Anna Maria Island Sun June 7, 2023

Desirable waterfront lot

This patch of sand in Bradenton Beach is a popular spot for loggerhead sea turtles - three have nested there so far. More turtle news on Page 9.

Concert for Peace aims to raise funds for refugees

Slicker’s Eatery owner

Bob Slicker, in partnership with the Rotary Club of AMI, will hold the 2023 Concert for Peace on Saturday, June 10 to aid Ukrainian refugees.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - This Saturday, June 10, Bob Slicker, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, will hold the 2nd Annual Concert for Peace at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., to benefit refugees from the war in Ukraine. Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez, became passionate about helping the people of Ukraine after

SEE CONCERT, PAGE 27

Bradenton Beach residents must have permits to park during project

Shuttle service will be provided to residents and guests of homes on the closed roads.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – As crews work their way down Gulf Drive South to complete the South Bradenton Beach Gravity System Relocation Project, temporary permit parking is now in effect to accommodate residents and visitors impacted by the project.

The first of the adjacent side roads to be closed during the project is 11th Street South. Residents and guests of homes on that street will be required to park with permits on the west side of Gulf Drive South for at least the next four months.

“There are approximately 70 residential properties on 11th Street South,” Manatee County Public Works Department Strategic Manager Ogden Clark said. “Nobody will be able to drive down the road. The reason we started with 11th Street is that there are the most residences on that road.”

The sewer project will replace and relocate a portion of the gravity collection system in South Bradenton Beach now on private properties to new locations within the public right of way.

Clark said the 2.5-year-long project, which was contracted in January, is slightly ahead of schedule, but that could change during the summer rainy season.

SEE PARKING, PAGE 27

Wicked Cantina employee awarded damages, back wages

The Bradenton Beach restaurant was ordered to pay more than $60,000 to a former employee for violating U.S. Department of Labor regulations.

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

BRADENTON BEACH – A former employee of the Wicked Cantina fought the restaurant in court and won with the help of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

The department launched a federal investigation and litigation pertaining to The Wicked Taco Inc., owner of the Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh St. N., on behalf of a former employee who was told to return to work after hospitalization against doctor’s orders, according to a May 24 DOL press release. The employee was fired a few days later. The lawsuit resulted in $60,065 in liquidated damages and back wages being awarded to the former employee.

The issues stem back to March 1, 2020, when the employee was

released after a brief hospitalization with orders to not return to work until March 4. DOL investigators with the Wage and Hour Division found that the employee was instructed to work despite the doctor’s orders and was never informed of their right to Family and Medical Leave Act protected

leave, of their rights under the act or provided with required forms and notifications. The employee was fired on March 6, 2020, by the restaurant’s general manager for allegedly spreading rumors among co-workers concerning management and alleged tardiness.

A consent judgment in the case

was received on March 3, 2023 in the U.S. Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa ordering the company to pay the former employee the back wages and damages. The order also forbids the Wicked Cantina and its parent company from participating in any future leave act violations.

“When dealing with a health concern, no worker should be forced to fear losing their job while facing one of life’s difficult challenges,” Wage and Hour Division District Director Nicolas Ratmiroff said in the DOL press release. “We will use all tools at our disposal to ensure workers receive their full protections under the law. The costly consequences for Wicked Cantina’s illegal actions are clear reminders for other employers that retaliating against workers for invoking their protected rights is no way to do business.”

Workers can confidentially contact the Wage and Hour Division with questions or review more information about their rights at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

A Department of Labor investigation has resulted in Wicked Cantina being ordered to pay $60,000 to an employee for violations of the Family Leave Act.

IN BRIEF

Road repaving on agenda

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH –

Commissioners discussed the repaving of roads adjacent to the Gulf Drive South sewer project, reconfiguration of the parking lot at public works and approval for re-wiring of police department cabling on June 1.

Crews will perform maintenance on the State Road 64 Anna Maria Island Drawbridge overnight on Thursday, June 8 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Consider an alternate route as traffic will be reduced to one lane with flagging operations.

Beach access remains closed

Anyone who’s been by the 52nd Street beach access in Holmes Beach recently may have noticed something peculiar – the popular beach parking spot is closed. The beach access closed on June 5 for repairs and maintenance to the parking area and path. City leaders announced on June 2 that the closure is expected to continue through Friday, June 9 with the access and parking area fully reopening for the weekend. For more information, contact city hall at 941-708-5800.

Commercial activities discussion continues

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet on Thursday, June 8 at 2 p.m. After general public comment on items not included on the meeting agenda, the city attorney will provide an update on Senate Bill 250, which, if signed into law, would prohibit until October 2024 all three Anna Maria Island cities from amending their comprehensive plans and/or land development codes to make them more burdensome or restrictive. The mayor and deputy clerk will provide an update on next year’s city-sponsored farmers market. The mayor and city treasurer will provide an update on their investment plan for city funds. The commission will continue its previous discussion on commercial activities in city-owned rights of way and other public spaces. The commission will discuss flag placements along Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive. The commission will discuss a budget plan presented by the mayor and treasurer. Thursday’s meeting can be attended in person or by phone by calling 1-929-2056099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280.

Sandpiper resident seeks deck variance

The city of Bradenton Beach will hold a variance-related, quasi-judicial special master’s hearing at city hall on Wednesday, June 7 at 10 a.m. The hearing pertains to a deck setback variance sought by Patrick Burch for a mobile home located at lot #725 in the Sandpiper Co-Op Resort. Burch seeks a 3.5foot variance from the city’s 4-foot setback requirement for decks over 12 inches in height. Serving as Burch’s authorized agent, Robert Shaffer is also requesting the city waive all fees related to the variance request and the building permit sought because Burch is a 100% disabled military veteran.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jake Spooner were in attendance. Commissioners Marilyn Maro and Jan Vosburgh were absent with excuse.

Bradenton Beach Public Works Director Tom Woodard said he was confident the paving of Sixth Street South through 13th Street South will be done properly after having multiple meetings with those involved in the sewer project and repaving.

“Our concern was the possible ponding with the repaving that we’ve experienced in the past,” Woodard said. “We’ve had monthly meetings with all the players in the sewer project and we’ve been assured that they will put everything back the way it was.”

Collier’s Paving and Concrete Co. has been contracted for the repaving.

“It’s a complete rebuild of all the streets on the south end, because they’re going to tear up all of them,” Chappie said. “They have to put in normal compaction when you’re digging ditches like that… There are codes, they have to meet the compaction test.”

POLICE DEPARTMENT CABLING

Citing slow networking speeds and a need for new cabling at the Bradenton Beach Police Department, Chief John Cosby told commissioners the reasons an upgrade is needed.

“One of the issues we’ve had at the PD is all the cable networking in there is more for home than it is for a business,” Cosby said. “We’ve spent a lot of money on these new computers and they’re operating at about 60% of the speed that they can because of the wiring.”

Cosby said the new wiring is a continuation of the IT upgrades at the police department.

A motion for approval of a quote from Friendly IT in the amount of $4,188 to replace the cabling at the police department was unanimously passed.

CELL TOWER PARKING LOT

In an analysis of the parking lot at the cell tower next to the public works department, a drawing is forthcoming to lay out a new design and possible addition of parking spaces.

“The mayor and I were discussing how many spaces we can fit in there, and I did my rough drawing,” Woodard said. “Collier’s put forth a proposal to us to do a maximum build out which means 90% of the plants would be gone, the bollards would be taken out. It would strictly be parking spaces and a few trees.”

There will be one way in for the public on Church Street and one way out south of the Police Department, Chappie said. The spaces under the cell tower could still be used.

“There will be angled parking on both sides,” Chappie said. “We may even be able to keep those trees depending on the angled parking against that fence.”

Chappie said Collier’s has experience in maximizing parking lot design and will be providing a

lot configuration.

“We’re not messing with any of the approved and designed stormwater runoff into the catch basins so we’re not affecting that in any way, just rearranging the spaces,” Chappie said. “There will be six more spaces, possibly eight to 10… and I think it’s worth the $1,400 to get a drawing.”

Since a re-design is considered a new project, further discussion of the parking lot will be put on the next meeting agenda, if it can’t be settled at the upcoming Community Redevelopment Agency meeting, Chappie said.

Cosby also made two requests at the meeting.

“We’ve hired a new officer,” Cosby said. “I need to amend our TASER contract and get him a TASER…The second thing is I need to get an in-car computer once we get the new car.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Above, Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby speaks to commissioners about the need for upgraded networking cabling. Right, Bradenton Beach Public Works Director Tom Woodard makes a presentation to commissioners about road repaving following the completion of the sewer project on Gulf Drive South.

Season’s first named storm bypasses AMI

Tropical Storm Arlene brought clouds and some rain but little else to southwest Florida as it passed off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Hurricane season is officially underway. This year’s June 1 start was heralded with the arrival of Tropical Depression Two, which formed into Tropical Storm Arlene the next day.

Though short-lived, Arlene was a good reminder that Atlantic hurricane season is here and now is the time to get prepared, not when the Island is facing the threat of storm impacts.

Here are some tips to help you get ready for hurricane season.

• Have a 3–5-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each member of your family, including pets.

• Keep emergency medical supplies, including medications, a first-aid kit and hand sanitizer.

• Have a supply of battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, along with extra batteries.

• Make copies of important documents, such as wills, passports, photo identifications, veterinary records for your pets and insurance policies. Keep the copies in an easy-to-access place where they can be grabbed quickly in case of an evacuation.

• Keep a stock of cleaning supplies such as trash bags, rubber gloves, sanitizing cleaners or wipes and paper towels handy.

• Invest in a fire extinguisher.

• Pick up a battery-powered or hand crank radio to listen for news when the electricity goes out.

• Keep your yard and patio areas clean and clear of debris to make moving everything outside that could blow away or cause damage during a storm easier.

• Know your evacuation zone. Anna Maria

Island, Perico Island, Flamingo Cay, Cortez and parts of northwest Bradenton are all in the first evacuation zone for Manatee County. Make a plan with relatives or friends outside of early evacuation zones in case you need to leave home. In the event of an evacuation, you should plan to evacuate a few miles, not a few hundred miles, so that you can get back and check on the condition of your property after the storm passes and local officials determine it’s safe to return to the area.

- If you have a generator, make sure to give it a test run before a storm comes toward Manatee County, that it’s kept in a safely ventilated area and that all carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order.

For anyone who finds themselves in need of hurricane supplies, Florida has two tax-free holidays to help with the purchase of some items. The first tax-free holiday ends on Friday, June 9. The second tax-free shopping opportunity will be from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8. Included items include portable generators, waterproof sheeting, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, portable power banks, batteries, flashlights, coolers, portable radios and more. A full list can be found at https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/ tips/Documents/TIP_23A01-02.pdf.

For more information on preparing for hurricane season, visit www.ready.gov.

NOAA | SUBMITTED

Tropical Storm Arlene dissipated over the Gulf of Mexico on June 3 after becoming the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season on June 2.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO

Mike Field

Editor

Cindy Lane

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Bob Alexander

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Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

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Kristin Swain

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Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

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Steve Borggren

Capt. Rick Grassett

Isis Mavenyengwa

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

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Anne Yarbrough

Layout

Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

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Pamela Lee

Classifieds

Bob Alexander

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Bob Alexander

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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

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.

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.

June 8, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

June 19, all day – City offices closed for Juneteenth

June 21, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

June 7, 10 a.m. – Special Master variance hearing

June 7, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

June 15, noon – City Commission meeting

June 19, all day – City offices closed for Juneteenth

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

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

June 7, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

June 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

June 14, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

June 14, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

EVENTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

Summer Reading: STEM Show with Science Scope, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

AMI Chamber luncheon, Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m., $22 for members or $30 for prospective members

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

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

OneBlood Bus blood drive, 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.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

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, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Concert for Peace benefitting the people of Ukraine, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 4 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 12

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

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.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

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

Island Time Book Club: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

Summer Reading: Didgeridoo Down Under, 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.

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

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.

Create a vision board, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

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, JUNE 20

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

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. To report

large holes or other turtle obstacles, call:

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

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

• City of 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 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Loggerheads released after recovering from red tide

Sea turtles Valerie and Mahomes were released at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria on May 30.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – In a cooperative effort between Mote Marine Laboratory and The Florida Aquarium, two loggerhead sea turtles were released at Bayfront Park on May 30 after months of care and rehabilitation for the effects of red tide toxin.

"We are proud to collaborate with The Florida Aquarium in our shared mission to rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles," Mote's Rehabilitation and Medical Care Coordinator Lynne Byrd said in a press release. "By combining our expertise and resources, we can provide these magnificent creatures with the best possible care, ensuring their recovery and return to the big blue."

The two rescued loggerhead sea turtles were nicknamed Valerie and Mahomes. Valerie was discovered floating nearshore off Longboat Key on Feb. 21. She appeared to have been affected by toxins from red tide, a waterborne algae that also can affect human respiration. She was transported to Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital in Sarasota and began receiving injectable antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids until symptoms improved.

When Valerie arrived at the hospital, Mote scientists found that she already had a flipper tag and a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag. The

PIT tag, placed by Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program in 2019, gave the turtle a unique barcode identification number that allowed scientists to gain valuable insights into her migratory patterns, growth rates, survival and reproductive output, according to Mote.

Mahomes was found washed ashore off Casey Key Road in Sarasota County and also showed symptoms of red tide toxicity.

Initially admitted to Mote's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital on Feb. 13, Mahomes was later transferred to The Florida Aquarium Turtle Rehabilitation Center on Feb. 24 to better prepare Mote for what they anticipated to be high numbers of incoming sea turtle patients affected

by toxic red tide exposure.

Mahomes received antibiotics and supportive care during the course of rehabilitation to help rid the sea turtle's body of toxins.

Before the release, Mahomes was outfitted with a satellite tag by The Florida Aquarium and the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

“These tags provide critically important information about diving, feeding, migratory and activity patterns all while recording corresponding environmental data such as water temperatures. This data will help better understand the patient's behavior after reintroduction and provides key insight for future rehabilitation and conservation efforts,” according to Mote.

Following their months of care, the loggerheads successfully cleared all health assessments mandated by wildlife officials for release.

"Every turtle matters, as they serve as ambassadors for the critical need to protect and conserve these creatures and the habitats they rely on," Byrd said in the release. "Every rehabilitated sea turtle is a symbol of hope for the future of our oceans."

Within Sarasota or Manatee county waters, if you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale, please call Mote's Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at 941-988-0212.

If you see a stranded or dead manatee anywhere in state waters or a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale outside of Sarasota or Manatee counties, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 111 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls: 113 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched: 0 (Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchlings hatched: 0 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

MOTE MARINE | SUBMITTED

Mote Marine employees carry loggerhead turtle Mahomes to the water at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. Mahomes had been under rehabilitation since February for red tide toxin symptoms.

High speed pursuit on Bridge Street ends in arrest

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH

– According to witnesses, a man identified as Kevin Rodriguez, 48, of Bradenton left a trail of destruction on Bridge Street that began shortly after he was asked to leave the Drift In bar on May 27.

Rodriguez

According to a Bradenton Beach police report, the incident began shortly after 11 p.m. when Rodriguez insisted on leaving the bar and driving after staff refused to serve him alcohol due to his inebriated state. Bar staff members convinced him to surrender his keys and agree not to drive. The tactic did not produce the intended results.

Bar management called a tow truck to remove Rodriguez’s truck from the parking lot, at which time Rodriguez pulled a second set of keys out of his pocket and got into his truck. The tow truck driver attempted to block Rodriguez from leaving the

parking lot, but he rapidly accelerated, throwing gravel over nearby people and vehicles. He also struck a parked car, doing extensive damage to that vehicle’s front end.

Bradenton Beach Police Officer Devon Straight was pulling onto Bridge Street from Gulf Drive just as Rodriguez was speeding west on the street towards the Gulf Drive traffic circle. Several people in the roadway ran to Straight’s patrol vehicle stating that the driver of the truck was drunk and had just caused an accident.

“I turned around to keep sight of the vehicle while other officers responded to the Drift In,” Straight said in his report. “I observed the pickup truck northbound on Gulf Drive traveling at a dangerously high rate of speed, passing vehicles and running cars off the road as they tried to avoid being hit. There were also many pedestrians in the area due to it being a holiday weekend. The truck then turned eastbound over the Cortez Bridge and began driving on the wrong side of the road to pass traffic.”

SEE CHASE, PAGE 15

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Membership rates increasing at The Center

Members are encouraged to lock in current pricing by June 30.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Membership rates at The Center of Anna Maria Island are increasing on July 1. For those wishing to take advantage of the

current pricing, payment in full is required by June 30.

The new monthly pricing for annual membership rates is $30 for youth, $60 for adults, $55 for seniors and $135 for families.

Current monthly membership rates are $25 for youth; $55 for adults; $50 for seniors and $120 for family. Membership benefits include newly

renovated facilities and new showers, Peloton bikes, CrossFit training equipment, unlimited group fitness and wellness classes, $20 league sports, tennis courts, pickleball, fitness center, open gym and field time and discounts on specialty fitness classes, summer camp and after school care. The day pass pricing will increase to $25 for individuals; $75 for a week pass; $125

Spring ’23 fundraising campaign underway

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – While The Center of Anna Maria Island is making progress toward its Spring ’23 fundraising campaign goal, the non-profit community center is still relying heavily on donations from local residents and businesses to make up a shortfall left after the end of grants and COVID-19 funding.

“The current spring fundraising campaign has never been more critical than right now. Government contributions from COVID and major grants have dried up, and we must look for alternative funds to operate or continue to serve our community,” The Center Executive Director Ωhristopher Culhane said.

The Spring ’23 fundraising campaign highlights youth programs and scholarships.

“In addition to our voluminous community services, The

Center annually gives over $50,000 in scholarships to families in need,” Culhane said.

“Without fundraising efforts such as our current campaign, The Center would not be able to give back to these families or provide services to the community as a whole.”

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s mission is to serve as the community’s gathering place where people of all ages: children, teens, adults and seniors can come together and make friends.

“At The Center they may play sports, be a part of our Beyond the Classroom after school program, come to work out, enjoy an afternoon tea for companionship. We know that people sometimes need help in order to participate in these activities and so we offer a sliding fee scale for those who qualify… we will NEVER turn anyone away for their inability to pay,” according to The Center website.

A donation of $1,500 will provide one child 20 weeks of after-school care; $1,000 will provide one child six weeks of summer camp; $500 will cover five monthly family memberships; and $200 will provide eight seniors funding for Senior Adventures, The Center website states.

Culhane said due to ongoing capital needs and a lack of contributions from major grants, The Center is currently at a deficit of over $200,000 for the fiscal year.

“Every year The Center has the daunting task of fundraising a minimum of $700,000 to continue to serve our community,” Center Executive Director Christopher Culhane said. “In addition to this, The Center’s capital needs are far above and beyond this total.”

To learn more about making a donation to The Center, visit https://centerami.org/support/ or call 941-778-1908.

for a month pass, $75 for a family day pass and $220 for a family week pass.

Current pricing is $20 for individuals; $60 for a week pass; $120 for a month pass; $55 for a family day pass and $175 for a family weekly pass.

No refunds are available. For questions or information, email Jillian Ptak at customerservice@centerami. org or call 941-778-1908 ext. 232.

CENTER NOTES

Youth Tumbling and Dance Workshop

Have fun learning to tumble and dance at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria, with teacher Caitlyn Cobb, of Star Academy of Dance and Aerial Arts. Campers will learn ballet technique, jazz dance moves and tumbling. Workshops will take place in order of grade level. For kindergarten through second grade, the workshop will be on Thursday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. For third through fifth grade, the workshop will be on Tuesday, June 13 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For sixth through ninth grade, the workshop will be on Thursday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $55 for members and $65 for non-members.

Teen and Youth Soccer Camp

To hone your child’s soccer skills, The Center is offering summer sessions of soccer camps with Jamie Hutchinson.

Weekly sessions for youths, who will be grouped by age, will take place beginning Monday, June 12 through the week ending Friday, July 28 from 1-3 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. The cost is $130 a week for members and $155 a week for nonmembers.

A teen session is being held on Monday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members.

To register for the programs, email Jillian Ptak at customerservice@ centerami.org or 941-7781908.

Driver pleads not guilty in deadly crash

Deborah Trotter was released from the hospital the same day.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – The driver of a truck who struck two women pedestrians at Gulf Drive and Marine Drive on May 12 while they crossed the street is contesting the traffic citation with a plea of not guilty. The crash led to the May 17 death of Miriam Trotter, 86, of Maryland. She was crossing Gulf Drive northbound in the marked crosswalk with her daughter, Deborah Trotter, 65, of Holmes Beach when Michael Ritchie, 43, of Bradenton, made a left turn on a green light from southbound Marina Drive onto southbound Gulf Drive in a 2018 GMC truck and struck both women, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report.

Both pedestrians were transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital with injuries.

Holmes Beach police cited Ritchie for failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian at an intersection with a traffic control device under Florida Statute 316.130(7)(A). Ritchie was not charged with a criminal offense because the police investigation determined he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and he did not leave the scene of the accident.

According to documents obtained in public records, Ritchie obtained the services of Sarasota-based attorney David Haenel. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 at 8:30 a.m. in Manatee County’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court. Ritchie has requested a trial by judge.

The accident led to changes in the traffic light pattern at the three-way intersection. Now, when the signal for pedestrians to cross says “walk,” the lights are red in all three directions.

Police remind drivers that even if they have a green light, they must yield to pedestrians.

The driver cited for failing to yield after hitting two pedestrians in Holmes Beach has pled not guilty.

PHOTO HBPD | SUBMITTED

The scene of the accident was crowded after a driver hit two pedestrians in Holmes Beach on May 12. One victim later died.

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

Chamber to host blood drive

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with SunCoast Blood Centers, will host a blood drive at the chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive N. in Holmes Beach on Tuesday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During June, all successful donations will receive a mystery grab bag that may contain gift cards, gas cards, SunCoast swag or even cash. Sign up by calling 1-866-97-BLOOD or online at suncoastblood.org.

April 2023 tourist tax collections compared to April 2022

Anna Maria 22% Bradenton Beach 3% Holmes Beach 10% Manatee County Total* 10%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto)

Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in April and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in May. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector. com/tdt-evader.cfm.

Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

Enjoy Thursdays in Paradise

Families, couples, strangers and friends roamed Bridge Street during the Thursdays in Paradise Stroll last week despite the clouds covering the sky. The gentle breeze and food and beer created a lively atmosphere on the street. Every door of every store and restaurant on Bridge Street was open wide, inviting those walking past to come in and explore. Doors decorated with holiday lights added coziness to the street as live music played. The event is weekly from 5-8 p.m.

Parking remains available despite holiday crowds

Mayor Judy Titsworth said parking spaces remained available throughout the Memorial Day weekend despite crowded beaches and traffic jams.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – City

officials say that the Memorial Day weekend brought record crowds to Anna Maria Island, but, despite the congestion, more than 100 parking spaces remained open at any given time in the Island’s largest city.

Mayor Judy Titsworth took to social media May 31 to comment on the crowds at the beach over the holiday weekend. In a video, she stated that there were record numbers of people on the beaches, which she walked to personally observe the crowds.

“I have never seen so many people and tents up and down the entire length of beach,” she said.

Titsworth said the city can accommodate over 12,000 people in cars, not including the city’s more than 3,500 residents, and more than 100 parking spaces located close to Manatee Beach and beach access points remained unoccupied each day of the holiday weekend.

She added that the city police noted more than 100,000 cars coming to Holmes Beach despite traffic delays along Manatee Avenue of sometimes two hours or more, which she attributed to road capacity constraints.

The holiday weekend comes after the close of the 2023 Florida Legislative session where a local bill was introduced by Rep. Will Robinson Jr. at the urging of Manatee County commissioners to override city regulations to build a 1,500-plus space three-story parking garage at the county-owned Manatee Beach. Though the bill received approvals from both the state House and Senate, as of press time for The Sun it had not been

presented to Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration.

Issues in Holmes Beach noted during the holiday weekend included a road rage incident which involved the brandishing of a firearm, fights in the parking lot at Manatee Beach and lack of an adequate number of trash receptacles at residential beach end access points.

Titsworth thanked the Holmes Beach Police Department, public works, code compliance, Waste Pro, city commissioners and volunteers for helping to manage the crowds over Memorial Day and cleaning up the trash and debris left behind.

A map of parking spaces available in Holmes Beach can be found online at https://www. holmesbeachfl.org/i_want_to/ index.php. City leaders are working on creating an app that can show motorists where available parking spaces are near beach access points in real time, though no launch date has been set for the application.

Bradenton Beach Police Officer Devon Straight patrols Cortez Beach.

CHASE: Leads to arrest

FROM PAGE 10

After crossing the bridge, Straight attempted a traffic stop with his lights and siren, but he said the truck sped up, eventually pulling away from the patrol car. In his report, Straight said that due to the highly intoxicated state of the driver, he stopped the pursuit, believing his reckless driving would continue and the chase was becoming too dangerous to the public.

A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office helicopter took over the chase about two minutes after Straight called off his pursuit, following the truck until it eventually crashed into a driveway at 1704 57th Ave. W. in Bradenton.

Rodriguez was arrested for DUI, felony fleeing/ eluding, hit-and-run and reckless driving. As of press time for The Sun, Rodriguez remains in the Manatee County Jail.

Capture the moment Reel Time

he world of photography has evolved with amazing speed over the last two decades and anglers have never had an easier time recording memories made on the water. Whether you’re capturing a reminder of a trip or your catch to share with friends and family, to post on social media or just to keep for your records, the new generation of phones and digital cameras allows you to record those experiences.

Photography has never been easier and anglers can enjoy this amazing technology no matter what their level of expertise. Most digital cameras and most smart phones also come with software (or apps) that let you enhance the image,

crop the size and share the final product in a number of ways. You can send the images by email, as a text (straight from a phone) or download them, edit and print them out to frame and display. Modern phone cameras have all the features of digital cameras and the advantage of always being close at hand. Even though taking a picture may be easy, there are a few basic rules that will help you capture a better image.

• Before leaving the dock be sure you have fresh batteries, a charged phone, portable battery banks, memory cards and a cleaning cloth.

• There is almost always a certain amount of chaos associated with a catching a memorable fish, so get an idea in advance of where you’ll compose your image.

• Check the background through the view finder carefully for distracting and cluttered backgrounds. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted objects, like a rod appearing to stick out of someone’s head.

• Look to capture photographs that aren’t posed and remember that the sooner you get your picture the more vibrant the colors of a fish will be. First and foremost, fill the frame with the subject, eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the composition.

• Since you’re filming on the water, check that the horizon is straight. Cameras and most smart phones have the option of putting a grid on the screen. If you have the option, and most phones do, shoot in portrait mode to blur the background and bring the subject into sharp focus.

• Use a polarizing filter to cut glare and saturate colors.

• For most shots with a digital camera set the aperture to at least F8 for better depth of field.

• When trying to “catch” a jumping fish, make sure you stop the action with an ISO of at least 1,000th of a second. Many digital cameras and phones can now capture up to 10 frames a second so set the camera or phone to burst mode.

• Many photographs taken on the water are exposed in bright light. When possible, avoid shadows on angler’s faces and use a fill flash if necessary.

• Take a number of shots from different angles and get the angler excited and talking to you. One of the really great advantages of digital is

RUSTY CHINNIS

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A photo capturing the catch of a lifetime is made all the more special knowing the catch was released alive.

SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 19

Tarpon fishing in full swing

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

Tarpon should be plentiful in the coastal Gulf this month as big schools of fish migrate along our beaches. Also look for cobia, tripletail and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf. Catch and release snook fishing should also be good in and around passes and in the surf. Fishing should also be good on deep grass flats for a variety of species.

Tarpon fishing should be strong this month as schools of fish increase

in size and numbers. They will head offshore to spawn close to new and full moons. Set up in travel lanes along the beach at first light in the morning and cast live crabs, baitfish, DOA Baitbusters and Swimming Mullet to them. I travel well offshore along the beach in the morning to avoid disturbing schools of tarpon that may be traveling close to the beach. Once you’ve reached the area you intend to fish, ease into the beach with an electric trolling motor and set up in

REEL TIME: Capture the moment

FROM PAGE 18 that you can take lots of pictures and edit them on the go to make sure you have the shot you want.

• Check out accessories like gimbals, selfie sticks and filters to take your work to the next level.

• Start a YouTube channel and learn to upload and link movies. It’s easier than ever to shoot movie clips on digital phones like the iPhone and create videos in iMovie that can be uploaded to your YouTube channel.

• If you are interested in recording underwater images and clips, check out the GoPro line of cameras and accessories. If you have photo editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can lighten the shadows in postproduction. Post-production can be done on software that comes with new cellphones. This can eliminate the need for fill flash (if the contrast isn’t too great) and prevents a flash from creating unwanted reflections on fish. Since lighting is almost

your spot. You can anchor or drift, depending on conditions. Give other anglers several hundred yards of space. Since fish may be moving both north and south, setting up too close to another angler may negatively affect their fishing. Tarpon fishing is very dependent on conditions and there are a lot of variables that need to come together to be successful.

Use tackle heavy enough to land them as quickly as possible. When fly fishing, I use 12-weight rods and

always challenging, shoot and then review important shots. If you have a more advanced camera, you can bracket important shots in difficult lighting situations. Expose at least three images: one slightly (one stop) underexposed, one slightly (one stop) overexposed and one at the setting suggested by the light meter.

There are a lot of excellent digital cameras on the market today. The new generation of smartphones can take amazing images and have clip-on accessories, including a polarizing lens.

If you’re really interested in photography, I would suggest getting a camera that meets your needs. Most come

large arbor reels capable of holding 300-yards or more of backing. I use a variety of baitfish, shrimp or crab fly patterns fished on floating fly lines. The shallower the water, the easier it is to get your fly in front of a fish when fly fishing. Stake out or anchor in travel lanes to get shots at them. When spin fishing, I usually drift a couple of live baits under a float while we wait for tarpon schools to pass by.

SEE CAPTAINS, PAGE 28

with a trial version of an image editing software like Adobe Elements. There are many cameras on the market from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, but for many anglers, their cellphones get the job done. Taking the time to capture the “moments of life” pays dividends that you can continue to relive by sharing them through your images. For more information on the right camera for you, check with a professional at your local camera shop like Johnson Photo Imaging www.jpiphoto.com or go to www. bhphoto.com. Software demos (check out Lightroom or Photoshop) can be downloaded at www.adobe.com.

Dive into Reading needs volunteers

Since 2017, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar has been connecting area third graders with mentors such as retired teachers, grandparents, high schoolers, restaurant team members and even customers. In partnership with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, the program has grown significantly since its inception, receiving an outpouring of community support and winning recognition and awards from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, School District of Manatee County and Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

Dive into Reading has helped students beat the “summer slide” and show an increase in reading proficiency when they returned to school, including during COVID-19, at which time students who participated on Zoom showed no reading loss when returning to school. This year, Dive into Reading aims to mentor even more children and continue to make a positive impact on their reading skills. For more information, visit www.oysterbar.net. The program runs through June 29, and locations and all other information are listed on the website.

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

5/26-5/30, grand theft, 2513 Gulf Drive. At some point between the above dates, unknown persons stole 12 propane tanks from the Circle K. Police believe the thief used some sort of pry bar to open the mesh cage that housed the tanks in order to remove them. The value of the tanks was listed as $780, and no fingerprints or video footage of the area was available.

HOLMES BEACH

5/23, 5 p.m., information report, 6808 Palm Drive. The officer contacted the victim by phone regarding a damaged or possibly vandalized mailbox. The victim said her Tube Dude Sea Horse model mailbox had been damaged, and suspected it was a hit-and-run collision involving a golf cart, since there was a small mirror laying at the scene. Video doorbell footage did not show the incident, and a report was made for the victim.

5/27, 8:38 p.m., permitting an unauthorized person to drive, 4000 Gulf Drive. While patrolling Manatee Beach, the officer saw a white car trying to park, but could not see the driver. After getting closer, the officer could still not see the driver, and was flagged down by a concerned citizen who said it was a child driving the vehicle. Once the officer turned around, he saw the vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road, so he activated his emergency lights and pulled it over. The juvenile driver said he was 13 years old, and was just practicing driving. The passenger, who was an adult, said she was letting the juvenile practice driving, and was issued a criminal citation and a notice to appear in court for the offense.

5/28, 11:22 a.m., vandalism, 4000 Gulf Drive. The victim told the officer that while she was trying park her car at the Manatee Beach parking lot, a man jumped in front of her vehicle and began slamming his hands on the hood, causing damage. The man was claiming the parking spot was his, and made threats to the victim. Police interviews were conducted, but no arrests were made.

OBITUARIES

Barbara Janice (Vaughn) Baker

Barbara Janice (Vaughn) Baker, of Bradenton, Florida passed away on May 15, 2023 at her home in the presence of family members.

She was born on May 1, 1939 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Leslie Paul and Susie May Vaughn.

Barbara was a 1957 graduate of Portsmouth West High School (Ohio) and later also a graduate of Shawnee State University (Ohio) with an associate degree in business.

Barbara spent her early married years as an at-home mom raising their three kids, working a few small jobs, and helping her husband with his vehicle repair business (Baker’s Body Shop) when she could. She later went on to work 23 years in the nuclear industry at a uranium enrichment processing plant in Piketon, Ohio, retiring from that facility in 1999.

Barbara moved to Florida in 2000 and began another career in the hospitality industry. In 2009 she became a partner in a property

management company, Anna Maria Island Resorts, and eventually retired from this industry in 2021.

After retirement, Barbara shifted her passions to two new initiatives, All Clams on Deck and the Brain Health Initiative. Both are non-profit organizations created to scientifically promote and improve qualities within their own realms.

Barbara is survived by her former husband, Donald W. Baker, of Wheelersburg, Ohio; sons, Nick (Darlene) Baker, of Catlettsburg Kentucky and Jeff (Kim) Baker of Mount Vernon, Ohio; daughter, Denise Baker, of Clarksville, Tennessee; and seven grandchildren, Megan, Brandon, Joey, Nikki, Jacob, Jill and Rylan.

Barbara was an energetic and driven individual who impacted the lives of many people. She always tried to find the good in each person. She will be deeply missed.

In memory of Barbara, a Celebration of Life event will be held at the Sandbar Restaurant Pavilion on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: All Clams on Deck (https://www.allclamsondeck.org) and Brain Health Initiative (https://brainhealthinitiative.org).

SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE 23

Anna Maria

REAL ESTATE

More fraud red flags

Summer is here and while you’re sitting on the beach you might not want to think about real estate fraud, but fraudsters may be thinking about you. Over the past few weeks, we’ve gone over different kinds of real estate fraud, but there’s more - lots more.

Deed fraud is something most people don’t even think about. How can someone get a lender to give them money against the equity of your home or indeed take over your identity? It might be easier than you think.

There are many identity theft monitoring subscriptions you can purchase that will alert you if there is a new credit check on your credit report or a new loan or credit card. I have one of these and it is very effective, if occasionally annoying, especially if your credit card has an unusual charge which you know about. Nevertheless, I, for one, think it’s a good investment.

The one thing that may be more difficult to be alerted about is deed fraud, another form

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

of identity theft. Deed fraud occurs when someone steals your identity, forges your name on a deed and takes title to your home. This can be more difficult than it sounds to sort out even if you know about it quickly.

Every state has different regulations on executing a deed of sale, but a sure way to check to see if your deed has been tampered with, especially if you have reason to believe this is the case, is to search Manatee County property records. This is a simple and quick process that involves just entering your name and finding your property records. You will see immediately if the deed has been transferred to someone else just like when you sell or buy a property. It’s a

nice little habit to get into once a month considering that identity theft is on the rise.

Another popular fraud is wire fraud starting with scammers checking online multiple listings. They wait for a pending sale then profile as many parties to the transaction as they can and research email addresses. When you purchase or sell a property these days, most of the transaction is done online. With so many people involved in the transaction, there is sensitive paperwork flying around the internet. It’s easy for even the most trusted person to make a mistake or not check details, leaving that up to you as the buyer or seller. Look over everything carefully, don’t just do your online signature and move on to the next page.

There are red flags to look for before you sign off and these are just a few of a long list: deletions, corrections or other alterations; someone other than the seller is shown on the sales contract; purchase price is substantially higher or lower than current market value; date and amount of existing encumbrances appear suspicious; real estate commission is

excessive; chain of title includes an unknown interested party or the buyer and seller have similar names but haven’t disclosed a relationship.

Finally, you can keep up with scams by logging on to the FBI or the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force websites if you are suspicious of something related to your transaction or by emails you received online. Don’t open any emails that look official unless you’re positive it’s legitimate.

There are many anti-fraud acts enacted by states and the federal government. The most well-known one is the Dodd-Frank Act enacted in July 2010 as a result of the prior financial crisis. This act places regulation of the financial industry in the hands of the government to limit risk and enhance transparency. However, don’t assume everyone involved in a real estate transaction or an existing deed is competent and honest. As a homeowner and potential homeowner, you need to be proactive. This may not be your favorite beach reading, but it is important.

Smith, Taaffe earn designations

ANNA MARIA ISLAND –Becky Smith and Ed Taaffe, REALTORS® with Wagner Realty’s Anna Maria Island office, have earned the certified Waterfront Specialist (CWS) designation.

This certification is exclusively owned and hosted by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee, with a local curriculum covering the legalities, pitfalls and advantages of working with waterfront property. The course covers different types of waterfront properties, docks and seawalls, surveys, coastal construction, FEMA and more.

With over 70 Sarasota and Manatee waterways, REALTORS® with waterfront background and experience are in high demand.

OBITUARIES

and helping to make Anna Maria Island what it is today.

Both Smith and Taaffe work out of the Anna Maria Island office and have decades of combined experience in real estate. They have been recognized as listing and sales top producers. Their goal is to provide customers with superior customer service through honesty, hard work and integrity. When considering buying and/or selling waterfront properties, be sure to contact a local expert with CWS certification.

Smith can be reached at 941-773-1954, or by email at brokerbeck@aol.com. Taaffe can be reached at 636-3466165 or by email at ed@ wagnerrealty.com.

FROM PAGE 21

Jack Rodger Fiske

Jack Rodger Fiske, born October 11, 1933, passed away on May 26, 2023, just months prior to his 90th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Arthur Fiske. He is survived by his life partner, Della Merle Senchuk; his daughter, Jill Luxford Fiske, of Virginia; and many extended family members and friends.

Jack spent his life at sea as a merchant marine. He was a chief engineer on seagoing tugs and loved traveling the world as part of his job and life. He called Anna Maria Island home since 1936. Jack loved his life on the island and worked over the years dredging the canals

In his later years, Jack and Della developed a passion for vacationing and cruising the world. Jack always felt at home on the water and enjoyed his time partaking in multiple around-the-world cruises, completing his final voyage around the world just prior to his passing on May 26, 2023.

Jack was beloved by many family members and friends. A private memorial service will be held in the future to celebrate his life.

Stacey M. Boone

Stacey M. Boone, 57, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, in Lakewood Ranch. Stacey was born July 18, 1965, in Bradenton, the daughter of the late David L. and Rosemary (Davisson) Boone.

Stacey was a member of Elwood Baptist Church and worked for A Paradise Reality.

She was predeceased by her brother, David W. Boone. She is survived by her partner of over 25 years, Shawn Waters; stepmother, Robin Boone; stepfather, Fred Hetzendorfer; two sisters, Cheryl Semrinec and Laura (John) Payne; niece, Stephanie Roth; nephew, Anthony Smith; and a great niece and five great nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stacey's name to Manatee County Humane Society, 2515 14th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 and to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

CONCERT : Aims to raise funds for refugees

FROM PAGE 1

watching the war begin to unfold in 2022, and vowed to do whatever he could to help get supplies to the people who needed them desperately. His Concert for Peace held in June 2022 raised more than $60,000, 100% of which went to supplies such as medical needs, washers and dryers and refrigerators.

“After our first event last summer, I went to Poland to see how we were spending the money raised,” Slicker said. “While I was there, I not only met refugees from 15 to 83 years old and saw how they were affected, but I also got to meet with the Rotary in Poland and see how the money was being used. That’s what’s great about the Rotary, they are 100% transparent and anyone can see where every dollar is going.”

The concert, from 3-7 p.m., will be free, featuring the Eric Von Band and Trevor Bystrom,

PARKING: Permit parking in effect

FROM PAGE 1

as well as some special guests from Ukraine who will perform. Money will be raised through sales of food, drinks, raffle items, a live and silent auction, T-shirts and sponsorships. The AMI Rotary Club will take the proceeds and work with their Rotary partner in Poland to purchase supplies and get them to the refugees where they are most needed.

In addition to the concert, Slicker’s Eatery held a “Painting with a Purpose” event on June 4 with Bradenton’s "Painting with a Twist” team teaching a painting class with proceeds for Rotary’s Ukraine Relief Fund.

On Wednesday, June 7, from 4-7 p.m., Slicker’s will feature live music from Tanya McCormick at the restaurant in Cortez, and during the event all servers and bartenders will donate their tips to the effort.

For more information, or to make a donation, search For Ukraine AMI on Facebook.

“We had originally anticipated starting on 11th Street in July, so we’re slightly ahead of that,” Clark said. “But as we start to get heavy rains, the dewatering aspect becomes more involved and will take more time.”

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

Free golf cart shuttle service will be available to those living on closed roads. The phone number to call for service is 941-269-6699.

A security guard will be checking parking permits.

Part of the designated permit-only parking area includes public parking

formerly for the use of those visiting the beach.

“Permit parking only” signs will be placed in the area and citations may be issued to those parking in the designated area without permits. Beach parking will be open just north of Fifth Street South to midway between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.

Additional beach parking will be in the area of 13th Street South. A construction material storage zone is located between Sixth Street and Eighth Street. The construction zone is located midway between 10th Street and 11th Street and ends between 12th Street and 13th Street.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN Eleventh Street South will be closed for the next four months to accommodate a sewer project.

Go fish without a license this weekend

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites Florida residents and visitors to go freshwater fishing without a license on June 10-11.

The license-free fishing weekend offers a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and experience the many fishing opportunities the Fishing Capital of the World has to offer. The FWC encourages everyone to take advantage of these weekends to spend time enjoying beautiful Florida waters.

“Fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and experience Florida’s abundant fishing opportunities,” FWC Executive Director Roger Young said. “License-free fishing weekends allow Floridians and visitors to get outdoors, connect with nature and create lasting memories with family and friends.”

During the license-free weekend, all bag limits, size limits and fishing regulations still apply. Anglers must also follow all other fishing rules, such as gear restrictions, seasons

CAPTAINS: Tarpon fishing in full swing

FROM PAGE 19

Blind casting with DOA Baitbusters or Swimming Mullet, if you’re in the right spot, can also be productive when fish are moving past you but not showing well on the surface. The CAL 4” Shad Tail/Swimbait with a heavy weedless hook is also a good tarpon bait, especially when sight fishing.

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

You should find snook in the surf, in passes and around docks and bridges in the ICW near passes. You can walk the beach and sight fish them in the surf with fly or spinning tackle. Small baitfish fly patterns, CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms or DOA shrimp should all work well. The same lures and flies that work in the surf will also work well at night. Snook will congregate in passes around the new and full moons to spawn. They will usually be in deep channels in these areas. Bouncing a

DOA TerrorEyz or Baitbuster in bridge channels or passes can be an effective technique in these areas.

Fishing for reds should also be good in June. Look for them over shallow grass along mangrove shorelines or around oyster bars when the tide is high. You’ll find them in potholes or edges of flats when the tide is low. Top water plugs will work well, especially early in the day. I like to cover water with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms to find them. Fly anglers should score with baitfish fly patterns like my Grassett Flats Minnow.

You may find Spanish mackerel, bluefish or pompano in passes or on deep grass flats this month. I like to drift deep grass flats and cast ahead of my drift with CAL jigs and shad tails or jerk worms or DOA Deadly Combos. Fly anglers should score by drifting and casting ahead of the drift with Ultra Hair Clouser flies tied on long shank hooks on an intermediate sink tip fly line. You’ll need to add a few inches of heavy (40- or 50-pound) fluorocarbon when toothy fish are in the mix.

In addition to tarpon look for Spanish mackerel, false albacore, cobia and tripletail in the coastal Gulf this month. Although none of them may be thick, I’ve encountered all of them before

and closures. To help ensure a fun and safe fishing experience, the FWC encourages all anglers to review the regulations before heading out on the water. For current recreational fishing regulations, visit MyFWC.com/about and click on “Rules & Regulations” or download the Fish Rules App to stay up to date on saltwater and freshwater regulations in your area.

Find a location to go fishing through the pier finder tool or visit a Fish Management Area. Launch your vessel

at a local boat ramp or access point. View the quarterly FWC’s Freshwater Fishing Forecasts by region. For more information about licensefree fishing weekends, including fishing tips and regulations, visit MyFWC.com/LetsGoFishing. Anglers can also download the Fish|Hunt FL app, available for free on Apple and Android smartphones, to access regulations, season dates and more.

in June. Keep your eyes open for bird activity or “breaking” fish to find albies and mackerel. Cobia and tripletail may be found around crab trap floats; however, I’ve seen cobia swimming with tarpon schools before. Medium spinning tackle and a DOA Shrimp or CAL jig will get the job done for all of them, although your tarpon tackle would also work well for a big cobia. An 8- or 9-weight fly rod with a floating or clear sink tip fly line is adequate to catch everything except a big cobia, in which case your 12-weight tarpon fly tackle will work well.

There are lots of options in inshore waters or the coastal Gulf this month. If pulling on a 100-pound tarpon isn’t for you, fishing pressure is usually light inshore this month so snook, reds, trout and more should also be good options. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED June should be a great month for tarpon in the coastal Gulf. Dan Reinhart, of Vermont, battles his first tarpon caught and released while fishing the coastal Gulf with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous June.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

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

BOAT SLIP WANTED

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

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT

& LEASE

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE

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

EMPLOYMENT

TIMBER CREEK Condominiums and Golf Course is now accepting applications for a parttime handyman. Flexible hours. Occasional golf cart maintenance is part of the job. Free golf is a great perk with this position. Interested qualified applicants, please submit your resume to Jan Terpstra via email: janterp@gmail.com.

HVAC OPEN POSITIONS

Service Tech, Installer, Apprentice. Apply at West Coast Air Conditioning, 5437 Gulf Dr #4 or call 941-778-9622

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

GARAGE SALE

MULTIHOME SUNDAY

JUNE 10th @ 8am. 3014

Ave C. TVs, furniture, coolers, kayak, printmaking, paint, art supplies, bread machine, appliances, household+, hammocks, clothing.

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 CONSTRUCTION

NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115

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

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

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

HOME SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, 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: 2BR/2BA TOWNHOUSE, Palma Sola Trace, clubhouse, pool and more. $2,200 monthly Call 941-778-4800

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND total remodeled 2 BR/1.5BA in 55+ community BEACH across street, furnished, pool, library, parking next to this ground floor. Annual rental $3200/mo includes WiFi and all utilities, No pets, No smoking Call Tim 507-382-8880.

LOVELY, 2ND FLOOR DUPLEX for rent, 3BR/2BA fully furnished with bed linens, dishware, washer/ dryer, all the comforts of home. 5 minutes to AMI, quiet, safe. Rent includes all utilities except electric. Annual $2,800.00. Will consider 3-month, 6-month. No smoking, Call Kelly 941-301-9938

BUSINESS & SERVICE

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

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