Anna Maria Island Sun July 29, 2020

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VOL 20 No. 42

July 29, 2020

County adopts mandatory face covering

The resolution took effect after it was adopted early Monday evening.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.comn

Rebuilding the beach

PHOTOSFROMTHEAIR.COM | SUBMITTED

The Anna Maria Island beach renourishment project is progressing south at the rate of about 300 feet per day, having passed Martinique condominiums in Holmes Beach last week. The Army Corps of Engineers is rebuilding 5.5 miles of beach eroded by storms and will protect buildings and roads from future erosion. The $17.3 million project began at 78th Street North in Holmes Beach and will end at the southern end of Bradenton Beach at Longboat Pass, closing portions of the beach during construction.

Permit parking approved in Holmes Beach Permit parking is coming to Holmes Beach and residents who want to park on the street will be required to purchase the permits, expected to cost $15 each.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners voted three-to-two to pass an ordinance enacting permit parking in some residential neighborhoods west of the city’s main roadway corridor.

The discussion featured one large change from the previous discussion – the cost of the permits for on-street parking will be paid by the residents.

Commissioners Pat Morton, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek all voted in favor of the second and final reading of the ordinance, instituting a price of $15 for each permit. Commissioners Jim Kihm and Kim Rash voted

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against the ordinance, both arguing that the cost of the permits should not be paid entirely, if at all, by the residents. Rash offered a compromise of giving one permit to each residential household with subsequent permits charged at the $15 rate. Kihm said he’d like the funding to come from somewhere other than an additional charge to residents, suggesting that if his fellow commissioners weren’t in favor of taking the money from funds produced from parking fines as previously discussed that the costs be paid for out of ad valorem tax proceeds.

Though commissioners had previously discussed increasing the city’s parking violation fine from $50 to $75 and using the proceeds to pay for the permit parking passes, Mayor Judy Titsworth said after further reflection she didn’t think it was a good idea. Titsworth said that using the monies derived from issuing parking fines implies that Holmes Beach police officers have a quota of parking fines that they need to write to pay for the program.

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County now has a mandatory face-covering resolution in place.

On Monday, county commissioners voted 4-3 in favor of adopting and implementing a county resolution that makes face coverings mandatory inside many business establishments and allows for certain exceptions. The face-covering resolution does not apply to outdoor spaces.

Commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Betsy Benac, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore supported the face-covering resolution. Commissioners Vanessa Baugh, Steve Jonsson and Priscilla Trace opposed it.

The resolution was adopted during the special county commission meeting at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. Monday’s actions were preceded by a similar 4-3 vote on Wednesday, July 22, when the commission majority requested a face-covering resolution be presented at Monday’s meeting, with a more formal and time-consuming face-covering ordinance to follow.

However, after adopting the resolution, the commission voted unanimously to not pursue a face-covering ordinance at this time. Chief Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague said an ordinance that carries greater legal weight could be pursued later if the resolution is challenged in court.

At the recommendation of Clague, the Manatee County resolution is based on the Leon County mask ordinance that recently withstood a court challenge.

During Monday’s meeting, Clague said mask mandates in Palm Beach County and Alachua County have also withstood legal challenges.

Dr. Jennifer Bencie and Dr. Edwin Hernandez, of the Manatee County Health Department, addressed the commission and expressed support for a countywide mask mandate.

“If everybody wore a mask it would greatly reduce that potential spread in all of these settings we’ve talked about today,” Bencie said.

After nearly five hours of discussion and public input, Commission Chair Betsy Benac said, “We should not have to mandate this, but the reality is we do have to mandate it because people are not wearing masks.

It is about public safety.”

THE RESOLUTION

As adopted, Resolution R-20-116 states: “It is in the

SEE PARKING, PAGE 20

SEE MANDATE, PAGE 20

PIZZA ‘ SOCIAL:

HOLMES BEACH considers paid

Made fresh, made local.

It’s just that simple. 14

parking on private lots. 4 FLORIDAYS Woodfire Grill and

Bar opens. 15

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Florida Education Association challenges school reopenings The lawsuit challenges an emergency order mandating Florida schools open for in-person, brick-and-mortar learning in August.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Education Association (FEA) has filed a lawsuit challenging a state order that requires all Florida schools to make in-person, brick-and-mortar learning available to all Florida elementary, middle and high school students beginning in August.

The suit was filed Monday in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County. Named in the suit are Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Department of Education (FDOE) Commissioner Richard Corcoran, the FDOE itself, the Florida State Board of Education and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

As of Monday, July 27, a hearing date had not yet been set.

The lawsuit challenges Corcoran's emergency order requiring the August reopening of Florida schools.

“Upon reopening in August, all school boards and charter school governing boards must open brick and mortar schools at least five days per week for all students, subject to advice and orders of the Florida Department of Health, local departments of health and subsequent executive orders,” the emergency order says.

The School District of Manatee County currently plans to begin the school year on Monday, Aug. 17, with students having the option to start the academic year with in-person learning, at-home eLearning or a hybrid of those two methods.

The FEA lawsuit seeks to “safeguard the health and welfare of public school students, educators and the community at large,” said an FEA press release issued that day.

“The lawsuit intends to stop the reckless and unsafe reopening of public school campuses as coronavirus infections surge statewide,” the FEA press release said.

“Gov. DeSantis needs a reality check, and we are attempting to provide one,” FEA President Fedrick Ingram said in the press release.

“The governor needs to accept the reality of the situation here in Florida,

Gov. DeSantis needs a reality check, and we are attempting to provide one.”

Fedrick Ingram, FEA President. where the virus is surging out of control. He needs to accept the evolving science. It now appears that kids 10 and older may pass along the coronavirus as easily as adults. Everyone wants schools to reopen, but we don’t want to begin in-person teaching, face an explosion of cases and sickness, then be forced to return to distance learning.

Florida's Constitution demands that public schools be safe,” Ingram said.

LAWSUIT SUMMARY

The FEA also released a lawsuit summary.

“The Florida Education Association, along with Broward teacher Stephanie Beth Miller; Ladera Royal, an educator in Orange County; and Mindy Festge, a teacher and parent in Miami-Dade County, brought suit against Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Richard Corcoran, the FDOE, and the Florida

Board of Education to safeguard the health and welfare of public school students and educators and the community at large,” the summary says.

“In the middle of the resurgence of COVID-19 in Florida, this case alleges four counts,” the summary says.

“Count I: Seeks a declaration from the court that the governor, Commissioner, FLDOE, and Board of Education’s actions and inactions are unconstitutional. Article IX, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution requires the adequate provision for a safe and secure public-school system that allows students to obtain a high-quality education. The state’s emergency order requiring all brick and mortar schools to open at least five days a week starting in August is patently unsafe—it disregards the health and safety of millions SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE 21

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IN BRIEF

Anti-oil drilling legislation pending The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on Friday, July 24 that if enacted, would block the expansion of offshore oil drilling activities in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans in fiscal year 2021.

The FY21 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies funding bill would block funding that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) could use for conducting or authorizing oil and gas related activities, including issuing of permits for seismic airgun blasting.

The legislation would halt efforts to drastically expand offshore drilling to new areas, including opening nearly all U.S. federal waters to offshore drilling as announced in 2018 by President Donald Trump in his draft five-year program for oil and gas development on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Following the House’s passage of the bill, the Senate will decide whether to protect the eastern Gulf, Atlantic and Pacific coasts from expanded offshore drilling activities and its risks of toxic oil spills.

Consultant: Contamination not caused by sewage spill Fecal contamination discovered in Sarasota Bay is likely not from a sewer line spill in mid-June, according to the Town of Longboat Key’s consultant, Environmental Science Associates (ESA).

The main sewer line serving Longboat Key which runs under Sarasota Bay broke in mid-June, causing a spill in the mangroves on Long Bar Pointe on the mainland.

Recent testing detected no fecal contamination in the bay near the leak or adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway along the pipeline route, according to ESA. The tests showed fecal contamination near Bayshore Gardens, which ESA said is unrelated to the sewage spill.

“It is more likely that bacterial levels at (the) site are due to a combination of natural sources, along with a potential impact from nearby houses that could be leaking effluent from their waste collection systems. Thus, the source of these bacteria is more likely, in my opinion, from those neighborhoods that are approximately 50 feet to the east, rather than coming from a leak that was fixed more than a week earlier, at a location more than 10,000 feet away,” ESA principal associate David Tomasko wrote in the report.

WMFR to hold budget hearing West Manatee Fire Rescue’s next board meeting is Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. In addition to the meeting, commissioners also will conduct a budget hearing. Commissioners also are expecting to receive the maximum price for construction on the planned new administration building at this time. The meeting will be held online via Zoom and potentially in person with social distancing observed at the district’s temporary administrative offices at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.

SUBMITTED

Richard Segall of Omni Parking LLC would like to begin a paid parking program for beachgoers at the vacant Regions Bank on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach.

Commissioners to consider paid parking at private lots Paid parking may soon be available at a private commercial lot near you in Holmes Beach.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The idea of some paid parking continues to interest city officials.

Commissioners last week agreed to consider allowing paid parking at private lots within the city, instructing the city planner to begin researching how the land development code would need to be amended for the new use.

Currently, no paid parking is allowed in Holmes Beach. Commissioners are, however, looking at paid parking as a way to supplement the available beach

parking in the city for churches and businesses in the C-2 commercial zone.

This would not mean residents could charge for parking on their private property any time soon, as that kind of paid parking isn’t up for consideration.

The discussion kicked off during a July 21 work session when Richard Segall of Omni Parking LLC made a request to be able to allow paid parking at the vacant Regions Bank property at 305 Manatee Avenue. He said the structure would remain on the property but the parking plan would still allow for up to 50 spaces to be used for parking with a parking attendant present to collect money and make sure that people are parking correctly. The lot would be selfparking only.

While Commissioner Pat Morton was against the idea, his

fellow commissioners agreed it was a prospect worth looking into, especially with some local churches interested in using their lots the same way when not in use for church services to help supplement lost funding due to COVID-19.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said if City Planner Bill Brisson finds that adding the new use to the C-2 district is feasible, commissioners will need to consider how adding paid parking will affect the amount of parking for the beach available in the city. She suggested that by adding paid parking in commercial lots, some additional public parking spaces might be able to be removed from residential neighborhoods.

“I think it’s a worthwhile pursuit,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said of the forthcoming investigation by the planner.

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New building permit fees adopted in Holmes Beach

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

HOLMES BEACH – If you need to get a permit from the Holmes Beach building department, the fee amount may be different from what you last paid for the same permit.

City commissioners voted unanimously to make changes to the building permit fee schedule as suggested by Building Official Neal Schwartz during a July 21 meeting. The new fee schedule means that the building department will be losing out on an estimated $324,903 in permit fees, but Schwartz said the new fee schedule will give a positive total outcome for the department at the end of the coming fiscal year. He said that the plan is to re-evaluate the permit fee schedule on an annual basis.

Fees of $20 per $1,000 of construction value will be assessed

for new structures, remodels, renovations, alterations and additions, the installation of spas and pools, fences, driveways and walkways, antennas, signs, sheds and canopies, docks, decks and boat lifts, demolition, elevator installation requiring structural modifications and all trade-related permits such as those for roofing, electrical work or plumbing. The permit amount for these items doesn’t include the permit application fee which starts at $50 depending on the project. All other permit have flat rates associated with the application fee which ranges from $50 to $4,500 depending on the project.

Information on the city’s permits, what projects require a permit and necessary forms can be found on the Holmes Beach building department website at www.holmesbeachfl.org/departments/building_department.

SHONA OTTO | SUN

Gulf Insurance celebrates new location Gulf Insurance celebrated the opening of its new location at 301 Manatee Ave. in Holmes Beach with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 22.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Resident support

Thank you to Commissioners Kihm and Rash for supporting the residents with their vote on the parking decal issue. We personally have not had parking issues in our neighborhood, but for residents who do, we certainly can relate to being the recipients of negative impact, and we will support them on this issue.

Obviously at $15 per decal, this issue for the residents is not about the money, and it should not be considered a "user fee" when residents are merely desiring to live a normal quality of life. There is a bigger picture for them and that is that we are wanting to achieve - a balance to preserve our neighborhoods and all the sense that neighborhoods and community bring. We fully understand the mayor's point of abuse of

"freebies." So the suggestion of the first permit being free, and charging for permits thereafter, was a great, smart compromise proposed by Chair Kihm and concurred on by Commissioner Rash.

For several years many citizens have spent countless hours on research, communications, and attendance at meetings for the betterment of the city. We are familiar with prior issues where there would be a 5-0 preliminary, informal, consensus vote, but then with intervention between the informal vote and formal vote, the concept of preservation of neighborhoods fell through the cracks.

In this same meeting where the decal fees were discussed, residents listened as the city considered $7,300 for reefs, and paying the city planner his hourly wage to review prospects

for someone to pocket money from land use not even designated in our code. All of this is occurring during a very tenuous economic climate. This is disheartening to the involved residents to see a reversal of votes, and ultimately have only two of six people on the dais who see the bigger issue and are willing to support a compromise.

This decal issue is much bigger than the dollar amount that is minuscule compared to other escalating city expenditures now up for discussion in our budget. It is about the few residents remaining who are looking for ways to regain balance in order to live a normal quality of life. It is about residents who have made a commitment to community and preservation of our neighborhoods.

Dick and Margie Motzer Holmes Beach

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ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

July 30, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Aug. 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission special meeting Aug. 17, 4 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

Aug. 4, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting Aug. 5, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Aug. 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Aug. 11, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting Aug. 11, 9:30 a.m. – City Commission budget work meeting Aug. 11, 11 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency budget work meeting Aug. 18, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

Aug. 18, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Aug. 19, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing

MARK YOUR CALENDAR July 29 - August 11 The Island Branch Library is open at 40% capacity. Please wear a face mask/covering.

Tingley Memorial Library is closed.

All classes at area parks and recreation areas are canceled.

The Center of Anna Maria Island is open with social distancing and face masks required.

The Holmes Beach dog park (Scentral Park), skate park, basketball courts and tennis courts are open.

Local preserves are open, including Grassy Point Preserve, Perico Preserve, Neal Preserve and Robinson Preserve. Local beaches are open.

WEDNESDAY JULY 29

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Maximum millage rate set Commissioners agreed to set the maximum millage rate for the coming fiscal year at 2.53 mills, a reduction from the previously requested 2.62 mills.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The maximum millage rate has been set for the 2020-21 fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, but commissioners are still uncertain about the proposed cost to taxpayers.

Commissioners voted unanimously to set the maximum millage rate at 2.53 mills, an increase over the current 2.25 mills and the rollback rate of 2.1641 mills, but a reduction from the 2.62 mills previously requested by the city treasurer.

The millage rate is the amount per $1,000 of assessed value the city can charge property owners in ad valorem tax for a given tax year. Setting the maximum millage rate at 2.53 mills does not mean that will be the rate Holmes Beach property owners see on their tax bill in the fall.

It is, however, the highest rate that commissioners can vote to charge for the 2020-21 fiscal year, though they can choose to go with a smaller rate amount. What the final millage rate will be is up for discussion at two budget hearings in September.

Under the rollback rate - the rate that would bring in the same tax amount as the previous year from property owners - the city would receive an estimated $4,716,918 in revenue. With the rate set at 2.53 mills, the city would receive an estimated $5,563,267 in revenue from property taxes. Over the rollback rate, this represents a 16.91% increase.

By the time the two budget hearings occur, City Treasurer Lori Hill said she should have a much better idea of the amount of local and state funding the city

can plan to receive in the coming fiscal year. Currently, she estimates the city will lose 35% of funding compared to the previous year.

During an initial budget workshop held earlier in July, Hill presented commissioners with a proposed budget that represented a 1.5% decrease in spending from the current fiscal year’s approved budget. Commissioners instructed her and the city’s department heads to redo that proposal and during the July 21 commission meeting Hill came back with a proposed budget that had about $140,000 in additional spending cuts, including the elimination of one commissioner’s salary and cuts to the budgeted travel expenses in each department. The proposal also included 50% reductions to planned public works projects such as the installation of electricity at the city-owned T-end docks and sealing of the parking lot at city hall.

The one commissioner’s salary that was removed from the budget was Commissioner Jim Kihm’s, who offered to forgo his $760 per month stipend in order to help city staff close the gap in the city’s unrestricted general operating reserves of $822,746.

Commissioner Kim Rash made the same offer, but since he’s up for re-election, a matter that won’t be decided until after the Nov. 3 election, his salary remains in the budget.

During public comment, Holmes Beach resident Margie Motzer said with all the work that commissioners do on behalf of the city and its residents, cutting commissioner salaries would be the last thing she’d remove from the city’s budget.

The $140,000 in additional cost cutting helps close the gap to reach the recommended 25% of operating reserves recommended by the Florida League of Cities and cover the city’s operating expenses. But it still leaves a large gap that has to be made up by either further cuts to budgeted spending or an increase in ad va-

lorem funded by taxpayer dollars.

Where the city is really losing out in funding is from the halfcent sales tax and fifth-cent loft tax, both of which were impacted by closures due to COVID-19 precautions and are used to fund much-needed infrastructure projects in the city. City leaders previously agreed to an increase in the stormwater fee for the coming fiscal year, which represents about a $150 hike over the previous year’s stormwater fees for the average residential property owner. Stormwater fees in Holmes Beach are assessed based on the size of the property instead of the assessed value of the property.

“I think they sharpened their pencils rather well,” Commissioner Pat Morton said of the newly made budget cuts.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she’ll be looking at what changes will be made to the budget and the amount of funding the city can expect to receive before voting on a final millage rate for the coming fiscal year.

Rash said that he’d like to take a look at ways vacation rental visitors and owners can help pay for the infrastructure issues caused by the influx of people to Holmes Beach.

Kihm said he was thinking about other ways to cut the budget, including putting a freeze on new hires, delaying public works projects that can potentially wait until a future fiscal year, reducing head count in city departments and eliminating raises for the year. He also said he’d like to look into the possibility of either issuing bonds or charging impact fees for vacation rentals. Before a budget is passed, Kihm said the commissioners will need to do some “soul-searching” before approving costs or additional funding sources need to be found.

The city plans to host the first of two budget public hearings Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. with a second and final public hearing at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22.

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JULY 29, 2020

Meet the candidate: Pat Morton Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton is vying for another term on the dais in the Nov. 3 election

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Pat Morton has been on the city’s dais for 17 years and he’s hoping that voters give him two more when they cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 election.

Morton, a 26-year resident of Holmes Beach, along with his wife, Gailene, was first elected to the city commission in November 2003.

He and his wife are members of CrossPointe Fellowship Church. If you haven’t been to a commission meeting but Morton looks familiar, you might have also seen him working at the local ACE Hardware.

On the commission, Morton serves as the city’s liaison to Waste Pro, the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center and the Holmes Beach Police Pen-

sion Board. He’s also a member of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association and has been certified by FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute.

Morton With two seats on the city commission up for grabs in the Nov. 3 election, Morton faces off against incumbent Commissioner Kim Rash and former commissioner Rick Hurst along with fellow Holmes Beach resident Jayne Christenson. To help voters get to know each candidate a little better, The Sun asked each candidate to answer the same four questions.

Here are Morton’s answers.

1. WHAT DO VOTERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY?

Having served as a commissioner for 17 years and currently as vice chair, I think I am most proud of my commitment in enacting legislation in helping to restore balance in our residential neighborhoods.

Retaining our residents is crucial

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as we try to keep our churches, schools, professional offices and small mom-and-pop stores and our Community Center.

I have participated in the adoption of land area ration, strengthened the definition of what constitutes a duplex and helped create a more effective noise control ordinance. I strongly recommended increasing setbacks for polls, the implementation of the vacation rental ordinance and the regulation of front yard encroachments.

I helped in the implementation of the formula business ordinance, low speed vehicle ordinance and electronic scooter ordinance. I supported the regulation in earth moving and fertilizers, including the addition of the international property maintenance code in our city. I am currently working on changes to our landscaping/native tree ordinance and adding a permit parking ordinance to our city.

Staying safe through the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for our residents and business owners. I have fully supported all

directives in response to this crisis and fully support the face mask mandates.

2. WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR HOLMES BEACH CITY COMMISSION?

I have a strong regard for the city of Holmes Beach and a commitment to civic duty. Having served in both the military and now in office, it has allowed me the opportunity to make a difference. I would like to continue to give back and be the voice of the citizens, of whom I have the privilege of speaking to every single day.

3. IF ELECTED, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PRIORITY TO WORK ON WITH YOUR FELLOW COMMISSIONERS?

I would continue to improve our city amenities, which include resiliency in all our continued capital improvements.

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE CITY TODAY?

Resiliency. We must all do our part.

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Island loses friend and liaison Gary Tibbetts As a special assistant to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, Gary Tibbetts often interacted with Island and county officials.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – On Friday, United States Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that his longtime special assistant, Gary Tibbetts, died that day while being treated for COVID-19.

Tibbets was 66.

In addition to his Washington, D.C. office, Buchanan has congressional offices in Sarasota and Bradenton, and Tibbetts was a familiar face to city and county leaders in Manatee County.

“Devastated by the death of my longtime staffer Gary Tibbetts who passed away today at Manatee Memorial Hospital from COVID-19. Gary was the consummate professional and a true public servant in every sense of the word. He touched so many lives and was loved and respected by those who knew him.

I will never forget his uplifting spirit, sense of humor and sheer joy at helping

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

In 2016, Gary Tibbetts presented Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale with a letter of recognition for 30 years of service. others. Sandy and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Valerie, and family. He will be missed greatly,” Buchanan announced via Twitter on Friday.

Manatee County Commissioner and Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore said, “This county lost a great public servant. He supported Congress-

man Buchanan and had his back for many years during tough times. He loved Anna Maria Island and actually got married on our beach a few years ago. I was honored to be asked to marry him and his wife, Valerie.

He fought a tough battle over the last few weeks. This community has lost a

tremendous person. Our prayers go out to Gary’s family.”

In 2016, Tibbetts presented Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale with a letter of recognition from Congressman Buchanan regarding Speciale’s 30 years of service with the department.

“I’m shocked and devasted. Gary and I have known each other for years and I considered him a close friend. I can’t find the words to describe how I feel about his passing,” Speciale said.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “I am sad to hear this news. I had a great deal of respect for Gary and the role that he played. In any of the dealings our city of Anna Maria had with Gary, we found him to be responsive and concerned with our issues and eager to help. I also think it was obvious that Gary was very dedicated and loyal to Congressman Buchanan. He will be missed by all.”

Anna Maria City Commission Chair Carol Carter said, “Gary Tibbetts was one of those ‘good guys’ and so supportive of our home rule efforts with the ManaSota League of Cities.”

On Facebook, Florida Rep. Will Robinson Jr. said, “Incredibly tragic SEE TIBBETTS, PAGE 11

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City leaders thank community for park donations

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners unanimously approved a budget amendment for the current fiscal year recognizing the amount of community donations received for the redevelopment of the city field complex, but the big announcement was the final amount of those donations.

When city leaders sent out a plea in 2019 to community members to help with the reconstruction of the park complex, including the new large dog park, the skate park, the tot lot playground and shuffleboard courts, the response was overwhelming. Community members came together to offer their time, talents, resources and finances to make the new park complex a reality.

Now that the project is finished, City Treasurer Lori Hill presented commissioners with the financial results of all of those contributions.

Contributions to the city field complex included $18,824.98 for the shuffleboard courts, $82,800 to the tot lot playground and $101,024.52 to the

skate park for a total of $202,649.50 received in financial donations. Of that amount, $191,040.58 represents physical assets to the city, such as the playground equipment and the concrete skate park and skate bowl.

Calling it a “wow” amount of money, Commissioner Kim Rash thanked everyone who contributed to the park through donations of funds and time.

“I think a lot of the residents stepped up and that’s a big wow amount of money that Judy (Mayor Judy Titsworth) got collected for the different projects.”

“I’m amazed,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said. “I really thank all of the people who donated their time and money.”

“It’s a very encouraging result and proof of the commitment of our citizens to our city and community,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, adding his thanks to the donors.

“I would also like to thank the members of the community that made these donations that resulted in these wonderful improvements,” Commissioner Jim Kihm said.

JULY 29, 2020

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School district releases learning option selections Parents and their children were asked to choose between attending school in person, eLearning at home or using a hybrid of both learning options.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT – jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – The School District of Manatee County has determined the percentages of middle school and high school students who intend to begin the school year using in-person brick-and-mortar learning, at-home online eLearning, or a hybrid of both.

Parents were given until Thursday, July 23 to inform their children's school which learning method their child or children would use to begin the school year in 10 middle schools and eight high schools in Manatee County.

The middle schools are Braden River Middle School, Buffalo Creek Middle School, Haile Middle School, Johnson Middle School, King Middle School, Lee Middle School, Lincoln Middle

School, Mona Jain Middle School and Sugg Middle School.

The high schools are Bayshore High School, Braden River High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, Manatee High School, Parrish Community High School, Palmetto High School, Southeast High School and Horizons.

As of Friday afternoon, data regarding selections made by elementary school students and their parents was not yet available.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SELECTIONS

As of Friday, 46.2% percent of the responding middle school students and their parents chose to start the school year as currently proposed on Monday, Aug. 17 with in-person, brick-andmortar learning five days a week inside a school building.

On average, 27% of these middle

school students and their parents selected at-home eLearning and 26.8% selected the hybrid option that includes a weekly mix of both in-school and athome learning.

At 60%, Lincoln Middle School has the highest percentage of brick-andmortar students among middle schools, followed by Johnson Middle School at 57%. At 38%, Nolan Middle School has the lowest percentage of brick-andmortar students, followed by Mona Jain Middle School at 40%.

At 34%, Johnson Middle School has the highest percentage of eLearning students, followed by Braden River Middle School and Lee Middle School at 30%. At 19%, King Middle School has the lowest percentage of eLearning students, followed by Nolan Middle School at 22%.

At 40%, Nolan Middle School has the highest percentage of hybrid students, followed by King Middle School at 37%. At 9%, Johnson Middle School has the lowest percentage of hybrid students, followed by Lincoln Middle School at 13%.

HIGH SCHOOL SELECTIONS

On average, 29% of high school students and their parents chose in-person, brick-and-mortar learning. Slightly more than 22% selected at-home eLearning and approximately 49% selected the hybrid learning model.

At 48%, Parrish Community High School has the highest percentage of brick-and-mortar high school students, followed by Lakewood Ranch High School and Manatee High School at 35%.

At 13%, Southeast High School has the lowest percentage of brick-and-mortar students, followed by Horizons at 15%.

At 25%, Palmetto High School has the highest percentage of eLearning students, followed by Parrish Community High School at 24%. At 19%, Horizons has the lowest percentage of eLearning students, followed by Lakewood Ranch High School at 20%.

At 66%, Horizons has the highest percentage of hybrid students, followed by Southeast High School at 65%.

At 28%, Parrish Community High School has the lowest percentage of hybrid students, followed by Manatee High School at 42%.

TIBBETS: Island loses friend and liaison FROM PAGE 9

and sad news. Gary was so kind and generous to everyone he met. Manatee County is a better place because of all the organizations he wonderfully served. May God bless his wife, Valerie, and their entire family.

Rest in peace, my friend.”

Via Facebook, County Commissioner Misty Servia said, “I will really miss him. He was always so kind to everyone he met.”

CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

According to his LinkedIn page, Tibbetts began working with Buchanan in 2010 as a special assistant, law enforcement coordinator and field representative. In those roles, he served as a point of contact and liaison for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies while overseeing security and transportation for Buchanan when he was in Florida.

Tibbetts represented Buchanan at local

meetings, presentations, speaking engagements and other community events that the congressman could not personally attend. He also maintained electronic-filing databases, provided referrals for constituent requests and interviewed and screened intern applicants.

After serving for two years as an auxiliary police officer, Tibbetts served as a full-time member of the Manchester Police Department in New Hampshire from 1976 to 1999.

He began in the patrol division and later worked juvenile investigations and served as a liaison officer to the Division of Children and Youth Services. He was a SWAT team member and team leader from 1980 to 1995. He also served as a member of the police department’s K-9 Unit from 1987 to 1995 and supervised the Street Crime Unit from 1996 to 1999.

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Proposed Bradenton Beach millage rate remains the same The city commission can increase or decrease the proposed millage rate during the upcoming budget preparation process.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

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BRADENTON BEACH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; City Treasurer Shayne Thompson recently presented the city commission with the 2020 DR-420 forms that propose maintaining the current 2.3329 millage rate for another year.

The forms were given on July 16 to the commission, which has the authority to increase or decrease the proposed millage rate when adopting the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2020-21 fiscal year budget. The budget preparation process will begin with budget meetings and workshops in August and the final adoption of a budget ordinance in September. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

At 2.3329 mills, a Bradenton Beach property owner would again pay about $2.33 per every $1,000 of assessed property value â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after homestead exemptions and any other tax exemptions are factored in. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homestead exemption is a constitutional guarantee that reduces the assessed value of residential property up to $25,000 for qualified permanent residents,â&#x20AC;? according to the Manatee County Property Appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website.

The website also notes there is an additional Homestead exemption of up to $25,000 for homeowners whose homes have an assessed value of more than $50,000.

A 2.3329 millage rate equates to about $233 per every $100,000 of assessed property value for the city portion of the property ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual tax bill. Additional ad valorem tax millage rates are levied by the school district, the water management district and

other taxing authorities.

Each August, the Manatee County Property Appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office sends TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices to all property owners in Manatee County. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This notice is not a bill. The TRIM notice tells you, the owner, your propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taxable value. Your tax bill is based on the assessed value, less exemptions, times the millage rate of all the districts in which your property is located. The TRIM notice also includes information on the proposed millage rates and taxes that are being proposed by the community taxing authorities,â&#x20AC;? according to the property appraiser website.

DR-420 PROPERTY VALUES

The Bradenton Beach DR-420 form lists $683,803,134 in current year taxable value of real property for operating purposes. According to Thompson, real property means land and/or structures.

The form lists an additional $7,530,736 in current year taxable value of personal property for operating purposes. Personal property includes fixtures, furnishings and equipment for non-Homesteaded properties that serve as vacation rentals, investment properties or second residences, Thompson said.

When the real property and personal property figures are combined, the DR-420 form lists a current year gross taxable value for operating purposes of $691,333,870. When asked what that figure represents, Thompson said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is this figure, when divided by 1,000 and then multiplied by millage (2.3329) that determines the anticipated ad valorem taxes. For budget purposes, we are statutorily required to use at least 95% of that figure, which this year looks like $1,532,172 in projected ad valorem tax revenues for the city.â&#x20AC;?

When asked about the coming budget year in general, Thompson said he anticipates a possible 25% decrease

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

City Treasurer Shayne Thompson presented the DR-420 forms to city commissioners earlier this month. in non-ad valorem tax revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-ad valorem tax revenues include gas taxes and the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share of the half-cent sales tax.

According to Thompson, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general fund balance was $877,743 as of July 22.

TAXABLE VALUE INCREASES

The Bradenton Beach 2020 DR420 form lists a prior year final gross taxable value of $650,311,339, which means the final gross taxable value of all real and personal properties in Bradenton Beach increased by $41,022,531, which is about 9.4%.

When a millage rate remains the same as the prior year, but a propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assessed value increases, the ad valorem taxes generally increase. For Homesteaded properties, the Save Our Homes cap limits the annual appraised value increase to the lesser of 3% or the annual Consumer Price Index. In 2019, the Save Our Homes cap was 1.9% in Florida.

Non-Homesteaded properties that include vacation rentals, investment properties and second residences are not eligible for the Save Our Home cap and those properties are generally subjected to higher annual tax increases based on their increased assessed values.

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JULY 29, 2020

Pizza Social keeps it simple

BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRIITER

During these difficult times, “keeping it simple” is probably the go-to phrase in dining. By now the whole adventure of cooking at home is getting old and families are more than ready to search for restaurant options that are safe, quick and local. Pizza Social on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria City may be just the thing.

Ammanda and Andrew Simonetti opened Pizza Social on June 17 and, in spite of the coronavirus, has been doing a booming a business ever since.

The Simonetti’s moved from the Chicago area in February with their 2-year-old son to be closer to family and enjoy all that Anna Maria has to offer. Ammanda Simonetti is no stranger to Anna Maria; her father was born here and came back to the Island when he retired from the military. Her grandmother also still lives in Anna Maria and is a local artist.

It was the right time for them to make this move and opening a small restaurant seemed to be the obvious choice. Andrew Simonetti always worked in the food and

restaurant business and was most recently in food sales.

And although Ammanda was a high school teacher she, too, was ready to move on.

Social Pizza’s menu is guess what - pizza and pizza only, with the exception of fresh salads. They offer about a dozen pizzas with fun names like Beach Please, Windy City and Community Garden, in addition to build your own. You can choose from pizza with pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, chicken, mushrooms, peppers, spinach and more, including Margherita Pizza. They even have a gluten-free option with a cauliflower crust. The homemade sauce and dough recipe has been handed down to Andrew Simonetti from his grandfather, Steve, who was from a small town in Italy, and he in turn teaches his staff.

There are also a large number of salads to choose from including a romaine spinach blend, Caesar, Greek and a spicy California with avocado.

Not in the mood for pizza?

You can add roasted chicken or bacon to your salad and make a meal of it. Very soon they will be offering beer and wine but, in the meantime, you

PIZZA SOCIAL 308 Pine Avenue Anna Maria 941-251-4070 www.mypizzasocial.com

Daily 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

All Major Credit Cards Accepted

AMMANDA SIMONETTI |SUBMITTED

Ammanda & Andrew Simonetti and their son Jordan can choose from a variety of soft drinks including root beer, lemonade and tea.

Ammanda Simonetti says the key to a good pizza is a hot oven and Social Pizza’s oven is

an 800-degree imported wood and gas fired oven from Italy.

She says the hot oven enhances the flavor and quality of the pizza producing fresh and delicious pizza.

Pizza Social has a small indoor area with limited seating right now, but they have quite a large outdoor porch space. All of it has a beachy bistro charm perfect for a relaxing, no-muss no-fuss outdoor eating. You can place your order online for pickup or delivery, with Island Eats delivering to most of the Island. Also, if you need pizza for a gathering or party keep them in mind.

The Simonetti’s are happy to be on the Island where the wonderful old Florida community feel hasn’t changed since Ammanda Simonetti was a kid. So, the next time you want to bust out of the kitchen, keep it simple with pizza and only pizza.

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Come enjoy better days at Floridays

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

PERICO ISLAND – The Margaritaville complex at One Particular Harbour is finally completed with the opening of the new Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar located adjacent to the Compass by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound hotel that opened last week.

Property owners and representatives from local organizations along with hotel and restaurant management gathered at the new restaurant for a ribbon cutting on July 23, officially opening the grill and bar which had a soft opening earlier in the week.

The Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar offers a little something for everyone with meals ranging from soups, sandwiches and salads to woodfire grilled steaks and seafood along with a local catch. Some of the standout items on the menu include a baked blue crab dip and fried green tomatoes with candied pecans and goat cheese on the starters menu, seafood gumbo and a Florida cobb salad with grilled shrimp, a five alarm chicken sandwich, and main

dishes of fish and grits, fresh oysters and seafood tacos. The dessert menu also is not to be missed with highlights including key lime pie, a strawberry layer cake and pecan pie served with bourbon ice cream.

The grill also features an outdoor tiki bar with staff pouring all your favorite drinks, including a selection of margaritas.

The new restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere with a nautical theme and interior design by Amy Roc. Roc said she was inspired by the ocean and island atmosphere of the restaurant, adding in a rescue board from Manatee County water rescue, artwork that was painted on Longboat Key in the 1970s, part of a boat from Cortez that’s used as the greeter’s desk at the entrance to the restaurant and other finds from local antique stores.

Located at 12324 Manatee Ave. W. on Perico Island just over the Manatee Bridge from Anna Maria Island, the Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar is open daily and serving lunch, dinner and drinks.

For more information, visit www. floridays-annamaria.com or call 941741-8700.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Clockwise above, the staff at the new Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar are ready to welcome guests in a friendly, safe manner. The new restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining for guests with social distancing observed between tables.

Local interior decorator Amy Roc provides a little local flavor to the décor for the new restaurant.

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JULY 29, 2020

OUTDOORS

THE SUN

Sun protection: Do the cool thing Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

S

un protection is a topic worth repeating, especially this time of the year! If you’ve been on the water over the last few years, you’ve noticed anglers covered head to toe even on the hottest and sunniest days. They’re wearing long pants, longsleeved shirts, gloves, face protection and hats. Years ago, anglers were limited to hats, long heavy cotton clothing and greasy lotions that reflected the sun’s harmful rays.

The damaging effects of sun exposure are one of the most important things for an angler to understand. Sunlight is primarily composed of infrared, visible and ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light (UV) is potentially harmful and is the wavelength that causes sunburn. Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that results from exposure to this

property of light. Symptoms of overexposure in humans consist of red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch and can include general fatigue and mild dizziness. An excess of UV radiation can be life-threatening in extreme cases.

Maximizing your protection from UV light rays is important because the harmful effects of the sun are cumulative over your lifetime. While potentially harmful, the sun is primarily an angler’s friend. If the sun is shining there’s a good chance the weather will allow you to be on the water. If you sight fish, it assures you’ll have a better chance of seeing your quarry and increases your odds of hooking up.

Many part-time fishermen and visitors from the north don’t fully appreciate the potentially harmful effects of the sun, especially in Florida and the southern regions of the northern hemisphere. The most intense exposure to the sun occurs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. - prime time for fishing Florida’s fertile waters.

Modern sunscreens are rated according to their SPF or sun protection factor. The theory

is that if you can stay out in the sun for 15 minutes without getting burned a sunscreen with SPF 10 will help you resist sunburn for 10 times that amount of time, which calculates to about 150 minutes. Our skin has natural SPF depending on the amount of melanin (pigment) it contains. Generally, the darker your complexion the more melanin you have. No matter what your skin color, the best solution is to avoid the sun as much as possible by applying a high SPF sunscreen and covering the skin, vital protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Another important factor to consider especially in Florida is if the sunscreen is reef safe, and if not waterproof, make sure you reapply after a swim or shower.

Fortunately, there is also a plethora of high-tech clothing available to anglers that is cool, breathes and contains a UPF (the rating for clothing is expressed as Ultraviolet Protection Factor) factor as well.

Companies like Patagonia and Simms offer clothing with UPF ranging from 30-50, with 50 being the highest rating. A rating of 50 translates to approximately 97% protection.

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These same companies also offer gloves to protect the hands and headgear that protects the head, ears, face and neck. There are constantly new innovations coming out that make these moisture-wicking fabrics even more functional for anglers. Early face protection devices functioned to protect the skin but caused moisture from the breath to fog sunglasses. Now they are designed with breathing openings that virtually eliminate that problem.

One innovative company, TASC, has even harnessed the natural properties of bamboo to create a clothing line with an impressive list of natural properties. They blend the soft inner fibers of the bamboo with organic cotton to create a fabric that has a UPF of 50+ and is moisture-wicking, breathable, lightweight and chemical-free.

There really is no reason not to protect your skin from the sun with the array of sunscreens and clothing available today. It’s a far cry from what was available to anglers a short two decades ago. Locally AMI Outfitters has the same (branded) clothing at a substantial savings. They also carry hats, gloves and masks. Protect that skin - it’s the only one you’ll ever have, and now you can do it in style. It’s the cool thing to do!

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THE SUN

MANDATE: Resolution adopted FROM PAGE 1

best interest of the county, and furthers the public health, safety and welfare of the county, to require the wearing of face coverings and the displaying of signs in business establishments to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

According to the resolution, “An individual in a business establishment must wear a face covering while in that business establishment.”

The requirements do not apply to: • Situations in which individuals maintain 6 feet or more of distance between persons.

This exception does not apply to employees who are present in the kitchen or other food and beverage preparation areas of a business establishment. Nor does it apply to employees serving food or beverages.

• Children under the age of 6.

• People who have trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition or individuals with a documented or demonstrable medical problem.

• Public safety, fire, and other life safety and health care personnel who are already governed by their respective agencies.

• Restaurant and bar patrons while eating or drinking. Face coverings must be worn when entering and exiting the establishment and while otherwise standing within 6 feet of other patrons.

• Individuals inside a lodging establishment, including hotel and motel rooms, vacation rentals and timeshares.

“Every business establishment shall display conspicuous signage notifying all persons of the requirement to wear a face covering,” the resolution says.

According to the resolution, the term “business establishment” includes transportation companies such as Uber and Lyft and also applies to mass transit, taxis, limousines, rental cars and other passenger vehicles for hire. It also includes locations where non-profit, governmental and quasi-governmental entities facilitate public interactions and conduct business, and to places of worship.

The resolution defines face coverings as “A material that covers the nose and mouth and that fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk or linen. Coverings with materials made of multiple layers are highly encouraged. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand or the cloth face covering can be improvised from household items.”

Clague said plastic face shields are not included because the CDC does not recommend face shields as substitutes for cloth face coverings.

ENFORCEMENT AND APPLICABILITY

According to the adopted resolution, a face-covering violation would be a noncriminal infraction that does not authorize the search or arrest of an individual. At the request of the commission, the revised resolution states the first offense of the mask

JULY 29, 2020

resolution will result in a warning. A second offense could result in a citation that carries a $50 fine, with a $125 fine for a third offense and $250 for each subsequent offense.

“This emergency resolution shall apply countywide within both unincorporated and incorporated areas, provided that any municipal resolution or ordinance addressing the issue of face coverings – either more restrictively or less restrictively – shall supersede this emergency resolution within the applicable incorporated area,” the resolution states.

Clague said the resolution does not supersede local mask mandates adopted by city governments.

The cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach already have emergency mask ordinances in place.

The city of Bradenton Beach recommends masks but, as of Monday, did not have a formal mask policy in place. Pending future action by the Bradenton Beach City Commission, the county resolution will apply to Bradenton Beach businesses and patrons.

“This emergency resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. This emergency resolution shall remain in full force and effect for so long as the local state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic remains in effect,” the resolution states.

PUBLIC INPUT

Dr. Cassandra Hafner was one of several physicians who provided public comment in support of a mask mandate.

“Our hospitals are full. Our ICU units are full. We have no Remdesivir. Things are dire in the hospital,” she said.

Emergency room physician Dr. Alicia

Rech expressed similar concerns about the lack of local ICU beds.

She then said, “I feel that is a small sacrifice to make to wear a mask to protect other people. I’m afraid to kiss my husband and my kids. It’s terrifying. I’m scared when I see people without masks because I don’t want them to spread it to me.”

Ellenton resident Gary Guerin was one of many who spoke in opposition to a mask mandate.

“It’s not about the masks, it’s about the mandate. This is our freedom you’re talking about here. The word mandate should scare you. How dare you even think about mandating something like this. This is not the way to go,” he said.

ELECTION CONCERNS

During Wednesday’s meeting, Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Mike Bennett pleaded with the commission to enact a mask mandate before the county elections in August.

Bennett said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s already reduced the number of voting precincts for the August elections from 70 to 60, and he’s prepared to go to 55 if needed.

“We’re having such a hard time getting clerks and poll workers for the elections.

I have lost close to 50% of the clerks for the elections in Manatee County who are refusing to come because Manatee County doesn’t have an ordinance to make it safe for them. If you want a good election, let’s not suppress the vote. Give me all the help I need,” Bennett said.

PARKING: Permit parking approved in Holmes Beach FROM PAGE 1

She also said she doesn’t think the permits should be free to residents because it will cause an influx of permit parking applications that would cause a strain on city staff to process and issue quickly.

By charging, she said it allows current staff to be able to handle the applications and she said it’s an added benefit for residents.

While Morton, Schaefer and Soustek all agreed with the mayor’s reasoning, Kihm said he didn’t like charging residents for something that they could previously do for free - park on the street.

HOW PERMIT PARKING WORKS

The permits will be available to all Holmes Beach residents and property owners.

Residents living outside the permit parking zone can still park on the street in front of their homes, but will be able to get up to two passes at $15 each to use for

street-side beach parking.

Owners of vacation rentals within the permit zone will be able to secure two permits at the $15 rate, but only for their vehicles.

Renters will not be able to use the permits.

Residents living inside the permit parking zone who wish to park on the street will be required to have a permit, but the $15 permits are only available for vehicles registered to Holmes Beach addresses. Roommates or visiting children, parents or friends with vehicles registered outside the city will not be eligible for a permit. Those vehicles will have to be parked in designated parking areas on the property, though vehicles with permits can be moved to the street to allow for more parking on the property.

Permits will be required for any vehicle parked on the street in the permit-only zone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including low speed vehicles and golf carts that are registered with the state. A regular

golf cart, one that doesn’t require registration with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, can be parked in the permit zone and does not require a permit.

The permits are expected to be renewable annually.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said with the ordinance approved, he would move to order the new signs for the permit-only zone, located west of the city’s main thoroughfare of Gulf/Marina/ Palm/East Bay drives, and get the permit parking program up and running as soon as possible.

Most street parking on the east side of the main thoroughfare remains open, though that could change if public parking becomes a problem in those neighborhoods.

Soustek said she’d like residents to keep in mind that the approved ordinance is still a work in progress and that adjustments to the program and permit-only parking areas may be changed in the future as needed.

SUBMITTED | CITY OF HOLMES BEACH

A new map shows where open parking will be available to residents and beachgoers, marked in yellow, and where resident permit-only parking is planned to be located, marked in blue.

JULY 29, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS Parks committee seeks additional members Three members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee were reappointed to additional twoyear terms on July 21 and two others tendered their resignations. Members Donna Ryan and Mary Lange both asked to be reappointed as full members of

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the committee, with new terms expiring Aug. 1, 2022. Alternate member Carol Hatz asked to be reappointed for a twoyear term as an alternate, with her new term also expiring Aug. 1, 2022. All three re-appointments received approval by a unanimous vote from city commissioners. Members Carol Hebden and Dennis Groh both resigned. One full member position and one alternate position are now open to community volunteers. To be considered for appointment, Holmes Beach residents can call the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800.

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McDonough to serve another term Pier lease offer to be presented as P&Z chair Thursday The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board has re-elected Ken McDonough to another term as chairman and John Burns to another term as vice chair. The moves were made at the July 22 planning board meeting that also featured preliminary discussion about back yard setbacks for properties along Bridge Street.

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 30. According to the agenda, Ugly Grouper co-owner Mike Ross will present his pier lease offer to the commission. The commission will also discuss on second reading an amended alcoholic beverages ordinance, a right of way ordinance and uses within right of way ordinance.

LAWSUIT: Challenges school openings FROM PAGE 3

of students and educators across the state and propagates the spread of the virus in our communities,” the summary says.

“Count II: Seeks a declaration from the court that the state defendants are putting arbitrary and capricious demands on public schools. The unfunded emergency order is unreasonable, confusing, and inconsistent. Although, pursuant to the order, the requirement

to physically reopen all schools in the next weeks is subject to the advice of local health authorities, the state has been silencing local health departments that caution the public about reopening schools amid a resurgence of this deadly virus. Defendants are not basing their decisions on how and when to reopen schools on science and data,” the summary says.

Count III: Seeks and order from court

enjoining the state defendants, as well as mayor of Miami-Dade County Carlos Gimenez, from forcing millions of students and educators to report to unsafe schools that should remain physically closed during the spike of the pandemic; ordering defendants to implement a meaningful online instruction plan with accessible internet connectivity and computers; ordering that before schools reopen they must have adequate PPE

and other supplies, reduced class sizes, social distancing, staffing, and school clinic capabilities in compliance with CDC guidelines and other health authorities,” the summary says.

The Florida Education Association is the state’s largest association of professional employees, representing 150,000 that included PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty and educational staff professionals.

22

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

JULY 29, 2020

Are historic low interest rates a good thing?

I

really hate to use this much overused opening line from A Tale of Two Cities, but it works and I have no shame.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” perfectly describes the residential real estate mortgage market we find ourselves in as another by-product of the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s the best of times for individuals who have the ability to purchase homes since the rate for 30-year conventional home mortgages has fallen to the lowest point on record. In a year that already has massive “firsts” here’s another. About two weeks ago the average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 2.98%, per Freddie Mac. Rates are at the lowest level in almost 50 years of record keeping. This was the third consecutive week and the seventh time this year that rates on these loans have fallen.

At the beginning of the year before the pandemic hit, the 30-year mortgage

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER was about 3.72%, an extremely good rate. Those of us who remember the early 1980s may remember a high of 18% residential home mortgage rates, an unthinkable number now. In addition, Jumbo loans, those typically larger than $510,400, are around 3.77% in most markets. However, lenders have placed more restrictions on these nongovernment-backed loans, considered to be risky compared to loans backed

by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. So why is this happening and why may it be considered “the worst of times?” Mortgage rates are influenced by the 10-year Treasury note since they

compete for the same type of investor interested in stability. Because we’re in a very volatile financial time, investors are looking to protect their assets by buying long-term Treasury bonds, narrowing the gap between bonds and mortgage rates. Therefore, mortgage rates dropping like a rock may not be as great as it sounds for the economic health of the country.

Again, if you have the capacity to purchase at this time, the mortgage rates are fabulous. However, you will still have a rocky road ahead because of the lack of available inventory and increasing asking prices. Although mortgage applications were up 17% in June from a year earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, prices have also accelerated nationally by 4.7% from last June; at the same time the number of homes on the market fell 27.4% per Realtor.com. Some of this can be offset by the lower mort-

gage rates allowing buyers to qualify for a larger mortgage.

Overall, historically low interest rates may look like a good thing, but it can actually be an indicator that the real estate and financial markets are functioning at borderline crisis levels.

Also, home purchasing is out of the question for many Americans who have lost their jobs and may not return for years. Even those who can afford to purchase may shy away from making a life-changing commitment during such unpredictable times.

In spite of everything I just said, Anna Maria Island is a specialized region and hopefully somewhat immune to big national swings. Real estate decisions always have to be viewed through the lens of the future, and unfortunately right now the immediate future is hard to predict. Best of times, worst of times, certainly difficult times.

Stay safe.

www.amisun.com

JULY 29, 2020

THE SUN

23

Expanding The Center’s Mini Reef project The Center’s leadership is looking to expand the reach and usage of its Mini Reef project with the installation of additional reefs by the Island cities and a grant for volunteer funding from Mote.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Center of Anna Maria Island is moving forward with its Go Green campaign and the installation of Mini Reefs in area waters.

The Center’s Director of Development Jim McDaniel said that 143 of the Mini Reefs have been installed since the fall 2019 launch of the Go Green campaign.

McDaniel spoke to Holmes Beach commissioners during a July 21 work session to ask city leaders to consider sponsoring 20 reefs at a cost of $7,300.

About $3,100 of that would be a donation to The Center with the remainder going to fund the creation of the reefs and installation by the father/son team of David Wolff and David Wolff Jr. at Ocean Habitats. It’s something that commissioners and Mayor Judy Titsworth said they’d consider if a funding source can be secured.

The city of Bradenton Beach installed 28 of the reefs in June and the Community Foundation of Sarasota funded 28 reefs, also in June, according to McDaniel.

The Mini Reefs are the creation of Wolff, something he said he came up with as a college project. Now the Mini Reefs are made primarily of long-lasting sustainable materials that can be safely installed in salt, brackish or fresh water underneath docks to provide a home for sea life to live and grow in. Once crustaceans and other sea life attach to the reef, they can filter thousands of gallons of water successfully each year. With the 143 reefs already installed,

McDaniel said that more than 1 billion gallons of water are filtered every year.

The Center’s leadership also has applied for a grant with Mote Marine Laboratory to help build a corps of volunteers to support research being done on red tide using the reefs, which have mapped locations. The “guardians,” as they’d be known, would be trained and responsible for gathering, analyzing and submitting data related to studying algae blooms and water quality for The Center’s partnership with Mote. He said that results from the grant application are expected in September.

Even without the grant, McDaniel said he’s been speaking with Suzi Fox of Anna Maria Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and Jennifer Hoffman of Keep Manatee Beautiful about the possibility of developing a group of “citizen scientists” without Mote’s involvement to study the reefs and their effect on red tide and other algae blooms in area waters.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

David Wolff Jr. of Ocean Habitats prepares a Mini Reef for installation under the dock at the Bridge Tender Inn in Bradenton Beach in December 2019.

24

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Crossed the mob, in a way 5 Insignificant points 9 When repeated, Second British Invasion band 14 Second person of old?

15 "No problems here" 16 "... the __ of defeat": "Wide World of Sports" phrase 17 Steaming flow 18 Casual eatery 19 One spun by a juggler 20 Deity worshiped by backyard chefs?

23 July 4th show failure 24 Attach, in a way 25 NFL scores 28 Underground support 31 "ASAP!" 36 7-10 split, to a bowler?

39 Exploring toon 40 Conceals 41 Support for driving and kicking 42 Flying toys 43 Dumbo's flying aids 44 Distiller Walker's treatise about a whisky grain?

46 Home of the Senators 48 Ruckus 49 Double curve 50 Two-time U.S. Open champ 52 Played the first card 54 Hester Prynne's trademark milk-producing farm?

62 So it could be heard 63 Where I-90 and I-79 meet 64 Rock's Bon __ 66 Fire sign

67 With 68-Across, words before "easy" 68 See 67- or 69-Across 69 With 68-Across, studied 70 Army installation 71 Loch with a legend Down 1 Baseball Cards: Abbr.

2 Melville captain 3 1960s-'80s Chevy 4 Bank employee 5 Words to a growler 6 Apple on a desk 7 Vegan staple 8 Sport with disks 9 Togged out 10 Not-cute fruit 11 Large chorus of cheers 12 Opposition prefix 13 Duma "Don't think so!"

21 Uses for warmth, as wood 22 Dainty drinks 25 Cops as a unit 26 Marvelous 27 Get around 29 Eye-related prefix 30 Layers

Answers to 07-22-20 Crossword Puzzle.

32 Father of Thor 33 French possessive 34 Low cards 35 Relief providers 37 To whom Rick says, "We'll always have Paris" 38 Orderly 42 Divided land 44 Put a stop to 45 Least spicy 47 Tidied the garden 51 A lot to pay 53 Tangy mustard 54 Filing tool 55 Dagwood neighbor 56 Saloon __ 57 Third of four canonical gospels 58 Thus 59 Fixes on the sly 60 Wander 61 Part of YSL 65 April 15 org., or, as a plural, a hint to four long puzzle answers

JULY 29, 2020

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JULY 29, 2020

THE SUN

25

Special master supports variance requests The variance requests will be presented to the city commission on Aug. 20.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Special Master Lisa Gonzalez Moore recently issued an order granting several variance requests for the demolition of an existing single-story home and the construction of a raised twostory home at 401 Gulf Dr. S. Moore issued her written ruling on June 25. The variance requests are subject to final city commission approval and a public hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, during the city commission meeting that begins at noon.

The variance request application lists M.S. Glasgow and L.H Glasgow as the

property owners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no first names given.

The application lists a Bradenton address for the pair.

The property is approximately 2,474 square feet and is a nonconforming lot according to cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land development code (LDC) because it is less than 5,000 square feet.

A memo that Calvin, Giordano & Associates Senior Planner Christine Fisher sent to Building Official Steve Gilbert notes the applicant submitted a series of site plans depicting the existing single story, 1,068 square foot dwelling built in 1930. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The applicant states adherence to the required setbacks provided in Section 307.3.5 of the LDC would be in conflict with the 1,000 square feet minimum floor area for a one-family dwelling. The proposed dwelling is 1,370 square feet with 170 square feet of storage,â&#x20AC;? Fisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memo says.

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The owners of this single-story home on Gulf Drive South want to replace it with a new twostory structure According to Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling, the applicants now seek variances to construct a raised two-story home with a total building footprint of 1,156 square feet utilizing the following variances: â&#x20AC;˘ An 11-foot variance from the 20-foot front yard setback; â&#x20AC;˘ An eight-foot variance from the 10-foot side yard setback; â&#x20AC;˘ A five-foot variance from the 15-foot street side yard setback; â&#x20AC;˘ A three-foot, five-inch variance from the

10-foot side yard setback; â&#x20AC;˘ A variance of 45.4% maximum lot coverage from the 35% maximum lot coverage; â&#x20AC;˘ A variance of 49.8% maximum lot coverage plus impervious surface coverage from the 40% maximum lot coverage plus impervious surface coverage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The special master orders and adjudges that the relief from the LDC Section 307.3.5 is hereby granted and the applicant may construct a two-story home as proposed in applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application,â&#x20AC;? Moore stated in her ruling.

Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling stipulates the grant of variance will not run with the land and shall be immediately and automatically revoked and terminated if the title to the property is transferred.

Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling also stipulates, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The city shall have the right to seek further review of appropriateness of this conditional grant of variance and may make reasonable demands to otherwise preserve the setbacks, the maximum lot coverage and the maximum lot coverage plus impervious surface coverage.â&#x20AC;?

26

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THE SUN

JULY 29, 2020

VACATION

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*Prices subject to change without notice. © 2020 Lakewood Ranch

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JULY 29, 2020

THE SUN

27

City receives annual audit report The annual audit report reviews accounting practice compliance and provides a review of the 2018-19 fiscal year.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORREPSONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City Clerk Terri Sanclemente and her staff recently earned praise from the city commission for another successful budget audit.

Conducted and prepared again by the CS&L accounting firm, the 2019 audit report serves as a review of compliance with accounting practices and regulations during the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1, 2018 and ended on Sept. 30, 2019.

“In our opinion, the city complied in all material respect with the compliance requirements,” said management letter contained in the report and addressed to the mayor and city commission.

Sanclemente presented the audit report to commissioners on June 18.

“Normally they come out and do a presentation. They don’t feel they have to do that. They said this year was exceptionally good. It was an excellent audit. Great job by my team and my office,” Sanclemente told the commission.

“Once again, congratulations to you and your team. You have gone above and beyond excellence,” Mayor John Chappie said.

Vice Mayor Jake Spooner agreed and said, “Thank you Terri, and thanks to all your staff. What a great team we have. It’s much appreciated.”

Since being appointed city clerk in mid-2015, Sanclemente and her staff have addressed and eliminated concerns raised in previous audit reports. Sanclemente’s administrative staff currently consists of City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, Deputy Clerk Christine Watson and Deputy Clerk Ruth Stief.

When asked later about the ongoing audit improvements, Thompson said, “I think it’s an evolution in teamwork.”

Sanclemente then said, “I would like to thank all the department heads and my staff for making sure we got the auditors everything they needed – and getting it to them on time. We are all trying to be as tight with the city’s money as we possibly can.”

AUDIT REPORT FINDINGS

The annual audit report provides an overview of the city’s gains, losses and year-end financial position as of Sept. 30.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

City Treasurer Shayne Thompson and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente play key roles in managing the city of Bradenton Beach’s finances.

“The assets of the city exceeded its liabilities at the close of the most recent fiscal year by $10,062,477 (net position). Of this amount, $795,763 (unrestricted net position) may be used to meet the city’s ongoing obligations to citizens and creditors in accordance with the city’s fiscal policies,” the report says.

“As of the close of the current fiscal year, the city’s governmental funds reported a combined ending fund balance of $3,441,412, a decrease of $269,394 in comparison with the prior year. Of this total amount, $519,020, is available for spending at the city’s discretion (unassigned fund balance).”

The report notes a large portion of the city’s $6,779,512 net position reflects investments in the land, buildings, machinery and equipment used to provide services to citizens and says, “Consequently, these assets are not available for future spending.”

The audit report states $313,174 was committed for equipment replacement, $117,608 was restricted for stormwater improvements and other uses.

It also states $441,978 of the city’s net position was restricted for the Tingley Memorial Library. During the 2018-19 fiscal year, the library fund decreased by $31,196 - with $6,165 in revenues and $37,361 in expenses, including the librarian’s salary.

The audit report notes the city’s actual expenditures were $450,666 less than anticipated expenditures, but the general fund decreased by $413,282 during the 2018-19 fiscal year.

“The general fund decrease is largely due to increased attorney fees, additional salaries and related benefits and a transfer to the CRA Fund,” the report says.

The city is still trying to recover a portion of the $498,774 in attorney fees and legal costs incurred as of mid-June in association with the 2017 Sunshine Law lawsuit in which the city prevailed in 2019.

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

HOLMES BEACH 97 52nd Street Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4468151 $2,450,000

NORTH POINT HARBOUR 605 N Point Drive Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4469001 $1,869,000

VILLAS OF HOLMES BEACH 206 52nd Street 3 Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4464002 $989,000

CASANAS 401 39th Street Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4457608 $929,500

BAY PALMS 528 74th Street Victoria Sperounes 941-960-3773 A4469255 $2,590,000

MAINSAIL BEACH INN 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $595,000

MAINSAIL BEACH INN 103 66th Street 10 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452245 $567,125

BAILEY-DOBSON 701 Gulf Bay Road 1 & 2 Lynne Callahan 941-720-3278 A4470251 $550,000

WELLS 855 N Shore Drive Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4469943 $1,795,000

NORTH POINT HARBOUR 609 N Point Drive Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4455659 $1,190,000

MAINSAIL BEACH INN 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $870,000

LONGBOAT KEY 735 Saint Judes Drive S Lynne Callahan 941-720-3278 A4468349 $729,000

SUMMER SANDS 1007 Gulf Drive N 111 Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4469260 $499,000

RIVERSIDE POINT 5477 56th Court E Tyler Hardy 941-201-8505 A4463283 $614,900

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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

TIDY ISLAND 51 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4469997 $539,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

28

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THE SUN

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 – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed.

• Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health.

• 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.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract 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).

TURTLE TIPS During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the

JULY 29, 2020

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 disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can 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).

NESTING NEWS Turtle nests laid: 322, up from 306 last week (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 442, up from 423 last week Nests hatched: 29 Hatchlings hatched: 1,808 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 0

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

CCA donates material for reef The Coastal Conservation Association plans to donate concrete for placement at Bridge Reef, a 40-acre artificial reef site in 35-38 feet of water 5 miles west of Bean Point.

The material should enhance the habitat for fish, crustaceans and other marine life and improve recreational fishing and diving opportunities.

The concrete is in addition to the deployment this summer by the CCA, the Building Conservation Trust and Yamaha Rightwaters of almost 200 tons of concrete donated by Port Manatee and Westra Construction at the site as a memorial to CCA member Sean Gucken, an angler, free diver and spearfisherman.

The site also features a 120-by-45 foot steel barge sunk on June 19, donated by Jim Logan of Coastal Marine Construction.

High

RED TIDE REPORT

(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)

Medium

(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

Low

(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

Very low

(possible respiratory irritation)

Background (no effects)

None

(no red tide present)

A kid runs the obstacle course at the 2019 WMFR open house.

WMFR postpones open house celebration The annual West Manatee Fire Rescue open house celebration has been postponed this year due to COVID-19 concerns.

Chief Ben Rigney announced the postponement during a July 21 board meeting.

The event, which usually takes place in October or November to coincide with fire prevention week, draws hundreds of community members to WMFR’s Station One on 67th Street

in Bradenton to have fun, meet local firefighters and first responders and learn how to better protect themselves in case of a house fire.

Rigney said he hopes the department will be able to host an event for the community in the spring. Commissioner David Bishop suggested the department come up with another community outreach opportunity or find a way to address a community need using the funds set aside for the open house.

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JULY 29, 2020

THE SUN

29

OBITUARIES

Priscilla Carol Seewald

Priscilla Carol Seewald, 85, of Holmes Beach, died Wednesday, July 22, 2020. She was born to Florence and Ralph Collins on April 20, 1935 in Manchester, NH. She was a loving, caring and generous woman who was an active member of Roser Community Church and regularly volunteered at the Thrift Store. Volunteering was a very important part of who she was. You would find her ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas, helping with AMI House tours, working at the food pantry and delivering flowers. She was also a lifetime member of the AMI Garden Club and many other local organizations. She spent her career as an Early Childhood Educator and loved working with children. She regularly enriched children as a VBS leader and by participating in various programs at Anna Maria Elementary School.

Priscilla is survived by her husband, Bruce; daughter, Lisa Turner and husband, Wayne; two grandchildren, Rutge and Angelica Hope Turner; and sister, Judith Stermer and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial donations be made to the Roser Church Food Pantry. A memorial service will be held at Roser Community Church in Anna Maria and burial will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

BEACH BEAT

CINDY LANE | SUN

Horse rentals are allowed at Palma Sola Bay; opponents blame the businesses for high levels of contamination.

Palma Sola Bay scores high on contamination Palma Sola Bay ranks among the top 10 water bodies in Florida that were sporadically unsafe for swimming last year, according to a new study.

“Safe for Swimming?” – a report by the Environment Florida Research and Policy Center - focuses on water bodies that tested unsafe due to fecal bacteria contamination, which can

result in gastrointestinal illness, respiratory disease, ear and eye infection and skin rash.

Ranking number 9 of 10, Palma Sola had 12 potentially unsafe days in 2019. South Beach in Key West ranked number one, with 22 potentially unsafe days last year.

Last year, bacteria levels at 187 Florida beaches indicated that water was potentially unsafe for

HOLMES BEACH

7/14, fraud, 6200 block of Holmes Blvd. The victim had money taken out of her account without her permission.

7/16, larceny, theft, Sunset Beach Condos, 2716 Gulf Drive. A locked $700 bicycle was stolen.

7/18, warrant arrest, 38th Street beach access. While talking to three homeless men on the beach, police discovered one of them had a warrant from Manatee County. He was arrested.

7/19, recovered stolen license plate, 3248 East Bay Drive.

The license plate reader alerted the officer of a recreational vehicle with a stolen license plate. The officer found it in a shopping center unoccupied with the keys in it. He contacted the registered owner who said he had sold it to an unidentified individual. The officer had it towed after removing the plate.

HBPD beach patrol funds on hold

Water quality report Bayfront Park North Bradenton Beach Coquina Beach North Coquina Beach South Manatee Beach North Palma Sola Bay South Source: Florida Department of Heath

swimming there on at least one day, according to the report.

In another series of tests, Palma Sola South tested “poor” nine times and “moderate” six times in the past 11 months for water quality based on fecal contamination, according to the Florida Healthy Beaches Program, administered by the Florida Department of Health.

Good Good Good Good Good Good

Mayor Judy Titsworth told commissioners during a July 21 meeting that the contract for $15,000 paid by Manatee County to the Holmes Beach Police Department for beach patrol services is temporarily on hold, but for a good reason. Titsworth said that County Administrator Cheri Coryea is reconsidering the amount the county offers HBPD officers each year, potentially to add to the amount received by the city.

Commissioners are expected to be presented with the contract at an upcoming meeting.

30

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED AFRICAN GREY PARROT. WANTED PARROT CAGE. Call 941-741-1096

TWO SCOOPS – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite IceCream... is now hiring full and part-time associates.

Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends. A great place to work and have a little fun…looking for a few friendly people to join our team. Food prep or server experience preferred. Great Pay! Apply today…Two Scoops 101 S. Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria.

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

BOATS BOAT SALES ARE EXTREMELY ACTIVE. Boats Needed. No Listing Agreements, Easy.

20 Years, Hundreds Sold.

Islandboatsales.net** 941-228-3489 Dave.

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning.

Island's favorite cleaner.

Manatee Chamber Member.

Great price/free estimates.

Call 941-756-1082

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570 PREMIUM CLEANING SERVICES for Premium Clientele! 941-216-8238. Let us knock your socks off!

(Then put them away.)

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage.

So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000.

Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

TWO SIDES OF NATURE – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite Resort wear Store... is now hiring part-time associates. Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends.

Great pay, great fun. Retail Experience Preferred. Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd. Unit A-1, Anna Maria. Two Sides of Nature – owned/operated by your friends at Two Scoops.

SOLO’S PIZZA LOOKING for part time evening cook.

Call 941-778-8118. 6/10 NEW until HOTEL ON ANNA MARIA seeking Housekeeper Full time, Part time. Must have two years experience. We drug test.

Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message.

813-735-4373.

THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or

by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher.

JESSIE’S ISLAND STORE has immediate openings for full and part time cashiers for both day and night shifts. 2 to 3 shifts per week apply in person at 5424 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach or call 941778-6903

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

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

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

Licensed and insured.

References available.

Call Chris at 941-3028759 please visit website: isletileservices.com

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JULY 29, 2020

HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Sammy’s Mediterranean Kitchen intends to register said name with the FL Dept of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee, FL and/or the clerk of the Circuit Court of Manatee County. Sam and Tracy Abbo, LLC DBA Sammy’s Mediterranean Kitchen 5337 Gulf Dr, Suite 300 Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

LOST & FOUND LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068

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

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

941-812-0507

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086

PERSONAL SERVICES

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 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

BABYSITTER / PERSONAL ASSISTANT Safe, Honest & Reliable. Over 20yrs experience w/ in-home services incl. infants, twins, groceries, errands, laundry, cooking, cleaning. Island Local. Non-Smoker. 941216-5939

509 PINE AVE ,ANNA MARIA. $1,690,000. 2 Cottage homes w/pool. Zoned nightly rentals/Retail/Commercial. Furnished w/rentals in place. Virtual Tour Avaliable. Christine Kourik Re/max 941-538-7414

CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

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 and Vacation Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

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RUNAWAY BAY CONDOBradenton Beach $335,000 water view 2BR/2BA furnished. Virtual Walk thru Tour Available. Christine Kourik Re/Max 941-5387414 TURN KEY FURNISHED VRBO River District Bradenton. Estately Gardens Vacasa. $769,000 Call Brenda Boyd May. Broker owner Boyd Realty. 941-730-8589 SPECTACULAR GULF VIEWS!!! . A must see to appreciate the renovations and furnishings in this 2BR/2BA Anna Maria Island Club unit.

Karen Fineout. Wagner Realty. $875K. 941-5183682.

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 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PET SITTING

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RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 YOUR OWN BEACH HOUSE. Annual Bungalow with mini-loft. One block to intercostal (SunRises) and Beach (Sunsets). Vaulted ceilings. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-7411096 ANNUAL RENTAL BUNGALOW with mini-loft. Vaulted ceilings. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer. Steps to Beach. Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-1096

ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES BEACH Great location 3BR/2BA. Washer/Dryer, granite counter tops, Large deck. Available September 1, 2020. No smoking. Background check required. $1900/mo + security. Call 603-969-6840

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION MONTHLY RENTAL 1BR/2BA apartment with pool access. Unheated, no washer/dryer. Steps to beach. No pets. Cleaning fee plus 12% tax. Available starting January 1, 2021.

Call 941-778-0426 TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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