Anna Maria Island Sun March 15, 2017

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VOL 17 No. 22

Art in the park sparks crowds

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

The 29th Annual Springfest of Fine Arts and Crafts drew a crowd of people to the Holmes Beach city field last weekend.

Clockwise from above left: Sydney Martin, of Englewood, made these concrete figures; Donna Erlias showed her watercolors; Heidi Barron, from Michigan, showed her glass creations; Paul Braun brought his stone work; and Kathy Sparks, of Bradenton, had her tropical artwork.

Business regulation bills meet local objection The adoption of two proposed business regulation bills would restrict local legislation and revert regulatory authority back to the state.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The City Commission and the ManaSota League of Cities want Florida legislators to know they oppose the current legislative efforts to limit cities’ ability to regulate local businesses.

Both entities adopted resolutions last

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors school restaurants real estate classifieds

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week that state in writing their opposition to House Bill 17 and Senate Bill 1158.

The bills

HB 17 was co-sponsored by Randy Fine (R-Palm Bay) and Paul Renner (RPalm Coast). Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) sponsored the companion bill, SB 1158.

HB 17 says a local government may not impose additional regulations on a business, occupation or profession or modify existing regulations except to repeal or reduce the regulation. It also says local business regulations adopted see BILL, page 45

Jason Sato is tops

in Manatee County real estate sales - again. 3

Anna Maria Island, Florida

March 15, 2017

Holmes Beach readies to welcome spring breakers HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer hopes for a safe and successful spring break.

reminders for residents and visitors to help keep the community safe.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the beach.

Officers have a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking anywhere in the city. Open fires and grills also are prohibited on all Island beaches. Pets are not allowed on the beach.

Tokajer also advises beachgoers to not leave valuables on the beach unattended, even if placed under a towel or in a bag.

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH — Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer wants spring breakers to be safe and mind the rules while visiting the city.

HBPD officers are preparing for a growing number of visitors to Anna Maria Island over the coming weeks as spring break ramps up, continuing through March 27. As a part of that preparation, Tokajer has a few

Beach regulations

see spring break, page 49

Get a GOOD LOOK AT THE CENTER’s ANNUAL TOUR OF HOMES. 25-27

SEE THE Sun’s Wedding Section for

all things matrimonial. 18-21 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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Jason Sato does it again Sato Real Estate is located at Pine Avenue, in the historic Roser Cottage in Anna Maria.

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

ANNA MARIA – For the second year in a row, Anna Maria Island real estate agent Jason Sato sold more real estate than any other agent in Manatee County.

Sato, who is co-owner of Sato Real Estate, credits attitude for his success as well as a good team.

“We have a good staff working in the office,” he said. “They free me up to show and sell homes.”

He said one addition made that easier for him.

“We brought in Sandy Shahinian to do marketing,” he said. “That really helped me.”

Sato said the office staff is like family, and customers feel more comfortable when they are there, plus the office is located in a historic house.

He said they continue to get referrals from past customers, and sometimes the past customers become customers again.

“Some of them rented a house and found out they wanted to spend more time here,” he said “They buy a house and rent it out when they’re not in it.”

He said customers they have appreciate the fact that Sato Real Estate is locally owned and specializes on Island properties. He also said new construction is popular for investors.

“When they buy a home, especially to rent, they don’t want to spend money to fix something on the property.”

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Jason Sato credits local roots, a great staff and a strong market for becoming the top selling real estate agent in Manatee County.

What does he consider his key to success?

“Be connected,” he answered. “When you sell property, do it full time. I work seven days a week.”

That doesn’t mean he neglects his family. He has two sons and a six-month-old daughter, and their grandmother, Barb Sato, works with him.

Sato said he likes to limit his field; he likes to sell Island properties.

“I don’t know much about the mainland or Longboat Key,” he said. “I was born here and grew up here. I went to Anna Maria Elementary School and hung out at the Community Center as a kid.”

And he still considers it paradise, as well as his home.

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Vosburgh applies for planning board The Thursday, March 16 Bradenton Beach Commission meeting will start at noon and begin with former city residents Frank Harrison and Priscilla VonAhnen receiving certificates of appreciation.

The commission will discuss an information packet pertaining to two vacation rental bills (SB 188 and HB 425) and consider a dock permit for 2312 Canasta Vosburgh Drive.

The commission also is expected to appoint former commissioner Jan Vosburgh to the Planning and Zoning Board and commissioners will discuss the selection of new chairs to sit on during their meetings. The city attorney will present the final reading of the amended anchorage and mooring ordinance, the first reading of local business tax increase ordinance, a resolution pertaining to the proposed Coquina Beach fitness trail project and provide an update on a policing innovation plan.

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MARCH 15, 2017

Bond hearing for murder suspect continued

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

BRADENTON – Before a packed courthouse, the bond hearing for accused murderer Eugene Matthews, 84, was continued after District Judge Deno Economou said the defense attorney and prosecutor were using evidence from the upcoming trial to convince him to set bond so Matthews could get out of jail before his trial.

The courthouse was packed because a large number of Rebecca Rawson’s friends and family were present to show their sup-

port for not letting Matthews out of jail, according to several of them who did not want to be identified.

Rebecca Rawson, 65, was killed on Jan. 10 as she came to Matthews’ residence in Parrish Matthews to pick up her dog, after she left it with Matthews so she could tend to family problems. Rawson lived and worked on Anna Maria Island before moving to the mainland. She was a hair stylist and worked at several businesses on the Island.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s

Station to be dedicated to retired chief West Manatee Fire Rescue is set to honor retired Fire Chief Kenneth A. “Andy” Price Jr. with his own fire station.

The district will officially name Station 3, located at 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, in Price’s honor during a dedication ceremony Saturday, March 25, in recognition of his 23 years of service as WMFR’s chief.

The ceremony is open to the public and set to begin at 11 a.m. A neighborhood open house will Price immediately follow.

For more information, contact Inspector Rodney Kwiatkowski at 941-761-1555.

Office report of the incident, Rawson was driving the car with her daughter, Kathryn, and brother in law, Rodney. When she pulled up to the house, Juanita Sills, who lives there, opened the door and Rodney Rawson called for the dog. The dog came outside, and Rodney Rawson picked it up and went toward the car. That’s when Matthews came outside and fired two rounds from a pistol into the air. He then shot a round toward the car, and it hit Rebecca Rawson in the face. The vehicle subsequently backed up and crashed into a gate.

Rodney Rawson tried to get the pistol out of Matthews’ hand and another round was fired

before he succeeded.

At the hearing, defense attorney D. Scott Rieth alleged the Sheriff’s Office report did not include the fact that Rawson crashed through the closed gate to get to Matthews’ house. That allegation was the evidence that caused Judge Economou to continue the hearing until Rieth and prosecutor Darlene Ragoonan could present arguments without using evidence in the proceedings.

There was no date set to resume the hearing. After the hearing, Kathryn Rawson broke down and had to be assisted out of court.

Leprechauns to march north on Sunday The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Anna Maria is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. at Eat Here, near the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives, in Holmes Beach at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 19. It will proceed north to 79th and Gulf Drive at the border with Anna Maria.

Parade originator and organizer Sean Murphy, who owns Eat Here, Beach Bistro and the Doctor’s Office, called it “The biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade south and east of Savannah, Georgia.”

He added, “It may also be the only St. Patrick’s Parade south and east of Savannah, Georgia.”

Participants may join in the fun if

they arrive by 2 p.m. at Eat Here with their rides. Also expected are high school bands, pipe bands, and floats and the mascot from the Pittsburg Pirates – an associate sponsor of the Parade.

Murphy said the idea came while he was talking about St. Patrick’s Day parades of his past with Manatee County journalist Vin Mannix, and they decided to have their own.

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and World War II Veteran Bob Schweiger, who was in the second wave at Omaha Beach on the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, will be parade marshals. In memory of Judy the circus

elephant, a former star of the parade who passed on last year, her long-time companion, Mr. Bones, will be leading two camels in the parade.

Murphy was asked why he went to the trouble of organizing the parade.

“I did it for my kids when they were little. It was great fun for the family to have its own parade. Now we do it for all the kids and all the families. At some point in the parade, Fred Sullivan and Vin Mannix and I stop and look at the crowd and the bands and balloons and we marvel at all the chaos we have created without getting thrown in jail.”

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

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Police officers address safety issues Officers urge residents and visitors to be vigilant in protecting their personal safety.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Police Chief Bill Tokajer reports a decrease in crime, but says residents and visitors should still be concerned about safety.

Tokajer and other HBPD officers hosted a public forum March 9 at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. Officers discussed hot topics, such as speed limits and parking, and addressed concerns from the public before taking attendees on a tour of the police station. The primary theme of the forum was public and personal safety.

“Not everyone who visits our community is very nice,” Tokajer said.

While the city has been enjoying an overall decrease in crime over the past four years, 2016 showed an increase in burglaries that has officers urging residents and visitors to take precautions.

Det. Sgt. Brian Hall said some of the things people should be on the lookout for are suspicious people roaming

Kristin Swain | Sun

Holmes Beach Det. Sgt. Brian Hall, Sgt. Vern McGowan, Sgt. Mike Pilato and Chief Bill Tokajer host a public forum March 9 at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. neighborhoods and fraudsters who promise to do work on a property and take money without completing the task.

He encouraged everyone to take photos of valuables and record serial numbers for electronics to assist police in the event of a theft.

“Report a break-in right away,” Hall said. He also asked that, in the event of

a break-in, homeowners wait for police to arrive before touching or cleaning anything to preserve the crime scene.

Sgt. Vern McGowan gave attendees tips on how to keep their homes safe from break-ins, including trimming hedges to allow for better visibility and adding auxiliary locks to sliding doors and windows. For homeowners concerned about the safety of their proper-

ty, he said officers will come out and do a security assessment of the property.

While homeowners are absent, for a $10 fee officers will visit the property to check security at least twice per week.

Sgt. Mike Pilato said another way officers are protecting the community is by being visible in the streets and at public places.

“The bad guys see us,” he said. “They know we’re out there.”

Since HBPD doesn’t have access to license plate recognition software, Pilato said drivers may see officers in their trucks manually running license plates as vehicles go by to catch drivers with expired or stolen tags, stolen vehicles and those with active warrants.

“Our main objective is to gain compliance,” he said. “Our objective is not to write someone a ticket.”

In 2016, HBPD officers issued 992 traffic tickets, 239 warnings and 2,166 parking tickets.

“The first thing you have to do when pulled over is check your attitude,” Tokajer said. He added it’s up to the see hbpd, page 13

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MARCH 15, 2017

EDITORIAL Playing it safe

W

ith the onset of spring break upon us, officials in Holmes Beach are reminding visitors and locals alike that safety, especially in the crowded conditions on Anna Maria Island right now, should be something of special concern to everyone. (See our story on Page 1 of today's edition.)

Most of the rules and regulations that Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer recently highlighted are similar throughout the Island. These include prohibitions on alcohol, pets, glass bottles or open fires on the beaches, as well as a noise curfew in effect from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Also included were common-sense reminders on vehicle, bicycle and golf cart safety, such as remembering to keep your cars locked and your valuables in the trunk; make sure your bike has a front and back light and a rear reflector if you plan on riding after dark; and don't drive your golf carts on the sidewalks. e would add one more category to that list - pedestrian safety.

Our Island is blessed with fabulous beaches, a wonderful climate and sunsets that have to be seen to be believed.

All of these combine to make this a very walkable place. Unfortunately, large portions of the three cities here don't have adequate sidewalks, especially on the side streets. Which means people have to walk in the roadways and share them with cars and bikes.

Throw in a lack of street lights and you've got a dangerous situation, with large numbers of pedestrians - mostly visitors - liesurely strolling back from a sunset, in the dark, down the middle of the street.

Remembering to carry a flashlight and to wear light-colored or reflective clothing after dark will make that evening constitutional safer for those walking and for motorists trying not to run anyone over.

According to Chief Tokajer, there are 16,400 vehicles on Island roads daily, as well as an untold number of pedestrians.

Somehow we coexist and seem to make it all work out.

Just another day in paradise.

W

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Shore fishing concerns As a tourist visiting this lovely island and swimming with my family on the 65th Street beach, I can't understand why shore fishermen are allowed to cast their sharp hooked lines where many young children and adults are swimming. Not only is there an obvious danger of hooking a swimmer, but the live bait can draw larger fish (sharks) nearer the shore.

There are so many areas on the Island where there are no swimmers where they can safely shore fish, why endanger swimmers with their dangerous hooks on the crowded public beaches? Is beach shore fishing legal in crowded public swimming area?

Dennis Yohe Northbrook, Ill.

Thanks, Mayor I would like to thank Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, the city commissioners and city staff for a delightful evening Friday at the city’s first Movie in the Park. City staff went above and beyond their normal duties by manning the popcorn machine and bagging the free popcorn, passing out free bottles of water and making sure the park was clean before and after the movie presentation.

My husband and I took our grandchildren, ages 2 and 3, who loved the movie and the free popcorn. The turtle presentation by Suzi Fox and her volunteers before the movie was most informative, and children were

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.

excited to receive turtle stickers and coloring books. We hope the city plans on having more of these family events in the park.

Pat Copeland Anna Maria

Center worth supporting The Center is a very valuable asset for permanent residents or visitors.

The employees (and volunteers) are super friendly and very helpful.

The Center has a fitness center with stretching, balance, and a strength center. They have adult and youth sports. They also offer all kinds of exercise classes and art activities. They have tennis courts and pickleball is also available. The Center also offers activities for school age children and teens.

The Center has enhanced my life and I am sure it can do the same for you.

Burr Carter Lake Mills, Wisconsin

Kissick had bridge solution The passing of former Bradenton Beach councilman / commissioner, the Honorable Jim Kissick, will not be forgotten. Born in Manatee County and retiring from the U.S. military as a naval fighter pilot with many levels of certifications in many types of flying machines, fixed-wing singleengine and multi-engine planes, gave him the distinct recognition as one of

the few with such prestigious education, training and abilities.

That background in civil and aeronautical engineering explains his understanding and reasoning for working tireless hours, days, months, and years to come up with an idea for an 85-foot, fixed-span bridge to the Longboat pass area. He never believed the Cortez Bridge should be replaced by a fixed span bridge. His unique ability to take his plane and fly over the bay and around the Tidy Island and Longboat Key area helped him realize the best solution.

He wrote countless letters to explain the idea of a 53rd Avenue extension and causeways to build a fixed span bridge to Coquina and Longboat Key. This idea would relieve Cortez Road, the Cortez Bridge and Bradenton Beach of a lot of traffic. It is a great solution. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has spent millions of dollars on multiple studies of the Cortez Bridge and has yet come up with any solution to relieve the traffic and congestion for the city of Bradenton Beach. Bradenton Beach City Council at one point even named the improbable new bridge the Jim Kissick Bridge.

I had the priviledge to meet and serve with this man and I believe this would be a great solution as well as a tremendous memorial to a great man.

RIP my friend and God speed.

Katie Pierola Former mayor of Bradenton Beach

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the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think of Holmes Beach refusing to change its rental ordinances or agree to settlements with recent Bert Harris claims being filed?

Anna Maria

Holmes Beach

3/14: Planning and Zoning Board meeting, 4 p.m.

3/16: City Commission work session, 6 p.m.

3/22: Bike Path Community Forum, 6:30 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

6%

I'm not sure; I'm just tired of hearing about it.

44%

It is an arbitrary approach that will be counter-productive and cost the city money.

50%

10005 Gulf Drive.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

3/16: City Commission meeting and public hearing on 2312 Canasta, 12 p.m.

3/21: City Commission workshop, 1 p.m.

3/22: Planning and Zoning Board meeting, 1 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Wednesday March 15

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY What do you think of Anna Maria City's prohibition on sandwich board/A-frame signs?

• I like the ban because it helps prevent the clutter of too much signage.

• I don't see the harm in one sign of this type per business, as long as it doesn't block the sidewalk.

• What's all the fuss about signs with sandwiches on them?

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

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Editor/CEO Mike Field Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Tom Vaught

Island-wide

3/15: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., 2 p.m.

3/16: West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

mark your calendar

It is a bold move but could help the city retain its Home Rule rights.

Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field

5801 Marina Drive.

Layout Ricardo Fonseca Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Susan Otto Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene Cindy Lane

Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Contributors Steve Borggren Monica Simpson Rusty Chinnis

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

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

Early Settler’s Bread for sale, AMI Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5.

Einstein’s Circle discussions, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $12. Space limited.

Introduction to Facebook, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Thursday March 16

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Zumba for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Book club, “The Round House,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate

bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

Knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

Friday March 17

Four Elements Earthwalk: Fire, Ungarelli Preserve, 4000 Palma Sola Blvd, Bradenton, 9 a.m. Reserve to 941-742-5923, ext. 6093.

Bridge refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

St. Patrick’s Day dinner and show, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 4 p.m., $35, drinks included.

Reserve to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or 941383-6493.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

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AMICCO presents Three Tenors The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra proudly presents Three Tenors on Sunday, March 26, at 2 p.m. at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road W, Bradenton. This is AMICCO’s season finale.

Three world-class tenors will perform opera arias, opera overtures and popular songs accompanied by the full orchestra with chorus added.

Soloists are: • Adam Bielamowicz, who has appeared throughout the United States, with companies such as Glimmerglass Festival Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Sarasota Opera, Central Florida Bach

Festival, the Lubbock Symphony, and most recently made his Carnegie Hall debut with the American Symphony Orchestra. He performed in apprenticeships with Santa Fe Opera, Bielamowicz Crested Butte Opera and Cedar Rapids Opera.

• Daniel Gerdes, who made his international debut as Paride in Gluck’s Paride ed Elenawith Opera Piccola Bremen in Germany. He is an Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Gerdine Young Artist and has performed with The San Francisco Opera, New York City Opera,

Tupelo Symphony, Florida State University Symphony, Florida Atlantic University, University of Wisconsin La Crosse and the Miami Lyric Opera. AMICCO Patrons will remember him Gerdes as Frederic in the March performance of Pirates of Penzance.

• Justin John Moniz, winner of the 2015 American Prize in Voice, tenor, Justin continues to earn acclaim for his “superb high tenor” (South Florida Classical Review) and “commanding stage presence” (TalkinBroadway.

com). He has previously appeared with Sarasota Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Opera New Jersey, Opera Company of Middlebury, DreamCatcher Theatre/ Moniz Adrienne Arsht Center (alongside Tituss Burgess), Orchestra Miami and Chicago Symphony Center.

Tickets are available online at http:// www.amicco.org/www.amicco.org, at the Anna Maria Island Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive N, Holmes Beach, by phone 410812-2468 or at the door if still available.

Mayor's FPL stance finds support

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.cm

Bradenton Beach Police Department | submitted

New officer sworn in Joined by Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale on Thursday, Feb. 23., Alex Hurt was sworn in as the city’s newest police officer. Hunt replaces former officer Jason Higgins, who recently accepted a position with the Holmes Beach Police Department. City Clerk Terri Sanclemente conducted the swearing in ceremony, with Mayor Bill Shearon, Hurt’s wife and Hurt’s mother also in attendance. Hurt’s first day on the job was Monday, Feb. 27.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Commission supports Mayor Dan Murphy’s decision to deny right of way work permits to Florida Power and Light (FPL) for the replacement of power poles along Gulf Drive and elsewhere in the city.

Murphy recently told FPL the city would not issue the work permits until FPL provides a plan that details how and when the existing poles will be removed. Murphy said he is not going to allow the old poles to remain in place, as is the case in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

“I wanted to let you know where I was coming from. I’m adamant about the fact that they have a plan and remove the old poles and not leave them like they did in the other cities.

Those are our right of ways,” Murphy told the commission.

“I support you 100 percent,” said Commission Chair Doug Copeland.

Commissioner Carol Carter noted that some of the poles that were replaced but not removed in the other cities still have rolls of black wire hanging from them.

Murphy also denied FPL’s request to begin the work in April, which is still peak season in terms of tourism.

“They did Bradenton Beach last year during peak season and it was a disaster trying to get up and down Gulf Drive,” Commissioner Brian Seymour said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

These two poles in Bradenton Beach illustrate Mayor Dan Murphy’s concerns about old poles being left behind and sometimes cut off after being replaced by new poles.

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MARCH 15, 2017

Bills pass to rein in Visit Florida, kill Enterprise Florida The Visit Florida bill passed 80-35 on Friday.

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

TALLAHASSEE – In the first week of the Florida Legislative session, the House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved bills to make state’s tourism agency, Visit Florida, more accountable, and eliminate the state’s economic development agency, Enterprise Florida.

The Visit Florida bill, which passed 80-35 on Friday, would require the agency to raise private funds to get equivalent matching state funds and require performance standards, operat-

ing budgets and employee salaries to be included in contracts with businesses or governmental agencies that receive public funds from the state or from tourist taxes.

It also would allow the Legislature to reject proposed contracts worth $750,000 or more, remove the state’s public records exemption for marketing and research projects and require the governor to approve out-of-state and international travel, among other changes.

The regulations are in part a response to a secret $1 million Visit Florida music video contract with Miami music artist Pitbull, uncovered in a 2016 lawsuit filed by Republican House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land

O’Lakes), who filed the original bill.

Passing 87-28 the same day, the Enterprise Florida bill would eliminate the agency, a response to accusations that the agency unfairly favors large over small companies, among other criticisms.

The proposals would require transferring Visit Florida operations from Enterprise Florida to the state Department of Economic Opportunity.

Gov. Rick Scott, who asked the Legislature for $76 million for Visit Florida this year and $85 million for Enterprise Florida, said in his State of the State address three days before the vote, “I want to be very clear in acknowledging that both Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida have made mistakes along with

their many successes over the years … but, just like we would do in the business world, we have made changes at both agencies so the organizations can be more efficient and transparent.

"Any CEO or business owner will tell you that mistakes are made sometimes.

But, you don’t just give up and shut down, and take your ball and go home.

You figure out what the problem is and fix it."

“Visit Florida has been responsible for recruiting record numbers of visitors – including a record of nearly 113 million last year,” he continued. “Will Florida still have tourists if we stop advertising? Sure. But we will have less. And that means less jobs, less tax revenues and less of everything.”

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MARCH 15, 2017

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To learn more about our award-winning communities throughout Florida, visit mintofla.com. *Please see a New Homes Sale Professional for details. For correct representations, make reference to this advertisement and to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a seller to a buyer or lessee. © Minto Communities, LLC 2017. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, Harbour Isle and the Harbour Isle logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880. 3/2017

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HBPD: Safety emphasized FROM PAGE 5

officers in some instances to decide whether to issue a ticket or a warning. Aggressive drivers are more likely to receive a ticket.

In addition to traffic and parking enforcement, Tokajer said officers will be ramping up crosswalk

enforcement to protect pedestrians crossing city streets. Officers will be looking for drivers who do not stop for pedestrians.

Other HBPD traffic initiatives include enforcing parking laws and looking for drivers without seatbelts.

In addition to Tokajer,

the HBPD has 15 sworn officers who work in 12 hour shifts. “Every officer we have is top of the line,� he said.

For more information on services offered by officers or to report a crime, contact the HBPD at 941778-COPS (2677).

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Chef-crafted … authentic … with integrity

ZAGAT “Top Restaurants in America”

941-778-6444 www.BeachBistro.com

Crafted Cocktails

941-213-9926

www.DoctorsOfficeAMI.com

Florida Trend “Best New” Restaurant

941-778-0411 www.eathereflorida.com

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MARCH 15, 2017

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Tales of a craft cocktail bar

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

People ask me if my mom taught me to cook.

Mom was a strict adherent to the Irish cooking maxim, “Take everything that walks, swims or flies across the face of the earth and boil the livin’ bejeezuz out of it.”

My love of food did not start with mom. It began in New Orleans.

Almost 40 years ago I landed there as a frostback, an illegal alien from Canada.

I was hired at Arnaud’s in the French Quarter and learned the waiting tables trade from some of the world’s best table service veterans.

My wife and Beach Bistro partner, Susan, mastered senior bar duties at one of Le Vieux Carre's busiest and most visible bars, Le Booze at the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street.

During our New Orleans time, we developed a great friendship with Fred

Sullivan, the popular bar master at Beach Bistro.

Every year since they were old enough to travel and until they preferred to travel without us, we packed up our children, Ben and Alexandra, and made a pilgrimage to New Orleans to visit Fred and to teach them about America's greatest culinary city.

New Orleans is the true birthplace of American cuisine. Food was celebrated in New Orleans as a uniquely American art form when restaurants in New York and San Francisco were still opening cans and hiring Frenchmen.

Our son Ben worked summers and holidays at the Bistro. He earned his stripes as a pro waiter and bartender on the Bistro staff before heading off to university. Ben further honed his bartending skills in the dorms of Connecticut College.

Our daughter Alexandra studied in America’s other great culinary cities, Atlanta, Nashville and Seattle, and travelled and researched all things culinary throughout Europe, Asia and Africa.

Three years ago, Ben returned to New Orleans to attend the world's foremost chef-bartending conference, the Tales of

submitted

the Cocktail, and to revisit his family's birthplace in America.

Ben’s Tales of the Cocktail visit marked the beginning of what became a truly family effort to create an authentic craft cocktail bar on Anna Maria Island.

The craft cocktail movement is a

revival of America’s love of classic cocktails – mixology from America’s earliest experiences with tavern punches and the cocktail cultures of the gay 90s and the speakeasy 20s.

It is also a celebration of the creative mixing of the very best of spirits, ingredients and authentic flavor infusions.

America has developed the best culinary product in the world by combining our increasing knowledge of world culinary skills with the world’s best product – American lamb, beef and fresh seafood. The craft cocktail movement is the natural extension of our passion to excel at all things culinary. We now celebrate that passion at The Doctors’ Office and are grateful to Ben and Alex for leading our way.

After I left New Orleans people asked me why I did not stay.

My response, “I feared for my liver.”

When Ben was asked why he did not spend some time living in New Orleans as his parents had done he quipped, “I decided it was a bad idea for me to live in a town with no last call.”

Some days, and in some ways, apples don’t fall far from the trees.

florida’s ““best florida’s best nnew ew restaurant” restaurant” 5315 gulf 5315 gulf lf d drive rive

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MARCH 15, 2017

Christine Mladineo and Timothy Whitaker were married Dec. 3, 2016, at the Sunset Tiki Hut at the Gulf Drive Cafe.

The wedding was a surprise wedding. Their guests thought they were coming to a birthday party. Laura Snow, Event manager at the Gulf Drive Cafe, assisted in orchestrating the entire surprise, then afterward coordinated the ceremony and reception. The couple will be honeymooning in the spring in Key West and are originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but now reside in Apollo Beach, Fla.

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Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Erin Kirby and Mike Williams were married on the beautiful beach of Anna Maria Island on May 16, 2015. Chuck Caudill provided the music. Erin and Mike honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Columbus, Ohio. On June 30, 2016, Erin and Mike became the proud parents of Kensington (Kensi) Kirby Williams

Kourtney Nasser and Lakai Enterline were married at the Sandbar restaurant on June 16, 2016. Chuck Caudill provided the music. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. Kourtney and Lakai honeymooned on Anna Maria Island, before returning home to Terre Haute, Ind.

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

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MARCH 15, 2017

The Perfect Venue . . . For Your Perfect Wedding

100 Spring Avenue Anna Maria Island 941.778.8709

200 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach 941.778.8718

BeAnIslandBride.com

The Sandbar – a perfect location The Sandbar wedding and special event pavilion: We didn’t set the standard for beach weddings, we merely perfected it!

Adjacent to the historic Sandbar restaurant is the site of the Sandbar wedding and special event pavilion. With breathtaking sunsets, exceptional customer service and outstanding food, the Sandbar venue has, for decades, attracted couples celebrating their special day. For nine years, couples of “The Knot” have voted the Sandbar venue top ceremony and wedding site. Readers of weddingwire.com have given the Sandbar the Brides Choice Award for 2010 - 2015.

Designated as one of the top venues for destination weddings and special events on the west coast of Florida, The Sandbar wedding and special event pavilion is a stand-alone, open-air pavilion steps from the Gulf of Mexico that can comfortably seat 100 plus guests under the pavilion with additional seating along its perimeter. Innovative menus offer a wide variety of locally sourced and sustainable seafood dishes, land fare and fresh produce grown at the restaurant’s own farm. The Sandbar’s expert culinary team is happy to customize a menu unique to your event.

Sandbar wedding coordinator Patti McKee, who has coordinated thousands of weddings, will be with you throughout the planning and event stages providing you a list of preferred vendors to help make all of your wedding day dreams come true.

For information on the Sandbar wedding and special event pavilion contact Patti McKee, 941-778-8709, pmckee@chilesgroup.com. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Search reviews on The Knot, and Weddingwire or see photos on their website www.islanddining.com.

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Beachfront dream wedding A beachfront wedding? Your dream can come true at The Sunset by Gulf Drive Cafe. The waterfront venue is one of Anna Maria Island’s most appealing sites for wedding celebrations. Located at the south end of the Island, Gulf Drive Cafe overlooks sugar-white sand beaches, the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise-emerald waters and multi-colored horizon during sunset. The Gulf waves provide a picturesque backdrop when saying, “I do.” They have several options when considering where to exchange your vows. The most popular feature is tying the knot near the coastline on a romantic sandy walkway of multi-colored rose petals.

You may also choose to have the ceremony performed at the Seastar Pavilion, several feet away from the beach. It offers sand-covered, open-aired secluded spaces surrounded by miniature tiki huts. The rustic Sunset Tiki is a reception space perfectly suited for groups over 50 people. It has a lovely tile dance floor for you and your guests to dance the night away, and there are drop down sides in case of bad weather.

The wedding party and guests are welcome to dance barefoot in the sand. You also have the choice of bar set up during the length of your reception for private use.

Their team of experts will work with you on creating your perfect tropical dream wedding.

They offer several wedding packages to fit your budget and invite you to visit the property, sample their chef’s creations and learn more about the wedding packages they offer. For more information, e-mail gulfdrivetiki@gmail.com OPEN DAILY 7 AM - 9 PM

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Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Lauren Duvall and Michael Macurak were married at the Sandbar restaurant on April 23, 2016.

Chuck Caudill played ukulele while guests arrived, and then sang and played guitar, and was dj for the reception. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz of the Sandbar organized the ceremony and reception.

Lauren and Michael honeymooned on Anna Maria Island. Lauren and Michael currently reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Peter Donahue surprised girlfriend Jackie Concialdi with a proposal of marriage on the beach of the Sandbar restaurant on May 26, 2016. Jackie's parents Mike and Nancy, and her brothers Brent and Tyler, all flew to Anna Maria Island from Arlington Heights, Ill., to be a part of the surprise proposal. Peter's parents, Pete and Laurie, and his sisters Caitlin, Meghan, and Colleen also came from Arlington Heights, and Chicago, Ill., to be present for Peter's surprise proposal. Jackie said, "Yes,"and everyone celebrated with an excellent dinner on the deck of the Sandbar restaurant, coordinated by Arty Cholminski, of the Sandbar. Anna Maria Island is special to the Donahue family, who have visited at least annually for more than 30 years. Peter and Jackie reside in Chicago, Ill. They will be married Nov. 4, 2017, at Notre Dame de Chicago by Father Scott Donahue, uncle of the groom.

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Planners don’t want bridge to attract campers The Anna Maria Island Bridge Aesthetics Committee will review final recommendations at its next meeting April 26.

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

BRADENTON – Members of the committee charged with making recommendations on how the planned replacement for the Anna Maria Island Bridge will look agreed they want the bridge to attract walkers, runners and bicyclists, but they don’t want to become a home for those who have no home.

At their last meeting in February, members discussed landscaping around the access ramps. In earlier meetings, they were given a choice of trees versus shrubs, and they agreed on native trees in a mixture of groupings and in rows, which they referred to as soldiers.

They also agreed to have a combination of shade trees and palms.

Landscape

There had been discussion of pocket parks at the landings adjacent to the traffic and under the bridge, near the existing canoe launch on the east side of the bridge. There would be benches and trash cans for those using the area for sightseeing and exercise.

Holmes Beach resident and landscape expert Dennis Groh said he preferred metal benches to wood, but Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon pointed to the success of recycled plastic benches at the Bridge Street Pier. He said they stood up to the elements and were easy to clean. The group decided to look into that.

file photo

The areas under the bridge near where they hit land will not be so fancy they invite "camping."

While discussing the pocket parks concept, Save Anna Maria representative Nancy Deal said they might become habitats for the homeless who come to the area, especially in the cold, weather months.

Members voiced concern about the safety of those parks, especially at night, and they decided to maybe have benches at those locations made of wood with concrete legs and call them rest stops.

Keep Manatee Beautiful Executive Director Ingrid McClellan suggested bringing back a more rustic design for those areas and discuss safety with law enforcement officials.

Bridge engineers agreed to skip the March meeting and will meet again in April with a list of the group’s preferences to date, as the deadline for final suggestions nears.

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For the children Members of the Kiwanis of AMI presented Island Branch Library Youth Services Librarian Trudy Bell with a $500 check to the Friends of the Island Library on Tuesday, March 7, for children’s programs. Bell has turned weekly pre-school reading sessions into popular programs that include reading, dancing and singing with kids and parents, and the money will go toward more programs like that, she said. From left to right: Malcomb Schantz and Pam Leckie, of the Friends; Bell; Valerie McGannom, of the Friends; and John Chappie and Sandy Haas-Martens, of the Kiwanis Club,

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‘Play On’ a riotous comedy The Island Players perform “Play On” through March 26. Call 941-7785755 or visit their website at www.theislandplayers.org for tickets or information.

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

ANNA MARIA – “Break a leg” is a saying thespians say for good luck before they go onstage. “Play On,” by Rick Abbot, is the antithesis of that saying.

Anybody who has ever performed before an audience lives with the fear of losing concentration, saying something they should not say or sometimes getting the giggles so they can’t continue. “Play On” would make any performer queasy because it is about all those disastrous fears.

“Play On” is a hilarious story about a cast getting ready for a performance of “Murder Most Foul,” a murder mystery.

The play is set in three chapters: the first rehearsal, the last rehearsal and the first night of the play. During the first rehearsal, the cast has the usual problems of forgetting lines and cues. Interlaced with funny dialogue, they

From left: Robin Rhodes as Phyllis Montague, Diana Schoemaker as Geraldine Dunbar, Daniel Coppinger as Henry Benish, Caroline Cox as Polly Benish, Craid Moran as Billy Carewe, Valerie Lipscomb as Violet Imbry and Mark Shoemaker as Saul Watson. Not pictured: Sylvia Marnie as Aggie Manville, Laura Morales as Marla Smith and Susan Mergens as Louise Peary.

start over many times and finally break for coffee and when they return, they get worse.

The cast of this Island Players performance was right on, and as far as can been ascertained, most of the goof ups were scripted. A mix of 10 new and veteran actors and actresses did an outstanding job. A few of the parts were part of the backup crew of “Murder Most

Foul,” and they appeared behind the scenes. Kudos to Sylvia Marnie, who played stage manager Aggie Manville; Diana Shoemaker as theatre director Geraldine Dunbar; Susan Mergens as Louise Perry, sound, lighting and scenic technician; and Robin Rhodes, who was novice playwright Phyllis Montague.

Meanwhile, as they progress into

the final rehearsal, the mistakes get worse, and they get the giggles, they argue and the stress of the impending first night has them all worried.

When it came to the first live performance, one might think they would get it all together and do a precariously acceptable performance. No, it gets worse, and when things go wrong, they lose it.

The production was well played with Henry and Polly Benish as Lord and Lady Dudley; Mark Shoemaker as Saul Watson, the villain; Billie Carewe as Stephen Sellers; Valerie Lipscomb as ingénue Diana Lassiter; and Laura Morales as Doris, the maid. We hope in the future Morales gets more roles without having to use a duster.

“Play On” was well worth the money and time. It’s a great way to laugh away the stress of a long day.

The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday. On performance nights, the box office opens at 7 p.m., and for Sunday matinees, it opens at 1 p.m. Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted. For reservations or information, call the box office at 941-778-5755 or go to the website, www.theislandplayers.org.

Scientist, pioneer feminist speaks of canopies Meg Lowman spoke at the Island Branch Library about the low esteem for women in third world cultures and countries.

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

HOLMES BEACH – She’s billed as the “Einstein of the treetops,” but Meg Lowman has other concerns too, such as the women of third world nations, whose roles in society are mainly breeding and raising children.

Lowman, who calls herself an “arbornaut,” is the former Selby Gardens director, and she designed Manatee County’s Myakka Canopy Walkover. She became interested in traversing jungles over the

treetops when she went to Australia and visited the rain forests there. She was amazed at life in the crowns of trees.

“One half of all the world’s species live in the treetops, never going under the trees,” she said. “It’s the world’s eighth continent.”

She also visited areas in Africa and became concerned that many countries did not offer a basic education, and the women married and had children in their early teens.

The males worked at feeding and housing them. She would call for volunteers among the populace to help her, and women seldom responded.

As she traveled about, her two children helped her with her research.

In some countries, she said, the forests are being cleared for development, robbing the wildlife of shelter and food

and the atmosphere of the oxygen produced by photosynthesis. Kenya, the only areas that are still forested are in land surrounding the churches.

“In some areas, only 5 percent of the forests are left,” she said.

Lowman has done work in many countries including India, Ethiopia and Cameroon, and she tries to serve as a model in those areas where tradition prevents the females from realizing their potential.

Lowman holds many positions and titles within the environmental and scientific community, and she lives in North Carolina, but she said she always loves to return to this area, where she left her mark at Selby Gardens and Myakka.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Meg Lowman holds one of her books, "It's a Jungle Up There." See more at canopymeg.com.

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Center announces Tour of Homes lineup

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

T

he Center of Anna Maria Island’s annual Tour of Homes is almost here.

The event takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 18 and features five homes, an artisan boutique and two gourmet food stops. Each home on the tour was chosen for its unique style and embodiment of Anna Maria Island living.

The Center will offer complimentary transportation between the five homes and The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, as well as CrossPointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Shuttles will run consistently throughout the day between

the homes and both parking areas.

The Center’s bus is handicap accessible.

Limited parking will be available at each stop on the tour for attendees wishing to drive their own vehicles.

Volunteer parking attendants will be available at each home to direct drivers to available spots.

New to the tour for 2017 is a food stop at The Center. Food will be available for purchase from Empacurious and the Traveling Gourmet. Billi Gartman also will be offering a strawberry lemonade stand at the site.

The Waterfront restaurant, 111 Bay Blvd. N., Anna Maria, will be hosting a snack stop in its parking lot featuring beef sliders. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Center.

This year, the Steinbock home located at 785 North Shore Drive in Holmes Beach, also is the host property for the Tour of Homes Tropical Treasures Boutique, sponsored by Duncan Real Estate.

The boutique will feature original artwork, jewelry, craft items and home décor from local artists along with gourmet food stuffs. Last-minute tickets will be available in the boutique for the Tour’s quilt raffle at six for $5 or $1 each.

This year’s quilt, titled “The Mermaid’s Journey,” is the 17th quilt created by the Eyeland Needlers for the Tour.

Silent auction items also will be on display in the boutique. Winners of the auction items and the quilt raffle

will be announced at 3 p.m. Participants do not have to be present to win.

The quilt is sponsored by Green Real Estate.

All proceeds benefit The Center.

Tickets for the tour are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event and can be purchased at The Center, the AMI General Store, Duncan Real Estate, Ginny and Jane E’s Café and Coastal Store, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Holmes Beach Ace Hardware, LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air, the Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper office and Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton.

Tour booklets are available at The Center. For more information, contact The Center at 941-778-1908.

Ute Shaw and Mark Beggs 630 Dundee Lane, Holmes Beach

T

THE CENTER | submitted

his canal front home features a professionally manicured front yard with black river rocks leading to the double glass door entryway.

The three-bedroom, two-bath home began in 2015 as a remodeling project for owners Ute Shaw and Mark Beggs.

The owners enlarged the home to increase the kitchen space and add a small living area.

The addition of a pool and outdoor entertaining area completed the home. Visitors may notice one end of the pool is very shallow, a feature especially designed for the couple’s dogs.

Inside the house is a split floorplan with a master suite on one side and two guest bedrooms and a guest bath on the other.

The home is decorated in an eclectic décor carefully curated by Shaw with artwork collected from around the world and some created by Beggs.

A separate upstairs one bedroom apartment provides a relaxing retreat for guests and overlooks Bimini Bay.

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Allan and Sharon Steinbock 785 North Shore Dr., Anna Maria

A

Bean Point beauty, the four-bedroom home owned by the Steinbocks also is known as La Bella Bean.

The home brings the best of nature in with sweeping views of sea oats, sand dunes and the Gulf of Mexico. The open floor plan flows easily between the living room, kitchen and dining room, which features a glass bottle chandelier full of trinkets from the sea. The main living area transitions to the outside deck and pool area.

Upstairs is a private master suite and loft living area with views of the natural island beauty surrounding the home.

THE CENTER | submitted

Valerie Tilelli

651 Key Royale Dr., Holmes Beach

A

n eclectic gem tucked away on beautiful Key Royale, Valerie Tilelli’s home is a showcase for the many countries she’s visited.

The living room features a Buddha from Angkor Wat, a Korean medicine chest and a Chinese wedding chest, all acquired by Tilelli on her travels. The split floorplan features two guest bedrooms on one side

of the expansive living area with a master suite on the opposite side with views of Tampa Bay. A large patio built for entertaining and private boat dock offer views of Tampa Bay and, on clear days, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Tilelli purchased the property in 2012 with 2013 marking the completion of the three-bedroom home.

THE CENTER | submitted

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Rick and Lyn Puskas

A

108 Gull Drive, Anna Maria

wooden mermaid is ready to welcome Tour of Homes attendees to the Puskas home in Anna Maria.

The newly built canal front property offers privacy in spa-like surroundings for vacationers. A large kitchen flows into the dining area just off the main living area. The chef’s kitchen features a large island with modern teardrop

lighting. Each of the home’s four bedrooms boats its own private bathroom reminiscent of a spa retreat.

Outdoor is a secondary living space complete with a pool, swim-up bar and wine bar. Ping pong, foosball and picnic tables also are offered under a roofed area where guests can play while also enjoying the stunning water views.

THE CENTER | submitted

Dustin and Kelly Preston 830 South Bay Blvd., Anna Maria

T

he best of island living is showcased at the Preston home in Anna Maria.

Once through the glass entry, guests can view Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from multiple points in

the open concept living area. An ultramodern white kitchen features prominently in the entertaining area. This floor also features a walk-in laundry area and two full guest suites overlooking Galati Marina. One of the suites,

decorated in shades of blue, is home to an interesting architectural feature — all of the walls are curved.

Journeying up another set of stairs will take visitors to a small reading loft.

Up the final set of stairs are two bed-

rooms, a master suite and family room with stairway access to a rooftop deck, which will be off-limits during the Tour.

Completing the home are a ground level pool deck, fire pit and private beach with access to the bay.

THE CENTER | submitted

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MARCH 15, 2017

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

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Photograph/video your catch I

n the digital age, anglers have a plethora of ways to record and share the excitement of their catch. There was a time when it was common to take fish back to the dock, where they were unceremoniously nailed to a board and photographed with the smiling anglers and guide. Occasionally, a picture was taken on the boat, and rarely the fish was released to fight again.

Fortunately, these days, that scenario is rare. Over the years anglers have come to recognize that fish stocks aren’t unlimited and have started to release their catch (keeping only what they take home to eat fresh). Practicing catch and release doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the thrill of the catch and share it with others.

With the wide spread use of the internet and sites like Facebook, Flicker, Twitter and YouTube anglers can reach out to an almost unlimited audience. Today’s digital cameras, including those in smart phones, allow anglers to capture images

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS and/or video of our catches, making catch and release all the more rewarding.

Photography (including videography) has never been easier, and anglers can enjoy this remarkable technology no matter what their level of expertise. Most digital cameras and most smart phones have the ability to capture quality images and video. Many even come with software or apps that let you crop, resize, enhance and share the final product. You can send the images via e-mail straight from a phone or download them, edit and print them out to frame and display.

You can also post them online to reach a wider audience.

rUSTY CHINNIS | sun

A crooked horizon leads the viewers eye away from the action.

While taking a picture or shooting a video may be easy, there are a few basic rules that will help anglers produce a better outcome.

• Before ever leaving the dock be sure you have fresh batteries, that phones are see reel time, page 32

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Snook are the focus Captain Dave White

Snook have been the focus here at Anna Maria Charters this week. The warmth of the morning sun shining down on the flats has been keeping these fish fired up. We've had nice low incoming tides due to the full moon coming up on the 12th. These strong incoming tides are key to triggering feeding fish.

Deeper potholes first thing in the morning are holding a lot of schooliesized fish, with a few big fish mixed in here and there. As the tide fills in, these fish will typically push closer to the mangroves and the shallower waters.

I'm fishing these charters using shiners under a cork. These are easy for clients to identify and also keep my bait "in the zone" and out of the grass.

Spotted sea trout and redfish are being caught while targeting these snook. I've seen a lot of bigger trout this last week, typically on the edges of the deeper flats. Four feet of water seems to be the magic number as far as depth goes. Sometimes a split shot about a foot above the bait will keep your shiner from remaining on the surface.

Hopefully, this cold front mid-week

doesn't slow this trend down. It's been a fun one. Word of advice – be ready as soon as your cork hits the water.

Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released snook in the ICW at night and trout and bluefish in Sarasota Bay on flies and snook, redfish and trout in Gasparilla Sound on CAL jigs with shad tails during the past week.

Martin Marlowe, from New York, snook fished with me on Monday evening. We fished dock lights in the ICW near Venice, and he had good action catching and releasing snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly.

Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, both from Michigan, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Wednesday. We worked deep grass flats on both sides of the bay, and they had steady action with trout and a bluefish on Clouser flies fished on sink tip and intermediate fly lines. Alan caught and released a 23-inch trout, his personal best.

Since these big trout are usually females, I feel it is important to the health of our trout fishery that they be released.

I gave a presentation, Spring on

the Fly in Southwest Florida, to an enthusiastic group at the Charlotte Harbor Fly Fishers in Punta Gorda on Wednesday evening. It was good to see some old friends and new faces, too.

Dave Reinhart, from Virginia, and Will Patterson, from Tampa, fished the backcountry of Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me on Thursday. They fished hard and it paid off for them late in the day with numerous snook and some very nice trout, including several over the slot, caught and released on CAL jigs with shad tails. Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, Ill., fished the same area with me on Friday and caught and released a slam including several snook, trout and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails.

Trout, blues, Spanish mackerel, pompano and more should be a good option on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. You should also find larger trout in shallow water along with snook and reds when conditions are good.

Action in the coastal Gulf should take off with king and Spanish mackerel, cobia and tripletail. Fishing lighted docks and bridges in the ICW for captain DAVE WHITE | SUbmitted snook with flies and DOA Lures conMike Donaldson, of Milwaukee, shows off a tinues to be a good option. nice snook on Anna Maria Charters.

tide chart for anna maria city pier-March 1-8 A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Wed 3/1

12:39a 1.75

7:01a 0.09

1:01p 1.81

7:40p -0.02

Thu 3/2

1:37a 1.54

7:30a 0.32

1:34p 1.95

8:40p -0.12

Fri 3/3

2:45a 1.30

7:57a 0.54

2:12p 2.05

9:49p -0.19

Sat 3/4

4:07a 1.08

9:21a 0.75

2:57p 2.10

11:09p -0.25

Day Date

Sun Rise Set 6:54-6:31 6:53-6:32 6:52-6:32 6:51-6:33

Day Date Sun 3/5

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

6:18a 0.96

8:31a 0.93

3:52p 2.09

12:34a -0.33

5:03p 2.05

Mon 3/6

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set 6:50-6:34 6:49-6:34

Tues 3/7

10:16a 1.20

12:34a -0.33

6:27p 2.02

12:02p 1.18

Wed 3/8

10:35a 1.29

1:52a -0.42

7:46p 2.03

1:41p 1.11

6:48-6:35 6:47-6:35

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reel time: Recording your catch FROM PAGE 30

charged, memory cards with enough space to record your images, a clean lens and a cleaning cloth.

• You can expect things to get a bit frantic when a memorable fish comes aboard, so get an idea in advance of where you’ll pose with your catch.

• Check the area and carefully search for distracting and cluttered backgrounds. One common mistake is to snap a picture with a rod appearing to stick out of someone’s head.

• Capture photographs and video that aren’t posed. Capture the image as soon as possible. The quicker you get your picture the more vibrant the colors of a fish will be. First and foremost, fill the frame with the subject, eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the composition.

• If you plan on creating a slide show or video take images and clips that tell the story of your day on the water.

• Check that the horizon is straight. Most cameras and many phones have a grid to help you get it straight. This is particularly important when shooting vertical images.

• Check the exposure every few minutes, and if you have the option, shoot in aperture priority with at least an F8 setting. If you’re trying to catch a jumping fish, you can freeze the action using the shutter priority setting and at least a 1/1000 second exposure.

• Many photographs taken on the water are exposed in bright light.

A camera’s light meter averages light over the scene, so an angler’s face, especially if shaded by a cap, will often be dark and lack detail. Make sure you expose your shots with fill flash.

• If you have photo editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop Elements, you can lighten the shadows in post-production. This can sometimes eliminate the need for fill flash, if the contrast isn’t too great, and prevents a flash from creating unwanted reflections on fish.

• Take a number of shots from different angles, and get the angler excited and talking to you.

One of the really great

advantages of digital is that you can take lots of pictures and view them on the go to make sure you have the shot you want.

• Since lighting is almost always challenging, shoot and then review important shots.

• If you have a more advanced camera, you can bracket important shots in difficult lighting situations.

Expose at least three images: one slightly (one stop) underexposed, one slightly (one stop) overexposed, and one at the setting suggested by the light meter.

There are a lot of excellent digital cameras on the market today. The new smart phones can take amazing images, but they have their limitations. If you’re really interested in photography get the best camera you can afford. Most come with a trial version of an image editing software like Adobe Elements. There are many cameras on the market, ranging in price from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Taking the time to capture the moments of life allows you to relive the experience and share it through your images and video.

For more in-

formation on the right camera for you, check with a professional at your local camera shop. Locally, I would suggest Johnson PhotoImaging www.jpiphoto.com .

To get started, you can browse the internet for news, products and reviews. Sites like B&H Photo www.bhphoto.com and Amazon www.amazon.com are good places to start. Trial versions of software (Lightroom, Photoshop and Photoshop Elements) can be downloaded at www.adobe.com.

The next time you’re on the water, think ahead and plan how you’ll capture the thrill of the experience. Whether you use an advanced digital camera or your phone, you’ll have a record of your trip that can be enjoyed for years to come.

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State legislature targets CRAs City officials learned last week that the Legislature is looking to restrict and eliminate CRAs.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The state Legislature is considering two bills that could impact the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the projects the agency has discussed funding.

Rep. Jake Raburn (R-Valrico) filed House Bill 13 as a late addition to the 2017 legislative agenda and Sen. Tom Lee (R-Brandon) filed SB 1770 as the senate companion.

Raburn The bills look to prohibit the creation of new CRAs after July 1 and provide for the phasing out of existing CRAs by 2037. The house bill proposes existing CRAs not be allowed to initiate new projects or Lee issue new debt after Oct. 1, which would impact projects being considered by the Bradenton Beach CRA. Both bills seek greater oversight of the CRA budget process, including a requirement that would limit CRA expenditures to those listed in an annual

budget submitted to the county commission. The senate bill also calls for CRA members to receive annual ethics training.

When addressing the Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on March 8, Raburn said, “Let’s give the power back to the cities and the counties. Let’s let them deal with their own taxpayer dollars and figure out what projects they want to fund.”

By a 9-6 vote, the subcommittee deemed the house bill favorable and forwarded it to the Ways and Means Committee. The bill is also slated for review by the Government Accountability Committee. If the house bill successfully passes through both committees, it will advance to the house floor for a final vote. The senate bill will be subjected to a similar process.

Eliminate CRAs?

Adopted in 1969, the Community Redevelopment Act authorized Florida counties and cities to create CRA taxing districts to help redevelop slums and blighted areas and to create affordable housing.

The efforts to eliminate CRAs stem in part from a 2015 Miami-Dade Grand Jury report that addressed the mismanagement of CRAs and a 2015 report on the effectiveness of CRAs conducted by the legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability.

joe hendricks | SUN

The Bradenton Beach CRA members have not yet had the opportunity to discuss the potential impacts two state bills could have on their efforts. Shown from left to right are John Chappie, Ed Chiles, Ralph Cole, Marilyn Maro, John Horne, Jake Spooner and Bill Shearon.

Both reports cited mixed results and opposed the bill as written, but acthe grand jury report acknowledged knowledged another concern. some misuse of public funds.

“A lot of CRAs go into blighted areas, “While we discovered ongoing isand over the course of time, those sues with several CRAs, we also found blighted areas, because of the CRA’s several CRAs which effectively and efgreat work, become some of the most ficiently used their funds to accomplish valuable real estate within that commuthe intended goals,” the grand jury nity,” he said. report stated.

Abruzzo feels this often results in John Titkanich serves as city manager CRAs continuing to expend funds on for the city of Cocoa. When addressing successfully redeveloped areas rather the subcommittee, he said, “I agree the than refocusing those efforts on other CRA program needs an integrity check, blighted areas.

“We need to stick with the intention but House Bill 13 basically guts the proof CRAs: to fix those blighted commugram due to bad faith actors. Please take time to make the bill right and focus on nities,” Abruzzo said. what’s wrong with the program.”

Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-Boca Raton) see CRA, page 34

Sandwich signs discussed City commissioners suggested a new approach to the enforcement of an existing ordinance.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Business owners who use A-framed sandwich board signs to promote their businesses may soon receive a letter from the city asking for the non-compliant signs to be removed.

Failure to comply with the initial written request will result in a visit from a code enforcement officer who will take a picture to be included with a second written request that also establishes a compliance deadline and notice of a potential fine for continued infractions.

Sandwich signs and the enforcement of the existing city ordinance that prohibits them were the subject of a Thursday, March 9, commission work session prompted in part by complaints Commissioner Nancy Yetter e-mailed

to Mayor Dan Murphy last month.

“I drove on Pine at 11:30 a.m. today and there were A-frame signs all over,” Yetter wrote in a Feb. 16 e-mail to the mayor.

“If code enforcement is as lax on our other ordinances as they are on this one, how can we tell our residents and business owners that the money spent for the beefed-up Code Enforcement Department is worth the money?” she added.

Murphy responded with an e-mail to Yetter and the other commissioners “The beefed-up Code Enforcement Department was put in place two years ago to enforce the vacation rental ordinance. The department is almost entirely funded by the vacation rental registration fee. Hence, the resources must be used to that end,” he wrote.

His e-mail noted that sign violations in the business district are handled on a complaint driven, reactive basis, which can be a time consuming, labor intensive effort.

During the work session, Murphy said sign-related visits from code enforcement officers often lead to confrontations with angry business owners.

I'M L A G E L IL

Commissioner Brian Seymour is the longtime owner/operator of the Anna Maria General Store.

“It’s been three years since the ordinance was changed to eliminate A-frame signs in the business district. I still don’t understand what the issue is or was with sandwich boards,” he said.

He expressed hope that the commission would consider amending the ordinance to allow for one sandwich board, with restrictions on sign placement and hours of use.

“I think it’s an impediment,” he said of the existing prohibition.

Yetter said the ban was initiated by the previous mayor in response to complaints from residents who were also concerned about the abundance of real estate signs.

“We were beginning to look like the city was for sale, and looking like a tacky Panhandle beach town,” she said.

“If that’s all a business is going to rely on, they’re going to fail. A sandwich board is not going to make them profitable,” she added.

Commissioner Carol Carter supported Yetter’s position and recalled how some businesses owners used multiple sandwich board signs, kayaks, umbrellas and other items to promote their businesses.

“One thing lead to another,” she said, sharing her belief that too many signs lessen the Old Florida feel. see signs, page 34

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MARCH 15, 2017

Students learn about Guide Dogs Students will be raising money for the Southeastern Guide Dogs Walk-A-Thon held at Rossi Park in Bradenton on Sunday, March 25, starting at 10 a.m.

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

HOLMES BEACH – For most elementary school students, dogs are pets with whom they cuddle and play.

On Wednesday, March 8, three representatives from Southeastern Guide Dogs came to Anna Maria Elementary School to teach the kindergarten and first-grade students about how they breed and train Guide Dogs to serve those who need them.

Jennifer Bryan talked about the nonprofit organization that trains dogs from when they are puppies to serve the seeing impaired and those who need a pet due to handicaps

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Southeastern Guide Dogs volunteer Jennifer Bryan spoke with Anna Maria Elementary School kindergarten and first grade students. She brought three guide dogs in training for them to pet. and post stress situations. She said they use three breeds of dogs: Labradors, golden retrievers and a mix

called goldendors. She said they use those breeds because they are best suited for their mission. They

PTO Dinner and play set

SUBMITTED

Cool reward On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the fourth and fifth graders at AME completed the Florida Student Writing Assessment. To celebrate their hard work, Smoothie King, of Holmes Beach, surprised the students with free smoothies. Mrs. Taylor’s fourth-grade students Mikey Bowes and Alyssa Sparks were grateful.

The Anna Maria Elementary School PTO dinner and second-grade play will be held at 5 p.m. for the dinner and 5:30 p.m. for the play, which is entitled “Salute to Broadway.”

The dinner, sponsored by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, costs $8 for adults and $5 for children. The menu is chicken marsala with linguine and salad and a beverage. Desserts are available for a donation. There is no admission fee to the play. Call 708-5525 for more information.

cra: Targeted by state FROM PAGE 33

CRA past and present

The Bradenton Beach CRA is one of 222 active CRAs in Florida. It was created in the early 1990s to address the blight on Bridge Street. The now flourishing CRA district extends from the Cortez Bridge to Fifth Street South, and it has been stated by city officials that the only truly blighted area that remains is the unmanaged anchorage populated by low-income, live-aboard boaters.

The city’s current CRA plan will expire in 2022. The CRA members are currently working to extend the plan for 30 more years and expand the boundaries to include the anchorage.

Bradenton, Palmetto and Sarasota also have CRAs and the proposed legislation was discussed at the March 9 ManaSota League of Cities meeting. This led to the voting members requesting a resolution that expresses the league’s collective objection to the proposed legislation.

get along well with people and other animals and they learn easily.

Nicholas Olson and Anne Brown joined Bryan, along with their three dogs, who spent the time lying on the floor patiently. Bryan said Southeastern Guide Dogs is the largest of its kind, with more than 450 dogs with their handlers nationwide, and it operates through donations. The organization will be holding a series of walk-a-thons in the area, and she wanted the students to collect money for or participate in the one at Rossi Park, along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton, on Sunday, March 25. Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m., and there will be a raffle drawing at 11 a.m. Participants may sign up and purchase raffle tickets by email at walkathon@guidedogs.org.

signs: Sandwich signs prohibited FROM PAGE 33

Seymour said the past problems were caused by a lack of enforcement against a few violators and that did not warrant a ban on sandwich signs.

Commission Chair Doug Copeland said he doesn’t mind the signs, but he feels it’s important to enforce existing ordinances.

Commissioner Dale Woodland said, “This issue hasn’t been brought up to me since we passed the ordinance. If it’s worse than it used to be or better than it was, I’ll take your word for it.”

Resident Lynn Brennan said past complaints pertained more to signs placed on sidewalks and in right of ways that the actual appearance of the signs.

A walk down Pine Avenue last week revealed more than a half-dozen sandwich signs placed near the business entrances and not on the sidewalks or right of ways.

Murphy told the commission his list of proactive code enforcement priorities includes parking; non-permitted construction; dumpsters, portable toilets and construction debris in right of ways; and real estate signs.

He said the list could be reprioritized at the expense of another priority item.

Seymour then suggested using written correspondence instead of personal visits to address sign violations. The commission liked the suggestion and that’s where it stands for now.

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Special events clarified The Anna Maria Commission has adopted an updated special events permit aimed at avoiding potential conflicts regarding event participation. Ordinance 17-828 states, “The applicant may limit participation in the special event authorized by permit unless the limitation adversely impacts a class of persons based on race, color, religion or creed, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship or any protected class under federal or state law.�

The newly-clarified criteria will apply to holiday parades.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MARCH 15, 2017

MARCH 15, 2017

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joe hendricks | SUN

Sign of activity There’s a newly relocated, city commission approved sign that now greets those approaching the Historic Bridge Street Pier from the landside in Bradenton Beach. The sign that used to hang on the north side of the city-owned restaurant space is now located in a more visible setting in terms of promoting the pier, mile marker 49, the AMOB restaurant, Paradise Boat Tours and A Room with a Hue & Tide and Moon. AMOB is the city’s primary pier tenant, and the other businesses sublease space from AMOB. AMOB President John Horne requested the sign relocation as a means of letting more people know about the activities taking place at the foot of the public fishing pier.

Holmes Beach seeks garden-minded volunteers Holmes Beach city leaders are seeking three volunteers with a love of green spaces.

The city’s parks and beautification committee has three openings for twoyear terms. Committee members meet once a month from October to May and are responsible for recommending beautification projects around the city. The group also oversees the city’s Adopt-A-Spot program.

Applications are available at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Prospective members also can download an appointment to a committee or board form from the city’s website, www.holmesbeachfl.org. Applications are being accepted through March 31.

For more information, contact Assistant Deputy Clerk Brenda Wynn at 941-508-5800, ext. 221.

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MARCH 15, 2017

Clerk given additional responsibilities The elimination of two full-time positions is expected to provide the city with significant cost savings.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City Clerk LeAnne Addy has completed her six-month probationary period and is now serving as clerk, city treasurer and finance director.

The additional job titles were approved by the city commission on Thursday, March 9, along with a new annual salary of $87,000.

Addy was hired as former City Clerk Diane Percycoe’s replacement in August at a starting salary of $69,000. She was in hired in part because of Mayor Dan Murphy repeatedly expressed a desire to hire someone who had extensive experience with city budgets and financial processes.

When former Treasurer and Finance Director Maggie Martinez resigned in February, Murphy decided he would not be hiring a replacement.

Regarding the salary increase associated with Addy’s additional roles as treasurer and finance director, Murphy said to the commission last week, “This isn’t a performance raise, this is strictly a functionality raise.”

Commission Chair Doug Copeland then said, “Having worked

Food, fashion, fun The St. Bernard Luncheon and Fashion Show was a hit Feb. 23, according to organizer Connie Kihm. It was a sellout and the lunch, catered

by The Feast restaurant, was a hit. Fashions were provided

by Irene’s, and the models came from the church membership.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

joe hendricks | SUN

City Clerk LeAnne Addy received an $18,000 pay raise last week in exchange for assuming the additional positions of treasurer and finance director. with LeAnne for six months, I think this is justified and will be money well spent.”

The commission unanimously approved the pay raise and the additional duties bestowed upon the clerk.

Cost benefits

During the previous commission meeting on Feb. 23, Murphy informed the commission of his desire to appoint Addy to the additional positions once her probationary period ended on March 4.

Murphy expressed confidence in Addy’s ability to handle the additional responsibilities. He also acknowledged the assistance Addy receives from Deputy Clerk Debbie Haynes.

The mayor said the elimination of a full-time position would create considerable cost savings for the city. He then mentioned the recent elimination of the public works director position – a move based on the mayor’s desire to eventually relocate the Public Works Department to the public works building in Holmes Beach, where both public works departments would share the same facility.

Murphy said the elimination of the public works director and the stand-alone treasurer/finance director’s position would save the city approximately $125,000 annually. “$125,000 is not something to laugh at when dealing with a $3 million budget,” he added.

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Off Stage Ladies step back in time in Cortez Off Stage Ladies tour the Cortez Cultural Center and learn about life in the historic fishing village.

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

History is alive and kicking in the village of Cortez.

Two dozen members of the Off Stage Ladies, a group dedicated to supporting the Island Players Theater, took a trip down memory lane March 8 as they toured the Cortez Cultural Center.

The ladies were treated to a talk from members of the Cortez Village Historical Society, including Kris Martinez and John McDonald, discussing the history of the area and how some things still operate in much the same way as they did almost 100 years ago.

McDonald related his experience growing up in the fishing village and working in the industry which is still going strong. Cortez is home to some of the last remaining working fish houses in Florida.

The primary catches today are much the same as he remembers as a child, including stone crab, mullet, mackerel and bluefish.

With the village not easily accessible from town, as it is now, McDonald said the villagers commonly ate a lot of mullet along with vegetables grown in their own gardens. As a child, he said he remembers villagers having large gardens along with chickens and cows.

Before he was old enough to join them, McDonald watched fishermen come in with a mess of mullet every day. Common dishes included eating the fish fried with cornbread and col-

Kristin Swain | Sun

Off Stage Lady and member of the Cortez Village Historical Society Kris Martinez invites attendees to a celebration at the cultural center honoring local musician and fisherman Soupy Davis’s 90th birthday. The party begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, and is a part the 38th annual Manatee Heritage Days celebration. Davis will be joined by other musicians celebrating the musical heritage of Cortez. lard greens with leftovers turned into fish cakes.

“We used to eat red roe on grits for breakfast,” he said. “Now you eat it like caviar.”

Once he was old enough, McDonald joined other fishermen from the village to begin net fishing at daybreak during summer months where he would help haul in up to 1,500 pounds of mackerel and bluefish.

In the very early days of the village, before bridges spanned the waterway from the mainland to Anna Maria Island, McDonald said the Cortez fishermen would help ferry people and supplies to the barrier island.

“There were very few tourists in those days,” he said.

After McDonald’s talk, Martinez spoke about the history of the Cultural Center, a historic cottage which was brought across the Cortez Bridge from Bradenton Beach and painstakingly

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remodeled by volunteers on-site at its current location, 11655 Cortez Rd. W. The Cultural Center is maintained and operated by the Cortez Village Historical Society, formed in 1984 by village residents Mary Green and Linda Molto.

“This building was a labor of love,” Martinez said.

The Cultural Center houses exhibits detailing the history of the fishing village along with genealogy records for the area’s longtime families.

The Cortez Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Admission and parking is free. Large groups can make reservations by calling 941-538-0945 or e-mailing info@cortezvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

For more information on the Off Stage Ladies, contact president Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431.

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REAL ESTATE

MARCH 15, 2017

Rentals back in style D

id you know that millennials (those between 19 and 35 years of age) have surpassed the baby boomers (those between 52 and 70 years of age) in population?

It’s estimated that the millennials comprise 75.5 million Americans while the boomers have 72.9 million. I don’t want to sound like a sore loser, but being a boomer, I’ve sort of gotten use to being on top, so I’m not taking this news really well. Never-the-less us boomers are still having an influence on the real estate market.

Homeownership rates have declined since the 2014 all-time high of 67.3 percent, to 2015’s rate of 62.2 percent. This likely is some of the reason for the country’s rental boom, which per the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, is up by 9 million between 2005 and 2015. This is the largest increase over any 10-year period.

Much of this demand is fueled by young millennials and aging baby boomers for somewhat different reasons. The millen-

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger nials are having a hard time getting into a first home because of a chronic shortage of inventory and the resulting increase in prices, not to mention their student debt. The baby boomers are looking to downsize and eliminate the responsibility of owning a home.

In addition, the stigma that was attached to non-home ownership that developed after the housing boom following World War II, has pretty much vanished. It’s no longer a badge of honor to own a home; people are just as fulfilled renting a home as owning one.

Recognizing this trend, property developers are attempting to fill the needs of this wave of new renters. They have created a unique

concept by constructing new rental communities that resemble traditional single-family housing communities. They offer amenities like pools, fitness centers and walking trails while providing the maintenance, lawn care and leasing arrangements.

Unlike conventional apartment complexes, single-family rental communities are attractive because of the additional space and neighborhood style culture that most Americans outside of major urban areas are accustomed to. Millennials love the lack of no long term commitment while they may be building their careers, allowing them to take advantage of job opportunities outside of their area without the hassle and financial impact of owning their own home.

Investors and builders are testing out new rental home communities across the country with positive results. Lennar Corp., which has housing communities in Florida, built one in Nevada, but except for over 55 communities, so far I haven’t found any in Florida.

The Sunshine State is the ideal place to build single-family rental communities. We have both the space as well as the millennials and baby boomers.

If you’re a renter and want to live in either Manhattan or Brooklyn this is the time to find a bargain, relatively speaking. Rental rates for larger two- or three-bedroom apartments have dropped because of overbuilding in New York City. In Manhattan, the median price for a three-bedroom apartment dropped almost 7 percent to $5,500 a month and in Brooklyn the median for a three-bedroom dropped almost 8 percent to $3,318.

And in case you didn’t know, Generation Z, which I never even heard of, have surpassed the millennials and the baby boomers. Generation Zs are 18 years of age and younger, too young to care about real estate, and are 77.9 million strong, which of course makes sense since their parents are millennials.

Bottom line is whatever generation you are, choose what’s best for you.

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submitted

Nautical art next month Island Gallery West, at 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, is featuring the photographs of fine art photographer Richard Stewart during the month of April. The exhibit, “Sea & Shore,� is a collection of his work showing his fascination with the water around us. Tampa-based photographer/artist Stewart has worked as a journalist and photographer for more than 30 years. A highlight of the month will be the public gallery reception on Friday, April 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., as part of the annual Holmes Beach Art District monthly Art Walks. For more information, call 941-778-6648.

submitted

Zen and art Tammy Bills teaches a Zen and Art class at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd. Holmes Beach, on Saturday, March 18, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Bills is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist who holds a minor in art. She has worked with diverse clientele in private practice, clinical, residential and educational settings. Her most recent endeavors include photography, mixed media, art journaling and printmaking. The cost is $25 for Art League members and $45 for nonmembers. Scholarships may be available. Call the Art League at 941-778-2099 for more details.

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MARCH 15, 2017

PAT COPELAND | SUbmitted

Movie in the Park Above, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy addressed the crowd at the city sponsored Movie in the Park on Friday night. The event attracted about 250 people to watch the movie “Secret Lives of Pets” and enjoy popcorn and water, compliments of the city staff. At right, Suzi Fox and volunteers from AMI Turtle Watch told the crowd about the turtle program and passed out coloring books and stickers to the kids.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

New directory From left to right: Trey Kiser and Rachel Rector, of Out of the Blue Marketing, and artist Karen Beach watch Wade Scott, of Out of the Blue Marketing, cut the ribbon as Larry Beach and artist Annabel Snyder and AMI Chamber of Commerce board member Janet Mixon observe. The ribbon cutting at the Chamber Thursday, March 10, was to celebrate Out of the Blue Marketing’s new Island Comber Directory. It has more information than just business addresses. It also features outdoor and indoor activities, restaurant menus, accommodations, contractor and health and wellness businesses from the city of Anna Maria to Lido Key. Scott said the company is working on a residential phone directory for next year.

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Pier rehab discussions continue The conversations on hiring an engineering firm have not yet reached the point of price negotiation.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy is still gathering information on the pier proposal received from Wantman Group Inc. (WGI), and its affiliate, CB&I Engineering, for the rehabilitation of the Anna Maria City Pier.

Last week, Murphy provided the city commission with an update on the progress being made, which has not yet reached the stage of cost estimates and negotiations for the design and permitting stages of the rehabilitation project.

Murphy said he has requested charts that indicate the timetables for the delivery of the required engineering works and the necessary permits that must be issued before actual construction work can begin.

The mayor said he also wants to know how long the pier will be closed once the actual work begins, so he can relay

this information to the pier tenant, Mario Schoenfelder.

He also expressed some concerns about CB&I’s involvement with the Bradenton Beach groins project, which encountered significant cost overages and lengthy construction delays.

Murphy said he wants a plan that details how any cost overages would be absorbed, because he doesn’t not feel that should be an expense incurred by the city.

“This is a small city. We cannot afford time overruns and cost overruns,” he said.

Murphy said he first wants the engineering plans for the pier platform, including information on how the rebuilt commercial space will be anchored to the pier platform. The initial structural assessment of the pier’s current condition noted the existing structure is not firmly affixed to the main structure and could break looks during a strong storm or hurricane.

Murphy also told the commission that he has asked for the engineering plans to include a landing area for a 100-foot water taxi that draws six feet of water.

“I question if we even want to go there.

joe hendricks | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy provides the city commission with an update on the selection of an engineering firm for the rehabilitation of the Anna Maria City Pier.

That’s going to have an impact on the footprint. I think there might be ramifications,” Commissioner Dale Woodland said of the proposed water taxi landing.

Murphy said Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker shares his desire to make the pier water taxi accessible. The county has tentatively agreed to pro-

vide up to $1 million in matching funds, excluding any expenditures associated with the commercial spaces located at the end of the pier.

“A water taxi should be part of the transit system in this county,” Murphy added, noting that the pier area is the only suitable location in Anna Maria for a water taxi landing.

Woodland suggested separate improvements made to the nearby jetty might also provide space for a water taxi landing. Murphy agreed that too was a possibility.

Murphy said he has another factfinding meeting with the engineering firms scheduled for March 20. After that, he hopes to enter into the cost negotiations that would be conducted in a public format.

He said he would have no hesitation moving on the second highest ranked firm if the process becomes bogged down or an agreeable price cannot be reached.

“We have to keep the pressure on. I don’t want a repeat performance of what I saw done in Bradenton Beach,” he said, again referencing the groins project.

LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY CO N N E C T E D.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 206 Spring Lane Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4157421 $2,849,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 207 Fir Avenue George Myers 941-224-6021 A4170361 $1,849,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 113 Los Cedros Drive Deborah Capobianco 941-704-2394 A4176324 $1,379,500

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8710 Gulf Drive Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4160253 $1,050,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 306 Gulf Boulevard Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4177531 $3,200,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2907 Avenue C Michael Habony 941-920-2494 A4166866 $889,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 222 84th Street Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4164185 $724,999

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 101 66th Street 9 Ken Kavanaugh & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943/941-685-6459 A4178549 $720,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 518 Villa Rosa Way Kelly Baldwin 941-404-9396 A4143739 $1,695,000

B R A D E N TO N 10018 46th Avenue W Peggy Horlander 941-932-7199 A4177398 $1,549,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 516 Loquat Drive Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4176113 $949,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2313 Avenue B George Myers 941-224-6021 A4177927 $899,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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

B R A D E N TO N 1402 90th Court NW Pam Blalock 941-737-9376 A4179157 $529,900

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

B R A D E N TO N 3440 77th Street W 102 Barb Eberhart 941-761-7349 A4174104 $370,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2311 Gulf Drive N Unit A 3 Bed 2 Bath 4852 SqFt $2,000

michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

44

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

Fundraiser benefits Mighty Megan, 4 Island Time Bar & Grill, The Center and the IMG Academy gathered forces Sunday and helped raise approximately $18,000 for four-year old Megan Walejko and her family. Megan is bravely battling through her second round of treatment for myoblastoma, a form of brain cancer.

She was joined at the benefit by her dad, Joe, her mom, Jeannine, and her older sister, Maggie. Eric Von provided the live entertainment.

“It’s overwhelming the amount of support we’ve received from the community; it’s really special," Joe Walejko said. "We just want to thank all those folks who came out and helped.”

When asked what it’s like to watch a child go through this, he said, “It’s heartbreaking, but she’s so tough, she takes it head on.

She leaves treatment and has more energy than you can imagine. It’s hard to watch a little girl go through this, but it’s also inspiring to see how she handles it. She teaches us.” If you’d like to help, please visit http://www.gofundme.com/mighty-meganmaureen.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

MARCH 15, 2017

MARCH 15, 2017

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bill: Meets local objection FROM PAGE 1

before July 1, 2017, would expire on July 1, 2020.

SB 1158 states the legislative or governing body of a county may not ban the sale of a good or service; impose a penalty on the sale of a good or service; require an employer to pay a wage rate that is not otherwise required under special, general or federal law. The Senate bill also states no local regulations could be adopted that have an adverse impact on economic growth, private sector job creation, private sector investment or business competitiveness.

Both bills must survive all preliminary committee votes and be supported by the respective legislative bodies to be enacted as law in July. If either bill falls short, both bills would be considered dead.

Anna Maria objects

On Thursday, March 9, the City Commission expressed unanimous support for a resolution requested by Mayor Dan Murphy.

“HB 17 prohibits counties and municipalities from adopting or imposing new regulations on a business, profession, or occupation; requires the repeal of existing regulations; and establishes a preemption of the city of Anna Maria’s ability to act on local problems and opportunities. SB 1158 preempts to the Florida legislature the city of Anna Maria’s authority to adopt and enforce certain ordinances or regulations relating to commerce, trade or labor,” the resolution states.

“SB 1158 and HB 17 thwart the ability of the city of Anna Maria to respond in a timely matter to matters of local importance and shifts local matters to the Florida legislature, making it

difficult for local citizens to effectively petition for change. The city commission of Anna Maria requests the members of the Florida legislature oppose HB 17 and SB 1158,” the resolution concludes.

The resolution will be sent to members of the Manatee County legislative delegation, the Florida League of Cities and other interested parties.

Widespread concerns

When discussing the potential hiring of a lobbyist on March 2, Bradenton Beach Vice Mayor John Chappie cited HB 17 as one of the bills that concerned him. Chappie also sits on the board of the ManaSota League of Cities. During the league’s March 9 meeting, Chappie and the other eight voting members unanimously supported a resolution that expresses the league’s opposition to both bills.

“HB 17 and SB 1158 contradict the will of the people of Florida, who expressed an unequivocal desire for broad Home Rule powers in the constitution. State legislators may find themselves spending increasing amounts of time arbitrating over local problems and legislating on local issues, and less time attending to pressing statewide needs. The ManaSota League of Cities believe opposition to HB 17 and SB 1158 would be in the best interest of the residents and businesses of municipalities and the state of Florida. The ManaSota League of Cities urges all members of the Florida legislature to oppose the adoption of HB 17 and SB 1158,” the resolution states.

The resolution will be sent to the Florida League of Cities and the local legislative delegations for Manatee and Sarasota counties.

46

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THE SUN

MARCH 15, 2017

Lobbyist hired in Bradenton Beach All three Island cities have now hired lobbyists.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city has hired a lobbyist to lead its opposition to a pair of vacation rental bills and other proposed state legislation that would negatively impact the city.

Bradenton Beach joins the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach in hiring a lobbyist to help fight these legislative battles taking place at the state level.

During a special work meeting that took place Monday, March 13, the commission voted 3-1 in favor of hiring Dave Ramba to oversee the city’s lobbying efforts, with City Attorney Ricinda Perry to act as the communications contact and liaison between the lobbyist Ramba and the city commissioners. Ramba has already been doing lobbying work for the town of Longboat Key The commission opted for a $225 hourly rate, not to exceed $15,000, as opposed to the $2,500 per month/$30,000 per year oneyear contact proposed by Mayor Bill Shearon.

Shearon also proposed that he serve as the contact person that would receive updates from Ramba. Vice Mayor John Chappie asked that Perry serve as

joe hendricks | SUN

On Monday afternoon, the Bradenton Beach City Commission voted 3-1 in favor of hiring a lobbyist.

Ramba’s contact person instead, because the city’s voting mayor form of government would prevent Shearon from contacting the commission members directly to provide them with updates on the lobbying efforts. As a voting mayor, Shearon would be limited to sharing this information in a public meeting or via one-way e-mail that would not allow for a back and forth exchange.

Chappie said it was important that all the commission members receive the updated information from Ramba as fast as possible, and he felt Perry was the person best suited for this task.

Commissioner Jake Spooner agreed with Chappie’s request for Perry to serve as the go-between, and he was the one who first questioned the need to contract a

lobbyist for an entire year, when the legislative session is scheduled to end in early May. Shearon objected to Perry serving as the contact person, and he objected to the hourly rate proposed in favor of the year-long contract. He then cast the only opposition vote to the hiring of a lobbyist. Commissioner Ralph Cole did not attend the special work meeting, and he was absent with excuse.

Ramba will be asked to lobby in opposition to proposed vacation rental legislation, legislation that would cap business tax receipts at $25, legislation that would restrict or limit community redevelopment agencies and legislation that would restrict the city’s ability to adopt local business regulations.

Personalized Property Management!

15% Commission Rate

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Special master hearing begins Bradenton Beach resident and Planning and Zoning Board member John Metz is subjected to cross examination by City Attorney Ricinda Perry during the special master hearing that began Monday morning, March 13. Attorney Lisa Gonzalez Moore is serving as the special master in the case that involves Metz’s appeal of a permitting decision made by Building Official Steve Gilbert and Metz’s allegations that George and Wendy Kokolis exceeded the 50 percent substantial improvement criteria when renovating their vacation rental property at 308 Gulf Dr. South. Metz claims the property should no longer be allowed to serve as a vacation rental based on his belief that the property located in the C-2 zoning district has been unoccupied for more than 18 months. After several hours of testimony that carried over into Monday afternoon, the hearing was continued until Monday, April 17.

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MARCH 15, 2017

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47

Celebrate home Home Sweet Home, the citizen’s group of Anna Maria Island residents who want to spread the word about benefits of living on the Island, is throwing a party at Anna Maria City Pier Park starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 19. The party will wrap up at 4 p.m. to give attendees time to watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The underlying reason for the party

is to celebrate Home Sweet Home’s first birthday and non-profit status, but the more important reason is the creation of community feeling.

There will be a DJ (James Thomas aka JT), two guest artists, singer Larry Stokes and ragtime piano player Bob Sealy. The three mayors will join together in a speech about their vision for Anna Maria Island.

There will be games, contests, prizes.

The three law enforcement agencies will share a table. There will be facepainting and touch a truck with the fire department, police and Marine Rescue for the kids.

The entire Island is invited to celebrate Anna Maria Island’s roots as home to permanent residents, renters and part-time residents in addition to

being a tourist destination. Attendees will be able to park at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, and there will be Monkey Bus shuttles from there to the event.

There is no charge to attend although donations to Home Sweet Home will be accepted as they continue to spread the word about living in paradise.

CRA cruiser Bradenton Beach Police officer John Tsakaris rides the department’s new Segway police cruiser near the police station. The three-wheeled vehicle is equipped with lights and a radio. It was purchased with Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds and as a result, it can only be used in the CRA District along Bridge street and adjacent streets.

Tom Vaught | Sun

Help restore Skullywag The Anna Maria Island Privateers’ 60-foot parade ship, Skullywag, is in sad shape, and they need to raise some money to keep her afloat, so they are holding PlunderFest, a musical jam extravaganza starting at noon on Sunday, April 2, at Aces, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd in west Bradenton. There will be pirate grub from Ace’s kitchen, a special pirate grog and beer specials, a live auction, a silent auction a bag drop auction and a 50/50 raffle. Win a prize while you contribute to a worthy cause – to keep the Privateers in action so they can accomplish their mission to help kids on Anna Maria Island and elsewhere with fun activities and scholarships for at least another 45 years.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

mark your calendar From Page 7

Saturday March 18

Coastal cleanup, Coquina Beach Bayside, 2651 S. Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

Center of Anna Maria Island Tour of Homes, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $20 in advance, $25 day of event. Call 941-778-1908 for tickets and event information.

Arts and crafts show, Holmes Beach City Field, 5801 Marina Drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included.

Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

Fashion show craft, paper jewelry, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Sunday March 19

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

Arts and crafts show, Holmes Beach City Field, 5801 Marina Drive, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Home Sweet Home Hometown Celebration, Anna Maria City Pier Park, corner of North Bay Blvd. and Pine Ave., 1 p.m.

St. Patty’s Day Parade, Gulf and Marina drives to 79th Street, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m.

Monday MARCH 20

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

Tuesday

March 21

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Preschool 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.

Irish Ceili and set dancing, Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 2601 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, 1 to 3 p.m. Collection taken for musicians.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included.

Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

Rarely Seen Creatures of Florida, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Bert Harris settlement offers approved The Anna Maria Commission approved six more Bert Harris claim settlement offers last week. Five of the six property owners are represented by attorney Louis Najmy and one is represented by attorney Kevin Hennessey. The settlement offers were approved by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Nancy Yetter voting in opposition. Sixty of the 111 claims received have been settled and 22 claims have not yet received settlement offers.

48

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SPORTS

MARCH 15, 2017

Miller Electric shuts the door on Progressive Cabinetry

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

In the final weekend of the regular season for the 11- to 13-year-old flag football age group, Miller Electric faced off against Progressive Cabinetry in the chilled morning air at The Center on Saturday. The games started with sparks flying off the heels of the game’s MVP Shawn Balvin, of Team Miller Electric.

On the first snap of the ball Balvin took the football for 50 yards before the flag pull by Eli Newman for Team Progressive Cabinetry. After the snap team quarterback Gavin Johnston got the football back in his hands, taking the football into the end zone and maneuvering past defenders for the first touchdown of the day.

Charlie Halfacre gained seven yards on second down for Progressive Cabinetry. The third down pass was caught

by Ginger Maro short of the first down, giving the ball back to Coach David Johnston’s team.

On the first snap of the second possession, Balvin took the ball down the length of the field for a touchdown.

Going for two points Johnston took the ball in, advancing the score to 12-0.

Coach Larry Pearson’s team struggled to make a first down early in the game. Uncharacteristic dropped passes and strong defense by Team Miller Electric including a flag pull by Balvin, led to a quick possession change.

Balvin took the football 20 yards before the Maro flag pull. Right at the midfield cone, Johnston threw the first down pass to Balvin. On first down, Kai Michaelson made the reception with the flag pull by Newman.

Second down took the ball to the five-yard line. The catch in the end zone by Balvin was negated due to an offsides call on the offense.

Under pressure by the double rush of Dylan McKee and Maggie Walejko, G. Johnston threw an incomplete pass to his sister, Kiera Johnston, in the end zone, giving the ball back to Progressive Cabinetry.

With momentum on their side after gaining the first down on a run by Maro, Newman, who had a total of 80 passing yards and 175 receiving yards in the game, took the ball another 10 yards for Team Progressive Cabinetry.

On third down, Newman tried to get into the end zone, but was stopped without a score.

G. Johnston’s first two throws of the

Monica Simpson | Sun

Team Progressive Cabinetry's Eli Newman speeds past Miller Electric defender and quarterback Gavin Johnston for a touchdown in Saturday's game. series were just off the fingertips of Michaelson and out of reach of Cole Murphy. Miller Electric’s third down toss was off the hands of a defender with a near interception, ending the team’s offensive run.

Grant Shackelford gained short yardage after a double reverse play behind the line of scrimmage. Ready to make something happen, Progressive Cabinetry lost the ball with a Balvin interception after bouncing off the fingers of Maro. Miller Electric started on offense at its opponent’s 20-yard line.

Again with double pressure by McKee and Walejko, G. Johnston was forced out of the pocket and stopped with a flag pull by Halfacre. Coach Johnston let the game clock roll to three seconds in the half before calling a timeout, leaving Progressive Cabinetry with no time to score.

With the hot pursuit of Walejko, Maro had time to get in front of the Miller Electric receiver to knock down the ball in the end zone denying the score to end the half.

Starting on offense with 20 minutes left to play in the game, Coach

Pearson’s team worked hard toward a comeback. Halfacre, with 175 passing yards in the game, hit Newman for a 10-yard advance down the field. On second down, Halfacre caught the ball wide open at midfield. G. Johnston missed the flag pull, giving Halfacre the open field to score. McKee with the point after closed the scoring gap to 14-7.

After a one-yard gain, Miller Electric pulled out their speed with a touchdown run by Balvin. Under pressure, G. Johnston found a man in the end zone for the extra point, again making it a 14-point ball game.

Team Progressive Cabinetry felt the pressure of time running out in the game and pushed for a first down only to be met with another interception by Balvin for a touchdown run. G. Johnston took the ball in for the extra point, moving the score to 28-7.

With the no rush mercy rule in place, Newman answered back with a touchdown run of his own. Maro caught the one-point conversion pass in the front corner of the end zone to bring the score to 28-14.

Miller Electric’s Caleb O’Connor had a seven-yard gain before the Maro flag pull.

Following the sack on Balvin by Walejko, she put the pressure on G. Johnston on the next play, forcing the long throw to Balvin that was out of his reach, forcing the change of possession.

Back on offense, Newman had another 10-yard gain and first down run, keeping the hopes of his team alive. The wobbly throw of Halfacre ended up in the hands of G. Johnston, who ran it in for another touchdown, spreading Miller Electric’s lead to 20 points.

On the heels of a short run by Maro, Newman was stopped by K. Johnston with a score saving flag pull. Another touchdown was saved by the flag pull

by Murphy on Newman, bringing the play to third down.

Progressive Cabinetry just could not get into the end zone. G. Johnston, who ended the regular season game with 220 passing yards, intercepted see sports, page 49

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MARCH 15, 2017

sports: Miller Electric victorious

FROM PAGE 1

Holmes Beach enforces a noise curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly.

the Halfacre pass with a minute left in the game.

Team Miller Electric utilized the understated talents of Murphy on the last offensive series of the game. Murphy ended the game with a touchdown run taking the final score to 40-14.

Sun Scoreboard Tuesday, March 7 Adult Co-Ed Volleyball

#3 Intechgrate Systems 2 #2 Anna Maria CrossFit 1 (Game 1: 14-25, Game 2: 25-10, Game 3: 17-15) 2 0

Thursday, March 9 Adult Co-Ed Flag Football Mason Martin Moss Builders

19 12

Smoothie King Progressive Cabinetry

34 13

Beach House Real Estate Tyler’s Ice Cream

13 12

Saturday, March 4 Youth Flag Football: 8- 10-Year-Old League – Quarter Final Games Beach to Bay Slim’s Place

14 7

Lancaster Designs Bark & Co.

12 8

Salty Printing Cloud Pest Control

W (forfeit)

Youth Flag Football: 11- 13-Year-Old League – Regular Season Games Miller Electric Progressive Cabinetry

40 14

Planet Stone Tyler’s Ice Cream

26 12

Youth Flag Football: 14- to 17-Year-Old League – Semi-Final Games

49

spring break: Holmes Beach readies

FROM PAGE 48

#1 Air & Energy #4 Beach to Bay (Game 1: 25-18, Game 2: 26-24)

THE SUN

Signarama Air & Energy

2 20

Duncan Real Estate Intechgrate Systems

13 28

Vehicle safety

HBPD officers remind all residents and visitors to lock vehicles and take all keys when leaving the car. Keep all valuables out of sight when leaving the vehicle. If placing valuables in the trunk, Tokajer advises placing the items in the trunk before parking where the action could potentially be viewed by thieves.

Vehicles should always be parked in the direction of traffic, and drivers should scan the area for No Parking signs before leaving the vehicle. Parking is not allowed on or within 20 feet of a crosswalk, within 30 feet of an intersection, on sidewalks or in bike paths.

Pets are not allowed to be left unattended in vehicles for any amount of time.

With an averages of 16,400 vehicles on Island roads daily, Tokajer said drivers should plan for traffic delays.

“Plan to leave a few minutes early and have patience,” he said. “It will save you a lot of stress.”

Bicycle safety

Bicyclists are advised to obey all traffic signs and signals. Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. Cyclists riding on sidewalks must give the right of way to pedes-

Key Royale golf scores Monday, March 6 – Modified Stapleford: First place individual – Gary Duncan with a score of +4; Second place (tie) individual – Gary Alvord, David Crabb, Wayne Patterson, Bob Terhar with a score of +3.

First place team – David Crabb, Gerry Elson, Dick Mills, Gary Risner with a score of +3 Thursday, March 9 – Scramble: First place team with a score of 30, 2 under par: Jon Holcomb, Dale Johnson, Jim Kirk, Fred Miller; Second place team with a score of 31, 1 under par: Gary Alvord, Peter Lund, Larry Pippel, Bill Shuman.

Eleven foursomes of ladies competed in a team competition for low team net. Winners were: First place: Marcia O'Brien, Penny Auch and Anne Klein** 124;* Second place: Sue Christensen, Roxanne Koche, Connie Livanos and Penny Williams124.* * Tie broken by card-off;

MAGGIE field | SUN

A group of spring breakers from Ohio enjoy some ice cream in Anna Maria. trians and give an audible warning when passing.

While bicycles can be ridden in vehicle lanes, cyclists are asked to ride as close as possible to the edge of the roadway and not impede traffic.

Bicycles used at night are required to have a white light on the front and both a red light and reflector on the back.

All riders under the age of 16 must wear a helmet.

Golf cart safety

All golf cart drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license. Golf

** Scores averaged for fourth player.

Third place: Terry Westby, Tootie Wagner, Jana Samuels and Karen Mitchell 129.* *tie broken by card-off Individual low net winners were: Flight A: Jean Holmes, 31; Flight B: Tootie Wagne, 30; Flight C: Roxanne Koche, 28; Flight D: Jane Perkins, 27.

Chip-in winners were Jane Perkins on #9 and Terry Westby on #4 & #6.

Individual low gross: Tie: Marlyn Thornton and Jean Holmes, 41.

Team low gross: Margrit Layh, Marie Scholz, Jean Holmes and Beatrice Friebe, 181.

Horseshoe winners On March 8, five teams went 3 and 0 and met in a playoff. Jim Waller and Tennessee Bob drew the bye. Dom Livedoti and Adin Shank beat Bob Mason and Leo Hutton 21 to 15, while Tim Sofran and Rod

carts can be driven between sunrise and sunset on Island roads with speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less.

Low speed vehicles, those with a valid department of motor vehicles registration and license plate, can be driven on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. All passengers are required to wear a seat belt.

Golf carts and low speed vehicles are not allowed to be driven on sidewalks.

For more information, or to report suspicious activity, contact the HBPD at 941-778-2677.

Bussey moved on with a 22 to 3 win over Tom Farrington and Brian Barr.

Livedoti and Shank drew the bye into the final to meet Sofran and Bussey, who rolled past Waller and Tennessee Bob 21 to 3. Livedoti and Shank won the days bragging rights with a 21 to 9 victory over Sofran and Bussey.

March 11 also had five teams meet in the knockout round. Bob Brown and Art Kingstad drew the bye, In round one, Bob Mason and Neil Hennessey beat Steve Hooper and Leo Hutton 21 to 18, while Tom Farrington and Myles Macleod took out Bob Palmer and John Crawford 23 to 15.

Mason and Hennessey drew the bye while Farrington and Macleod moved on with a 22 to 11 win over Brown and Kingstad. In the final, Farrington and Macleod won 21 to 13 over Mason and Hennessey to win the days championship.

50

THE SUN

Obituaries Judith Ione Quinn ‘Judy’ Langford Judy passed away March 2, 2017, in Bradenton, Fla., at 72 years of age. It was determined that the cause of death was vascular dementia, which is a slow, progressive disease; very difficult to diagnose until its later stages. Summing up life is an awesome responsibility.

It’s especially challenging with someone like Judy. “Never really grew up,” and “Judy made you feel like the most important person in the room,” were phrases that often came to mind when describing her.

At 70 years young, Judy was the most enthusiastic amongst her grandkids at Universal Studios to get in line for the roller coasters. Judith Ione Quinn was born Jan. 6, 1945, at Miller Hospital in North St. Paul, Minn., to Richard and Arlene (Richards) Quinn. Her childhood home was 105 1st Ave, North St Paul, Minn.

She attended Arch Bishop Murray (all girls) Catholic School and kept the nuns on their toes. After graduation, Judy went to Mankato State University.

After two years, at 21 years old, she decided to take a break from college and work for Northwest Airlines as a stewardess. During a visit home from flying, she began dating Nathaniel (Tan) Langford. Her flying career was over; they fell in love and soon married.

Judy and Tan had two daughters; Tammy, born in 1969, and Deb, born

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

3/2, assist other agency, 610 North Bay Blvd. The victim said he rented the house at the listed location via the computer but it is owner occupied. The Sheriff’s Office had the police agency in the victim’s home in New York handle it. This is the second time in a month that this has happened, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

2/28, burglary, 200 block of Gladiolus Street. A burglar broke into the house by forcing a door and took items valued at $1,122.

Cortez

No new reports

Bradenton Beach

2/28, grand theft, 2500 block of Avenue B. Tools were stolen from a porch and yard.

3/3, towed vehicle, 135 Bridge Street. The

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MARCH 15, 2017

in 1971. Judy stayed home with the girls, and in 1981, decided to go back to college part time. She graduated from University of River Falls with a BA in English in 1984. Judy was a devoted mom who spent many years volunteering for the Red Cross, the local Somerset softball program and Girl Scouts, to name a few. Everyone was welcome at Judy and Tan’s house.

Their kids’ friends, all family and all she knew were always welcome. Judy worked part-time at Croixdale Retirement Homes for many years as an office manager and fun facilitator. It was a regular occurrence for Judy to bring various residents she had befriended over to dinner at the Langford house.

Judy and Tan retired in 2006 and decided to become snowbirds, buying a place on Anna Maria Island in Holmes Beach. They wintered in Florida and returned to their home in Somerset, Wis., during the summer months.

Judy (Nana) had a standing date every Thursday with her grandkids – and the grand kids called the shots – usually returning home to their parents full of sugar and wound up. Judy was widowed in 2011 after Tan lost his battle with brain cancer. Judy continued to spend her summers up North with family and friends and winter in Florida with her dear friends. It is heartbreaking to all who knew and loved her to lose such a loving, warm, spirited, authentic and beautiful lady so young.

Judy is preceded in death by husband Nathaniel Pitt Langford (Tan); parents Richard and Arlene Quinn; and her father and mother-in-law, Theodore and Josephine (Neumeier) Langford.

Judy is survived by two daughters, Tammy Williams (husband Lary),

and Deb Meyer (fiancé’ Dan Deem); granddaughters Riley Jackson Kaess (husband Jake), Brittan Jackson (their father Brant Jackson), granddaughters Tannah Meyer, Kayla Meyer, and grandson Jake Meyer (their father Paul Meyer); and granddaughter Autumn Williams and grandson Jack Williams (their father Lary Williams). Judy is survived by brothers Richard Quinn II (wife Diane), Robert Quinn (wife Rebecca), and Jeremiah Quinn (wife Sherri). She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Katherine Carey, (husband Rob), and Joanne O’Connor, (late husband Jim O’Connor).

Services will be held at Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Avenue in Stillwater, Minn., on Thursday, March 16. The visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. and a funeral service will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Memorials in Judy’s honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .

officer spotted a motor scooter in front of the Bridge Tender Inn. He noticed the tag looked like it was altered and checked with the computer, which showed it belonged on a motorcycle.

He seized the tag and had the scooter towed.

3/3, theft, Sandpiper Mobile Resort, 216 2nd St. N. Two unsecured bicycles were stolen.

3/3, disorderly conduct, Sports Bar, 118 Bridge Street. The doorman called police to report an underage girl in the bar drinking. The officer confronted her holding a drink. She smelled like alcohol. She refused to cooperate with him, and he handcuffed her and took her to his patrol car. She used the handcuffs to try to break the window.

He had to pepper spray her to calm her and after getting contaminated, she started talking suicide, so he took her to Center Stone for treatment.

was given a citation.

3/4, alcohol violation, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. A male had a can of beer and got a citation.

3/4, noise violation, Doctor’s Office Bar, 5312 Holmes Blvd. The officer noticed the front door of the bar was tied open, letting noise out. The manager was unaware that the door had to be closed when music was playing. The officer gave him a warning.

3/5, suspicious circumstances, 500 block of 56th Street. A window in a parked vehicle was broken, but the officer was unable to determine how.

3/5, code violation, construction on Sunday, 2900 block of Avenue C, The officer responded to a report of construction on Sunday. He talked with the party and referred the case to code enforcement.

3/5, assist Sheriff’s Office on an alcohol violation, Holmes Beach Police Department, 5801 Marina Drive. Two deputies on beach patrol spotted an underage male drinking on the beach in Holmes Beach. Police responded to issue the juvenile a citation.

Holmes Beach 3/4, alcohol violation, 5500 block at the beach. A woman was spotted on the beach with an open can of beer. She

Betty L. Guthrie Betty L. Guthrie, 84, of Cortez, died March 12, 2017.

Born in Detroit, Mich., she moved to Cortez in 1942 from Grand Ledge, Mich., and was an active member of the Church of Christ Church in Cortez, since 1952. She was the owner/ operator of Betty’s Beauty Salon for 17 years, was an award winning manager of JAFRA Cosmetics, president of the first women’s auxiliary for the Cortez Fire Department, was an original member of the Cortez Fishing Festival, and a member of the Sweet Adelines.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, James ‘’Junie,’’ of Cortez; son, Jimmy (Sandy),of River-

view, Fla.; daughters, Carol (Allen) Haas, of Deatsville, Ala., and Peggy (Steve) Barr of Scottsville, Ky.; nine grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

There will be a visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2017, with services at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.

Memorial donations may be made to Cortez Village Historical Society, P.O. Box 663, Cortez, FL 34215. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Samuel Keller Pollock Samuel Keller Pollock, 99, of Holmes Beach, died March 12, 2017.

Born in Wilkinsburg, Pa., he moved to Bradenton in 2010 from Minneapolis, Minn., and was a veteran of the US Army.

Predeceased by his parents, Alfred Cavitt and Kate (Keller) Pollock; wife, Amelia Elizabeth (Smith) and Patricia (Peterson) Pollock; granddaughter, Keller Katherine Pollock; survived by son, Alfred (Helen), of Holmes Beach, Fla.; daughter, Mary Pollock Scott, of Portland, Ore.; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

There will be no local services at this time. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army or Blake School, Minneapolis, Minn. Condolences may be made towww.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

3/5, construction code violation, construction on Sunday. The officer responded on a complaint and found a landscaper cutting a tree. He was warned and the case was forwarded to code enforcement.

3/6, driving with a suspended license, 8200 block of, Palm Drive. The officer spotted a car with an expired plate an stopped the driver who admitted he did not have a driver’s license. He was given a notice to appear.

3/7, alcohol violation, Manatee County Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. Three men were observed drinking on the beach.

They were given citations.

3/7, Alcohol violation, Manatee County Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. While on patrol at the lifeguard stand, two officers observed two males drinking beer while walking from the volleyball court to the lifeguard stand. They confronted the subjects, who admitted drinking the beer. The beer was seized, and they were issued citations.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 15, 2017

TOWN CRIER Admire floral arrangements The Anna Maria Garden Club holds its annual Penny Flower Show on Wednesday, March 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The theme is “Sing a Song with Flowers” With the following categories: Blue Moon, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Yellow Rose of Texas, White Christmas, Days of Wine and Roses, Surfing USA and Horticulture.

There will be a bake sale with homemade goodies available for purchase, and a raffle for some beautifully filled baskets with themes of Beach Basket, Wine Basket, July 4th Basket and Garden Basket. Call Charlotte at 941-7786758 for more information.

Explore a social medium Facebook has become a supplement to communication in the age of the computer. Learn more about it at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, March 15, at 2 p.m. For more information, call the library at 941-7786341.

Wonderland by night The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources presents a sunset, starlight paddle at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, on Wednesday, March 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy nature from the water after the sun goes down. They will take advantage of low tide to watch the sunset from the sandbars of the Manatee River. Bring your camera for great shots of egrets, herons and roseate spoonbills.

This is an easy paddle that beginners can enjoy. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear including a light. All participants must wear a life jacket.

Reservations are required. Call 941742- 5757, ext. 7.

A tasty adversary The Florida Maritime Museum, at 4415 119th Street West, in Cortez, presents “The Lionfish Invasion” on Wednesday, March 15 at 3 p.m.

Non-native marine fish species can pose a major threat to marine ecosystems and how they function and the lionfish, although beautiful, is no exception. In fact, the lionfish invasion has been coined one of the worst marine invasions to date.

Join the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to learn more about this invasive species and its impact to the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Topics

covered in the presentation include a history of the invasion, basic lionfish biology, their impacts, and proper harvesting and handling techniques.

Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Seating is first-come, firstserved beginning at 2:30 p.m. FMM members can reserve seats by calling 941-708-6120.

Review a book The Friends of the Island Branch Library Book Club will meet on Thursday, March 16, at 10:15 tol discuss “The Round House,” by Louise Erdrich.

Later in the day, the Knit and Crochet Club meets at 2 p.m. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Fishy art The Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum is offering Painting with a Fish. This class introduces gyotaku, or direct method fish rubbing, in a unique environment. Enjoy a tour of the museum before learning how to paint with a fish. The class fee includes the museum tour, art instructions, supplies, and your own fish print.

There are two class dates to choose from. The first is Thursday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to noon and the second is Friday, March 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Each class is $35, and fees are due a week before the scheduled class date.

Classes have been selling out fast so call 941-708-6120 or visit the museum at 4415 119th St W in Cortez to register.

To sign up, visit https://app.etapestry. com/cart/TampaBayWatch.

Seniors go to Hard Rock Senior Adventures members will go to Hard Rock Café for lunch and entertainment on Friday, March 17.

Attendees will gather at Annie Silver Community Center for a bus to take them there at 10:15 a.m. A reservation is required. Call Peg Miller at 941-7783106 to make a reservation.

Get out of the traffic with fun and education at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, March 18.

There will be a meditation session at 11 a.m. Learn how to slow down and redirect your thought. At 2 p.m., kids can learn how to make paper jewelry.

For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Tame your tablet

Is it real?

The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, presents a free lecture on how to use Apple’s iPad. The original tablet, the iPad, has many uses, but most people don’t know what its capabilities really are. For more information, call 942-778-6341

Joshua Gillin, of the Tampa Bay Times, discusses “Politifact” at the Anna Maria Island Democratic Club meeting on Monday, March 20, at the IMG Academy Clubhouse 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton. He’ll look at the role of political fact-checking journalism and its role in the era of “fake news.”

Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m., buffet service starts at 11:30, a.m. The cost is $15-17. For more information, contact Bill McGrath, 941-761-4017.

Relax with fire

The Anna Maria Chapter of S.W.A.T. (Successful Women Aligning Together) will host a networking luncheon on Thursday, March 16, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., in Bradenton Beach.

S.W.A.T. meetings are a wonderful way to share your information and network with other women in the community. The AMI Chapter meets the third Thursday of each month.

To R.S.V.P. and for more information, contact Sherri Proctor, AMI Chapter director, at 941-345-5135 or SWATAMI@gmail.com.

Food and fun

Clean the beach

Bingo at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St., Bradenton Beach, runs each Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be drinks and cake available and door prizes.

Saturday, March 18, is the Great American Coastal Cleanup and the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is asking for help at Coquina Beach from 9 a.m. to noon.

Bring gloves, a hat and sunscreen, and the county will provide trash bags and grabbers. This is a great opportunity for teens looking to earn volunteer hours. This program sponsored by Tampa Bay Watch.

Celebrate the green Aging in Paradise Resource Center presents “A Wee Bit of Blarney” at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of

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Mexico Drive, on Friday, March 17, from 4 to 7 ,p.m. The Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild Play Readers will perform.

There also will also be an Irishthemed play by a local playwright, a radio script, banjo Irish music and a sing-along, followed by a traditional St. Patrick’s dinner of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. Refreshments, including beer and wine, will be served.

Tickets are $35 per person. There is limited seating, so purchase tickets now by calling Mary Ann at 941-3836493.

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department presents “Four Elements Earthwalk: Fire,” an ongoing monthly series that will help participants relax, destress and reconnect deeply with nature, at Ungarelli Preserve, 4000 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton, on Friday, March 17, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Learn to savor nature by turning off your brain and focusing on the present moment using basic mindfulness techniques with a new element-based theme each month. Fire’s walk is the walk of life and energy, so they will discover the new breath of spring emerging from the winter.

This is suitable for ages 16 and up.

Participants are asked to call 941-7425923, ext. 6039.

S.W.A.T. meets

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Aviation history at Kiwanis Charlie Fields will speak on the 150th birthday of Wilbur Wright at the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island meeting on Saturday, March 18, at 8:39 a.m. at the Manatee Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Kiwanis Club members from out of town and prospective members are welcome. The café sells breakfast before the meeting.

Rest and have fun at the library

Story time at the library Trudy Hill, the children’s librarian, reads stories and offers crafts and music on Tuesday, March 21, at 10 a.m.

Kids between toddler and five years of age are welcome with their parents at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Learn to guard rare creatures The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts Rarely Seen Creatures” on Tuesday, March 21, from 2 to 3 p.m. Florida is home to a variety of animals that are rare and unique.

In this program, presenters will explore the state’s threatened and endangered wildlife, discovering those creatures that are rapidly disappearing from the landscape. The program will include a discussion on how everyone can help these rarely seen creatures.

This program is suitable for all adults.

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Moves with effort 6 Golden Fleece ship 10 Tach nos.

14 Any "30 Rock" episode, now 15 Trial version 16 Tahari of fashion 17 D-Day code name 19 Carroll specialties 20 Got elected 21 Influence 22 Loaf 23 Official lang. of Trinidad and Tobago 24 Again 27 Oktoberfest souvenirs 29 Actor Stephen 30 Clear 31 Balkan native 32 "Key Largo" co-star 35 Indication of cooperation with ones hidden in this puzzle's four other longest answers 40 Red hair and green eyes 41 Some PX patrons 43 George Lucas' alma mater: Abbr.

46 Having one sharp 47 It makes a lot of dough 49 Cleaner with a blade 53 Bishops and pawns 54 "The Last Supper," for one 55 NBA part: Abbr.

56 Keep __ distance 57 Pains 58 1957 #1 song title that appears in the line after "I'm in love"

61 Hunted one 62 Security lapse 63 Dr. Evil portrayer in Austin Powers films 64 Lab fluids 65 Garage sale caveat 66 Capital on the Aar Down 1 Masterful ability 2 Soothing brew 3 Citrus greenhouse 4 "I can't believe I missed that!"

5 Wisconsin-based tool manufacturer 6 Young adult fiction writer Griffin 7 Sphere of influence 8 Sierra or Yukon 9 "I'm impressed!"

10 Move, roots and all 11 Connect to a power source 12 Dr. Evil's cohort 13 Italian sonnet closing 18 Subject that may come up in a frank discussion?

Answers to 03-08-17 Crossword Puzzle.

22 Provided the hands 25 Ocean predators 26 Garner 28 "Su-r-r-r-re" 32 Pantyhose shade 33 Vegas routine 34 Tall and thin 36 Disney daughter of King Triton 37 Masculine principle 38 Fridge convenience 39 Point at which commitment occurs 42 Neural junction 43 Some road atlas pgs.

44 Knight's attendant 45 Stone-pushing Winter Olympian 47 Those two 48 Self-possession 50 Cushy class 51 Zhou __ 52 Mardi Gras purchases 58 Harper Lee's home st.

59 Avignon article 60 Santana's "__ Como Va"

MARCH 15, 2017

MARCH 15, 2017

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLEANING SERVICE

BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing and Widows. Call 941251-5948

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).

COMPUTER SERVICES

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE 1996 CADILLAC DEVILLE 66,000 miles. Excellent condition $4500 OBOI Call 575-749-9211

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES. Business Is Brisk.

Now's The Time, Snowbirds Are Here. All Boats Sell. "Business On A Hand Shake" Dave/Owner & Island Resident. 941-2283489 17' OLD TOWN CANOE. GOOD CONDITION. Call 941-778-2005 WILDERNESS SYSTEMS RIDE 115 fishing/recreational kayak 30 pound thrust 12-VDC electric motor, voltage meter, paddle, rod holder, anchor system, charger, quick, quite, stable $2500 Call 321-591-7615

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

FULL or PART TIME position. Available days at our ladies boutique on Island.

Hours 10-5. Some retail experience needed Call 941-504-8007 DUNKIN’ DONUTS NOW HIRING. Apply within at 3302 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach NAIL TECHNITION & STYLIST NEEDED Must have Cosmetologist license. Small shop on Anna Maria Island. Work flexible hours. Call 941-538-0225 COMING SOON NEW RESORT: Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club Job Fair for Brand New Resort Date: March 20th, 2017 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00p.m. Location will be inside “Eat Here” Restaurant 5315 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach FL 34217 Available Career Opportunities: Cooks, Front Desk Positions, Servers, Housekeepers, Bartenders, Maintenance Techs Over 70 positions to fill.

You can send your resume to: HR Confidential Fax#: 813-658-6009 or Email: careeropportunities@ mainsailhotels.com

CARPET CLEANING

ESTATE SALE

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

ESTATE SALE MARCH 18 & 19 household goods, furniture and misc. goods.

10am-3pm. 7523 4th Ave W. Bradenton FL

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX, Open 9:30am.-2 pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10am. – 1pm. on Saturday. Donations preferred on Wednesdays 9am. -11pm. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-7792733.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com 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.

WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us

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BESPOKE SERVICES, MASTER CARPENTER for all home & office repairs. Also painting, decorating, decking & dock repairs,. Large or small works. Reasonable Rates! Island guy for Island work. Call RICHARD 941-448-3571 SHEETROCK/DRYWALL REPAIRS install & finish.

STUCCO Repairs. All wall & ceiling textures. All home maintenance & repairs. 30 years experience. Free Estimates! Call 941-321-0482

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 3/15/2017 9:00am at 1855 63rd Ave E Bradenton FL 34203 pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids 2012 Nissan Vin 3N1CN7AP5CL919828 2016 HD Motorcycle Vin 1HD1KTM11GB615544

LOST & FOUND LOST KAYAK BIMINI BAY Floated away on Sunday nights storm. Tan Feather Lite. Please call 941-7783057 LOST ENVELOPE WITH Money in it. Border of Holmes Beach & Bradenton Beach. REWARD 361-9440167

LOST HEAVY GOLD CHAIN with Blue Stone near 47th Ave in Holmes Beach on December 26. REWARD! Call 908-963-1702 LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

Call 407-579-1621 LOST TENNIS BRACELET Gold with Diamonds around. Near Dog Park or Publix. REWARD! Call 941778-2494

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 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Wall paper removal..

Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

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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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FROM THE HIGH $200’s. Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com

106 WILLOW RENOVATED Cottage. 1 in from Beach, beautiful pool/spa. Lush landscaping $1,197,000.

Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 FIND REAL ESTATE at brokersandra.com. Call Sandra Glantz 941-7999229 Licensed Real Estate Professional with Wagner Realty. Call for free market analysis.

FANTASTIC WATER VIEWS: PERICO ISLAND Large ground level condo 2BR/2BA bath, 2 car garage, den, vaulted ceilings in living room, dining room, sunroom, 11002 Perico Way. $349,900. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 CANAL FRONT BAY VIEW 3BR/3BA dock & lift, 2 car garage W. Bradenton CONDO 2,376 sq.ft.

Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-232-2216

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REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE PERICO ISLAND Furnished 2BR/3BA townhouse very large floor plan, dining room, walk in closets, den, priced to sell $269,900. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-3305054 BAY FRONT HOME Palma Sola W. Bradenton 4000sq.ft. 4BR/3.5BA 4 car garage. Stunning cathedral ceilings. No Island traffic! Island Real Estate Ask AL Galletto 941-232-2216 SPECTACULAR BAY VIEWS! This spacious home sits on an estate sized lot. Pool, boating, privacy - Life is good! $1,489,000. Wagner Realty, Karen Day Fineout 941-518-3682 PERICO ISLAND 2BR/2BA great Water Views, new designer bathrooms, updated kitchen, stainless appliances, new wood floors, beautiful window treatments. Mint condition $279,900. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 LONGBOAT KEY CONDO 1BR/1BA Canal Front great water views, Furnished, new kitchen, wood floors, sleeps 6.

Mint condition move in ready, beach to bay community with 4 pools, gated. $249,900. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-3305054 FOR SALE ANNA MARIA lot N. Bay Blvd . Beautiful Passage Key view across from park. Brenda Boyd May Boyd Realty 941-730-8589 RESORT LIVING AMI CLUB Custom built Gulf Front Condo with stunning Gulf views, sandy beach & awesome sunsets. $849,000 2BR/2BA 1200sf. Zillow. com 2600 Gulf Dr. N. #13, Bradenton Beach, FL Call 309-642-7370 for appointment or questions

Call us today! 941-778-3986

AFFORDABLE WATERFRONT HOME in Seaside Gardens. 2BR/2BA. Great fishing, boating, fantastic open water bay view. Call Captain Steve 970-846-7394. captnse@gmail.com

RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/2BA, VILLA new kitchen, very clean, two bonus rooms and large back patio area tropical plantings. Carport, washer dryer hookup and additional storage.

Walk in closets and great room layout with split bedroom plan. Available immediately $1650/mo, last month and security deposit. Centrally located in Holmes Beach and waiting for you to move in. Call today. All persons 18 years and older must pay and pass a background and credit check. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED ! We have well qualifed tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details. Ask for Ed 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 junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. W BRADENTON, POINTE WEST: 2BR/2BA ground floor villa w/carport, screen patio & full laundry. Comm. pool, cable & water incl. in $1150 rent.

First, last, sec. & credit check req.. Call Island Real Estate at 941-778-6066 2BR/2BA GROUND LEVEL Duplex, Carport, screened in lanai w/d hookups just off the island in Heritage Pines. Pets under 20 pounds with application. $1075/mo Condo application required. A Paradise Realty. Call 941-778-4800

LONG TERM or SHORT TERM Rental. Best location 1 1/2 blocks to Beach. 2 blocks to Bay. 3200sf Home with private apartment. Parking for up to 7 cars. Fenced yard with mature foliage. Very close to bridges. http:// www.propertypanorama. com/instaview-tour/mfr/ A4173765 Call 386-4515530

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-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941704-7525 or 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!

MARCH 15, 2017

SEASONAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: March, April, & May June. HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/1BA ground level.

Block to Gulf. ANNA MARIA (monthly minimum): 2BR/2BA & 2BR/1BA Both ground level and Close to Beach. 2BR/1BA Gulf Front. Second story. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-778-0426 kringco@ tampabay.rr.com WEST COAST TREASURE 3BR/2BA fully furnished home. Available now!

NW Bradenton (Palma Sola). 4 miles from Beach. Nightly/Weekly/ Monthly. Reasonable Rental Rates. Call 941201-2190 WINTER 2018- VACATION RENTALS AVAILABLE. 3 month minimum. Prices start at $2,800/mo. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-7782307.

LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION for MARCH: 2BR/2BA Canal Front Villa with boat dock on Holmes Beach $2200/ mo; 2BR/2BA Sunbow Bay Condo with heated pool & tennis $3200/mo; 2BR/1BA apartment 1 house from the Beach in Anna Maria $750/week; 3BR/3BA Canal front home in Anna Maria, Heated pool & spa $2000/week. Call Green Real Estate 941-7780455 www.greenreal.com NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Anna Maria. 3BR/2BA Seasonal Rental across the street from Gulf.

Heated Pool.

AMIRENTAL.com DUE TO CANCELLATION! Last 3 weeks of April 2017 Open! 2BR/1BA fully furnished with laundry. 1 block to Beach Call 941778-2891 No smoking/ pets.

RUNAWAY BAY AVAILABLE MARCH 2018.

Pool, tennis, walk to Beach. No pets/no smoking 2BR/2BA First Floor Call 941-779-1043

BEACH FRONT CONDO Ground floor 2BR/1BA seasonal rental 20172018. Two months minimum. Senior complex.

All amenities included.

Two heated pools. No Pets/Smoking. Contact 941-737-3273

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150.

Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

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MARCH 15, 2017

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MARCH 15, 2017

Vacation Rentals • Sales • Property Management

TeamDuncan.com • 941.779.0304

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216