Anna Maria Island Sun July 12, 2023

Twilight's last gleaming

The sunset had a little help from fireworks on Anna Maria Island on July Fourth.

Water main back in service

The water main on the Manatee Avenue Bridge is back in service following a June 19 break.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - The water main that broke on the Manatee Avenue Bridge on June 19 is back in service, Manatee County officials say.

As work ensued on the broken pipe, another pipe continued to supply water to the Island from the south. Residents of the Island were asked to conserve water as repairs were underway on AMI’s main water source. Those requests have been rescinded, according to a July 6 Manatee County press release.

Fourth of July Parade wet, wild fun

The Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade was once again Florida’s largest water battle featuring more than 120 participants.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – More than 120 participants in the annual Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade loaded their vehicles with water guns to do battle with thousands of people lining the parade route.

Beginning at Coquina Beach at the south end of the Island and finishing on Pine Avenue to the north, some parade participants had containers holding more than 100 gallons of water, but parade watchers also were well stocked for what has become known as Florida’s biggest and longest water battle.

“We had more than 80 Jeeps in this year’s parade, in addition to the other participants that made this one of, if not the biggest, Fourth of July parades we have ever had,” Anna Maria Island Privateers President Kim Boyd said. “It was so much fun.”

Island population drops in all three cities

Island customers were told on June 19 that they could experience intermittent drops in water pressure due to the emergency repairs on the broken 16-inch water main.

“Cooperative coordination with Manatee County Utilities staff and local contractors kept construction delays to a minimum and provided maximum access to motorists during the recent holiday weekend,” according to the press release.

More work will be taking place along the drawbridge over Anna Maria Sound and in the area over the next several weeks to permanently reposition the water main along the span.

Crews also will be in the area removing the old pipe from the water. Details of that work have yet to be finalized.

SEE WATER MAIN, PAGE 14

The U.S. Census Bureau noted fairly significant drops in residents between 2020 and 2021 in all three Island cities.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It may not come as a surprise to some long-time residents, but the population of this sevenmile stretch of paradise is dwindling. While the U.S. Census Bureau conducts 10-year counts across the country, the organization also conducts a yearly American Community Survey to record changes and trends in population. The available online data spans 2010-2021 and shows a few minor ups and downs in population numbers. However, there is a significant difference in all three

Island cities in the numbers between 2020 and 2021 – all three cities lost a significant portion of their population. Looking at the data, the city of Holmes Beach is the undisputed largest municipality on the Island. In 2010, Holmes Beach had 4,136 residents. After fluctuations of 100-200 people per year, the city had 4,276 residents in 2020. That number dropped to 3,132 in 2021. That’s a loss of 1,144 in a single year, or 26.75% of the population.

In Anna Maria, the population changes were more volatile over the years. In 2010, the city had a recorded 1,475 residents, hitting a high of 1,556 in 2013 before steadily dropping to 719 in 2019. In 2020, the city’s population jumped to 1,087 before dropping to 944 in 2021, a loss of 143 residents in a single year, representing 13% of the population.

SEE POPULATION, PAGE 8

JASON GARGIULE/AMIAERIALS.COM

Pat Copeland’s life, legacy celebrated

In living her life, Pat Copeland left an indelible mark on Anna Maria Island and beyond.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Pat Copeland’s celebration of life included family, friends, co-workers, tears, laughter, music, poetry and a New Orleans-style second line march down Pine Avenue.

Pat passed away on June 13 at the age of 76. The longtime Anna Maria resident spent decades working as a newspaper reporter and copy editor at the Anna Maria Island Sun and other local newspapers.

In 1990, she and Carolyne Norwood co-founded the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Historical Museum to preserve the Island’s history.

The July 8 celebration of life began at Roser Memorial Community Church and opened with a recorded version of Simon and Garfunkel’s “59th Street Bridge Song,” which includes the lines, “Slow down, you move too fast… looking for fun and feeling groovy.”

Kevin Griffith is married to Layla Copeland, Pat and Doug Copeland’s oldest daughter, and he welcomed the attendees.

“On behalf of the entire Copeland family, we express our heartfelt gratitude with you for sharing this ceremony to honor Pat’s amazing life. Although we carry immeasurable

SEE COPELAND, PAGE 11

ANNA HAYDEN | SUBMITTED Pat Copeland leaves a lasting legacy on Anna Maria Island.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Above, Layla Copeland and her dad, Doug Copeland, listen to Anna Copeland perform Somewhere over the Rainbow (above right) at the Celebration of Life ceremony for Layla and Anna’s mother, Pat Copeland, on Saturday at Roser Church in Anna Maria. Above left, family, friends and co-workers gathered in the Roser Memorial Community Church sanctuary.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

IN BRIEF

Commission to discuss budget, water taxi

The Anna Maria City Commission will participate in its second budget planning meeting on Thursday, July 13 at 1:30 p.m. Anticipated city revenues for the coming 2023-24 fiscal year will be the primary topic of Thursday’s budget discussion. The regular city commission meeting will take place immediately after the budget meeting. The agenda for the regular commission meeting includes more discussion on Senate Bill 250 and more discussion on an interlocal agreement between the city and Manatee County regarding the proposed use of the City Pier as a water taxi stop. The mayor will also provide an update on the centennial celebration being planned for September.

Water taste, odor not harmful, county says

Customers of Manatee County Utilities may be noticing a temporary, non-harmful change in their water taste or odor due to an algae bloom.

Algae blooms are regular seasonal occurrences in Lake Manatee, the county's water source, but they vary in frequency and duration. Current hot conditions favor a bloom, and tests conducted over the past several weeks indicate the presence of blue-green algae at elevated concentrations, which has imparted an earthy and/or musty taste or odor in the water, according to the county.

While the odor or taste may be noticeable, there are no known health effects caused by the presence of these compounds.

The issue is unrelated to the recent water main failure at the Manatee Avenue Bridge, according to the county.

Since the detection of the compounds, Manatee County has implemented a treatment process that involves the addition of powdered activated carbon. This process effectively removes the compounds and minimizes impacts on customers’ water, according to the county. It is only when the levels reach quantities that exceed the limit of removal capability that customers may notice a slight earthy/musty taste or odor to their water.

The water remains safe for consumption, washing and bathing, according to the county. Though not necessary, customers can use a carbon filter hooked up to the faucet to the water system of the refrigerator or a filtrated pitcher system to help minimize the off-taste and/or odor.

“We are monitoring the levels of algae and odorants and treating for them until water quality returns to normal,” said Katie Gilmore, utilities deputy director. “It is our hope that by informing the public of this potential impact of the algal bloom, we can alleviate any concerns that may arise should a customer detect an earthy taste or smell to their water."

Marina appeals Hunters Point dock ruling

The appeal will further delay the construction of the Hunters Point docks.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Marina ownership group is appealing a recent Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) governing board ruling that permits the construction of 49 residential docks/boat slips at the 86-home Hunters Point Resort & Marina community being developed in Cortez.

The Cortez Village Marina ownership group, MHC Cortez Village LLC, filed its appeal with the Second District Court of Appeal in Tampa on June 22. Typically, an appeal of this nature consists of a small panel of appellate judges reviewing the case documents and rulings and making a determination without retrying or relitigating the case. The appeal process often takes up to a year or more.

On May 23, the water management district’s governing board unanimously ruled in favor of adopting a final order that allows SWFWMD to issue an environmental resource permit (ERP) to Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty and his Cortez Road Investments & Finance Inc. ownership group. The permit allows for the installation of 32 new boat slips and the replacement of 17 existing slips along the privately-owned canal that surrounds the Hunters Point property on three sides. When the final order was issued, MHC Cortez Village LLC had 30 days to file an appeal.

When asked about the appeal, Gobuty said, “I expected them to appeal. I don’t expect to lose the appeal, but I can’t take the risk of building the docks yet. The appeal continues to negatively impact the development as we are not able to start building any more canal-side homes on the west and northwest sides of the community. Construction will continue on the east side and the interior home sites.”

PAST RULINGS

The governing board’s ruling pertained to the permit challenge MHC Cortez Village LLC initiated in 2021. MHC Cortez Village LLC claimed the Hunters Point docks would significantly impede canal navigation for the Cortez Village Marina clients that use the canal to access the nearby Intracoastal Waterway at the west end of the canal. Cortez Village Marina is located slightly east of the Hunters Point property and canal.

The governing board’s final ruling was based upon the recommended order that Administrative Law Judge Bruce Culpepper issued on March 7 after presiding over a multi-day hearing in late 2022 on behalf of the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).

During the DOAH hearing, it was established by documentation and testimony that the majority of the privately-owned canal built in the 1950s and previously owned by the Cipriani family was sold to Gobuty when he purchased the Hunters Point property in 2016.

According to documents and testimony, MHC Cortez Village does not own or control any portion of the canal west of the marina property and Gobuty never authorized marina clients to use his portion of the canal.

“Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is recommended that the Southwest Florida Water Management District enter a final order granting Cortez Road Investments application for the permit to build a dock (docks) in the canal and issue ERP Individual Construction Major Modification Permit 43032468.003,” Culpepper stated in his recommended order.

“Based on the evidence and testimony presented at the final hearing, the undersigned finds that Cortez Road (Investments & Finance) and the district presented competent substantial evidence establishing Cortez Road’s entitlement to the permit. Conversely, the marina did not meet its burden of demonstrating that the district should not issue the permit,” Culpepper stated in his recommended order.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The owners of the Cortez Village Marina are appealing the final order issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

I don’t expect to lose the appeal, but I can’t take the risk of building the docks yet.”

Marshall Gobuty, Hunters Point developer

Holiday beachgoers disturb turtle nests

Sea turtle nests were found disturbed after the Fourth of July holiday by Turtle Watch volunteers.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

- Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers discovered that multiple sea turtle nests were disturbed over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

“I don’t think it was anything malicious,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said. “We have had disturbances to nests before, but this weekend was exceptional. I think this was people not realizing and not giving the nests space. I want to make people aware that they need to respect posted nest areas.”

Mazzarella said that issues during the holiday included people walking across nests, knocking over stakes, tearing

marker tape, digging in the sand close to nests and planting tents in nesting areas.

Turtle nests on local beaches are clearly marked with yellow numbered stakes and pink caution tape.

“We recommend that people keep their distance from nests,

report anyone that is observed disturbing a nest to local law enforcement, and also call 941-301-8434 to report a nest that has not been marked,” Turtle Watch posted on their Facebook page.

Turtle nesting season runs from May through October.

Marine turtles are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Act.

“Florida Statutes restrict the take, possession, disturbance, mutilation, destruction, selling, transference, molestation and harassment of marine turtles, nests or eggs,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 332 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 376 (Record: 831 in 2010) Nests hatched: 9 (Record: 453 in 2022) Hatchlings hatched: 340 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY | SUBMITTED Where’s Suzi?

While the Tour de Turtles race doesn’t officially start until Aug. 1, that hasn’t stopped loggerhead sea turtle Suzi from covering 32 miles at an average speed of .14 mph since she was outfitted with a satellite monitor and released at Coquina Beach on June 27. So far, she is staying fairly close to Anna Maria Island, swimming away, then circling back. Her location will be monitored for several months by satellite. The annual Tour de Turtles race is part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s research project to track the migration of satellite-tagged turtles released from beaches. The winner will swim the longest distance during the migration marathon. Sponsored by the Conservancy, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and the Coastal Wildlife Club, Suzi is participating in the race to raise awareness of light pollution. Artificial lighting on the beach can discourage female sea turtles from nesting and can cause turtle hatchlings to become disoriented. Visit The Sun’s Facebook page for weekly updates in “Where’s Suzi?” and visit amisun. com for weekly updates on turtle nesting activity in “Nesting News.”

FILE PHOTO

Turtle nests are marked with stakes and caution tape by Turtle Watch volunteers, who ask beachgoers to avoid nests.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO

Mike Field

Editor

Cindy Lane

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Reporters/Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Jason Schaffer

Kristin Swain

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

Joe Becht

Steve Borggren

Jason Gargiule

Capt. Rick Grassett

Isis Mavenyengwa

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

Capt. David White

Anne Yarbrough

Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Advertising Assistant

Pamela Lee

Classifieds

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

Connor Field

Tony McNulty

Brian Smith

Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers

Mike Field

Maggie McGinley Field

Family-owned since 2000

Drift In celebrates July Fourth weekend

Joe Olivieri brought his OC Inc. offshore racing boat to the Drift In in Bradenton Beach on July 3. Olivieri owns the Sarasota-based Olivieri Construction company and the racing boat he’s in his first year of piloting earned a second-place finish in the 39th Annual Sarasota Grand Prix offshore powerboat races the day before. The Crewe of DeSoto also brought their ship-themed parade vessel to the July 3 event that celebrated the extended Fourth of July weekend and served as a fundraiser for the Denis V. Cooper Foundation that assists local veterans. The fundraising activities included hot dog sales and raffling off a 64-inch flatscreen TV.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Above, The Crewe of DeSoto, the Drift In staff and others gathered in front of the crewe’s parade vessel. Below, Joe Olivieri’s OC Inc. offshore racing boat was on display.

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

July 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

July 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

July 18, 10 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency work meeting

July 19, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

July 20, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

July 18, 9 a.m. – City Commission budget meeting

July 18, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting followed by work session

July 19, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

July 25, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance Special Magistrate hearing

July 27, 11:30 a.m. – Police pension board meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

July 18, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

Island Time Book Club: “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 13

Recycling truck visit, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

AMI Chamber luncheon, Pesto Bistro and Wine Bar, 8799 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $22 for members or $30 for prospective members

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

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

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Create a vision board, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m. Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

TUESDAY, JULY 18

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

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Bishop Museum Eco Engineers Exhibit lecture, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 20

Summer Reading: Oceania Crafts, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 21

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

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

SATURDAY, JULY 22

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Teen art club, figure drawing, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 25

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

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

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

Sundown town label struck down

Is Holmes Beach a sundown town? The city police chief says definitely not.

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

HOLMES BEACH – According to a college website dedicated to social justice, Anna Maria Island’s largest city is open to all visitors, but only during the day.

The History and Social Justice website justice.tougaloo.edu/ map/ displays a map that claims to identify current sundown towns, listing Holmes Beach as a “probable” sundown town.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said the label is completely false.

“No, we are not a sundown town,” Tokajer said. “We are a welcoming community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to anyone who wants to come live, work, visit or stay here. We just ask that anyone who comes out be a good neighbor.”

A sundown town is one where the vast majority or all of the

population is white and minorities are not welcome after dark, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. Sundown towns originated in the United States following the Civil War, and while any racial minority was targeted, many specifically targeted Black people. In these towns, if an unwelcome person was found within the town borders after dark, they were in danger of being arrested, assaulted or even killed.

While sundown town regulations largely disappeared after the end of segregation, in some places, people of certain races are still more welcome than others. The History and Social Justice website states that it’s committed to continuing the work of James W. Loewen by preserving historical records about race relations, the Civil War, gender relations and other hot-button topics. The website is hosted by Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi.

According to the website, Loewen began researching sundown towns in 1999 with the

expectation that he would find about 10 in Illinois and maybe 50 more across the country. He found 506 in Illinois alone. In Florida, the website has flagged more than a dozen towns ranging in confirmation status from “possible” to “probable” to “surely.” There is no criteria listed on the website for how the confirmation determination is given, however, on the city page on the Tougaloo site, U.S. Census data is listed from Holmes Beach’s incorporation in 1960 through 2000 specifically noting the number of Black residents. The highest number listed on the site is six Black residents in 2000.

On the U.S. Census Bureau website, a total of 3,010 residents is listed as of the 2020 count in Holmes Beach. While white residents made up the vast majority of the population at 2,795, the site lists that there are five people who identified as Black, four Native American, 32 Asian, 1 native Hawaiian, 16 of other races and 157 who identified as biracial or triracial.

POPULATION: Drops in all three Island cities

FROM PAGE 1

The population in Bradenton Beach also suffered a steady decline over the years. In 2010, the city had 1,452 residents. That number dropped to 836 by 2019 before picking back up to 902 in 2020. By the 2021 count, Bradenton Beach had lost another 35 residents, dropping the population down to 867, a 4% loss.

In a single year, 2020-21, 1,322 residents left the Island life behind. With stories floating around the three municipalities about more and more residents moving away, population numbers have the potential to drop even more when the 2022 and 2023 data comes out. And while the state of Florida and greater Manatee County are showing population increases, that data isn’t reflected in the population

numbers for the Island. The Census Bureau states that when cities start to see marked decreases in population year over year, it becomes more likely that the cities will disincorporate, with the land annexed into a larger geographic body. Locally, that is unincorporated Manatee County, an idea that was proposed by the Manatee County legislative delegation prior to the 2023 state legislative session. While the idea of folding the three cities into one or putting them all solely under the governmental leadership of the Manatee County board of commissioners wasn’t pursued this year, that does not preclude the possibility that it will be raised in future legislative sessions if population numbers continue to dwindle.

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

New mural adorns Island Branch Library

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH

- Heads are turning as people drive past the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, after the recent addition of a colorful mural that stretches the length of the west side of the library. The mural depicts an undersea reading adventure where a diver enjoys a book with a curious octopus, fish and even a manatee eager to learn.

The mural was painted by Matt McAllister at Matt McAllister Art, and funding for the project came from the Friends of the Island Library, who held a highly successful jewelry sale in March of this year that raised enough funds to get the work done.

“The Friends and library staff, especially Aileen

Valdez, library supervisor, worked with Matt to develop a design that would highlight a young reader surrounded by books and sea life, including a manatee, the logo for Manatee County Public Library System,” Jan Riggs, president of the Friends of the Island Library, said in an email to the Sun. “Once designed,

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the mural was approved by both library administrators and Manatee County commissioners.”

Riggs added that the mural will serve in another way by bringing local corporations, businesses and residents together to develop a focused fund for the Island library and staff. Details about this endeavor will be released in the fall.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

The Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach has a striking new mural, thanks to help from the Friends of the Island Library.

COPELAND: Life, legacy celebrated

FROM PAGE 3

sadness, we also hold a deep love and affection for Pat as we celebrate her memory,” he said.

While reciting the children’s poem, “Birdsong,” granddaughter Lily Nolan said, “He doesn’t know the world at all, who stays in his nest and doesn’t go out… A black bird sings upon a bush to greet the dawning after night, then I know how fine it is to live.”

While reciting Mason Williams’ “Life Song,” grandson George Griffith said, “Isn’t life beautiful, isn’t life gay, isn’t life the perfect thing to pass the time away.”

Pat and Doug’s youngest daughter, Anna Copeland, sat at the baby grand piano and said, “My mother was smart, kind, patient, creative and so much more. But when I think of her, the first thing I think of is how much fun she was. I think of all the wild and wacky times we had as a family. She made sure everyone around her was having fun too. She was great champion of others. She encouraged and uplifted people. She believed in me way more than I believed in myself and seeing her confidence helped me follow my dreams.”

Anna then played and sang a beautiful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

While reciting Kenneth Patchen’s poem, “I Feel Drunk All the Time,” Anna’s husband, Norris Nolan, said, “O you’re a merry bastard Mr. Death and I wish you didn’t have no hand in this game because it’s too damn beautiful for anybody to die.”

After a recording of Phil Ochs “When I’m Gone,” was played, Layla eulogized her mom.

“I’m grateful that my mother was able to be part of your lives, just as I’m thankful she was such an important part of mine,” she said.

“The 1960s helped shape my mom’s consciousness and who she was. It gave her the writers, poets and musicians whose words meant so much to her. The sixties taught her that the value in life wasn’t held in things, but in the substance of your actions, friendships, community and above all, love.

“She would feed our passions with books and music, encouraging us to expand our minds and beliefs. She led by example, giving us the freedom to be wild, weird, whatever we wanted to be. She was the compass that steered all of us, enriching our lives in the process. Mom was our biggest supporter and always our most ardent defender,” Layla said.

Regarding her parents’ marriage, Layla said, “In 1972, they married while here in Anna Maria visiting Dad’s parents. Mom sewed a wedding shirt for dad from an old curtain and quickly stitched up a dress for herself. There wasn’t any fanfare. No flowers, no guests. My grandfather presided over the ceremony in my grandparents’ living room on North Shore Drive. It wasn’t fancy, but it was true and honest, just like them and their 50-year marriage.”

Regarding her mom’s legacy, Layla said, “Much has been said about my mother and her contributions to the Island. She helped write the pages of its history for over 35 years and in doing so she is now and forever woven into the rich tapestry of this Island. Maya Angelou once said that your legacy is every life you touch. For my mother, the grasp of that touch extended beyond the people of this room. It reaches to every person who learns something from reading her articles, every visitor who sets foot inside the historical museum, every museum scholarship recipient and all the future generations of our family because we will all carry her legacy forward.”

Kevin then invited everyone to join in the second line march to the Historical Museum.

“There’s one requirement: you must put a little strut in your step. We have music and we have parasols handdecorated by Pat’s grandchildren, with a little help from the family. Grandma, Pat, we love you and we miss you. But as my son Louis told his mother last week: We can speak to grandma any time we want and we will be comforted to know that she’ll always be listening,” he said. A recorded version of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” followed his remarks.

Outside the church, folks were greeted by a second line duo, Jammin’ Jambalaya, featuring Chris Clifton on trombone and Mark Zauss on trumpet

and pulling a small speaker emitting the snappy drum parts needed for a second line march down Pine Avenue.

At the museum grounds, former city commissioner Dale Woodland said, “That was special.”

“She would’ve loved it,” Pat’s sister, Anna Hayden, said.

Red wine, bottled water and minicupcakes were served behind the Belle Haven Cottage and Doug proposed a toast taken from an old TV commercial.

“Pat and I adopted it as the Copeland family toast. So, raise a glass. Let’s drink to Pat: ‘Salute and happy days,’ ” Doug said.

When sharing his final thoughts on the celebration, Doug said, “Good party. Love you Pat.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

A fun and festive New Orleans-style second line procession honored Pat Copeland’s impact on Anna Maria Island.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Daughter Layla Copeland eulogized her mom and grandchildren Lily Nolan and George Griffith recited poems in honor of their grandmother.

PARADE: Wet, wild fun

FROM PAGE 1

Every July Fourth, it is understood that standing along the parade route will result in getting wet, but this year, it appeared that people watching the parade were especially prepared.

“We live in St. Pete and have heard about this parade and how much fun it is,” Jalene Hummer said. “We brought plenty of water, a tent and plenty of “Super Soakers” to fight back against the parade, and it was every bit as much fun as we thought it would be. This parade was huge, the best we have ever been to.”

Both locals and visitors seemed to enjoy getting soaked, especially since temperatures were well into the 90s even when the parade began at 10 a.m.

“It’s so hot here, what a great idea to cool things down for a parade,” said Jason Kabler, of Jacksonville, North Carolina. “We didn’t come with water guns because we knew nothing about it. We just got here yesterday, but we happily let them hit us as they passed by; it felt good.”

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been in existence for 52 years and has donated over $500,000 in scholarships to local high school students. They also contribute to many other charities, adopt families at Christmas, participate in community events, as well as promote children's activities and reading events.

Above,

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

more than 80 Jeeps participated in the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade, many completely soaked inside and out within the first mile of the more than 6-mile long parade route. Left, U.S. Army WWII veteran John Skeen, 104 years old, waves to the crowd at the front of the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

The Anna Maria Island Privateers led their annual Fourth of July Parade doing battle with water guns against parade-watchers while aboard their ship, The Skullywag.

Chamber lists Island job openings

Anyone looking for employment on Anna Maria Island has a valuable resource to aid in the search thanks to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. There are new job postings on the chamber’s website, and it is not necessary to be a chamber member to apply. To search the listings, visit annamariaislandchamber.org/jobs.

Get an Island Passport and explore

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s Passport Explorer Program is a fun way to explore attractions and businesses on the Island and in the village of Cortez. Just stop by the Chamber at 5313 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, or any of the 40 participating businesses, and ask for a passport. Then, get out and explore! Each business visited will stamp the passport, and once 16 stamps are gathered, they can be exchanged at the Chamber for a free “Island Explorer” T-shirt. Passport participation is free.

Learn to paint online

The Anna Maria Island Art League invites anyone, whether or not they are a member, to register for upcoming classes and workshops that will be held online. “Painting for Beginners” will teach oil painting techniques and methods developed through a series of progressively challenging subject matters leading up to the human form. The cost is $10. Visit www.islandartleague.org to register, or for further information. Membership information is also available on the website.

How to preserve your family history

The Manatee Genealogical Society is set to host a Zoom meeting and program on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. The program will feature Peggy Jude discussing how to plan for the future of your genealogy and artifacts when they pass to younger family members. The lecture will give attendees ideas and strategies for making sure that years of hard work are preserved and passed on and don’t end up in the trash. Registration for the meeting is required at least one day in advance at info@mgsfl.org.

Manatee County workers have repaired part of a water main that fell off the Anna

WATER MAIN: Back in service

FROM PAGE 1

In a June 29 press release, Manatee County officials advised that “Construction equipment will remain on site as the contractor will need to remove the old water pipe that fell into Anna Maria Sound. It is not anticipated that this work - which may begin as early as the week of July 10will require lane closures on Manatee Avenue.”

Residents and visitors will be notified of any road closures or traffic impacts associated with the ongoing work.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the bridge has returned to normal after being reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through June 30. Motorists were advised then to use the Cortez Bridge or Longboat Key Bridge to the Island. Boaters were asked to travel only through the channel underneath the bridge to avoid interference with the workers.

For more information, visit mymanatee.org or call 941-748-4501. Follow the county on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Maria Island Bridge on June 19.

TIPS FOR TOURISTS

With the heat of summer upon Anna Maria Island, many flock to the white sand beaches and warm, clear water to beat the heat and relax. While the Island is what many refer to as paradise, there are things to be mindful of while visiting, and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has issued this list of tips to get the most out of a visit to the Island:

• Be diligent about the use of sunscreen and reapply often. The sun is fantastic here but can be very intense, and sunburn can happen quickly and be painful.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The combination of fabulous sun, ocean breezes and beach activity can dehydrate you very quickly. Bring plenty of water and please consider using refillable water bottles.

• AMI is lucky to have so many sea turtles nest on our beautiful beaches. Each year hundreds of turtles arrive to lay their eggs. We know digging holes in the sand is fun, but please remember to fill the holes in before you leave the beach for the day. Turtle

lives – and people’s safety – depend on it. Sadly, hatchlings often fall into the holes left behind and are unable to climb out, and people can injure themselves stepping into a hole.

• Beach chairs, check; umbrella or tent, check; cooler, check; games, towels, toys, check. A lot of stuff to carry to the beach, right? We get it, but please note that it’s illegal to leave anything on the beach overnight, including trash. Female turtles can become entrapped in items left on the beach or may even choose not to dig a nest because of obstacles.

• The Island is also blessed with many kinds of shorebirds. While it does seem like fun to throw food and watch the gulls go into a “feeding frenzy,” it is never a good idea. Not only is this bad for the gulls due to the lack of nutrition for them, it also causes them to become dependent on humans for food. They become more aggressive and have been known to grab food out of someone’s hand or even their mouth! Once the gulls and crows start growing in numbers in order to get a free meal, they start to invade the nests of our other, more delicate bird species. Chasing the birds

May 2023 tourist tax collections compared to May 2022

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)

Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in May and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in June. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

seems like fun too, but if they start to feel harassed or threatened, they won’t lay eggs. Shorebirds are such a beautiful addition to the beaches, please appreciate them from a distance.

• The Island is a designated sea turtle and shorebird sanctuary, so

no dogs are allowed on the beaches. The only exception is for licensed service dogs, which does not include emotional support animals. Want to take your pup to play on the beach and in the water? Visit the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue West.

Hot weather strategy

Anglers are no strangers to Dog Days, those hot, sultry times when even the lizards are lurking in the shadows. We know that a change of strategy will be in order soon. What we are strangers to is those days showing up a month earlier than usual. Add to that challenge the persistent west winds and anglers that chase tarpon on the beach and those that plumb the depths for grouper and pelagic species are affected. The name "dog days" comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, in close proximity to the sun, was responsible for the hot weather.

On the west coast of Florida, dog days can run through September and into October, with the “spell” being broken by the shorter days more than the easing of daytime temperatures. While the temperatures create challenging conditions, savvy anglers know to change their strategies, tailoring their efforts to maximize their comfort and opportunities.

One of the prime times to fish during the dog days is before the sun crests the horizon.

RUSTY CHINNIS

The myriad dock and bridge lights that illuminate the waterways from Bradenton to Venice are prime targets. These areas hold schools of snook as well as trout, mangrove snapper, redfish, tarpon and a host of other

Docks with a water depth more than 6 feet and good tidal flow generally hold more fish. When possible, fish the up-tide side of a structure. This allows more latitude when making a presentation, allowing flies, lures and bait to swing to the fish naturally and stay in the “strike zone” longer. Knowledge of the area you’re fishing will allow you to have docks to target on any tide.

The presence of hard bottom near a bridge or dock is another indicator of good fish habitat. Baitfish and crustaceans are

attracted to a light source but also the presence of structures like ledges, oyster bars and seawalls. The type of light also can influence the action with underwater lights and lights sitting low to the water having a more distinctive shadow line, an area where feeding fish concentrate. In almost all cases, the biggest fish seem to hang on the dark edges of shadow lines.

When the rising sun lightens the horizon, anglers can move to the flats to target redfish, snook and trout. By concentrating your efforts around flats with good grass cover, with defined edges, potholes, sandbars and oyster bars you’ll find fish in much the same pattern as during other times of the year. The key is to find water temperatures that attract bait and are tolerable to gamefish. The addition of a strong incoming tide will increase your odds as well.

In the hottest months, most of the early morning tides are from 1-1.5 feet, so anglers will seldom see pushes or tails. Instead, concentrate on scattering bait, working birds and schools of mullet. One of the most productive strategies is to fish “seams,”

demarcation lines that separate grass, sand and other structure.

While pre-dawn or early morning is generally the best time during sweltering weather, there is one exception. The late afternoon outgoing tides that correspond to the full and new moons provide some fast action with a variety of species. Areas to concentrate on include the slues and channels that drain the inshore flats, and the passes where the funneling effect concentrates game fish and their prey. Passes that have flanking seawalls and rock groins can be particularly productive. These areas attract and concentrate the baitfish on which the predators feed. Work lures and flies close to the structure. Fishing the “doldrums” can be productive no matter where you fish if you follow a few rules. First and foremost, you must find conditions that are acceptable to the species you seek. Snook and redfish are much more tolerant of high water temperatures than trout. In general, water temperatures must not be excessive, and you can count on early mornings and deeper water to moderate conditions. The exception to the rule will be those areas and times where the presence of food overrides the fish’s desire to locate comfortable conditions.

Fishing the dog days can be challenging, but master the rules and you’ll have a lot of good fishing opportunities minus the crowds.

FWC responds to reports of alleged poaching

Local charter captains alerted law enforcement to alleged poaching off Cortez.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to reports of suspected poaching from several local charter captains last week.

Sweet Sunsets and Dolphin Tours posted on their Facebook page that they and other local captains saw that local marine life was becoming depleted on local sandbars over several weeks.

"We do marine tours of the sandbars and I couldn’t believe how many

urchins had disappeared in a short time,” Capt. Joey Sweet said.

Capt. Joey and Jeana Sweet own and operate Sweet Sunsets Dolphin Tours, and along with Cortez charter Capt. Kathe Fannon and her daughter, Capt. Katie Scarlett Tupin, observed groups of boaters taking what appeared to them to be protected species of marine life.

“It’s been many months of us watching what’s going on and calling FWC,” Sweet said. “We got photos and FWC responded last week.”

"This affects our whole ecosystem when certain species disappear,” he said.

The FWC did not respond to requests for information by press time.

Piney Point pond approaching closure

The Piney Point site is one step closer to closure, the Department of Environmental Protection says.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

PALMETTO – The closure procedures for Piney Point continue with the recent installation of a liner over one of the storage ponds, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)’s July update.

Project contractor Forgen LLC

is working with court-appointed receiver Herb Donica to complete the closure of the pond, designed to store contaminated water at the former phosphate plant, including placing soil and grass over the area so that it will no longer accumulate rainwater, according to FDEP.

Another pond still holds about 229 million gallons of contaminated water. Manatee County’s Underground Injection Control Well on Buckeye Road began receiving non-hazardous industrial wastewater from the site on April 4 for disposal, according to the

report. To date, 54,736,870 gallons have been transferred.

“This project is one critical element of the necessary water disposal that will enable the ultimate closure of the Piney Point facility once and for all, permanently eliminating the threat from this site to the environment and the community,” according to FDEP. In April 2021, a breach in the outer wall of one of the Piney Point ponds resulted in approximately 215 million gallons of water containing high levels of nitrogen and phosphate being discharged into nearby waters.

A recent study showed that the spill, which contributed to algae blooms and red tide in Tampa Bay waterways, spread to a larger area than originally thought. According to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), a chemical signature from the spill was found more than 30 miles away, in St. Joseph Sound, near Tarpon Springs. The next update is scheduled to be released on Friday, Aug. 4. Residents can find the latest information on the status of the site at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/PineyPointUpdate.

CAPT. KATIE SCARLETT BOAT TOURS | SUBMITTED

Local charter Capt. Katie Scarlett posted photos of a poaching investigation on her Facebook page.

The value of a renovated home

Most homebuyers today want to buy a home, but very few want to buy a project. Nice work if you can get it, but even in our slightly leveling-off market, it may not be so easy.

Unfortunately for buyers, there is still a lack of inventory in most markets around the country. Our local market is no different with only a 2.7-month supply of available properties as of the end of May, higher than last year but still well below a 6-month availability, which is considered a healthy market.

The challenge for buyers has a lot to do with increased mortgage rates. Purchasing a home that is fully renovated may cost more but if the buyer is qualified, this additional cost can be financed and become part of the overall underlying mortgage. Even at today’s higher rates, 6.67% on average at the end of June, it’s still better to have the work done before purchase than to renovate after purchasing. Coming up with the cash to

Castles in the Sand

renovate or finance the renovation is also subject to today’s higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms.

The challenge for sellers is that they are no longer getting multiple offers on their property no matter what condition it’s in. According to the National Association of Realtors, sellers are receiving an average of three offers now, compared with around six a year ago. The consensus is that renovated properties sell quicker than unrenovated properties, which appears to be true for both primary homes and second homes.

Real estate professionals feel that anything that sits on the market for more

than a month is usually either overpriced or in need of significant repairs or updates. In Manatee County as of the end of May, single-family homes were in contract an average of 32 days from listing. How long a property is on the market can be influenced by a variety of factors. Here in Florida, the season is a major factor. The market traditionally slows down in the summer, so there are fewer buyers in the pool. That said, some buyers simply have no choice but to purchase a home that needs renovation.

Despite fewer offers on properties, the prices haven’t declined as much as many economists expected. Because of higher mortgage rates, current homeowners are reluctant to sell their properties, keeping the supply of homes on the market lower than normal. Home prices peaked in June of 2022 and declined until January of 2023, when they started to recover.

However, even homes that need renovations are still selling near the list

price or slightly higher because there aren’t enough homes on the market to meet the demand. Nationally, the median existing-home price fell 3.1% in May from a year earlier to $396,100, according to the National Associations of Realtors. Manatee County’s median single-family home price at the end of May fell by 6.4% to $515,000.

Buyers with busy lifestyles are less inclined to buy a home requiring major renovations. This is especially true for many buyers in our area who are second homeowners and live out of state. It’s difficult to manage a home renovation when you’re local but almost impossible from 1,000 miles away.

Nevertheless, if you’re in the market for a project, and have the funds to renovate and manage the project, you may be able to come out ahead. Picking your kitchen cabinets and bathroom tile does have an advantage and is nice work if you can get it.

LOUISE BOLGER

Free trees available next week BEACH BEAT

Keep Manatee Beautiful in partnership with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 2023 Free Tree Giveaway on Monday, July 17 from noon-5 p.m. and Tuesday, July 18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive N. in Holmes Beach. The three trees to choose from include:

PIGEON PLUM

Moderate-growing evergreen tree with a

dense, columnar canopy producing small white flowers in the spring. These trees will grow to 15-25 feet with a spread of 20-35 feet. This native tree produces fruits that ripen in late summer and fall and attracts birds.

SILVER BUTTONWOOD

Buttonwoods can reach a height of 15-20 feet and the leaf surface is dark green and leathery. The silver buttonwood is a

variety characterized by its silver-colored leaves and is especially popular in landscaping because it is relatively low-maintenance.

THATCH PALM

This native palm is a very slow grower, with an ultimate height of about 15-20 feet, with weepy fan leaves and a narrow grey trunk. Flowers are followed by green round fruit that turns white when ripe.

BRADENTON BEACH

6/30, 8:29 p.m., disturbance, 2650 Gulf Drive S. The officer responded to the Coquina Beach South jetty in reference to a physical disturbance. A father and son fishing on the beach said they were involved in an altercation with a juvenile fishing nearby after the wind caused their fishing lines to become tangled. The father and son said the juvenile began a verbal altercation, then began to posture as if he wanted to fight. No arrests were made, but the officer had the juvenile call his parents, and both parties agreed to leave the area in separate directions.

HOLMES BEACH

6/28, 9:54 p.m., trespass warning, 505 Manatee Ave. The officer was dispatched to Publix in reference to a suspicious

man sleeping on the sidewalk. HBPD had already encountered the man twice that day. By the time the officer arrived, the man had already left, and the Publix manager believed he had walked to the Publix Liquor Store and Pharmacy. When the officer arrived at the liquor store, he found the man sleeping behind the building. The manager asked the officer to trespass the man from both Publix properties, which was done. The man said he understood he would be arrested if he returned, and no further action was taken.

7/1, 9:42 p.m., trespass warning, 3007 Gulf Drive N. The officer responded to the Anchor Inn in reference to a fight. The manager told the officer the subject was involved in a fight and he wanted the man trespassed from the property. The officer said the subject was very uncooperative and refused any assistance from law enforcement. He was told he was trespassed from the bar, along with his girlfriend.

New sex offender report: William Lambert Davenport, 68, 306 55th St., Holmes Beach.

Balanced eating

Brian Mathae

he U.S. Department of Agriculture advises that healthy eating consists of a variety of foods. Grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables are all important sources of nutrients we need to be our best. It is recommended that half of your meal be comprised of fruits and vegetables. This can be a lofty goal, especially when dining out. So, when eating at home, you may want to consider vegetarian recipes to balance those meals out.

Vegetables are lower in fat and calories which can help you with weight maintenance or weight loss goals. Vegetables are important sources of many nutrients including folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Adding vegetables to your diet also helps increase fiber and potassium consumption, which is lacking in many people. Potassium can help maintain healthy blood pressure, so simple diet changes can have significant health benefits. I need to explore this more for myself - owning and operating a restaurant does not help maintain healthy blood pressure! There are also many other benefits from an overall healthy diet.

I’m of an age that I grew up eating meals comprised primarily of proteins and carbohydrates. I recall plain salads made of chopped iceberg lettuce and a diced tomato with some store-bought

creamy salad dressings, and potatoes or frozen peas and carrots as our vegetable servings. None were particularly inspiring to eat. Other than when being served creamed spinach, I don’t recall many times as a kid being told to stay at the dinner table until I ate all my vegetables. Oddly, spinach is now one of my favorite vegetables. While I am healthy, “a few of my numbers” are creeping up according to my doctor and I realize that my old ways must change - at least somewhat. I just need the willpower to overcome bad habits. I’m impressed when I see younger generations regularly make educated, healthy decisions. There are plenty of helpful free resources like MyPlate.gov to give all of us the latest information and support. Just choose your sources of in-

formation carefully as the food industry, including vegetables, can be subject to great corporate influence and marketing campaigns. Take, for example, kale. At one time it was used by restaurants and caterers to enhance the display of other foods. Thanks to some guerrilla marketing in the 2010s by a single individual who happened to love eating it, kale became something everyone wanted to eat. Health guru and food magazine endorsements all propelled kale to the top of the market even though studies have shown it's down the list in terms of nutrient density. Yet it’s still better than not eating any vegetables. Find what works for you but keep exploring to make your food choices fun and interesting. We hope you find your food balance.

Ratatouille (4-6 Servings)

Ingredients

4 tablespoons dry white wine

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup roasted red peppers, diced

1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed

1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence

Salt and pepper to taste

3 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

1 large zucchini, thinly sliced

1 small Japanese eggplant, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (optional)

1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh thyme leaves

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 F. In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the wine and tomato paste until completely blended. Add roasted red peppers, basil, garlic, Herbs de Provence, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix well and spread in an even layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Alternating each vegetable, place the sliced tomato, zucchini and eggplant skin side up vertically along the edge of the dish. Continue placing in a spiral fashion until the baking dish is full. Drizzle oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with thyme. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake just until the vegetables are turning tender and the liquid is bubbling. Uncover and bake for about 30 minutes more. If adding cheese to the dish, remove the uncovered dish from the oven after 20 minutes, sprinkle cheese over top and return to the oven for the remaining 10 minutes. Check frequently to ensure the cheese does not burn. Remove from oven and let rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

HURRICANE HANKS

Going green on the Fourth

From left, Quentin Talbert and Debi and Dave Richardson won the Key Royale Club Annual Fourth of July Tournament with Art McMillan (not pictured) in a 9-hole scramble with a score of 27 (5 under par). Fifty-six golfers played in the tournament under warm and sunny conditions. In second place was the team of Adam, Karen and Scott Mitchell and Chuck Patrick at 28 (4 under par). Finishing third was the team of Mike Clements, Ken Nagengast, Sean Purcell and Debi Wohlers with a score of 29 (3 under par). Long drive was won by Debi Wohlers for the ladies and Chris Nelson captured the honors for the men. Art McMillan won closest to the pin on Hole #3 at 3 feet. In the putting contest, Jody Maleeny bested all the ladies and Chuck Patrick did the same for the men. Just for fun, Joe Coyne, Roger Rottschafer and Chris and Tom Nelson won the team Corn Hole contest in a playoff while Mike Clements, Ken Nagengast, Sean Purcell and Debi Wohlers won the Family Feud contest. After the event, all enjoyed the cookout of burgers, dogs, chicken, salads and desserts under the club's new pergola on the patio.

Banks Home Lending Team gets first win

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – In the blazing heat of the Fourth of July week weather, the adult co-ed flag football league played last Thursday night pushing past mid-season match-ups.

In the final game of the night, The Banks Home Lending Team earned their first win against the Solid Rock Construction team with a final score of 46-29. Favored to finish the game victorious, Solid Rock’s mistakes paved the way for their opponent.

After four games, three teams are in the middle of the pack with 2-2-0 records. Teams Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, Cortez Deep Sea Fishing and Salty Printing all go into Thursday night’s games hoping to break away.

The three teams are chasing The Moss Builders team. Their win against the Salty Printing squad puts the team ranked second just under Luxury Services.

Luxury Services easily won against Gulf Drive Café, winning by 17 points. Both team’s quarterbacks showed impressive cool under pressure under the beating sun.

With four touchdown passes, team captain and Luxury Services QB outthrew Gulf Drives’ quarterback, Dominick Otteni, by one TD throw. Richardson kept the ball for himself on a touchdown run for six points, while Otteni played on defense with two key flag pulls.

Otteni’s scoring targets last Thursday night were Dallas Buchholz, with six points in the game, and Jacob Ferda, scoring two TDs from six game catches in addition to five defensive stops.

Despite strong defensive play with two interceptions for the Gulf Drive team by Meghan Mitchell and Kiatrell Zachery, and a QB sack by Steven Pavina, the squad just could not make it click on offense.

Off the arm of Richardson, Tim Holly and Alonzo Lemus each found the endzone twice for 24 points. Holly was Richardson’s main game target with 12 catches. Lemus followed close with eight receptions of his own.

In addition to Richardson’s running score, Holly raced into the endzone for six more Luxury Services points. He is also credited with getting to Otteni in time to snag his flag before the football left the QB’s hand.

Holly and his teammates worked to keep their team undefeated going into week five play.

Coming off their loss against Luxury Services, Gulf Drive Café hopes to improve on their 1-3-0 record.

With regular season play to continue for a few more weeks, three teams sit at the bottom of the rankings hoping to position themselves for playoffs. Gulf Drive Café shares the single win record with The Banks

Home Lending Team and Solid Rock Construction.

Gulf Drive faces Solid Rock this Thursday at 7 p.m. while The Banks Home Lending Team plays team Moss Builders in the last game of the night.

Kicking off the flag football action this week, Salty Printing hopes to improve its record against the Sandbar team. The 8 p.m. game has current top seed Luxury Services defending its undefeated record against the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing squad.

Anna Maria

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Luxury Services’ Alonzo Lemus focuses on the endzone catch while under the pressure of Jacob Ferda defending for Gulf Drive Café at the Island’s community center.

FUN IN THE SUN

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

BOAT SLIP WANTED

IN SEARCH OF BOAT SLIP for rent or sale (preferably with lift)

Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team KW on the Water 941799-9299

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?

Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

CLEANING SERVICE

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

EMPLOYMENT

JOB OPENING for Permanent Jewelry Tech and Sales Associate at Island Jewelry Boutique. Will Train. Email us at Lauren. islandcharms@gmail.com

The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a daily or 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 mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Cindy Lane, editor.

FISHING CHARTERS

CAPT. MAC GREGORY

Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783

U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

GARAGE/YARD SALE

HUGE YARD SALE Something for everyone! Saturday July 15. 627 Concord Lane, Key Royale Holmes Beach 8am-3pm.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941726-3077

RENOVATION SPECALIST

ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115

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

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995

Lic# CRC1332505

jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.

HOME

SERVICES

CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways, pool decks, concrete grinding. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.

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

SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

LOST & FOUND

LOST GOLD RING High School Graduation with PA on Top. Please call 941243-1444

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA

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

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

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

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

ANNUAL RENTAL – AVAILABLE NOW. 2BR/1BA, furnished. $4,500/month. First, Last, and Security Deposit required Call Sato Real Estate, Inc 941-7787200 or Email megan@ satorealestate.com

ANNUAL, UNFURNISHED RENTAL 3 miles from AMI in Village Green of Bradenton. 2BR/2BA, large great room and yard. Contact Sato Real Estate at 941778-7200 for showings and more information.

ANNUAL LEASE Anna Maria Island. in Bradenton Beach on AVE C 2BR/1BA, very clean ground-level 1,000-sf home/duplex only steps to Gulf beach. Presently unfurnished. $1950month plus 300/ month for electric, heat/ AC, trash and water. Non smoking and no pets property. Owner 508-4968480.

LOVELY, 2ND FLOOR DUPLEX for rent, 3BR/2BA partially furnished, can accommodate your needs. Washer/dryer. 5 minutes to AMI, quiet, safe. Rent includes all utilities except electric. Annual $2,800/mo. Will consider 3-month, 6-month. No smoking, Call Kelly 941301-9938.

BUSINESS & SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT PAINTING

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 941-201-2190

HOME SERVICES

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

Tim 941-704-7525

2BR/1BA FULLY FURNISHED newly renovated, 2 blocks to beach, Kayak launch. Great Location. $2000/mo. Call 941-7306349

VACATION RENTAL Anna Maria . 2BR/1BA with Dock. Weekly/Monthly 941-448-3184

TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION

AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/ Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941-447-8372, www.amitaxi.com GOLF CART RENTALS

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner Cindy Jones Sales Associate Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Katie Self Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Strickland Sales Associate

Martha Jones Robel Sales Associate April Green Sales Associate Tom Aposporos Broker Associate Joey Hutchinson Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate William Romberger Sales Associate Nancy Howle Sales Associate

Mary Anne Muniz Sales Associate Ben Bryant Sales Associate

Andrea Miller Sales Associate Brittnee Willoughby Sales Associate Diann Roberts Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Sales Associate