Anna Maria Island Sun July 21, 2021 by Anna Maria Island Sun

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 21 No. 41

July 21, 2021

More property owners in Holmes Beach are finding structural issues. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

New structural problems in Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – A four-unit building on Sixth Avenue was voluntarily evacuated on July 15 after a repairman noticed structural issues with the balconies. Building Official Neal Schwartz said the issues at the building at 3400 Sixth Ave. could lead to a collapse, but that they were discovered before any other damage occurred. The property owners voluntarily vacated the premises until the problem could be assessed by a structural engineer and repaired, he said. All of the balconies on the building are compromised and will have to be replaced, then the building will have to be inspected before it can be deemed safe for habitation, he said. The building, part of the Fountain Head two-building complex, is mostly used as vacation rental units, Schwartz said. He added that while the exterior stucco is separating from the building on the south end of the property, the KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Caution tape warns visitors to stay away from the pool deck after balconies on the building were discovered to have structural issues.

Red tide reaching Manatee waters ... BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For the first time since red tide emerged several weeks ago in surrounding counties, Manatee County registered high levels of red tide in water samples at the Longboat Pass boat ramp on July 12, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report. Levels were very low at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria, at Key Royale in Holmes Beach and at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge in Bradenton on July 12. Levels ranged from background to high concentrations in 18 samples collected from Manatee County waters.

INSIDE NEWS LETTERS CALENDAR RESTAURANTS REAL ESTATE SPORTS CROSSWORD

4 6 7 24 26 27 32

SEE STRUCTURE, PAGE 31

... but are visitors concerned? BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

The FWC also reported high concentrations of red tide in areas of Pinellas, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties. Respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach, and in Sarasota, Pinellas and Lee counties. Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Lee counties. Some scientists claim that the discharge into Tampa Bay of 215 million gallons of nutrient-rich wastewater from the Piney Point fertilizer plant in March and April could be feeding the

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - As Anna Maria Island continues to experience a record-breaking summer of tourist visitation, the recent bloom of red tide in surrounding areas is of obvious concern to residents. But how are tourists reacting? The Sun recently reported on Hurricane Elsa’s minimal impact on tourism, with few tourists canceling plans to visit or cutting their trips short due to the storm, and visitors appear to have the same sentiment regarding red tide. “We have been following the red tide situation through your paper online, as well as Facebook pages and Tampa area news from our home in Jack-

SEE RED TIDE, PAGE 31

SEE VISITORS, PAGE 31

CAPTAIN KATIE SCARLETT | SUBMITTED

Tides and currents are washing dead fish into the Intracoastal Waterway near Longboat Pass, likely killed by red tide to the south. While AMI waters remained mostly clear Monday, FWC reports confirm that red tide is encroaching from the south and north.

FIND all things

THE SUN collects three statewide

matrimonial in The Sun’s Wedding Guide. 22

journalism awards. 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

GETTING back to fishing basics.

In Outdoors. 20 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

THE SUN

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JULY 21, 2021

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JULY 21, 2021

THE SUN

Sun earns three statewide awards The Anna Maria Island Sun has captured three awards in the 2021 Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest. Steve Borggren earned first place in the Original Local Editorial Cartoon category for “I miss red tide.” Judges praised its originality on a “broad topic all cartoonists are drawing.” The Sun earned second place in Website Excellence for amisun.com. Judges called it “A great array of news well displayed.” Eric Nalpas earned second place in the Reader-Generated Photo category. Judges asked, “Does Eric want a job?” Awards were announced at the Florida Media Conference last week in Sarasota.

AMISUN.COM

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Community sign gets commission blessing The community of Key Royale is getting a new sign. During a July 15 Holmes Beach commission meeting, commissioners voted unanimously in favor of allowing the community’s resident owners association to apply for permits to install a sign on the first traffic island at the entrance along Key Royale Drive. The sign is planned to have one side and a small landscaping spotlight powered by an attached solar panel to illuminate it at night. The association’s members had to apply for a special exception for the sign since community/subdivision signs are not allowed under the city’s current code and the planned location for the sign is in a city right of way. In addition to getting permits for the installation of the sign now that they have the commissioners’ blessing, the members of the residents association also will have to obtain a right of way use permit from the city before installation of the sign can begin.

Red tide presentation on Thursday’s agenda The Thursday, July 22, Anna Maria City Commission meeting will begin immediately after the conclusion of the city commission budget meeting that begins at 5:30 p.m. The budget meeting and the regular meeting can also be attended by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280. According to the budget meeting agenda, the commission will discuss the proposed millage rate to be levied for the collection of ad valorem property taxes. The mayor and commission also will talk about anticipated revenues for the 2021-22 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 and set the date and time for the next budget meeting. The regular commission meeting will begin with general public comment on items not included on that evening’s agenda. Restaurateur, businessman and environmental activist Ed Chiles will give a presentation regarding red tide. The commission will discuss its priorities for the state legislature’s 2022 legislative session. The city attorney will present on first reading an ordinance about buildings and building regulations and present the first reading of an ordinance about floods. The city attorney will present on second and final reading an ordinance that will eliminate five parking spaces along Magnolia Avenue.

Planning commission welcomes new member The Holmes Beach Planning Commission’s roster is full with the addition of new alternate Commissioner Lisa Pierce and the re-appointment of Commissioner Jim McIntire. The July 14 meeting served as the planning commission’s organizational meeting for the 2021-22 year. In two unanimous votes, planning commissioners re-elected Commissioner Greg Kerchner as chair and McIntire as vice-chair. Planning commissioners are working on a revision of the city’s comprehensive plan, an almost two-year endeavor that is more than halfway completed. For more information on the proposed changes to the comprehensive plan, visit www. holmesbeachfl.org.

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JULY 21, 2021

Construction completed on Gulf Drive undergrounding project

The removal of the existing utility poles and power lines will essentially complete the state-funded undergrounding project. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The initial construction phase of the Gulf Drive South utility line undergrounding project was recently completed. The city is now waiting on Florida Power & Light (FPL) to remove the above-ground utility lines and the concrete poles that support them. The Gulf Drive undergrounding project extends along Gulf Drive South from the south end of the Island to Sixth Street South and includes the connecting side streets On July 1, city attorney and project liaison Ricinda Perry told the city commission she hopes to soon have the existing concrete power poles and the utility lines removed by FPL as early as the end of July. As of Monday morning, the poles and wires had not been removed. The pole and wire removals will complete the final phase of the undergrounding project that is funded primarily by a $2 million state appropriation. In May, Perry informed the commission of a potential $365,000 funding shortfall caused by the higher-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The city is awaiting the removal of the utility poles and utility lines along Gulf Drive South. than-expected binding cost estimate that FPL provided for the removal of the existing poles and lines and other project-related work to be done by the utility company. Perry told the commission FPL’s non-binding preliminary cost estimates consistently came in between $360,000 and $390,000, but on May 17 she received a binding cost estimate from FPL for $1,187,029. Perry was later able to negotiate those FPL fees down to about $800,000. Perry said she spoke to Manatee County Financial Management Director Jan Brewer and was told it would be OK for the city to use about

$270,000 in previously requested, county commission-controlled surplus beach concession revenue funds to help reduce the undergrounding project funding deficit. Perry said she was also trying to broker an agreement with FPL that would allow the city to make installment payments to FPL in June, October and December for the pole and line removal services they are to provide. The city and the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency hope to underground the utility lines from Fifth Street South to the Cortez Bridge and those connecting side streets soon.

COVID-19 on the rise in Manatee County Concerns about COVID-19 are on the rise, as downward trends in the disease have begun taking an upturn. The Delta variant, a more contagious and severe form of COVID-19, appears largely to blame. The most recent statistics for Manatee County from July 9-15 show an upward trend, and officials advise taking precautions.

FROM JULY 9-15:

New COVID-19 cases 657 Percentage change from previous week up 85% New hospital admissions up 400% Total cases 40,602 Average daily new cases 66

Case positivity 15.7%, up from 12.6% the previous week Deaths 689 Level of community transmission High

TO REDUCE YOUR RISK:

• Get a COVID-19 vaccine • Wear a mask • Wash your hands • Avoid crowds; social distance • Clean and disinfect surfaces

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County and the Florida Division of Emergency Management have a one-stop shop for COVID-19 testing and vaccina-

tion at the Palmetto Bus Station, 1802 Eighth Ave. W. in Palmetto. The site operates 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays. Testing (including both PCR and rapid testing) and vaccinations (Moderna) are free of charge. This is a walk-up operation; no appointment is necessary. Visitors are asked to bring proof of Florida residency (driver’s license, utility bill with Florida address, etc.). For more information, call 941-242-6646. Source: Centers for Disease Control, Florida Department of Health, Mayo Clinic

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JULY 21, 2021

Live like a local Respect Wildlife

THE SUN

Center fiscal year comes to a positive end Thanks to a successful concert series and generous donors, The Center of Anna Maria Island will end its fiscal year on sound financial footing. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

Manatee

Please slow down your boat… I may be coming up for air. Anna Maria Island Sun ~~~~~~~~~ Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

ANNA MARIA – After weathering a pandemic and months of financial uncertainty, leadership at The Center of Anna Maria Island is finally able to breathe easy. Thanks to a successful four-part Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series and generous donors, Executive Director Chris Culhane said the Island nonprofit’s finances will end the fiscal year on a positive note and with a positive bank balance. The Center’s 2020-21 fiscal year ended June 30. Financial statements for the non-profit are currently available through the end of May 2021. Culhane said the financials through May only include the first show of the concert series, The Marshall Tucker Band. For the other three shows, he said the proceeds are not included in the May financial statements and that the non-profit is still closing out expenses from the final show of the series, which was held July 2.

At the end of May, after all income and expenses were accounted for, The Center came in with $26,290 in net income, fiscal year to date. On the revenue side of things, programs, including sports and the after-school program, brought in $377,942 fiscal year to date through May. With $224,146 in direct costs, that cost center ended the month with $153,795. After fiscal year-to-date general, indirect and administrative expenses of $456,282, operations ended May with -$302,486. To make up for costs, fundraising revenue came in at $568,834 at the end of May. With $224,649 in direct costs, fundraising brought in $344,185 to The Center, resulting in a net ordinary income of $41,699. After $15,409 in capital expenses, that brought The Center to $26,290 in positive income by the end of May. The Center’s end of the year financials are expected to be released sometime in August. To view the yearto-date financials, visit www.centerami.org.

THE SUN

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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JULY 21, 2021

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 Jason Schaffer 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

Preserve AMI signs demonstrate unawareness To the individual or individuals who defaced our beach pathway by installing signs in the dunes, fastening them to the nearest plant with zip ties, exhorting “Mayor Dan to do the right thing:” Who and where do you think you are? Urging anyone to “do the right thing” while violating the sacred dunes and sea oats – which anyone who actually knows and understands our Island knows is about as wrong a thing as you can do – demonstrates such a total unawareness of where you are and what it means to live here. You should just sell now, take your millions – we are not impressed by money here – and go away. I suggest Boca or Vegas. Mike Coleman Anna Maria

Keep the dialogue going As an Islander that serves as the at-large commissioner of the entire county, I wanted to clarify a few things regarding relationships with the city of Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach has been my home for most of the five decades living on the Island. I have served as city commissioner and mayor of Holmes Beach so I get where the city comes from on many issues involving the county. I was there

when all three cities complained that we were not getting our fair share of tourist tax to promote tourism for our Island businesses. I was there when we spearheaded the trolley as a congestion management program in 2002 after two tries to get the county to pay for staffing. I was there when the county paid for dirt to elevate the current Holmes Beach Park/city field when we needed it at no cost to the city. Are there issues now? Yes, we have a new commissioner that represents the district that we must work with for the betterment of all. Do Commissioner Van Ostenbridge and I have different styles? Yes, we do. Are they wrong? No, they are not if you look at the entire picture. A good example: Commissioner Jayne Christenson took the time to meet with myself and Commissioner Van Ostenbridge. She may have met with other commissioners, but I do not know. That one meeting established a relationship that gave me hope that we can work together on issues. Due to that meeting, Commissioner Christenson brought to my and Van Ostenbridge’s attention that she heard there is no one monitoring lights at Publix by FDOT/county on weekends, which is a big issue getting the Island traffic moving off Island. That one meeting prompted Commissioner Van Ostenbridge and myself to each

separately contact FDOT and see what we could do to help. FDOT contacted us and agreed to adjust the lights and it appeared to work better on the 4th of July weekend. They also educated us that FDOT does monitor the lights on weekends but understood it needs even more monitoring on weekends. Mayor Titsworth called me last week about a very important issue with Holmes Beach and I had an answer for her by the end of the day. I consider the mayor a personal friend for many years and will work with her whenever she asks. Do we have issues? Of course. What we do not want is to build a wall in communicating - lets break through it and work together when we can. I never get what I want 100% of the time but something is better than nothing. Manatee County has offered to help with disrespectful visitors that leave the beach with trash, holes in the sand risking birds and sea turtles and many other unsightly issues. Haven’t got a solution yet but reach out to us. We are all open to solve issues so that all can enjoy the beach and we can enjoy our home if fortunate enough to live on the Island. I have the love of the Island and always will; it’s my home. Keep the dialogue going with the district commissioner, myself, and the other at-large commissioner. Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach

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JULY 21, 2021

ON THE AGENDA

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.loc8nearme.com/florida/ bradenton-beach/beach-market-atcoquina-beach/6171244/ for more information.

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

JULY 22

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. July 22, 5:30 p.m. – City Commission budget meeting followed by regular meeting July 29, 10 a.m. – City Commission 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. July 21, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting July 29, 9 a.m. – City Commission special 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. July 22, 11:30 a.m. – Police officer’s pension board of trustees meeting July 27, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow MARKYOUR CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY JULY 21

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.loc8nearme.com/florida/ bradenton-beach/beach-market-at-coquina-beach/6171244/ for more information. Photo scanning sessions, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 to 8 p.m. Register online at www.manateelibrary. libcal.com/calendar.

THE SUN

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Polymer clay sea creature craft, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Register online at www.manateelibrary. libcal.com/calendar. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m. AMI Chamber business card exchange, Live Naturally, 5337 Gulf Drive #200, 5 to 7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members. Reserve to 941-778-1541 or becky@amichamber.org.

FRIDAY JULY 23

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.loc8nearme.com/florida/ bradenton-beach/beach-market-atcoquina-beach/6171244/ for more information. Full moon paddle, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7:30 p.m. Participants must have their own kayak or canoe and safety gear, including a lifejacket, flashlight and whistle. Reserve to www.eventbrite. com/e/160857439933.

JULY 24

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required. Music on the Porch Saturday Jam Session with Soupy, Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez, 2 to 4 p.m.

SUNDAY JULY 25

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes 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. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/ wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

TUESDAY JULY 27

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield. Family storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Ages 0-5, limit five children and five caregivers. Register online at www.manateelibrary. libcal.com/calendar. Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Register online at www. manateelibrary.libcal.com/calendar.

JULY 28

Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 2:45 p.m. tee time, 5:30 p.m. Bible study and dinner, $40 for golf and dinner, $20 for dinner. Reservations required. Reserve to www.roserchurch.com/ g4g/.

THURSDAY JULY 29

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Register online at www.manateelibrary.libcal.com/calendar. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY JULY 30

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.loc8nearme.com/florida/ bradenton-beach/beach-market-atcoquina-beach/6171244/ for more information.

JULY 31

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

SUNDAY AUG. 1

TUESDAY AUG. 3

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THE SUN

JULY 21, 2021

Local restaurant employee faces child pornography charges Island Grill employee Owen Hagan has been arrested on 26 counts of child pornography possession, as well as a probation violation. BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - A Manatee county resident and employee of the Island Grill has been arrested by Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies and charged with 26 counts of possession of child

NEWS BRIEFS Illuminated sign ordinance passes first vote Holmes Beach city leaders are one step closer to having new regulations for illuminated signs in residential and mixed-use districts. City commissioners voted on July 15 to pass the first reading of a proposed sign ordinance. Under the new ordinance, signs in the A-1 mixed use district and

pornography, a felony, based on two cyber-tips from Dropbox Inc. Owen Hagan, 27, also was in violation of his probation from a 2020 DUI involving property damage Hagan after missing a recent court date in May, according to a police report. Deputies learned that Hagan had recently moved to Florida from Ohio to live with his mother in a Palmetto mobile home park, where they executed a search warrant on March 17. The war-

rant included an IP address provided by the cyber-tip from Dropbox Inc. advising that a user named Owen Hagan had uploaded at least 11 video files, 10 of which depicted child pornography. When police arrived, Hagan’s mother advised deputies that Hagan was at the residence in his bedroom. During the search, Hagan’s iPhone 6 was confiscated by police after he declined to allow officers to look through it, although he had previously provided the password upon request. A further search of Hagan’s bedroom resulted in no more electronic devices

being found. A later forensic search of Hagan’s phone found multiple visits to dropbox.com with emails being used that matched email addresses found on the phone. It was also found that the user of the phone visited multiple known child pornography sites. In total, 26 files involving sexually explicit images and videos of children as young as 3 years old were discovered on the iPhone, according to the report. Hagan is currently in the Manatee County jail on a $650,000 bond and arraignment is set for Friday, July 23 at the Manatee County Judicial Center.

R-2 and R-4 residential districts would be allowed to be illuminated externally with a single spotlight on each side as long as that light meets the city’s requirements, particularly those designed to help eliminate the glow from beachfront areas during sea turtle nesting season. All of the existing backlit illuminated signs along Gulf Drive will have a sunset period of five years, including the erroneously permitted sign at the Anna Maria Beach Resort. The LED message board at that property will not be allowed to be used during the sunset period. After the five years have passed, each of the existing

backlit illuminated signs will either have to be removed or retrofitted to meet the new regulations. The illuminated sign ordinance has a final public hearing and commission vote scheduled for July 27.

age 12 to 17 and takes place from noon to 2 p.m. July 26, 28 and 30. Participants will learn how to start their babysitting business, how to work with parents and children, caregiving and safety, including becoming CPR, AED and first aid certified. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $85 for members and $100 for non-members. To register, call 941-778-1908 or go online to www.centerami.org. Classes will take place at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., in Anna Maria.

Buy-oneGet-one half-off select appetizers

$4.20

select liquors

Learn the basics of babysitting at The Center For teens wanting to start their own babysitting business or just brush up on their safety skills, The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting a threeday course. The course is open to teens

$3.15

select draft beer

Old Town Tram parking shuttle stops here!

$4.20

house wine

FAMILY-FRIENDLY NDLY YW WATE WATERFRONT AT T ER R FRONT FRO O NT DINING! DIN NG Happy ppy Hour from 3-6pm p daily y Great cocktails, delicious seafood and plenty of things that don't swim, too!

OPEN DAILY BRIDGE STREET PIER • Bradenton Beach | (941) 778-AMOB(2662)

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JULY 21, 2021

THE SUN

Reimagining Pine Avenue discussions continue The final report and recommendations are tentatively scheduled to be presented to the city commission on July 29. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The second Reimagining Pine Avenue meeting took place at city hall on Monday, July 12. A third public information meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20. The final study report and recommendations are tentatively scheduled to be presented to the city commission on Thursday, July 29, but according to Mayor Dan Murphy that date could change. Once that final presentation is made, the city commission, with Murphy’s input, will decide which recommended safety and traffic solutions to pursue and include in the 2021-22 fiscal year budget that begins Oct. 1. Contracted traffic engineer Gerry Traverso is conducting the $50,000 study of the expanded Pine Avenue corridor that also includes Spring Avenue, Magnolia Avenue and the connecting portions of Gulf Drive and South Bay Boulevard. Unlike the first public meeting on July 1, the July 12 meeting featured no discussion about transforming Pine and Magnolia Avenues into one-way streets – an idea that raised concerns from many who attended the previous meeting. “The purpose of this meeting is to gather data from you guys. You live here. You work here. You are the ones dealing with traffic, going to the busi-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Vehicles blocking travel lanes are among the safety concerns being examined in the Reimagining Pine Avenue study nesses and driving around. I want to hear from you the things we might have missed,” Traverso said as Monday’s meeting began. He then provided a quick recap of some of the observations and concerns previously discussed. These included intersection sightlines obscured by vegetation, parked cars and other obstacles; the lack of parking and people parking “anywhere and everywhere;” the lack of sidewalk continuity and delivery trucks stopping and blocking the Pine Avenue travel lanes. Traverso again noted the study area is shared by a wide variety of users that includes automobiles, delivery trucks, construction vehicles, golf carts, scoot coupes, scooters, bicycles, pedestrians and more. And he again noted there’s a limited amount of space to implement improvements.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

During the public discussion that ensued, Rick Lewis produced photos of a main street in Indianapolis that features two-way travel lanes and a wide sidewalk next to a protected bike lane. “I think it could be modified to fit our needs. You have to have a bike lane that’s protected. Fix Pine and maybe that will fix the other roads” Lewis said. Robert Kinghan believes the area near The Center is the most dangerous in the study. He noted the Magnolia Avenue sidewalk ends at The Center and there’s heavy vegetation at the corner of South Bay and Magnolia. “When you get to the corner there at South Bay you cannot see. Something needs to be done about that corner,” he said. Stacie Bulley said the presence of garbage cans, garbage trucks and

landscaping vehicles make Magnolia Avenue more difficult to navigate. “I’m not going to use Magnolia anymore. I’m just going to go up Pine,” she said. In contrast, Shari Dowling said she tries to avoid Pine Avenue at all costs, but she’s now encountering more traffic on other nearby streets. Janet Riley lives along Magnolia Avenue and she said, “That is exactly what’s happened. Traffic has increased immeasurably.” Riley said the four-way stop signs installed at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Gulf Drive in the past were a “godsend,” but they also created more traffic on Magnolia. She, too, mentioned the congestion caused by parked landscaping vehicles. Former City Commissioner Chuck Webb said, “Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue are thoroughfares. Magnolia and Spring were never designed to be thoroughfares and that impacts the residents in that area.” Webb said about one-third of the vehicles that pass through the Magnolia Avenue/Tarpon Street intersection run that stop sign. He said a speed bump was installed in front of his home on Magnolia about 15 years ago and it worked well until it was removed due to complaints made by other residents. Traverso said speed bumps are one of the few things that slow vehicles down. He said gradually sloped speed tables also accomplish the same objective. Frannie Kaluza said she sees more people parking along Magnolia Avenue and walking to the beach. SEE PINE, PAGE 12

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THE SUN

NEWS BRIEFS AMI Locals host beach cleanup AMI Locals staff and friends will be taking part in a beach cleanup on Friday, July 30 at Manatee Beach, 4000 S.R. 64 and Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The cleanup will begin at 4 p.m. and work north towards the 48th Street beach access. According to AMI Locals, if they get enough volunteers they will expand the cleanup area. An RSVP is requested at the Locals facebook page, www. facebook.com/amilocals and everyone who RSVPs will receive a free T-shirt. This cleanup is open to guests of the Island as well as locals, and a social gathering will take place afterwards. Businesses interested in participating can email marketing@amilocals.com and will be included in the AMI Locals information pages.

Privateers announce black-tie gala The Anna Maria Island Privateers have announced their blacktie gala celebrating 50 years of

fun and philanthropy will take place Nov. 13 at the IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton. This event will benefit local scholarships and feature seated dining, cash bar, cocktail hour and a silent auction for a donation of $150 per person. Tickets are buy one, get one until Sept. 30 and can be purchased at amiprivateers.org. There also are sponsorships available. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Kelly Sparkman at 941-545-7871. A portion of the proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.

Players season tickets on sale Season tickets for The Island Players five-play 2021-22 lineup are now on sale. The cost will be $110 for all five plays and can be purchased by calling 941-7785755. Single tickets will be $25 each but are not yet available. The deadline for purchasing season tickets is Sept. 1. Tickets will be held at the box office will call. The 2021 lineup also has been announced and includes: The Savannah Sipping Society, by

Jones-Hope-Wooten, Sept. 16-26, directed by Mike Lusk; Same Time Next Year, by Bernard Slade, Nov. 4-14, directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland; Blythe Spirit, by Noel Coward, Jan. 6-23, 2022, directed by Jeffrey Steiger; A Comedy of Tenors, by Ken Ludwig, March 3-20, 2022, directed by Preston Boyd; and The Psychic, by Sam Bobrick, May 5-15, 2022, directed by James Thaggard.

Chamber to host business card exchange The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will host a business card exchange on Thursday, July 22 at Live Naturally, 5337 Gulf Drive, #200 Holmes Beach. The event will be limited to 25 members and future members. This is an opportunity to network with members and learn about CBD products at Live Naturally. Advance payment and registration are required. Contact becky@amichamber.org, or call 941-778-1541. Payment can also be made at amichamber.org. If you would like to donate a door prize to be raffled at the event, contact the Chamber, and don’t forget to include your business information with the prize.

JULY 21, 2021

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JULY 21, 2021

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Beachfront homeowners launch Preserve AMI campaign A ruling expected by Thursday, July 22 could change the rules about construction seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Homeowners Wendy and Robert Jordan recently launched the Preserve AMI campaign, in part to protect their mostly unobstructed view of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. The campaign also addresses widerreaching concerns about the potential impacts of a pending Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permitting ruling. The Jordans and some of their supporters fear the anticipated ruling could establish a precedent allowing construction seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL), which in turn could impact beach dune systems, sea turtles and other wildlife. The Jordans own and operate the North Carolina-based Jordan Lumber & Supply company and several other timber-related businesses. In April, they purchased the beachfront home at 107 Elm Ave. for $4 million through their North Carolina-registered WAJ Rustic Vacations LLC. According to the city of Anna Maria clerk’s office, the home was previously registered as a vacation rental, but that’s no longer the case since the change in ownership. Before the Jordans’ purchase, some neighboring property owners had already filed a petition for a formal administrative hearing in opposition to a 2020 FDEP permitting decision regarding the vacant lot at 105 Elm

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The owners of this beachfront home at 107 Elm Ave. oppose the development of the lot seaward of their home. Ave. Owned by Fedora Campbell, that property is one of two undeveloped lots located between the Jordans’ home and the Gulf. Steven Decker owns the vacant lot at 103 Elm Ave., which is seaward of both the Campbell and the Jordan properties. Decker and his property are not directly involved in the permitting dispute. On Feb. 13, 2020, an application was submitted to FDEP on Campbell’s behalf seeking to construct a single-family residence on her property. On June 25, 2020, FDEP provided Campbell and her associates with a notice to proceed and a permit for construction or other activities. The FDEP notice stated those whose substantial interests may be affected by the department’s action could petition for a formal administra-

5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 | hurricanehanks.com

tive hearing. On Aug. 3, 2020, attorney David Levin filed a petition for a formal administrative hearing with the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). Levin filed that document on behalf of petitioners David Morris and Ling Liu (owners of 108 Elm Ave.), DAR Real Estate Enterprises LLC (owners of 109 Sycamore Ave.) and Richard Theidel (owner of 100 Sycamore Ave.). “On or about June 25, 2020, petitioners became aware that permit number ME-1341 had been issued to a neighbor authorizing the construction of a new single-family residence at 105 Elm Ave.,” according to the petition for hearing document that named Campbell and FDEP as respondents. “The structure authorized by FDEP’s

CCCL (Coastal Construction Control Line) permit will substantially advance seaward the established line of existing construction. By way of example, immediately adjacent and to the east of Campbell’s proposed residential structure is a single-family residential structure at 107 Elm Ave. Said residence was authorized by FDEP permit number ME-919 to be constructed to the existing line of construction. According to the CCCL plan submitted with Campbell’s application, the residence at 107 Elm Ave., and hence the established line of existing construction, is 270 feet and 249 feet seaward of the CCCL, north and south respectively. Petitioners specifically allege that as presently designed and authorized by Permit No. ME-1341, Campbell’s proposed structures do not comply with the applicable requirements and are not eligible for a CCCL permit. Petitioners seek a final order revoking Permit No. ME-1341,” according to the petition for hearing.

RECOMMENDED ORDER

In response to the petitioners’ request, administrative law judge Francine Ffolkes presided over a DOAH hearing that occurred during six days this past February. According to the DOAH website, Ffolkes was assigned to DOAH’s environmental and specialization districts in 2017. Before that, she served as deputy general counsel in charge of FDEP’s litigation section. On June 7, Ffolkes issued her recommended order regarding the FDEP permit issued for 105 Elm Ave. “Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is hereby recommended that DEP enter SEE HOMEOWNERS, PAGE 24

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This Spring Avenue sidewalk comes to an abrupt end.

PINE: Discussions continue FROM PAGE 9

“You have a good problem: you live in paradise,” Traverso said. “Everybody wants to come here to the beach.” Kaluza implied that living in paradise is becoming less appealing and Kinghan said, “Milton had a poem called ‘Paradise Lost.’” Jean Murray said she sees more parking taking place in the easements along Pine Avenue and she wondered whether the vacant lot at the corner of North Shore and Pine could be used for overflow parking. When asked about parking in general, Traverso said the existing off-street parking can be maintained, but that may prevent the installation of additional bike lanes and sidewalks. He also said the business owners he spoke with don’t want their existing parking capacity reduced. “There’s a 50 foot right of way and there’s a number of alternatives you can do. There are always tradeoffs,” he said. Participating by phone, resident Bob Carter asked Traverso about the study priorities.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Several different modes of transportation share Pine Avenue. Traverso said safety is the number one priority, followed by traffic and operational efficiency. Joe Richmond asked if the Sheriff’s Office is going to enforce pedestrian and bicyclist violations associated with any study-related safety improvements. “No doubt enforcement has got to be a part of the solution. We’ve got some issues with enforcement. We’ve got a lot of room to improve,” Murphy responded. Kinghan asked Traverso what impact paid parking has on traffic and congestion. “If you have parking, you will have more cars coming,” Traverso said. Nancy Gravely asked about the installation of

mid-block pedestrian crossings to address people who randomly cross the street without paying attention to oncoming traffic. Traverso said managed mid-block crossings are part of the study. Joan Voyles asked about shifting the Pine Avenue travel lanes. Traverso said shifting travel lanes slows traffic down, but speed is not the primary concern on Pine Avenue. The goal there is to make the traffic flow more efficiently. Pat Olesen said the solutions need to be convenient for residents. Barbara Zdravecky said the study results are not going to make everyone happy and the solutions will require a community effort.

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JULY 21, 2021

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J&J recalls sunscreen due to traces of benzene BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Attention beachgoers: Johnson & Johnson has recalled five of its popular Aveeno and Neutrogena aerosol sunscreens due to low levels of benzene, which has been linked to cancers such as leukemia. On local beaches, sunscreen is a necessity for most people, especially in the summer months. Beachgoers reach for their favorite product knowing it exists to protect them, so when the popular brands were suddenly pulled from shelves, some wondered if anything is really safe. “They tell you that if you don’t use sunscreen you’ll get cancer, then you use sunscreen and they tell you that product may give you cancer. I feel like I should just start smoking again, seems like I’m getting cancer no matter what,” said Jim Ayers of Cincinnati, Ohio who is visiting the Island with his family. The five Johnson & Johnson products being recalled are: Neutrogena Beach Defense, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport, Neutrogena

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JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Johnson & Johnson has recalled five of its popular Aveeno and Neutrogena sunscreens due to benzene. Invisible Daily, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer and Aveeno Protect + Re-fresh aerosol sunscreens. J&J said it doesn’t use benzene in the manufacturing of the spray sunscreens and is investigating the cause of the contamination. J&J has not released any information regarding how much benzene was found in the recalled

products but did say that levels were very low and no health issues were expected. Whether or not use of these products has resulted in serious health issues for consumers remains to be seen, but multiple class-action lawsuits are already being heavily marketed on TV, radio, print and social media.

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JULY 21, 2021

HBPD sergeant graduates Florida Leadership Academy Holmes Beach Police Det. Sgt. Brian Hall is joining an elite group of Florida law enforcement officers. On July 16, he celebrated his graduation from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Florida Leadership Academy. Hall, along with 38 other law enforcement officers from across the state, attended the four-week session at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Training Center in Sanford. The purpose of the academy is to help first-line supervisors in law enforcement learn to be effective leaders and prepare for the future of their criminal justice agencies. The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute is housed within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and affiliated with the state university system.

Holmes Beach Det. Sgt. Brian Hall celebrates his graduation from the Florida Leadership Academy with his wife, Patty, and son, Victor. SUBMITTED | HBPD

JULY 21, 2021

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Interconnected site plans denied for now Two site plans were submitted for commission consideration for the Shops at Waterline Plaza. Commissioners want more information before they consider approval of either. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Two business owners who submitted site plans for approval by city commissioners didn’t receive good news from commissioners but there’s still hope for approval at a future meeting. During a July 15 work session, Holmes Beach commissioners heard proposals from the owner of the Shops at Waterline commercial plaza. And while the two-site plan proposals were submitted separately, commissioners had a hard time evaluating one independent of the other, particularly because they involve alterations at the same commercial space. First up was the proposed site plan from the Shops at Waterline, owned by W.J. Keel Holdings LLC. City Planner Bill Brisson said the minor site plan approval was remanded to commissioners by Building Official Neal Schwartz due to issues with the site plan

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Both the owner of the Shops at Waterline Plaza and The Toy Barn submitted site plans for approval to the city of Holmes Beach. Neither has been approved as of yet by commissioners. submittal. Some of the issues, Brisson said, include an incorrect calculation of required onsite parking spaces, lack of dumpster size, screening and placement indicated on the proposed site plan drawings and a mystery spot of a newly enclosed area with an entrance from the adjacent Sunrise Lane that has no usage noted on the plans. Brisson also said work had been done on the interior of the building without obtaining the proper permits from the city’s building department. While the proper permits can be obtained from the building department after the fact, those permits will carry a fee three times larger than what would’ve been charged had permits been secured before construction.

The permit fees are based on the value of the proposed construction. As a result of the unpermitted construction, Schwartz said that drywall was removed from three units and electrical and gas lines were unsecured, requiring the gas to be turned off for an extended period. The lack of gas to the shopping plaza caused the tenant restaurant Eat Here to be closed to the public for a few weeks due to a reliance on gas in the kitchen. Schwartz said there are too many unknowns in the space for him to approve the minor site plan changes administratively. Since attorney Aaron Thomas, who represents both the owners of the shopping plaza

and The Toy Barn, had contracted COVID-19 and was unable to attend the meeting, his associate, Anisley Mena, attended and spoke on his behalf. Mena said the plaza ownership was awaiting city direction on where to place trash dumpsters and that the changes made were internal only. She asked that the site plan be considered separately from the one proposed by The Toy Barn. Rather than move the site plan approval to a first reading at a regular meeting, commissioners agreed to allow the applicant to resubmit with additional information and consider the site plan again at a future work session, the same response given to The Toy Barn and owner Travis Lantz. Lantz said he plans to work with the city and his attorney to resubmit his site plan for a future location for The Toy Barn at the Shops at Waterline Plaza. He plans to take up about 3,500 square feet of space in the plaza to house his business’s office and provide a storage facility for his lithium battery-powered vehicles during the off-season, when fewer are rented. The plans submitted to city officials also include the installation of a garage door to SEE TOY BARN, PAGE 25

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JULY 21, 2021

Five Magnolia Avenue parking spaces being eliminated The Magnolia Avenue parking prohibitions will take effect with the adoption of a new ordinance on July 22. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

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Avenue are expected to be eliminated later this week. Select Models Now The parking spaces to be eliminated are located along the east Parts & side of Magnolia Avenue, just Available Services north of the Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café parking lot. The parking spaces are being eliminated JOE HENDRICKS | SUN to preserve the recently restored The city of Anna Maria is in the process of prohibiting parking in these five spaces infiltration trench located below along Magnolia Avenue. those parking spaces. The new parking prohibitions for those five spaces will take Magnolia so that we don’t comeffect after Ordinance 21-892 is pact the material underneath But if we adopted on Thursday, July 22. anymore. It would help us with City Attorney Becky Vose flooding. It’s a very high-traffic keep parking presented the first reading of area. It’s a flood-prone area,” the ordinance on Thursday, Murphy said. on it, we’re July 8. Mayor Dan Murphy then The mayor said the recent flood explained the purpose of the reduction efforts also entailed going to continue to $ Manager proposed parking space eliminaPublic Works ON FANS PRICED 299.99 & UP Dean tions. Jones working the $Woodruff have an issue.” ON FANSwith PRICED 99 to $299 OR $29.99 INSTALL SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. BRING THIS AD INTO STORE FOR DETAILS. PRIOR SALES “On Magnolia, behindEXCLUDED. Ginny’s &WITH Sons to NOT COMBINED OTHERconstruction OFFERS. DAN'S FAN CITY, company LLC LIC#EC13004528 and Jane E’s, there’s a row of install a French drain that runs Dan Murphy, homes there. We had vertical infil- from Magnolia Avenue along Anna Maria Mayor tration put in when those homes the back portion of the Ginny’s were built eight or nine years ago. and Jane E’s. parking lot. The Since that point, cars have parked new French drain connects to time for the standing water ason top of the vertical infiltration an existing French drain that’s sociated with Hurricane Elsa. (drainage trench). You authorized connected to a drainage swale “It was pretty much gone withus to spend some of the ARP behind those homes along Magin 24 hours,” Murphy said of the (American Rescue Plan) money nolia Avenue. standing water produced by Elsa. to take that out and restore that, “It’s worked pretty well,” “But if we keep parking on it, which we did a couple of weeks Murphy said, noting the drainage we’re going to continue to have ago,” Murphy said. improvements have efficiently an issue,” the mayor said when “This ordinance would take handled an inch to an inch-a-half recommending the elimination of away five parking spaces along of rain and reduced the drainage those five parking spaces.

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Siblings and community assisting BJ Lipke after cancer diagnosis After recently returning to the area, BJ Lipke learned he has stage 4 cancer. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Former Cortez resident Rose Lipke has started an online fundraiser for her brother BJ Lipke’s newly-discovered battle with cancer. Last week, Rose Lipke, a wellknown local artist who now lives in Bradenton, created the “Help BJ Lipke Fight Stage 4 Lung Cancer” GoFundMe page. The GoFundMe page includes a narrative written by Rose. “A little over two weeks ago, my brother BJ Lipke was in a car accident. He suffered no injury from that but when they checked him at the ER they discovered a mass in his lung and some spots in his brain. Two days later we got a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer that had metastasized to his brain. He has no insurance, can’t drive or work and has started radiation

treatment to shrink the tumors in his brain. Chemotherapy is next when the radiation is finished,” she wrote. “BJ is one of the most genuine, kindest souls I have ever known, and he is stubborn and a fighter. In just a few short weeks, we – BJ, myself, my brother Jim and sister Julie – have had literally thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses to keep him in his apartment and get him into treatment quickly,” she wrote. “Many of you have already offered and given help directly and we are so humbled and thankful. We have only just begun this fight, so if you can, please help us help him with whatever you can. Thank you and please keep us in your thoughts for the long weeks and months ahead,” her narrative says in closing. When interviewed Saturday, Rose said, “It was a pretty hard blow. It’s one of those things where your life changes in an instant.” She said her brother was working in the Coral Shores neighbor-

ROSE LIPKE | SUBMITTED

On Thursday, July 15, Rose Lipke and her BJ Lipke shared a dance at Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub. hood as a maintenance man for Island Property Maintenance and his boss, who was following behind him, witnessed him get in a single-car accident while making a turn without ever hitting the brakes. “The CAT scan later showed he had two previous mini-strokes, but they couldn’t tell when they happened. We think he blacked out. He doesn’t really remember

the accident. He remembers being fished out of the car and that’s it. He went in to get checked for the accident and they found the other stuff and confirmed it,” Rose said. She said BJ spent the past two years living in Tennessee, where his son lives. He returned to the Cortez area about three weeks ago and is living in an apartment near the Cortez Clam Factory. “He had just moved back. I’m

glad he’s here because he’s got a lot more support here,” Rose said. “He’s just great human being. He tended bar at the Cortez Kitchen for many years. He was at the Clam Factory for a long time,” she said of her brother. “He’s got a lot of people here and so far it’s been overwhelming the number of people who’ve reached out to him directly.” Regarding the online fundraiser, Rose said, “He wants to stay in his apartment as long as he can. He can’t drive because of the brain tumor diagnosis and his truck was totaled. And he can’t really work because we’re going to be doing radiation treatments.” Rose said her 63-year-old brother had no idea he had cancer until the recent accident occurred. “He had Hodgkin’s lymphoma 20 years ago and beat it. He’s upbeat and fighting this and he’s optimistic and in good spirits,” she said. As of Sunday evening, the BJ Lipke GoFundMe page had received nearly $5,200 in online donations.

JULY 21, 2021

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

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OUTDOORS

JULY 21, 2021

Back to the basics of fishing Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

nglers today have a dizzying array of options when it comes to all things fishing. Super realistic lures, line that “disappears” in the water, “spot lock” trolling motors that hold boats in place, and fish finders that spot fish under, as well as 360 degrees around, a boat. There is a plethora of gear lining the shelves of tackle shops meant to dazzle and lure anglers. Even the basics like line and hooks come in many forms and colors, each promising the angler an advantage over the fish. In truth, experience has taught me there’s no special magic to finding the right gear for angling success. Instead, I’m convinced that concentrating on a few basic, timetested techniques will improve the luck of even the greenest angler. Whatever fishing means to you it doesn’t have to be complicated. Actually, I would go as far as saying, the less complicated it is the better your chance of success. Fishing means different things to different people. To some it’s the simple pleasure of being on the water with friends and family and "catching" is optional. To others, it's serious business and the outcome can make or break a day. Whatever your reason for being on the water and pursuing fish, a strong foundation will support your growing interests. Start by knowing the best tackle for the type of fishing you

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Jase Moore holds a snook he and friends landed on a recent fishing trip. do. Pick the best quality tackle you can afford, but not the most expensive available. I’m talking about gear that is properly sized, solidly made, and therefore able to survive the rigors of saltwater. Whether you’re using spinning tackle, fly tackle or bait casting gear, get an outfit that’s balanced. A balanced outfit means that the weight is evenly distributed when held just forward of the reel on the cork of the rod. This isn’t an exact science, but you’ll be able to feel if

one component is too large. An appropriate outfit is one that is up to the task of catching the fish you’re targeting, but no heavier than necessary. An 8- to 10-pound rig is perfect for snook, trout, redfish and other inshore species while a 20- to 40-pound outfit would be better for anglers hunting kingfish and cobia along the beach or bottom fishing for grouper, snapper or amberjack over offshore ledges and wrecks. The line should also match the

outfit you’re using and should fill the spool of the reel. The most common problem I see is reels with too little line that’s too heavy. This severely hampers the angler’s casting ability. Begin with the basics and then let your interests expand where they will. When it comes to deciding whether to use live bait or artificial lures I think artificial lures are a better choice, especially for beginning anglers. First and foremost, they are a lot easier to deal with than live bait. Live bait takes time to acquire, must be kept healthy and usually stays close to where it’s cast. Artificial lures, by contrast, don’t have to be changed often and can’t be killed or crippled by pests like pinfish. You can cover more water, testing different areas, water depths and retrieval speeds. My personal favorite is a jig, and while I now use mostly lead-headed jigs with plastic bodies, the original lead head jigs with bucktail skirts are still a great choice. My second choice would be a topwater plug. These lures require a bit of practice to master but are recommended because they cover a lot of water, and they attract fish with their sound and surface disturbance. Best of all there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a snook or big trout smash a lure on the surface. While admittedly, live bait can outperform artificial lures at times, on balance I think lures are a better choice overall. Whatever you use I highly recommend bending down the barbs on all hooks. Better for the fish, safer for the angler! Start with the basics and build a foundation in angling that will serve you for a lifetime.

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JULY 21, 2021

TURTLE TIPS During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and can disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand and level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can ob-

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struct or trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. • Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

BIRD TIPS During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

• Teach kids not to chase birds – if they’re disturbed, bird parents may abandon nests. • Don’t feed birds – our food is not good for their health, and it encourages them to fly at people aggressively. • If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close. • Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach. • Keep pets away from bird nesting areas; dogs are not allowed on the beach by law. • Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract bird predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife. • If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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Island Photography & DJ a family affair Anna Maria Island residents Dara and Chuck Caudill have combined their creative talents to offer wedding photography and entertainment under one banner, Island Photography & DJ. Together, they will coordinate the photography and music for your special day. Dara is a professionally trained photographer who combines the latest in digital technology along with an artistic and creative flair. She blends photojournalistic with traditional styles of photography. "A little fantasy mixed with a little reality," she says. "It's important for the photos to be beautiful!" Chuck is a professional musician and DJ on Anna Maria Island. In addition to ukulele and acoustic guitar ceremonies, Chuck provides live music and/or full DJ services for the reception. He provides state of the art sound and lighting. Dara and Chuck are true Island residents, so they specialize in beach weddings. The two know how important it is to have the right professionals for your day, especially if you are having a destination wedding. They were married in Kauai, and the people they hired made it a special day. They want to create that same memorable Island experience for you. Over the years, they have become friends with many of the couples they helped marry. They find it rewarding when those couples revisit the area and call them to get together. Both are fully insured and belong to many professional organizations, including the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Please check out their websites – www.islandphotography.org and www. chuckcaudill.com – to see what they have to offer. For more info, please email daracaudill@verizon.net or call 941-778-5676.

JULY 21, 2021

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DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

The Donahue family loves Anna Maria Island! This family from Arlington Heights, Illinois has made celebrating love and marriage on AMI a family tradition. They have visited the island at least annually for more than 30 years. Pictured, Kyle & Caitlin (Donahue) Weller, Laurie & Pete Donahue, Jackie (Concialdi) & Peter Donahue celebrating their anniversaries on Anna Maria Island.

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JULY 21, 2021

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

FDEP is expected to rule this week as to whether the vacant lot seaward of the Jordans’ beachfront home can be developed.

HOMEOWNERS: Launch Preserve AMI FROM PAGE 11

a final order granting respondent Campbell’s application for a CCCL permit to construct a singlefamily residence and associated structures seaward of the CCCL,” Ffolkes stated in her written recommended order. On June 29, Wendy Jordan sent a lengthy email to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and all five city commissioners in which she stated, “We learned before closing that our property was involved in litigation between several contiguous waterfront neighbors. We gladly joined the fight. We first offered the lot owner $2 million for her lot. She asked for $2 million and we met to set the closing and then she turned it down.” Regarding Ffolkes’ recommended order, Jordan’s email noted petitioners had 15 days to respond to what she referred to as “the unbelievable ruling.” Jordan’s email also said, “For those who immediately say, ‘You are only worried about your view,’ of course I am worried about my view. We paid for a view and it is in jeopardy of change that will ruin the wildlife.” When contacted on Thursday, July 15, an assistant in Ffolkes’ office who wished to remain anonymous said FDEP can follow, modify or discard the judge’s recommended order, and she wasn’t aware of a final order being issued. On Friday, July 16, The Sun received an email response from FDEP Press Secretary Alexandra Kuchta that said, “The department will issue a final order in this case on or before July 22.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Elm Avenue ends near the Jordans’ driveway and does not currently provide direct access to 105 Elm.

CITY PERMITS ALSO NEEDED

If permitted by FDEP, the development of 105 Elm would also require building permits issued by the city of Anna Maria. On July 6, Anna Maria Building Official Luke Curtis sent an email to Murphy regarding that property. Curtis’ email referenced a determination of buildable area report for 105 Elm that the Environmental, Consulting & Technology (ECT) firm provided the city in February 2018, before the current dispute ensued. His email noted the ECT report said, “This buildable area determination should only be considered a preliminary determination to ensure consistency with the city’s zoning regulations, but the extent of development on this lot will ultimately be decided by FDEP.” Curtis’ email noted the ECT report said, “The parcel was previously situated much closer to the Gulf of Mexico relative to its current position. The significant tran-

sition in the beach profile is due to beach renourishment projects that were initiated in 2002 in an effort to remediate major erosion along the shoreline. FDEP will need to evaluate whether the lot would be considered primary dunes which are subject to more restrictions.” Curtis’ email states the buildable area determinations provided by ECT – and a separate report provided by the ECO consulting group in 2017 – both confirm 105 Elm is a buildable lot per city code. Elm Avenue currently ends near the Jordans’ driveway and does not provide direct access to 105 Elm Ave. “Prior to any building permit being accepted by the building department, a development permit, along with a site plan – including but not limited to access to the property, sewer, water and electric utilities – will need to be considered and approved by the city commission,” Curtis noted in his email.

JULY 21, 2021

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

TOY BARN: Site plans denied for now FROM PAGE 15

allow vehicles to be pulled into the space for storage and maintenance from an access point on Sunrise Lane, something the residents of Sunrise Lane aren’t in favor of as discussed by their attorney during the work session. During the presentation, Brisson said Lantz also planned to use some of the business’s required parking to store vehicles outside the shop. He said when all of the required parking for the businesses and proposed businesses in the plaza was computed, he came up with a required 66 spaces needed, with 71 total parking spaces located onsite. That means that instead of the 18 spaces indicated in the site plan approval request for parking rental vehicles, Lantz would only have five spaces available for parking rental vehicles. The plans also include a small charging area for golf carts and other vehicles near the proposed garage access. To allow The Toy Barn to conduct its business in the plaza, Brisson said, requires a special exception because the rental business isn’t covered in uses allowed in the C-3 commercial district. To obtain that approval, the site plan submittal has to meet 12 standards required for a special ex-

ception under the city’s land development code, including the production of a traffic study to show how the proposed use will affect traffic in the area. Lantz said that because his business is primarily a mobile one, with vehicles going straight from one rental to another, he doesn’t feel it will negatively impact traffic in the area and that the garage door access on Sunrise Lane would only be used by his employees, not by renters of the vehicles. Another concern Brisson mentioned is the business negatively affecting nearby residential property values and the quality of life for adjacent residents. Lantz said he’s willing to install an attractive, quiet garage door and that his vehicles are all electrically powered, meaning they make little to no noise to disturb residents. Lena said she and Thomas would respond in writing to all of the commissioners’ concerns to help move the site plan approval process along. For his part, Lantz said he plans to continue pursuing the Holmes Beach location for his business and will be attending every meeting where the site plan is discussed to answer any questions from commissioners, city staff and the public.

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

JULY 21, 2021

Just when you think you’ve seen it all A

t the end of June, every waterfront condo owner in the state of Florida had what may have been the shock of their real estate lives. The collapse of the oceanfront Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, changed our waterfront living comfort zone from a little risky to outright dangerous. The question is, is this a temporary spike in the risk factor radar, or is Florida in for a sea - so to speak – change? According to Realtor.com, many property owners, at least in southeast Florida along the barrier islands, are expected to put their condos on the market. In the near term, this is going to have a big impact on the luxury real estate market. Frightened buyers will be more hesitant even at discounted prices to go forward with a purchase, particularly in older buildings, but newer buildings will feel the fallout as well. Since it will take at least a year to determine the reason for the building collapse, it will take at least that long, as well, for the

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER southeast Florida beachfront real estate market to stabilize. For those properties already under contract, buyers will be looking to modify the contract, insisting on the results of additional inspections before concluding the transaction. Going forward, we can expect engineer and building inspections of properties on the beach to expand, with specialists in this field being hired in addition to regular home inspectors. Overall, condo fees are sure to go up. Condo boards will be more inclined to hire experts to review work on the building structure and have them sign off on major improvement

projects. Some of these extra expenses may not have been budgeted for, leaving special assessments as the only option. I’ve talked a lot in this space about choosing the correct condo board and if this incident doesn’t reinforce that, I don’t know what will. Gone are the days where condo boards make structural decisions without a professional study, or at least those days should be gone. Anna Maria Island, thankfully, only has one tallish condo complex. The Martinique is a mid-rise complex with two buildings built in the 1970s, each having seven stories, built directly on the sand with magnificent Gulf views. After these were constructed, the zoning for all three cities on the Island changed so that no more high buildings were allowed. We can consider ourselves lucky that town commissioners at the time made this decision, avoiding high-rise condos lined up on the beach like so many other barrier island towns in Florida. So, what’s next? To start with, a task force

has already been created to investigate Florida’s laws surrounding condominiums and make recommendations for legal reforms to the governor’s office and state Legislature. Their goal is to determine whether regulatory changes could minimize the likelihood of another tragedy like the Surfside building collapse. Gov. Ron DeSantis has not fully signed on to the task force and is of the opinion that Champlain Towers South has been shown to have had structural problems from the beginning. Nevertheless, he left the door open as to whether he would support the outcome of the task force’s findings. Is this the tip of the iceberg, or the one-off event that we hope it is? Is it a teaching moment and a warning, or is it a knee-jerk reaction? Either way, never underestimate the lure of the ocean. Buyers will be nervous, but this, too, will pass, leaving in its place the possibility of better building codes and regulations for older buildings and new ones going forward.

www.amisun.com

JULY 21, 2021

OBITUARIES Jeffrey Mark Cappello Jeffrey Mark Cappello, 47, passed away suddenly on July 5, 2021. Jeff was born in Cherry Hill, N.J., but spent most of his childhood and teen years living in Palatine, Ill. Jeff graduated high school from Saint John’s Military Academy in Delafield, Wisc. From there, he attended Iowa State University before moving to Bradenton, Fla. During his professional career, Jeff worked as a financial advi-

sor for Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo. Jeff excelled at both sales and finance. Jeff was a very outgoing person who made instant and lasting friendships. He could meet you for the first time, and you would think that you have been friends since childhood. Jeff valued family and friends as he was always ready to help when needed. Jeff had a gift of storytelling and found a way to make you smile regardless of what was happening in your life. He was also an avid sports fan who regularly attended hockey and football games. Jeff’s favorite teams were the Tampa Bay

Bucs, the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff is survived by his two children, Nicholas Cappello and Emily Cappello of Bradenton, Fla; father, Roger Cappello, of Holmes Beach, Fla., and brother, Craig Cappello, of Bradenton, Fla. Jeff was predeceased by his loving mother, Patricia Cappello of Bradenton, Fla. A Memorial gathering will be at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd St. Chapel in Bradenton, Fla., is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

THE SUN

BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH

7/8, 7:35 p.m., possession of alcohol under 21 and resist/obstruct/oppose officer without violence, 5300 Holmes Blvd. Officers responded to a call of three juveniles drinking liquor from a bottle. One suspect was ordered to sit down while officers poured out the contents of the bottle but he refused and shouted obscenities at officers. Legal guardians arrived and took custody of suspects in lieu of arrest. 7/10, 12:53 a.m., trespass warning, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer observed a man in a wheelchair at the outside dining area of the AMI Beach Cafe. When the officer advised the man that the area was closed and he was trespassing, he said he had intended to sleep there. The man was issued a trespass warning and transported to 75th and Manatee Avenue. 7/10, 4:05 a.m., city ordinance violation/camping, 3300 Gulf

Drive. Using a thermal monocular, officers observed a man sleeping on the beach. When approached, the man stated he was homeless and had nowhere else to go. Officers advised the man that he could not stay on the beach and gave him a ride to 75th Street at his request. 7/12, 2:36 a.m., city ordinance violation/camping, 3900 Sixth Ave. Officers approached a man asleep at the entrance of Regions Bank. The man said he was passing through and planned to walk back to Kentucky. The man was given a notice to appear, informed of his court date and left the area without incident. 7/13, 12:17 a.m., City ordinance violation/alcohol, 4000 Gulf Drive. While issuing a parking ticket to a vehicle parked at 4000 Gulf Drive after hours, officer began checking the beach with night vision goggles. Two subjects were observed having sex on the beach, and in possession of an open bottle of alcohol. Subjects were issued a ticket for consuming alcohol on the beach.

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JULY 21, 2021

Manatee deaths in Florida this century

* As of July 9, 2021 SAVE THE MANATEE CLUB | SUBMITTED

Area conservation groups asked Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday to declare a state of emergency due to ongoing red tide and fish kills in and around Tampa Bay. Red tide appeared in the bay shortly after the March and April discharge of 215 million gallons of nutrient-rich wastewater containing nitrogen and phosphorus from a Piney Point phosphogypsum stack in Manatee County. The nutrients act as fertilizer for the toxic red tide algae. Dead marine life discovered since the discharge has included manatees, a threatened species that – only halfway into the year – has already surpassed its highest death toll of any year in this century.

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

Business As Usual…..Just A Li le Differently. If you’re looking to buy or sell in Perico Bay Club, or know someone who is, please give me a call!

Give me a call today if you yo ou u’re ’ree lookin looking ngg to Buyy or Sell on Anna Maria Maria Island Mari Islaand or the surrounding ounding ngg aarea! rea eaaa!!

Lynn Zemmer 941 4141 1-730 3030 0-1294 9 94

941.209.1542 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com 106 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

JULY 21, 2021

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

Island city changes lobbyist for 2021-22 Holmes Beach’s Florida state lobbying efforts will be condensed into one law firm for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Commissioners voted unanimously July 15 to accept a proposal from David Ramba, of the Ramba Law Group, to provide all lobbyist services to the city from Aug. 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022 for the sum of $3,000 per month. Previously, the Ramba Law Group had only

handled the city’s appropriations funding asks in Tallahassee with legislative lobbyist services provided by Dean Mead Attorneys at Law. Mayor Judy Titsworth said that while the attorneys at Dean Mead have provided good service to the city over the past few years, the new Ramba contract will save the city $30,000-40,000 per year in lobbyist service fees.

Top real estate producers for June 2021 A PARADISE

Sue Carroll - Listing & Selling

AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY

ISLAND REAL ESTATE

Josh Bernet - Listing Kathleen White and Erin Leathem - Selling

MIKE NORMAN

Tanya McCormick - Listing Billi Gartman - Selling

Marianne Norman Ellis – Listing & Selling

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE

REMAX ALLIANCE GROUP

Darcie Duncan – Listing & Selling

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE

Lynn Zemmer - Listing & Selling

FRAN MAXON

Sharon & Tim Villars - Listing Stephanie Bell - Selling

Cindy Quinn - Listing Christine Kourik - Selling

SALTY MERMAID REAL ESTATE Diana Sinisi – Listing & Selling

SATO REAL ESTATE

Jason Sato – Listing & Selling

WAGNER REAL ESTATE

Miguel Rosa – Listing & Selling

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

JULY 21, 2021

Duncan Real Estate stronger than ever after 20 years Owner Darcie Duncan looks forward to another 20 years of business on Anna Maria Island. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan celebrated her company’s 20th anniversary last week. In addition to being her birthday, Tuesday, July 13 marked 20 years since the energetic redhead purchased her office building at 310 Pine Ave. “I incorporated in the spring, but I bought the building on my birthday: July 13, 2001. I use today as my actual date. It makes you feel official when you own the dirt,” Duncan said when interviewed at her office on her birthday. “When I bought this building, nobody wanted to touch Pine Avenue. I knew someday this street would blossom and I knew I could not open a business without owning the dirt. I got my mortgage at a spring training game, shaking hands with the mortgage holder. I bought the building on a handshake,” she said. At the time, Duncan already had 11 years of experience as a real estate broker. “The industry was at a pivotal point and changing with technology and the Internet. I felt I needed to go out on my own because I was ready to change with it. I’ve sold real estate on the Island for 31 years now,” she said. Duncan Real Estate has 20 employees, but it started as a solo act. “I was all by myself, then I had one person come in and help and I grew from there. I had the front office and that was it.” Duncan has learned a lot in 20 years. “Learning to surround myself with the right people really helped my career. I had to learn about leadership and how to embrace that. I learned to treat people how I would want to be treated. You have to be a good listener and be available for your team. You’re only as good as the people you sur-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan has evolved with the Island’s changing real estate and vacation rental markets. round yourself with. My team is awesome and I love them. I have good managers that help me manage. We work together and we collaborate. The culture of my company is teamwork,” Duncan said. “My customers make me better too. My company is built on those relationships. I’m doing generational business and that’s something you can’t put a price tag on. I’ve also had a wonderful support system of friends and colleagues and mentors throughout my life.” Duncan has also learned the importance of getting away from work: “I love to go fishing. That’s my passion. I love to get together with friends and get out on my boat. That’s my happy place. I’m starting to travel more by RV and seeing more of the country.”

CHANGING MARKETS

Duncan has watched the Anna Maria Island real estate market evolve. “Back when I started, the houses were not as upscale. The demands of the buyer 20 years ago are totally different than today. Back then, a 3,000-squarefoot house was incredible. Today, that’s the average size for new construction. Twenty years ago, they were just ground-level block houses. Over the years we’ve seen that change because of FEMA and other factors. “Things were simpler and more basic back then. Now it’s all the bells and whistles – the

pool, high end kitchens, home offices and yoga and wellness spaces. You just didn’t have that 20 years ago,” Duncan said. The vacation rental industry has also changed. “In 2001, the Island wasn’t as developed and vacation rentals weren’t weekly rentals. They were monthly rentals and snowbirds. In the summer, it was our in-state people coming to their summer homes. The vacation rental industry was nothing like it is today, and we didn’t have half as many homes to rent,” Duncan said. Regarding the current market, Duncan said, “It’s the best it’s ever been. As far as sales, we’re on track for a record breaking year. With rentals, we’re seeing it slow a little as normal for August through October, but it’s still busier than past years and our winter bookings are looking strong.” When asked about her success, Duncan said, “There is no secret. It’s hard work. You get up every day and you do the best you can. When something knocks you down, you get up and find a different way to deal with it. I never thought I would be sitting here today saying my company is 20 years old. I’m really proud, and I’m proud of my team. Looking ahead, Duncan said, “I could see myself being in the business 20 years from now. To say I had 50 years under my belt would be spectacular – and learning that life/work balance will help me obtain that.”

www.amisun.com

JULY 21, 2021

THE SUN

VISITORS: Concerned about red tide? FROM PAGE 1

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

A sign posted on the staircase to access the residential units at 3400 Sixth Ave. warns that the building is unsafe and that anyone who enters does so at their own risk.

STRUCTURE: New problems in Holmes Beach FROM PAGE 1

building at 3402 Sixth Ave. is not experiencing any issues, though he said condominium association officials plan to have it checked just to make sure. The four-plex was constructed in 1984 according to Manatee County Property Appraiser records. Code Compliance Officer Kim Charron said the issues with the balconies were reported to the department by a rental agent who was told by a repairman that there was something suspicious going on with the balcony at one of the units. The matter was then turned over to the city’s building department. If Sixth Avenue sounds familiar, it’s because the north end of the street is where a balcony collapsed at a residential home in late June. That home at 4106 Sixth Ave. is still awaiting repairs, though Schwartz said no issues have come up concerning the structure of other homes in the area with a similar build. The Sun submitted a public records request to learn the name of the contractor who built the home, as well as the building at 3400 Sixth Ave. As of press time for The Sun, the city had not released the requested records. With structural issues at residential properties making some homeowners nervous, Schwartz said he recommends that anyone who has concerns or who spots a potential issue in their home, business or rental property contact the city’s building department for an inspection. He said it’s better to catch potential issues before they become safety hazards.

sonville, North Carolina,” said Janelle Smith, who is visiting Bradenton Beach with her husband and two children. “We come here every year and remember how bad it was in 2018, but we need our Anna Maria Island fix; it’s our home away from home. We hope it doesn’t stink, but we’re willing to take the risk.” “Nobody wants to see a bunch of dead fish and spend a stinky day at the beach, but from what I’ve seen this place is almost magic,” said Tina Scott, who is visiting Holmes Beach from Jacksonville with her family. “The hurricanes seem to run from the Island like they owe it money, and you have serious red tide south and north of here, but this is some of the clearest water we have ever seen and there isn’t a single dead fish or nasty smell anywhere we have been on the Island.” Scott is correct, there is serious red tide in Siesta Key and Longboat Key, and Tampa Bay is also experiencing a real problem. So far, Anna Maria Island has been spared the worst of it, but that is already changing, with the first Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report of high concentrations at Longboat Pass Friday. “We went parasailing yesterday and while we were a couple hundred feet in the air cruising past Coquina Beach, we saw a huge patch of brown gunk in the water a little farther out to sea than we were,” said Jaqui Jensen of Pittsburgh, adding that she would cancel a future trip if she knew red tide was present. “When we got back on the boat, we asked our guide what it was and he said it was the red tide algae bloom. When you see it from the air, you realize just how huge it is.”

We hope it doesnt stink but we’re willing to take the risk.” Janelle Smith Visitor

NOT YOUR USUAL DAY TRIPPERS

While not many tourists seem to be leaving AMI due to the red tide, an unforeseen effect has taken place. Some visitors to Siesta Key and Longboat Key have kept their condos and hotel rooms there, but are making day trips to Anna Maria Island to enjoy the beaches free of the problems associated with red tide. “My son and I are staying in Longboat Key, but it stinks and you start coughing as soon as you get to the beach,” said Sean Martin of Cincinnati Ohio, who added he had never heard of red tide until they watched the local news on TV and realized the cause of their beach problems. “We drove up here after talking to a guy that works at the convenience store we stopped at last night and he said to head to Coquina Beach. There’s plenty of parking and the beach doesn’t have a smell or a single dead fish that we could see.” With record crowds visiting the Island this summer, another unforeseen effect of the red tide could be possible overcrowding of Island beaches if Anna Maria Island stays relatively red tide-free while surrounding beaches suffer more. This could cause the already heavy beach traffic and parking issues to escalate, but there is no guarantee the problem won’t hit here in force. “It seems like everybody is confident that this thing will not affect the Island, but there is absolutely no reason to believe that,” said

Anna Maria resident Doug Fisher, who has lived on the Island for seven years. “It got us a few years ago really bad, and I think there is very little chance that we will magically be spared this mess. Pinellas County is a mess, Sarasota is a mess and we are right in between. Why in the world would we think we won’t get nailed by this?” Fisher is also concerned that if the Island doesn’t see the worst of the red tide, tourists from Siesta Key, Longboat Key and even the Tampa Bay area will flock to the Island for some red tide relief. “I don’t know which is worse, dead fish or a four-hour wait for a pizza,” added Fisher, who is torn over adding visitors to an already overcrowded summer while dealing with the physical effects of red tide. Whether it’s the Piney Point wastewater discharge, natural circumstances or a combination, red tide is certainly present in Gulf waters. How long it will last, what areas will be affected, how it will impact the economy, what that impact will be and how it will affect tourism are still questions that can’t be answered. But it appears that it takes a lot to keep a potential visitor from coming to the Island if they have their heart set on it. After more than a year of a pandemic, many think it’s worth the risk, and it will take more than a hurricane or some dead fish to stop that dream vacation.

RED TIDE: Reaches Manatee waters FROM PAGE 1

algae bloom, which was first observed in Tampa Bay near the Port Manatee discharge site. Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as

asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health. Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water, go inside to an air-conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds. Consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic

shellfish poisoning. Health officials also warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches, but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue.

THE SUN

SPORTS

JULY 21, 2021

Moss Builders tops youth indoor ranks BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

With fresh legs and energy-filled kids thanks to the tropical storm threat that caused a delay in indoor soccer play, the Shady Lady 8- to 11-year-old indoor soccer team looked to be the easy winner against the Beach Bums squad last Tuesday night. The team, however, appeared to lose its mental edge, giving their opponent the opening they needed to come back and win the game by three goals. Camden Rudacille and Jesse Zaccagnino did the scoring for the Shady Lady team, with a single for Rudacille and two for Zaccagnino. On the other end of the field, brothers Cale Rudacille and Jack Zaccagnino protected the goal with five and four saves, respectively. The early work of the Rudacille and Zac-

cagnino dynamic duos just was not enough to win the game. The Beach Bums scoring came off the feet of Turner Worth with two goals and Savannah Coba with three points for her team. Worth and Coba each had an assist in the win. Another dynamic duo, brother powerhouse came from the Sato brothers, Dylan and Brandon. Taking turns as the Beach Bums goalkeeper, D. Sato had five saves in the game and B. Sato made two stops of his own. In the second game of the evening, team Moss Builders retained their undefeated status, with plenty of season left. Austin Guess had 16 stops in the game for the Moss Builders team. Three goalies were kept busy on the Solid Rock Construction squad. The duos dominated again in this game with Chad and Liam Nunez in the goal. C. Nunez made a critical stop and

L. Nunez prevented a score twice against the Moss Builders’ offense. Isaac Roadman topped the goalie charts for his team with four saves, helping to keep the score of the game close. Offensively, the shooters were on fire. The Schneider family scored four of the six goals for Moss Builders. Jack Schneider topped the scoring with two points. Dean and Guy Schneider each had a goal. Putting more statistics in the books for the Schneider talented trio, G. Schneider had an assist along with teammate Aiden Guess with an assist and a lone goal. The talented trios continue to perform on the indoor soccer court with an Addie Guess goal to add to those of Aiden and the saves by Austin. The Moss Builders’ win cannot overshadow the work on the offensive side of the field by The Solid Rock crew. In addition to his action in goal, C. Nunez put two points

on the scoreboard. Continuing with the triple threat in the game, I. Roadman’s sibling Obadiah Roadman, scored a goal while sister Bella played a supporting role. The duo dominance continued with the strike and score by Solid Rock Construction’s McKenna Darak, while Madi Darak assisted her team. The two teams will meet again on Tuesday, July 27, with the championship game scheduled for Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, JUNE 29 YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER 8- TO 11-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Beach Bums Shady Lady

(1-1-0) 6 (1-1-0) 3

Solid Rock Construction Moss Builders

(0-2-0) 5 (2-0-0) 6

JULY 21, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Starbucks orders, casually 6 Carnival staples 11 Chance 15 Perform better than 16 Scandal-plagued energy company 17 Witness' promise 18 #1 hit for Jerry Lee Lewis 21 Squealed on the bad guys 22 Oscar winner Kazan 23 Lemonlike fruit 24 Grocery chain with a red-and-white logo 26 Like the Ninja Turtles 28 #1 hit for the Beach Boys 33 Vornado product 34 Landscaping tree 35 Peter was the first one 37 Application Answers to 07-14-21 Crossword Puzzle.

38 Federal retirement org. 39 Couple of million? 42 Farm food 43 Justice __ Bader Ginsburg 45 Get going 48 Have bills 49 #1 hit for Johnny Rivers 53 "Let's get together" 54 Best-liked, briefly 55 Kite carrier 58 Italy's Villa d'__ 60 One of 12 on a die 64 #1 hit for Jim Croce 67 Brit's kitchen floor 68 Abates 69 Threw in 70 Dispatch, as a dragon 71 Oboist's supply 72 Hired thugs

Down 1 Easy runs 2 General feeling 3 Dodge Viper engine 4 Slowly, in music 5 Drunkard 6 Genuine 7 Undecided 8 Advice giver on SiriusXM Radio 9 Canon camera named for a dawn goddess 10 Winter vehicle on treads 11 Convertible type 12 Tiny margin of victory 13 Another, in España 14 "__ what?" 19 One of a pair of cartoon slackers 20 It's over in France 25 National econ. stats 27 Grow fond of 28 Go from E to F? 29 __ a customer 30 "Soon" 31 Emphatic word of refusal 32 What salmon do upstream 33 Stole from a coat store? 36 __ contact 40 River through Dublin 41 Span. miss 44 Neighborhood pal, in slang 46 Attorney general under Ronald Reagan

47 Blows one's stack 50 Mohammad __ Pahlavi: last shah of Iran 51 Farm contraption 52 Engage in to excess 55 OPEC units

THE SUN

56 Mass transit option 57 Barry Humphries alter ego Dame __ 59 Mix, as salad 61 Extinct bird 62 __ Stacy: Spider-Man

love interest 63 They might be loose or tight 65 Ka __: southernmost Big Island point 66 Purse

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FISHING CHARTERS

BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com

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

AMI TURTLE WATCH needs donations & silent action items for our FUNDRAISER. We can pick up! Call or text 941-713-6531. 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.

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

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941565-3931

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

EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE at Island Condo. 40 hours per week. Good pay plus benefits. Call 941-778-5915

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

HEALTH CARE HOME CARE PROVIDER with Dennis Church a nursing assistant. 8+ years of experience. Licensed in Florida. SAFER at HOME. Call 815-519-3993 HOME CARE SERVICES with First In Care Home Health Agency. Serving Manatee County 20+ years specializing in senior care services. We offer consistency and reliability to our clients. Federal Level II background screening on all employees. Workers Comp and General Liability Insurance. Services offered 7 days week. Call 941-7468400. Phones answered 24hr per day. FL License HHA 299992454

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money. 941-778-3206

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 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.

LOST & FOUND

TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077

FOUND TURTLE INLAYED silver/platinum ring with inscription (Pease identity text to confirm). Found on Palm Harbor Dr near Manatee Public Beach. Call 540-312-5299.

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

LOST ON MANATEE BEACH. 18" herringbone chain (4mm thick, square link, round clasp, 10k) with 3/4" Spanish gold coin pendant. Please call 585-755-3894. Contact Dennis

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.

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

JULY 21, 2021

“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 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 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

REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE 11-3 SUNDAY New listing Perico Island single family home 2BR/2BA 2 car garage oversized large lanai with great waterviews, high ceilings, front porch, walk in closets. 11210 Sanctuary Drive Bradenton Florida 34209. Call Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group for showing anytime. $550,000.00

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 513-3821992.

AVAILABLE AUGUST 1. Monthly rental. Fully furnished newly remodeled., beahcy 2BR/1BA washer dryer. 2.5 miles to beach off Cortez. Close to shopping dining. Quiet area. Across the street from bay. $2300 mo. thru December . Call 941-773-1552. Deposit and cleaning fee. SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Updated 5 Star Condo for Rent- Available September October November. (Multimonth discount) Million$ water view, first floor, 2BR/2BA, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis (smoke free) marketreps@aol. com Boat/jet ski dock available

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

RENTAL WANTED

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095

SEEKING AMI ANNUAL RENTAL Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941799-9299

AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

SEEKING 2BR/2BA ANNUAL Rental on AMI. Would consider 2BR/1BA Long time resident couple (20+years) looking to remain on island! Please contact Brad at 941-7042357

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

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JULY 21, 2021

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