- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -
VOL 21 No. 13
January 6, 2021
BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.comv
Supporters of net camp seek allies as deadline looms
CORTEZ – Residents of the historic fishing village of Cortez plan to ask the Manatee County legislative delegation on Jan. 6 to save a structure that the state has ordered to be demolished by Jan 24. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a court order requiring the demolition of the structure, built on pilings in Sarasota Bay in 2017 by Raymond Guthrie Jr. The 12th Judicial Circuit Court has ruled that the state owns the submerged land under the structure. Guthrie claims it is a net camp built on the spot where his family had previous net camps. Net camps were used to clean, dry and store cotton nets before the advent of monofilament nets. The camps once dotted the Cortez waterfront in the bay, but now only Guthrie’s 2017 structure and one historic net camp remain. A.P. Bell Fish Co. manager Karen Bell, whose fish house looks directly at Guthrie’s structure, said she will be asking legislators to ask DEP to grant a 120-day extension on the demolition order that would allow them time to draft legislation to protect the camp during the next legislative session, which begins Tuesday, March 2. Laws protecting historic net camps are in place in Indian River, Lee, Monroe and Pinellas counties, according to Bell, who previously made appeals to Gov. Ron DeSantis and state SEE NET CAMP, PAGE 9
CINDY LANE SUN
The Guthrie net camp, built in 2017, is under a Jan. 24 demolition order by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Anna Maria: 2020 in Review The city adopted impact fees and an amended sign ordinance in 2020. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The opening of the new Anna Maria City Pier and the subsequent opening of the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop were among the top Anna Maria news stories in 2020. Mayor Dan Murphy also spent much of the year leading the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CITY PIER OPENS
The new Anna Maria City Pier reopened on a limited basis on Friday, June 19. The new pier was then open to
INSIDE NEWS TROLLEY MAP OUTDOORS CASTLES IN THE SAND REAL ESTATE RESTAURANTS CROSSWORD CLASSIFIEDS
4 16-17 18-19 22 22-26 27 29 30
the public only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop operated by Brian Seymour, Nick Graham and Vic Mattay opened on Thursday, Dec. 10. The pier, the grill and the bait shop are now all open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Necessitated by the closure of the old City Pier and pier buildings in September 2017 due to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma, the ensuing pier replacement project cost approximately $6.8 million and was paid for using federal, state, county and city funds. The city currently has no plans for the larger, vacant pier building that sits next to the smaller building that houses the City Pier Grill. SEE ANNA MARIA, PAGE 28
NEARLY 900 birds
spotted in annual local Audubon bird count. 12
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Looking back on 2020 2020 might not have been our best year, but it wasn’t all bad. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The year 2020 brought many challenges to the Anna Maria Island community, mixed in with several high points that just proved this past calendar year wasn’t all bad. In Holmes Beach, the year kicked off with the opening of the new dog park, which had been in the works for several years. The city took home a few Bert Harris case wins and city leaders were back in court with the treehouse owners. The city’s highly
anticipated Community Skate Park opened to the public in February. At the same time, commissioners were discussing lighted signs in the mixed hotel/residential A-1 district on Gulf Drive, still an ongoing discussion, and the Holmes Beach special magistrate hearings were getting into a monthly groove examining code compliance cases. Horseback riding on the causeway was still being discussed as a potential problem at the local and Manatee County level. Looking back, the first two months of 2020 seem like a simpler time that took place a long time ago. The Island first began to feel the effects of the dawning COVID-19 SEE LOOK BACK, PAGE 28
SHAMROCK SHIVER GOES ALL IN
FOR LOCAL CHARITIES. 4 ROSER Food Pantry receives
$30,000 donation. 8
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Bradenton Beach: 2020 in review In 2020, the CRA completed several key projects and the city received $351,500 in Sunshine Law lawsuit settlements. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Four tragic non-COVID-related deaths were among the top Bradenton Beach stories in 2020.
TRAGIC DEATHS
On Saturday, Oct. 17, Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale, Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz and officers Steve Masi and Devon Straight were among those who responded to a suspected murder-suicide in the upper unit of a triplex at 2514 Avenue C. The incident resulted in the deaths of Sabrina Dumdei, 37, and her boyfriend, Zachary Winton, 34. Speciale and Diaz
both described the crime scene as the bloodiest and most gruesome they’d ever seen. The funeral service for Dumdei, a well-known local hairdresser, was held in Bradenton on Nov. 2. On Nov. 12, the new owners who purchased the property before the suspected murdersuicide occurred had the triplex demolished to make room for the new structure they already had planned. At year’s end, Diaz had not yet released his final investigative findings. During Tropical Storm Eta, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, longtime Island insurance broker Mark Mixon died of accidental electrocution when he entered a flooded, ground-level utility room that contained a clothes dryer that was still connected to an active electrical circuit. Diaz also responded to that tragedy. On Wednesday, Dec. 2, Diaz responded to the suspected fatal drowning of 60-year-old Jerald Oliver. Oliver, who lived
nesses still require facemasks or face coverings and management retains the ability to trespass a patron who refuses to comply with a business owner’s mask policy. As of Jan. 1, 58 Bradenton Beach residents had tested positive for COVID-19 since the first Manatee County case was reported in March.
CRA PROJECTS
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This bloodied patio chair was part of the suspected murder-suicide crime scene on Avenue C. on his sailboat at the Bradenton Beach Marina, was found floating and unresponsive near one of the marina docks late that afternoon. The attempts to revive Oliver were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
COVID-19
As the only Anna Maria Island city without its own lo-
cal mask mandate, Bradenton Beach businesses and their employees and patrons were subject to Manatee County’s countywide mask mandate from July 27 until county commissioners repealed the mandate on Sept. 29. The county mandate also applied in Cortez and the unincorporated portions of Manatee County. Some Bradenton Beach busi-
The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) completed several projects on and around Bridge Street in 2020. The completed projects included the undergrounding of utility lines along Bridge Street; the installation of brick pavers in the Bridge Street rights of ways, the city-owned parking areas and the crosswalks. The CRA funded landscaping improvements included the installation of several trees, SEE REVIEW, PAGE 26
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ISLAND NEWS
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JANUARY 6, 2021
IN BRIEF
New hours for Historical Society The Anna Maria Island Historical Museum will have new hours for this winter season. The museum, at 402 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during January, February and March. The Historical Society also is looking for new volunteers to be docents at the museum. People interested in learning more about being a docent or who would like to volunteer should contact Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.
Drainage project and speed tables on agenda The Bradenton Beach City Commission will hold its first full meeting of 2021 at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7. The agenda for Thursday’s meeting includes commission discussion on a FEMA-funded drainage project along Church Street North and Highland Avenue, the appointment of board members and commission liaisons, the AMI Privateers’ ceremonial capture of Mayor John Chappie on Friday and speed tables on the avenues at the north end of the city.
Streetlights and parking tram on CRA agenda The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will meet for the first time this year at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6. The agenda calls for board discussion on the installation of new streetlights along Bridge Street and the monthly invoicing for the new parking tram shuttle service. The city attorney will then provide an update on the parking tram contract, an update on emergency repairs for the brick pavers along Bridge Street, an update on a proposed dredging project, an update on the Bridge Street landscaping project and an update on the efforts to create and install new signage in the CRA district.
Movies in the Park continues Last week, about 60 people attended Anna Maria’s first Movies in the Park screening. The free weekly movies take place each Tuesday evening at City Pier Park at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. The upcoming movie schedule is as follows: Jan. 5: “The House with a Clock in Its Walls;” Jan. 12: “UglyDolls;” Jan. 19: “Playing with Fire;” Jan. 26: “SING;” Feb. 2: “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood;” Feb. 9: “Frozen 2;” Feb. 16: “A Dog’s Journey;” Feb. 23: “Abominable;” March 2: “Dolittle;” and March 9: “Trolls World Tour.” Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and refreshments. Proper social distancing and masks or face coverings are required.
Correction: Roser Food Pantry Chairman Jack Brennan is not a reverend. A list of past Sun Persons of the Year winners published in last week’s edition misstated Brennan’s status.
BETSY PLANTE | SUBMITTED
This year’s costume contest winners offered a shared message about 2020 being a crappy year. Shown from left are Shona Labaff, Patti Gritz, Mark Gritz and Robert Nott.
Shamrock Shiver goes all in for local charities During the past 13 years, the Shamrock Shiver has raised more than $300,000 for local charities. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The 13th Annual Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge on New Year’s Day raised more than $30,000 for four youthoriented charities. The money raised this year will be shared equally by The Blessing Bags Project, Feeding Empty Little Tummies (F.E.L.T.), the Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County and Parenting Matters. The husband-wife team of Rayma and Mel Stowe own and operate Clancy’s Irish Pub in west Bradenton. To date, their 13 Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunges have raised more than $300,000 for local charities. “We raised $30,148 and we’re still accepting donations for another week,” Rayma Stowe said when contacted Sunday. In addition to the financial
BETSY PLANTE | SUBMITTED
These costume contest contenders were among the Shamrock Shiver participants. pledges secured by those who plunged into the Gulf of Mexico, the New Year’s Day fundraising activities also included silent and live auctions, raffles, a 50/50 drawing and commemorative T-shirt sales at the post-plunge party held at Clancy’s. At noon, the socially distanced charity plungers dashed into the Gulf of Mexico at various locations
between Fourth Street South and 12th Street South, along Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach. “We had 67 plungers signed up before the event, but I would say approximately 100 ventured into the chilly waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with the water temperature at 64 degrees,” Stowe said. SEE SHIVER, PAGE 23
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Privateers launch golden anniversary celebrations The AMI Privateers will invade Bradenton Beach City Hall early Friday evening. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Anna Maria Island Privateers will spend 2021 celebrating the non-profit organization’s 50th anniversary. Formed in 1971, the Privateers kicked off their year-long celebration with an informal outing Saturday, Jan. 2, during which they “pillaged and plundered” their way up and down Pine Avenue, visiting many of the businesses and establishment along the way. They started their five-hour journey on the new Anna Maria City Pier and at one point stopped to snap a photo of some of the 2021 krewe members standing in front of the Old City Jail, next to the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum. “Beach Bums was nice enough
to donate an eight-passenger golf cart for us old pirates,” Privateers Liaison Officer Tim “Hammer” Thompson said. The krewe ended their initial sojourn of 2021 with adult beverages and an early dinner at Harry’s Grill.
We’re going to go into Mayor Chappie’s office, drag him out of city hall, put him
INVASION PLANNED
At 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, the Privateers will invade Bradenton Beach City Hall. “We’re going to go into Mayor Chappie’s office, drag him out of city hall, put him on the Skullywag and shackle him to the mast. We’re going to demand a key to the city, a letter of mark and we’ll hold him for ransom – so the fair citizens of Bradenton Beach have to cough up some money to get him back,” Thompson said. “And if they don’t want him back, they can cough up some money for that, too,” he quipped. Representatives from the AMI Chamber of Commerce will stop by city hall for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting in front of the Skullywag – as a symbol of the Priva-
on the Skullywag and shackle him to the mast.” AMI PRIVATEERS | SUBMITTED
While pillaging and plundering Pine Avenue on Saturday, the Anna Maria Island Privateers swung by the Old City Jail. teers being cleared to pillage and plunder their way up and down Anna Maria Island during their 50th year of community service. Friday’s event will also include a tailgate party featuring champagne and finger food. The public is invited to swing by Bradenton Beach City Hall Friday evening to help rescue the
mayor and to wish the Privateers a happy anniversary. Bradenton Beach City Hall is located at 107 Gulf Dr. N.
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER
On Saturday, Jan. 30, the Privateers will host a scholarship fundraising party at the Drift In in Bradenton Beach. The proceeds
Tim “Hammer” Thompson, Privateers’ Liaison Officer. raised will assist the Privateers in their ongoing efforts to provide college scholarships to local students. The scholarship fundraising party will begin at 5 p.m. and take the place of the annual Christmas party that was postponed in December as a COVID-19 precaution.
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
See a pirate, start to smile Saturday, I took my husband for a much-needed ride around the Island. To my surprise the Privateers ship pulled out in front of us when we started our adventure to the city of Anna Maria. I have no problems being behind the Privateers ship listening to the loud, fun music. What I was surprised at were hundreds of people walking along the road and the sidewalks, smiling and waving at this ship with men and women dressed as pirates. I saw hundreds of people who began with very serious looks on their faces only to look up and change their moods as soon as they saw the ship. When you live out here you forget that this is the character of the Island that many have never had
the honor to experience. I really think all the cities should help the Privateers get a small amount every year to maintain their vehicle/ ship. They do really great things for the Island and have done so since the 70s. My father was a Privateer many, many years ago. If everyone that lives here, as well as our elected officials, could have seen the smiles and happiness that these Privateers provided for those brief moments, maybe they and the rest of us would rethink how we can help our Island heritage. Just my Sunday thoughts.... Carol Whitmore Manatee County commissioner
Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
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JANUARY 6, 2021
ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Jan. 18, all day – City offices closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 26, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation board meeting
BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.
For information, call 941-778-1005 City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Jan. 6, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Jan. 7, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Jan. 18, all day – City offices closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 20, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Jan. 21, noon – City Commission meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
City hall is open to the public with limited
capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Jan. 6, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting Jan. 6, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Jan. 12, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Jan. 18, all day – City offices closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 26, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
ISLANDWIDE
Jan. 19, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, temporary administration offices, Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.
MARKYOUR CALENDAR The Island Branch Library is open at 40% capacity. Please wear a face mask/covering. The Tingley Memorial Library is open. The Center of Anna Maria Island is open with social distancing and face masks required. The Holmes Beach dog park (Scentral Park), skate park, basketball courts and tennis courts are open. Local preserves are open, including Grassy Point Preserve, Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve. Local beaches are open. Here’s your local guide to Anna Maria Island
events, beaches, parks, preserves, community centers, libraries, chamber happenings and more!
TUESDAY JAN. 5
Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Movie in the Park, “The House with a Clock in its Walls;” City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY JAN. 6
Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
THURSDAY JAN. 7
Archaeo Paddle, Robinson Preserve, north entrance, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Paddlers must supply their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Reserve to www.eventbrite.com/e/132965372007. Wildlife Spotlight: Osprey Outing, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Reserve to elena.burke@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923 ext. 6036. Farmer’s Market, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
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SATURDAY JAN. 9
Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.
SUNDAY JAN. 10
Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online or by cash at the door. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks. mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.
TUESDAY JAN. 12
Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prevention Plus health screenings, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or reservations call 1-888-6677587 or visit www.stroketesting.com. Movie in the Park, “Ugly Dolls,” City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 6:30 p.m.
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JANUARY 6, 2021
Roser Food Pantry receives $30,000 donation All Island Denominations received $3,000 in CARES Act funds from the Mayors Feed the Hungry program. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – On the final day of 2020, the Roser Food Pantry received a $30,000 check from the Mayors Feed the Hungry organization. On Thursday, Dec. 31, Mayors Feed the Hungry (www.mayorsfeedthehungry. org) Chairman Joel Swallow presented Roser Food Pantry Chairman Jack Brennan with a check commemorating the $30,000 donation made possible by the $70.5 million in federal CARES Act funds that Manatee County received earlier this year. The CARES Act assists individuals, organizations and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using CARES Act funds, the Mayors Feed the Hungry program also provided $3,000 to All Island Denominations, the Holmes Beach-based organization that represents the Anna Maria Island churches’ collective efforts to provide mortgage, rent and utility bill assistance to Island
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The $30,000 check presentation took place Thursday, Dec. 31 at the Roser Food Pantry in Anna Maria. Those on hand included, from left, Cornelia Zanetti, Jack Brennan, Dan Murphy, Shirley Pearson, Betsy Benac, Joel Swallow and Rich Bell. residents and employees in need. When presenting the check to Brennan on Thursday morning, Swallow said, “On behalf of Mayors Feed the Hungry – that’s nine mayors and two commission chairs with Sarasota and Manatee county – we’re proud to offer this check of $30,000 to the food pantry here in Anna Maria, for Jack and all
the people and all the churches that come together to serve.” Swallow then credited former Manatee County Commission Chair Betsy Benac for the assistance she provided before leaving office in mid-November. “Betsy Benac was the key person that helped drive it through and we really appreciate it,” Swallow said.
“It was good timing,” Benac said. “We knew that everyone was trying to get food out to the community, the money was available and we had a great organization in Mayors Feed the Hungry.” Benac thanked Deputy County Administrator Karen Stewart for her assistance. “It’s not easy to get that amount of money out in a short time. It really takes a lot of legwork, but they got it done,” Benac said of the county staff. Benac also noted that the deadline to apply for and receive CARES Act funds has been extended into this year. Shirley Pearson, executive director of the Mt. Carmel Community Resource Center Palmetto, attended Thursday’s check presentation. “I’m truly grateful to Commissioner Benac for all the help and support she gave us to get these funds. I’m truly grateful to her and the county for what they did because it helps so many people in our community. When I think about it, tears almost come to my eyes,” Pearson said in regard to the CARES Act funds distributed countywide. SEE DONATION, PAGE 9
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DONATION: Roser Food Pantry receives $30,000 FROM PAGE 8
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy played a key role in getting the Roser Food Pantry and All Island Denominations added to the list of organizations eligible for Mayors Feed the Hungry funding assistance. “There’s never been any of the Island charities included in the Mayors Feed the Hungry. I thought it was important that people knew we have a need out here on the Island and it would be good to channel some of the funds out here to Anna Maria. I’m really pleased we were able to accomplish that,” Murphy said. “This is great not only for the food pantry but also for All Island Denominations. Both of those agencies do a tremendous job of helping the people that live and work here on the Island who have been impacted by COVID. I thank Mayors Feed the Hungry for including the Island and making life for our less fortunate people easier and a little bit better. A lot of people think it’s nothing but wealthy people living out here, but that just simply isn’t the case. We have a lot of people that need help,” Murphy said. All Island Denominations’ (AID) President Cornelia Zanetti shared her thoughts on the $3,000 that the organization received. “This has helped A.I.D. help Anna Maria Elementary school, because we have already spent $2,200 for Christmas helping the families, the employees and other people here in the community. We pay the bills for electric, mortgages, rents and we coordinate with Jack to get the food. We thank everybody in the community who sends up donations to help the poor and the needy here on Anna Maria Island, and we sure do have those people in need,” Zanetti said.
FOOD PANTRY PROGRAMS
Speaking last, Brennan said, “I think it’s going to help a lot, especially since we can use portions of the money in 2021. That was important to me. This is going to boost the Sponsored Food Recipient Program we have,” Brennan said. Serving as an extension of Roser Memorial Community Church and the Roser Food Pantry, the Sponsored Food Recipient Program provides a monthly allowance of Publix gift cards to those struggling to make ends meet. Each anonymous individual or family that receives Sponsored Food Recipient Program support is sponsored by a church member who assesses their need and determines their monthly assistance. Brennan said the church and the food pantry spend approximately $4,000 per month on the Sponsored Food Recipient Program. He said the food pantry spends between $12,000 and $18,000 a year purchasing food to supplement the food donated by the community. If you or someone you know needs Roser Food Pantry assistance, please call 941-7780414. If you or someone you know needs All Island Denominations assistance, please call 941725-2433.
A.P. BELL FISH CO. | SUBMITTED
In this historic photograph, the net camp in the vicinity of Raymond Guthrie Jr.’s present structure lies off A.P. Bell Fish Co. The Guthrie net camp sits to the west of the historic net camp off the Cortez waterfront.
NET CAMP: Supporters seek allies FROM PAGE 1
legislators to overturn the Oct. 8 demolition order by Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas. In her letter to DeSantis, Bell said both net camps off Cortez “have been rebuilt multiple times over the years.” The Guthrie camp “was rebuilt by Raymond Guthrie Jr. It had been his grandfather’s camp and, as mentioned before,
it had been rebuilt at least three times that I personally recall. When Mr. Guthrie rebuilt the camp this time it was in the same spot as the one before it. In fact, the salvageable pilings were reused,” she wrote. Previously, Bell had intervened in the lawsuit brought by DEP against Guthrie. She unsuccessfully claimed ownership of the submerged land under the 1921 Butler
Act, which awarded submerged lands to upland property owners who made improvements, including structures, to the submerged lands. The Manatee County Commission voted to keep Guthrie’s structure intact in 2018. DEP investigated the case based on a request from The Islander newspaper.
‘Keep the camp’ supporters speak out on Facebook • “I hope and pray we can preserve this one little piece of Cortez village history! It is beyond personal, it is absolutely historic, it is a crime they want to take it away.” - Theresa Davis-Sisto • “Why do they want to remove it? It's very historical.” - Vinny Della Volpe • “So sad.” – Misty Thomas
• “Why do I suspect that the main driver behind removal are fat cats who don't want to look at a working fish camp from their million dollar condos?” - Roberta Kuhn Loman • “The illegal treehouse lasted longer.” - Mark Reinfandt • “Don't change anything more about Cortez, we have lost too
much already.” - Jean Chadwick • “Please save this piece of history.” - Jacqueline Tonkin Maag • “Cortez Village is a truly unique part of Florida commercial fishing history and needs to be preserved. Please help save the net camps, Governor DeSantis. Our local commercial fishermen deserve it.” - Christopher Banan
AMY HENDRICKS | SUBMITTED
Bortell’s Lounge eyes mid-2021 opening Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose hopes to have the renovations at his Anna Maria establishment completed in May or soon thereafter barring any unforeseen delays. Rose said the COVID pandemic has slowed the renovations, but the place is starting to take shape and there’s now an actual bar inside the building again.
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JANUARY 6, 2021
News Year’s Eve celebrated on Bridge Street A year like no other has passed and better days hopefully lie ahead. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Locals and visitors alike flocked to Bridge Street on New Year’s Eve to bid farewell to 2020 and welcome in 2021. From one end of the street to the other, New Year’s Eve revelers celebrated the passing of a year unlike any other with libations, live music, food and the company of friends and family in the midst of an ongoing pandemic. Brigid’s Cross played outside at the Bridge Tender Inn. Dos Macs played inside at the Drift In. Trevor Bystrom & Friends played outside at the Blue Marlin Grill and Ted Stevens and the Doo-Shots played inside the open-air Island Time Bar & Grill, preceded by a Ted Stevens solo show. At midnight, in the Drift In parking lot, a large, masked, lighted ball descended from the arm of a bucket truck to welcome in the new year, accompanied by a champagne toast. When asked how the night went from a law enforcement perspective, Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz, from the Bradenton Beach Police Department said, “As far as I know, it was all good and everyone behaved.”
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Clockwise above, Bradenton residents Mike and Amy Cunningham used a pair of $20 bills to symbolize the final hours of 2020. A masked, lighted ball descended from above when midnight arrived at the Drift In. Toasts were made and glasses were raised to welcome in 2021 at Island Time. Sports Lounge bartenders Courtney McGough and Patrick Edwards celebrated New Year’s Eve with friends and patrons.
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New senior pastor settles in at Roser Rev. Dirk Rogers is settling into a new congregation and a warmer winter climate at Roser. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Rev. Dirk Rogers is settling into his new role as senior pastor at Roser Memorial Community Church and enjoying a bit of the Island life after relocating from New Hampshire. “I’m loving the new environment,” he said in a talk with The Sun. “I love the people. It was the people who drew me here in the first place and I’ve not been disappointed. These are amazing people. They’re just so warm and welcoming. I’ve felt really embraced by the community here.” Rogers, along with his wife, Liz, and two dogs came to Roser in November to fill the void left when previous senior pastor Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keefe retired earlier in the year. Rogers is joined in the pulpit at Roser by associate pastor Rev. Neil Crowell. For Rogers, the decision to relocate was a difficult one, having been in his previous church first as a parishioner and then as an associate pastor for a combined 27 years. “That was my family, that was my job, that was my family, that was my worship experience, that was my church. To come here and start afresh after that long a period of time was
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Rev. Dirk Rogers, the new senior pastor at Roser Memorial Community Church, preaches the sermon during a Nov. 15 service. quite a radical shift. It was and continues to be a challenge,” he said, adding that his wife of 36 years is still primarily in New Hampshire for the time being as she operates her boutique and works to sell their previous home. “It’s also new and exciting. I didn’t imagine that at this point in my life I would be starting a new adventure,” Rogers said. He said he’s enjoying the challenges that the move has brought along with the new family that he’s found at Roser. One of the things he said drew him to Florida, other than the weather, was
the mission statement of the church and how it spoke to him on a personal level. After receiving an email about the congregation at Roser seeking a new senior pastor, he said he clicked on the link in the message and the first thing he saw was the mission for the church – Loving Christ, Sharing His Grace, Serving All. “I’d come to the point in my ministry where I realized that grace is the answer. We as a people need to immerse ourselves more fully in grace. That is the transforming power that God has
given us,” Rogers said. After learning more about the church and realizing how closely aligned the church’s mission is with his own goals, he sent out a resumé and the rest is now history. For the future of the church, Rogers said he hopes to take the work that Roser has been doing in the community and take it “to the next level for a new generation.” One of his goals is to keep the best of the Roser traditions and what the church does and reach out to the Island’s changing demographics and bring a new generation of people to the church. “We’re all on a journey,” he said. “We’re all trying to figure this out and this is about God’s grace and God’s love and we believe that God told a story in His scriptures and that story is meant to shape our stories. The idea is to tell the story of God. And as we tell that story, learn that story, we find that God came to us to give us meaning and hope and purpose. That’s really my passion as a pastor as well as my passion as a human being.” “I hope that we can create an environment here where people can explore that story and discover everything God wants to pour into their lives,” Rogers said. Roser Memorial Community Church is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria with services online and in person at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit www.roserchurch.com.
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Bird count completed despite foul weather BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – In spite of foul weather on Jan. 3, birders conducting the 121st Fort DeSoto Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which covers Anna Maria Island, counted nearly 900 individual birds, according to Stu Wilson. The team of Wilson, Cathy Paris, John Ginaven, Marcy Klein, Rebecca Romich and Kathryn Young, also found some birds that couldn’t be counted. “We spotted 22 blue-crowned parakeets and two red-masked parakeets on wires in northern Anna Maria Island,” Young said. The parakeets are not included in the Christmas Bird Count because they are a species that has not occurred naturally in Florida or become established by being able to breed successfully or sustain themselves with Florida flora, she said. The two parakeet species are not found anywhere else in Florida except the Miami-Dade area, Young said, adding that they are exotic species from South America that wound up in Florida in the pet trade. Among the Anna Maria Island birds spotted in the Christmas Bird Count
KATHRYN YOUNG | SUBMITTED
Wild parakeets, a common sight on Anna Maria Island, were counted in the Jan. 3 Christmas Bird Count. were 10 white ibis, nine black-bellied whistling ducks, eight palm warblers, seven northern mockingbirds, six redbellied woodpeckers, five kildeer, four American white pelicans, three common terns, two yellow-crowned night herons and one red-breasted merganser. In the Bradenton Circle, which covers Bradenton, Cortez, Perico Preserve and Harbor Isle, the Dec. 19 Christmas Bird Count resulted in a record number of species - 158 - and a record number of birds - 52,836, according to birder and photographer Kathy Doddridge.
KATHRYN YOUNG | SUBMITTED
This red-shouldered hawk was spotted drying off in a pine tree during the Jan. 3 Fort DeSoto Christmas Bird Count, which covers Anna Maria Island.
KATHY DODDRIDGE | SUBMITTED
American wigeon (left) and roseate spoonbills (right), a common local sight, were among the species identified in the Bradenton Christmas Bird Count, which covers Bradenton, Cortez, Perico Preserve and Harbor Isle.
JANUARY 6, 2021
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Talented teen paints a whale of a mural St. Petersburg resident Kaelie Dieter painted this humpback whale mural in the garage of her parents’ “Whispering Whale Retreat” vacation rental home in Anna Maria. “Kaelie loves to create. When she told me about her idea for the garage of our rental property, my husband and I thought it was a great idea,” Kaelie’s mom, Dawna Stone, said. “It seemed like a really fun project,” Kaelie added. “I’ve never painted anything so large and I thought it would be a fun experience and a great challenge.” Kaelie loves to paint and draw, but her true
DAWNA STONE | SUBMITTED
Kaelie Deiter’s mural graces a wall in the garage of her parent’s vacation rental home. passion is theater and drama. Last year, she qualified for the Florida
Junior Thespians state championships as a sixth-grader and she
repeated that feat again this year as a seventhgrader.
‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE BRIAN SEYMOUR | SUBMITTED
City Pier Grill serving beer and wine The City Pier Grill obtained its beer and wine license on Friday, Dec. 22 and alcohol service began that day. Also offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, sweet treats, live bait, fishing tackle, live music and more, The City Pier Grill & Bait Shop is open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
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Grossman’s “Love Lights” lights up Island Gallery West Donna Grossman’s mosaic art will be on display all month.
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HOLMES BEACH – “Love Lights,” an exhibit of vibrant mosaic art by Donna Grossman, will be on display at Island Gallery West in Holmes Beach through Jan. 31. A Bradenton resident, Grossman is the gallery’s featured artist of the month for January. Grossman began working in mosaics when she moved to Florida two years ago and she soon developed her technique of using stained glass for her mosaic design. Her mosaics have won several awards in Florida and New York. Grossman’s current show is aptly named “Love Lights” because each mosaic work changes with the light cast on it or through it. Her mosaics range in size from four-inch-square shelf mosaics to her latest work, “So is Life,” which is 36 inches by 48 inches and contains thousands of pieces of hand-cut glass. Grossman will be the subject of a Facebook Live interview at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8. Tune in to “Fridays at 5” at www.facebook.com/islandgallerywest to hear about her inspiration, her work with glass, and for a preview of this exhibit Island West Gallery is located at 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, near trolley stop 15. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. City regulations require masks to be worn, and hand sanitizer is available. For more information, visit www. islandgallerywest.com or call 941778-6648.
JANUARY 6, 2021
ISLAND GALLERY WEST | SUBMITTED
Bradenton resident Donna Grossman is Island Gallery West's featured artist in January.
ISLAND GALLERY WEST | SUBMITTED
Donna Grossman’s mosaic art features stained glass.
ISLAND GALLERY WEST | SUBMITTED
Nature is a frequent subject of Donna Grossman’s mosaic creations.
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COVID-19 vaccine program launches for seniors The hottest ticket in town right now for ages 65 and older is the one for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment – if you can get one. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – Officials launched the county’s program to vaccinate seniors age 65 and older against COVID-19 on Dec. 30, not even taking a break for the New Year’s holiday. However, the demand for vaccine tickets is far outweighing the supply. During an Operation Warp Speed update on Dec. 29, Manatee County officials announced that the county had received 3,500 doses of the Moderna vaccine to distribute to seniors in the county. The only qualifications required to receive the vaccine from a county inoculation site are that the patient is age 65 and older
and that the person receive both doses of the vaccine in Manatee County, as vaccine records cannot be transferred. The county received the Moderna vaccine, which requires two doses administered 28 days apart. Tickets for the 3,500 vaccines available were snatched up within minutes of release, booking all appointments through Jan. 4. However, it’s not all bad news if you meet the age qualification and didn’t get one of those first appointments. An additional round of 1,200 vaccine appointments was released to the public on Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. and more will be released as health officials move through the vaccine doses already allotted to the county. Right now, Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur said that the supply chain for COVID-19 vaccines is experiencing delays in vaccine releases from the federal
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Seniors line up in their cars Dec. 30 to get the first of two doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Manatee County Public Safety Center. and state levels so there may be some days when vaccine appointments are not available due to a lack of vaccine doses. Once that supply chain is fully stocked, he anticipates having appointments for vaccinations readily and consistently available. The total number of vaccines distributed by the county over Jan. 5 and 6 is planned to be 1,400 with 200 vaccines set aside for front line healthcare workers.
Seniors interested in getting the vaccine who have not yet gotten an appointment are advised to keep a close watch on the Manatee County vaccine information page at www. mymanatee.org/vaccine or to call 311 with questions if you don’t have computer access. Anyone calling 311 to book an appointment needs only to provide a name, phone number and their availability to the operator. Operators can be reached at 311 ext. 1 to book
appointments for seniors only during the regular appointment booking window. For example, if appointments can be booked online at 2 p.m., they cannot be booked through 311 before that time. County officials advise that 311 staff is limited so it’s better to try and book online if you have computer access. Currently, all vaccine appointments are being held at Bennett Park, 280 Kay Road in Bradenton, though new vaccination sites are planned to be opened across the county as more vaccines become available for distribution. The site is a drive-thru location and vaccine recipients are advised to stay in their vehicles at all times unless directed otherwise by onsite personnel. With the vaccine appointments comes new scams, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. SEE VACCINE, PAGE 20
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JANUARY 6, 2021
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OUTDOORS
JANUARY 6, 2021
Push poles are technological wonders Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
P
ush poles have come a long way. They’ve evolved from wooden poling oars hewn from tree limbs to technological wonders constructed of carbon fiber, Kevlar and graphite. In the early years of flats fishing, short poles were all that were needed. In those days anglers pursued fish by poling from the deck, standing on coolers and from the top of their boat’s motor. As boat design advanced, elevated platforms were built to allow guides a better view of the fish they were pursuing. That required longer poles to reach the bottom, which proved too cumbersome. Enter Miami angling innovators Dick Snyder, Lee Cuddy and John Emory to search for lighter materials to propel them across the flats. Fiberglass vaulting poles were tried and proved too heavy so lighter versions were developed. According to Miami outdoor writer Bob Sterns, the first person to make dedicated push poles from fiberglass was Bill Marks. Marks had a “back yard” company that he called Moonlighter Marine. As rod design advanced from fiberglass to graphite, push poles followed suit. Graphite was lighter, allowing anglers to pole their skiff faster and expending less energy. Graphite also stores more energy under a load, giving it a much faster recovery rate. That translates into more energy to propel the boat. Graphite also allowed
manufacturers to create a more dynamic product that was stiff and used less material. Initially, these new poles were crafted of pure graphite, but due to the cost and issues with breakage, products were developed that blended graphite with fiberglass. The new push poles incorporated the strength of fiberglass with the lightness and dynamics of graphite. It also lowered the price point of the pole. Modern push poles are manufactured with cutting edge materials including Kevlar, Carbon fiber and resins. The points and forks of most major push poles do not vary significantly. Most are made from a specially formulated abrasion-resistant plastic for longer wear. The majority of forks are a simple “Y” design. A better option is a fork with a tapered “mud bar” that runs between the legs of the fork. The best are cupped, widened in the center for support, and designed to shed mud better than standard forks. They allow the angler more latitude when poling over soft bottom, so less effort is expended pulling the pole out. Anglers who pole over hard bottom can opt for a metal tip that screws into the end of the point. The tip grabs the bottom, wears longer, and is easier to push into the bottom to hold the boat. Push poles are one of the most important components of the modern flats boat. The best poles have a price tag north of $1,000, and they’re worth it for ardent sight fishers. The type and length of the push pole is best determined by the depth of the water, the height of the poling platform and the amount of time you’ll be using it. Eighteen to 24-foot poles are most common.
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Lightweight push poles make it easier to get into the shallow. The two most popular brands on the market today are crafted by Stiffy Push Poles and Carbon Marine. Visit their sites for detailed information at www. stiffypushpoles.com and www.carbonmarine.com. Push poles help you approach fish quietly, which is a big advantage as more and more boats ply
the flats, making fish more skittish and harder to approach. A quality pole will last a lifetime so get the best one you can afford. Poling is a wonderful way to amp up your fishing experience and expand your angling horizon into your quarry's home.
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Winds push fishing action inshore CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE
The weather last week was pretty decent for charter fishing. We here at Anna Maria Charters were as busy as we could possibly be. I think with people not wanting to leave the country, Florida was the next best thing for a Christmas getaway. Due to the winds, we stayed inshore for all of our trips. The bigger sheepshead seemed to be offshore spawning due to the full moon. But we were still able to get a few for the box. The pompano seem to be showing up in good numbers. We love targeting these fish on light tackle. Good fighters and great eating makes for the perfect wintertime game fish. We are still getting some good snook despite the cooler temperatures. Sometimes it just takes a bit more patience to get a good one. The redfish have made a stellar comeback and seem to be readily eating when you have what they are looking for. Lastly, we’re getting some perfect eating sized black drum. A great alternative to keeping a redfish. We hope everyone had a safe and pleasant holiday. Good luck out there!
CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT
You may find reds and big trout concentrated in potholes in January. Action with trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and more on deep grass flats can be good depending on conditions. There should also be good catch-andrelease snook action in rivers, creeks and canals this month, although fishing docks for snook and other species is also a good option. It may be worth checking the coastal Gulf for tripletail, cobia, false albacore (little tunny) and more when it’s warm. Snook, reds and spotted seatrout remain closed to harvest on the west coast of Florida. The Florida FWC has extended a temporary modification of regulations for reds, snook and trout, in the areas affected by the recent red tide. The area extends from Pasco County, south to the south bank of Gordon Pass
CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED
Brian Waites, of Seattle, shows off a healthy redfish caught with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters over the holiday. in Collier County. Reds, snook and trout are catch and release only in that zone until May 31, 2021. Full details including exact boundaries can be found at https:// myfwc.com/news/all-news/extendedcnr-220/. Snook are very temperature sensitive, so I won’t target them if the water temperature dips below 60 degrees. However, fishing lighted docks in the ICW at night with lures and flies can be very good in January. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, Gurglers and shrimp fly patterns will work well for fly anglers. Spin anglers should score with CAL jigs with shad tails or 4-inch jerk worms, DOA Tiny TerrorEyz and DOA 2-3/4-inch & 3-inch Shrimp. Fish peak tidal flows for the best action. You should also find snook in rivers, creeks and canals this month. Fish deeper water in outside bends to locate snook where you may catch them with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms, DOA Baitbusters or diving/suspending plugs. You may also find reds, juvenile tarpon and even largemouth bass in the same areas depending on salinity.
Reds should be a good option this month. You’ll find them concentrated in potholes when the tide is low. Fly anglers should score with lightly weighted flies fished on a 10’-12’ leader with a floating fly line. Reds feed on crustaceans this time of the year, so crab and shrimp fly patterns should work well. They may tail on shallow grass flats when the tide is low. You’ll need weedless rigged plastic baits or flies with weed guards to target tailing reds. A CAL shad tail on a weedless hook or a DOA shrimp rigged weedless and fished backwards are a couple of my favorite lures for tailing reds. You may also find reds around docks, along with snook, sheepshead, flounder and more. Little Sarasota Bay has numerous oyster bars and docks that often hold reds in January. Work CAL jigs slowly along the bottom for the best action. You’re likely to find big trout in many of the same areas that you find reds. The same lures, flies and techniques that are used for reds will also work for big trout. You’ll also find trout on deep grass flats in January along with blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano, flounder and more.
I like to drift and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and a variety of plastic tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Since trout can sometimes hold very tight to a particular spot or area, try to cover as much water as possible to find them. Once you’ve located fish you can shorten your drift or anchor on them. A GPS can be useful for this type of fishing since the breadcrumb trail will allow you to duplicate your drift. A drift anchor will slow your drift so you can fish it more thoroughly or make it easier for fly anglers to move their fly. My favorite deep grass flats have a good mix of grass and sand with a strong tidal flow. Even though there may not be much happening in the coastal Gulf this month in the way of sight fishing it may be worth a look when it is warm. Migratory species such as king and Spanish mackerel, cobia and tripletail probably have moved further south, however they could reappear during warm ups. Also look for false albacore (little tunny) when it’s warm since they may move from offshore to inshore depending on where baitfish are located. January can be one of the toughest months of the year to fish. However, if you are able to choose when to fish based on tides and weather, it can be good. Action is usually good as weather fronts approach. Following fronts, fishing may be tough for a couple of days so afternoons may fish better at that time. I’ll let the stage of the tide determine where to look for fish. When the tide is low, look for reds tailing on shallow grass or reds, trout and more in potholes or around docks. Look for reds or big trout cruising on shallow grass flats on sunny afternoons when the tide is high. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural, industrial and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
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VACCINE: program launches
JANUARY 6, 2021
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The office warned on social media of scammers attempting to charge seniors to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and of those offering to move seniors to the top of the list to receive a vaccine for a price. All vaccinations being offered through Manatee County are free of charge and available on a first-come, firstserved basis through the county’s ticketing website. Anyone with information on a COVID-19 vaccine scam is asked to contact the sheriff ’s office at 941-747-3011 or the Bradenton Police Department at 941-9329300. The Tampa office of
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the Federal Bureau of Investigation released a warning to seniors of giving personal information to anyone calling, emailing, or dropping by your home to ask if you’re interested in a COVID-19 vaccination. These scammers are attempting to steal personal information and payments to get
on a list to receive a vaccine. There is no list and no one from the county or state will be contacting you to see if you want to receive a vaccine. Vaccination is voluntary. For more information on these and other coronavirus related scams, visit www.ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams.
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Anniversary gifts Dr. Francis Shek and Dr. Judy Shek, of Bradenton, celebrated their 61st anniversary on New Year’s Eve by getting their COVID-19 vaccines at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center. Their daughter, Natalia Shek Rizzo, is a Holmes Beach resident.
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Moon over Cortez The full moon on Dec. 29 shone particularly bright over the Intracoastal Waterway between Bradenton Beach and Cortez. CINDY LANE | SUN
Thanks, everyone A Holmes Beach resident at Gulf Drive and 28th Street expressed thanks to neighbors, sanitation workers, small business owners, city, state and federal workers, marine service workers, auto service workers, school staff, health care workers, first responders, grocery store workers, retail workers, restaurant staff and all service workers on Monday. CINDY LANE | SUN
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REAL ESTATE
JANUARY 6, 2021
Are home sales starting to slip?
t’s a new year and signs are pointing to the possibility that there may also be a new real estate market. We have been enjoying a high number of sales and increasing sales prices for practically all of 2020, but we may be starting to see a slight crack in the market. According to the National Association of Realtors, November national home sales have started to slip. Nationally, existing home sales in November fell 2.5% from October for the first time in six months. Manatee County also saw a decline in the number of closed sales in November from October of just under 7%. As reported last week, however, Manatee County closed 40.3% more single-family homes in November 2020 compared to November 2019. Nationally, the single-family home market rose 25.8% in November 2020 compared to November 2019. And, as far as home prices, the NAR has reported that the median existing home price rose 14.6% in November from a year earlier to $310,800. Manatee County’s
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER median home sale price in November was $350,700, up 7.2% from a year earlier. As usual, the biggest problem we - as well as the entire nation - have is a lack of inventory. Nationally, the NAR reported that the supply of homes on the market at the end of November was the lowest on record going back to 1982. At the end of November, Manatee County had only a 1.6 month supply of available single-family homes; nationally the number was 2.3 months' supply, which probably accounts for the national number of sales being higher than our area. Unfortunately, while we are still subject to the fear of contracting the virus, many homeowners don’t want to put their homes on the market, especially in the northern
part of the country where they struggle with cold weather. We in Florida have a significant advantage because of warm temperatures and what is typically a good selling season, but will that improve the available inventory? We don’t know at this point. With the hope of an influx of people flocking to our beaches and looking for a property to purchase, I did a little survey of where exactly new buyers are migrating from. The result was a surprise to me and may be to you as well. I focused on the approximately six-week period from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, based on sales recorded on the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office website. Most recorded sales show former addresses for new owners. The city of Anna Maria had nine sales to Florida residents: Five from Tampa, one from Lakeland, one from Miami Beach, one from Eustis and one from Doral. There were two sales from Illinois, one from Oklahoma, one from Georgia, one from Tennessee and one from Arizona.
The majority of the combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach’s new residents came from the state of Florida; eight from Tampa and eight from Sarasota. There were two from Illinois, two from Georgia, two from New York and the balance split between Pennsylvania and Ohio. Cortez had sales to new homeowners from Tennessee, Massachusetts, Florida and New York, one for each state. I was somewhat surprised by this little survey. I just assumed that more people were moving here from the northeastern states, but even the New York sales were not from the city of New York. I guess Florida’s east coast is accommodating these new residents. Statistics are a funny thing; you can interpret them in a variety of different ways, but there is no way to misinterpret our level of inventory. It’s low all over and unless and until that number improves, we’re headed for a slow-down. Stay safe.
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SHIVER: All in for local charities FROM PAGE 4
“The social distancing worked very well with the help from the charities’ volunteers,” she added. In past years, the plungers entered the water in one large group at the end of 12th Street South. The costume contest has become a highlight of the annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge. Utilizing the theme “Good Riddance to 2020” and dressed as toilet paper, a bottle of hand sanitizer and a poop emoji
holding signs that in stronger words described 2020 as the crappiest year ever, Shona Labaff, Patti Gritz, Mark Gritz and Robert Nott won this year’s contest. Those who would still like to donate to these worthy causes can swing by Clancy’s in person or cut a personal check made out to The Blessing Bags Project and mail it directly to Clancy’s Irish Pub, 6218 Cortez Rd. West, Bradenton Fl. 34210. The checks made out to The Blessing Bags Project will be shared equally by the four charities. BETSY PLANTE | SUBMITTED
Above, his group resembled the hula girl depicted on this year’s commemorative Shamrock Shiver T-shirt. Far left, this beachfront bagpiper was among those who made their way to Cortez Beach on New Year’s Day. Left, colorful and creative costumes are a key component of the annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge.
BETSY PLANTE | SUBMITTED
These costumed dinosaurs playfully jousted on the beach.
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OBITUARIES Dawn Marie O'Quinn McMichael Dawn Marie McMichael, age 72, passed away on December 27, 2020. Dawn was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Charles Francis Cavendish and Nelda Jean Burke Cavendish. Dawn grew up living on Anna Maria Island, FL, where her parents were the owners and operators of the Rod & Reel Pier for over 40 years. In high school, Dawn was the winner of the Anna Maria Island Teen Queen contest of 1964. She graduated from Manatee High School in 1966 and started her career at Bayshore High School in 1979 as a Guidance Secretary. After a year she moved on to become the Senior School Secretary. Dawn retired from Bayshore High School in 2013. During her life, she was involved with numerous local clubs, including the Manatee County Women's Club and the El Conquistador Country Club. She is survived by her spouse, Arthur McMichael; her son, Rodney O'Quinn (Tina); her daughters; Holly Alvarez and Joy O'Quinn; her stepson, Kevin McMichael (Joan); her stepdaughter, Patricia McMichael Matzke; her brother, Charles Cavendish (Betty); her sisters, Diane Patterson and Sandy Cavendish; and her grandchildren, Taylor O'Quinn, Morgan O'Quinn, and Joel Alvarez. She is predeceased by her brother, Gordon Cavendish.
Dawn was larger than life, and was a light in this world. She loved all of her family and friends abundantly, and never passed up the opportunity to express her love to those who surrounded her. Among other things, she loved dancing, singing, gambling, traveling and going to the movies. Brown and Son's Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL, 34209 was in charge of arrangements for the Jan. 2 service. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Carl M. Voyles, M.D. Carl M. Voyles, M.D., died at 98 years of age on Dec. 31, 2020. He did not make it to his goal of being 100, but we think God has given him extra credit for the amazing life he has lived. The family celebrates his life with memories of his service to others, to his country, his accomplishments, his adventures, his continual desire to learn and practice new skills and his joy for life. Carl had been a resident of Anna Maria for more than 30 years. He was a familiar participant in recent local veterans’ events as he proudly wore his Navy Captain’s uniform - he could still fit into it! He was a founding member of the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria. His focus then was writing. Through that organization, in 1989, he met his future wife, Joan Abrahamson Voyles. Together they enjoyed a life highlighted by a shared and growing interest
JANUARY 6, 2021
in the visual arts. Their home is filled with drawings and paintings, some documenting his travels, including focuses on France, Iceland, Venice, Vietnam, Colorado and Maine. He also enjoyed working in the backyard of his Anna Maria home with his various types of bamboo - “I always wanted to live in a bamboo forest.” Just a few blocks away, the CMV (his initials) on the Anna Maria City Pier sign indicates his poetic contribution to the island he loved. For years, the couple did long swims in the Gulf or Bay with snorkels and fins. Then golfing at nearby the Key Royale Club became a focus for him. One year he won the club’s “Over 75 Men’s Golf Championship.” On Nov. 3, 1922, Carl M. Voyles, Jr. was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Gertrude Hall Voyles and Carl Marvin Voyles, Sr. Because his father was a college football coach, the family moved to various college communities. Carl Sr. was an assistant coach at the University of Illinois in the days of Red Grange and Bob Zuppke and young Carl knew these men. Then when his father was recruited to be part of the Duke University coaching staff, the family moved to Durham, North Carolina, where he completed his high school education. He became an avid, lifelong basketball “Dukie.” When Carl Sr. became head football coach at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, VA, Carl Jr. enrolled in William and Mary as a pre-med student. It was during this time, on a Sunday morning, that Carl Jr. recalled hearing car horns honking and
people shouting that Pearl Harbor had been bombed. Just a few days after the dramatic start of the United States involvement in World War II, Carl Jr. enlisted. With the vision that medical people were needed in the pipeline, Carl was part of an accelerated medical program at Duke University Medical School during the war. He interned at Johns Hopkins and then was drafted. As part of his military training, he became a flight surgeon, a doctor who cared for the pilots. Flight surgeons learned to fly so they could be more understanding of the pilots they treated. Because of his early flight training, he became an avid X-Plane pilot on his desktop computer and would spend hours “flying.” After his military service, Carl returned to Duke and completed advanced medical training in Cardiology/Internal Medicine under the infamous Dr. Stead. When his specialized medical training was complete, he moved to St. Petersburg, FL and opened a cardiology practice with fellow Duke graduate, Dr. Charlie Rast. Their office was across the street from what is now Bayfront Medical Center, then Mound Park Hospital. Those were busy days of house calls in the middle of the night and visiting patients in three hospitals before office time. In 1966, Carl volunteered for a three-month American Medical Society program to help the Vietnamese people during the war. He served in the civilian hospital in Danang, SEE OBITS, PAGE 25
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FROM PAGE 24
South Vietnam. His work with this hospital and the Vietnamese changed him and the direction of his career. The notes of his experiences were dictated and mailed home where his daughter, Kitty, typed them. These experiences were shared periodically in the St. Petersburg Times. They were later formalized in his book, “Vignettes of Vietnam.” After his three-month stint in Vietnam, Carl returned to the states, but not to private practice. He had been invited to help doctors at the Hue Medical Hospital and School but needed additional training stateside. The “training pause” saved his life as the Hue Hospital was overrun by North Vietnamese soldiers. The entire medical staff was killed. He enlisted in the Navy and was loaned by the United States government to the South Vietnamese government to return to Danang
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and formally help with training of South Vietnamese medical students. These experiences were creatively woven into the plot of another of his books, “Voyage in a Red Canoe.” Carl was awarded the Legion of Merit for his dedication and service in Vietnam. He came home from Vietnam to a Navy career stateside. He was Chief of Outpatient Services at Bethesda Medical Center, which served many political leaders including presidents. He worked in Navy Hospitals in Newport, Rhode Island, the submarine community at Kittery, Maine, and was in charge of the U.S. Navy Hospital in Iceland for two years before retiring in 1984 with 30 years military credit. Another of Carl’s books, “Angles and Dangles and other Sea Stories” reflects some of these experiences. Carl chose to spend his retirement life in Anna Maria, Florida. He enjoyed visiting his daughter’s fam-
ily in Windermere, Florida, and sailing in his sailboat, “Eight Bells.” He was a true Renaissance man. He did writing as a food critic. He learned new things like playing the bagpipe and making stained glass windows, painting and more. Carl continued as a doctor serving islanders and tourists in a walk-in clinic in Holmes Beach. For 25 years he worked for the Manatee County Health Department. He was always a bit embarrassed, but pleased, when the Manatee County Commission designated Feb. 15, 2015 as “Dr. Carl M. Voyles Day” for his service to the county. He said he learned much from the youth in the Juvenile Detention Center and enjoyed using his basic French and Spanish language skills with Immigration & Naturalization Services, County Jail and Public Health clinics. He enjoyed working with all the interesting populations served by
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this important community agency. He loved the staff and people with whom he worked. Carl is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter Kitty and her husband Richard Gonzalez; two grandsons, Ryan and Drew Gonzalez of Windermere, Florid; stepson, Erik Abrahamson of Sarasota; and nieces and nephews in Florida. He was predeceased by son, Carl Michael Voyles, and brother, Robert Voyles. Duke and Carolina are his beloved dogs. Special appreciation goes to Tidewell Hospice and the staff at the Health Center in Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton, Florida. With the COVID-19 pandemic, plans are private within the immediate family, at this time. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel 604 43rd St. W. Bradenton, FL 34209 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
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REVIEW: Bradenton Beach in 2020 Less than a week later, WCIND funded the swift removal of a dinghy and four sailboats that sank alongside or under the dock and pier. The east end of the pier was repaired and reopened in mid-December.
FROM PAGE 3
shrubs and plants and the removal of the unpopular concrete planters that were installed in 2015. Bridge Street’s previously installed faux brick surface was removed and the street was resurfaced with asphalt. In September, using a $50,000 West Coast Inland Navigation District grant, the city completed its long-desired installation of a police department boatlift along the south side of the Bridge Street Pier. Before the boat lift was installed, the police boat had to be trailered to a boat ramp to be placed in the water. To accommodate the boat lift, the CRA had to first fund additional repairs and revisions to the floating dock. In mid-November, the CRA launched the long-discussed parking tram shuttle service that now provides free shuttle rides for visitors and residents who park at Cortez Beach and elsewhere in the CRA district that extends from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South. In December, county commissioners expressed unanimous support for future tram-related improvements that could include a dedicated tram path alongside Gulf Drive South, reconfig-
COMMISSIONERS RETURN
Running unopposed in the city elections, incumbent city commissioners Ralph Cole and Marilyn Maro won additional two-year terms in office.
SUNSHINE SETTLEMENTS
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
During Tropical Storm Eta, the Bridge Street Pier was struck and damaged by one or more sailboats that broke loose from the nearby anchorage. ured diagonal parking spaces at Cortez Beach and a dedicated parking area near the county-owned Marine Rescue Building for employees who work in and near the Bridge Street business district.
TROPICAL STORM ETA
On Nov. 11, the floating dock sustained minor damage during Tropical Storm Eta when multiple sailboats
and dinghies from the nearby unmanaged anchorage broke loose and sank near the pier, the floating dock and the Cortez Bridge. At least one sailboat struck and damaged the south side of the Bridge Street Pier and a small section of the pier’s composite TREX decking. This damage resulted in the east end of the pier, including the T-end fishing area, being closed to the public.
In December, Sunshine Law lawsuit defendants John Metz and Tjet Martin agreed to pay the city $350,000 as part of a settlement agreement that also ended their appeals of the 2019 court ruling that they and four other city advisory board members violated the Florida Sunshine Law in 2017. Co-defendants Patty Shay, Bill Vincent and Rose Vincent also reached settlement agreements with the city that required them to each pay $500 and drop their appeals. At year’s end, defendant Reed Mapes remained the only defendant who had not reached a settlement agreement and dropped his appeal.
JANUARY 6, 2021
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BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH
12/22, 3:55 p.m., warrant arrest, 100 38th St. A caller told police a man wanted on a warrant from Bradenton Beach was seen. Officers caught up with him and made an arrest. 12/22, 5 p.m., petit theft, Water’s Edge Condos, 5806 Gulf Drive. Two bicycles were stolen overnight. 12/26, 6:37 p.m., trespass warning, Publix, 3900 East Bay Drive. The officer responded to the address and found a male hiding. The store manager said he was swearing at customers and he wanted the subject to be trespassed. The officer complied. The subject left but showed up again later and was arrested.
AT&T adds equipment to Anna Maria cell tower AT&T has added new antennas and other equipment onto the Anna Maria cell tower which should provide customers with even better cellular coverage while on the Island. The equipment was installed on Tuesday, Dec. 29, according to Anna Maria Public Works Manager Dean Jones. There is a two-to-three-month activation period for the new equipment, Jones said, which means AT&T is expected to join Verizon as a cell service provider on that tower within the next few months. In late August, AT&T added similar equipment to the Bradenton Beach cell tower, joining Verizon on that tower as well.
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JANUARY 6, 2021
ANNA MARIA: 2020 in review FROM PAGE 1
COVID-19 RESPONSE
Led by Murphy, the city of Anna Maria took a proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic unfolded, Murphy enacted several emergency orders aimed at keeping city residents, business owners, employees and visitors safe. On March 24, Murphy enacted an emergency order that prohibited the acceptance of new vacation rental reservations for arrival dates between March 26 and June 30. On March 27, Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended vacation rental operations statewide for two weeks. He later extended that order. On May 21, the State of Florida approved Manatee County’s plan to reopen vacation rentals countywide, with certain restrictions and new cleaning standards. This led to Anna Maria Island vacation rentals being allowed to resume normal operations in time for Memorial Day weekend. On June 27, Murphy enacted an emergency mask order that applied inside Anna Maria businesses when proper social distancing could not be maintained. That order was extended several times. On Sept. 25, DeSantis issued his Phase III reopening order that now prohibits local jurisdictions from fining or penalizing individuals who violate local COVID-19 orders, including local mask mandates. On Oct. 1, Murphy responded to DeSantis’ order with the issuance of a new emergency order that no longer imposes fines on violators but reiterates business
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The new Anna Maria City Pier opened on Friday, June 19. establishments’ rights to trespass those who refuse to comply with a business establishment’s mask policy. Still in effect, the emergency order also requires visitors to city hall and other indoor city facilities to wear masks or face coverings. It also requires masks or face coverings at city-sponsored events at City Pier Park, including the weekly farmers market and the weekly Movies in the Park. Masks are not required on the City Pier, or while dining outside at the City Pier Grill, which offers no indoor dining. The pandemic resulted in the cancellation of the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration and the Veterans Day parade. It also caused the postponement of the AMI Chamber of Commerce’s annual Bayfest celebration.
IMPACT FEES AND OTHER ACTIONS
In early 2020, Murphy, City Commission Chair Carol Carter, City Attorney Becky Vose, and lobbyist Chip Case played significant roles in defeating proposed state legislation that sought to strip local city and county governments of their authority to regulate vacation rental operations. In June, the commission adopted an amended sign ordinance that allows only one sign to be placed on a construction site or vacant property. The amended ordinance also reinstated a previously suspended prohibition on A-framed sandwich board signs. Enforcement of the sign ordinance is complaint driven and code enforcement officers are not asked to actively enforce it. When adopting the 2020-21 fiscal year budget in September, the mayor and com-
mission committed $1.28 million for drainage and stormwater improvements and $656,772 for street and road improvements. In August, the city commission adopted Murphy’s proposed impact fees program that then took effect in late November. Those developing a new residential structure in Anna Maria must now pay a parks and recreation impact fee of $1.15 per square foot of habitable space. The impact fee also applies to the redevelopment of an existing residential structure that increases the structure’s habitable space. New residential or commercial development of any kind – or redevelopment that increases habitable space – is now assessed a roads and mobility impact fee or $0.73 per square foot of habitable space. When both fees are applicable, the combined impact fees are $1.88 per square foot of habitable space. Running unopposed in the November elections, Murphy and City Commissioner Mark Short earned additional two-year terms in office. In late November, Murphy and the city commission formalized via city ordinance the previous elimination of 88 public parking spaces throughout the city, including 37 spaces along North Shore Drive. In December, the commission appointed Doris “Deanie” Sebring to fill the commission seat vacated by Commissioner Amy Tripp. The commission also appointed Carter to chair the commission for another year.
LOOK BACK: Holmes Beach in 2020 FROM PAGE 1
pandemic in March which saw events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled, church services moving online, local government meetings canceled or moved to Zoom and masks on nearly every face you met. As a community, Holmes Beach went through temporary business closures, temporary loss of beach access parking, the institution of a permit parking program and a grocery and toilet paper shortage that caught nearly everyone by surprise. Also, as a community, people rose to meet the strange new challenges brought by 2020. Restaurants had to close their doors, but they opened to sell takeout dishes and some were able to provide groceries to residents. Locals banded together to help provide financial support to ailing businesses. Community members came together in 2020 to help support each other whether it was through wearing a mask and keeping socially distant, buying gift certificates for local businesses to provide financial support, or donating to
local food banks to help families in need. Vacationers were able to return to the Island in the summer, restaurants opened their doors to limited capacity, beach parking reopened with new parking restrictions in Holmes Beach and residents and students prepared to go back to school at Anna Maria Elementary School for a new kind of school year. At the end of the calendar year, the Island school had had only one reported case of COVID-19 on the campus. The new normal began with masks required indoors and social distancing required pretty much everywhere, though stores, restaurants, fitness centers, The Center of Anna Maria Island, the Island Branch Library, some local churches and Holmes Beach City Hall were able to reopen with limited capacity. Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth was re-elected to a second two-year term without competition for her seat at city hall. Commissioner Kim Rash was re-elected for a second two-year term in November along with Commissioner Jayne Christenson who beat
out long-time Commissioner Pat Morton to win her first term on the dais. Commissioners ended the calendar year by approving regulations for three-wheeled mini cars, disallowing any additional businesses from opening in the city and regulating where they can be driven. Improvements at the city field complex, including the new bocce ball, pickleball and shuffleboard courts were completed, along with the installation of a new playground and lighting at the skate park. Over at West Manatee Fire Rescue, Commissioner Randy Cooper announced that he would not seek re-election. After four candidates qualified, Commissioner Robert Bennett came out victorious in the November election, earning a four-year term on the fire district’s board along with Commissioner Larry Jennis who had no challengers for his seat and was automatically re-elected to another term. The walls began going up at the district’s new administration building on a lot located behind the Fountain Court Shopping Center
in Bradenton in December. The building is expected to be completed and ready for move-in by district employees in mid-2021. WMFR leadership also continued assisting firefighters in earning a certification as a paramedic, helping to extend the reach of the district’s non-transport advanced lifesaving program. The Center of Anna Maria Island had a year of ups and downs with many annual events, including the Tour of Homes and Lester Family Fun Day canceled, however, the nonprofit’s Go Green campaign continued full steam ahead, helping to bring attention to issues affecting local waters and sea life, such as red tide. Working with Ocean Habitats Inc., The Center’s leaders helped install hundreds of mini reefs underneath docks around the Island to provide a safe nursery for sea life which in turn helps filter the water. Through cost-cutting and generous fundraising contributions from the community, Executive Director Chris Culhane said he expects the nonprofit to finish the calendar year on good financial footing.
JANUARY 6, 2021
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Shelves for cooking 6 Image problem, briefly 11 Navy letters 14 Muscat native 15 Catherine of "Best in Show" 16 Water source 17 Annual e-tail sale event 19 Good Grips gadget brand 20 Distrustful 21 Any of six classic Clue cards 23 "I kissed thee __ I killed thee": "Othello" 25 Expensive gift 28 Folded snack 30 Put away 31 Shock, in a way 32 Sliced very thin 35 Substantial 38 Old West wanted Answers to 12-30-20 Crossword Puzzle.
poster figure 41 Soprano Fleming 42 Log on to 45 Barely go (through) 48 Like a favored project 50 Govt. workplace watchdog 51 Apollo craft 56 "The Fountainhead" author Rand 57 Build up 58 Raptor's grabber 60 E'en if 61 Ideal deck-shuffling goal ... and a hint to a hidden word, and how it appears, in the four other longest answers 66 Call someone by the wrong name, e.g. 67 Outrage 68 Small change in a small bank 69 Catch
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70 City on the Rhone 71 Ham it up Down 1 Big bird of myth 2 Adams of HBO's "Sharp Objects" 3 Iconic San Francisco transport 4 Tot's perch 5 Fathered 6 "Take that!" 7 "Kung Fu" actor Philip 8 Pops 9 Decapod on a menu 10 Like starfish 11 Ideal place 12 Battle of Hastings combatants 13 Dish cleaner 18 Orthopedist's pic 22 Like the Empire State Building 23 Presumed UFO crew 24 Cheering word 26 Transgression 27 2016 Tony winner Leslie __ Jr. 29 Like a bogey 33 Romano cheese source 34 Singer Fogelberg 36 Mauna __ 37 Fortune rival 39 Seized wheels 40 Ambiguous response 43 Short 44 Japanese title of
respect 45 Roofing pieces 46 Trick-taking card game 47 Recital bonus 49 Private teachers
52 Like much of Idaho 53 Nasty type 54 Hightail it 55 Hitch on the fly 59 Utah city on I-15 62 Private aid prog.
63 Spot for a recliner 64 Tolkien creature 65 Manhattan liquor
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CLASSIFIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMPLOYMENT
BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND business is seeking a part time Accountant/ Bookkeeper. Approximately 15-20 hours per week. Must have experience with QuickBooks. Able to work from home or office. Please call 941778-3986
BECOME A CERTIFIED YOGA TEACHER! Heal yourself, your family, and friends. Our program is February 19th- August 1st at Thrive Yoga & Fitness. Call 570-497-7801 or visit https://www.thriveyogafit. com/ryt200-2021 ANNOUNCEMENT: Who wants to play bridge outside on the patio, or in the park, social distanced and face-masked, Call Kathleen at 314-324-5921 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, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
HOTEL ON ANNA MARIA seeking Housekeeper Full time, Part time. Must have two years experience. We drug test. Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message. 813-735-4373. THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher.
CLEANING SERVICE
FISHING CHARTERS
THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570
CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 4 UNIT RESORT style 4-plex: $1,999,900 Holmes Beach fixer upper with View of beach on Gulf Dr. Duplex Near Beach Totally renovated near Beach $795,000. Island Real Estate Call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted. ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai. Licensed and insured. References available. Call Chris at 941-3028759 please visit website: isletileservices.com
“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money. 941-778-3206 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.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
JANUARY 6, 2021
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates. Call Larry at 941-400-8754. References available. DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE GULF FRONT CONDOS Vista Grande, WestWinds– CANAL FRONT HOME Holmes Beach –DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK big Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 HOLMES BEACH 4BR/3.5BA home for sale. 1 ½ blocks from Beach. $1,399,000. Call 724-263-6390
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 REALTOR FOR HIRE. Are you looking for a results driven Realtor to sell your home or condo? 16 Years experience & proven track record of success. USAF Veteran. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941.357. GITT(4488)
RENTALS: ANNUAL PERICO BAY CONDO Short term rental available for this season. Nice 2bd 2bath with lanai overlooking the lake. $2,800 per month available until the end of May. Resort style living close to Anna Maria Island. ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992. COZY COTTAGE SANDPIPER 55+ Resort. 1 ½ minute walk to Beach or Bay. 1BR/1BA. Washer/ dryer For Sale or Rent. Call 941251-4767. Leave number on machine. ANNUAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA, W/D hook ups, storage. Non-Smoking, No Pets. $1,900/mo. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307. ANNUAL RENTAL AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 1, 2021. 2BR/2BA + Den. One block to beach. Washer/dryer hookup. $1950/mo. First, last & security plus utilities. No smoking/no pets. Call 860-922-3857.
RENTAL WANTED SEEKING AMI LONG TERM RENTAL 4+ BRs for professional family. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941.357.GITT(4488)
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190
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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 HOME SITTING / PET SITTING
PAINTING
TRANSPORTATION
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
ANNA MARIA BOOKING 2021 - 2022 winter seasons. Beautiful 2BR/2BA ground level home with carport. 1 1/2 blocks to Gulf. Updated granite counter tops, patio w/outdoor furniture, plantation shutters, flat screen TV's in every room & more. Call 941565-2373
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600
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the Team Duncan Difference!
✔ Local-Area Expertise ✔ Outstanding Customer Service ✔ Experienced Professionals ✔ Proven Performance
310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216
TeamDuncan.com
941.779.0304