Anna Maria Island Sun March 11, 2015

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VOL 15 No. 20

March 11, 2015

Heritage Day shines

pat copeland | SUN

Sparky the clown offers a toy to Emma and Celia Crispin, of Bradenton, at Island Heritage Day Saturday at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum park. See full story and more photos of the event on Pages 24-25.

Cast-n-Cage facing eviction from pier Another missed rent payment triggers eviction process.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH –The proprietors of the Cast-n-Cage restaurant have been ordered to vacate the cityowned Historic Bridge Street Pier, but business owner Roland Pena is not ready to leave.

“This is ridiculous, and I will fight to the end,” he said, Thursday afternoon.

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey business outdoors Art real estate crossword

4 6 7 14 26-27 28 34-39 43

When Pena and his wife Tami failed to make their $7,004 rent payment and $180 property tax payment on Sunday, March 1, Mayor Bill Shearon initiated the eviction process.

On Tuesday, March 3, Pena was served with notice of habitual default for non-payment and termination of the lease, which triggered a 10-day period for the tenants to vacate the city-owned restaurant space, concession stand and bait shop.

Pena refused to sign the document presented by a member of the Bra-

Twin piers:

Demolition and replacement set to begin March 15. 13

Anna Maria Island, Florida

see EVICTION, page 17

Global settlement moves forward The settlement discussions will continue at a special meeting taking place Friday morning.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city commission unanimously agreed to continue discussing the global settlement concepts proposed by Mayor Bill Shearon and attorney Charles Johnson during last week’s meeting.

“The global settlement concept

presented to attorney Johnson was basically the concept that everyone would have some skin in the game, and there were no real true winners,” Shearon said when initiating the commission discussion.

If the finite details can be successfully negotiated, the multi-faceted settlement would end four pending lawsuits involving Shearon, the city, Tjet Martin, Jo Ann Meilner, BeachHouse restaurant owner Ed Chiles and City Attorney Ricinda Perry.

It would also end the forfeiture of see GLOBAL, page 30

Vandals strike in Grassy Point

Preserve. 4 James Nichols: One of the

Heroes Among Us. The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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MARCH 11, 2015

MARCH 11, 2015

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Find treasure at the Tropical Treasures Boutique The boutique will be in the home of Barbara and Asa Cole during the Tour of Homes.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – One of the crowd favorites at the Annual Anna Maria Island Community Center’s Tour of Homes on Saturday, March 21, is the Tropical Treasures Boutique.

The boutique committee spends months crafting fun, beach themed gifts for visitors to purchase. This year’s boutique will be located at the Cole house at 218 Archer Way in Anna Maria.

Boutique offerings include shell mirrors, jewelry made from recycled materials, beach brushes to remove the sand from your feet, colorful decorated flip flops, hand stenciled dinner napkins, hand painted potholders, Florida print aprons and flavorful tropical jams and jellies, all sponsored by Duncan Real Estate.

In addition, there will be several silent auction items made by local artists including a hand painted mermaid chair. Bids will be awarded at 3 p.m. on the day of the tour.

Tour goers also can win the tour quilt made by the Eyeland Needlers. The quilt is

pat copeland | SUN

Above, jewelry made from beads and recycled materials and at right, a hand painted chair will be available at the boutique. on display at the Island Community Center at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, where tickets are available for $1 each or six for $5. The quilt will be on display at the boutique the day of the tour, and tickets will be sold until the drawing at 3 p.m.

Tour tickets available

Homes on the tour include Maureen and Bill Shuman,105 49th Street; Liz and Bob Lang, 5601 Flotilla Drive; and Janet Schaffer, 5803 Imperiore Street; all

in Holmes Beach; and Barbara and Asa Cole, 218 Archer Way; and Brian Wien, 228 Willow Avenue, both in Anna Maria.

A shuttle will be available at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Tour tickets are $20 each and are available at the AMI Sun newspaper, 202 Palm Ave.; AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave.; Ginny and Jane E’s, 9807 Gulf Drive; The White Egret, 10006 Gulf Drive; Egret’s Nest, 10010 Gulf Drive; Duncan Real Estate, 310 Pine Ave. – all in Anna Maria; AMI Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive; Islander newspaper, 5604 B Marina Drive; LaPensee Plumbing, 401 Manatee Ave.; The Egret’s Landing, 5602 Marina Drive; Island Fitness, 5317 Gulf Drive; Holmes Beach Ace Hardware, 3352 East Bay Drive – all in Holmes Beach; and Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware, 5409 Manatee Ave., Bradenton..

Other tour sponsors are Beach to Bay Construction, Green Real Estate, Anna Maria Island Sun, Bradenton Herald and The Islander.

For more information call Sandee Pruett at the Center at 941-778-1908, ext. 0.

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ISLAND NEWS

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MARCH 11, 2015

in brief

Bridge repairs to slow traffic Crews are making bridge repairs at the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Expect nighttime/overnight eastbound and westbound lane closures from 9 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. through Thursday, March 12. Use caution and expect delays.

Cortez nets cash for FISH The 33rd Annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival drew about 18,750 people on Feb. 14 and 15, similar to the previous year’s attendance, and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) may net more than $80,000 after paying all the bills, FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann said.

The money goes to restore the 95-acre FISH Preserve on Sarasota Bay, east of the historic Cortez fishing village.

Cold weather may have kept attendance down, she said, adding that festivalgoers arrived later in the morning and left earlier in the afternoon.

Center’s pancake breakfast canceled The Anna Maria Island Community Center has canceled its a pancake breakfast set for Saturday, March 21, due to a conflict with a pancake breakfast scheduled at Roser Church the same day.

Center officials encourage people planning to take the Center’s Tour of Homes on the same day to start their day off with Roser’s pancake breakfast at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Music on the Porch Saturday Join in the jam session or just tap your feet to the free Music on the Porch at the Burton Store behind the Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez, on Saturday, March 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 941-708-6120 or visit http://floridamaritimemuseum.org.

Historical Society anniversary luncheon The Anna Maria Island Historical Society will hold its 25th Anniversary Members’ Luncheon on Thursday, March 19, at noon at The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

The guest speaker will be co-founder Carolyne Norwood, and docents and bread bakers will be honored. Members also will learn about updates at the museum.

Chefs from The Loft5 and Table to Farm will offer a luncheon with locally sourced ingredients.

Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

For more information contact Susan Anderson at 407 445-2678 or e-mail your luncheon reservation to amihsmembership@gmail.com.

HBPD | SUbmitted

A vandal or vandals cut palm fronds and left them on the ground.

Vandalism at Grassy Point

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – A vandal or vandals last week struck Grassy Point, the city’s nature preserve along East Bay Drive, and cut limbs and branches, leaving them on the ground.

“I have contacted DEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) and am still waiting on information regarding the jurisdiction in the preserve, its designation, who can trim the trees and what the charges could be,” Police Chief Bill Tokajer said Friday.

Tokajer said police will be monitoring the preserve. A sign in the preserve states, “No trimming or removal of plants or wildlife.”

Human Resources Analyst Mary Buonagura contacted Misty Penton, of the Florida Communities Trust, which provided the grant funding to purchase the preserve in 2001, regarding the vandalism.

Penton responded, “Our staff discussed the issue briefly and recommend utilizing your local law enforcement’s authority to

HBPD | SUbmitted

A sign instructs visitors not to disturb the plants. treat the incident as park vandalism due to the damage to Grassy Point’s native plantings.”

According to the preserve’s management plan, “Maintenance is to be accomplished by existing city staff only.”

Opened in October of 2012, the

32-acre environmental preserve located along Anna Maria Sound includes a 1,000-foot nature trail around the upland portion, three picnic tables, an informational kiosk, a bicycle rack and four parking spaces. It is open only during daylight hours.

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MARCH 11, 2015

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Kokolis' two-unit hotel approved

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – It took a year and a half, but Gulf Drive Café owners Wendy and George Kokolis finally got permission to build a two-unit hotel on Ninth Street North.

Last week, the city commission unanimously approved the Kokolis’ special exception request that allows for a hotel use in a commercial zoned district that does not grant automatic approval for hotels.

The approval includes the Kokolis-volunteered stipulation that the units would essentially be limited to weekly rentals; and if used by guests for less than a week, would remain vacant for the rest of the weekly rental period.

After the decision was handed down at the March 5 meeting, Wendy Kokolis was asked when she hoped to start developing her property at 113 Ninth St. N. “Tomorrow,” she said, noting that she was glad the approval process was finished.

Although the final commission decision was unanimous, receiving the super majority support of at least four commission members proved challenging; and opinion was divided as to whether the proposed

SUBMITTED

This architectural rendering illustrates what the Kokolis’ two-unit hotel will look like. use met the 10-item special exception review criteria.

Mayor Bill Shearon and Commissioner Janie Robertson initially supported the Planning and Zoning Board recommendation that the request be denied. The pair felt the proposed use was not compatible with adjoining development and the intended purpose of the zoning district. They also felt a hotel would produce negative economic and noise impacts for neighbors.

Shearon felt the proposed hotel would not be operated in a manner that protected the public health, safety, welfare and morals of the district.

Robertson felt the small hotel would cause substantial injury to the value of

other properties in the neighborhood. She also expressed concerns about the lack of on-site property management, and she questioned why the structure would be licensed as a hotel by the city, but not by the state.

Vice Mayor Jack Clarke and Commissioners Ed Straight and Jan Vosburgh shared none of these concerns.

“If this doesn’t pass, I think it’s very sad for the city of Bradenton Beach. These people have bent over backwards to please the city and residents,” Vosburgh said.

After two failed attempts to approve the special exception, and one attempt to deny the request, City Attorney Ricinda Perry told the gridlocked commission they had

to render a decision one way or the other.

The final decision ultimately came down to Building Official Steve Gilbert’s explanation of the differences that exist between the city and state’s definition of a hotel/motel.

“Under our under our definitions in our land development code, this development would qualify as a hotel; under the state’s definition of hotel/motel uses it does not.

However, there are state licensing requirements for transient single-family dwellings, duplexes, multi-unit apartments, timeshares and condominiums. One of those categories is where this particular development would fit in the state’s licensing scheme,” Gilbert explained.

City Planner Alan Garrett said, “Our definition does not give a minimum number of rooms; you could be one room and by our definition be a motel or hotel, but not by the state’s definition. They can only apply for what we have listed in the commercial zoned district, and they do comply with our code, so I cannot deny them that ability to apply.”

Garrett also recommended the commission, at a future date, amend the city’s definition of a hotel.

After receiving these explanations, Shearon and Robertson voted in favor of the special exception.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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MARCH 11, 2015

EDITORIAL Changes, maybe for the better

T

his Sunday, work is scheduled begin on a project to replace three erosion control groins at Cortez Beach, known locally as Twin Piers. The $4.4 million project will start with the demolition and removal of the three existing piers, proceeding over the next nine months with the installation of three new adjustable structures.

County officials hope the new devices will help slow erosion of the beach and protect Gulf Drive at one of the narrowest and at-risk points on Anna Maria Island.

Replacement of sand along the Island's Gulf shoreline has become an expensive, though necessary, fact of life, and this project is designed to help increase the effectiveness of that renourishment.

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ot everyone, however, is as optimistic about the outcome of these efforts as county officials are, mostly because of the unintended consequences involved. Local surfers, in particular, view the removal of the aging structures with skepticism, since Twin Piers provides one of the best surf breaks on the Island - an island where rideable waves are inconsistent, at best. No guarantees can be offered that the new piers will help recreate the bottom contour necessary for good waves to occur, something the current devices did so well for so long.

Furthermore, many argue that the existing erosion control groins still are doing their job in slowing the loss of beachfront sand. New piers are not needed and the $4.4 million being spent on the project is a waste of money.

Only time will tell if this argument has merit or how the replacement structures will exactly affect the waves or the sand. We do know, however, that County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker has a good track record with renourishment and beachrelated projects. We're hoping this one is just as successful for all concerned and that Twin Piers remains a cherished and vital part of Island surfing culture.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Regulate rentals

It is the first of March (Wed.) and the rental parking problems have begun and continue on AMI (Holmes Beach).

Across the street from our rental unit on 62nd Street are seven cars parked "on" the rental property. Three cars are parked on the road, three cars in the driveway, and one car parked on the yard grass. This is not a new, megahigh story rental unit, but a flat roof Florida ranch unit.

I have been coming to AMI since 1963. I believe in tourism, but when are rental operators/renters going to put an end to this type of unregulated eyesore? This property should not look like a used car parking lot - for me or its residents.

Don Calhoun Livonia, Michigan

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field

Thanks Rusty

As chair of the Suncoast CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) I would like to thank Rusty Chinnis for attending our workday and for writing this lovely and informative article about us. (Sun, Feb. 25) We have all kinds of free educational opportunities throughout the year. I’d like to add that if anyone is interested in joining our mailing list, they can get in touch with me via the website mentioned in The Sun’s story: www.floridainvasives.org/cismas.html.

It's the easiest way to be informed about our events. Thanks again.

Cynthia Grizzle CISMA chair

Don't forget to help the humans

Wow. Almost two months ahead of time, Island personnel are preparing for the arrival of mother sea turtles.

(See photo, Page 38, March 4 issue of The AMI Sun.) For those of us who rented on the Gulf side last year and paid high rental rates, only to be separated from the water by huge, unsightly, rusty iron pipes, now we must endure wading through potentially dangerous "fluffed up" sand that the turtles will find nestworthy on May 1.

For someone such as I who has weak ankles, osteoporosis and trouble walking on uneven surfaces, this is not a plus.

For centuries, turtles have survived SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7

Layout Ricardo Fonseca

Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis

Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistant Chris Boniberger

Columnists Louise Bolger

Classified ads Bob Alexander

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web Jocelyn V. Greene Accounting John Reitz

Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Troy Morgan Monica Simpson

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MARCH 11, 2015

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the sun survey

on the agenda

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: What do you think of the new four-way stop at Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue in Anna Maria?

Bad idea. This has just

Anna Maria

Holmes Beach

3/12: City Commission work session, 6 p.m.

3/13: City Pier Park Committee, City Pier Park, 10 a.m.

For information, call 7086130.

3/12: City Commission work session, 7 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

23%

made it more dangerous at other intersections.

10005 Gulf Drive

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

3/12: Department Head meeting, 1 p.m.

3/12: CRC, 3 p.m.

3/13: City Commission special meeting, 9 a.m.

3/19: City Commission meeting, noon.

For information, call 7781005.

5801 Marina Drive

Island-wide

3/16: Island Transportation Planning Organization, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 2 p.m.

3/18: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 2 p.m.

3/19: West Manatee Fire Commission meeting, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

mark your calendar

45%

It's about time they put stop signs there - somebody was going to get killed.

32%

I applaud the effort but it needed more planning to avoid unintended consequences.

• No. Cyclists, by and large, already adhere to the rules of the road.

• Yes of course.

Should bicyclists be made to It's dangerous comply with existing traffic laws enough withi.e. red lights, stop signs - through ought cyclists ridstricter enforcement by police? ing against traffic

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

and refusing to stop at lights and signs.

• Possibly, but only if stricter enforcement applies to motorists, as well.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

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LETTERS FROM PAGE 6

on their own without being pampered at every turn in the road and I am a little bit hurt that turtles take precedence over the very human beings who protect and nurture them.

I think it would be nice if the Big Cat machines, which rolled this morning before 6 a.m., (Page 36 of today's Sun) could wait to fluff things up until after "season" has ended.

Carla Butler Holmes Beach

HOW TO SEND US A LETTER TO THE EDITOR 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 several ways to make your opinion known.

Visit our website at www.amisun.com and click on the “contact us” link at the top of the home page. Or, e-mail The Sun directly at news@amisun. com. If you prefer the old-fashioned way you can mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, 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. Letters also may be edited for length and content.

Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Wednesday March 11

Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8.

Register to 941-778-2099.

Program on “Benefits of Acupuncture,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Thursday March 12

Karen Bell speaks on Cortez commercial fishing traditions and businesses, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Oldies Beach Dance with Gulf Drive Band, Sandbar Pavilion at 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria, 3 to 5 p.m. $10 in advance at the AMI Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, $15 at the door.

Friday March 13

Senior Adventures travels to Myakka River State Park, meet at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.

Alzheimer’s care givers group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Opening reception for Cheryl Jorgensen, Artists’

Guild of AMI, 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Opening reception for “Inspired by Nature,” Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Opening reception for ‘Environs … A Look at our World,” The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday March 14

AMI Art League Springfest festival of fine arts and crafts, Holmes Beach city field, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Master Gardener tour, Riverview Pointe Preserve, end of 75th Street, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m. Reserve to 941-722-4524 Origami class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Patricia Sorg demonstrates oil painting, Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Music on the porch, Florida Maritime Museum, Cortez Road and 119th Street West, Cortez, 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday March 15

Master Gardener tour, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 11 a.m. Reserve to 941-722-4524 AMI Art League SpringSEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

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mark your calendar Wednesday March 18

From Page 7

fest festival of fine arts and crafts, Holmes Beach city field, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bridge Street Market, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday March 16

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11 to 11:45 a.m., $8.

Register to 941-778-2099.

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Tuesday March 17

Paddling Neal Preserve, Manatee Avenue east of Anna Maria Island Bridge, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 7.

Children’s story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.

Computer class on Facebook and Twitter, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5.

Coquina Beach Arts and Crafts Festival to benefit the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park, Coquina Beach Gulfside, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $8. Register to 941-778-2099.

Lifelong Learning lecture on “Gender Identity and the Brain, by Alan Grindal, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Thursday March 19

Friends of the Island Branch Library Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Coquina Beach Arts and Crafts Festival to benefit the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park, Coquina Beach Gulfside, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tai Chi and Qigong, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 10 to 11 a.m. Reserve to 941-742- 5757, ext. 6.

Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Bingo, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 7 to 9 p.m. Refreshments available for purchase.

MARCH 11, 2015

Property manager group threatens suit over rentals

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The group representing rental property owners and managers on the Island has sent a pre-suit notice to Mayor Dan Murphy that they will take action if the city pursues a declaratory judgment regarding whether the city could ban shortterm rentals in the residential district.

Attorney Kevin Hennessy, of Lewis Longman and Walker sent the letter Monday, March 9.

In the letter, he said the Anna Maria Island Vacation Property Association had held out hope that “reasonable minds could come to a reasonable solution that would satisfy the residents of the Island and the vacation industry upon which the city was built.”

Hennessy took Anna Maria Commission Chair Chuck Webb to task for pursuing the judgment.

“No attorney in the state of Florida, other than your chairman and his handpicked attorney spokesperson, is of the opinion that the city’s code prohibits short-term vacation rentals,” the letter said.

It went on to talk about the consequences, saying the association would “protect its members and oppose any legal action to outlaw vacation rentals in the city.”

Hennessy said the group also reviewed the city’s proposed vacation rental ordinance, saying, “It rejects the approach of many residents to find some common ground or area of compromise for the community in favor of a heavy-handed and draconian action that violates statutory requirements of due process, equal protection and preemption of the regulation of vacation rentals to the state.”

Mayor Dan Murphy had no comment on the letter Monday.

Hennessy did not return a phone call to his office Monday.

MARCH 11, 2015

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MARCH 11, 2015

Mayor researches fire safety options Mayor Bob Johnson is working with the West Manatee Fire District.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Mayor Bob Johnson shared his research into fire safety regulations for resort housing with city commissioners at a recent meeting.

Commissioners are considering various ways to regulate resort housing and fire safety is one aspect. Others are pool safety, parking and limiting the maximum occupancy level.

Johnson said his primary source of information is the West Manatee Fire District, and Fire Chief Andy Price has done a lot of research. Topics for discussion include accessibility, egress/ evacuation, detection, suppression

methods, fire containment and preventive measures.

“As we went though these, we spent a lot of time looking at a sprinkler alternative,” Johnson said. “They could be an option, but we’re not ready to recommend anything at this time.”

He said according to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, cities can enact requirements for sprinklers in residential dwelling units, but must conduct a

study of the economic consequences prior to enacting such regulations.

“The other point is that it would have to be for all residential dwelling units of a certain category, and not just rental property,” Johnson said.

“We decided there are other approaches that could be looked at to accomplish the same thing.”

He said a staff report would be coming soon.

Mayoral recall effort continues The committee has a few more weeks to gather the number of signatures required to force a special election.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – If a proposed global settlement is reached, the commission-initiated forfeiture of office proceedings against Mayor Bill Shearon will come to an end, but the mayor could still be facing a

potential recall election.

A second and final round of recall petition gathering is currently underway. The recall committee led by former City Commissioner Pete Barreda has until early April to produce the verified signatures of at least 115 verified registered city voters.

If successful, this would result in a special recall election that would provide city voters the opportunity to decide if Shearon finishes the second year of his two-year term

as mayor. If the petition drive falls short, the citizen-initiated recall efforts would come to an end.

On Sunday, Barreda said the committee has collected approximately 75 signatures, and he expressed confidence the 115 total would be reached.

Blank recall petition forms, delivered in PDF format, can be obtained via e-mail at recallshearon@gmail.com. Hard copies can be obtained in person from the Bradenton Beach City

Clerk’s office by making a simple, verbal public records request; and paying a 15 cent copying fee for each of the one-page petition forms requested. City hall is located at 107 Gulf Drive North.

Signed petitions are not to be returned to the city clerk. Information on how and where to return signed petitions forms can be obtained at the aforementioned recall e-mail address.

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MARCH 11, 2015

THE SUN

Neighborhood Watch forum Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer is conducting a resident forum at the commission chambers in city hall on Thursday, March 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“I want to get a feeling from the community to see if they want a Neighborhood Watch program, or just an overview,” he explained.

According to Tokajer, the Neighborhood Watch program is a powerful means of combating all types of criminal offenses in residential areas.

It is one of the most effective and least expensive ways to prevent crime and reduce fear.

It also forges bonds among area residents; helps reduce burglaries, robberies and thefts from vehicles; and improves relations between law enforcement and the community.

“Stopping crime is everyone's business,” Tokajer stressed. “If you do your part in neighborhood crime prevention, you'll be doing yourself and your community

a big favor. “To have a true Neighborhood Watch program the neighborhood has to be willing to receive training to be certified and hold periodic meetings as needed.”

All residents are invited to learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood and report activities that raise their suspicions.

The chief also wants to increase awareness of the house check program for people who are going back up North or going on vacation.

“They can come in to the police department and fill out a form and officers will do a security check on their house several times a week,” Tokajer explained.

In addition, with the dramatic increase in the number of golf carts and bicycles on the city streets this time of the year, the chief plans to discuss golf cart and bike safety during the forum.

Holmes beach reports crime stats The Holmes Beach Police Department has issued the following Uniform Crime Reporting Data for 2014: • Increase in thefts from 92 in 2013 to 108 in 2014, an increase of 17.5 percent; • Increase in residential burglaries from 13 in 2013 to 31 in 2014, an increase of 140 percent; • Decrease in vehicle thefts of from 6 in 2013 to 0 in 2014, a decrease of 600 percent; • Increase in arrests from 176 in 2013 to 356 in 2014, an increase of 102.5 percent; • Increase in traffic tickets from 897 in 2013 to 997 in 2014, an increase of 11.2 percent.

“We had an increase in our thefts, which is historically our highest crime concern for the city,” Police Chief Bill Tokajher said. “We will continue to work towards educating our residents and visitors about leaving items of value visible in vehicles.

“As we reviewed the UCR the data shows we had an increase in our residential burglaries for 2014. A high percentage of the burglaries occurred while people are out of town for long periods of time. Returning and finding the burglary occurred.

“We also have begun a campaign to educate our residents about our house check program in which the department performs house checks for people who go on vacation.”

Tokajer said the department is preparing for a community wide education and enforcement of the 25 MPH speed limit on Key Royale Drive. The fine for speeding is between $131 and $456, depending on speed and location.

The department will participate in the Click it or Ticket campaign through March 14. It also will have increased patrols during spring breaks, March 7 through April 5, addressing traffic, parking, noise and alcohol violations.

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THE SUN

MARCH 11, 2015

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www.amisun.com

MARCH 11, 2015

Pier demolition, replacement set

THE SUN

13

Surf spot in transition

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

The goal of replacing the three piers with adjustable structures is to assure beach width and avoid high erosion hot spots, according to Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Replacement of the three dilapidated groins that run from Coquina and Cortez beaches out to the Gulf will begin March 15.

According to Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker, all three of the groins will be demolished and removed and replaced with three adjustable piers featuring sidewalk like decks. Hunsicker said the $4.4 million project would be paid for by the county’s resort tax, and the county will try to recoup half of that money from the state.

“Permits to construct were issued by both the Florida DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and the (Army) Corps of Engineers,” Hunsicker said. “Separate permits for this work were required , although the project was linked to the beach renourishment project for purposes of determining FDEP grant eligibility.”

Hunsicker said the groins would be adjusted to pass up to 60 percent of the long shore currents through the structure.

“The new groins can be adjusted to increase or decrease this porosity as actual conditions dictate over time, with the goal of maintaining the beach width in the vicinity of the groins, avoiding hot spot excessive erosion or build-up at each groin location,” he said.

BRADENTON BEACH – Some surfers are glad that Twin Piers won’t be wiped out, but some are skeptical that the replacement structures will preserve the existing surf break, one of the best on Anna Maria Island.

The crumbling erosion control groins that make Twin Piers a popular surf spot were slated for demolition five years ago, triggering harsh criticism on the surf Website www.Gulfster.com.

“Why do they want to take them down when it’s so completely obvious even to an idiot they are keeping the sand there?” one surfer posted.

Manatee County officials have since decided to replace the two northernmost structures, known as “Twin Piers,” and a third groin to the south, with three new permeable adjustable groins. The work is scheduled to begin next week.

“That’s great. That’s one of our best spots,” said Mark Pelham, a local surfer and front man for the Anna Maria Island band, Bootleg. “It’s a staple of this area and we have to have that. It’s like a park.”

“It helps with the surf breaks because it allows you to sit inside the piers” and avoid drifting, said Jim Brady, owner of West Coast Surf Shop in Holmes Beach. “At least they’re not going to pull it out (permanently) like they did the Manatee pier.”

“It’s great that the surfers have a place to go,” lifeguard Rex Beach said, adding that lifeguards have been called to the structures for rescues.

Lifeguard Collin Schmidt said that if the new groins are built within the same footprint as the old structures, the wave dynamics probably won’t change much, although the adjustable feature of the groins may affect the waves closest to the structures.

But he questioned why the structures need to be replaced when they are working for erosion, and for surfers.

CINDY LANE | SUN

A winter storm drew surfers to Twin Piers four months ago for some good rides.

Local surfer John Castro agrees.

“They’re fixing something that isn’t broken. They’re saying it’s going to be better, but they don’t know if it will,” he said.

“I don’t think the surf is going to be as good there,” Castro said. “I don’t believe these new structures are going to do any better of a job than the ones that have worked excellent for years.”

If Twin Piers is ruined, it will hit local surfers hard, he said.

“We’ve got a real special thing on the Island with our surfing community,” Castro said. “It’s special here because we don’t get waves that often. Friendships are forged out there. All I can do is hope for the best.”

Engineer/surfer optimistic

County officials were thinking more about saving Gulf Drive, a hurricane evacuation route, than about saving a surf break when they decided to rebuild the erosion control groins.

But it didn’t hurt that a surfer is one of the county’s coastal engineers.

“With the growing importance of

surfing as a recreational activity, it is suggested that surfing considerations be a component in coastal engineering project design, especially in beach areas where surfing is commonly practiced,” wrote Tom Pierro, of Coastal Construction and Engineering, in a 2007 article for the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.

The new structures are designed to mimic the existing groins, so the surf break should remain the same, he said.

Beaches with high erosion levels, like Cortez Beach, where Twin Piers is located, often are popular surf spots, Pierro said.

“You surf where the best waves are, and waves are what cause erosion,” he said.

At Twin Piers, “There’s a physical structure that creates an anomaly that alters the way the waves are breaking in a favorable way for surfing,” he said.

“A long, straight sandbar would give you a closeout (an unsurfable wave). If you put in this groin that cuts into the see piers, page 31

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BUSINESS

MARCH 11, 2015

Air & Energy welcomes three new team members Air and Energy, of Holmes Beach, has hired three new team members: Keith Amos as a comfort advisor, Tara Allinder as an accounts payable specialist and Bethany Cook as its new marketing Amos coordinator.

With 11 years of accounting experience, Allinder most recently worked for a fuel distribution company. She studied at Sorbonne University in Paris, France, and holds Allinder a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central College in Pella, Iowa.

Cook has two years of marketing experience in the service industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. All Air & Energy marketing and advertising Cook inquiries should be directed

to Cook at bethany@airandenergy.com.

“We are very happy to add these three individuals to our team, as they will greatly enhance our communication and relationships with our customers,” explains Stewart Moon, Jr., vice president of Air and Energy.

These additions are a direct result of Air & Energy’s continued growth.

About Air & Energy

Started in 1983, Air & Energy is your community service company. Currently offering air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and home automation services, Air & Energy provides personalized friendly, and prompt service to its growing customer list. With over 10,000 customers in Manatee County, Air & Energy is the largest Trane dealer in the county.

Family owned and operated by Stewart, Trudy and Stewart Jr. Moon, Air & Energy currently has offices in downtown Bradenton and Holmes Beach and more than 40 team members.

Boat tours benefit historical organizations Island Pearl Excursions will host four heritage boat tours this month, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting four historic organizations - the Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez, Manatee Village Historical Park, Palmetto Historical Park, and the Manatee Agricultural Museum.

The tours, a partnership with the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court’s Department of Historical Resources, are part of March Manatee Heritage Days, a month-long focus on the county’s history.

Historical narratives will be presented by local historians Cathy Slusser and John Beale,

including stories about the communities along the river and its significance to the development of the area.

Two tours each are scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, and Friday, March 20. Tours leave at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All tours leave from the day dock at the Manatee Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton. Parking is off Third Avenue West east of Ninth Street West.

Tickets are $32 per person. The Island Pearl has limited seating; make reservations by calling 941-780-8010 or visit www.amishuttleservice.com.

Dragon boaters plunge into training The AMI Dragon Boat team, Paddlers from Paradise, which is affiliated with the Community Center, participated in a dragon boat clinic on Feb. 20 and 21 with John and Linda Dyer, of Melbourne, Fla. and Burlington, Vt. Twenty-six AMI Dragon Boat paddlers learned about technique, mental toughness strategies, relentless positive thinking, teamwork, getting fit to paddle and more. They are training for their first race of the year on March 21 at Tarpon Point in Bradenton.

Paddlers from Paradise participants were Norman Abbot, Kathy Bogan-White, Sandy

Bouwer, Peggy Bowers, Melinda Bradway, Linda Carter, Wilda Connor, Peggy Cummings, Barb Curtis, Wendy Draina, Lauri Fern, Diane Goolsby, Ramona Hageman, Claire Keenan, Lynn Kravontka, Susan Lee, Gail McCall, Juanita Nay, Sandy Oates, Carol Patterson, Jane Petring, Wanda Raible, Patty Reed, Brenda Rose, Debi Visel and Nancy Weir.

The team is currently looking for sponsors to assist in developing the dragon boat program on the Island. If interested, contact Melinda Bradway at 941-462-2626.

Investment Corner TOM BREITER

I

Non-traded funds

t’s no secret that the stock and bond markets have done very well over the last six years. As bull markets go, this one is getting a bit on the old side, I believe the fourth longest running uptrend for stocks. Old age doesn’t kill rising markets, but eventually some external event does, and I believe it is time to become more risk conscious because the current trend won’t last forever.

Of course, most investments carry some form of risk, so I’m not referring to eliminating it all, just reducing it. A large part of risk comes from the fluctuation in asset prices and how we are tempted to react to those changes. When assets are traded on an exchange each day they are subject to the emotional decisions made by investors who may be feeling extreme fear such as in the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Most companies did not see their sales and profits decline by 50 percent during the crisis, but for many their share prices sure did. It was irrational to assume that large, well capitalized companies were worth half of their previous value, but that’s how the emotional pricing works in the heat of battle.

Non-traded investment funds may provide some shelter from those emotionally based pricing mechanisms if the assets held in the funds are not traded on an exchange every day.

Real estate holdings and debt issued by private companies are priced by appraisal based on rent and interest payments being current, rather than by the emotions of buyers and sellers.

Non-traded funds are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, just like regular mutual funds. The difference is that once purchased, the investor is generally committed to staying with the investment for several years until the portfolio is liquidated or perhaps the shares listed on an exchange. There may be opportunities for investors to cash out part or all of their holdings on a quarterly basis, but investors should generally be committed to running the course with this type of fund.

Obviously, for most investors you would not want to put too much of your portfolio in illiquid investments without considering your potential needs to access your capital.

Non-traded funds often hold some of the same types of investments held in traditional traded funds, but may offer higher yields than on traded funds.

The higher level of income is known as the illiquidity premium. In other words, the investor deserves a higher yield in exchange for giving up access to their money for time periods that may range from two to 10 years.

These funds commonly invest in real estate and hedge fund type alternative strategies. Another area growing in popularity is the business development company structure.

Business development companies are generally involved in making loans and financing to privately owned mid-size companies across the U.S., which are currently being ignored by traditional banks for their financing needs. Yields are currently in the 6 to 8 percent range, with the potential for capital appreciation of the assets held in the fund as well.

Non-traded funds require the investor to meet minimum standards for net worth and income due to the fact they are illiquid. Requirements vary, but in general the standard is an income of $70,000 or more and net worth of at least $70,000, or a net worth of $250,000 with no minimum income requirement. Your advisor should handle the necessary paperwork for you. It is also important to understand how your adviser is compensated for helping you with this type of investment, so ask questions In summary, non-traded investment funds aren’t for everyone, but may add value to certain investors’ portfolios.

Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www.breitercapital.com

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MARCH 11, 2015

THE SUN

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Center directors, treasurer report to the board The treasurer said they are making major progress toward having a self-sustaining community center.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Island Community Center Directors Cindy Thompson and Kristin Lessig reported on their progress at a recent Community Center board of director’s meeting.

“We’re working on getting staff used to their new roles and being more accountable for their responsibilities,” Lessig said.

“We also are reviewing the employee manual and hopefully revisions will be in place in April.”

She said there are ongoing computer issues, and board members agreed that she should come back with prices for a new system with board member Erin Heckler to oversee the project.

Lessig reported there is a new soiree room where class participants and others can have coffee, and that the playing field is being sodded between sports.

Chair Blair Schlossberg asked about

program revenue, and Lessig said she is reviewing current programs to make sure the Center is getting enough revenue. She said the Center is going to transition to a card system for class payment instead of taking cash, and she is reviewing membership levels.

Grants and financial report

Lessig said she has applied for several grants, and Thompson said that’s another area where they need help, and they are looking at a couple of options.

“There’s a lot of grants that we don’t pursue because we don’t have the resources,” Treasurer Jim Froeschle added.

“You’re so busy trying to fix the mess we’re in,” Schlossberg said. “We could get a third party to do it.

Board members approved a motion to form a subcommittee to pursue grantwriting options.

Froeschle reported that donations and net income dropped in January. He praised the two directors and said they are working to manage costs, which are coming under control.

“For the remainder of the year, I we think we’ll be below budget,” he said. “That is the

“The good news is that we’re making major progress toward a self sustaining community center,” he concluded.

Affaire sponsors

For the remainder of the year, I we think we’ll be below budget. That is the important success story.”

Jim Froeschle Treasurer

important success story.”

He said they must try to increase donations to $40,000 to $50,000 for operations for the last six months of the budget year, January through June, in order to have a positive cash flow, and that is without paying on the debt.

Board members discussed the importance of getting more sponsors for the Silver Affaire, the 25th anniversary of the Affaire to Remember set for April 18. The event’s main sponsor is the Chiles Restaurant Group – the Sandbar, BeachHouse and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub. The event’s chair, Dawn Mishler, said she hopes to raise $150,000 to $200,000 with the event and hopes to raise a great deal of that before the event.

She said sponsorships include a $6,000 decorating sponsorship, a $6,000 entertainment sponsorship as well as Gold, $5,000; Silver, $2,500; Bronze, $1,500; and Friend, $500. Sponsors who commit by March 25 will be listed in the event program book.

Board member Ed Chiles also discussed the importance of putting together sensational and unique live auction packages for the event.

To donate an auction item or become a sponsor, contact Mishler at 941-518-4997 or by e-mail at dmishler@tampabay.rr.com.

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MARCH 11, 2015

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MARCH 11, 2015

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EVICTION: Facing Cast-n-Cage FROM PAGE 1

denton Beach Police Department, and City Attorney Ricinda Perry filed a writ of eviction with the 12th Circuit Court seeking a judge’s order to vacate the premises.

On Thursday, March 5, Pena attempted to pay his rent, but city staff had been instructed not to accept late payment because the commission, in November, designated the Penas to be in habitual default of their lease for having made three late payments in a one-year period.

A lease amendment negotiated in November allowed the Penas to make a one-time late payment to cover their November and December rent, but stipulated the five-day grace period allowed by the original lease would no longer be in effect, and any subsequent late payments would result in eviction.

Pena contends the lease amendment created a new one-year cycle for the calculation of late payments, but Perry says his argument has no merit.

Pena’s attorney, Donald Yetter, recently questioned the commission-

approved 3 percent rent increase scheduled to take effect March 1. The matter was scheduled for discussion at last Thursday’s commission meeting, but Pena’s failure to pay rendered that discussion moot.

Acting on Yetter’s advice, Pena did not attend last week’s meeting, during which Perry asked the commission if they wished to halt the eviction proceedings. The commission unanimously agreed they did not.

Perry said she expects a favorable judge’s ruling by the end of the month,

but cautioned that anything can happen in court.

In regard to finding new tenants for the restaurant and/or bait shop, Shearon told the commission he and Pier Team Chair Sam Speciale are already working on a revised request for proposal process and lease agreement similar to what Manatee County uses for the private-entities that provide concessions at the public beaches. The county lease provides lower initial rent SEE EVICTION, PAGE 32

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THE SUN

MARCH 11, 2015

Pier Park Committee prepares plan The group will lay out the basics of the park and leave a bucket list of items that could be added when the city has the money.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – After weeks of meetings and dozens of plans for the six lots the city bought and named City Pier Park, the committee assigned to make plans for the park is preparing a report.

Local landscape expert Mike Miller brought a schematic drawing of the park as it would appear if earlier ideas were put into place.

Those ideas included moving the pier parking to the far end of the park with barriers, putting in a roundabout for the trolley to turn around and a loading and unloading spot for the trolley next to the park on Pine Avenue. Commit-

tee members have talked with the management of the City Pier about moving the parking.

At last week’s meeting, Miller said he got estimates of how much the landscaping would cost, and it was priced between $56,000 and $85,000, which is under the $100,000 threshold. He suggested working on the landscaping and using that with picnic tables and benches as the base model.

Some of the members were concerned about kids in the park mingling with cars that drive through looking for parking spaces.

“The city uses split rail fencing that I like a lot, and it could keep the kids away from the cars,” Miller said.

Resident Margaret Jenkins, who has attended all of the meetings, said she talked to a lot of people about the park, and nobody likes the idea of relocating the parking area.

Committee Chair Bob Patten said it was still in the formulative mode,

and the plan is definitely not etched in stone.

Resident Donna Camp had a question. “Is the roundabout a sure thing,” she asked. “It seems like we’re reinventing the wheel. We’re spending money when we could just leave it as it is.”

Patten said if they use that design, he would want specifications and pictures of each type of plant. He also wants the plan to be in keeping with the green village design on Pine Avenue where rainwater is captured and used for irrigation and solar power is used to generate electricity.

The group talked about the park as it would relate to the report from the Urban Land Institute, which studied the Island’s growth. There was a consensus that they did not like the suggestion that housing for people who work on the Island be provided.

“They talked about getting people out of cars and onto bikes and we need more bike racks,” said commit-

tee member Ruth Uecker. “We already have a lot of bike rental places.”

“I would like to see a study committee from all three cities to work on the parking dilemma,” Patten said.

Kathy, Patten’s wife, who takes notes and writes the minutes, said she would like to see signs that can warn people if the beach parking lots are full.

Committee member Dusty Crane said a lot of the ULI report concentrated on building for more tourism, but the real issue is overadvertising the Island.

“We need good realtors who don’t want to destroy what we have,” she said.

“I was a bit unhappy with the report.”

The group talked about what else could go into the park, and Patten finally said they should prepare a base plan for the park with additions for the future into what he called a bucket list for the city commission to use.

The next meeting will take place at city hall at 10 a.m. on Friday.

www.amisun.com

2015 CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM NURSERY AVAILABLE

Church School 10:00 AM Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM Book Study 9:00 AM

Sarasota Orchestra

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Street Bistro is proud to be part “of Bridge a great organization like the Sarasota

Manatee Originals. Working with and supporting other local business owners is so important to us. The Originals truly capture the creative spirit and pride of the independent restaurant community of the Gulf Coast.

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EAT LIKE A LOCAL DineOriginal.com 15 South Ristorante • Andrea’s • Anna Maria Oyster Bar • The BeacHhouse Restaurant • The Bijou CafÊ • Bridge Street Bistro • The Broken Egg • CafÊ Americano • CafÊ Baci • CafÊ Gabbiano • CafÊ L’Europe • CafÊ Venice • Caragiulos • Cedar Reef Fish Camp • Ciao!

Italia • Cosimo’s Restaurant & Catering • The Crow’s Nest • Darwin’s on 4th • Derek’s • Drunken Poet CafÊ • Duval’s • Euphemia Haye • Fast N Fresh • Gold Rush BBQ • Gulf Drive CafÊ + Tiki • Half Shell Seafood House • Harry’s Continental Kitchens • JPAN Restaurant • Lobster Pot • Lynches Pub & Grub • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub • Michael John’s • Michael’s On East • mi Pueblo • Ophelia’s On The Bay • Ortygia Restaurant • Pacific Rim • Pattigeorge’s • Pier 22 Restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo!

Ristorante • Riverhouse Reef & Grill • Roessler’s Restaurant • Salute! Restaurant • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits • Savory Street • Sharky’s On The Pier • Siesta Key Oyster Bar • SoMa Creek Side • Village CafÊ • The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria • The White Horse Pub

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THE SUN

Termite treatment or new city hall?

City commissioners feel the current building is not worth protecting against termites.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – What began as a commission conversation about termite extermination evolved into impromptu and preliminary discussion on the need to one day build a new city hall.

Thursday night, Public Works Director Tom Woodard presented the commissioners with three bids from local pest control companies. Island Pest and Termite Control submitted the highest bid at $3,895 for the initial treatment, plus an additional $1,980 for three years of continued treatment.

Fahey Pest Management bid $2,174 and Manatee Termite and Pest Control bid $1,950 for a one-time tenting of city hall.

Woodard told the commission Home Team Pest Defense declined to bid on the job due to the extent of the infestation.

Island Pest was the commissionfavored vendor because it offered a greater scope of initial treatment and ongoing protection, but Mayor Bill Shearon and Commissioners Janie Robertson and Ed Straight eventually voted against the $5,875 expenditure, while Vice Mayor Jack Clarke and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh supported it.

When explaining his position, Shearon referred to Home Pest’s decision not to submit a bid.

“The reason why they wouldn’t bid it is there’s so damn much damage.

My perception of what they said is it’s not worth the time and effort to do it.

Not only that, let face it, we’ve got a building here with no insulation in it, and we’ve got duct work that is failing.

I guess what I’m saying is we need to really evaluate what we’re going to do with this building. From a business sense, we’re throwing money into a deep hole.”

Shearon suggested the money would be better spent on an analysis of what is needed in terms of a new city hall and city library building, which he feels SEE CITY HALL, PAGE 21

MARCH 11, 2015

MARCH 11, 2015

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Mayan weaving lecture set Learn about “Woven Worlds - Maya Textile Traditions from across the Millennia,” at the Florida Maritime Museum on Saturday, March 14, at 3 p.m.

The illustrated lecture will provide a visual tour of the mythologies and rituals important to Maya cultures and highlights the connections between the pre-Hispanic past and weavers of today.

Admission is free, and seating is first come served beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Museum members may reserve seats

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21

by calling 941-708-6120.

For more information, visit the Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W. in Cortez or http://floridamaritimemuseum.org.

Program expo at Center The Island Community Center will hold a program expo on Saturday, March 21, from 9 to 11 a.m. Receive information on spring sports programs, spring break camps, the teen program, the volunteer program, fitness classes, tennis and pickleball.

CITY HALL: Worth saving?

FROM PAGE 20

warrants future discussion at a Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) meeting.

“I just put it on my CIP list,” Robertson said in response.

Straight said he did not think the pest control treatment would greatly extend the life of the building.

“I don’t want to do anything with it. The problem has been here for years, and the building isn’t going to fall down tomorrow,” Shearon added, while also mentioning the presence of large rats.

When expressing his support for the termite treatment by Island Pest, Clarke likened the expenditure to putting money into an old car because you do not have the money to buy a new car.

No funds have been budgeted for the construction of a new city hall, and there is currently not enough in the city coffers to do so without obligating the city to future debt, but Shearon is committed to pursuing the option.

“We’re not going to let this die; we are going to move on this,” he said.

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MARCH 11, 2015

submitted

U.S. Air Force Major James Nichols climbs into the cockpit of his F-100 Super Sabre jet fighter, above photo and below, during the 1960s at Nellis Air Force Base just north of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Your Florida Brand Headquarters

The heroes among us

BY RICK CATLIN SPECIAL TO THE SUN

All of us know a hero, or think we know a hero. The policeman shot in the line of duty trying to save a life, the firefighters of Sept.

11, 2001 or the firefighters of the West Manatee Fire District.

They are heroes to us when they make news, but they are always ready to do heroic deeds when duty calls.

But there are many living on Anna Maria Island, in Cortez and Perico, who go through their lives as unrecognized heroes, and that’s how they want it. They are the men and women who served their country in the armed forces, ready at any moment to do their duty and put themselves in harm’s way if called.

Each swore that when the fighting started, they would be there to protect the civilians from the enemy.

One such unsung hero is retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Jimmy Nichols, of Anna Maria.

He does not consider himself a hero and bristles at the thought anyone would call him a hero. “We left the heroes over there,� he says of his Air Force days in Thailand and Vietnam, flying countless combat missions in an unpopular war.

Any one mission could have been his last, as it was for many of his fellow pilots and friends.

Growing up during the Great Depression in El Campo, Texas, as the son of a sharecropper, Nichols could have been forgiven if he didn’t have big dreams. For many kids of that era, just getting food on the table was a big dream.

But Nichols lived near a U.S. Army Air Force base where P-51 Mustang fighters

ÂŽ

submitted

were stationed during World War II. “I remember watching those fighters and the pilots practice combat maneuvers over our farm and became fascinated with flying. I decided I wanted two things in life – to get off the farm and go to Texas A&M, and become a pilot.�

Being just another share cropper was not in his plans.

At 17 years old, Nichols entered Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, in 1944 as a reserve officer’s training corps cadet.

Commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve upon graduation in 1948, he was told he would have to wait for active duty. “The Army didn’t have much for flight see heroes, page 23

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heroes: James Nichols

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FROM PAGE 22

training, just a short course at Fort Sill, Okla., in a two-man observation plane.

Well, that’s not what I wanted.�

While waiting for active duty, Nichols applied for an in-service transfer to the newly created U.S. Air Force.

He entered active duty in 1949 with the army at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, but soon got orders to report to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, to be in the Air Force and undergo flight training. “My desire to be a pilot was coming true, although I still had a lot of training ahead of me.�

Nichols first trained on propeller aircraft, then transitioned to the F-80 Shooting Star, the first jet fighter aircraft in the U.S. Air Force “That was a thrill. Think of going from planes that went about 150-200 mph to a jet that could hit nearly 600 mph a few minutes after takeoff. I knew then I was in the right place.�

The Korean War began in late June 1950. Before assignment to the war, Nichols trained on the F-86, the latest aircraft in the Air Force arsenal.

Later, training at Edwards AFB in California, Nichols met the legendary

Owner Steve Traves Outdoor Pro

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Rick Catlin | sun

Retired Colonel James Nichols and his wife, Betsy, live quietly in Anna Maria, enjoying fishing, visits by their children and grandchildren and watching sunsets.

Chuck Yeager, the first man to break the sound barrier. He also met a civilian pilot named Neil Armstrong, who in 1969 became the first man to walk on the moon.

When Nichols arrived in Korea in 1951, the air war was winding down.

He got shot at a few times and returned fire, but aerial dog fights with North Korean Mig-15s rarely occurred.

From Korea, Nichols was sent to Japan, then to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, to be a test pilot for the new F-100 SuperSabre fighter.

Despite its publicized advantages,

Nichols found some serious problems with the F-100, particularly in its wing and vertical stabilizer size.

On another occasion, he had just taken off when he heard an explosion and saw an engine fire. “We were at about 10,000 feet with no engine. I basically had to glide the plane back to the landing strip, knowing that the wrong glide angle would send me straight into the desert.�

Nichols managed to make a safe landing and later got into a heated exchange with some “chair-warmer� about what he should have done. Nichols was not about to accept criticism from some guy who didn’t fly anything but a rolling chair across the floor.

He remembered another occasion while at Edwards when he took off in an F-104 Starfighter, which was the first Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) aircraft at that time. One wing simply fell off the plane after takeoff.

After he ejected, his seat failed to separate properly, and he was sprayed with glycerin from the seat propellant. “As I’m dropping down, my flight suit was on fire because of the glycerin, so see heroes, page 41

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MARCH 11, 2015

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MARCH 11, 2015

History shines at Heritage Day

25

Visitors flocked to the AMI Historical Museum park for old-fashioned arts and crafts, fun and music.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – After a chilly start, the day dawned bright and beautiful for the second Settler’s Market at Island Heritage Day Saturday at the AMI Historical Museum park.

At the entrance, rangers from DeSoto National Monument displayed ancient tools and artifacts, while visitors filled their bags with organic produce from Geraldson’s Farm as well as farm fresh eggs and baked delights sold by Historical Society members.

In the parking lot, the smell of KCB barbecue tugged at the taste buds as bluegrass music by The Howies filled the air. Kids colored pictures at the Community Center booth, participated in a scavenger hunt to win prizes and watched as clowns Sparky and Snowbird made colorful balloon toys.

“We love these events on the Island,” Bilinda Stokes said, as her sons, Joshua and William, colored pictures.

“It’s awesome. It’s a nice way to support the history of the Island,” said Kayce and Richard Flitcraft, who were listening to music with granddaughters Emma and Celia Crispin. pat copeland | SUN Vendor booths wound through Belle From left, Edie Comstock, of the Sunshine Stitchers, and Dru Clody, of the Seaside Quilters, demonstrate their craft. Both Haven garden where Susan Coulis, aka groups meet at the Island Branch Library and welcome others to join them. the Crazy Bead Chick, demonstrated how she makes polymer clay jewelry, spinner Lynn Overton wrapped yarn in preparation for plying it and Laura McSeaton extolled the virtues of natural soaps, oils and lotion candles.

“There’s a little bit of everything,” Frank and Kathy Gorham, of Maine said.

“There’s something for everyone.”

Ruth Ranum, of Minnesota, said, “I love this festival. I belong to my hometown historical society, so I really like this event.”

Also in the garden, Master Beekeeper Kevin Lausman gave visitors tastes of dark and light honey his bees had produced, while Charles Fields made cane fishing poles and said he makes them every year for kids to fish off the Anna Maria City Pier like in the old photo in the museum.

Visitors filled the museum to learn about that old fishing photo as well the Island’s rich history, and Historical Society President Maureen McCormick concluded, “You know you have got it right when so many people thank you for such a great event. Every volunteer and board member had that happen yesterday.

“All day our guests commented on what a unique and fun event it was and that they wished we had more Settlers Bead. Happy 25th Anniversary Anna Maria Island Historical Society.” pat copeland | SUN

pat copeland | SUN

From left, the Three Howies – Howie Bard, Howie Vermillion and Howie Banfield – play for the crowd.

pat copeland | SUN

From left, Mary Selby and Irene Pearman sample the honey offered by Master Beekeeper Kevin Lausman, at rear.

pat copeland | SUN

Above and left, Charles Fields explains how to make a cane fishing pole to Doug Wendlandt, of Minnesota. Fields said he makes poles each year for kids to use while fishing off the Anna Maria City Pier.

Poles are yellow and green Louisiana bamboo and Fields said he cuts off the limbs, files the knots, adds the line and ties a knot at each joint before adding a hook at the end.

pat copeland | SUN

At left, Taj Faciolo, 2, of Tampa, plays bean bag toss in the children’s area and, at right, Claire Couvreux, 5, of Washington state gets a sticker for her scavenger hunt bingo card.

26

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

MARCH 11, 2015

Save the day I

met Captain Rob Gilbert at the 59th Street boat ramp on a foggy and cool morning last week. Gilbert was headed to Port Manatee to scout for the upcoming Salty Fly Tournament, and invited me along. He will be fishing Lee Janik, owner of Clutch Fly Rod Company, and was starting to develop a plan of action.

Although the day didn’t look like a good day for fishing or scouting, the weather guessers had promised that the fog would lift and that the winds would be light.

Fortunately, Gilbert brought his 25-foot Shearwater LTZ powered with a 250 HP Mercury. It was a chilly, but smooth and fast ride, one I particularly appreciated on the ride back when the wind switched to the northwest and blew 15 to 20 knots.

When we arrived at Port Gilbert, he notified security and deployed his Port Watch flag. He is one of a few guides who have access to waters that are off limits to most anglers. We started fishing an area that was perfect for sight casting with

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS white sand bottom and scattered grass flats. Although the fog persisted, Gilbert was still able to spot movement near one of the first grass flats we approached and I made a cast with a bend back fly to the area he indicated. I never saw the fish, but on the first strip, I hooked up, making sure to jab the fly home for good measure. Unfortunately, the fish, which flashed a broad silver side, came unhooked, leaving us to guess what it was.

The way the fish took the fly and put a bend in the rod we both guessed pompano, but we would never know for sure. rusty chinnis | sun

see reel time, page 27

Captain Rob Gilbert holds one of the large Jacks we landed on top water plugs and flies

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MARCH 11, 2015

THE SUN

27

Spring will bring positive changes for fishing Captain Ray Markham

With less than three weeks before the onset of spring, warmer and more consistent weather has slowly begun to stir the appetites of fish. In the past week, we’ve seen a string of warm days that raised peak water temperature in some areas of lower Tampa Bay to 74 degrees.

Just a week before, water temperature in the same area peaked at 66, and the week before that, 61 degrees. This steady rise in afternoon temperature is slowly making fish in the area eat more consistently. While the slow bite contin-

ues early in the day when temperatures are cooler, as the day goes on and waters warm, fish are eating.

Working deep areas on hard bottom in the lower bay, we caught trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and black seabass on our Sunday trip. But as we moved up shallow, working the holes on the flats, we had to drag jigs on the bottom with the boat’s slow drift to get trout to chew.

Our efforts over the course of the day also produced a nice pompano, snook, redfish and an assortment of less glamorous ladyfish, lizardfish, puffers and rays.

Changing the clocks ahead this weekend will have the sun setting an hour later in the day. Sunrise will also be an hour later. This will put the peak temperature of the day between 3 and 4 p.m. While this may not be too significant as the temperatures rise in the coming months, for the immediate future it does seem to make a difference.

Tuesday’s record tying warmth brought beach weather, which was also accompanied by high pressure. High pressure can also make fish finicky feeders. But that warmth will push bait-

fish closer to shore to feed on plankton that flushes out of the bay on these big tides surrounding Thursday night’s full moon. This is perfect for anglers who like to fish dock lights for snook at night. And with the season open less than a week, snook may be less wary.

A good sign of warmer weather ahead is the Spanish mackerel beginning to show in better numbers. These and other pelagic species move northward with rising temperatures, following bait schools. At the same time, we’ll begin to see kingfish and cobia showing up.

ing for jacks we were glad to have the action. Jacks love top water plugs and flies and will attack them with a vengeance. One great way to keep them interested is to use a teaser, a plug without hooks. If you work the teaser the Jacks will stay with you and can be caught one after the other. If you don’t keep them interested, they will keep roaming in search of prey.

The fog never did completely disappear that day, but gradually lightened up with some high white clouds overhead. Gilbert asked me if I wanted to try the flats again before we headed back, but I elected to stay and catch

Jacks and big ladyfish on top water. He agreed that was a better option and we enjoyed the action until it was time to leave. While we didn’t connect with the redfish we had hoped to sight fish we did manage to have a great time catching and releasing the ladyfish and Jacks. This wasn’t the first time that unintended species had saved the day.

Gilbert also runs a Maverick flats boat making for a versatility that pays off on inclement days and when clients elect to fish offshore. He can be reached for charters at 941-224-4121 or visit his Website at www.reelagressive.com.

reel time: Save the day FROM PAGE 26

Instead of dissipating, the fog got progressively heavier making sight fishing impossible. While we waited for it to lift, I made blind casts to likely areas on the grass flats while Gilbert worked a top water plug. Although we covered some excellent looking water, we couldn’t raise anything and only saw a couple of redfish as they spooked on the boat. As we worked towards the spoil island that flanks the Port’s main channel, we noticed pelicans feeding heavily nearby. As we approached the birds, the water was roiled by big ladyfish. While we weren’t here looking for

ladies, they were hard to resist, and we caught about a dozen on top water before we decided to move into the Port’s main basin and fish a rip-rap edge and shoreline looking for snook.

The snook weren’t cooperating, but after a couple of casts a hoard of large Jack cravelle started slashing at Gilbert’s top water plug. The lure made by Live Target Lure Company was a ringer for a mullet and had a lip that popped and pushed water, driving the Jacks into a frenzy. I quickly changed to a top water gurgler and on my second cast, was hooked up to a nice sized Jack.

Although we hadn’t started out look-

tide chart for anna maria city pier MARCH 11-18 Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

Wed 3/11

3:58a 1.21

8:46a 0.69

2:59p 2.01

10:48p -0.06

7:44-7:37

Sun 3/15

Thu 3/12

5:15a 1.08

9:11 a 0.85

3:43p 2.02

Fri 3/13

7:10a 1.03

12:02a -0.10

4:39p 2.01

9:36a 0.99

Sat 3/14

9:46a 1.13

1:20a -0.17

5:52p 1.99

10:43a 1.13

7:43-7:37 7:42-7:38 7:41-7:38

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

10:14a 1.24

2:31a -0.27

7:16p 2.00

1:22p 1.14

Mon 3/16

10:37a 1.34

3:30a -0.36

834p 2.05

2:47p 0.99

Tue 3/17

10:59a 1.45

4:18a -0.38

9:41p 2.10

3:52p 0.76

Wed 3/18

11:20a 1.57

4:59a -0.32

10:40p 2.09

4:48p 0.48

Sun Rise Set 7:40-7:39 7:39-7:39 7:38-7:40 7:37-7:40

28

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THE SUN

MARCH 11, 2015

Celebrate Springfest this weekend

BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Art, music and food will fill Holmes Beach City Hall field for the 27th Annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts on Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Art League, the free event draws dozens of fine artists displaying paintings, glass, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, fiber arts, photography and wood.

The artwork of local elementary, middle, and high school students will be showcased in the annual

“Young at Art” exhibit, and children will enjoy making free art projects at a hands-on activity area.

Live music will be featured on Saturday, and art lovers can lunch on barbeque and other local favorites.

Art works created and donated by festival artists will be raffled to benefit the Art League’s scholarship fund, one of the League’s community programs funded by Springfest and Winterfest.

For more information, visit www. islandartleague.org or call 941-7782099.

SUBMITTED

Live art demonstrations intrigue visitors to Springfest.

FIle photo

Island Gallery West’s last weekly art demonstration of the season will feature Patricia Sorg demonstrating oil painting on Saturday, March 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the gallery, 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Seating is first come, first served. For more information, visit www. islandgallerywest.com or call 941-778-6648.

Three artists at The Studio

BY PAT COPELAND SUNSTAFFWRITER|pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The public is invited to an opening reception for “Environs … a Look at our World” at The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, on Friday, March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit features three artists – Jean Blackburn, Nancy Betty and Linda Hunsaker.

Blackburn, will display her paintings of Florida springs, as well as a series of Northern trees, which are part of a commission from a market in northern Ohio, where they will be made into tiles to decorate the market.

Regarding the trees, Blackburn said, “The perspective is from below, looking up.”

Betty also takes inspiration from nature and said, “I am drawn to the spirits of the forest. I find the inspiration for my paintings in the trees, waters and woodlands and take pleasure in the atmospheric conditions that allow nature to show us her infinite variety.”

Hunsaker, from Santa Fe, N.M., offers a series she calls “small works” in mixed media and tiny drawings from her sketchbook of “people and animals that I see in everyday life.”

The exhibit will be in place through March 29. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sun photo exhibit at library

“Postcards from the Sun,” an exhibit featuring photographs by Cindy Lane published in The Anna Maria Island Sun, will be featured at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach through March 31. The library is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, call 941778-6341. pat copeland | sun

From left, meet artists Jean Blackburn, Nancy Betty and Linda Hunsaker at The Studio on March 13.

Jorgensen featured artist The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island will honor watercolorist and teacher Cheryl Jorgensen, the featured artist for March, with a free, public reception on Friday, March 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery, 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes

Sorg at Island Gallery demo

Beach. For more information, call 941-778-6694 or visit www.amiartistsguildgallery.com.

“Masks,” by Cheryl Jorgensen, the March featured artist at the Artists’ Guild gallery.

SUBMITTED

25 years of art Island Gallery West will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a free, public reception for mixed-media artist Marti Salerni, whose painting exhibit, “Inspired by Nature,” opens on Friday, March 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music at the event at 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

The exhibit runs through March 31. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, visit www. islandgallerywest.com, facebook or call 941-778-6648.

MARCH 11, 2015

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THE SUN

29

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THE SUN

GLOBAL: Settlement moves forward FROM PAGE 1

office proceedings the commission majority initiated against Shearon, and prevent a beachfront city-owned property from being developed for parking.

SPECIAL MEETING

On Friday, March 13, the commission will conduct a special 9 a.m. meeting to continue the time-sensitive negotiations. The goal is to have a settlement in place prior to the April 15 expiration of a Coastal Shoreline permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The permit pertains to the court-challenged 2012 development agreement that allows Chiles to use his land for restaurant parking and requires the city to build a small public parking area adjacent to his property.

Johnson told the commission members he would send each of them a copy of the deal points he compiled during his preliminary discussions with Shearon; Martin and Meilner’s attorney, Ralf Brookes; and Chiles’ attorney, Robert Lincoln. This week, the four commissioners, minus Shearon, will submit to Perry the deal points they feel are necessary in order for a settlement to be reached.

“When I presented the issues to the various people involved, people were cautiously optimistic, but I sometimes received a cool reception. In other

No one has said no, but no one has jumped in with both feet.”

Charles Johnson Attorney words, nobody loves the concept. This is one that involves a meaningful compromise for all of the parties involved,” Johnson said.

“No one has said no, but no one has jumped in with both feet,” he added.

All five commission members supported the settlement concept, and all five said they needed more specifics.

“I think we all agree we want to move forward with it,” said Commissioner Ed Straight.

Commissioner Janie Robertson supported the additional discussion, and said she wanted to see the details further solidified by the attorneys and parties involved.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh expressed hope that a settlement would bring to an end the multiple lawsuits

that have proven costly to the city and its taxpayers.

“I want to see the details too before I agree to it; and I think the plaintiffs want to see the details too,” Shearon said.

After conferring privately with Johnson, Perry returned to the dais and shared with the commission comments Meilner made to her.

“She wanted to make sure the commission knew this was genuine step by her to show that she wants to see the city move forward. She is an involved citizen here and has a very sincere interest in trying to work with the commission,” Perry said.

In the spirit of cooperation, Vice Mayor Jack Clarke requested the cancellation of the forfeiture meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.

In the formal request he later sent to the city clerk, Clarke said, “The mayor has made a small step to resolve the myriad legal issues that face our city.

This request represents a significant step on my part to work toward that common goal, since we now know that the forfeiture resolution is in play.

Just so there is no misunderstanding or misinterpretation of my request, please realize that this is a postponement. I will absolutely revisit this at a future date if the situation warrants.”

MARCH 11, 2015

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MARCH 11, 2015

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31

PIERS: Surf spot in transition FROM PAGE 13

sandbar and pushes it offshore, it creates a long, peeling (surfable) wave.”

Originally, the design included railings to allow people to walk and fish on the structures, but due to state permit requirements, the groins will be off limits to pedestrians, he said.

Surfers often jump off the end of the structures to avoid paddling out against high surf.

The current disrepair of Twin Piers keeps all but the most adventurous surfers off the structures now, Castro said, adding that he predicts that more people will try to jump off the new ones.

Renourishment concerns

Surfers concerned about Twin Piers already are sensitized to the potential loss of surf spots because some of the breaks on the Island disappear each time the beach is renourished.

Several spots have not recovered from last winter’s renourishment, Castro said.

“Since they put that sand there, they’ve completely ruined the waves” he said. “And in the past few months, with no storms, almost half of what they put there is gone.”

Much of the sand was intended to wash into the water to shore up the

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CINDY LANE | SUN

Sagging Twin Piers will be demolished next week and rebuilt over the next nine months. newly-renourished beach, according to a presentation last year by Charlie Hunsicker, director of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, who was instrumental in lobbying to rebuild Twin Piers.

But the washed-out sand also covers up rock formations that cause waves to break, surfers say.

“The beach renourishment affected everything,” Pelham said. “The slope is so shallow that it depletes the waves coming in. It’s a bit sad. The currents set up the sandbars and when you do a renourishment, it screws them up.”

“Beach nourishments may cause negative impacts on surfing if they signifi-

cantly modify the beach morphology to beach types less favorable to surfing, or if they cover features that cause the surf break. Beach nourishment may also enhance surfing by changing the beach type-morphology to one more favorable to surfing,” Pierro wrote in the 2007 article.

“I have not heard of any negative effects of the last beach renourishment,” he said, adding that the beach usually reconfigures itself over time. “The sand is such a perfect match for the existing beach, that once it equilibrates, it will be the same.”

32

THE SUN

EVICTION: Facing Cast-n-Cage FROM PAGE 17

payments, followed by incremental increases after a business becomes established.

Since opening one year ago, the Cast-n-Cage has continually struggled to attract the number of new and repeat customers needed to cover its monthly expenses.

In September, Pena requested and received temporary abatements that relieved him of the $1,135 monthly rent owed on the bait shop and concession stand until the pier reopened.

Vice Mayor Jack Clarke opposed the abatements and the late payment provision granted in November because he felt they were simply delaying the inevitable.

“We need to part as amicably as possible with the Cast-n-Cage and go forward with someone who can better represent the city,” Clarke said, in November.

“The vice mayor has tried to get us out since day one. He has a vendetta against me for some reason,” Pena said last week, while citing the city’s failure to repair a leaky roof, delays in approving signage, a lack of parking and the pier reconstruction as factors that contributed to his struggles.

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MARCH 11, 2015

MARCH 11, 2015

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33

SUBMITTED

Gyotaku, by Brenda Alcorn, who will teach a workshop in the art next week.

Print a fish Brenda Alcorn will teach a gyotaku workshop at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, March 18, from 1:30 to 6 p.m.

Gyotaku is the art of taking a print of a real fish using etching ink and fine Japanese paper. The process includes cleaning the fish and making a tampo, which is used to put ink on the fish.

The instructor will bring all necessary supplies with the exception of an awl, to be supplied by students.

The fee is $40 for Art League members and $60 for non-members. Class is limited to six students. Register by calling 941-778-2099 or at the gallery, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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REAL ESTATE

MARCH 11, 2015

Sun Coast vs. Emerald Coast

he state of Florida is one big coastline, and every inch of it is designated with a name describing the special features or geography of the area.

On the east coast of the state there’s the First Coast in the northeast, the Space Coast in the central region, the Treasure Coast just below the Space Coast and the Gold Coast starting in Palm Beach. On the west coast there’s the Forgotten Coast near Apalachicola at the beginning of the panhandle, the Nature Coast in the northwest, the Sun Coast where we live and the Cultural Coast assigned to Sarasota. There are a few lesser known regions I haven’t mentioned and, of course, the Florida Keys, but the one I want to talk about today is the Emerald Coast.

I recently took a trip to the Florida Panhandle exploring the area from Rosemary Beach in the east to Fort Walton Beach further west, approximately 50 miles. This 100 miles of coastline has been designated the Emerald Coast because of the emerald

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger green color of the northern Gulf of Mexico along the coastal beaches. In a less politically correct time, the Emerald Cost was called the Redneck Riviera, but trust me there is absolutely nothing redneck about it today.

If you’re driving along the main road route 98 running east and west through the area, you would have no idea there are magnificent beaches a quarter mile away. There are new housing communities and lovely shopping areas and restaurants, but no hint of a beach. If you drop down to scenic route 30-A,you start to get a taste of the beach, but it’s pretty hard to see between the multimillion dollar homes and condos.

I was especially interested to see the master planned communities of WaterColor, Seaside and Rosemary Beach, all built about 25 years ago. These communities are beachfront with single family homes, condos, retail shops and restaurants, a totally integrated and stand alone town. Again, although everything is beautifully maintained and the beach is magnificent, I couldn’t help feeling like one of the Stepford Wives was going to answer the door. In fact a movie was filmed in Seaside, “The Truman Show,” which you might remember has the main character living his life on what was essentially a TV set .

Get the picture?

Bradenton is going to be facing its own master-planned community not too many years down the road called Lake Flores. We haven’t head much about it recently unless you happen to notice the signs along Cortez Road and down 75 Street. This 1,300 acres of farmland is being developed as a mixed use community with 6,500 homes and 278

million square feet of commercial space plus two hotels, all incorporated into what will really be a brand new town within a town.

The jury is still out as to how this will impact traffic, especially going out to the Island over our already ancient bridges.

I don’t mean to be too hard on the Emerald Coast. There are plenty of people who would never agree with me. There are still some cottages left near the water that looks a little like Anna Maria, but they are few and far between and I’m sure won’t last too long.

As I said the Gulf beach is beautiful and the sand like powder. The problem is you have no clue it’s there until you’re on it.

I’ll take the Sun Coast and some of the less planned areas of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and the barrier islands south of us. I think I like my beach communities a little gritty.

I want to see the water while driving along Gulf Drive and like getting my reality check every time I drive by Annie’s in Cortez, but that’s just me.

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MARCH 11, 2015

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Concert series finale at Roser Church The Roser 2015 Concert Series concludes with the Sarasota Orchestra Wind Quintet on Sunday, March 15, at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m.

The renowned woodwind quintet will perform the brilliant sounds of flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn and bassoon. The ensemble presents programs that feature masterworks of the literature as well as new and varied repertoire.

Founded in 1984, the Sarasota Wind Quintet is the resident woodwind quintet of the Sarasota Orchestra with its own concert series in Holley Hall at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center in Sarasota and performs frequently throughout Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

Meet the ensemble members: • Betsy Hudson Traba, principal flute since 1993, comes from Mentor, Ohio, where she began playing the flute at the age of 10 and has made her living as an orchestral flutist for more than 20 years. She is a swim team mom and one of her children is a champion swimmer.

• Adam DeSorgo, principal oboe since 2003, hails from Lakewood, Ohio, and has played rehearsal piano for the

submitted

The Sarasota Orchestra Wind Quintet will wrap up Roser Memorial Church's 2015 Concert Series on Sunday, March 15, at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Berg Violin Concerto with MTT and Gil Shaham. He has a fondness for old BMWs, most things Magyar and making reeds. His left eye is two colors.

• Bharat Chandra, principal clarinet since 2001, is the son of the late poet, G. S. Sharat Chandra, a two time Pulitzer Prize nominee from India who

witnessed him being presented the Gunther Schuller Medal from the New England Conservatory. He is a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

• Fernando Traba, principal bassoon since 1992, began playing at age 11 and is the only bassoonist from Mexico who has played principal bassoon

for a living in four different countries (USA, Spain, Portugal and Mexico). He loves silly jokes and would like to see classical music brought back from its endangered status.

• Joshua Horne, acting co-principal horn since 2014, was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Joshua received his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas and his master’s at Rice University. He has performed with professional orchestras such as the San Antonio Symphony, Houston Symphony, and Charlotte Symphony.

The concert will be held in the Roser Community Church Sanctuary.

A freewill offering will be taken. Roser Church is located near the Anna Maria City Pier at 512 Pine Avenue. Come early, bring the family and enjoy the day on beautiful Anna Maria Island.

Roser Community Church offers two Sunday worship services at 8:30 and10 a.m. with church school for children and youth and a nursery for infants and toddlers.

For more information call the church office at 778-0414, emailinfo@roserchurch.com, go to www.roserchurch. com or find them on Facebook at www. facebook/roserchurch.

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CINDY LANE | SUN

Fluffy sand a workout Beachgoers are getting a workout walking on beach sand that has been fluffed up by a special bulldozer to make it easier for sea turtles to nest come May 1 – the beach was renourished and artificially compacted by bulldozers last year. The tilling, required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is finished, said Tom Pierro, of Coastal Construction and Engineering, Manatee County’s beach consultant. The sand should be more compacted and easier to walk on after a good rain, he said; until then, be careful, as the soft sand is uneven.

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MARCH 11, 2015

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MARCH 11, 2015

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SUBMITTED

Engagement Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Ruff of Knoxville, Tenn., are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Hannah Tess Ruff to Michael Patrick McConnell, son of Patrick and Kaye McConnell, formerly of Anna Maria Island, now of North Carolina. The future bride graduated from East Tennessee State University. She is a professional baker. Her grandfather is Richard L. Graham, of Anna Maria Island and Bear Lake, Mich. The future groom received degrees from the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. He is currently a physics research scientist at the University if Tennessee, Knoxville. His grandfather is Duane F. McConnell, of Lakeland, Fla. A May wedding is planned in Knoxville.

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Salick memorialized The Cocoa Beach Post Office at 500 N. Brevard Ave. will be renamed for Rich Salick on Thursday, March 12, World Kidney Day. Salick, a former professional surfer from Anna Maria Island who died on July 2, 2012, was a life-long sufferer of kidney disease. He dedicated his life to advocating for kidney patients, co-founding with his brother the annual National Kidney Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pro-Am Surf Festival, which has raised millions for the NKF. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I walked into the hospital recovery room after my twin brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first kidney transplant and looked in his eyes and could already see his dedication to kidney patients,â&#x20AC;? said Phil Salick, Richâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s twin brother and first kidney transplant donor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loved my first surfboard that Rich made me back in 1980,â&#x20AC;? said 11-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater, who grew up in Cocoa Beach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have no idea where it is, but I would do about anything to find it and have it back again. What a great memory.â&#x20AC;?

In 2000, Rich was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame and in April 2008, he was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

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Dancers perform at luncheon The Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players will meet on March 11 at 11:30 a.m. at IMG Academy Golf Club, 3450 El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton. The dance group Tap Divas will perform. Visitors are welcome. Contact Nancy Ambrose at 941-799-2181 or 941-518-4431 for a reservation by March 5.

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Meditation class benefits the arts Sheryl Spikes will teach a meditation class on Saturday, March 28, April 25, May 23, and June 27, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach.Spikes, a full-time, 25-year island resident, is a licensed registered nurse for 45 years, practicing energy healing work and teaching meditation for the past seven years. Pre-register by calling 778-2099 or at Anna Maria Island Art League, 5 312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach, on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The benefits of acupuncture Fiorenza Arigoni, AP LMT, describes how acupuncture can help to treat diseases and conditions ranging from arthritis to shingles to digestive issues and more at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, March 11, at 2 p.m. Arigoni is trained in acupuncture, Chinese herbology and massage therapy.

Seating for this program is free and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Everyone is welcome to attend, and no registration is necessary.

For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

THE SUN

Rock for classical music

The popular Oldies Beach Dance is Thursday, March 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Sandbar pavilion at 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria. This fund-raiser is for the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra and is sponsored by the Sandbar restaurant and the Anna Maria Island Sun. Gulf Drive Band, featuring accomplished musicians, Bil Bowdish, Ted Young and Judy Lynn will perform a danceable mix of oldies from the 50s, 60s and 70s plus some favorite swing, jazz, country and popular music. Special guest Koko Ray will lend his talents. Jazz Fest and Oldies Beach Dance are the only concerts that these gifted musicians perform together, so bring your dancing shoes or just relax and enjoy the fun.

Tickets are on a first-come basis at the AMI Chamber 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach or by calling Nancy at 941-518-4431. Tickets are $10 per person in advance before noon, March 12, and $15 at the door. The Sandbar will provide refreshments at an additional charge.

Donations needed The Women’s Resource Center of Bradenton will have its annual clothing drive at Duffy’s Tavern, 5858 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday March 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

They would be grateful for gently used woman’s clothing, shoes and accessories. These items are given to women who apply for jobs. Some of the clothes could be sold at the center’s store, the Unique Boutique1712th Street W., #193, Bradenton. see CRIER, page 42

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THE SUN

SPORTS

MARCH 11, 2015

Bucs Super Bowl bound

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Buccaneers Seahawks

32 18

With the Super Bowl in sight, the Buccaneers defeated the Seahawks, taking their place on the finals bracket for the 8-to 10-year old flag football league at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. Despite brilliant drives in the last few minutes of the game, the Seahawks just could not come from behind with the score, finishing 32-18 for the Bucs.

Coached by Joe Christianson, the Seahawks were led by Assistant Coach Allen Johnson. The Seahawks took first possession of the game with a quick run play that gained short yardage. On second down, quarterback Evan Christianson found receiver Jack Proctor getting the team closer to the first down. From a hand off, German Rivera over threw Proctor, turning the ball over to the Buccaneers.

Caleb O’Connor played quarterback for the Bucs, coached by Gary Harlen.

O’Connor’s first play was a handoff to Jeremiah Sculco. Sculco carried the ball down the field for a short gain.

Ashton Hoy ran the ball on second down, with Sculco following up with another run on third down that found the Buccaneers just short of mid-field.

Taking over on offense, Christianson handed the football off to Rivera, who threw an interception by Sculco.

Capitalizing on the turnover, the Bucs quickly scored a touchdown with Hoy’s reception in the end zone. Going for two points, C. O’Connor found brother Quinton O’Connor bringing the score to 8-0.

The Seahawks answered back on their next offensive attack. Rivera ran the ball 10 yards before losing control of the ball ending the play. Byron Law rushed for additional yardage getting the first down. Quarterback Christianson gave the ball to Noah Johnson to score a touchdown. In their extra point attempt, the Seahawks faced strong defensive play by the Buccaneers causing Christianson to hold on to the football too long, resulting in a seven-second violation penalty. The failed conversion kept the score at 8-6.

In three plays, the Buccaneers put six more points on the board when Hoy found the end zone again. The missed extra point put the Bucs further ahead 14-6.

Monica simpson | sun

In a battle for a place in the Super Bowl, Jeremiah Sculco and Caleb O'Connor for the Bucs and Evan Christianson of the Seahawks fight for possession of the football in the 8-to 10-year old semi-final game.

In their next possession, the Seahawks attempted to make it a twopoint ball game. On the second down, successful yards gained by the team were called back by a penalty. Proctor caught the ball just short of the first down, once again ending the Seahawks’ run.

The Bucs’ were called for a dead ball foul. The team bounced back with a long pass from C. O’Connor to Hoy for another six points, widening the Buccaneers’ lead to 20-6. Another sevensecond violation caused the Bucs the extra point.

Law made the first play for the Seahawks, starting a string of plays that would come short of the first down. A short run by Sculco and two incomplete passes from C. O’Connor to Ashton would do the same for the Bucs.

Before the end of the half, the Seahawks moved the ball down the field with Rivera at the quarterback position. Rivera’s throw to Christianson

resulted in a first down, stopping the clock temporarily. Rivera completed a pass to Law before throwing an interception by C. O’Connor for the Buccaneers quarterback C. O’Connor could not find an open player, leaving the score 20-6.

Opening up the second half, Q. O’Connor gained rushing yardage for the Bucs. An incomplete pass from C. O’Connor to Sculco and a broken play after pressure on the quarterback by Rivera caused the Buccaneers’ to end the series with no additional points.

On the next three possessions, neither the Seahawks nor Bucs could cross the line to change the score.

Taking over on downs, the Bucs crossed the first down line with C. O’Connor hitting Q. O’Connor. After an incomplete pass to Sculco, Q. O’Connor’s cutting and juking took the Buccaneers just short of the touchdown. With less than two minutes left on the clock, Hoy scored his fourth

touchdown for the Bucs. Leaving the score at 26-6 with the missed conversion the Seahawks struck back.

Rivera’s two incomplete passes were followed up by a 45-yard run

by Law, taking the football nearly the entire length of the football field for a momentum gaining score for the Seahawks. With the score 26-12, the Seahawks’ attempt for an extra point was spoiled when the Bucs’ defense caught the ball in the end zone.

With less than a minute left in the semi-final game, Proctor intercepted the throw by Bucs quarterback C. O’Connor with Q. O’Connor as the target.

Starting with excellent field position, the Seahawks set up quickly to start their possession. Christianson resumed his role as the quarterback. The Seahawks had two incomplete passes.

Third time was a charm as Christianson found Rivera in the end zone to add another touchdown to the score.

The missed point after ended the Seahawks drive with the score 26-18.

With the Seahawks hoping to take over on offense to possibly tie-up the game, the Buccaneers’ were assessed a screening penalty as their fellow teammates failed to hold their position on the field once the ball was being advanced down the field. To end the Seahawks hopes, Hoy for the Bucs ran the ball for 45 yards to put the last six points on the scoreboard, ending the game 32-18, advancing them to the Super Bowl scheduled for Friday, March 13 where they will face the Bears.

The Sun Scoreboard March 3: 14-to-17-year-old flag football Latitude27Limousine Falcons Eagles

26 48

LPAC Cardinals Redskins

20 27

March 5: 11-to-13-year-old flag football

Saints 61 Amanda Richards Salon Cowboys 33

March 6: 11-to-13-year-old flag football Bucs Dolphins

19 12

see sports, page 41

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MARCH 11, 2015

The ladies have golfing fun

Sunny weather brought out 50 women ready for golf. It was a make your own foursome Tuesday.

Low gross in flights: A – Laura Purcell, Phyllis Roe and Marlyn Thornton were first place tied at 38; B – Christina Mason, first with 40, Joyce Brown, second with 42 and Sharon Tarras, third with 45; C – Trish Kruger, first with 46 and Terry Westby, second with 48; D – Marcia O’Brien, first with 48, Kathy Miller and Ann Hitchen second tied with 59.

Low net in flights: A – Heather Pritchard, first with 27, Debi Wohlers, second with 28; B – Beth Linderman, first with 27, Judy Ward second with 30; C – Marty Clark, first with 24, Penny Auch second with 29, Sally Martin third with 34; D – Susan VanOrdsdel, first with 30 and Sally York, second with 35.

Birdies: Heather Pritchard on holes #2 and #7 and Debi Wohlers on hole #6. Chip ins: Brenda Solleveld on hole #7 and Joyce Lathrop on hole #1.

Mixed couples winners honored Twenty-eight couples competed in Key Royale Club’s Mixed Couples Championship last month. Three matches were played as scheduled. The fourth and final match was held Saturday, Feb. 21, in a shotgun start at Key Royale.

The winning couple, Helen and Al Pollock, posted a score of 112.2. They received gift certificates from the pro shop and the honor of chairing next year’s event.

Coming in second with a score of 112.8 were Pam and Jack Lowry. Bob Reid and Heather Blane won third place with a score of 114.8. During the final match Dennis Schavey won men’s longest drive. Debi Wohlers had the women’s longest drive. Closest to the pin winners were Jana Samuels and Hoyt Miller. Barry Martin shot a hole-in-one on #7.

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sports: Scores and schedules March 6: 8-to-10-year-old flag football

Bears 18 Future Guardian Insurance Chiefs

12 Seahawks Bucs

20 32

Youth Flag Football Super Bowl Schedule: Friday, March 13 6 p.m., 8-to-10-Year-Old League #1 Bucs vs. #3 Bears 7 p.m., 11-to-13-Year-Old League #1 Saints vs. #3 Bucs 8 p.m., 14-to-17-Year-Old League #1 Redskins vs. #3 Eagles

18 & Over Adult Co-Ed Flag Football League Quarter Final Results #1 Slims Place Falcons #8 Colts

46 12

#4 Salty Printing Bengals

#5 Giants

32 48

#2 Saints 34 #7 Sugar Beach Digital Patriots 21 #3 Dolphins #6 Sato Real Estate Rams

19 27

#4 Signarama Semi-final match winner: Signarama

18 & Over Adult Co-Ed Flag Football League Semi-Final Schedule – March 11

25

7 p.m., #1 Slims Place Falcons vs. #5 Giants 8 p.m., #2 Saints vs. #6 Sato Real Estate Rams

Championship Match

Game 1: #2 Duncan Real Estate #4 Signarama

25 20

30 and Up Adult Co-Ed Flag Football League Quarter Final Results

Game 2: #2 Duncan Real Estate #4 Signarama

23 25

#5 Giants #4 Packers

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#6 Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings #3 Chiefs

12 48

30 and Up Adult Co-Ed Flag Football League Semi-Final Schedule – March 12

Game 3: #2 Duncan Real Estate #4 Signarama Championship match winner: Signarama

11 21

7 p.m., #2 Poppos Chargers vs. #3 Chiefs 8 p.m., #1 Raiders vs. #4 Packers

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball Playoff Results Semi-Final Match Game 1: #1 Southern Green #4 Signarama Game 2: #1 Southern Green

17 25 22

HEROES: James Nichols FROM PAGE 23

I’m trying to put out the fire and guide the chute in for a safe landing. It was wild.”

Nichols would spend three months in the hospital as doctors worked to repair the burns to his face, arms and chest.

Sent to Thailand in 1957, Nichols helped train Thai pilots and also flew a number of classified missions over Vietnam, although there was no Vietnam War then.

Reassigned back to Air War College in the states, Nichols was promoted to full colonel and became vice-commander of a squadron of F-111 fighters.

As this was during the Cold War, Nichols knew he would have to lead his pilots – armed with nuclear bombs – in any action against the Soviets.

And the Vietnam War was still in full operation, even in 1970.

Nichols was sent to Ubon, Thailand, as vice-commander of a wing of F-4 fighters and other aircraft used in the war.

“We flew 24/7. We had 150 aircraft, mostly F-4s and F-111s, but some AC 130 gunships, and 6,215 personnel. To say we were busy is an understatement.”

Nichols quickly learned to overcome the stress of combat flying, but a few pilots couldn’t accept the dangers or duties.

The danger was that you might not come back from a mission, Nichols said. The duty

was to bomb, strafe and drop napalm on the other guy.

“I lost a lot of good friends, guys who never came back from a mission. And I lost friends who had lost their nerves.”

Today, it’s called post-traumatic stress disorder and military doctors are trained to spot the condition. But 50 years ago, nothing was known or done about the disorder.

“We had some pilots who lost their nerves.

It was sad and embarrassing when a friend turned in his wings. There were a lot of pilots troubled by the war and combat.”

By 1973, the war was winding down and Nichols was alerted for a desk job at the Pentagon.

For a fighter pilot, becoming a desk jockey is almost like asking a heart surgeon to fix broken toes.

Nichols learned from a friend that the Pentagon job would guarantee him a promotion to brigadier general and, eventually, major general. “But it was not a flying assignment,” Nichols said.

At the same time, he had a friend in Dunedin, Fla., who had gone into housing development after retirement from the Air Force.

“He made me a good offer, and I was faced with a very difficult decision. The Pentagon job assured me of promotion, but the bad part is that sitting behind a desk meant I would be

I lost a lot of good friends, guys who never came back from a mission.”

Jimmy Nichols Veteran

a paper-pusher, not a pilot.”

After thinking it over for a few days and talking with his wife, Nichols called the Pentagon. After 25 years, he was taking off his uniform and retiring.

“If I couldn’t fly, I didn’t want it,” he stressed.

The decision ultimately proved to be the right one.

“The company, Hallmark Development of Florida, did very well. We built condos and rental storage garages. Those rentals are still in business today.”

Nichols remained active in civilian flying,

and Hallmark had many aircraft to fly executives across North America. Nichols got plenty of flight time with Hallmark.

He stopped flying a few years ago when he could no longer pass his annual flight physical and examination.

Retirement did not mean Nichols left the Air Force behind, although he tried.

“I convinced myself I would not live in the past when I got out. I know a lot of guys who couldn’t forget Vietnam. I know plenty who drank too much after Vietnam. It was tough, but I had my family and managed to keep Vietnam behind me most of the time.

“That doesn’t mean I never think about what happened over there, and the many friends I had who didn’t make it back. I’m no hero. If there were any heroes in that war, they are the guys we left behind.”

Nichols said he was just a regular pilot who loved what he did and the Air Force was everything he wanted.

“I loved flying and being in the Air Force as a fighter pilot was a fulfilling life. I got to fly a lot of great airplanes, retired a colonel and that’s a good way to go out. If I can be remembered, it’s as this: Colonel James Nichols – fighter pilot, United States Air Force. He did his duty.”

Just one of the many unsung heroes among us.

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TOWN CRIER From Page 39

Karen Bell talks about Cortez Karen Bell, of the A.P. Bell Fish Company, speaks on Cortez, Fla., commercial fishing traditions and businesses on Thursday, March 12, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Bell was born in Manatee County and is a descendant of Cortez fishing families. She earned her degree on business administration from Florida Atlantic University. Today she is a part-owner of the family’s wholesale seafood business along with owning Star Fish Company market and restaurant. She

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

3/1, 5:58 p.m., DUI with accident, 121st block of Cortez Road West, on the bridge. The suspect was involved in a rear-end collision on the bride as the bascule was up. The officer smelled alcohol on her and had her perform a field sobriety test, and she was arrested.

3/3, 3:55 p.m., driving with an expired license, Magnolia Avenue and Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the driver for running a stop sign and found his license had expired. He was ticketed.

3/6, 10:25 p.m., assist other agency, 402 Pine, Anna Maria Island Historical Mu-

Obituaries Paul Anthony Hayward March 3, 1959 to Feb. 26, 2015.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we pay tribute to Paul Anthony Hayward who passed away five days before his 56th birthday.

Paul, aka ACE, Acevedo, Hayward, Hayward Von Max, Eddie, Fast Eddie, Eddie Haskell, Corky Mambo, Hank the Bear and Uncle Bohdi, was taken from us far too soon.

He didn’t want it said that he “fought a valiant battle with cancer” so instead, here it is: Paul was brave and courageous and fought ferociously with each last breath to remain on earth with his beloved little son.

is also a part-owner of Cortez Cove Marina, a working boatyard. Her most recent venture has been partnering with Bobby Woodson on a new restaurant, Tide Tables, in Cortez.

For more information, call 778-6341.

Enjoy nature while you shop The Anna Maria Island Privateers are holding their Thieves’ Market on Saturday, March 14, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coquina Beach Parking Lot. If you’re hungry, the Privateers can satisfy you with hamburgers and hot dogs off the grill or their famous buck-an-ear corn on the cob. Big John will be selling his smoked barbecued meats, and they will have a fresh produce stand, weather permitting. Vendors can log onto amiprivateers.org for information on renting a space. Manatee County does

seum. A woman was operating a Segway type vehicle in the parking lot of the village when she ran into a parked car and suffered a leg injury. Manatee County EMS treated her and she was taken to Blake Memorial Hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

3/7, 4:58 p.m., lost property, 400 block of Pine Avenue. The complainant reported a lost trash can.

Bradenton Beach

3/1, 2:15 a.m., battery on a law enforcement officer, Ace’s Bar, 4343 Palma Sola Drive. The officer responded to a report of a fight at the lounge. He tried to arrest a woman who was suspected to be responsible, and she kicked him as he tried to put her in his squad car.

3/2, 7 p.m., battery, Drift In, 120 Bridge Street. The suspect, who lives aboard a

He leaves behind Jackson Kai and Wendy as well as his adored mom, Dolly; his sister, Carolann (Jim); brother, Chris (Debbie); nieces and nephews and more friends than anyone can count. He was predeceased by his dad, Tony, only one year ago. As well, he leaves behind the imagination and talent that brought us the brands: 11ManGang, smiledeep, Idigthisearth, Idigthisisland, happyiscool, optimisticool, canadiansmaketheworldcool, letmerunitbythewife and many others. (www.haywardvonmax.com) The great love he had for his friends from childhood and high school years as well as his Bethany College brothers and sisters was only surpassed by the birth of little JK. Recently, he established lifelong friends while living on AMI. Paul’s celebrity good looks, mop of curly blonde hair, impish grin and infectious charm stole the hearts and souls of everyone he met. People were drawn to him and inspired by him. He

not allow dogs in Coquina Beach or the parking lot.

Paper folding at library Judy Pruitt presents her origami class at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn this ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The class is free. For more information, call 778-6341.

Book signing at Harry’s Mark Labriola, owner of Harry’s Grill at 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, will sign copies of his children’s book, “The Little Pine Tree” on Sunday, March 15, from noon to 2 p.m. on the patio of the grill. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

boat south of the pier, got into an argument with another person and it turned into a fight. He was arrested.

3/2, 11 am., theft from a vehicle, Coquina Beach, 2200 Gulf Drive South. The victim said somebody removed a backpack from his car.

3/3, 11:30 p.m., trespass warning, Sports Lounge, 118 Bridge Street. A homeless man broke the toilet. The manager did not want to press charges, but he asked the officer to issue the trespass warning to the man, who was no longer welcome in that bathroom.

Cortez

3/4, 6:41 a.m., domestic battery, 10100 block of Cortez Road West. The deputy responded to a report of domestic battery. He was told the male put a stranglehold on the female, and the

was the someone everyone wanted to be.

Recently, an author friend wrote, “His entire existence is predicated on the solitary principle of making other people happier than they were 10 seconds ago.”

He always carried two lucky stones in his pocket – one for him and one for you, if you met up with him that day.

He always took the side of the underdog. While most people take a dollar and try to make two, Paul would split it into four quarters and give three away.

He was commemorated many times before he left us in shows of support that included many gatherings of loved ones: Action 4 Ace, A Helping Hand for Hayward, a Woke, a minute of silence at St Stephen’s School, lights and candles turned on all night, numerous news articles and an annual SMILEDEEP soccer tourney, memorial trophy and a polar bear plunge. He was inducted into the Bethany College Sports Hall of Fame (soccer) and

MARCH 11, 2015

Beach Market open Sunday Shopping outdoors, by the beach, is a unique experience, especially when the rest of the country is freezing The Beach Market, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach at the trolley stop, concession stand area, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday through July, except Easter. It offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry, local artists, apparel, pottery, purses, collectibles, health and beauty items and more. The Coquina Café will be open, selling meals and snacks with seating.

Manatee County does not allow dogs anywhere in Coquina Park. The market is stroller, walker and wheelchair accessible. Contact Nancy Ambrose for more information 941-518-4431.

male was arrested.

Holmes Beach

2/21, 4:29 p.m., driving without a valid driver’s license, 3600 block of East Bay Drive. The officer ran a computer check of the suspect’s car and found he had no Florida license and his Missouri license was revoked. The officer remembered ticketing him before. The suspect said he was working for a local restaurant now, and the officer told him he needed to get a Florida license. He gave the driver a citation.

2/24, 9:14 a.m., driving without a license, no valid registration, driving with a defaced tag, 4900 block of Gulf Drive.

The officer was following a truck and noticed the tag was defaced and unreadable. He stopped the driver who told him he had no license. The officer ticketed him.

was recognized with several Lifetime Achievement Awards, as well as an upcoming Humanitarian Award.

His legacy of unconditional love, kindness, compassion and friendship will live on in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday May 16, 2015, at St Stephen’s Chapel in Bradenton. This will be followed by a celebration of his life that will include a Canada vs. USA soccer game and refreshments. The celebration will end with a dedication on Holmes Beach at sunset.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund/ trust fund for Jackson Kai has been set up to fulfill Paul’s wishes. For those who wish to contribute, make donations payable to Dolina Hayward and mail to 3209 Niagara Parkway, Stevensville, Ontario, Canada L0S 1S0. Each donation will be personally acknowledged.

“Without love, we perish.”

Pe.ACE

MARCH 11, 2015

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 *Onetime owner of Waldenbooks 6 TiVo predecessor 9 With 74-Across, what each of the answers to starred clues is 14 Ancient Asia Minor region 15 Mobile setting: Abbr.

16 __ trot 17 Ocean tracker 18 Listen 20 __ Balls: snacks 21 Hoedown honey 23 1841 French ballet heroine 24 Minn. winter hrs.

25 Gets into a seat 27 Compete for the America's Cup 28 "Gotcha" 29 *Seller of Geoffrey Bandages

Answers to 03-04-11 Crossword Puzzle.

31 Tic __ mints 32 Speck 34 Ryder Cup chant 35 "Lux" composer 36 Austere 38 Halloween reactions 40 Spare pieces?

43 *Craftsman company 47 First name in shipping 50 Chalk holder 54 Price number 55 "Well, lah-di-__!"

56 ESPN Deportes language 58 Many a Persian 59 Stringed instrument 61 Big headache 62 "Who Gets the Last Laugh?" network 63 Running things 65 Excessively 66 Common flight path 67 Tom Jones' last Top 10 hit

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69 Birth-related 71 Let up 72 Up to, in store signs 73 Romantic text 74 With 9-Across, what the answers to starred clues form 75 It may have a patch 76 Discharge, as from the RAF Down 1 They catch busses at stadiums 2 NASA launch 3 Provide critical comments on 4 Fjord relative 5 *Bullseye logo company 6 Depressed areas 7 Progressive Field team, on scoreboards 8 Sounded right 9 Cartoonist Addams 10 Fine-tunes 11 Took courses at midnight?

12 Salad bar option 13 SensoTouch 3D shaver, e.g.

19 Neglect 22 Baseball's Moises 26 Rebel org.

30 *Bergdorf competitor 33 Slip 37 "Way to go!"

39 "Captain Phillips" setting 41 Orchard unit

42 Take apart 44 Fats Waller contemporary 45 Border river, to Mexicans 46 *Costco rival

47 Counsels 48 Shower covering 49 "Fingers crossed" 51 Campus aides, for short 52 Trendy 53 Golf Galaxy buy

57 Ex-Soviet leader Brezhnev 60 Sore sort, maybe 64 Get one's feet wet 68 Tinkering letters 70 Pub pint

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNA MARIA GARDEN CLUB FLOWER SHOW, Wednesday, March 18 from 1 -3 at Roser Church, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria.

"SAM BLACK a local author of "FATAL SERUM", available in book stores on April 7th, 2015. Meet Sam every Sunday at Coquina Beach Market and buy a signed copy.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at AMICC. Help your community by giving of yourself.

Various positions available.

Call Sandee 941-778-1908 ext 0 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

OUR DAILY BREAD of Bradenton is looking for volunteer servers 9amnoon. Ask for Penny 941745-2992

BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 GREAT BOAT SLIP FOR RENT. Water, electric, 10,000 lb lift, finger piers, Key Royale canal head.

No bridges. $250/mo. Call 410-782-9100 FOR RENT 1 50' BOAT DOCK on wide deep water canal 2 5000 lb boat lift, up to 21' boat many amenities. Call BJ 941-7783013

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082

CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates.

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570

1920's thru 1980's Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone,Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg, And Gibson Mandolins/Banjos.

800-401-0440

PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways etc.

Call 941-251-5948

BABY SITTER

PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOWS, pool lanais, driveways. Residential & Commercial inside cleaning. Lowest, best deal on Island! Call Craig for Free estimate 941-896-4321

BABY SITTER. Honor student with own transportation. Experienced, References available. Call or text Amanda at 941-713-3219 RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES

BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. Season is full swing-Busy-BusyBusy. Islandboatsales. net We Also Buy Boats. 941-228-3489

Call us today! 941-778-3986

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

AMISUN.COM

RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 BAR/RESTURANT 2100 ft2 with lease, includes Liquor License, Furniture and Good Will $599,000 CALL ALAN GALLETTO Island Real Estate 941-232-2216

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

EMPLOYMENT AMI GIFT SHOP. Family Owned. Part time. Weekends/Evenings a must.

Retirees welcome. Call 813-409-7540 ISLAND RESORT SEEKING P/T maintenance 20-30 hours per week.

Please send resume to PO Box 1563, Homes Beach, FL 34218 HIRING FL REAL ESTATE Sales & Broker Associates. Premier Real Estate (MLS Access) AND Premier Real Estate Referrals, LLC (Non MLS Access). Serious Agents Submit Resume to Broker: LaurieMMock@ gmail.com EXPERIENCED WAIT STAFF needed for private golf club in Holmes Beach. $8/hr + tips. Call Chef Bill at 518.932.1333 AVIATION GRADS WORK with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-314-5838 WELDING CAREERS Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more.

Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 877206-4006

MARCH 11, 2015

FLIGHT ATTENDANT CAREERS start here – Learn how to land a job in the friendly skies and prepare for training by the airlines.

Five information packed days in Orlando. Call AIM 888-242-3630.

FURNITURE CUSTOM COASTAL FURNITURE & CABINETS by Frankie Z. ebay store.

Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com 10/22 NEW/CHANGE until called Zaff COUCH, 1 1/2 SIZE CHAIR, ottoman. Like new $599.

Trundle bed, 2 new memory foam single mattresses (converts to King), custom make coverlet, 5 pillows $250. Call 813-334-4387

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S GIFT & ANTIQUES SHOP. 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach. All Sterling & Gold jewelry 10% to 60% off. Select Gifts, dolls, art work, vintage & costume jewelry, miniatures, glassware, collectables 30% to 80% off.

Fine Essence of Oil, Soaps, candles.. Open 7 days 9:30-5.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am - 2 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. 10 am -1 pm Saturday Annex open same days. Donations accepted Wednesday 9 am. – 11am 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Call 941-779-2733 FLEA MARKET RADERS Reef parking lot. Sunday, March 15. 8am-4pm 5508 Marina Dr. Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, misc. items GARAGE SALE Trek Bike, Pack-n-Play, high chair, prints, baskets, glasses, kitchen ware and more!

Saturday March 14. 9amnoon. 426 Spring Ave, Anna Maria PARADISE & SARASOTA BAY will have a park wide yard sale Saturday March 14th from 9 AM to 1 PM. 10315 Cortez Rd W.

GOLF CARTS THE CADDY SHACK Golf Carts offers fast, friendly and reliable golf cart service, customizing and sales. We have great prices on batteries and accessories for all your golf cart needs. Mention this ad for free pick up and delivery. 941-7483667

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968. State License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www. kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194.

SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget.

Call Mike 616-204-8822.

“HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honey dohomerepairinc.com HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Electrical (lighting, ceiling fans, receptacles), Wall mounted TV’s.

Small “fix-it” repairs. Light carpentry. Call Jim 941448-7806

HOME SERVICES HANDYMAN FOR HIRE. Worked all trades, no job to small. Satisfaction guaranteed. Free estimates. Call Arthur 941-518-8658

DRAIN CLEANING James VanFossen A.K.A. “RIP” Call 941-301-6077

KAYAK/ PADDLE BOARD ROGO SPECIAL: RENT ONE & GET ONE FREE! Single Yak or Paddle Board: $50 Day / $150 5 Days. Free Delivery/Pickup on Island.

Fun Yaks: 918-639-5002

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 ELI’S IRRIGATION New install/repair. Pumps, pools, irrigation, landscape lighting and pressure washing.

Call 941-580-2054 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

LOCKSMITH ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”.

Licensed/bonded/insured.

Call 941-778-1661 or 941713-4414

LOST & FOUND SAILBOAT CAPSIZED ON SATURDAY March 7, near 845 North Shore Drive, Anna Maria Island. Lost: sail, dry bags, orange box, clothing and other misc. gear. Call Fred at 727-6671816 PLESE RETURN THE URN taken on February 17 near the mailbox of 503 69th St, Holmes Beach. We did not realize that items placed on street were fair game on Garbage day. We were moving in on that day.

Please call Jim 443-4213381 LOST: GLASSES (PRESCRIPTION). Lost on running route: 64th St. to beach, to White Ave, 83rd St., Marina Dr. Please call 248-7655207

MARCH 11, 2015

classified

LOST & FOUND LOST SILVER-STONE Bracelet Friday or Saturday December 6 or 7 at Island Player Theater. Please call 941-794-7255 LOST GOLD PINKY ring with amethyst stone vicinity of Cortez Kitchen and Swordfish Grill. Call 941778-8359 LOST PANDORA BRACELET many charms. Great sentimental value. Call 518-365-2702 MISSING 18 INCH GOLD chain with diamond drop, sterling silver seed bracelet , location Blue Water Beach Club between 9/12 & 9/13/2013 heartbroken was gift from husband 45 years ago REWARD please call 863-668-8566 no questions asked

MASSAGE MASSAGE ON THE BEACH in a tiki hut. Also indoors on historic Bridge Street and outcalls. 941-779-6836 www.sea-renityspa.com #MA55034

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

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

PERSONAL SERVICES SMALL ODD JOBS, yard work, walk dog etc. Call George 941-773-5518 THE TINT GUY." Commercial, residential, automotive, marine.

Free estimates. All work guaranteed. Over 25 years experience. Mobile service available. Call 941-2012649

PET SITTING/ HOUSE SITTING ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available.

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496 ANNA & LINDSAY’S Dog Walking. $5 per dog walked, $10 Dog wash. $20 for both plus play time.

Contact 917-406-9554.

Anna Maria Island Only.

PHOTOGRAPHY NEW AERIAL AMI PHOTOS. PhotosFromTheAir.com. email: photosfromtheair@ gmail.com or Call 941-7739834

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455

AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com

WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.

WalyPrecisionPainting.com

AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates.

References available "Let me do what you are unwilling or unable to do."

Call Cindy 941-812-2238 zicker8@aol.com

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE: LOTS FOR SALE

SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts.

Tastefully renovated to include newly tiled kitchen & family room with a peak of the bay and a split bedroom plan. Centrally located in Holmes Beach, with a short walk to shops. Ground-floor unit with covered parking and private storage.

Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455

GORGEOUS LOT (14,160 Sq. Ft) (80 X 177) Located at 1107 Palma Sola Blvd. Stunning views of Palma Sola Bay with great potential for new construction.

For more details contact Gregg Bayer at AMI Beaches Real Estate 941-799-9096

FREE! What every REAL ESTATE BUYER or SELLER needs to know!

Go to www.yourmar ketupdate.com for the latest market data.

BRING YOUR BOAT! Canal villa with no bridges to ICW. Renovated 2BR/2BA villa w/carport, in gated community. 23 foot dock. Open plan, Update kitchen & baths. $249,900 Katharine Pepper, RoseBay International 941-755-2100 or 941-792-9459 HARBOUR ISLE HOME$40,000. in upgrades!

Beautiful! $569,000.

Perico Bay Club VillaVery well maintained! $229,000. Call Kathleen today! 941-773-0165 Island Real Estate BEST PRICED CONDO on Island. 3BR/3BA 2 car garage. Only $285,000! Offers weekly rentals. Karen Day Fineout, Wagner Realty 941-518-3682 4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty

RENTALS: ANNUAL 1BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL APARTMENT in Triplex, Electric, water, sewer, trash & gas included. $750/mo $750 security deposit. Near St. Stephens /Bradenton Available April 1. 2BR/2BA home 1500 s/f lawn care incl. w/d , furnished, lake view, tile, wood & carpet, 2 car garage, close to beach.

Available April 15 to Jan. 1, 2016. Bradenton $1,350/ mo.1st, last & security.

2BR/2BA home, 55 + community, 1,400 s/f water & trash incl. w/d, community pool & shuffle board, Golf privileges available. Big yard, canal view, tile & carpet, Newly renovated throughout . 1 car garage, close to shopping & restaurants.

Available immediately East Bradenton $1,750.

1st, last & security. Credit & background required on all applicants over 18.

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact kate@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. LOOKING FOR A bright energetic Property Management Team? Call Amberly and Tracy at A Paradise 941-778-4800 to maximize your rental income.

AMI ANNUAL 2BR/2BA. Steps to beach, shops, restaurants, & trolley. No smoking/no pets. $1400/ mo. First, Last & security.

Call 860-922-3857 3BR/3BA ANNUAL RENTAL AVAILABLE immediately. 2 car garage, pool, tennis in Perico Island community. $2,300/mo. Contact Kate at Island Real Estate 941345-1295 or email kate@ islandreal.com

ANNUAL RENTALS: Holmes Beach, 2BR/1.5BA, 1/2 duplex. Unfurnished, no pets. $1,400/mo. Anna Maria, 3BR/3BA apt., upstairs, Unfurnished, no pets. $1,750/mo. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc. at 941-7787200 or email monica@ satorealestate.com ANNUAL 3BR TOWNHOUSE in PALMA SOLA TRACE. 1 car garage, heated community pool. Brand new! $1700/mo. First, Last, Security. Contact kate@ islandreal.com or 941-3451295. Island Real Estate.

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$750/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-778-1915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

AMI-WHY RENT SEASONALLY when you can rent your Beach Get-A-Way ANNUALLLY for a comparable amount? Call 860-9223857 for info.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDO 2BR/1BA. Due to cancellation available March 28 to April 4 completely furnished, WIFI, no pets/no smoking. Call 352-430-3739 2BR/2BA WATERFRONT VIEW Condo. Heated pool, tennis courts on Anna Maria Island $3200/mo. For more information Call 763442-4982

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REAL ESTATE: OUT OF AREA NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN Land for sale: a rare find - gently sloping mountain land, 3 1/2 plus acres with building lot, electric, water and septic installed. Storage bldg, apple trees facing south.

Near Cashiers and Lake Glenville. $75,000. Call 941-778-5966.

MURPHY, NC 4BR/3BA plus finished walk out basement in beautiful wooded subdivision in City Limits. Reduced $179,900.

Local owner Don 828-3616150 or Randy at ReMax 828-361-1998

ROOFING METAL ROOFING SPECIALIST. Call Now for a Free Estimate! Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured. CCC 04287 866-998-3324

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport services: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com TOWN CAR SERVICES, All airports served. Local and Long distance services available. Call Glen 941225-0072

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Call us today! 941-778-3986 MARCH 11, 2015

www.amisun.com

MARCH 11, 2015

business & service directory computer service

home improvement

home improvement

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 movers

painting

HOME SERVICES PEST CONTROL

HOME SITTING / PET SITTING transportation

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www.amisun.com

MARCH 11, 2015