Anna Maria Island Sun July 5, 2023

City leaders continue to fight parking garage

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

Suzi swimming for a cause

Loggerhead sea turtle Suzi was satellite tagged after nesting at Coquina Beach and is now competing in the Tour de Turtles race to raise awareness of light pollution. Story on Page 9.

Water taxi expected to launch soon

The new water taxi service from Bradenton to Anna Maria Island has been delayed, but should begin operation by the end of this summer.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - An open house held on June 27 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) offered answers to many of the questions regarding the long-awaited ferry service between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton.

On April 23, CVB Executive Director Elliott Falcione said the hope was to have the boats

operational by July, potentially by the Fourth of July weekend, a goal that was missed. The new, more conservative estimate is to have the boats running with passengers on board by the end of the summer.

Although construction of the two 49-passenger pontoon boats is almost complete, they still require plenty of testing to get all Coast Guard certifications and permits issued.

SEE TAXI, PAGE 31

HOLMES BEACH – Gov. Ron DeSantis may have signed off on a beachfront parking garage, but that doesn’t mean that city leaders are giving up the fight to stop the garage from being built just yet.

“We’re committed to fighting this thing. We’re not going to stop until there are shovels in the ground,” Commissioner Terry Schaefer said, with his fellow commissioners echoing the statement. The garage that commissioners are vowing to fight is planned as a three-story parking structure with 1,500 or more spaces at Manatee Beach. While parking garages are not an allowable land use in any of the three Anna Maria Island cities, they are allowed in Holmes Beach by special exception. Feeling that city officials would never approve the garage, Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said he opted to circumvent the special exception process in Holmes Beach by encouraging state Rep. Will Robinson to introduce HB 947, a bill to allow for the garage to be built without requiring any input or approvals from the city. Despite public outcry against the bill, it received unanimous support from the local state delegation, the Florida House and Senate, and, ultimately, from the governor.

The garage is estimated to cost $45 million to build, $400,000 a year to maintain and take at least two years to build, during which facilities and parking at Manatee Beach would be unavailable. The existing concession building with a retail store, restrooms and the Anna Maria Island Beach Café would be torn down to make way for

SEE GARAGE, PAGE 13

JASON GARGIULE/AMIAERIALS.COM | SUN

A three-story parking garage is proposed to replace the parking lot at Manatee Beach, including the concession stand.

Boats that will ferry riders from Bradenton to Anna Maria Island are currently under construction in the Orlando area and nearing completion. County officials say the water taxi is expected to begin operation by the end of the summer.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Special Olympians clean Anna Maria beach

The

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – A group of Special Olympic athletes participated in a beach cleanup near the Sandbar restaurant on Friday morning.

Approximately 20 Special Olympic Athletes and 10 chaperones from Special Olympics Florida – Manatee County participated in the event.

Tammy Nordling, a broker and branch manager for the Michael Saunders Reality office in Holmes Beach organized the event.

“We wanted to do something for our beaches. I spoke with Mayor Murphy and he said this would be a good time to do a beach cleanup in Anna Maria. This is the first time we’ve done this. The Special Olympians care about their environment and Michael Saunders Realtors cares too, so it’s a collaborative event,” Nordling said.

After arriving aboard the free Island trolley, the Special Olympic athletes and their chaperones first met with Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy at city hall.

When greeting the group, Murphy said, “We’re very proud and pleased to have you here today. We try to keep the beach as pristine as we possibly can, but it’s always in a state of constant use, so we have to constantly be out there doing work on it. I hope your time is productive and you enjoy yourselves.

Murphy told the group about the old City Pier, the new City Pier, the new Mote Marine Education Outreach Center on the pier and the city of Anna Maria’s 100th anniversary celebrations. The mayor also fielded questions.

Murphy presented Nordling with a box of commemorative coins featuring

the city logo on one side and the Mote Marine logo on the other and asked her to share with the athletes.

“This is such a collaborative event and what a great way to spend a Friday,” Nordling said.

BEACH CLEANUP

The group then walked over to the beach access near the Sandbar restaurant. After receiving trash bags, gloves

The beach cleanup also served as an educational experience.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Special Olympic athletes scour the beaches of Anna Maria for trash while learning about sea turtles and other marine life.

Special Olympians care about their environment and Michael Saunders Realtors cares too, so it’s a collaborative event.”

Tammy Nordling, Michael Saunders Branch Manager

SEE CELANUP, PAGE 11

IN BRIEF

Holmes Beach commissioners approve rezone for bank

Holmes Beach commissioners have approved the request of Bob Bolus, owner of the long-vacant Bank of America property, to rezone the property from C-1 to C-2. During a June 27 meeting, commissioners voted in favor of the rezoning application.

Stating concerns about increased traffic and creating a potentially dangerous vehicular access situation on East Bay Drive with cars turning left to get to the property, a few commissioners stated that they weren’t in favor of allowing the property to be rezoned. City Attorney Erica Augello reminded them that if the application meets all of the criteria for a rezoning, which Bolus’ did, they were legally required to approve the request.

Speaking on behalf of Bolus during the quasi-judicial public hearing was planner Misty Servia. Servia reminded commissioners that they had granted Publix a rezone from C-1 to C-3 at the old Regions Bank property two blocks away, now a liquor store and pharmacy, without issue.

With a C-1 designation, the property could only be used for office space or for a less intense use such as a bank or doctor’s office. Under the new C-2 designation, Bolus can expand that usage to a retail space or restaurant.

“I just want to develop the property for the best use for the community,” he said.

Before any new business opens on the site, Bolus will be required to submit a site plan for approval from city commissioners.

New recruits fill planning commission roster

After reappointments and the addition of some new members, city commissioners voted during a June 27 meeting to fill up the roster for the Holmes Beach Planning Commission. Re-appointed were current Chair Gale Tedhams and Lisa Pierce, both full voting members of the planning commission, who will each serve another four-year term with the group. Joining them as a full member is Steven Oelfke, who moved up from a second alternate position. Taking the two alternate positions are Joseph Ireland, who beat out current member Deb Sneddon for the first alternate position, and James Harrison, who will take the second alternate position. The commission meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m. at city hall. Meetings are open to the public.

Bradenton Beach Commission to hold millage meeting

As part of the 2023-24 budget discussions, a special Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting will be held to discuss proposed millage rates on Tuesday, July 11 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall in the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N. in Bradenton Beach.

New state law impacts local ordinances

The new state law requires city and county governments to provide business impact estimates before adopting new ordinances.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation that makes it more challenging for Florida cities and counties to adopt local ordinances.

On June 29, DeSantis signed into law legislation the Florida Legislature created with Senate Bill 170 and its matching companion bill, House Bill 1515.

The new law makes it easier to challenge an existing or proposed ordinance, allows for enforcement to be suspended for challenged ordinances, makes it easier for challengers to recoup attorney fees and requires city and county governments to prepare a business impact estimate when proposing a new ordinance.

In anticipation of the new law, City Attorney Becky Vose recently provided Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission with her fivepage legal analysis of the new law.

“SB 170 pertains to the passage and challenging of local municipal and county ordinances. The bill gives

additional rights to those challenging local ordinances, imposes conditions on legal challenges to local ordinances and adds to the process for local governments passing ordinances,” Vose wrote.

State restricts local land use regulations

A new state law temporarily prohibits local governments from increasing building inspection fees.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The three city governments on Anna Maria Island are among the Florida cities now temporarily prohibited from adopting comprehensive plan or land development code amendments that are more restrictive or burdensome than their existing land use regulations.

On June 28, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law the committee substitute version of Senate Bill 250 and its matching companion bill, House Bill 7057. The temporary land use regulation restrictions created by the Florida Legislature and placed on local governments are just one component of the state legislation that provides approximately $61

million in state-supervised loans as part of Florida’s continuing recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole.

In May in anticipation of the new state law, the Anna Maria City Commission discontinued the short-lived pursuit of an ordinance proposed by city staff that would have placed greater local restrictions on multiple non-conforming lots located on

a single property. City Attorney Becky Vose advised the commission to withhold any further action on the proposed ordinance until the final fate of SB 250 was known.

She also advised the commission that the proposed ordinance would subject the city to Bert Harris claims filed by some or all of the 37 impacted residential property owners. The Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Protection Act provides relief, including financial relief, for property owners aggrieved or inordinately burdened by the actions of a state, county or local government.

The new law created by SB 250 is set forth in section 553.80 of Florida Statutes and says: “A county or municipality located entirely or partially within 100 miles of where either Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole made landfall shall not propose or adopt any moratorium on

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The adoption of city ordinances now requires a state-mandated business impact estimate.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN City Attorney Becky Vose advised the Anna Maria commission on the temporary implications of SB 250.

Coquina Beach parking lot improvements nearly complete

entire parking lot was finished and available for parking.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH –

Almost the entire Coquina Beach parking lot is now available to beachgoers, just in time for the extended Fourth of July weekend.

The second phase of Manatee County’s long-running drainage and parking lot improvement project is now in its final stage, with the remaining work taking place in the overflow parking area being created north of the picnic pavilion area.

According to Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan, all the Coquina Beach parking spaces are now open except for the overflow area, which he said is

expected to be completed by the end of July.

“That is the last and final parking and drainage improvement,” Logan said of the final work taking place.

Formerly comprised of shell and sand, the Coquina Beach parking spaces are now paved with permeable concrete that contains gaps that allow water to drain downward through

the pavement and into the new drainage elements below.

A visit to the Coquina Beach parking lot on June 27 indicated that, with the exception of the overflow area, the

The Coquina Beach drainage project started at the south end of the beach parking lot in May 2019 and included the removal of approximately 100 Australian pine trees. County staff said the trees needed to be removed in part because their expansive root systems would hinder the drainage and paving improvements.

As the second phase of the project moved north, approximately 87 more Australian pines were removed. Although many Australian pines were removed, many still remain in place, including those along the recreational trail between the parking lot and the beach.

When the county commission approved the phase two plans and tree removals in 2020, the estimated phase one cost was $3.36 million and the estimated phase two cost was $3.62 million. Final numbers are forthcoming.

We’ve been tak ing care of Manatee County from 1983 - 2023 ...

and we’re not going any where!

The remaining piece of the drainage and parking improvement project is expected to be finished by the end of July.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

An overflow parking area is being constructed near the picnic pavilions.

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ON THE AGENDA

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

July 11, 9:30 a.m. – City Commission budget meeting

July 18, 10 a.m. – Community Redevelopment

Agency work meeting

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

July 20, noon – City Commission meeting

EVENTS

THURSDAY, JULY 6

AMI Chamber breakfast, Breakfast at Victoria’s, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 7:30 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members.

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

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

FRIDAY, JULY 7

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

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

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

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

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

HOLMES BEACH

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

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

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

July 11, 9 a.m. – City Commission budget meeting

SATURDAY, JULY 8

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

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

Solar Astronomy, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

Origami Club Festival, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

MONDAY, JULY 10

Sunset Tai Chi, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6:30 p.m., $10.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

ISLAND-WIDE

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

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

THURSDAY, JULY 13

Recycling truck visit, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. AMI Chamber luncheon, Pesto Bistro and Wine Bar, 8799 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $22 for members or $30 for prospective members.

Birds frightened off nests

Local experts say the birds likely disbanded due to human and predator disturbance.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - A rare nest of shorebirds was identified on Anna Maria Island beaches last month, but within days, it was gone.

“We posted a black skimmer colony in Holmes Beach earlier in the summer, but due to human disturbance and crows, all nests were destroyed and the colony was abandoned after only three days,” said Kristen Mazzarella, executive director for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. “Currently, we do not have any nesting shorebirds on the Island.”

Mazzarella expressed hope that the nesting birds joined a larger colony nearby with more protection and less disturbance.

“Shorebirds are extremely sensitive to disturbance. If there is too much human or vehicular traffic through an area that they are scoping out for nest-

ing, they will move elsewhere,” she said. “If a colony is established (eggs are laid) and humans get too close, the birds will leave their nests unprotected to chase away the humans, at which point crows and other predators will swoop down and steal their eggs.”

Kathy Doddridge, a Turtle Watch volunteer who conducts a twicemonthly shorebird survey of the Island, agrees with Mazzarella’s assessment.

BIRD TIPS

During bird nesting season, February to September, please follow these tips:

• Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

• Teach kids not to chase birds – if they’re disturbed, bird parents may abandon nests.

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

• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close.

• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach.

“Unfortunately, there are no shorebirds nor seabirds nesting on AMI,” she said, a more and more common occurence. “The black skimmer colony in Holmes Beach disbanded after human disturbance.”

Gulls, terns, American oystercatchers, skimmers and sandpipers use AMI beaches to rest during peak migration periods. Skimmers and least terns nest in colonies

SEE BIRDS, PAGE 11

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas; dogs are not allowed on the beach by law.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract bird predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.

• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

AUDUBON | SUBMITTED

Loggerhead sea turtle ‘Suzi’ released into race

The nesting mother was outfitted with a satellite monitor and released. Her location will be tracked.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – As hundreds of delighted onlookers gathered to see a publicized turtle release at Coquina Beach, loggerhead sea turtle “Suzi” made a grand entrance from the sand to the water. She hesitated several times walking on the beach, appearing to look at the crowd that had gathered, but once she reached the water she was in her element and took off swimming.

The June 27 release, however, won’t be the last time Suzi’s whereabouts will be

known. Just after nesting in Bradenton Beach, she was outfitted with a satellite monitor and is the latest turtle to join the Sea Turtle Conservancy's Tour de Turtles race. Swimming to raise awareness of the effect light pollution has on sea turtles, Suzi will be monitored for several months by satellite.

“She nested right here and we boxed her up. We dedicated the nest that she laid to Suzi Fox, so we have a plaque here,” said Kristin Mazzarella, executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring. “She’s now part of the Tour de Turtles race.”

Turtle Watch volunteer Barbara Riskay praised the naming of the loggerhead in commemoration of Suzi Fox, the former executive director of Turtle Watch who

died last year.

“It was a no-brainer to name her ‘Suzi,’ ” Riskay said.

Within three days of her release, loggerhead Suzi had traveled 16 miles at an average speed of .25 mph.

“Started in 2008, the Tour de Turtles is a fun, educational journey through the science, research and geography of sea turtle migration using satellite telemetry,” according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy website. “Created by Sea Turtle Conservancy, with help from sponsors and partners, this event follows the marathon migration of sea turtles, representing four different species, from their nesting beaches to their foraging grounds.”

By tracking sea turtles, scientists have learned a lot about them.

“We now know that sea turtles are highly migratory, often traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles between the beaches where they lay their eggs and the foraging (feeding) grounds where they spend much of their time at sea,” according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy website.

“Since most research conducted on marine turtles has been carried out on nesting beaches and well over 90% of a sea turtle’s life is spent in the water - feeding, mating, migrating and doing whatever else a sea turtle does when no one is watching - we are missing important information that can help us better protect sea turtles.” Visit The Sun's Facebook page for weekly updates in "Where's Suzi?" and visit amisun.com for weekly updates on sea turtle nesting activity in "Nesting News."

Turtle Watch volunteers find first hatched nest of the season

The hatched sea turtle nest was found on the bayside of Anna Maria Island.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Volunteers

from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring found the first hatched turtle nest of the season during their morning survey on June 30. The nest was discovered on the bayside of the Island in an undisclosed location.

“We were pleased that we had our first hatch today, the first of more than 250 current nests that will hatch on AMI beaches,” Turtle Watch Executive Director

Kristen Mazzarella said in a press release.

“Our volunteers have been working long, arduous hours on the beach documenting and marking the nests currently in place. We want to see that hard work rewarded with good hatches and lots of hatchlings making it to the water.”

The first nest laid on Holmes Beach on April 18 did not hatch as expected.

“With hatching now underway there are important reminders for residents and visitors. Most importantly is to make sure that lights are in compliance with local ordinances. Sea turtle hatchlings cue to the bright horizon of the night sky but can be drawn away from reaching the Gulf by artificial lights visible from the beach,” she said.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Throughout the Island, sea turtle nests are marked by Turtle Watch volunteers to ensure they are not disturbed.

Lights on the beach should have sea turtle-friendly bulbs as well as be shielded from direct view. Visitors on beaches at night are encouraged to refrain from

using any form of light including flash photography, fishing lamps, cell phones and flashlights.

“If you happen to see a nest hatching, remember that hatchlings should be left alone as they make their way to the water,” Mazzarella said. “Mother Nature has provided sea turtles with wayfinding instincts that will get them to where they need to go so our help is not needed.”

If you find a turtle (adult or hatchling) in distress, please call Turtle Watch at 941-301-8434 or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922. Visit islandturtlewatch. com to learn more about how you can help sea turtles survive.

Sewer project paused until July 10

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Residents living near the sewer improvement project on Gulf Drive have a brief respite from construction, which has been suspended until July 10.

“In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, the contractor will be suspending construction on the Bradenton Beach Sewer Improvements project during the week of July 3,” Bradenton Beach Sewer Project

Community Outreach Representative Tina Allen wrote in a June 27 email to area residents. “Residents and renters along 11th Street South are encouraged to continue using the reserved parking area on the west side of Gulf Drive South.”

Construction is scheduled to resume on Monday, July 10 at 7 a.m.

The first of the adjacent side roads to be closed during the project is 11th

Street South. There will be permitted parking only for residents and guests of that road on the west side of Gulf Drive South for at least the next four months.

Currently, the reserved permit parking section is located slightly north of Eighth Street South and goes south to midway between 10th and 11th Streets South.

Free golf cart shuttle service will be available to those living on closed roads. For service, call 941-269-6699.

In her email, Allen asked residents to be mindful of construction equipment and materials being staged in right-of-way areas.

“Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work to complete these necessary improvements,” Allen wrote.

The project will replace and relocate a portion of the gravity collection system in South Bradenton Beach from private property to the public right of way.

No-swim advisory lifted for South Palma Sola Bay

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

PALMA SOLA – The no-swim advisory has been lifted for South Palma Sola Bay.

The advisory, put in place on June 26, was lifted by the Department of Health-Manatee (DOH-Manatee) on June 29.

Removing the advisory means that bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels and the public can once again safely enter the waters, according to DOHManatee.

South Palma Sola Bay is located along Manatee Avenue West (SR 64) at the Palma Sola Bay Causeway.

“A no-swim advisory is issued when enterococci bacteria levels exceed federal guidelines for safe swimming. It is thought that contact with the water at the site could make beachgoers sick,” according to a DOH-Manatee press release.

Other beaches in Manatee County were not under advisory.

As a participant in the Healthy

BIRDS: Frightened off nests

Beaches Program, DOH-Manatee collects water samples at select beaches each week. The samples are then sent to labs to determine whether or not levels of enteric bacteria (enterococci) – which can cause human disease, infections or rashes – are acceptable based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

Sample test results taken at Palma Sola South on June 19 and June 22 had shown elevated levels of enterococci bacteria.

CLEANUP: Special Olympians clean Anna Maria beach

FROM PAGE 3 and bottled water, the group made their way down the beach, walking toward Bean Point, accompanied by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella. While scouring the beach for trash, the group learned about sea turtle nesting habits.

After discovering turtle crawl tracks from the previous evening, Mazzarella pointed out where the crawl started near the water and ended at the nest.

“When she crawls up on the beach, she’s on her belly and her flippers push back as she’s dragging herself up the beach to

nest,” she said.

She explained how Turtle Watch volunteers monitor the beaches and mark the new nests; and how a female turtle lays between 100-120 eggs in each nest and repeats that process five to seven times before heading off to a forging ground to renourish herself. Mazzarella said the temperature of the sand determines if the turtle eggs hatch females or males.

“If it’s hot sand, they’re girls. If it’s cool sand, they’re boys,” she said.

Mazzarella also pointed out a group of manatees swimming offshore.

“This is our first time doing a beach cleanup," said Pam Fazio, the Special Olympics Florida manager of sports administration for Manatee and DeSoto counties. "It’s also educational. We have all kinds of intellectual disabilities out there, including Down syndrome and autism, and this gets them out in the community."

“That builds their confidence,” Administrative Assistant Sue Fitzgerald added.

After the cleanup, the group boarded the trolley and rode back to the Michael Saunders Realty office in Holmes Beach where they were treated to lunch and goody boxes.

FROM PAGE 8

and rely on the group to protect them from people, crows and laughing gulls.

Last year, Anna Maria Island did not host any known nesting seabirds or shorebirds.

“However, other barrier islands had very large colonies,” Doddridge said. “Gulls nest on Egmont Key, Passage Key and the spoil islands of Hillsborough Bay. Why do they prefer one area over another? People and predators.”

The uninhabited Passage Key is a mile north of Bean Point. President Theodore Roosevelt established the Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge in 1905 to preserve nesting colonies of native seabirds and wading birds. More than 50 species of birds have used this small area, including nesting American oystercatchers, black skimmers, royal and sandwich terns and laughing gulls.

“We can help shorebirds by not disturbing birds that are resting or nesting on the beach, respecting posted nesting areas by keeping our distance and also by cleaning up our food trash so it doesn't attract crows and other predators to the beach,” Mazzarella said.

“It is best to keep at least 300 feet from nesting shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds to prevent them from flushing from their breeding sites, leaving vulnerable eggs and chicks exposed to the elements and predators,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. “Shorebirds and seabirds also nest in shallow scrapes in the sand and their eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged, making them vulnerable to being stepped on.”

Shorebird nesting season runs from Feb. 15 through Sept. 1.

Anna Maria Elementary PTO seeks sponsorships

The Anna Maria Island Elementary School PTO is seeking funds through sponsors to help with costs of 2023-24 school year activities.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Elementary School (AME) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is currently seeking sponsors to help with the cost of activities for the 2023-24 school year.

The PTO helps with more than a dozen activities each year, funded by the generosity of parents, local businesses and corporations. No county funds are used for activities such as the Old Hollywood Spring Gala, Princess Ball, Boys Night Out, PTO Dinners and many more activities that suit students, parents and teachers.

“We are introducing a new year-long sponsorship program for AME. It is our hope that this campaign will fund our programming and needs for the year and this will be our only ask for your support this school year,” AME PTO President Jen Serra said. “If you have been a supporter of ours in the past, please consider matching your multiple donations throughout the year with this one gift.”

Serra said these efforts will also provide resources like reading software programs, new playground

equipment, classroom and teacher support and even field trips.

“This program also allows for greater sponsorship visibility for our business partners, as they will be recognized at all PTO events, large and small, in various ways,” Serra said.

For further information and to obtain a sponsorship application, visit https://amepto.org/amesponsor.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN Celebrate!

From left, Lumi Welch, 4, Sonny Howle, 6, and Williabel Welch, 6, enjoyed the Fourth of July holiday weekend at the beach.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

The Anna Maria Elementary School PTO is currently seeking sponsors to help fund activities for the 2023-24 school year.

Bayfest is back

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce has announced the return of Bayfest in Anna Maria, one of the biggest and longest-running events annually on Anna Maria Island. Bayfest 2023 will take place on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will include live music from the area’s most popular bands (to be announced), arts and crafts, vendors, a car show and much more for the whole family. Admission is free, and Pine Avenue will be closed for the day to accommodate the festival. Visit www.amichamber. org for vendor and sponsor information.

Chamber to host first breakfast of July

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its July breakfast event on Thursday, July 6 from 7-9 a.m. at Breakfast at Victorias, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. This is an excellent opportunity to network with chamber members. The fee is $15 for members and $25 for prospective members. RSVP to info@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541 to secure a spot. Bring a raffle prize and your business will be named, and bring business cards to share.

Chamber luncheon at Pesto

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its next luncheon on Thursday, July 13 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Pesto Bistro & Wine Bar, 8799 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. The fee is $22 for chamber members and $30 for prospective members. Bring business cards and network with area business owners and managers. RSVP is required. Call 941-778-1541 or email ingrid@ amichamber.org.

GARAGE: City leaders continue to fight

FROM PAGE 1

the parking garage. Once built, the garage is expected to house new restroom and concession facilities. City Attorney Erica Augello said that the legal battle is now underway to try and stop the garage from being built. While she said she’s just beginning to work on the city’s legal defense against the parking structure, she said she’s aware that at least two groups of residents and other interested parties have sprung up locally to fight against the garage. Augello said that if either or both groups decide to retain an attorney to pursue legal action she would like the attorneys to contact her to coordinate legal efforts.

Island Players documentary premiere a sellout

documentary film produced by Sarasota-based Greymatter Studios was screened on June 29 at the Island Playhouse in Anna Maria.

A

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - Operating for 75 years, the Island Players is the oldest community theater group in Manatee County, but the history of their home dates back another 75 years.

How the theater got to its current location on the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue is one of the fascinating subjects featured in a new documentary film about the Players that was screened in the theater on June 29.

Tens of thousands of people have attended plays at the historic theater that is as much a part of Anna Maria Island as the sand and palm trees. But most who walk through the doors have no idea that if somebody had not decided to saw a mid-19th century home in half and float it down the Manatee

exist. The story had to be told and a local filmmaker decided to tell it with his documentary, “The Anna Maria Island Players,” which was featured at the 2023 Sarasota Film Festival.

I asked if anybody had heard of this little wooden theater that got cut in half and floated down the river,” Director Lucas Piety said. “They didn’t know what I was talking about, but

that’s how it all started.”

Piety said without the resources of the Manatee County Clerk of Court and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, this project would have been impossible.

“The Anna Maria Island Historical Society has a museum right down the street,” Piety said. “If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Island, I strongly encourage you to go visit it and learn more about the Island. I learned that a lot of money that went into the early years of this Island came from the creator of Fig Newtons; I had no idea.”

Piety said that he feels that Florida history doesn’t get the same attention as other states to the north and he wants to change that. He said it’s important that the history of Florida is shared with the world and, although this film may be a small contribution in the grand scheme, it’s a start, and he hopes more of the same will follow. There will be no spoilers here, but, fortunately, the film is now online and can be viewed for free at www. greymatterfilms.com. Curtain, please!

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

From left, Greymatter Studios filmmakers Lucas Piety and Derin George hold a Q&A after the premiere of their documentary film, “The Anna Maria Island Players” at the Island Playhouse in Anna Maria on June 29.

Legislation imperils local waters

t a time when the need to move water quality issues in a positive direction should be crystal clear, decisionmakers (and, by default, the citizens who elected them) are weakening protections that are the basis of the region’s economy. After several years of record harmful algae blooms (red tide, lyngbya, blue-green algae) and the unprecedented mega release of toxic effluent from the Piney Point disaster, it’s almost unbelievable that newly enacted state laws are making it harder to protect critical waters. A bill that was recently signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis prohibits

local governments from “adopting or amending a fertilizer management ordinance” during the 2023-24 budget year. The legislation restricts the ability of local municipalities and counties to regulate fertilizer use during the rainy season (May 15 to Oct. 3). Instead, they are now required to depend on less restrictive regulations developed by the University of Florida and supported by the state’s phosphate industry, the producers of fertilizer. It’s another nod to industry over the common good. The bill, which was quietly tucked into the budget without comment from the public, is defended by proponents since it only lasts for a year while the university studies the impact of the revised rule. This move appears to be nothing more than a gift to the fertilizer industry that has been losing revenue since 2000. Before the law was

RUSTY CHINNIS

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Unless we elect lawmakers who work for the public good rather than corporate interests, expect more algae blooms like these that have plagued Anna Maria Sound since 2020.

July fishing forecast good

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

Tarpon will still be a good option this month. Shallow water action for reds and big trout will be best early and late in the day. Some of the best action will be with trout, blues, pompano and more on deep grass flats. Catch and release snook fishing in the ICW at night or in the surf should also be good options.

Tarpon fishing should be good in the coastal Gulf this month. Large schools of tarpon will dwindle in size and numbers to singles, doubles and small schools of post-spawn fish during July. I usually find tarpon to be aggressive in July, with spawning completed and after a long migration, they usually feed aggressively. I also find them to be more curious this time of the year, often swinging closer to check out the sound of a landing bait, lure or fly. Spin anglers will do best by setting up in travel lanes and drifting live baits under floats while staying ready to sight cast to fish that may pop up with no notice. The DOA

Baitbuster is my “go to” lure for tarpon. The DOA Swimming Mullet, 4” Shrimp and CAL 4” swim bait are also good choices depending on the situation. This is my favorite time to fly fish for tarpon. The tactics are the same as earlier in the season, anchoring or staking out on travel routes, although fish are in a better mood. Unlike the large tarpon schools that we see around full and new moon phases in June, July fish are usually aggressive. Large schools of tarpon are impressive, but if you spook the lead fish you will spook all of them. Tarpon will thin out towards the end of the month as they begin to move to inside waters of Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. They move into these areas to rest and feed following spawning. They can be targeted in these areas with flies, a variety of DOA lures or live bait. Also look for tarpon feeding in schools of “breaking” ladyfish in these areas.

Regulations have returned to normal

for reds and snook in Sarasota. Spotted seatrout have changed in southwest Florida to a three-fish-per-person bag limit and a six-fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15”-19” with one allowed per vessel over 19”. In my opinion, it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Full regulations and details for all species can be viewed at https://myfwc.com/.

Catch and release snook fishing will be a good option this month. With very warm water this time of year, it is important to use tackle heavy enough to land them quickly. Spin anglers

REEL TIME: Legislation imperils local waters

FROM PAGE 16 enacted, Gil Smart, executive director of advocacy group VoteWater, stated, “Fertilizer control is a key tool for local governments grappling with water quality problems. If this stands, it just opens the door to even more nutrients in our waterways and more problems. It’s unconscionable.” (Mary Allen Klas, Tampa Bay Times, May 2, 2022)

When I contacted Smart about the newly-enacted bill, he added, “I can also say this fertilizer study is an obvious precursor to legislative attempts to weaken fertilizer ordinances across Florida. I’d expect to see legislation to that effect as early as next session.”

Local anglers see first-hand what devastation excess nutrients from a myriad of sources, including fertilizer, wreak on the waters of Anna Maria Sound. Capt. Justin

Moore understands the issue firsthand. Moore fishes over 200 days a year and sees the changes happening before his eyes.

“I have lots of customers who love to fish and have young children,” he said. “If they want their kids able to fish, we need to address this issue at the ballot box. What I’m seeing makes me afraid that we’re close to losing it all if we’re not careful. New and existing businesses on the Island and beyond need to know that a catastrophic red tide bloom (scientifically linked to excess nutrients) could devastate their business.”

If this wasn’t a big enough blow to efforts to protect water quality and vital marine habitat, Senate Bill 540 might signal the final nail in the coffin of common-sense reform. According to Samantha Wassmer, marketing and communications specialist for Suncoast Waterkeeper, “Along with the new restriction on fertilizer, the state

Legislature delivered Senate Bill 540 and Senate Bill 1258/House Bill 1191 to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 540 threatens ordinary Floridians with financial ruin for exercising their right to legally challenge bad development decisions. Specifically, citizens who challenge comprehensive plan amendments would be forced to pay the attorney fees and costs of the prevailing local government and developers if they lose their challenge. Senate Bill 1258 approves the use of radioactive waste called phosphogypsum in road construction, giving a free pass for industry to produce even more fertilizer that ultimately flushes into and pollutes our local waterways. Gov. DeSantis signed SB 540 on May 24, 2023, and has yet to take any action on SB 1258 which, as a result, automatically went into effect on July 1.”

Dave Tomasko, executive director of

should do well fishing lighted docks and bridges in the ICW with CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms or DOA shrimp. Fly anglers should do well with clear intermediate sink tip lines and wide profile flies, such as Lefty’s Deceiver or EP flies, since larger baitfish may be more predominant. Docks and bridges close to passes should be the best ones. You’ll also find snook in the surf, where you can walk along the beach and sight cast to them in shallow water. Gibby’s DT Variation is a “go to” fly for many snook surf anglers.

the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, has a broader viewpoint as a scientist and brings another perspective to the issue.

“Municipalities are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to clean up Sarasota Bay and isotopic signatures show the presence of fertilizer-derived nitrogen in bay waters. Since there are no agricultural sources of nitrogen in the adjacent watershed it's an indication that the nitrogen is from residential sources. If you want a bright green lawn, you must be willing to accept a bright green bay,” Tomasko said. “Since no one wants that, every citizen in the watershed must step up and do their part.”

In the end, the message seems clear to this advocate. If we are to protect this special place we love, it will require the voters to elect lawmakers who represent the people. Our state legislators and the governor have failed us to date.

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUN There should be good shallow water action during July. Jon Yenari and Connor Shoemaker, both of Sarasota, had good action catching and releasing reds and snook on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous July.

Manatee Meals on Wheels gets large challenge gift

An anonymous donor has issued a $100,000 Challenge Gift for all donations in support of their Summer Hunger/Food4Families efforts received before July 3. On Fridays during the summer months, The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, provides Food4Families bags at Summer Break Spots to families in need of vital nutrition. These bags contain breakfast, lunch and dinner to feed a family of five for two or more days.

In the summer of 2023, their goal is

to provide at least 20,000 meals each week for children and their families. During the nine-week summer break, that’s at least 180,000 meals. With the rising costs of food impacting everyone, their cost to provide each meal is approximately $1, which requires raising at least $180,000 to feed children and families through this program. For information on how to donate, visit www.mealsonwheelsplus. org or call 941-747-4655. Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee is located at 811 23rd Ave. E, Bradenton.

Fire district officials seek vacation rental assistance

BRADENTON – Officials at West Manatee Fire Rescue are just a few months away from the October launch of their new vacation rental safety inspection program. Now they’re looking for a little help in identifying all of the vacation rentals in their district. Speaking remotely over Zoom from a conference in Las Vegas during the June 20 district board meeting, Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said that he’s been speaking with representatives from nearby municipalities to see what software they use for rental identification. He said his first stop was to check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to see how many vacation rental properties were registered with that organization. Registration with the DBPR is a state requirement for anyone operating a vacation rental property. Kwiatkowski said that search turned up about 3,200 units.

In speaking with representatives from rental property software companies, he asked them to tell him how many vacation rental properties are in the fire district. While most came back with a vague number, Kwiatkowski

said the representative from Granicus, the same software used by the city of Bradenton, came back with 5,068 rental properties in the fire district, including on Anna Maria Island, Cortez and unincorporated Manatee County in west Bradenton. Without using the software, which gives results in real time, he said the district would miss out on inspecting over 1,800 units. Based on his analysis, Kwiatkowski said he felt Granicus was the most accurate software package, recommending that the board agree to a one-year license for the software coming in at $159,372.50.

“The price tag is hefty,” Commissioner Billy Burke said. “I see the need for this in the future. I see this as a solution to the problem, but, golly, is that expensive.”

Commissioner David Bishop said that he feels the district should do more due diligence work on whether software to identify the properties is needed and, if so, if Granicus would be the best deal for the use of taxpayer money.

Burke agreed to work with district staff on a committee to delve deeper into the available software options.

First responders recognized with Phoenix Awards

The staff and board members at West Manatee Fire Rescue gathered on June 20 to recognize their co-workers with Phoenix Awards. The awards are given to first responders with the district who respond to a cardiac arrest call where the patient has no pulse and then, through the lifesaving efforts of the responding crews, recovers and walks out of the hospital. The men and women at WMFR had eight such patients over the past 12 months.

WMFR welcomes new staff

Three new firefighter/paramedics joined the ranks at West Manatee Fire Rescue on June 20. From left, Brooks Larkin, Zackary Misiura and Zachary Younce all took their oaths before meeting board members.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Roser Guild awards 2023 scholarships

The Roser Women’s Guild announced three new scholarship winners for the coming school year – Hannah Ferguson, Laila Singer and Tori Ziemer. Renewal scholarship awards were given to William Bernet, Isabella Degenhardt, Matthew MacGregor, Tres Maddox III and Sam Wright. Each student receives $750 per semester paid directly to their schools. All scholarship winners are able to apply annually for renewal of the scholarship for a total of four years as long as they remain full-time students and maintain a 2.75 or higher grade point average. Scholarship funds come from sales at the Roser Guild Thrift Shop located at 511 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. For more information on the guild, visit www.roserchurch.com.

Privateers award scholarships

Scholarships were awarded by the Anna Maria Island Privateers before the June 30 Bradenton Marauders baseball game.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - The Anna Maria Island Privateers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids in the community, awarded scholarships on the field before the June 30 Bradenton Marauders baseball game against the Clearwater Thrashers.

The Privateers hold fundraising events throughout the year with two primary goals - to fund Christmas gifts for underprivileged children in the area and to fund scholarships for students.

2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Jessica Burdette of Bradenton - attending the University of Florida

Demi Lance of Bradenton - attending the University of Florida

Isabella Pasquale of Bradenton - attending the University of Florida

Laila Singer of Holmes Beach - attending the University of North Florida

RENEWAL RECIPIENTS, $750

Carissa Bailey of Bradenton - attending the University of Florida (Theresa Kunze

Sandpiper Memorial Scholarship)

Gabe French of Parrish - attending the University of Central Florida (Drift In/ AMI Scholarship)

Keile O'Dell of Palmetto - attending Southeastern University (Drift In/AMI Scholarship)

FIRST RESPONDERS SCHOLARSHIPS, $500

Medical - Courtney Bauer of Parrishattending the University of South Florida (Drift In/AMI Scholarship)

TAKEHOME, STEAM&EAT SEAFOOD STEAM POTS

Nursing - Sarah Tillman of Bradenton - attending State College of Florida (Davy Jones Memorial Scholarship)

Fire - Manatee Technical College - Fire Academy (Davy Jones Memorial Scholarship)

Police - Manatee Technical CollegePolice Academy (Davy Jones Memorial Scholarship)

THE ANNA MARIA ISLAND PRIVATEERS KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP, $1250

Early Learning Coalition (Theresa Kunze Sandpiper Memorial Scholarship)

Anna Maria

AMI PRIVATEERS | SUBMITTED

The Anna Maria Island Privateers awarded their 2023 scholarships on the field prior to the June 30 Bradenton Marauders baseball game.

ORDINANCES: Impacted by new state laws

FROM PAGE 4

“The bill provides that a plaintiff may challenge an ordinance on grounds that it is arbitrary and unreasonable. The bill provides that a plaintiff prevailing on these grounds may be awarded up to $50,000 in attorney fees in addition to damages.

“Under SB 170, local governments, under certain circumstances, are required to suspend enforcement of an ordinance subject to legal challenge. The bill will also require courts to give priority to cases in which enforcement is suspended and render a preliminary or final decision as expeditiously as possible.

“The bill changes what is required of local governments before passing ordinances. The most burdensome change is that counties and cities will be required to produce a ‘business impact estimate’ prior to passing an ordinance. The estimate must be published on the local government’s website and include certain information, such as the proposed ordinance’s purpose, estimated economic impact on businesses and compliance costs. These provisions will take effect Oct. 1, 2023, except where otherwise provided,” Vose wrote.

“Section 57.112 allows legal challenges to local ordinances on grounds that they are expressly preempted by state law or conflict with the state constitution. SB 170 expands Section 57.112 to include grounds that an ordinance is arbitrary or unreasonable. In the past, courts have declared ordinances arbitrary or unreasonable when the ordinance has no legitimate governmental interest. The amendment provides that when an ordinance is successfully challenged in court as arbitrary or unreasonable, the court may, but is not required to, award up to $50,000 in attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing plaintiff. The bill also allows a complainant to recover damages against the local government that enacted the local ordinance,” Vose wrote.

“If signed into law by the governor, these provisions will take

The most burdensome change is that counties and cities will be required to produce a ‘business impact estimate’ prior to passing an ordinance.”

Becky Vose,

effect Oct. 1, 2023, except where otherwise provided,” she noted. When discussing this legislation on May 8, Vose advised the commission to adopt any new or amended regulatory ordinances they desire before Oct. 1.

BUSINESS IMPACT ESTIMATES

According to Vose, the business impact estimate must be posted on the county or city’s website. The estimate must include a statement of the public purpose to be served by the proposed ordinance. An estimate of the ordinance’s direct economic impact, including fees, on private businesses is required and the city or county must provide a good faith estimate of the number of businesses likely to be impacted.

A business impact estimate is not required for ordinances required to comply with federal or state laws or regulations, ordinances relating to financial obligations and debt, ordinances relating to budget adoption and amendments, ordinances required to implement a contract or agreement, emergency ordinances, ordinances relating to procurement or ordinances relating to growth policy, municipal planning and land development regulation.

Anna Maria city attorney

REAL ESTATE

Is having two homes too much?

This column is all about being careful what you wish for. Some people love their childhood home and long for the day they will inherit it from their parents. Others know if they just had that beach house their life would be complete. Well, I’m here to tell you that both dreams do not come as easy as you might think.

Inheriting the family home has been a tradition in the country for a century. It made a lot of sense to children who needed the space and location where they grew up for their new families. It wasn’t uncommon for siblings to make arrangements to buy out other siblings who wanted the property and, mostly, it was a good idea and worked.

Now, however, the family home may be worth a lot more than anyone in the family anticipated. Higher mortgage rates can make it impossible or impractical for any of the heirs to maintain the property or buy it outright. In addition, tax liabilities need to be calculated by a professional

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

to determine if or when the best time to sell is.

If keeping the family home is a viable option for the heirs, then it might be a good option to use this windfall as a second vacation or investment home. Owning a second home comes with a long list of pros and cons, just ask any owner on Anna Maria Island. But, if you’re starting with a property that is inherited, you’re at least starting at the top of the pro list.

The biggest expense in owning a second home is financing it. Financing costs are typically higher for vacation homes with higher interest rates and larger down

payments generally required. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have also raised fees for second home loans recently. If this is an inherited home, financing is not the issue, but there are plenty of other issues.

Coastal Florida, in case you haven’t noticed, is experiencing insurance premiums that are rising with shrinking options. The closer you are to the water, the greater your risk of flooding and wind damage in a storm, especially for older homes that may not have been built to current code. It’s certainly not impossible to get insurance on older properties but insurance companies are looking for new roofs at a minimum. In fact, you don’t even need to have a waterfront home for insurance companies to require a new roof before they will write insurance or give you a deadline for when that new roof needs to be installed.

Maintenance of a second home is always an issue, especially if the owner resides several hours or several states

away. Maintenance companies will maintain issues in the home and check on it regularly if no one is there, but these services all come with a price. Renting a second home certainly is an option, but at the end of the rental, the property needs to be cleaned and checked for repairs. It’s a lot of work for owners and it’s not unusual for second homeowners to decide at some point it’s too much work for the time they use the property.

The flip side of this is the income that can be realized from second homes. Just look at the rental prices on Anna Maria Island. Again, consult your tax professional if you plan to use the property for both personal and business use. Every owner’s situation is different based on their personal use, the amount that can be written off and income.

There is no one answer for everyone. Owning a beachfront property or a ski-in, ski-out chalet may be your dream. Just be careful what you wish for.

Freckled Fin reports electrical fire

Fire Rescue officials said the cause of the minor fire appears to have been an electrical issue.

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH

– Fire crews were dispatched on June 27 around noon following a report of a fire at The Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive.

West Manatee Fire and Rescue (WMFR)

Battalion Chief Chad Brunner said the call came in as a possible structure fire.

“This was minor,” Brunner said. “It appears to have been caused by an electrical issue at Freckled Fin.

Our investigation was precautionary because there are two restaurants here.”

The pub is in a building contiguous to Vinny’s Italian Kitchen along with several small

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

businesses. Roads were blocked off by Holmes Beach Police while WMFR firefighters and investigators were on scene.

6/24, 7:27 p.m., indecent exposure, 1900 Gulf Drive S. The officer was dispatched to Coquina Park in reference to a female reportedly inappropriately touching a minor and exposing herself. The officer made contact with the female subject, who denied the charge. The reporting party then flagged down the officer and said the subject was the one in question. The juvenile female victim told the officer the subject touched her, exposed herself and made racial slurs to the family. Witnesses backed up the complaining family and the family said they wished to press charges. A capias was filed and the subject was trespassed from the park area.

6/26, 11:11 p.m., suspicious circumstances, 305 Highland Ave. The officer responded to what was initially reported as a residential burglary. The complainant directed the officer to the swimming pool area in reference to human feces that had been left on the steps going into the pool. The complainant said that sometime between 4:30-11:30 p.m., some-

one gained access to the pool area and deposited the fecal matter. The unknown subject then left, leaving a set of wet footprints. There was no video footage of the incident, and police have no suspect. Property management said the pool would be closed until a thorough cleaning could be done. No further action was taken.

HOLMES BEACH

6/24, 10:43 a.m., possession of methamphetamine, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched to Manatee Beach after a call from a county parks employee in reference to an intoxicated male who was sitting on of the county’s “Gator” ATV. The officer made contact with the subject and realized he had been trespassed from the area earlier that day. The subject was placed under arrest for the violation of the trespass warning, and while the officer was searching him, he found two bags of a white crystal substance that later tested positive as methamphetamine, 2.4 grams. He also was in possession of 6 grams of marijuana and did not have a medical card. The officer added drug possession charges to the trespass charge and took the man to Manatee County Jail.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

WMFR crews responded to a fire at The Freckled Fin Irish Pub in Holmes Beach.

Learning to swim

The Anna Maria Island Rotary spends a great deal of its resources raising money for its summer swim program, which offers free swimming lessons to area children who may not have access to swimming lessons. These children are the first group of the 2023 season to complete the program at the Bradenton YMCA, 3805 59th St. W., Bradenton. The next group will begin on July 10, and will include 18 children from four of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee. Lessons run for two groups in June and two groups in July, with a total of 72 children receiving lessons in 2023 thanks to fundraising efforts by the AMI Rotary, the bulk of which come from its annual golf tournament, held this year at IMG Academy Golf Course in Bradenton.

Man, 71, drowns at Coquina Beach

A 71-year-old Bradenton man lost his life in the waters off Coquina Beach.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACHWhile the water may look calm and harmless, a number of drowning deaths have struck the Gulf coast of Florida over the last month, and a 71-year-old Bradenton man was the latest to succumb to unpredictable Gulf waters on June 26.

Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said in his report that he arrived in the area of 400 Gulf Drive S. on June 26 at 2:40 p.m. to find EMS, fire and beach patrol already on the scene providing CPR to Benjamin Warren Griffith, 71, of Bradenton.

“While the medical professionals were operating on Griffith, I gathered witness

information and an explanation of events,” Diaz said in his report. “A witness said she had observed the victim swimming out halfway to the buoy where he was for

an undisclosed amount of time. By the time they noticed Griffith was in the water, they were not sure if he was face up or face down. When she realized he was face down, the

witness, Kimberly Lampercht, went out in the water to grab him and brought him to shore, then called 911.”

EMS transported Griffith to HCA Florida Blake Hospital,

where he later died.

Diaz’ report states it is unknown whether he had any health issues that may have been related to the incident.

At least 12 people have died in the past month on Florida's Gulf coast, including seven in Panama City and one in Destin - former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett.

Both cities are in Florida's panhandle.

According to the National Weather Service, there have been more than 1,000 surf zone fatalities since 2010, including 60 so far this year. Of those, 17 have occurred along the Gulf of Mexico coast and all but two involved rip currents.

Officials advise swimming parallel to the beach - not toward it - to get out of a rip current. Once clear of the current's pull, swim towards the beach or call for help.

RICK THRESS | SUBMITTED

Coquina Beach was the scene of the drowning of a 71-year-old Bradenton man on June 26.

AMI Moose Lodge wins another Premier Lodge Award

The AMI Moose Lodge raises money for Moose Charities and local causes, too.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188 has won a Premier Lodge Award for a second consecutive year.

The honor was bestowed upon the lodge and several other qualifying lodges nationwide during the annual International Moose Convention that took place June 20-23 in Reno, Nevada.

Byron Dalton became the AMI Moose Lodge administrator in mid2019 and Patrick Kane has been the lodge president for two years.

Dalton said the lodge has earned the premier lodge honor for the past two years, but he’s not sure if or how many times the lodge earned that honor before.

“The last two years we were eligible for it, we received it. It’s truly an honor to get this. Out of a hundred or so lodges in Florida, only about half of them received this. A lot of lodges don’t get this,” Dalton said.

A lodge must satisfy a long list of criteria to win the award. The criteria includes increasing active membership during the annual fiscal year that ends April 30 and increasing total giving to Moose Charities for the fiscal year. A lodge can also win the award if its per capita contributions to Moose Charities equal or exceed the fraternity-wide per capita average of $6.51 per member and additional criteria are also met.

“We met everything on that list. We busted our butts,” Dalton said.

“The lodge earns the recognition because of the hard work of the lodge officers that are the leadership of the lodge. Patrick was the lodge president last year too, so this is his second time earning this honor. We also have a phenomenal crew and a phenomenal staff that work together to make the lodge as good as it is,” Dalton said.

“All lodges were expected to attend the convention and roughly 2,300 Moose members attended.

Attendance was really good and we believe every lodge was represented,” Dalton said.

Dalton, Kane, Past President Steve Boniberger, Vice President David Shevchik and lodge officer Kip Altman attended the convention. Altman also received his fellowship degree of merit.

“There’s four degrees and he just hit the third degree,” Dalton said of Altman’s accomplishment.

When a lodge achieves premier status, the lodge administrator and the lodge president also receive Moose Leadership awards.

“We’ll receive framed certificates when we go to the annual Florida Moose Association convention in September,” Dalton said.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico and boasting more than 17,000 members, the AMI Moose Lodge has the largest membership of any Moose Lodge in

the world. Funds raised and donated by Moose Lodge and its members help provide care for children and teens in need at Mooseheart Child City and School on a 1,000-acre campus 40 miles west of Chicago. The funds also provide care for senior Moose members at Moosehaven, a 70-acre retirement community near Jacksonville.

The AMI Lodge also supports the Bradenton Beach Police Department. Over the past two years, the lodge

$2,000 in June, to the police depart ment to help purchase computer simulation programs used for firearm training.

The lodge’s biggest fundraiser is the weekly Queen of Hearts drawings that take place on Wednesdays. No one pulled the queen on June 28 and the jackpot for the Wednesday, July 5 drawing will be $157,396 if a lucky member pulls the Queen of Hearts.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The AMI Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach is a repeat Premier Lodge Award winner. lt has more members than any other Moose Lodge in the world.

LAND USE: State restricts local land use regulations

FROM PAGE 4 construction, reconstruction or redevelopment of any property damaged by Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole; propose or adopt more restrictive or burdensome amendments to its comprehensive plan or land development regulations; or propose or adopt more restrictive or burdensome procedures concerning review, approval or issuance of a site plan, development permit or development order before Oct. 1, 2024. Any such moratorium or restrictive or burdensome comprehensive plan amendment, land development regulation or procedure shall be null and void ab initio. This applies retroactively to Sept. 28, 2022.”

During that May discussion, Vose said she believes Anna Maria is located within 100 miles of where Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida in September 2022.

“Jurisdictions within that distance on both the east coast and the west coast have to put a pause

on changes to their comp plan and land development regulations if they result in something more restrictive or burdensome,” Vose said.

Additional research conducted by Vose and Mayor Dan Murphy confirmed Anna Maria is located within 100 miles of Hurricane Ian’s landfall. Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach also fall within that 100-mile range.

The new state law still allows comp plan and land development code amendments pursued through a local government but initiated by a private property owner.

INSPECTION FEES

The state law also addresses building inspection fees and says, “local governments located in areas designated in the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations for Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole may not raise building inspection fees before Oct. 1, 2024. This expires June 30, 2025.”

Jurisdictions within that distance on both the east coast and the west coast have to put a pause on changes to their comp plan and land development regulations if they result in something more restrictive or burdensome.”

Vose, Anna Maria city attorney

According to Vose, the inspection fee restriction applies to all Florida cities because FEMA issued disaster declarations in every county in Florida because of Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole.

TEMPORARY SHELTER

The new state law declares a municipality may not prohibit the placement of one temporary shelter on a residential property for up to 36 months after the date

of the declaration if the property’s permanent residential structure was damaged and rendered uninhabitable. The resident must make a good faith effort to rebuild or renovate the damaged permanent residential structure. Additionally, the temporary shelter is required to be connected to water and electric utilities, must not present a safety threat and the resident must live in the temporary structure.

Becky

TAXI: Expected to launch soon

FROM PAGE 1

In addition, the city of Anna Maria has not yet reached an interlocal agreement with the county regarding the use of the Anna Maria City Pier as the northernmost stop on the Island.

The current plan is to have the water taxis depart downtown Bradenton and dock at the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria and the Bradenton Beach Pier and South Coquina Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy says there are things in the county’s proposed agreement that are of concern, and they are waiting for a revised proposal that makes better business sense for the city. Regardless, the project continues to move forward.

“I just got the call that boats will be splashing in the water in about two weeks,” Gulf Coast Water Taxi owner Trisha Rodriguez said. “Now that is without any Coast Guard validation and without any sea trials being done. It’s going to take a couple of weeks, if not a couple of months to get all of those sea trials completed. Most importantly regarding the timeline is that the docks have to be ready, and they are not ready now. The issue right now is we don’t have anywhere to go to, even if we were ready now, the docks have to be ready for the boats and they aren’t at this time.”

Rodriguez says that before the service begins there will be some trips for media and partners of the project to ride and see how the boats will operate. Dates for those trips have not yet been set. As for where the boats will be kept between splashdown in Bradenton and the start of the service, Rodriguez said that is being negotiated currently and they should have an answer in the next few days.

The open house also answered many of the basic questions many have had regarding the service once it is operational, including the following.

DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION

Initially the Gulf Islands Ferry will operate every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. year-round. The captain of the boat will have complete authority over stopping service due to weather issues. During the stormy summer months, there will be times service will be suspended for safety reasons.

COST

Tickets will be $8 for a one-way ride, $5 for children 4-12 and $6 for seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance or they can be purchased when boarding the boat if space is available.

TRIP LENGTH

Assuming the city of Anna Maria reaches an agreement for use of the pier, the service will depart the downtown Bradenton Riverwalk near the Green Bridge with a 35-minute ride to Anna Maria City Pier. Exact times to the Bradenton Beach Pier and South Coquina Boat Ramp will be determined after sea trials begin in the next few weeks.

WHERE TO PARK

In Bradenton, free parking is available at the City Centre Parking Facility at Third Avenue West between 10th and 12th Streets.

On the Island, there is public parking at Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach and the Bridge Street area in Bradenton Beach. In Anna Maria, there is also free public parking near the city pier along the bay and on Pine Avenue.

Parking on AMI can be very limited and part of the reason county officials have shown so much support for this project is because they hope people coming from Bradenton will use the service instead of bringing a car to the Island.

The Island has a free trolley service as well as privately-owned transportation services that make getting around fairly easy without a personal vehicle.

PET POLICY

Leashed, well-behaved pets are allowed onboard as long as they don’t bother other guests and all service pets are welcome. It should be noted that pets are prohibited on all Anna Maria Island beaches.

RESTROOMS

There is one restroom on each vessel.

BEACH GEAR

Most commonly used beach gear and coolers are permitted on the boats, but due to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, bicycles will not be permitted on the water taxi.

PRIVATE CHARTERS

If arrangements are made at least two weeks in advance, most large groups can be accommodated.

WI-FI

Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available on both water taxis; however, it should be noted that there will be dead spots along the route and full boats could experience bandwidth issues.

Solid Rock, Luxury Service remain undefeated

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – The Islandarea tweens and teens took to the indoor soccer pitch in The Center’s gymnasium for week three action. With the standings in the 11- to 13-year-old league close, the four teams all went into this week’s play with the final week of play in view.

Due to a forfeit by Moss Builders, only one game was played last Monday night. Island Vacation Properties lost the game against Solid Rock Construction 5-4. The win was the first for the Solid Rock team in the oldest youth league.

Goals by Chandler McRae, Jimmie Melichar and Alonso Valle for Island Vacation Properties kept the squad in the game. Solid Rock’s offense was just a little too much for their opponent’s defense.

With seven saves each, Island Vacation Properties’ goalies McRae and Valle worked hard to protect their net. Solid Rock’s keeper Austin Guess was solid in his position, making 10 stops.

Renan and Ryk Kesten each scored a goal for Solid Rock in addition to a hat trick by Wes Saxon for the win.

The ballers in the 8- to 10-yearold league played two nights in a row to get their schedule back on track. After playing last Tuesday, team Intentional Resilient Intui -

tive had a hard loss against the Progressive Cabinetry team.

Winning the game 11-2, Max Mcmaster had five points in the game. Mcmaster’s teammates, Wesley Bekkerus, Rafa Price and Kason Price contributed with goals of their own.

K. Price worked his magic in the keeper position making six defensive stops. Adding to the save count for Progressive, Vincent Gollamudi had five saves in the statistics for the game.

On the other side of the line, Paul ten Haaf scored the only two goals for the Intentional squad. Ten Haaf, playing as goalkeeper, made six saves in the match.

Teammate Luke Willing shared the duties, making six stops as well.

The youngest Solid Rock Construction team earned the win against AMI Dolphin Tours, winning by three goals. Parker Svoboda scored the solo goal for AMI Dolphin Tours.

Sharing the scoring credits, Matthew Darak and Samuel Raulerson each got the soccer ball past the AMI Dolphin Tours’ keepers.

The four goalkeepers in the game were kept busy with a total of 22 saves. With eight saves each, Isaac Roadman for Solid Rock and Gunnar Maize for AMI Dolphin Tours set the pace, while teammates Darak and Maize each helped with big saves of their own for their teams.

Wrapping up week three sports at The Center, the adult co-ed flag football league played under the big lights for four games.

In a high-scoring game, the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing team beat Gulf Drive Café by two points, winning 41-39. Team Salty Printing had an easy time of it against The Banks Home Lending Team with the final score 39-18.

Playing without their team captain, Ryan Moss, Moss Builders was shut out by Sandbar Seafood & Spirits. Sandbar scored 29 points in the third game of the night last Thursday.

Winning and remaining undefeated, Luxury Services won their third game of the season against Solid Rock Construction. Solid Rock kept the game close the entire two halves of play, losing only by two points.

Heading into the mid-point of the season for all the leagues, the championship games are in sight and all of the teams remain strong contenders.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

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

BOAT SLIP WANTED

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

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT

& LEASE

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE

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

EMPLOYMENT

The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a daily or community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Cindy Lane, editor.

FISHING CHARTERS

CAPT. MAC GREGORY

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

U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

RENOVATION SPECALIST

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

KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115

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

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995

Lic# CRC1332505

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

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

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

HOME SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

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

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bimonthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980

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

DONALD PERKINS

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

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

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-713-1893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

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

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

RENTALS: ANNUAL

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

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

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

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

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

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941-201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

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

Darcie Duncan Cindy Jones

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Katie Self Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Strickland Sales Associate

Martha Jones Robel Sales Associate April Green Sales Associate

Tom Aposporos Broker Associate Joey Hutchinson Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate William Romberger Broker Associate

Nancy Howle Sales Associate

Mary Anne Muniz Sales Associate

Ben Bryant Sales Associate

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

Robyn Hawk Sales Associate