Anna Maria Island Sun June 28, 2023

Celebrate Independence Day

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Privateers parade (Page 12), prepare for holiday traffic and find parking (Page 3) and keep beach wildlife in mind while observing the Fourth (Page 8).

Protestors oppose beach parking garage

Protesters lament the loss of home rule - and the quaintness of Manatee Beachafter Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill allowing a three-story parking garage there.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – More than 50 concerned citizens and city officials gathered on Friday to protest Manatee County’s plans to build a 1,500-space, three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach.

The protesters made their voices heard along Manatee Avenue in front of the county

Continued water disruptions expected on AMI

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Customers can expect periodic continued disruptions to water services as contractors continue to work to replace a part of a water main after the aging pipe fell off the Anna Maria Island Bridge on June 19.

In a press release, Manatee County officials said the emergency repairs are being completed as quickly as possible but could take up to a few weeks to complete. While residents and businesses are not without water, water pressure is expected to remain lower than usual and service may be interrupted for short periods of time to accommodate the repairs. Currently, the north end of the Island is receiving water through Bradenton Beach.

In addition to water service disruptions, there also are associated traffic issues to contend with. Boaters are asked to travel only through the channel underneath the bridge to avoid interfering with workers or hitting the construction equipment or pipes.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the bridge is reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday, June 30. Access to the sidewalk on the south side of the bridge will be restricted and drivers will have to contend with alternating one-way traffic across the bridge, which is expected to cause traffic jams and extended travel times. To avoid the construction area, motorists are advised to use the Cortez Bridge or Longboat Key Bridge to the Island.

Everyone is asked to conserve water as much as possible while repairs are taking place, including taking shorter showers and limiting outdoor watering.

The scheduled protest coincidentally occurred a few hours

For more information, or to check for updates to the project, visit www.mymanatee.org.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Manatee County workers are attempting to repair part of a water main that fell off the Anna Maria Island Bridge on June 19.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

From left, Carla Ballew, Talha Siddique and Morgan Bryant participated in Friday’s protest. SEE PROTESTORS, PAGE 39

Parking at a premium for holiday weekend

Island officials expect one of the busiest holiday weekends ever for the upcoming July Fourth weekend.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - As America makes its 247th successful trip around the sun, many people are expected to celebrate the nation’s birthday on the Island’s white sand beaches.

With July Fourth coming next Tuesday, be prepared for several days of festivities, as many will arrive early for the weekend and crowds are anticipated to be some of the largest AMI has ever seen.

While there has been a slight leveling off after the tourism boom that occurred in 2021 as Florida became one of the few states that opened for business after the

COVID-19 lockdown, recent holiday weekends have been busy and there is no reason to expect anything less for this one.

Law enforcement officials say that Memorial Day weekend last month was the busiest weekend ever seen on the Island.

“In my opinion, the Sunday before Memorial Day was the busiest day I’ve ever seen on the Island,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said. “We issued more than 100 parking-related tickets, but I drove around our city’s public parking spots and there was never a time there weren’t spots open, people just need to keep a lookout for them.”

A map of available public parking spaces in Holmes Beach can be found on the city’s website at www.holmesbeachfl.org.

In Bradenton Beach, the parking situation is amplified with the addition of more than 50 new "no parking" signs on Gulf Drive South, though some motorists don’t seem to care about the new signs.

“Over Memorial Day weekend, our officers wrote more than 400 tickets for illegal parking at Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach, and

there were still plenty that probably got away with it,” Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said.

Both Tokajer and Diaz believe that some people feel like it’s worth the price of a ticket to just park and get on with their beach day, a sentiment echoed by many people regarding beach parking.

“It costs about the same to park at Disney as it does to get a ticket for illegally parking here,” Britany Hillibold of Bradenton said. “I live less than 10 miles from the Island and it can take two or more hours just to get onto AMI. Then the process of finding a parking spot begins. I get why some people just park and head to the beach knowing they’ll have a ticket on their windshield when they get back to their car. For the price of a couple of grouper sandwiches, you’re good to go.”

SEE PARKING, PAGE 12

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

At times over the Memorial Day weekend, going one mile could take most of an hour in certain areas, such as between Bridge Street and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. Cars were also parked just about anywhere they could fit, regardless of whether it was a legal parking spot; many had parking tickets attached. Island officials expect the same for the July Fourth weekend.

IN BRIEF

Bradenton Beach officials discuss $4.3 million budget

The largest increase in the 2023-24 budget is due to a rise in insurance premiums.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPON DENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners and department heads met to hold the first of several discussions for the 202324 fiscal year budget.

At the June 20 meeting, the proposed budget of $4,332,075 was rolled out with an increase of $356,703 over the previous year. Some of the largest increases came from a rise in insurance premiums and salary increases for cost of living adjustments.

Two public hearings on the budget will be held in September prior to the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.

Attending the budget discussion meeting were Mayor John Chap-

The Woodruff & Sons construction company is installing new stormwater infiltration trenches along Tarpon Street in Anna Maria. The granite rock-filled drainage trenches will filter the rainwater as it travels underground to the desired outfall location.

Water taxi delayed

The much-anticipated water taxi service from downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island scheduled to begin in July is now anticipated to have a Labor Day launch date. An open house is planned on Tuesday, June 27 from 3-6 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W. in Bradenton to update the progress of the project and offer promotional opportunities for area businesses.

More construction planned in Holmes Beach

Drivers can expect two more road construction projects in Holmes Beach this week - one is a paving project and the other involves drainage improvements. Drainage improvements on 58th, 59th and 60th streets along with Marina Drive involve the installation of infiltration trenches and are expected to be completed by Dec. 15. Work is scheduled between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. A project also is underway at city center, the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives, to replace asphalt. That project is planned to temporarily close some travel lanes to vehicular traffic and is planned for completion within the next week. For more information, visit www.holmesbeachfl.org.

pie, Commissioners Ralph Cole, Jake Spooner and Jan Vosburgh, Police Chief John Cosby, Building Official Steve Gilbert, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, City Treasurer Shayne Thompson and Public Works Director Tom Woodard. The budget categories for

discussion were Administration, Commission, Police, Emergency, Building, Code Enforcement, Streets and Roads, Storm Water, Facilities, Pier, Capital Projects and Library.

Incentives proposed for permanent Anna Maria residents

Anna Maria’s 2023-24 budget may include a feasibility study aimed at retaining and attracting permanent residents.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s 2023-24 fiscal year budget may include a feasibility study aimed at attracting and retaining permanent residents through property tax breaks and building code incentives.

On Thursday, June 22, with Mayor Dan Murphy absent, the city commission participated in the first of at least three preliminary three budget meetings to occur before the final budget and the yet to be proposed millage rate are finalized during two public hearings in September.

Thursday’s 30-minute budget meeting focused on capital outlay projects and other potential miscellaneous expenditures.

The budget proposes $325,000

to help retain and attract permanent residents.

for road repaving and Commission Chair Mark Short said there are only about four streets left in the city that have not been repaved in recent years.

The proposed budget includes $1.93 million for the Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project that will include new sidewalks, crosswalks and streetlights along Pine Avenue.

The Pine Avenue sidewalk and crosswalk improvements will be funded by a $1.28 million state appropriation approved last year. The Pine Avenue streetlight improve-

ments will be made using $460,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan funds previously provided by the federal government.

The proposed budget includes an additional $1.41 million in recently approved state funds to expand the Reimagining Pine Avenue project to include portions of Magnolia Avenue and Spring Avenue.

The budget proposes $525,000 for the ongoing maintenance of the city’s existing stormwater and drainage systems, $1.21 million for stormwater-related capital improvements and $75,000 to design a pumping station to address frequent flooding along Archer Way.

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS

The proposed budget includes $1.8 million in additional potential capital projects that will require further commission discussion and decision making.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

From left, Commissioners Ralph Cole, Jake Spooner, Mayor John Chappie, City Treasurer Shayne Thompson, City Clerk Terri Sanclemente, Police Chief John Cosby and Public Works Director Tom Woodard discuss the proposed 2023-24 budget.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Commissioner Charlie Salem proposes a feasibility study

Piney Point contamination extends to Tarpon Springs

A study shows that environmental impacts from the 2021 spill of contaminated water extend more than 30 miles from the former Piney Point phosphate plant.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

PALMETTO – A recent study shows the contaminated water from the 2021 Piney Point spill, which contributed to algae blooms and red tide in Tampa Bay waterways, traveled farther than originally thought.

According to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), a chemical signature from the spill was found more than 30 miles away, in St. Joseph Sound near Tarpon Springs.

Immediately after the spill in 2021, SBEP partnered with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Tampa Bay Estuary

Program, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of Florida and the University of South Florida to set up a series of sites to monitor existing conditions and determine the extent of the spill’s impact, according to the SBEP.

Results of that collaboration among agencies showed evidence of algae blooms and high concentrations of red tide in the months following the spill.

“A chemical signature, unique to the Piney Point effluent, was also found at a location in St. Joseph Sound, originally chosen to be a reference site, as it was assumed to be far enough away from the spill to avoid impact,” according to the SBEP website. “This was not the case as evidence of the Piney Point spill was also found at this location.”

In 2021, FDEP authorized the intentional emergency dis-

charge of 215 million gallons of wastewater from the former phosphate plant into Tampa Bay to avoid a potential flood after a leak was discovered in the waste storage system. Surrounding homes and businesses were evacuated.

From March 30 to April 9, 2021, the wastewater poured into the bay, adding

an estimated 186 metric tons of nitrogen, exceeding typical annual nitrogen loads in a matter of days, according to a report released by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. The nitrogen worsened toxic cyanobacteria blooms that peaked in June, followed by a bloom of toxic red tide algae that caused fish kills, trigger-

ing the cleanup of more than 1,600 metric tons of dead fish, according to the report.

Last March, Manatee County Utilities crews began disposal of those waters into a permitted injection well.

The well, drilled to a depth of 3,300 feet below land surface, was completed by Fort Myersbased Youngquist Brothers Inc., working with consultants ASRus of Tampa and Manatee County Utilities staff. By collaboratively working with the FDEP, crews were able to expedite the well work, which was completed in late 2022.

The well holds Piney Point’s process water in a confined saltwater aquifer over a half mile below the surface under the Floridan aquifer, the state’s drinking water source.

The phosphate process water will continue to be drained from the reservoirs atop nearby phosphogypsum stacks as the plant is permanently closed, and will be pre-treated before injection.

20 YEARS IN A ROW

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION | SUBMITTED

The former Piney Point phosphate plant is in the process of being closed permanently.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO

Mike Field

Editor

Cindy Lane

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Reporters/Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Jason Schaffer

Kristin Swain

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

Joe Becht

Steve Borggren

Capt. Rick Grassett

Isis Mavenyengwa

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

Capt. David White

Anne Yarbrough

Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Advertising Assistant

Pamela Lee

Classifieds

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

Connor Field

Tony McNulty

Brian Smith

Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers

Mike Field

Maggie McGinley Field

Family-owned since 2000

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Island Sun Staff,

The Copeland family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the remembrance edition dedicated to the life and legacy of Pat Copeland, recently published on June 21, 2023. We are deeply moved by the AMI Sun family's tribute to her.

The remembrance edition truly captured the essence of Pat's remarkable life journey and the profound impact she had on our community. The articles, photographs, and personal anecdotes shared within its pages beautifully highlighted her numerous accomplishments, her unwavering dedication as a wife and mother, and her enduring spirit. It was

a fitting tribute to someone who touched so many's lives.

I must commend journalist Joe Hendricks for the love and care he poured into his article, the entire AMI Sun Staff, and the editorial team involved in creating this exceptional tribute. Pat especially loved the weekly cartoons by Steve Borggren, so it was such a nice surprise to see that even the weekly cartoon was in her honor. It was a wonderful portrait for those who knew Pat, and for those who didn't, they got to know her.

The overwhelming condolences the family has received show the beauty and kindness within the island community that Pat cherished. Thank you to the City of Anna Maria for giving her a

Drop us a line

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail

stately celebration by lowering the city flags in her honor.

On behalf of everyone who had the privilege of knowing Pat, I extend my deepest gratitude to the entire team at The AMI Sun. Your commitment to honoring her memory with grace, dignity, and authenticity is a testament to the importance of local journalism and its role in preserving the stories that shape our community. A public memorial service will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 8, at Roser Memorial Church on Anna Maria, where friends and family will come together to celebrate Patricia's remarkable life.

The Copeland Family

Anna Maria

a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28

Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon

Journal writing, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29

Ocean Superheroes by Mote Marine, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

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

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

Rock garden rock painting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 1

Robinson Runners, Robinson

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

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson

Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

TUESDAY, JULY 4

Independence Day

AMI Privateers July Fourth Parade, travels the Island from Coquina Beach to the Anna Maria City Pier along Gulf, Marina and Palm drives and Pine Avenue, 10 a.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 6

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.

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

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

TUESDAY, JULY 11

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

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

July 4, all day – City offices closed, Independence Day

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

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more infor-mation.

July 4, all day – City offices closed, Independence Day

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

July 18, 10 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency work 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 4, all day – City offices closed, Independence Day

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

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

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

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

Fireworks pose danger to wildlife

Animal advocacy groups ask people to be mindful of the impact of fireworks on wildlife.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While it’s common knowledge that house pets are easily spooked by fireworks, local animal advocates remind people about the disruption to wildlife from loud and light-filled Fourth of July celebrations.

Krista Carpenter, a volunteer with Wildlife Inc., said that each year, the Bradenton Beach animal rehabilitation organization sees an influx of animals impacted by fireworks.

“Babies can become separated from their parents as they run from the noise of fireworks,” Carpenter said. “Raptors like the bald eagle can abandon their nests because the noise and lights are considered an attack.”

She said even animals in Wildlife Inc.’s care may become hurt while reacting to the sound of fireworks.

“Animals at the rescue can injure themselves by throwing themselves

against the cages out of fear, attempting to escape,” Carpenter said.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said that fireworks can disorient sea turtles and scare nesting shorebirds away.

“Fireworks pose threats to both sea

turtles and shorebirds,” Mazzarella said. “The light from fireworks can disorient or confuse nesting sea turtles and hatchlings, preventing them from finding their way to the ocean.”

She said both light and noise can scare nesting shorebirds.

“Fireworks can spook nesting shore-

birds from their nests and scatter chicks, leaving them open to predators and being separated from their parents,” Mazzarella said. “The trash from the fireworks can be a danger to all animals on the beach.”

Celebratory fireworks can literally frighten birds to death, according to Audubon Florida.

“Although beachside fireworks shows are entertaining to people, the bursts of color and noise wreak havoc on coastal birds - especially for nesting species. After each fireworks explosion, birds panic and fly from their nests, scattering the chicks and exposing them to predators and heat until their parents return,” according to Audubon Florida. “For this reason, it is better to attend a municipal firework show versus deploying storebought fireworks on the beach.”

Audubon Florida reminds beachgoers:

• Debris left from the fireworks litter beaches and near-shore waters and can be easily mistaken for food by sea turtles and other marine animals. Hungry chicks nibble on plastic refuse, even ingesting some of the smallest pieces.

SEE FIREWORKS, PAGE 9

AUDUBON | SUBMITTED

Black skimmers and other nesting birds can be frightened off nests by fireworks.

FIREWORKS: Pose danger to wildlife

FROM PAGE 8

• Give nesting birds at least 100 feet of distance or as much as possible. Signs or people will alert you to these areas, but some birds haven’t settled down to start nesting yet and may just look like they are resting in the sand. Please avoid walking through flocks of birds on the upper beach.

• Pets and vehicles are not permitted on Anna Maria Island beaches.

• Remove trash and food scraps, which attract predators that will also eat birds’ eggs and/or chicks.

“These disturbances can cause adult birds to abandon their nests

TURTLE TIPS

During sea turtle season, May 1 –Oct. 31, follow these tips to help turtles:

• Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

•Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

•Remove all beach chairs and other 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. You might also accidentally dig

or chicks, which can ultimately lead to chicks starving, getting eaten by a predator, or overheating in the sun. This Fourth of July weekend, many birds are re-nesting and will have their final opportunity to successfully raise young this season,” the Audubon website says.

Over the July Fourth weekend, Audubon Florida’s bird stewards will be out at locations across the state where people and beach-nesting birds co-mingle. They will help coastal visitors learn about the birds to better understand what is happening inside posted areas.

into an unmarked nest. To report large holes or other turtle obstacles, call:

•Anna Maria code enforcement — 941-708-6130, ext. 111.

•Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280.

•Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-778-0331, ext. 260.

•Level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can block hatchlings from the water.

•Don’t use balloons, wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf, and turtles can ingest the debris.

•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 888-404FWCC (3922).

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Racing boat visiting Drift In

The July 3 event will also serve as a fundraiser for the Denis V. Cooper Foundation that assists local veterans.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – One of the offshore racing boats participating in the 39th Annual Sarasota Grand Prix powerboat races will make a post-race appearance at the Drift In in Bradenton Beach on Monday, July 3.

The powerboats will race offshore of Lido Key Beach in Sarasota on Sunday, July 2, with qualifying and testing on Saturday, July 1.

The Drift In is one of the sponsors of Joe Olivieri’s OC Offshore Racing team.

Drift In owner Derek Williams said, “My friend Joe Olivieri built the boat and he’s racing in that series. He’s dreamed about doing this for a while. He spent a couple years building the boat and this is his first year. He drives the boat and recently raced it in Key West. Some local businesses sponsor him and we’re going to bring the boat to the Drift In parking lot and do something patriotic in honor of the Fourth of July. Joe’s a local guy. He’s a general contractor and he owns Olivieri Construction. He’s done work at the Bridge Tender Inn before and he’s all over town.

Roser

“...a beautiful

8:30

“We’re also doing it for the Denis V. Cooper Foundation and Wishes For Heroes.org – a local veteran’s charity I helped start with a friend of mine, Maverick Johnson. We raise money and give it to local veterans in need,” Williams said.

Denis Cooper (aka ‘Maverick Johnson’), Williams, Gary Kortzendorf, Bob Morrison and Steve Hopkins started the Wishes for Heroes foundation in honor of Cooper’s late father, Denis V. Cooper. Known on-air as Maverick Johnson, Denis Cooper co-hosts a country music morning show on WCTQ 92.1 FM and 103.1 FM. He’ll be attending the Drift In event, which will also feature live music by Dos-Macs.

The event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will serve as a fundraiser for the Denis V. Cooper Foundation, with the Drift In donating the hot dogs to be sold to benefit the foundation. Denis V. Cooper Foundation T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Some or all of the Drift In parking lot will be temporarily closed that day to accommodate the racing boat.

“Come see the boat, get a picture and have a cold one and a hot dog. We’re supporting a local charity and celebrating the Fourth of July,” Williams said, noting the racing boat might also participate in the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ Fourth of July parade on Tuesday.

SUBMITTED

Joe Olivieri’s OC Offshore Racing boat will be at the Drift In on July 3.

FISH Preserve receives $750,000 in federal funds

Federal money will be used to complete the final phase of the FISH Preserve in Cortez.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – Federal funding will be assisting the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) in its goal of restoring the FISH Preserve.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), a partner in the preserve restoration, received $750,000 in Joe Biden Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to be used toward Phase IV, the final phase in the restoration of the 98-acre preserve, according to FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann.

“We are the first, to my understanding, at least in the state of Florida if not in the whole United States, because we were ‘show ready’ to receive dollars from the Joe Biden Infrastructure Law,” von Hahmann said.

SBEP Program Scientist Jay Leverone said SBEP was one of the 28 estuary program recipients that will receive an equal distribution of funding over the next five years from the Biden Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan aspect of the federal Infrastructure Law.

“When we got the funding, we decided to put dollars into projects than research,” Leverone said.

“The habitat restoration at the FISH Preserve is our first one. They had their permits and plans and even contractors in place. FISH was a priority and they were ready.”

As in 2016, when the SBEP completed the restoration of nearly half of the preserve through a cooperative

funding agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and FISH, the Phase IV funds are managed by SBEP.

“We are blessed to be the recipients of this program,” von Hahmann told The Sun. “The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program are the ones that will get the funding and manage the funds and we’re OK with that. We will reap the benefits.”

Leverone described parts of the preserve as a meandering wetland.

“The preserve is tidally connected to the bay,” Leverone said. “Untreated stormwater at the mobile home park next to the preserve will now, instead of overflowing into the bay, be connected by a pipe and flow through our

wetlands before going into the bay.”

Leverone gave a projected timeline for the project completion.

“We have been moving at a fast schedule getting the final phase done,” he said. “All the digging at the wetlands should be done by the end of summer.”

“There will be a sign saying to the effect, ‘This project funded by,’ ” von Hahmann said at the FISH Board meeting on June 5. The newly-placed sign hanging at the preserve says “Restoration in Progress. Project funded by President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“We will be having a ribbon cutting in September or October,” von Hahmann said.

According to the FISH website: “We are working to create a preserve that is accessible to everyone. A walking trail, educational signage, and scenic lookouts are part of our long-term vision.”

The ultimate goal at the FISH Preserve will be to make it fully accessible to the public, Leverone said. The funding will pay for land contouring, drainage and earth moving and opens the door for the addition of loop trails and footbridges.

“Right now, parts of the preserve are not accessible,” Leverone said. “We will be working with FISH to construct trails and bridges and make it fully accessible to the public.”

The FISH Preserve has a 23-year history. In 2000, FISH and community members raised the money to purchase the land immediately adjacent to Cortez. The parcel of land is one of the only untouched waterfront properties on Sarasota Bay.

“Funds for the first $60,000 mortgage payment on the land were raised from donations made by ordinary citizens and conservation-minded companies. A succession of annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festivals, held every February, and donations from our more than 700 members and host of friends all over the country enabled FISH to pay off the original mortgage in 2005,” according to the FISH website, www.fishcortez.org. “Restoration of this property to its natural state costs money, and several organizations have provided funding for habitat restoration in the FISH Preserve. A major grant was provided by the Southeast Aquatic Resources

SEE FISH, PAGE 32

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

A sign hanging at the FISH Preserve on Cortez Road declares the next habitat restoration project funding will come from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

PARKING: At a premium for holiday weekend

Holmes Beach police, Bradenton Beach police and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which patrols the city of Anna Maria, remind the public that local ordinances are strictly enforced, and all three departments plan to increase the number of officers on patrol for the busy holiday weekend.

“Remember to not put yourself in a position to be a victim of a crime of opportunity,” Diaz said. “Lock your car and don’t leave valuables in plain sight on car seats or places that entice criminals. Also, don’t bring valuables to the beach. Just bring what you need so you can relax and enjoy yourself.”

Join Privateers July Fourth Parade

distance), and • Fireworks.

“I have three important reminders for the upcoming July Fourth holiday weekend,” Tokajer said. “First, you are vacationing in

a residential area, so please keep noise to a minimum.

Second, be respectful of your surroundings and leave it cleaner than you found it.

Third, always park with all

tires off the road. Parallel parking is parking with the flow of traffic. Saying you didn’t see the sign or were not aware will not get a ticket voided.”

While violent crime is uncommon on AMI, a heavy influx of visitors may bring out a few people with bad intentions. Taking common sense precautions can help assure a fun and safe day at the beach.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers are ready once again to unleash Florida’s longest water battle as they invite everyone to celebrate the nation’s birthday with their annual July Fourth Parade. Sponsored by Sato Real Estate on Tuesday, July 4 at 10 a.m., the parade will travel from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach north to Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Bring a water cannon to battle the Privateers and other parade participants, and expect to get wet. To enter the parade, or for more details, visit www.amiprivateers. org.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Beachgoers enjoyed nearly perfect weather on Memorial Day weekend at a very busy Manatee Beach. The July Fourth weekend could see even larger crowds.

AMI Chamber event spotlights wellness

Slicker’s Eatery owner, Bob Slicker, gets a skincare wellness treatment from Total Life Care’s Barbie Gummin at the June 22 Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange at the chamber office in Holmes Beach. The event was not only an opportunity for Island business owners and managers to network, but also a chance to learn more about the wellness technology offered by Total Life Care.

City clerk takes home state award

Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston had reason to celebrate on June 21, bringing home the 2023 Florida Association of City Clerks Clerk of the Year Award. City leaders announced the win on social media, congratulating Johnston and thanking her for all the work she does for the city. In addition to her role as city clerk, Johnston also served as president of the state association from 2021-22. The group was formed in 1972 to connect city clerks across the state to help provide support, guidance and share knowledge. FACC has more than 600 members statewide, representing almost 411 cities.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Island Players to screen documentary

The Island Players will be screening a documentary about the history of the theater, “The Anna Maria Island Players,” on Thursday, June 29 at 8:15 p.m. at the theater, 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. The documentary, produced by Greymatter Studios, was an official selection of the 2023 Sarasota Film Festival and showcases

the history of Manatee County’s oldest community theater, which is celebrating its 75th season. There will be a Q&A following the screening, and the event is free, but advance registration is required. The 6:15 p.m. showing is sold out. Anyone interested in attending should visit www.theislandplayers. org to secure a seat online.

Christmas in July coming to Drift In

The Anna Maria Island Privateers have announced the return of their annual Christmas in July event at Drift In, 120 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach. This party for a cause will take place on Saturday, July 22 from 6-11 p.m., and raise money to support their mission

Public works manager departs

Anna Maria Public Works Manager Ryan Wieland, right, has vacated his position with the city and Roosevelt Jones will take his place beginning July 5. According to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, Wieland accepted a job in Texas servicing wind turbines.

AUTO SERVICE

GROOMS AUTOMOTIVE

5608 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 896-7898

BAIT & TACKLE SHOP

ANNIE’S BAIT & TACKLE

4334 127th St. W. Cortez, 794-3580

BANK HANCOCK WHITNEY BANK

5324 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-4900

BIKE RENTAL

BEACH BUMS RENTALS

427 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-3316

BOATING STORE

GALATI YACHT SALES

900 South Bay Blvd

Anna Maria, 778-0755

CAR WASH

SUN & SUDS CAR WASH

6412 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 564-3072

CARPET CLEANER

FAT CAT CARPET CLEANING

3801 9th Ave W. Bradenton, 778-2882

CBD STORE LIVE NATURALLY 5337 Gulf Dr #200 Holmes Beach, 567-5299

CLOTHING STORE

IRENE’S RESORT WEAR

5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605

CONVENIENCE STORE

ANNA MARIA GENERAL STORE AND DELI

503 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 779-9200

DRY CLEANER

COURTESY CLEANERS

7421 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5145

ELECTRICIAN AIR & ENERGY 555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773

FINE DINING THE WATERFRONT 111 S Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 778-1515

FITNESS

THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA 407 Magnolia Ave Anna Maria, 778-1908

FLOOR COVERINGS

FLOORING AMERICA

3200 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton, 348-1859

FLORIST

BLOOMS BY THE BEACH

2501 Gulf Drive

Bradenton Beach, 778-2555

GIFT SHOP

BEACH BUMS

427 Pine Ave

Anna Maria 778-3316

GOLF CART RENTAL BEACH BUMS

427 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 778-3316

GROCERY STORE

PUBLIX SUPERMARKET

3900 East Bay Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-5422

HAIR SALON

SALT AND SCISSORS SALON

313C Pine Ave

Holmes Beach, 961-4458

HARDWARE STORE

TRUE VALUE

5324 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-2811

HEAT & AIR

AIR & ENERGY

555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773

HOME BUILDER

WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION

407 72nd St

Holmes Beach, 941-725-0073

HOTEL/MOTEL

ANNA MARIA ISLAND RESORTS

THE TORTUGA INN

1325 Gulf Drive

Bradenton Beach, 778-6611

JEWELRY STORE

IRENE’S RESORT WEAR

5308 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-7605

LIQUOR STORE

HURRICANE HANKS LIQUOR

5344 Gulf Dr

Holmes Beach, 779-2337

MANICURIST

SALT AND SCISSORS SALON

313C Pine Ave

Holmes Beach, 961-4458

SEE READERS, PAGE 17

MARINA

KEYES MARINA

5501 Marina Dr

Holmes Beach, 778-1977

MEN’S APPAREL

TURTLE SHACK

314 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 726-3163

OUTDOOR SPORTS STORE

AMI OUTFITTERS COASTAL GEAR & APPAREL

401 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 254-4996

PACK & SHIP ISLAND MAIL & MORE

3230 East Bay Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-1911

PAINTER

CRAIG STAPP

CWS HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC

Bradenton, 305-432-1065

PEST CONTROL

ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL 11610 3rd Ave. E. Bradenton, 778-1630

PET GROOMING THE PAW SPA 5343 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0885

PET STORE

PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES

6757 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 792-1295

PHARMACIST

JOE – WALGREENS

3200 East Bay Drive. Holmes Beach, 778-0451

PHARMACY WALGREENS

3200 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0451

PLUMBER AIR & ENERGY 555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773

POOL CLEANER STAND UP POOLS

POOL CONTRACTOR

AGNELLI POOLS 7411 Manatee Ave W. Ste.200 Bradenton, 778-4333

REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE

JASON SATO

Sato Real Estate Inc.

519 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 778-7200

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

SATO REAL ESTATE INC.

519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

RENTAL COMPANY

SATO REAL ESTATE INC.

519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

RESORT

RESORT SIXTY-SIX

6600 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach, 778-2238

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

FREEDOM VILLAGE

6406 21st Ave W. Bradenton, 210-6153

SERVICE STATION

HOLMES BEACH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE 5333 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 779-0487

SHOPPING CENTER ISLAND SHOPPING PLAZA 5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach

SOUVENIR SHOP BRIDGE ST BAZAAR

107 Bridge St Bradenton Beach, 778-3443

SPA

SALON SALON 3612 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach, 778-0400

WINDOW REPAIR MANATEE GLASS AND MIRROR 2406 Manatee Ave E. Bradenton, 747-9100

WOMEN’S APPAREL IRENE’S RESORT WEAR 5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605

PEOPLE & PLACES

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

EMILY ANNE SMITH LLC 527 74th St. Holmes Beach, 778-3113

SEE READERS, PAGE 18

ART GALLERY

ISLAND GALLERY WEST

5368 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-6648

ATTORNEY

NICK SATO

2071 Ringling Blvd. #400

Sarasota, 861-4400

BAND

PAM WARD

BAR & GRILL

HARRY’S GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

BARTENDER

KAYLA

GRUB TROPICAL BBQ

415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

BEACH

COQUINA BEACH

BOAT CAPTAIN

JOEY SWEET

SWEET SUNSETS & DOLPHIN TOURS

Anna Maria Island, 661-3681

BUSINESS PERSON

MIKE ZEPPI

ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING

1614 20th St. E.

Palmetto, 749-5307

CATERER

MOLLY O’CONNOR

Traveling Gourmet

Anna Maria, 405-7627

CHEF

BEN SATO

GRUB TOPICAL BBQ

415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

CHIROPRACTOR

DR. STEPHANIE MURPHREE, D.C.

HARBORSIDE CHIROPRACTIC

5422 Lockridge Rd

Bradenton, 702-2822

DENTIST

ISLAND DENTAL SPA

3909 E Bay Dr Ste #205

Holmes Beach, 778-2204

DOCTOR

STEPHEN PELHAM, M.D. 3909 East Bay Drive #100 Holmes Beach, 778-1007

EYE CARE

EYE CENTER

5106 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 941-795-2020

FINANCIAL PLANNER

EDWARD JONES

JOHN CAMPORA

3226 East Bay Dr. Holmes Beach, 779-2499

FISHING CHARTER

SWEET SUNSETS & DOLPHIN TOURS

Anna Maria Island, 661-3681

INTERIOR DESIGN

EMILY MOSS DESIGNS

Anna Maria, 212-0361

INDIVIDUAL ENTERTAINER

STEVE ARVEY

stevearvey@aol.com

MASSAGE THERAPY

ALUNA WELLNESS

2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400

PERSONAL TRAINER

BREANNA NEWTON

Home Fitness by Bre

SCHOOL

ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY

4700 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach, 708-5525

SCHOOL TEACHER

STEPHANIE DAVIS

ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY

4700 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach, 708-5525

VETERINARIAN

CONNOR BYSTROM

PALMA SOLA ANIMAL CLINIC

6116 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 794-3275

VETERINARIAN CLINIC

DESOTO ANIMAL CLINIC

2910 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 748-2637

VIEW

BEAN POINT

WAITER/WAITRESS

LESLIE HOFFMAN

HARRY’S GRILL 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

YOGA STUDIO

ALUNA WELLNESS

2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400

SEE READERS, PAGE 26

Favorite Painter - Craig Stapp

For Craig Stapp, owner of CWS Handyman Services, everything is about quality, not quantity, and that attention to detail and passion to always give his customers perfection has landed him the 2023 Anna Maria Island Sun Reader’s Choice Award for Favorite Painter.

For the past decade, Stapp has been painting interiors (and sometimes exteriors) for clients who expect nothing less than the best. With a background as a corporate yacht captain, he says he learned the importance of attention to detail, and that mindset is present in every job he takes on. He says he has never advertised, and just about every client comes via wordof-mouth.

“I don’t jump from job to job,” Stapp said. “I start a job and work until it’s finished. I also work mostly by myself because it’s hard to hire people to do the type of high-end work it’s taken me a lifetime to accomplish.”

Stapp says the best part of his job is his customers, many of whom he says treat him like a member of the family, and are always grateful to have someone in their home who not only under -

stands the end result they desire, but trust in his expertise and process.

“I’m blessed to have the best customers on the planet, these aren’t just good people, they’re the best people,” Stapp said.

Stapp can be reached at 305432-1065.

Award for Favorite Painter.

Best takeout - Hurricane Hanks

For 23 years, Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach has been a favorite of both locals and visitors to Anna Maria Island. In 2017, Brian Mathae bought the popular dining spot with the intention to keep most of the menu the same, opting not to fix what he felt wasn’t broken. Mathae gave the restaurant a makeover, freshening the look, but popular menu items like fresh grouper, burgers, ahi tuna stacker and seafood dishes remain.

“While we kept most of the menu, we have worked on bringing some elevated cocktails and focused a lot on the ingredients we use in our food,” Mathae said. “We are only sourcing the best ingredients, so sometimes we may be out of something because I’m not going to substitute something

that’s not up to our standards.”

Hurricane Hanks is not a large restaurant, so takeout is a popular option for customers, winning the restaurant the Reader’s Choice Award for best takeout. Mathae says the quality of the food will be the same whether it’s eaten inside, outside or taken home. They do not take reservations, and all

seating is on a first come, first served basis. Hurricane Hanks is located at 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and is open daily at 11:30 a.m. They close at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visit www.hurricanehanks.com to view the menu, or call 941-7785788 for takeout.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Hurricane Hanks staff, from left, are Chris Donnelly, Csilla Petofi, Ashley Spicer, Adam Pujarski, Brian Mathae, Lisa Pearce and Mitch Plasko.

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

ASIAN RESTAURANT

ISLAND OCEAN STAR

902 S Bay Blvd

Anna Maria, 251-6940

BAGEL SHOP

PARADISE BAGELS & CAFÉ

3220 E. Bay Drive

Holmes Beach, 779-1212

BAKERY

HOMETOWN DESSERTS

507 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 896-3167

BARBEQUE

GRUB TROPICAL BBQ

415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

BREAKFAST

GINNY’S & JANE E’S

9807 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 778-3170

BURGER

HARRY’S BAR & GRILL 9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

CAFÉ

CHEESECAKE CUTIE

3324 E Bay Dr

Holmes Beach, 779-2253

CANDY STORE

DIPS ICE CREAM 503 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 778-1706

DELI

SCOTT’S DELI 6000 Marina Dr. unit D

Holmes Beach, 778-3000

FESTIVAL

CORTEZ FISHING FESTIVAL

GERMAN RESTAURANT

OLD HAMBURG SCHNITZELHAUS

3246 East Bay Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-1320

GOLF COURSE

PINEBROOK IRONWOOD GOLF

4260 Ironwood Cir

Bradenton, 792-3288

GROUPER SANDWICH

ROD & REEL PIER

875 N Shore Dr

Anna Maria, 778-1885

HEALTH FOOD STORE

RICHARD’S FOODPORIUM

2601-B Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 749-0892

ICE CREAM SHOP

TWO SCOOPS ICE CREAM

101 S. Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria, 779-2422

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

VINNY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

5337 Gulf Dr

Holmes Beach, 896-9754

KEY LIME PIE

HOMETOWN DESSERTS

507 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 896-3167

LIVE THEATER ISLAND PLAYERS

10009 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 778-5755

MARGARITA WICKED CANTINA

101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

WICKED CANTINA

101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

BLUE MARLIN

121 Bridge St Bradenton Beach, 896-9737

NEW RESTAURANT

GRUB TROPICAL BBQ

415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

NIGHT SPOT

HARRY’S BAR & GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

PIER

ROD AND REEL PIER

875 North Shore Drive

Anna Maria, 778-1885

PIZZA PIZZA SOCIAL

308 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 251-4070

PLACE TO SEE SUNSET SANDBAR RESTAURANT

100 Spring Ave W

Anna Maria, 778-0444

RESTAURANT (OVERALL)

THE PORCH

9707 Gulf Dr

Anna Maria, 782-8683

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR

200 Bridge St

Bradenton Beach, 778-2662

SPECIALTY COCKTAIL

DR. OFFICE

5312 Holmes Blvd Holmes Beach, 213-9926

SPECIALTY GOURMET

THE FEAST

5406 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-5092

SUB/SANDWICH

CHEESECAKE CUTIE

3324 E Bay Dr

Holmes Beach, 779-2253

TAKEOUT

HURRICANE HANKS

5346 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach, 778-5788

Luxury Services, Moss Builders lead pack

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Adult flag football and youth indoor soccer play continued at The Center last week. In the second week of play, two teams rose to the top of the pack.

Luxury Services and Moss

Builders look to be the teams to beat this season going into week three play undefeated. Luxury Services had an easy time against the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits crew last Thursday night, winning by 16 points.

In the defensive battle royale, eight total interceptions were recorded in the statistics between both teams, along with more than 25 flag pulls. Leading in the defensive stops for Luxury Services was Derrick Carey with seven pulls.

Jonathan Soultatos, a member of last season’s championship team, along with teammate Ramon Guerrero IV had four flag pulls each, helping the team total 15 stops during the two halves of play.

The wheels of Tim Holly allowed him to get to the Sandbar quarterback with three sacks in the game. On the other side of the football, Soultatos got to the QB once for a big stop.

For the offense and the win, Luxury Services quarterback Chase Richardson hit Alonzo Lemus three times for touchdowns. Two-point conversions by Richardson and Lemus, along with a sack for a safety by Holly, gave the Luxury team 30 points and the win.

Despite the loss, Sandbar scored two touchdowns and Guerrero made a two-point conversion. TDs by Soultatos and Zachary Routh helped to keep the team in the game, but it just was not enough.

In game two Thursday night, Gulf Drive Café dominated the field on both offense and defense against The Banks Home Lending Team with the final score of 41-15. Dominick Otteni threw for four touchdowns and had a rushing TD of his own to help lead his team to the win.

Otteni’s scoring targets were Dallas Buchholz, Jacob Ferda, Steven Pavina and Kiatrell Zachery. Pavina scored for Gulf Drive while on defense, while Zachery, Ferda and Otteni added to the points after conversions.

The Banks Home Lending Team managed to get 15 points up in lights thanks to two nice throws by Cruz Rodriguez leading to 12 points by Juan Vega and Joseph Vigil. Don Uffinger is credited with a sack leading to a safety for two points.

Contributing to the team’s scoring, Sequiel Marintez scored a one-point conversion for The Banks Home Lending Team.

The third game in the adult flag football league was a nailbiter. Salty Printing eked out the win by three points against Cortez Deep Sea Fishing. Zaon Williams led the Salty team with three passing touchdowns and six points on his feet rushing into the end zone.

Joey Carder, Jose Perez and Brandon Rolland each put up six points with nice catches for touchdowns. Andrew Procter scored three critical conversion points in the game, helping to give his team the win. Scoring his own one-point conversion, Rolland had seven points in the game, with two catches and one flag pull. Despite the strong efforts of the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing squad, the win eluded them. Matt Manger and Anthony Mannino shared the QB duties. Mannino threw for one TD and scored on a reception from Manger. While playing defense, Mannino was credited with a flag pull, interception and a defensive touchdown. Flipping roles, Mannino threw a touchdown pass to Manger. Other targets of the night for touchdowns were Johnny Sevier and Jesse Skipper. Skipper found himself in the endzone causing a sack and safety.

Rounding out the scoring for the Cortez Deep Sea Fishing squad, Anthony McCance contributed with a one-point conversion.

In the final game of the night, QB Tuna McCracken just could not find one more scoring opportunity for the Solid Rock Construction team, losing to Moss Builders 20-14. Despite finding Connor Ludwig and Evelyn Long open for scoring passes and one-point conversions by both, Moss Builders made it into the end

zone one more time than Solid Rock.

Veteran player Ryan Moss threw for three touchdowns, hitting cousin Greg Moss twice and Isaiah Lambert once for three touchdowns. G. Moss and Lambert each had a single interception in the game.

G. Moss rounded out his statistics with a two-point conversion to help the Moss Builders team capture its second win, remaining undefeated along with Luxury Services heading into week three play this Thursday night at The Center.

YOUTH SOCCER

In youth indoor soccer action, two games were played in the 11- to 13-year-old league last Monday night. Playing the first game, the Coastline West Team/Wagner Realty left Island Vacation Properties scoreless with a final score of 9-0.

David Zupa scored five goals for Coastline, along with three goals by Cayson Travis and a single by Grady Sandhoff. Blake Brower played goalie for Coastline, making 15 saves.

On the other side of the indoor field, Jimmie Melichar made 16 saves, while teammate Alonso Valle had 13 stops as goalie for Island Vacation Properties.

Winning by two goals, Moss Builders, with Miles Moss in goal, defeated Solid Rock Construction in youth indoor soccer. Moss made 10 stops for his team, with scoring by

his brother, Mason Moss, and Magness Rollins for four points.

Solid Rock Construction’s Austin Guess stopped 11 shots as the keeper, while Mckenna Darak and Wes Saxon each had single goals to close out week two of youth indoor soccer action in the gymnasium at the Island’s community center.

Fly casting mastery

eaching fly casting has taught me some valuable lessons. Chief among them is the fact that it’s most often easier to learn from scratch using the fundamentals (physics) of the cast than it is to correct bad habits that have been developed over time. That became apparent to me when I gave lessons to someone who had been fly casting for a long time but who had ingrained bad techniques. When I showed them how to properly move the rod tip in a straight line to form a tight, wind penetrating loop, they understood the concept immediately. The eye opener for student and teacher was when they tried to repeat the proper casting stroke and their ingrained bad habit overpowered their new understanding.

This isn’t bad news for long-time casters who have been using improper techniques, but points out the necessity of practice to reteach the brain how to move the rod. The same applies to proficient casters who are learning to cast with their nondominant hand. Try this and you’ll see what I mean instantly. If you’re a right-handed caster, putting the rod in the left hand is like handing it to your clone where the fundamentals of the cast are understood but the body doesn’t cooperate. The good news is that by learning the fundamentals of the cast and practicing them regularly anyone can become adept. Besides learning and practicing the essentials of fly casting, it’s important to realize that there is no right or wrong casting style. Casting is governed by physics and there are some essentials that every fly caster must master, no matter what their individual skills or styles. This is the

difference between the art (style) and science (physics) of the cast.

Fly casting is a lifelong learning experience that you can practice at 9 or 90. Different people learn at a different pace. Some people pick up casting quickly and then plateau.

Others start slow, but when they finally get it, they’ve got it. It can be compared to learning how to ride a bike. To become a good caster you need to practice, but that practice will reward you with a lifetime of pleasure and provide the opportunity of the company of good friends.

Fly casting differs from spin or bait casting where the weight of the lure or bait loads the rod. The rod then transfers the stored energy of the rod to the lure or bait, which carries it to the target. In fly casting, the weight of the line loads the rod, and the line takes the leader and flies to the target.

The basic casting stroke consists of the rod being held in the hand at the base of the fingers with the thumb on top of the cork. The stroke is a combination of moves of the wrist, the forearm and the upper arm. In the ready position with the thumb on the cork, the wrist is straight and the butt of the rod is at a 45 degree angle to the forearm. The wrist travels from this straight position to a 45 degree down angle then returns to straight position. The forearm and the upper arm complete the motion.

SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 29

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Fly fishing legend Joan Wulff demonstrates the casting stroke.

RUSTY CHINNIS

LIMITED MEMBERSHIP BO AT CLUB WITH PREMIUM BO AT S

REEL TIME: Fly casting mastery

FROM PAGE 28

There are five basic movements that make up what is referred to as the essentials:

1. There must be a pause at the end of each casting stroke, which varies in duration with the amount of line beyond the rod tip. This allows the line to straighten for the next cast.

2. Slack line should be kept to an absolute minimum. Slack line prevents the rod from loading and applying the proper power to the cast. The most common mistake that creates slack line happens when the rod is started too high, forming a belly in the line between the rod tip and the water. To prevent this, start your cast with the rod tip pointing at the water.

3. To form the most efficient, least air-resistant loops and to direct the energy of the cast toward the target, the rod tip must move in a straight line. Practice tracing a horizontal line like a roof eve.

4. The length of the casting stroke must vary with the amount of line past the rod tip. If you are making a short cast, there is only a small amount of line needed (which only weighs a small amount). As the length of line increases, the stroke must be increased to load the rod.

5. Power must be applied in the

proper amount at the proper place in the stroke. In general, the power is applied slowly at first, gradually increasing to a peak at the end of the stroke. There should be a crisp stop at the end of the stroke, forcing the rod to come out of its bend. This is commonly referred to as the speed-up and stop.

In my experience, the only way to master fly casting is to practice consistently, preferably committing to two to five minutes every day to train or retrain your brain. Any additional time will, of course, be a bonus, but the importance of a regular practice schedule cannot be over-emphasized. There are lots of resources on the internet to help you perfect your cast and lessons with a caster trained by the Fly Fishers International, www. flyfishersinternational.org, can be invaluable. Some of the best videos to search for online are those by master casters and instructors Joan Wulff and Lefty Kreh. Locally, anglers can research rods and tackle at AMI Outfitters on Anna Maria Island, www.amioutfitters.com. There are also some excellent casting videos on YouTube from Orvis and Rio. Learn and apply the fundamentals of fly casting consistently and you'll be on your way to mastering the cast.

CENTER NOTES

Youth Acting Camp

For children who would like to learn acting, The Center’s Youth Acting Camp, taught by Brianna Shaughnessy Roberts, will teach theatre to film acting as well as auditioning lessons. Performances will receive feedback from working professionals in the industry.

The two-week camp runs from July 17-20 and July 24-27 from 9 a.m. to noon and will end with two performances on Thursday, July 27 at 11:30 a.m. and on Friday, July 28 at 6 p.m.

The cost for the two-week camp is $260 for members of The Center and $275 for non-members. Campers must be registered by Thursday, July 13 at 8 p.m. To register, call 941-778-1908. For questions, email Monica Simpson at culture@centerami.org.

Robot Camp

Build and program bots at mBot Robot Camp at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. Campers - kids entering third through fifth grade - will learn different coding from last year’s camp; returning campers are encouraged.

The camp runs from July 17-20 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost for students who already have a robot is $115 for members of The Center and $140 for non-members. For students who need a robot, the cost is $265 for members and $305 for non-members.

Campers must register by Thursday, July 13 at 8 p.m. To register, call 941- 778-1908. For questions, email customerservice@centerami.or culture@centerami.org. The Center offers reduced fees for anyone who qualifies.

INCENTIVES: Proposed for permanent Anna Maria residents

FROM PAGE 4

The potential projects include $156,486 to install shade sails over the children’s playground at City Pier Park, $79,660 to expand the existing City Pier Park shade sail structure and $69,912 to install shade sails over the T-end of the City Pier.

The budget proposes $200,000 for improvements to the city hall building that would allow the building department personnel to vacate the rented annex building on Pine Avenue and return to city hall; with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s Anna Maria Unit possibly moving into the annex building.

The budget proposes $275,000 to engineer and permit a permanent solution for the Lake LaVista jetty and canal area that would eliminate the need to dredge that area every two or three years.

The budget proposes $500,000 to construct stand-alone public restrooms on the city-owned property that contains City Hall, the Island Players theater and a public parking lot.

“This has come up because of the number of people using the beach and

going into the stores and coming in here (city hall) to use the facilities,” Short said.

The budget also proposes $21,200 to redesign the Island Players parking lot to make it more handicapped accessible and to include a designated passenger drop-off area.

The budget proposes $500,000 to extend the multi-use path along Gulf Drive that currently extends from the entrance of the city to Willow Avenue.

INCENTIVIZING RESIDENTS

To retain and attract permanent residents, Commissioner Charlie Salem proposes budgeting $75,000 for a feasibility study pertaining to property tax breaks and building allowances being given to residential property owners who voluntarily agree to a deed restriction that would prohibit them for 25 years from renting their homes out for less than six months at a time.

Salem said Mayor Dan Murphy supports the idea that’s also been discussed with City Planner Ashley Austin.

Citing U.S. Census data, the one-

page document Salem shared with commissioners noted Anna Maria’s population declined from 1,814 in 2000 to 1,504 in 2010 and 968 in 2020.

Salem cited three primary goals: Retaining existing permanent residents through tax and building code incentives, marketing Anna Maria as a place to relocate for permanent residents and creating a better long-term rental market that allows more Island employees to live in Anna Maria.

To attract new residents and families, Salem suggests enacting building code incentives that include enhanced lot coverage, living area ratio and parking requirements in exchange for a voluntary deed restriction, with property tax relief as another potential incentive. Salem noted more people work from home these days and Anna Maria is an excellent place for that.

To increase the availability of long-term rentals, Salem and Austin suggest allowing code-compliant accessory buildings to be used as longterm rentals of more than six months, with a deed restriction in place.

Salem suggests creating a marking

plan to attract long-term residents and encourage existing residents to take advantage of any incentives given.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” Commissioner Robert Kingan said, noting the city must be able to recapture benefits given to a property owner who agrees to a deed restriction and later tries to walk away from it.

Short suggested asking the City Attorney Becky Vose to provide her legal insight on Salem’s proposal before funding and conducting a feasibility study.

Vose said she would conduct that legal research because there’s no reason to conduct a study if the proposed deed restriction concept isn’t legally sound.

“This is a pressing issue,” Kingan said. “If it legally passes muster, we should fast track this because we don’t have a lot of time. A lot of people are leaving.”

The commission reached unanimous consensus in preliminary support of all the proposed expenditures, including the feasibility study.

Anna Maria

BRADENTON BEACH: Officials discuss $4.3 million budget

FROM PAGE 4

“We take each one of these and we have a motion to approve as presented,” Chappie said.

“Our biggest increase, of course, is salary,” Cosby said, “with our new guy hired in place. There is an increase with travel and education. The reason for that is in order to keep up with the culture in law enforcement, training is number one. The state is also requiring us to get that done. It’s not always held in our region so we have to travel to get that done.”

The other increase in the police budget is insurance, Cosby said. The department had the same policy as last year, but it increased in price by 10.1%.

“The city’s liability insurance went up 85%,” Cosby said.

“We took out some street signs and that helped stabilize this increase,” he said. “Just the damage that was done to the north fence from (Hurricane)

Ian, that fence replacement was almost $27,000. All those things are going way up in price. We did take some things out that weren’t worth insuring.”

The proposed budget for police is $1,772,869, an increase of $143,608 from the previous year.

Cosby added overtime to the code enforcement budget, citing the requirement for the code enforcement officer to work on weekends to monitor illegal construction, parking enforcement and to help with Turtle Watch.

The proposed code enforcement budget is $103,555, an increase of $16,084 from the prior year.

Gilbert said there was one increase in building inspection services, which the commission approved on June 18.

“There is an 8% cost of living increase,” Gilbert said. “There were increases in insurance.”

FISH: Receives federal funds

Gilbert, who is on salary, will not receive a salary increase.

“There has been no real change to commission,” Sanclemente said.

“Insurance has increased a little bit,” Woodard said. “Other than that, I think we’re in good shape.”

“Of course, our streets are getting done with Woodruff,” Chappie said, referring to the sewer project on Gulf Drive in which contractors will be repaving the roads. “That will save the taxpayers a lot of money.”

“We’re meeting our budget, you’re all fiscally responsible,” Chappie told the department heads and commissioners.

He said the city should have 25% in reserves and is trying to stay above that at 30%.

“We’re looking at how we can save the city money,” Chappie said. A millage meeting is set for Tuesday, July 11 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. in Bradenton Beach.

FROM PAGE 11

Partnership (SARP), which has led to the creation of a new tidal stream system in the southeastern corner of the FISH Preserve,” the FISH website continues.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $8.3 billion for reclamation water infrastructure projects over five years to advance drought resilience and expand access to clean water for families, farmers and wildlife,” according to the Biden Infrastructure Law website.

“The National Estuary Program (NEP) is an EPA place-based program to protect and restore the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Currently, 28 estuaries located along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts and in Puerto Rico are designated as estuaries of national significance.”

That number includes the Sarasota Bay Estuary.

“The 28 NEPs develop and implement Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs), which are long-term plans that contain actions to address water quality and living resource challenges and priorities,” according to the EPA.

Backyard bounty

Ah, the beauties of summer, the beach and its healing qualities, the salt air breeze, admiring the orange and red hues at sunset, walking under the stars, the undeniable smell of charcoal grilling, the sounds of laughter in the distance, and live music are a favorite of many, including me, but my favorite summer beauty is in my own yard, under the warm golden sun, my bountiful garden.

There is no greater reward from seed to fruit than offering the freshest ingredients to make the best dishes; the taste of success has never been sweeter. Walt Whitman said, “Keep your face towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.” Gardening offers rewards of the Earth’s perfection, sunshine on your skin, and happiness within your soul.

Growing fruits and vegetables allow you to feed your family, your friends, and your community, if only on a small scale on your kitchen windowsill. The aromatic scents of basil, rosemary, mint, and oregano fill your home by just pressing the leaf, allowing the oils of the plant to please the palate, the fragrant smell of a freshly zested

Tortellini salad

Ingredients

16 ounces fresh tortellini

Organic extra virgin olive oil

Balsamic vinegar, flavored

Salt and pepper

1 lemon

6 fresh leaves basil

2 sprigs fresh oregano

1 cup fresh arugula

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, peeled and diced, seeds removed

1/3 red onion, diced

½ red pepper, ½ orange pepper and ½ yellow pepper, seeds removed and diced

½ zucchini, peeled and diced

Grated pecorino Romano

Directions

1. Prepare the tortellini according to package directions, cooking al dente. Cool.

lemon fills the room and now the kitchen becomes the beauty of summer.

A simple meal can be created from your garden with a few staple items from your own cabinets, adding the zest of any citrus or freshly chopped herb offers a crisp finish to any dish, while a good quality olive oil, infused with your homegrown herbs, vinegar of choice and salt and pepper will change the way you prepare your meals.

The recipe I have chosen to share with you can be used for any type of pasta, lettuce or protein as the base; freshness of your bounty is the key. At Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and

Wine Bar, we use only the freshest produce, locally sourced whenever possible. Fresh herbs are added daily to our sauces, allowing our guests to taste the difference.

You will find Ventura's just over the bridge from Anna Maria Island, on Bishop’s Bayou, tucked in the corner of Whitney Plaza. Ventura’s offers indoor and al fresco dining along the water, online ordering, and takeout from 6814 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Call 941-312-4975 or visit www. venturasitaliankitchen.com.

2. Wash and prepare the vegetables, then place in a bowl lined with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Add a pinch of salt and toss. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine one ounce of grated Pecorino Romano, zest of one lemon, juice of one lemon, 3 ounces olive oil, 1 ounce balsamic vinegar, (I used fig flavored), fresh diced oregano, salt and pepper to taste.

4. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, top, and toss with the dressing mixture.

5. Add freshly sliced basil leaves, salt, pepper and additional cheese if desired.

6. Refrigerate. Note, if serving later, keep arugula and basil aside and mix before using.

7. Bring to your favorite BBQ, picnic or potluck, serve as a pasta salad side dish, add proteins of your choice to create a meal, or over a bed of greens from your garden. The choices are endless and will for sure be the biggest hit with everyone. Fresh ingredients from your own garden are the greatest rewards.

Debra Murphy

VENTURA'S ITALIAN KITCHEN SUBMITTED

100 years of paradise

Anna Maria is celebrating 100 years of providing exquisite beaches and aqua water to beachgoers and visitors. The celebration started on Memorial Day and will probably go on for several months and rightly so since the Island is something to be celebrated. Down through the years when I interviewed new business owners or friends who moved to Anna Maria Island, I always asked how they found it. Many of them came as children to visit grandparents and always vowed to return. One drove over the Manatee Avenue bridge because she was early to visit a relative in Bradenton and couldn’t believe what she found, buying a Gulf-front piece of property the same day on a credit card. And one of my favorite stories was when a couple on vacation in their RV drove over the Cortez Bridge and turned right instead of left. They, too, bought a home the same day and opened a business.

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

My personal story happened in 1995 when I was visiting a friend in Bradenton and was taken to Anna Maria for dinner. That was the first of many visits to the Island, including the one that sent us home to sell our house. In January of 1997, my husband and I rented a beach house on the Gulf side of North Shore Drive. It turned out to be one of the best vacations I ever had and I knew then this is where I wanted to be.

To say Anna Maria Island has changed since those years would be a vast understatement and the thing that has changed the most is real estate construction and values. May sales statistics

released by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee is showing our market is still moving forward.

Single-family closed properties were up 17.2% compared to May of last year. The median sale price for single-family homes was down 6.4% to $515,000 and the average selling price for single-family properties was also down by 4.1% to $686,015. The median time to contract was 32 days, compared to six days last year. Pending inventory was up by 31.8% and the month’s supply of available properties was 2.7 months, compared to last year at 1.2 months.

Condo sales were up 5% when compared to May of last year. The median sale price was up 3.4% to $382,645 and the average sale price was also up by 37.3% to $606,255. The median time to contract was 37 days, compared to 6 days last year, and pending inventory was up 8.9%. The

month’s supply of available properties was 3.4 months, compared to one month last year.

Condo sales had the edge this month in both sales and selling price, which in this market could change in a heartbeat. That said, the market is starting to settle down, as stated by the press release issued by the Realtor Association.

“Sarasota-Manatee housing market begins to stabilize but remains a seller’s market,” the press release said. The summer months have always been the slow time in Island real estate, but don’t bet on that to continue when we’re in a seller’s market.

Anna Maria Island is so much more than its beaches; it’s a lifestyle I fear is slowly eroding just like the beach sand. If there is anything that can be done to slow this progression, I don’t know what it is. I only hope that our little paradise isn’t lost in the name of progress.

OBITUARIES

Richard “Dick” Smith

Richard “Dick” Smith, 83, of Bradenton Beach Florida, formerly of Da vison, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023. He was born on March 25, 1940 to Howard and Ruth (Still) Smith.

He was a graduate of Davison High class of 1958. Dick retired from General Motors after 30+ years of service. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and softball. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruth Smith; sister, Leanne Agle; son, Dan Smith and daughter-in-law, Lori Smith. Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sandra Kay (Sperling) Smith; four children, Tim Smith, Phil Smith, Suzy Smith, Sherry (Dave) Sturgill;

12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and brothers, Tom Smith and Tracy Smith.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Florida 34209, is in charge of arrangements. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Leo Robert Hanson

Leo Robert Hanson, 64, battled serious medi cal issues in recent years and showed his courage in facing challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Leo came out a hero and stayed strong until the end on June 16, 2023.

Leo is survived by Kathy, his beloved of 32 years; sister, Clarice; sisterin-law, Coco; nephews, Deric, Clay, Christopher and Trevor; and great nephew, Maison.

Leo will be remembered living life to the fullest. He was an attention-getter. To his fastest boat in Bradenton Beach to his Big Brown Ford Monster Truck and Yellow Box Truck; everyone knew Leo. There was nowhere in Bradenton Leo went that he did not have a friend. Leo was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He mastered his drywall career with changing an eyesore into a masterpiece. He was very particular, never cut corners, and left his drywall craft in many homes and commercial businesses throughout Florida.

Leo loved playing the electric guitar and would let the wild side out up at the warehouse. He was a self-taught guitarist who could listen to a song and master it verbatim after a few trial attempts.

Leo was a nester at home and had many collections. He loved beautifying the yard and making our house feel like a home. There was a perfect place for every knick-knack and picture. Leo could fix anything, and always had

the right tool and the right solution to MacGyver the issue.

Leo enjoyed smoking meats, and filled many bellies with his tasty ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. He loved feeling the warm breeze on his Harley motorcycle and sharing rides with his nephews and friends.

To all those who knew Leo Hanson, the Drywall Magician, Mr. MacGyver, the Warehouse Musician, the multifaceted man, he has touched so many lives in different ways with his loving and caring ways. Leo's twinkling blue eyes and infectious smile endeared him to many.

Even though a failing heart took Leo away from this world, his loving spirit left a beacon of light for all those who knew and loved him.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes 26th Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held July 15, 2023 from 3-6 p.m. at Coquina Beach. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

BEACH BEAT

HOLMES BEACH

6/17, 4:50 p.m., found property, 4112 Fifth Ave. The officer responded to the location in reference to a found handgun. The property manager said the cleaning crew found a loaded 9mm handgun in an upstairs closet. The officer ran the gun’s serial number and took the firearm and ammunition to HBPD.

6/18, 12:44 p.m., petty theft, 3200 East Bay Drive. The officer saw a witness and a juvenile subject running through the parking lot of Walgreens. The witness said

the juvenile had stolen a bottle of vodka from the Walgreens Liquor Store, which the juvenile later admitted. He was on vacation with a friend and his family, but his parents were contacted in Missouri and informed of the situation. The manager did not press charges, but requested the juvenile be trespassed from the property. The juvenile was then transported to the resort where he was staying. No further action was taken.

BRADENTON BEACH

6/20, 12:42 a.m., trespassing, 1400 Gulf Drive S. While on patrol, the officer observed a man sitting in the beach park who had previously been trespassed from the park. The man admitted he was aware of the trespass warning and was placed under arrest and taken to Manatee County Jail.

PROTESTORS: Oppose beach parking garage

FROM PAGE 1

State Rep. Will Robinson (R-Bradenton), supported by Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and unanimously approved by the Florida House and the Florida Senate, HB 947 allows Manatee County to build a parking garage on the county-owned Manatee Beach property in Holmes Beach despite the city’s prohibitions on the construction of a parking garage.

The parking garage must still comply with the height restrictions contained in Holmes Beach’s city charter, which will limit it to three stories with parking on the roof. To make room for the garage, which is expected to fill the entire existing parking lot, the vintage concession stand and other buildings at the beach will be demolished.

The estimated $45 million construction process is expected to take two years.

PROTESTERS SPEAK

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and city commissioners Dan Diggins and Carol Soustek participated in Friday’s protest.

“I’m glad the bill was either signed or vetoed because I didn’t want it to just go unnoticed," Titsworth said. "Now people know what DeSantis believes in - the loss of home rule and big government overreach. That completely circumvents our ability to govern and people don’t have a voice anymore. It’s wrong.

“The parking garage is unfunded, so the county’s going to have to find the money. I hope they don’t dip into reserves because we need those reserves, especially with the increased magnitude of the hurricanes coming our way. And there’s a lot of infrastructure in the county that needs funding. We’re dealing with a county water pipe issue right now. I hope they put the emphasis on things like that instead.”

Titsworth said the fight is not over.

“We have legal recourse and a couple other things we’re working on that I think could make an impact," she said. "The citizens have to take their stand and tell the people they elected how disappointed

they are.”

Titsworth said the city will have no input or oversight of the construction of the parking garage.

“They made sure we didn’t have a seat at the table. I’ve never seen such hostile local bill,” she said.

Diggins said, “I think it’s heavy-handed government at its worst. This bill was passed to solve an undefined problem. They never brought us a plan to say this is what we’d like to do with the studies about drainage, traffic and beach carrying capacity. If those things were done, we’d be open to consider it. This whole thing was done bass-ackwards.

“It was basically done because some county commissioner got their feelings hurt," Diggins said. "We passed an ordinance that banned a parking garage. It had nothing to do with the county’s plans and that set this whole thing in motion. Once (Manatee County Commissioner) Kevin Van Ostenbridge saw that, he threatened us with retribution; and apparently, this is part of that retribution."

Diggins and Titsworth were asked if the county ever considered buying the nearby vacant Bank of America property and building a parking garage there instead.

“I brought that up in front of Kevin and he said, 'Why would I do that when we already own the county beach?' He didn’t want to do it,” Titsworth said.

“I talked to Kevin before I was a commissioner and I brought up that suggestion. He said why would we do that? We already own the county beach,” Diggins echoed.

Soustek said, “There’s a lot of people here that are very concerned. We appreciate everyone who takes a stand against big government trying to take away home rule rights from the cities. It’s not the solution. It’s just another problem. There are other solutions. There are studies that were done in the past and they recommend off-Island mass transportation to the Island. That would help with the traffic. I think they should have taken a lot more time to look into the matter before they pushed it through.”

Holmes Beach resident and Island business owner Morgan Bryant helped organize the protest.

“I want to preserve Anna Maria Island. We don’t need a 1,500-space parking garage. It’s sad that the first thing people are going to see when they drive over the bridge is a giant parking garage,” she said.

“The biggest thing here is big government overreach and circumventing our home rule and our city’s ability to preserve itself. I was upset driving over here when I heard the news. I don’t know that this protest will change anything, but at least our voices will be heard. I hope the city and the county can find a better solution. People need to be made aware of the parking spaces we have throughout Holmes Beach and the Island. I grew up in east Bradenton. I understand why people get upset when they can’t find parking spaces, but there are parking spaces,” Bryant said.

“Some of us are also concerned that this will open up the door to a higher structure and before you know it, we’ll have a whole bunch of high-rises on the Island," former Island resident Carla Ballew said. "We’re trying to keep the jewel that it was, which it’s not anymore, but we’re still trying to preserve some of that quaintness that used to be Anna Maria Island.”

“The county has completely mishandled this entire situation from start to finish. This is an absolute misuse and waste of our tax dollars," Speak Out Manatee founder Talha Siddique said. "The county has closed off far more beach parking than the city of Holmes Beach has and that’s almost $50 million that could go to schools, teachers, our police and firefighters and our crumbling infrastructure. Our elected officials want to put our money towards something we don’t want. At its core this is a local issue. Our county commission didn’t want to work out a deal with the city. That’s why we need to speak out and we need to vote in 2024. If these county commissioners aren’t going to vote in accordance with what we want them to do, we have an opportunity to

take anybody out of office who doesn’t want to listen to us.”

Longtime Island resident Tom Aposporos said, “The governor signed the bill and it surprises me because I understood he was a believer in home rule. This is the antithesis of home rule. Can you imagine a parking garage staring you right in the face as you’re driving onto that bucolic Island? And making traffic worse, not better. How can anyone who has an ounce of decency think that’s a good idea?"

Regarding Robinson and Boyd’s legislative efforts, Aposporos said, “I’m surprised. I’ve never had a reason to disrespect either one of them. I do not understand this at all. I think there has been political intrigue between the local governments and those gentlemen as state officials, but somehow I think that can be worked out. It doesn’t have to become this draconian decision to build a multi-story parking garage in the middle of a beautiful place. It will not accomplish what they’re saying it will accomplish and I hope that all comes out in the courts.”

Charlene Smock and Brandi Brady were among those holding blue and red signs that said, “Danger Will Robinson.” Smock lives in Palma Sola and Brady’s family has owned and operated the West Coast Surf Shop next to Manatee Beach for more than five decades.

Regarding DeSantis signing the bill, Brady said, “We just found out and we’re devastated. You’re going to fill that big concrete building on the beach with a lot more people coming to the Island and leaving the Island. All the tourists that come into our shop love the Island the way it is and everybody we’ve talked to is against the garage. That might be great for our business, but no. We have enough business. Everybody has enough business. The traffic’s going to be even worse,” Brady said.

Smock said, “Think about emptying that parking garage with 1,500 cars all trying to come out at once during bad weather.”

Smock suggested the county finish its Coquina Beach parking improvements so those temporarily unavailable parking spaces are available again.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EARLY DEADLINE

CLASSIFIED ADS for July 5 edition. All classified ads must be in by Friday JUNE 30 by 2pm because of July 4 Holiday.

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

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995

Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free

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, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

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!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

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

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

RENTALS: ANNUAL

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

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

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

ANNUAL LEASE Anna Maria Island. in Bradenton Beach on AVE C 2BR/1BA, very clean ground-level 1,000-sf home/duplex only steps to Gulf beach. Presently unfurnished. $1950month plus 300/month for electric, heat/AC, trash and water. Non smoking and no pets property. owner 508-496-8480.

ANNUAL: 2BR/2BA TOWNHOUSE, Palma Sola Trace, clubhouse, pool and more. $2,200 monthly Call 941-778-4800

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/Monthly. 941-4483184

TRANSPORTATION

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

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

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

Katie Self Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Strickland Sales Associate

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

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

Mary Anne Muniz Sales Associate Ben Bryant Sales Associate

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

Robyn Hawk Sales Associate