VFW Post 10141. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Hedwig Repair Fund, c/o Sacred Heart Church, 316 East Broadway Ave., Clifton Heights, PA 19018, or a charity of your choice.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26th Street Chapel 5624 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

1/20, DUI, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer was behind the defendant’s car and observed the driver was unable to stay within the lane. He stopped the driver and observed signs of intoxication. The driver agreed to take a field sobriety test and stemming from the results, she was arrested.

1/21, alcohol violation, 100 block of 33rd Street. The officer found three people drinking wine in a tent on the beach.

The were given tickets.

1/22,found property, 100 block of 72nd Street. The officer responded to the beach access and found two bicycles.

1/23, burglary, 500 block of 69th Street.

The son-in-law of the resident said some jewelry is missing. There was no sign of a forced entry.

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THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Carpet thickness 5 Crowbar, basically 10 Vanishing ski lift 14 Preemptive rescue op 15 Wear down 16 MasterCard rival 17 *Boot camp newbie 19 Not fer 20 Slap in the face 21 Play the hand you were dealt 23 Smooth engine sound 25 __-Locka, Florida 26 Aetna's bus.

27 Michelin product 31 Ancient vase in a museum, say 33 Fuel-efficient Chevy 34 Physics work unit 36 Starts the kitty 39 Truth stretcher 40 Nebula Award genre 43 Undiluted 44 Untrue 46 Acquired 47 __ Minor: Little Bear 48 Chinese menu promise 51 Company co-founded

by J.P. Morgan 53 "The Simpsons" disco guy 55 Sport-__: 4 x 4 56 90 deg. at the North Pole, e.g.

57 Overly long and generally unproductive activity 60 One of Santa's reindeer 65 "SOS" pop group 66 *Defensible alibi 68 Baked desserts 69 Latest craze 70 Ointment additive

71 Tortoise racer 72 Spiritual guardian 73 Identity hider Down 1 Prefix with scope 2 Hall of Fame catcher Rodriguez 3 Newton's motion trio 4 Color of raw silk 5 Professors' talks 6 Boot the ball 7 "Parlez-__ franรงais?"

8 Manuscript fixer 9 Make another recording of 10 Promo on the tube 11 *Grand scheme of things 12 From China, say 13 Tirades 18 Pre-college, briefly 22 Simba's playmate 24 Defunct Ford division, for short 27 Baby whale 28 Sports shoe brand 29 *It may be rational, in math

Answers to 01-24-18 Crossword Puzzle.

30 Sculptor's subject 32 Data to be processed 35 Band tour booking 37 Highland tongue 38 Close tightly 41 Basketball transgression 42 "Agreed!" ... and what can be said about the start of the answers to starred clues 45 Grounded Aussie birds 49 Mark of disgrace 50 Columbus, by birth 52 Lay's chips-in-a-can brand 53 Dangerous bacterium 54 Knee-to-ankle bone 58 Lessen, as pain 59 Skull Island ape 61 Rip-off 62 Island dance 63 Those, in Mexico 64 Cause serious nosewrinkling 67 Stop working, as an engine

JANUARY 31, 2018

JANUARY 31, 2018

CLASSIFIED

ADULT CARE

CARPET CLEANING

CNA/CMA ISLAND Resident. Home care for you or loved one. Also errands, Doctors appointments, housekeeping, Cooking etc. Call 941-374-1227

QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE 2007 HONDA SILVERWING For Sale. One owner, 600 cc auto transmission motorcycle, 15,000 miles. Many additions, well maintained, garage kept.

Excellent condition. $3400 Call 941-778-2553

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: SALES & RENTALS BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. Now’s The Time-Snowbirds Are Here “Business On A Hand Shake”. Island Boat Sales. 941-2283489 17' VINTAGE CLASSIC Double Ender Grumman Aluminum Canoe. Paddles, anchor, motor board and other extras $600. Call Larry 941-795-8008

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

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

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

941-281-4951

DELIVER PHONE BOOKS Work Your Own Hours, Have Insured Vehicle, Must be at Least 18 yrs old, Valid DL. No Experience Necessary. 1-800-518-1333 Ext 224. www.deliverthephonebook.com FULL TIME FRONT DESK with Benefits Anna Maria 2pm-9pm Tuesday-Friday and Saturday 8am-4pm Organization, multitasking, customer service, time management and computer skills required!

Please send resume and cover letter to Nikkiah@ centerami.org

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

FOR SALE AUTHORITY ONE SERVICES. Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals & Construction Cleaning.

Also Power Washing, Windows, Paver Sealing & Roof Cleaning.

Ask about your Senior Citizens Discount Call 941-251-5948 or 941565-3931

COMMERCIAL SALES ANNA MARIA ISLAND 4-sale Resorts Bradenton Bch *5 units $1,048,800 *13 units $4,999,000 *9300 Sq. Ft. Ware-house, Machine Shop heavy duty elect or Car Storage, So Many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport $595,000 Island Real Estate Ask Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

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

EMPLOYMENT

NOW HIRING Anna Maria Island Creamery & Bakery.

9801 Gulf Dr. Suites 1-3.

Contact Shea Khalil via email Shea@amicreamery bakery.com BAR BACK NEEDED 3 or 4 nights per week. Apply at Bortell's 10002 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria After 1pm.

BRAND NEW QUEEN SIZE Bed with headboard and 6 drawer dresser, 2 lamps.

All New! $500 OBO Call 732-681-9555 SOFA & LOVESEAT. LEATHER, Forest Green $500. Call 941-792-0014

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. 10am1pm Saturday Donations preferred 9am-11am Wednesdays. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Phone 941-779-2733 FLEA MARKET RADERS REEF parking lot Sunday February 4. 8am-4pm 5508 Marina Dr. Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, misc. items HUGE SALE 667 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach. Friday & Saturday, February 2-3, 9AM-3PM. Kitchen & household items, furniture, books, men's (lg-xlg), ladies & children's clothing and much, much more.

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

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

THE SUN

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

Neil 941-726-3077

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

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

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us

LEGAL NOTICE

DECKOUT MASTER CARPENTER Everything Patio & Dock Decking Work Repair, Replace, Maintenance Work, Cleaning, Treatments, New Decks.

Also Handyman/Painting work to home or office.

Call RICHARD Bespoke Service 941-448-3571 Island Resident.

STORM DAMAGE? Prompt Response. Tree work, Carpentry, Painting, Roof/ Fence Repair, Etc. Medium and Small Jobs Accepted.

See ORANGE AD in Painting Section. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

FENCING, CAN'T GET ANYBODY? Wood, Vinyl. New or Repair. Call Richard. Free Estimates.

941-448-3571 Bespoke Services.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 02/21/2018, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1C3CDFBA8DD341465 2013 DODGE 1D4HB48DX4F123631 2004 DODGE 1D7HL48N64S663879 2004 DODGE 1FAFP42X73F343709 2003 FORD 1G6DP567850102350 2005 CADILLAC 1GBE4V1G07F425099 2007 GLAVAL 1GKDT13S132117899 2003 GENERAL MOTORS CORP 1GNET13M872110835 2007 CHEVROLET 1HGEM22135L029074 2005 HONDA 1LNLM81W1NY723685 1992 LINCOLN 4T1BF1FK4CU061382 2012 TOYOTA 4USCH9335XLF79511 1999 BMW JM1BL1M5XC1678166 2012 MAZDA JNKCV54E85M405426 2005 INFINITI

LOST & FOUND WATCH TURNED IN to the police department which was found on the beach.

Turned in on Jan. 7th. Call Detective Brian Hall 941708-5800 ext 243.

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LOST 18" DIAMOND CHAIN NECKLACE with my grand mother's diamond in center – REWARD Call 267454-0725 FOUND WEDDING RING October 2 in Holmes Beach. To Rayburn with love Kathy. Call 941-9008226 LOST ENGAGEMENT RING. Solitaire white gold. Lost on 10/22/2017. Call 770712-8819 FOUND NECKLACE PENDANT near Anna Maria Post office. Call 941-7733182 LOST GOLD BRACELET with toggle clasp & charm with 50th anniversary engraved.

Sentimental value. Lost in vicinity of Palm Ave. in Anna Maria. Call 407-8730078.

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

Call 407-579-1621

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

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

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

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

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CLASSIFIED

Call us today! 941-778-3986

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured

FROM THE LOW $300’s Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $209/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com

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

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

113 BEACH AVE 3BR/3BA Pool Home. Great location West of Gulf Drive with Direct beach access! $1,055,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941228-6086

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

CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

PRINTING

SLIGHTLY OFF THE ISLAND. 3BR/2BA completely renovated lake house, five miles from the beach. No Condo/HOA Fees, No Deed Restrictions, No Traffic, Huge Boat/RV Storage Area, No Flood Insurance. $319,500. www.690932nd.com. For Sale By Owner. 941-795-5225

CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE & WINDOW WASHING AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing, Roof Cleaning and Windows.

Call 941-251-5948

PERICO BAY CLUB! Light & bright 2BR/2BA With high ceilings & updated kitchen! $212,000.

Island Real Estate- Call Kathleen White 941-7730165.

FOR SALE ADORABLE half duplex Anna Maria. ! Walk to Beach eating shopping. . Brenda Boyd May Boyd Realty . 941-730-8589 $399,000 . $359,000 THE PERFECT HOUSE 3BR/2BA pool beautiful yard !!! Two blocks to the causeway!

Bike to the island!! Great VRBO neighborhood! Call soon. Scott May 941-2388377 Boyd Realty

PERICO ISLAND 2BR/2BA Condo Great Water Views. $283,900.

Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group. Call 941-330-5054

PERICO BAY TOTAL remodel of 2BR/2BA, tiled throughout, gorgeous kitchen and bath, updated plumbing and electric, vacant $229,000 Call 551-427-0248 UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN 2 side by side mixed use Condo units.

Use as Light Retail, Office or Residential Vacation Rental (nightly rentals permitted) located directly on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. $178,000 per unit. Each unit is 416 sq ft. Joe 631-678-1810 THIS FOURTH BAYSHORE CONDO in a 55 plus Community offers community pool recreation building walking path close to bus line shopping and Gulf of Mexico beaches stay for this season or yearround this 2BR/2BA will be a joy to come home to. $78,500. Erlene Fitzpatrick RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-223-6339 BEAUTIFUL 3BR/3.5BA with office, art studio 2 Car Garage. 1878sf under AC/heat. 5708 Holmes Blvd. Call 941-284-5656 Medway Realty $789,600

REAL ESTATE: LOT FOR SALE BAY VIEW LOT ! Across from Anna Maria Park. $440,000 Brenda Boyd May broker 941-730-8589

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 514 Key Royale Drive 1-4. Canal front boat lift, 3BR/3BA New Kitchen, Very Open floor plan split bedroom plan.

Oversized pool area.

Beautiful landscape, sold furnished. $1,199,000 Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941330-5054. Call today for showing.

JANUARY 31, 2018

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

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

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA, carport, storage, W/D hookups $1,450/mo, Non-Smoking. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307.

2BR/2BA TOWNHOUSE with a 1 car garage at Palma Sola Trace. Available immediately. Call A Paradise at 941-778-4800 Coming soon a 3BR/2BA and a 1B NEW email R/1BA. Call for information

AMISUN.COM

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915 2018 SEASONAL RENTALS Available: 2BR/1BA Gulf front from $3,850 per month, 2BR with sleeping loft from $3,850 per month. Three month minimum. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@tampabay.rr.com GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 MARCH 2018. 878 N Shore near Rod & Reel Pier. 3BR/2BA fully equipped. remodeled cottage. $4200/March + taxes & security. Call 863-4128198

VACATION RENTALMARCH 2018- CANCELLATION. Cottage West of Gulf Drive. 3BR/3BA $4,680/mo + taxes/fees.

Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

www.amisun.com

JANUARY 31, 2018

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

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

HAULING

PAINTING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

TRANSPORTATION

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THE SUN

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JANUARY 31, 2018