37 minute read
CALENDAR
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 29, 10 a.m. – City Commission meeting Aug. 12, 2 p.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 29, 9 a.m. – City Commission special meeting Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Aug. 4, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Aug. 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – City Commission budget work 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. Aug. 4, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Aug. 10, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing
ISLAND-WIDE
Aug. 3, 4 p.m. – Council of Governments meeting, Longboat Key room, Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto Aug. 16, 9 a.m. – Tourist Development Council meeting, Manatee County administration building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton Aug. 17, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board of commissioners meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY
JULY 28
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. 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.
Locals Beach Cleanup, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m. Reserve to www. facebook.com/AMILOCALS.
SATURDAY
JULY 31
Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.
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 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
AUG. 3
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.
THURSDAY
AUG. 5
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.
CARTS: Slow golf carts frustrating motorists
FROM PAGE 1
Unfortunately for Ruckman and others annoyed by the carts driving under the speed limit, there is little that can be done. Detective Sgt. Lenard Diaz, of the Bradenton Beach Police Department, and Chief William Tokajer, of the Holmes Beach Police Department, both said it is legal for the carts to drive under the speed limit as long as they are properly registered and operated by a licensed driver.
“Legally, they are OK at any speed, so there isn’t much any of the police departments can do about that,” Tokajer said. He added that there have been more cart-related accidents this year than normal, including a hit and run that left a woman driving a golf cart in serious condition requiring surgery.
“Because of the uptick in accidents, our department is currently running enhanced enforcement," he said. "We’re checking for seatbelts being buckled, child seat use and other violations. If you aren’t using the carts properly and safely, you will be ticketed.”
“We recently had a collision where the cart driver was ejected from the cart because he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt,” Diaz said. “We treat golf carts just like higher speed vehicles, they are subject to the same laws, so even though they may be going slower than people would like, if they merge into the bike lane to wave cars past, they are committing a traffic offense and will be pulled over.”
Tokajer echoed Diaz’s statement, saying his department will ticket carts driving in the bike lane.
The lack of golf cart rentals also is causing frustration for visitors. Jamie Carte, who is staying with his wife and two children in Bradenton Beach, decided to fly into Tampa and have a friend in the area drive them to the Island. The plan was to rent a golf cart since the family had no intentions of leaving the Island during their stay. Unfortunately, what should have been an easy fix became a big headache for the family.
“It took a lot of searching to even find a cart on a week’s notice, but once we did it looked like it was going to be great. It was parked in front of our rental unit when we arrived and looked brand new,” said Carte, whose experience took a turn for the worse.
“The second time we jumped on the cart, it broke down a block from the condo," he said. "The rental company came and picked it up then called the next day and said it couldn’t be easily fixed and no replacement was available.”
After being issued a full refund, it took the Carte family two days of searching to secure another golf cart, which left them to rely solely on public transportation for almost half of their stay on the Island.
He said the trolley, though usable, took a lot longer to get around in and the heat was something to contend with while waiting at the stop. Their gas-powered golf cart, on the other hand, was quick and stable on the road.
“We loved it,” Carte said.
A golf cart and sedan collide at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Cortez Road.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
Privateers hold ‘Christmas in July’ for a good cause
The Anna Maria Island Privateers annual “Christmas in July” fundraiser returns to The Drift In on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.
BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH - After not being able to hold the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Anna Maria Island Privateers were excited to resume their annual “Christmas in July” event at The Drift In on Bridge Street.
The event featured live music, a buffet of Island food, raffle prizes and more. While the event was a great party and everybody attending appeared to be indulging in lots of food and a little bit of rum, it was all for a great cause that the Privateers are passionate about.
“This is to help with the many things we do throughout the year. This is mostly to help with our Christmas families that we help in December,” said Dallas of the Privateers, explaining that proceeds will help families with children who may be having difficulties financially around the holidays.
A large food buffet was open to anyone attending for a cost of $10 and featured dozens of dishes and desserts provided by Privateers as well as local restaurants including the Bridge Tender Inn, Seafood Shack, Pizza Social, The Moose Lodge, Smoqe House and The Cheesecake Cutie and Cafe.
A lotto board and “booze basket” valued at $500 were also up for grabs with all the proceeds going to help Island children.
Even Santa Claus was in on the action, taking a break from toy-making and bringing his sleigh to The Drift In parking lot for pictures with anyone who just couldn’t wait until December. It was also a rare chance to see Santa in board shorts, sandals and a straw beach hat. He certainly appeared to be enjoying his Anna Maria Island vacation.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers with Santa Claus at their annual “Christmas in July” event at The Drift In on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.
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LANDSIDE
Mayor Dan Murphy proposes increasing annual stormwater fees.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy recommends, and the City Commission supports, maintaining the current 2.05 millage rate for another year.
The commission unanimously reached this preliminary decision during the Thursday, July 22, budget meeting that began the city’s annual budget preparation process. Later this summer, the commission will take a final vote on setting the 2021-22 millage rate. Murphy told the commissioners they could still lower the millage rate if so desired, but after Thursday’s preliminary vote they cannot increase it.
Murphy said the city’s financial position warrants maintaining the existing millage rate and there’s no need to increase it. According to Murphy’s budget presentation, maintaining the current 2.05 millage rate is expected to generate $2.96 million in total ad valorem tax revenues in the coming fiscal year. Murphy said maintaining the millage rate that has remained in effect for several years will generate an anticipated $358,582 in additional ad valorem property tax revenues for the city.
The revenue increase is the result of rising property values. Murphy noted a significant amount of residential properties in Anna Maria are non-homesteaded properties that are not eligible for the homestead exemption and other property tax savings – and a significant portion of those non-homesteaded properties are vacation rentals.
During Thursday’s meeting, Murphy also presented the commission with an overview of the city’s anticipated revenues for the 2021-22 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. In addition to the ad valorem tax revenues, the city expects to receive $740,432 in American Rescue Act funds.
Murphy also proposes raising the existing stormwater fee from $1 per 100 square feet of property to $3 per 100 square feet of property. That proposed fee is higher than the $2.95 per 100 square feet assessed by the city of Holmes Beach and lower than the $4.40 per 100 square feet assessed by the city of Bradenton Beach. According to Murphy, the proposed annual stormwater fees for a 5,000-squarefoot property would increase from $50 to $150. The additional revenues will be used to maintain and improve the city’s stormwater and drainage systems. A formal vote on the proposed fee increase will occur later in the budget process.
Murphy’s budget projects $375,000 in occupancy-based vacation rental fee revenues – an increase of approximately $50,000 from last year.
The city will also receive a one-time $500,000 payment from Manatee County for the installation of a marine education outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Mayor Dan Murphy presented his millage rate recommendation to the city commission on July 22.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Participants of the 2021 Anna Maria Island Children’s Drama Camp perform “Biome” at the Island Players Community Theater in Anna Maria.
Children’s Drama Camp showcases talented Island youth
BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA - After two weeks of rehearsal and education, the 2021 Children’s Drama Camp closed with two performances of “Biome” at the Island Players Community Theater.
The Camp is held by The Center of Anna Maria Island every summer and gives area children ages 5-13 a chance to learn all aspects of a theatrical production. Participants help design costumes, make set decorations, practice singing, and, of course, learn acting.
“I really like acting and singing, it’s really fun,” said Ava Harlin, who played Goliath Beetle, one of the three lead roles in the play about three animals who escape the zoo and travel the world searching for their natural biome, along with Elephant and King Snake. “It’s really rewarding to see the whole play come together. In the beginning, it seems a lot harder, but then it all just starts falling into place,” Harlin added, speaking of the challenges of performing in live theater.
“I’ve done this the whole nine years it’s been going on,” said 13-year-old Gabriella Gilbert, who has been acting since she was in pre-school, and played Elephant in the production.
“This will be my last year since I’ve reached the age limit, but I hope to volunteer and continue to work with the camp,” said Gilbert, who also plans to join her school’s drama club.
The production of “Biome” was more than 30 minutes long with more than a half dozen musical numbers and the children delivered their lines with authority and added plenty of personality that made this a genuinely enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
“We had 16 kids this year who ranged in age from 5-13 years old, but we had five kids that were five years old. This presents a challenge because at that age they don’t read yet,” said Pamela Sikkema, drama director for the camp. “We only get seven twohour rehearsals, so parents working with their children at home is really important,” said Sikkema, who is also a costume designer, and made all of the costumes seen on stage. At the conclusion of the 1 p.m. performance, the Island Players presented a check for $2,000 to The Center of Anna Maria Island. This money comes from a grant the Players apply for every year. There’s plenty more theater to come as The Island Players are excited to kick off the 2021-22 season on Sept. 16 with “The Savannah Sipping Society.” Tickets are on sale now and more information is available at www.theislandplayers.org.
FDEP: Allows rare beachfront development
FROM PAGE 1
The Jordans’ home is currently the most seaward home on that side of Elm Avenue and the construction of a new home at 105 Elm Ave. would at least partially obstruct their existing view. According to an email that Wendy Jordan sent Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, the Jordans were unsuccessful in their recent efforts to purchase Campbell’s property for $2 million.
However, according to the official records of Manatee County, the Jordans did successfully purchase from Steven Decker the undeveloped lot at 103 Elm Ave. for $500,000. 103 Elm is seaward of Campbell’s property, which is now positioned between two properties owned by the Jordans.
JUDGE RECOMMENDS ORDER
FDEP’s order references a recommended order that Administrative Law Judge Francine Ffolkes issued on June 7. Ffolkes’ ruling was the result of a multiday formal administrative hearing she conducted on behalf of the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).
In her written recommended order, Ffolkes stated, “Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is hereby recommended that DEP enter a final order granting respondent Campbell's application for a CCCL Permit to construct a single-family residence and associated structures seaward of the CCCL.”
The administrative hearing was requested by petitioners David Morris, Ling Liu, DAR Real Estate Enterprises and Richard Theidel in opposition to the FDEP construction permit and notice to proceed issued to Campbell in June 2020. The Jordans also oppose the FDEP permit but they are not named as petitioners in Ffolkes’ recommended order or FDEP’s final order.
“The structure authorized by FDEP’s CCCL (Coastal Construction Control Line) permit will substantially advance seaward the established line of existing construction,” the petitioners claimed in the petition for a formal administrative hearing filed on their behalf in August 2020.
“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,” that 2020 document states. CITY PERMITS REQUIRED
The development of Campbell’s vacant lot at 105 Elm Ave. will still require city-issued building permits. As of Friday, City Clerk LeAnne Addy said the city had not received a building permit application for that property.
On July 6, Anna Maria Building Official Luke Curtis sent an email to Mayor Dan Murphy regarding the potential development of 105 Elm Ave. Curtis’ email noted that previous determinations provided by separate consulting groups in 2017 and 2018 confirm that 105 Elm Ave. is a buildable lot according to city code.
Despite being considered a buildable lot, the development of 105 Elm could still be hindered by the fact that Elm Avenue currently ends near the Jordans’ driveway and does not provide direct access to Campbell’s property.
In his email, Curtis stated, “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 city commission.”
PRESERVE AMI
Assisted by Patrick Coyne, the Jordans recently launched the Preserve AMI campaign that addresses the Jordans’ efforts to preserve their own beachfront
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN This Preserve AMI sign was recently placed alongside the Elm Avenue beach access walkway.
SEE FDEP, PAGE 17
Holmes Beach leaders start 2021-22 budget talks
A proposed budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year is taking shape in Holmes Beach.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN
SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Budget discussions are underway in Holmes Beach and commissioners so far have only made a few minor adjustments to the proposed 2021-22 fiscal year finances.
City Treasurer Lori Hill presented the proposed $11,156,128 budget to city commissioners during a July 13 work session. In addition to the more than $11 million break-even revenue/ expense budget, Hill’s proposal also included $9,306,655 estimated reserves and carryover from the previous year for a total of $20,462,782.
Some revenue, including proceeds from the half-cent sales tax, state revenue sharing, and communication tax are all estimates until final numbers are received from the state, Hill said. Until the end of the current fiscal year, Sept. 30, the $5,526,635 in unassigned reserves/general fund is also an estimate.
Commissioners voted unanimously on July 15 in a special meeting to set the maximum millage rate for the coming fiscal year at 2.25 mills, the same as the current year and in line with what Hill suggested during the budget workshop.
Millage is the tax amount charged to property owners by the city for each $1,000 of assessed property value determined by the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office.
Despite proposing the same 2.25 millage rate as the current year, Hill said the city’s ad valorem revenue would increase by 6.93% due to an increase in property values.
The 2.25 mills rate is 6.24% higher than the rollback rate of 2.1178 mills which would bring in the same amount of ad valorem revenue as the current fiscal year.
While some commissioners questioned whether or not they could potentially lower the millage rate and still meet the city’s financial goals for the 2021-22 fiscal year to give property owners a tax break, Hill said that the city cannot lower the millage rate and still receive federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. Currently, she said she does not know how much funding the city could receive under the program, which will see funds distributed by state officials, or what those funds could be used for. Commissioners agreed to reassess their options in September during the two required public hearings for the budget when they hopefully will have more information on the possible amount of funding and its approved uses.
During budget discussions, commissioners reviewed areas where there are significant changes proposed, including in the police department, public works and outside agency funding.
Outside agency funding, which includes city contributions to The Center of Anna Maria Island and other nonprofit organizations on the Island, only saw a $2,500 increase from the previous year to a total of $27,500 but was a topic of some debate among commissioners. Ultimately, commissioners voted three-to-two, with Commissioners Jim Kihm and Jayne Christenson dissenting, to budget $25,000 for a contribution to The Center, one that would be guaranteed and not require commissioners’ to approve before it can be distributed to the nonprofit. The contribution is $2,500 higher than the $22,500 that has been given in previous years. The additional $2,500 in the $27,500 line item is to be distributed to other Island nonprofits at the mayor’s discretion.
The general government budget also increased by $4,000 after budget discussions at the workshop to allow for any commissioner who wants one to receive a city-issued laptop to conduct city business with instead of using their private devices.
The mayor and commission budget remained largely the same at $205,006, with $1,820 added for increases in elected officials’ stipends and $2,785 in increased computer and information technology services.
The budget for the Holmes Beach Police Department is proposed to increase by $374,105 to $3,990,311 for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Increases in the budget include the rehiring of a records clerk for the department, a position that was lost during the 201819 fiscal year and put off to cut costs in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscal years. It also includes the addition of another officer to assist in the promotion of Det. Sgt. Brian Hall to lieutenant and succession planning for the eventual retirement of Chief Bill Tokajer.
Other costs are the long-planned 911 upgrade that every law enforcement and first responder agency in Manatee County is required to participate in, the purchase of a new vehicle for the new hire officer, a new computer server, $64,000 for new tasers for officers to replace aging ones that are out of warranty and associated liability protections, $5,000 for five new bulletproof vests and $5,200 for the purchase of a new bulletproof shield. Tokajer said he hopes to recoup some of the funds for the bulletproof vest purchase via a grant.
The budget for the public works department is proposed to increase by
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN City Treasurer Lori Hill presents a planned 2021-22 fiscal year budget to commissioners during a work session at city hall.
SEE BUDGET, PAGE 15
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FROM PAGE 3
Chiles mentioned inadequate municipal wastewater systems in Manatee and Sarasota counties as one of many sources of the nutrients being discharged into local waters – nutrients that enhance algae growth.
“It’s not just one thing, it’s everything,” Chiles said, noting that agriculture, ranching and the use of lawn fertilizer also contribute to water quality issues.
Chiles then mentioned the recent Piney Point containment pond breach that resulted in 215 million gallons of nutrient and phosphate-rich water being discharged into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee.
“Piney Point: the perfect storm. The equivalent of 14 semi-trailer loads of fertilizer being dumped off the middle of the Sunshine Skyway. Make no mistake about it, red tide is a naturally occurring organism, but there’s no scientific question that nutrient loading feeds it like gas on a fire. The phosphorus and that nitrogen makes that bloom explode, and when red tide bloom explodes, all hell breaks loose,” he said.
“The nursery of the Gulf of Mexico has never more important – that it be healthy, and that it be able to be resilient and fight back and remove nutrients. We can do things in the marine environment with clams and seagrass restoration that clean water and promote those nurseries. Seagrass is where the habitat is. That’s where all the little marine organisms want to be.
“Clams filter water. Clams live 35 years and they are one of the very few things that live through red tide. They eat red tide. Clams eat algae and that cleans water. When you have a cleaner water column, more light gets through and seagrass grows better. If you want seagrass to do well, you plant clams and seagrass together,” Chiles said.
Regarding the larger-sized clams previously used for these restoration projects, Chiles said, “These clams are more valuable as a restoration clam than they are as a $16 appetizer in my restaurant. When they get bigger, they filter a lot more water. They’re sexually mature. They are predator-proof. Clams are the workhorse. Scallops do not live through red tide. Clams do.”
FUNDING CHALLENGE
“The mayor is recommending a $50,000 project to do clam and seagrass restoration,” Chiles told the commission.
He said he hopes the city of Holmes Beach will also engage in similar restoration efforts at some point.
Chiles said some other individuals in Anna Maria are willing to provide up to $50,000 in matching funds to match any additional funds donated by community members, beyond the city contribution.
“We are excited about the project and there are some other individuals in the city that are excited. They want to do a challenge. We will put a match out for another $50,000 and turn this into a $150,000 project if we can get the support of the people in the community” Chiles said.
“We appreciate your interest, we certainly would appreciate your support,” he added.
Commissioner Doug Copeland said he needs to see more definitive details before making a final decision on the funding request.
“Before you spend the first dime, you’ll have a plan,” Chiles responded.
Murphy and Copeland noted the commission already budgeted $50,000 in anticipated American Rescue Plan funds for red tide mitigation and seawater improvement.
“We’ve got the money earmarked,” Murphy said.
WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?
COVID-19 sharply on the rise in Florida
The Florida Department of Health reported 73,199 new COVID-19 cases statewide during the week of July 16-22, a 61% increase from the previous week.
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 offer COVID-19 testing and vaccination at the Palmetto Bus Station, 1802 Eighth Ave. W. in Palmetto from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays. Testing (including both PCR and rapid testing) and vaccinations (Moderna) are free, and no appointment is necessary. Visitors are asked to bring proof of Florida residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill with a Florida address. For more information, call 941-242-6646.
Vaccinations are also available at CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie stores.
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Dock, boat lift approved
The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board recommends city commission approval of a request to replace an existing non-commercial dock and boat lift with a new dock and boat lift at 402 Bay Drive South. According to the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, 402 Bay Drive South is owned by Kroons Enterprises LLC.
Parking spots eliminated
Five streetside parking spaces along the 200 block of Magnolia Avenue have been eliminated in order to protect the recently maintained stormwater infiltration drainage system below. Parking is now prohibited in those previously available parking spaces between 209 and 217 Magnolia Ave., near the Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café parking lot. Violators can now be ticketed and fined.
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BUDGET: Holmes Beach leaders start 2021-22 talks
FROM PAGE 11 $688,280 to $2,660,173. Planned spending in that department includes the addition of one new employee, an in-house engineer, $100,000 to repair 13 trolley stops and add two new ones, new phones and software for employees and rollover funds for lighting and landscaping at city center.
Mayor Judy Titsworth said that some of the funding for the in-house engineer position is planned to be recouped in lowered professional service fees paid to outside engineering firms by the city.
The building department’s budget is proposed to come in at $821,536, an increase of $191,960 over the current fiscal year. Planned spending includes the addition of a new employee, new computer equipment and a new server and $105,000 to be paid to LaRue Planning for services to the city, not including a payment of $27,000 for the final year of the comprehensive plan review which staff from LaRue is assisting planning commissioners on. The comprehensive plan expenditure is noted under the general government budget.
The Code Compliance budget is projected to increase by $50,197 to $640,863 to account for the hiring of a new full-time employee and the purchase of a new Ford F150 vehicle. Other line items, including professional services where officers plan to spend $32,000 less than the previous year.
Holmes Beach commissioners plan to host the first of two required budget hearings where the public is invited to speak and ask questions about planned spending on Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. The final budget hearing is planned for Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. The new budget will go into effect on Oct. 1.
Copies of the proposed budget are available to the public in the lobby at Holmes Beach City Hall.
Backyard hunting
An osprey on Anna Maria Island seeks land-based prey close to humans, possibly because fish in area waters are affected by red tide.
CINDY LANE | SUN
Alternatives to the beach during red tide are plentiful
Red tide may not yet be stopping people from visiting Anna Maria Island, but the beaches are far less crowded than they were a week ago.
BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND - As much as Island residents and visitors hoped the red tide event would continue to spare Island beaches, unfortunately, this is not the case. Beaches that were free from red tide just days ago are now showing signs of the problem, and beachgoers are beginning to suffer the effects.
“We went fishing yesterday and our captain said some of the fish go into the bay and get trapped and are dying,” said Kelly Heckard, who is visiting for two weeks with her family from Cincinnati. “Our captain also said the sharks can smell it and will avoid red tide areas, so the shark fishing is no good. We did, however, catch some red snapper and some mackerel, which we’re grilling here on the beach today.”
While some are saying not to eat the fish, according to Heckard, her captain said the fish they caught in the bay were safe to eat. As far as symptoms from red tide, Heckard said she and her husband both had some coughing issues and her children had both suffered some stomach problems and burning eyes, which subsided as soon as they got away from the water.
The water need not be tested or complex science employed for visitors and locals alike to know that red tide has made its way to the Island. On Monday, July 19, there were very few open parking spots at Coquina Beach, but by Thursday, July 22, there were hundreds of open spots, with entire rows being empty. Since most resorts and condo rentals tend to do a Saturday to Saturday rent schedule, that indicates people haven’t left the Island, they just aren’t going to the beach.
“We had already booked a couple of months ago and couldn’t cancel, so we said we’ll wing it,” said Danielle Obermark, who is staying on Longboat Key with friends Sandy Guy and Jacob King, from Auburndale, Fla. “I think the reports aren’t as accurate as when you get here. The reports I was seeing from Mote Marine before we got here said many dead fish, but we have only seen a couple.”
Obermark and the friends she is traveling with decided to take a break from the beach to spend some time shopping and dining on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Although they are staying in a condo on Longboat Key, they said there isn’t much to do there if you’re not relaxing on the beach. Anna Maria Island offers more off-thebeach activities, so it was worth the quick trip of 5 miles to be able to get a bite to eat and do some shopping.
“The breathing and the coughing, not having a clean beach; I wish we knew where there was a clean beach. We come here a lot and the beaches are normally so great, this is very different from anything we’ve seen,” said Guy. “We’ve been here many times, but this is our first red tide.”
While visitors come to Anna Maria Island from around the world for the warm weather and beaches, there is plenty to do on the Island and surrounding areas that will still assure an amazing vacation. Take advantage of your pool, which right now will be warm 24 hours a day and give you the refreshment you may not be able to get from the Gulf at this time. Shopping, minigolf, scooter rentals, biking, and culinary adventures will make sure your vacation isn’t a bust on the Island.
If you are willing to take a ride off the Island, you will find even more activities that will make your time in the area something you will remember for years to come. To the south, there are attractions such as Sarasota Jungle Gardens, where you can get up close to native wildlife such as alligators, exotic birds, snakes and reptiles – you can even hand feed flamingos. The Ringling Museum features world-class art collected by circus founder John Ringling. St. Armands Circle offers shopping and dining just 20 minutes from the Island.
To the east in Bradenton, you will find many attractions that will make your trip one to remember. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Palma Sola Botanical Park, Manatee Village Historical Park, Perico Preserve, Village of the Arts and Riverwalk are just a few things that are sure to impress.
While red tide is here, it’s important to remember that it may be affecting one section of beach and not another, at least in high concentrations. There are likely places that will be better than others, and doing a little research will go a long way in making your time at the beach the best it can be.
One of the best tools to find out the condition of the beach you plan to visit is provided by Mote Marine Laboratory at www.visitbeaches.org, which will not only give you real-time algae conditions but will also inform you of rip currents, weather, surf conditions, water conditions and any alerts that may be of concern. You can also call 1-941-BEACHES to get valuable information that will help you make the most of your day at the beach.
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Two days before this photo was taken there were no empty spots at this lot on Coquina Beach, but red tide is now keeping many visitors away.
RED TIDE: Causing fish kills, symptoms
FROM PAGE 1
Red tide-related respiratory irritation was reported in Manatee County at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach, and in Sarasota, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.
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.
Manatee County registered high levels of red tide in water samples at the Longboat Pass boat ramp and 10th Street Pier on July 19.
Levels were medium at the Rod and Reel Pier in Anna Maria on July 19 and at the Seafood Shack Restaurant on July 22.
Low levels were detected at the Palma Sola Bay Bridge in Bradenton on July 19 and very low at Key Royale in Holmes Beach on July 15.
Levels ranged from background to high concentrations in 21 samples collected from Manatee County waters. The FWC also reported high concentrations of red tide in areas of Pinellas and Sarasota counties and medium levels in areas of Hillsborough County.
Red tide-related fish kills were reported over the past week in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando and Lee counties.
Health officials 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.
Officials also warn that consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.
Gov. Ron DeSantis last week refused the request of conservation groups to declare a state of emergency due to ongoing red tide in and around Tampa Bay.
Five conservation groups filed a lawsuit on June 24 against the owners of Piney Point and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, claiming that the discharge of 215 million gallons of nutrientrich wastewater from the Piney Point phosphogypsum stack in Manatee County could be feeding the algae bloom. The nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus act as fertilizer for the toxic red tide algae.
DeSantis said the state had budgeted money to mitigate red tide, and that the tourism industry could be harmed by declaring a state of emergency.
“It would have been very irresponsible to do that,” he said, adding that the Legislature has appropriated up to $100 million to “mothball Piney Point.”
FDEP: Allows rare beachfront development
FROM PAGE 10 view while also addressing larger-scale concerns about the impact the FDEP ruling could have on many other undeveloped beachfront properties along Anna Maria Island's Gulf of Mexico coastline.
The PreserveAMI.com website contains an online petition that’s been signed by more than 1,000 people. The website also contains a video in which land surveyor Jeff Hostetler explains the permitting dispute and how the Jordan’s home was built for the previous owner according to the CCCL restrictions that existed in 2012.
When contacted about FDEP’s final order, Coyne declined comment and directed The Sun to the Preserve AMI website which now includes the headline: “Florida Department of Environmental Protection did not do the right thing!”
The website also states, “This rogue ruling could now start a destructive domino effect that could destroy our beloved AMI beaches, dunes, history, wildlife and tradition forever.”
In reference to Murphy and the Island’s other elected officials, the website says, “Now the solution to save our city of Anna Maria dunes and existing healthy ecosystem by stopping this new Florida DEP precedent is in Mayor Dan’s hands and all of our other local city of Anna Maria elected officials. Let’s see if they feel the same as we do about pushing new boundaries of construction into our dunes that the FDEP has until now protected.
“This is not just a local 105 Elm Ave. issue. This is an Anna Maria Island issue. Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, please unite with Dan to help protect and preserve all of Anna Maria Island,” the website states.
It also states, “Tell Florida’s DEP Secretary to do the right thing.”
SIGNS, SIGNS
The Preserve AMI campaign includes signs placed at and near the Jordans’ home. A visit to that area on Thursday, July 22, revealed two Preserve AMI signs alongside the Jordans’ driveway and another erected alongside the Elm Avenue beach access pathway. All three signs referenced Mayor Dan doing the right thing.
According to Anna Maria Code Enforcement Manager Debbie Haynes, the signs are legally placed on private property, but the Jordans were previously cited and fined $250 for a campaign-related sign placed on their property that exceeded the size allowed by the city’s sign ordinance.
According to a recent email exchange between Wendy Jordan and Murphy, the Jordans have requested a private meeting with Murphy. As of Friday, an in-person meeting had not yet been scheduled because the Jordans had been unavailable. In one email, Jordan noted Murphy is unwilling to conduct the meeting remotely via Zoom video conferencing.
When contacted by The Sun, Murphy declined to comment publicly on these matters. The Sun’s efforts to obtain comments from Campbell and her associates have not yet garnered any response.
FDEP | SUBMITTED Interim FDEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton issued the final order regarding 105 Elm Ave.
PreserveAMI.com
