Anna Maria Island Sun March 17, 2021

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 21 No. 23

March 17, 2021

More people eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine People age 60 and older are now eligible to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine at county- and state-run facilities.

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

MIKE FIELD | SUN

CINDY LANE | SUN

Art fans enjoy Springfest

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

The Anna Maria Island Art League’s annual Springfest brought locals and visitors to Holmes Beach city field last weekend to celebrate art on a pictureperfect March day.

More than 40 artists participated in the 33rd Annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts, about half the usual number to accommodate distancing for safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Artists Michelle Chang and Wayne Gao, of the Post Modern Art Center, took best in show for their mixed media works. Awards of Distinction went to John Cheer, of Cheer Clay Studio, for clay and pottery and Ron Deel for oil and acrylic painting. Awards of Merit went to Steve Brewster, of Moonbay Art Glass, for sculpture, Pam Chevalier for sculpture and Jay Canterbury for photography.

In the “Young at Art” high school category, students at the Manatee School for the Arts won all three SEE SPRINGFEST, PAGE 25

Commissioners consider changes to noise ordinance Commissioners directed city staff to look into possible ways to tighten noise regulations.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Noise is news once again in this community.

The subject was broached by Commissioner Kim Rash, who said he feels the city’s current noise ordinance and reliance on readings from a noise meter don’t reflect the

INSIDE NEWS LETTERS OUTDOORS RESTAURANTS CASTLES IN THE SAND REAL ESTATE POLICE REPORTS CROSSWORD

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issues that residents are having, particularly those with homes near large vacation rental properties.

“I think the staff and the Chief are doing well with it but more is needed to combat noise issues,” Rash said.

In addition to the noise meter and the seven standards that police and code compliance officers can use to identify a noise violation, Rash suggested city leaders adopt a “plainly audible” standard to the noise ordinance.

Using a plainly audible standard, if officers could hear noise from a

MANATEE COUNTY – More people are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Manatee County at more distribution sites, but there are also more requirements, depending on your situation.

County officials have opened registration through the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County for people age 16 and older with underlying medical conditions to receive the vaccine. To be eligible, vaccine recipients must first have a physician fill out a determination of extreme vulnerability form with the Department of Health’s logo on it. The form can be downloaded online at http://ww11.doh.state.fl.us/ comm/_partners/covid19_report_archive/covid-physician-form/EO-21-47-Form.pdf. To learn what medical conditions qualify, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online at https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/ people-with-medical-conditions.html.

To make an appointment at the health department, call 941-242-6646. Vaccine appointments are being made from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Department of Health at 410 Sixth Ave. E., Bradenton. When arriving for an appointment, recipients need a signed copy of the determination of extreme vulnerability form, if applicable, documentation showing proof of Florida residency and a completed vaccination consent form which can be found online at www.mymanatee.org/vaccine. Second vaccine appointments will be scheduled when the first vaccine is given.

SEE VACCINE, PAGE 28

long distance from the source of the noise, a length that would have to be determined by commissioners, the noise would be considered in violation of the city’s ordinance and a noise violation citation could be issued to the offender.

He also asked police Chief Bill Tokajer to consider a way for people reporting potential noise violations to remain anonymous.

SEE NOISE, PAGE 30

Also; see related story on Page 3 SOURCE: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

FIND ALL

FORMER county aministrator shares

things matrimonial in The Sun’s Wedding Guide. 22-23

her thoughts on service, departure. 5

Anna Maria Island, Florida

FLORIDA Senate amends proposed

“house hotel” legislation. 24

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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FRESH AIR because

WE CARE Before we reopened The Waterfront for indoor seating, we installed the Fresh-Aire UV disinfection system to help protect our customers and staff. Our outdoor dining makes up two thirds of our restaurant seating.

All seating is spaced 6 feet apart.

941.778.1515 | 111 SOUTH BAY BLVD | ANNA MARIA ISLAND, FL WWW.THEWATERFRONTRESTAURANT.NET

MARCH 17, 2021

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MARCH 17, 2021

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Mayor seeks noise ordinance revisions To make a noise complaint in Bradenton Beach call 941-778-6311.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Mayor John Chappie wants to revise the city’s noise ordinance.

At Chappie’s request, potential noise ordinance revisions were discussed during a city commission work meeting on Tuesday, March 9. Police Chief Sam Speciale also participated in the discussion. The commission did not make any final decisions on specific revisions and the noise ordinance will be discussed again at a future meeting.

The meeting packet included copies of the Anna Maria and Holmes Beach ordinances as points of comparison. Chappie said he would like to see Bradenton Beach’s noise ordinance incorporate some elements of the Anna Maria ordinance, including the provision that vacation rental property managers and property owners are notified of each noise complaint generated by their guests.

The Anna Maria ordinance also states property managers and owners can be subjected to the same escalating

fines for second, third and additional noise violations committed by the same group of rental guests.

The Anna Maria noise ordinance does not require a decibel meter for enforcement. The Bradenton Beach ordinance does.

EVOLVING NOISE ISSUES

Chappie said the Bradenton Beach community has changed a lot since the noise ordinance was last revised by a previous commission in 2013. He said there are now 547 vacation rentals in Bradenton Beach and many of those rentals have pools and/or rooftop decks or crow’s nests.

“This isn’t a knock on the visitors. It is the way it is, but there are things that we need to adjust and look at not just for the residents, but also for our visitors,” Chappie said.

Chappie said most vacation rental guests are well-behaved, but he believes property owners and rental management companies should be held more accountable for those that are not.

“What we’ve got right now isn’t working. There’s some tweaks that have to be made and there’s some enforcement issues that possibly may

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Police Chief Sam Speciale said the conversation taking place in the commission chambers that day measured 65-70 decibels on his decibel meter. need to be changed,” Chappie said.

Commissioner Marilyn Maro lives on Avenue B, on the north side of the city.

“We have a lot of trouble on our street on the corner there with the big party house,” she said. “How would they feel if we went to their neighborhood and did that? Have some respect for the people that live around you. And now we have another party house going up.

It’s getting really out of control. We’ve got to do something,” Maro said.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said noisy pool pumps and air conditioners also create noise issues.

Speciale said the majority of the noise complaints received are resolved when an officer responds to a complaint and issues a verbal warning to quiet down.

“We can’t do anything if we’re not called,” he added.

Speciale said his officers also have the authority to address a noisy residence or business without a complaint being made.

Speciale said he lives near a large vacation rental home and the sound of people sitting outside talking at 3 a.m. is sometimes audible to himself and others who live nearby, but those conversations don’t exceed the decibel levels established by the city’s noise ordinance.

DECIBEL-BASED ORDINANCE

According to the current ordinance, the maximum decibels allowed in residential areas is 70 decibels between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; 65 decibels between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and 55 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry said two standards can be applied to noise SEE ORDINANCE, PAGE 12

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Island vaccine site requested Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy has requested a COVID-19 vaccination site on Anna Maria Island.

In an email sent to Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur over the weekend, Murphy wrote, “Thank you for all you are doing to keep our county safe. I have had many calls from constituents for consideration of a COVID vaccine clinic on Anna Maria Island. I strongly support such a clinic and ask that you consider the possibility for three reasons: • “The majority of the Island residents are over age 65.

• “Residents face every week a churn of new visitors, as over 60% of the dwellings are vacation rentals units.

• “The drive to and from Tom Bennett Park during high season can be well over 2-3 hours round trip, depending upon appointment time.”

“Thank you for your consideration of this request,” Murphy’s email said in conclusion.

Join the Holmes Beach clean water initiative Holmes Beach city leaders are still looking for a few concerned community members to join the newly forming Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee.

Participants will be required to meet as needed to help create a vision of how to ensure local waters in and around the city are clean for shellfish harvesting, swimming, fishing, drinking and providing a natural, healthy ecosystem for native plant and animal communities. Members will be expected to prioritize and coordinate community activity projects to improve water quality. Applications are being accepted through the end of March and applicants don’t have to be residents of Holmes Beach to apply. To apply, visit www.holmesbeachfl. org or call the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800.

Island Praise to perform outdoor concert The group Island Praise brings their contemporary Christian praise music to Anna Maria Island for a special outdoor concert at Roser Memorial Community Church as a part of the church’s Music on the Water series. Roser Associate Pastor Neil Crowell will be joined by the church’s facilities manager, Charles Wade, Russ Brier, Lorna Smilde and other local musicians for an afternoon of contemporary music. The event will be held at 3 p.m. on March 21 in the Roser sanctuary parking lot. All attendees are required to wear a mask and bring their own lawn chairs. Groups are asked to set up their seating six feet from others to maintain safe social distancing. Parking is available in the fellowship hall parking lot and across the street at the thrift store parking lot. Handicap parking will be allowed on the west side of the sanctuary parking lot. Reservations are not required to attend.

This event will not be streamed live or recorded for the Roser YouTube page. Roser is at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. For more information, contact the church office at 941-778-0414.

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MARCH 17, 2021

Onewheels and hoverboards prohibited on Anna Maria beaches

The ordinance pertains to micromobility devices on beaches and in city parks.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria now has an ordinance in place prohibiting Onewheels, hoverboards and other micromobility devices on beaches and in city parks.

Adopted on final reading by the city commission on Feb. 25, Ordinance 21-882 states: “No person shall operate or possess a bicycle, motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motor vehicle, hoverboard, skateboard, electric personal assistive mobility device, or trailer, or any other device of any sort with one or more wheels on any beaches or any coastal barrier sand dunes located within the city limits, except for small hand-pulled wagons, or walkers or wheelchairs for the mobility impaired.”

Regarding city parks, the ordinance says, “No person shall operate or possess a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motor vehicle,

GRANT FULKERSON | SUBMITTED

Battery-powered Onewheels are no longer allowed on Anna Maria beaches. hoverboard, skateboard, electric personal assistive mobility device, or trailer, or any other device of any sort with one or more wheels in any parks located within the city limits, except for bicycles, small hand-pulled wagons, or walker or wheelchairs for the mobility impaired.”

The ordinance provides the fol-

lowing exceptions: “The prohibitions contained in this section shall not apply to the operators of authorized emergency vehicles, or those vehicles on authorized patrol; nor prevent the operation of bicycles in any city-maintained parks that are not beaches or coastal barrier sand dunes located within the city.”

Planning commissioners continue comprehensive plan revisions

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

HOLMES BEACH – Holmes Beach planning commissioners are steadily working their way through the city’s comprehensive plan.

With the help of a team from LaRue Planning, the group is readying recommendations for changes to the plan, which helps

set goals and plans for the future of the community.

During a March 10 meeting, the group added an ecotourism element to the recreation and open space section of the plan. Other proposed changes include adding statements that the city will continually assess open spaces, recreational facilities and services to determine if they need improvement to meet the needs of the community. The pro-

posed revisions also include a provision for city staff to pursue grant opportunities to further the goals of increasing open and green space in the city, maintaining natural resources and recreational facilities and funding new recreational facilities as needed.

To view all of the progress being made on the comprehensive plan review, visit https://larueplanning. com/holmesbeach/.

MARCH 17, 2021

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Coryea looks forward to her next professional adventure Former County Administrator Cheri Coryea shares her thoughts on her county service and her recent departure.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Cheri Coryea’s two-year tenure as Manatee County’s administrator ended on Feb. 23 when the county commission approved a $204,000 separation agreement.

Serving as neither termination nor resignation, the separation agreement ended the termination efforts previously pursued

by Commissioners Kevin Van Ostenbridge, George Kruse, Vanessa Baugh and James Satcher. The agreement also ended Coryea’s 30-year career as a county employee.

While the county commission searches for an acting county administrator and then for Coryea’s long-term successor, Coryea has had a few weeks to decompress and evaluate her next professional pursuit.

“I’m doing well. It still just feels like I am on vacation since I hadn’t had any time off for the last several years. After committing 30-plus years of my life to public service and being on the ready 24/7, it just

doesn’t go away in an instant. I have the most amazing family and they have always been so supportive of the work and the time I have spent working on behalf of the citizens of Manatee County. I am extremely thankful to be spending some quality time with them,” Coryea said.

“I miss not seeing the staff each day. I could not have worked for, worked with, or led a more dedicated group of individuals.

I know the county is in great hands and will be successful because of them. The programs and services put into motion will continue to serve the health, safety and welfare of the citizens well into the future,” Coryea said.

As for what comes next for her, Coryea said, “I am taking time to reflect and explore both public and private sector opportunities. I have experience in both areas.

Most people know my public sector experience, but I worked in my early career in the private sector and have spent a great deal of my county government years focused on elevating the local economic position in Manatee County.”

During her 30 years with the county, Coryea also formed professional relationships with several chambers of commerce and business organizations.

“I have an enormous amount of respect

LENA ROAD CONTROVERSY

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Former County Administrator Cheri Coryea is now contemplating her next career move. for the private sector commitment businesses make in the success of their community and I always felt that I had the ability to bridge the works of both the public and private sector in a successful and positive way,” Coryea said.

“The extent of my work has created a lot of collaborative opportunities within the region, the state of Florida and across the country. As much as I'd love to continue working in Manatee County, I have no boundaries on where my future takes me and I am eager to continue to consider all of the options that come forward,” she said.

When first proposing Coryea’s termination on Nov. 19, Van Ostenbridge mentioned the recent Lena Road property purchase that Coryea brought to a close before he, Kruse and Satcher were sworn in as new commissioners on Nov. 17.

After expressing his opinion that the $32.5 million the county paid for 161 acres of land, an access road and some utilities infrastructure was excessive, Van Ostenbridge alleged the Lena Road property purchase was grounds to terminate Coryea.

Kruse, Baugh and Satcher supported Van Ostenbridge’s motion to put Coryea on notice that her termination would be discussed and determined in early December, but Kruse later changed his mind and successfully brought those initial termination efforts to an end.

When interviewed last week, Coryea shared her perspective on the Lena Road purchase.

“On Oct. 13, the board of county commissioners culminated a two-year process of reviewing over 23 potential sites for relocating and expanding multiple efficiency of public service projects that would be able SEE CORYEA, PAGE 14

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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MARCH 17, 2021

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

After 18 years, I’m leaving AMI Dear AMI (Anna Maria Island), This may be the hardest letter I have ever written. Tears gather in my eyes as I write this. The last 18 years with you have been the happiest of my life, but our relationship, as loving as it was, has changed.

Maybe it was you, maybe it was me, maybe we have just grown apart.

Whatever the case, I have decided we can no longer stay together. It seems the rules for our relationship have grown into more of what I can’t do than what I can do – every day complaining about something! You complain about my family, friends and guests that just want to have fun and enjoy themselves. Don’t you remember what it was like to be young once? All our friends seem to be forced off AMI and instead it’s all becoming a city of vacation rentals. I shall always have fond memories of our time together. I hope we can remain friends and see each other often, but who are we kidding? I shall miss your sunset eyes, our wonderful meals at so many great Island restaurants, and a cold bever-

age and wonderful music at so many places. I hope when we think of each other great memories and a smile come to each of us.

Peace & love always…

Tracy Eckert Formerly of Bradenton Beach

Reality check If you are a Holmes Beach resident, you may have missed one of the most informative work sessions on the never-ending issue of noise. This information crushed decades of research on the science of sound because it was said that this information was just Googled, and the HB meter readings take precedence.

I may send the meeting audio to the American Journal of Medicine, EPA, CDC, etc., to share that the top scientists can save their efforts and expertise by following the city decibel reader.

Their readings say that the yelling, screaming, music, etc., that is heard a block, two blocks, or over 1000’s of feet away is quieter than normal conversation.

People are told that the ambient noise, which is usually not identified on the reports, is almost always louder. I guess the thump, thump, thump and loud music is actually from traffic… like a bad tire on a truck, or the brakes squealing during traffic back-ups on Marina.

The meter also has unique characteristics; it adjusts to

certain properties. Simple radio music at some residential properties is a violation, while amplified music at other residential properties is not. I will tell my audiologist, whom I only needed after years of exposure, that his equipment is improperly calibrated, and he needs to have it checked by the city. The high pitch from years of screaming could not have damaged my hearing because that is quiet conversation level, so I should request a refund on my hearing aids. It’s amazing that all the professional research from top scientists worldwide could be so wrong. Could this be why residents are so wrong? Rarely do complaints have validity because people really only called because the sounds were less than normal conversation level.

HBPD must also have equipment to identify anonymous callers because names sometimes appear on reports and this sometimes triggers taunting.

Remember, the next time you hear disruptive sounds that can go on for hours, days, or weeks, it is really only quiet or normal conversation level, and ambient noise that you can’t hear will measure louder. So, I guess if you want to live peacefully in your home, check into a set of those sound-deafening earphones, because what you think you are hearing isn’t really what you are hearing.

Richard Motzer Holmes Beach

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MARCH 17, 2021

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

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

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

March 23, 10 a.m. – City Commission work session March 23, 2:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting March 25, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

MARKYOUR CALENDAR capacity. Please wear a face mask/covering.

The Tingley Memorial Library is open.

The Center of Anna Maria Island is open with social distancing and face masks required.

The Holmes Beach dog park (Scentral Park), skate park, basketball courts, pickleball courts and tennis courts are open.

Local preserves are open, including Grassy Point Preserve, Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

Local beaches are open.

WEDNESDAY

Roser Guild Thrift Shop yard sale, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SUNDAY MARCH 21

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TUESDAY MARCH 23

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Roser Guild Thrift Shop yard sale, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to noon.

MARCH 17

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

March 17, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency meeting March 18, noon – City Commission meeting March 24, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency meeting March 31, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

City hall is open to the public by appointment only. Please visit www.holmesbeachfl. org or contact city hall for more information.

March 17, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing March 23, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow The Island Branch Library is open at 40%

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THURSDAY MARCH 18

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

Reserve to 941-742-5923 ext. 6036 or elena. burke@mymanatee.org.

Farmer’s Market, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

SATURDAY MARCH 20

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8-9 a.m. No reservations required.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

WEDNESDAY

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SATURDAY MARCH 27

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8-9 a.m. No reservations required.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Keep Manatee Beautiful Great American Clean Up, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Reservations required at www.manateebeautiful.com/ event-details/great-american-cleanup.

Wagon Tours, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Reservations required at www.eventbrite. com/e/142154083691.

MARCH 24

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THURSDAY MARCH 25

Farmer’s Market, Holmes Beach city field, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

FRIDAY MARCH 26

Archaeo Paddle, Robinson Preserve, north entrance kayak launch, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. Participants must be age 16 or older and furnish their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Reservations required at www.eventbrite.com/e/136436644677.

SUNDAY MARCH 28

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac. wsc/search.html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.

Full moon paddle, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 p.m. Recommended for ages 16 and older. All participants must furnish their own canoe or kayak and safety gear. Registration required at www.eventbrite.com/e/142164213991.

TUESDAY MARCH 30

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 101 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Roser Guild Thrift Shop yard sale, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to noon.

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MARCH 17, 2021

New software streamlines parking ticket process HBPD officers will soon have a new tool in the fight against illegal parking in the city.

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

HOLMES BEACH – A new tool to help issue parking tickets and identify repeat offenders with open tickets will soon be in the hands of Holmes Beach police officers.

Commissioners voted 4-1, with Commissioner Jayne Christenson dissenting, to allow Mayor Judy Titsworth to enter into a contract with Passport Inc. for the purchase of mobile printers and parking ticket collection services.

While the city will be paying $600 for the printers, one for each police officer, and an additional estimated $350-450 each for Android phone devices dedicated to issuing parking tickets, city leaders won’t pay anything for

the collection service provided by Passport, Inc. Once the new technology is put in use, parking ticket recipients will be able to pay their tickets online or over the phone to Passport. Any administration fees, expected to be $4.50 per ticket, late fees and other applicable fees will be paid by the ticket recipient, not the city, to Passport. All ticket proceeds received by Passport will be remitted to the city of Holmes Beach.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer said all of the city’s costs for the implementation of the program, primarily purchase of equipment and data plans to operate the devices, is covered in a $25,000 line item approved before the beginning of the current fiscal year by city commissioners. He said he estimates the parking ticket devices to last about five years before needing to be replaced. The Android phone devices purchased to run the Passport software will only be

able to be used for the issuance of parking tickets, Tokajer said.

Christenson suggested officers replace their current city-issued iPhone devices with the Androids as a cost-saving measure. She further suggested that instead of purchasing 17 devices, one for each officer, that fewer devices be purchased and shared among officers. Tokajer said that presented a problem for officers because some shifts have fewer officers than others. It also could potentially result in a shortage of devices if an officer forgot to hand one off to another officer at shift change and took it home, he added.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she believes Tokajer “will save the money where he can” with the purchase of the Android devices.

An associated ordinance assigning the $4.50 administration fee to parking tickets passed its first reading with a unanimous vote from commissioners.

Beach ’ N Food Truck & Music Festival set for May 1 The Anna Maria Island Chamber will host the fifth annual Beach ’N Food Truck & Music Festival at City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This family-friendly event is free and will feature arts and crafts vendors, great food and drink offerings and live music all day long. Proceeds from the event will benefit the AMI Chamber’s scholarship fund. Interested vendors can obtain applications and more information by calling 941-778-1541 or sending an email to info@amichamber.org.

AMI Chamber awarding $1,000 scholarships The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly Business Card Exchange on Thursday, March 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air, 401 Manatee Ave., in Holmes Beach. The cost to attend is $5 for Chamber members and $10 for prospective members. During this month’s event, the Chamber will present its 2021 AMI Chamber Scholarships. Each year, the Chamber offers $1,000 scholarships to selected graduating high school seniors in Manatee County. “Thanks to continued community support of our annual events, we are able to offer these scholarships to deserving graduates,” the Chamber press release notes.

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MARCH 17, 2021

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MARCH 17, 2021

COMMUNITY CHURCH

Essential Truths WHY THE CROSS? March 14, 21, 28 Good Friday, April 2 • 7:00 PM

in person and online

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

In the SANCTUARY and ONLINE Go to www.RoserChurch.com Click WORSHIP-SIGNUP , WATCH LIVE or WATCH LATER Text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

WH Y WHY

EVE ELIE VE? 4 BELI EASTER SUNDAY, April 4 00 AM outside!

8:30 AM in person and online • 10: ts for kids! trea and on serm Children’s

The CHAPEL is open on Maundy Thursday and during office hours for prayer & meditation.

941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

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MARCH 17, 2021

THE SUN

11

Center concert series still in the works The fundraising concerts could begin as early as May, pending city commission approval.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island hopes to begin hosting fundraising concerts again soon, but those plans remain a work in progress.

Center Executive Director Chris Culhane discussed the organization’s tentative concert plans last week with the mayor and city commission. No final decisions were made, and a commission-approved special event permit has not yet been issued.

Culhane proposed selling about 500 seats for a concert to be held outdoors on the Center’s athletic field on Friday, April 23, or Thursday, May 13.

Culhane said seats for an outdoor concert would be arranged in 10’ x 10’ open-air “pods” that contain 6-8 people each. The pods would consist of areas marked with chalk and located 10 feet from the surrounding pods, with no seethrough partitions separating the pods.

Culhane said the Center used a similar setup for an outdoor movie event held in Holmes Beach in November.

Commissioner Joe Muscatello asked Culhane what musical acts the Center had in mind. Culhane said no act was confirmed for April 23, but The Marshall Tucker Band had confirmed its availability for a May 13 concert.

Culhane said The Grass Roots concert that was canceled last year was being rescheduled in July.

Culhane said he and the promoter discussed, but had not confirmed, Bad Company, former Journey singer Steve

THE CENTER | SUBMITTED

The Center used these open-air seating pods for a movie event in Holmes Beach in November. This outdoor concert floor plan was presented to the Anna Maria commissioners.

Augeri and singer CeeLo Green as potential headliners later this year.

COVID CONCERNS

Commissioner Jon Crane shared his concerns about Culhane’s personal adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.

“Every time I see you at The Center, you’re wearing your mask under your chin. You see me coming and you put it back on,” Crane said, noting this makes it difficult for him to support the Center’s request to host concerts.

“Now, if there were to be a firm commitment by you and your board that everybody that works there will honor the protections and the guidelines to the T, I’d be more likely to consider that,” Crane said.

Culhane said he appreciated Crane’s input and he acknowledged that Crane had expressed those same concerns to him on two previous occasions.

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“It is hard for me to see with glasses.

I will pull it down from time to time.

That is on me,” Culhane said, of his mask-wearing practices.

“For the most part, our staff and our participants follow CDC guidelines.

We haven’t had an outbreak. We have a great track record of operating the

facility through COVID with no issues,” he added.

Commissioner Mark Short stated for the record that he also serves as a volunteer member of The Center’s finance committee.

SEE CONCERTS, PAGE 13

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MARCH 17, 2021

Stormwater and road projects to begin in April Three speed tables will be installed on North Shore Boulevard, including one near the Seagrape Lane beach access point.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners received an update on the stormwater, drainage and road improvement projects planned for the remainder of the 2020-21 fiscal year.

During the March 11 commission meeting, City Clerk and Treasurer LeAnne Addy and Public Works Manager Dean Jones provided updates on the pending projects expected to be completed during the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

“It’s a very aggressive plan. We’re behind a little bit but we will be catching up. This is all budgeted for,” Addy said, of the projects approved during last summer’s budget planning process.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District, she added, will reimburse the city for 50% of the costs incurred for the stormwater and infiltration improvements, set to begin in April.

Addy provided commissioners with a map that indicates some areas highlighted in red and others in blue.

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

This map illustrates where the next two phases of the stormwater, infiltration and drainage projects will be completed.

Addy said the different colors represent the two project phases that are both expected to be completed during this fiscal year. Addy said the areas highlighted in red will be finished first because they are part of a project that began last year.

Commissioner Mark Short noted the project map differed slightly from what was previously approved by the commission for budgeting purposes, and Willow Avenue is no longer shown on the plan.

The plan variations are due to the logistics of a particular street and also are due to catch basins and outfall areas being cleaned out, Addy said,

which helped improved drainage in some areas.

“So, this is the latest and greatest vision of what will be done?” Short asked.

Addy confirmed that to be true.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

The repaving of North Shore Drive, from North Bay Boulevard to Willow Avenue, is expected to begin in late April, Addy said. The project map she presented also indicates the planned repaving of South Bay Boulevard from Magnolia Avenue to the humpback bridge.

SEE PROJECTS, PAGE 17

ORDINANCE: Mayor seeks revisions FROM PAGE 3

ordinance enforcement; an objective standard based on the use of decibel meters, or a subjective standard based on the responding officer’s perception of the noise being made.

Chappie said he would like the Bradenton Beach ordinance to allow for more subjective enforcement.

“I think we have a pretty good noise ordinance and how many complaints do we really get?” Commissioner Ralph Cole said. “You’re living in vacationland. One of the problems we do have is people sitting on top of a building at three in the morning having a normal conversation. What can you do to fix that? I don’t know what more we can do other than enforce what we’ve got.”

Perry said she’s aware of seven noise ordinance citation’s being issued in Bradenton Beach since 2009, and the last was issued in 2017.

Chappie asked Speciale how his officers document noise complaints. Speciale said noise complaints are tracked in the police logs but were not being logged as calls for service. He said starting that day his officers would begin logging noise complaints as calls for service, which will make that information more readily available to the commission.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor John Chappie doesn’t think the city’s current noise ordinance is as effective as it could be.

WARNINGS AND ENFORCEMENT

Speciale said his officers don’t use a decibel meter when first responding to a noise complaint and issuing a verbal warning.

Chappie said if written warnings were issued instead, those documents could be used to notify property managers and rental owners. He also said written warnings could be used in conjunction with the enforcement of the city’s Transient Public Lodging Establishment (TPLE) ordinance that sets forth the city’s vacation rental regulations.

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MARCH 17, 2021

THE SUN

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CONCERTS: Series still in the works FROM PAGE 11

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“I suspect the question going through everyone’s mind is how do you enforce people staying within their pod?” he asked.

Culhane said Center staff and volunteers would help ensure concertgoers remain in their designated areas and wear masks when they leave their pod. In response to a question posed by Short, Mayor Dan Murphy said there are no state or city restrictions that would prohibit an outdoor concert.

Muscatello said the commission could issue an event-specific mask order for a Center concert. Murphy added that the commission could do that because the Center is located on city property. He said the city still has an emergency mask order in place that JOE HENDRICKS | SUN applies to inside city hall, inside the city annex buildExecutive Director Chris Culhane hopes the Center’s 2021 ing on Pine Avenue and at City Pier Park during the concert series can begin in May or soon thereafter. weekly farmer’s market and other city-sponsored events. Murphy noted the city’s emergency order does not apply at the Island Players theater or the “People gravitated right to a pod and stayed there.

Anna Maria Historical Museum, which are also on Commissioner Carter was there and she saw that. We city property. did not have masks on in the pod,” McDaniel said.

TORNADO Commissioner Deanie Sebring asked Culhane if Short asked Culhane MARINE GRADEif delaying the commission’s S316 STEEL concertgoers would be required to wear masks or special event STAINLESS permit decision until the March 25 face coverings while sitting in their designated pod meeting would hinder the planning process. Culhane areas. Culhane said that could be done if so desired said a specific performer was not confirmed for April by the commission. Murphy then questioned how 23 and the first show could be held in May instead. realistic it would be to require a married couple to On Jan. 28, without Culhane present, Short told the wear masks while sitting together in a designated commission the Center wanted to get back into the pod area. concert business. During that discussion, Muscatello Murphy said the city will lose its authority to imsuggested outdoor concerts, if approved, be held pose COVID-19-related emergency orders once Gov. on a Saturday afternoon rather than at night out of Ron DeSantis lifts the statewide state of emergency respect for neighboring OR SEE OUR residents.

RAINDANCE enacted last year. Murphy also noted the governor When contacted Monday morning, Culhane said Direct Water Contact issued an executive order late last year that prohibits he hopes the30first YearCenter Warrantyconcert of 2021 will be The municipalities from penalizing anyone who fails to Marshall Tucker Band performing outside on Thurscomply with a local COVID-19 safety protocol. day, May 13, if approved by the commission.

Experts For Over 39 Years Locally Owned and The Operated · Fanwill Jim McDaniel, the Center’s director of developCenter again partner with the Bradenton 45 Stores Nationwide ment, said The Center staff can apply lessons learned Area Convention and Visitors Bureau when the conDC Fan from the outdoor movie event in November. cert series resumes.

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MARCH 17, 2021

CORYEA: Looks forward to next adventure FROM PAGE 5

to address the expanding growth of population in Manatee County. The Manatee Sheriff’s Office fleet services complex was one of the main projects. Currently located on a 1-acre parcel in the southern part of the county, the Sheriff’s Office has long since outgrown this location and needed 1020 acres for a new fleet facility that would last 50-75 years,” Coryea said.

“Additionally, the public works department, the utilities department and emergency management need facilities located closer to the expanding growth in east Manatee County to reduce response times, wear and tear on equipment, mileage costs and access to thoroughfares.

“Finding up to 20 additional acres for the landfill transfer station alone is a $75 million savings and adds six additional years of life to the current landfill for a total of 22 years.

“After multiple briefings with commissioners throughout the two-year process, the Musgrave property became the best available site. The board approved the purchase of the 161-acre site for $187,000 per acre and just over $30 million. This cost, when compared to comparable sites recently sold within the vicinity of the location, was in line with the per-acre cost.

Staff followed the directive of the board and brought this request forward for approval,” Coryea said.

KRUSE-WHITMORE MEETING

During the commission’s Jan. 26 meeting, Kruse made a motion to again put Coryea on notice that her termination would be discussed and determined at a forthcoming meeting. Before making his motion, Kruse referenced a one-on-one meeting he had with Commissioner Carol Whitmore, which Coryea helped facilitate at Whitmore’s request. During that same discussion, Kruse also acknowledged his own extra-marital affair and mentioned a photograph of himself and another woman that was sent to Whitmore, whom he suggested might try to use the photograph to influence his votes.

Whitmore later denied any such intentions.

Without stating that Coryea also had access

As much as I’d love to continue working in Manatee County, I have no boundaries on where my future takes me, and I am eager to continue to consider all of the options that come forward.”

Cheri Coryea, former county administrator

to that photograph, Kruse said the overall culture of the county administration was toxic and needed a change of leadership.

When asked about the Jan. 22 meeting of the county’s two at-large commissioners, Coryea said, “Requests from commissioners to assist with meeting scheduling is commonplace for the county administrator’s office. In this instance, one commissioner (Whitmore) asked for a meeting with another to discuss current topics of affordable housing and to share at-large commissioners’ observations. The other commissioner (Kruse) agreed. The scheduling, posting, recording and accessibility of the meeting all followed the existing guidelines, as confirmed by the county attorney’s office. For any citizen that may want to know what was discussed during that meeting, they can either read the minutes from the meeting or even listen to an audiotape of what the participants discussed,” Coryea said.

When asked if she ever saw the photograph of Kruse and another woman that was sent to Whitmore in late 2020, Coryea said, “No. I have not, nor have I had possession of the said photo or ever mentioned anything about it to Commissioner Kruse.”

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

When asked, Coryea mentioned some of her proudest accomplishments during her time with the county.

“It was an honor to work with those dedicated heroes of Manatee County that have been on the front line fighting the global

COVID-19 pandemic. I would have never thought 365 days later we would still be under a state of emergency. My full respect goes to our public safety and emergency management team, all of the medical providers, doctors, nurses, law enforcement and county department teams that have contributed to the current success of an ever-changing situation. Additionally, the community did a wonderful job in a difficult time,” Coryea said.

She also takes pride in being the first female appointed to serve as Manatee County’s county administrator.

She mentioned the completion of several community projects, including the Rubonia Community Center, breaking ground for the Lincoln Park pool, which has been promised for 40 years, completing the first phase of the Coquina Beach stormwater improvements and implementing the county’s new 311 system.

Regarding the challenges of serving as the county administrator, Coryea said, “It has of late seemed like there was never enough time to get everything you needed to accomplish done for the citizens. Making large-scale upgrades to a project, finding the funds, designing and constructing a project can take anywhere from three to 10 years. It is hard to explain that to a citizen or neighborhood that has been waiting for a long time. Many times the stakeholders that initiated the need for the project and won approval by the commission have come and gone by the time the project is finally completed.”

Coryea began working for Manatee County in 1989 as a contract manager in the Human Services Division. She then became the first children’s services coordinator when the ad valorem tax for children’s services was passed by a voter referendum in 1990. After seven years in that capacity, she became the Human Services Division manager.

In 2007, she was asked to develop a new department: Neighborhood Services. In 2017, she became a deputy county administrator and in 2019 the county commission appointed her to serve as the acting and then the permanent county administrator.

“My career at the county has spanned over 30 years and each new position had its challenges,” Coryea said, noting that she worked with 31 different county commissioners, seven different county administrators and responded to 23 different emergency activations.

ADVICE FOR SUCCESSOR

Coryea was asked if she had any advice for her yet-to-be-named successor.

“Each of your county commissioners is unique in their own right. Take time to get to know them and what is important to their constituents. Soak up as much government leadership, operations management and government financing training as possible. Rules, regulations and guidelines matter in government. You do not want to make decisions or use funds that have special uses only in categories that will require them to be paid back. Rely on the outstanding deputy county administrators and senior management – the department directors who are subject matter experts in their field and do all of the county operations’ heavy lifting. They know what they are doing,” she said.

“Get acquainted with the real people and businesses of Manatee County and you’ll learn quickly why this is a special place.

Lastly, when it comes to county operations, your decision is usually the very last one. Use your very best judgment with the trusted sources listed above and you will succeed in making this community the best it can be,” she said.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 17, 2021

Cortez Bridge, open containers and noise ordinance on the agenda The first agenda item listed under new business for the next Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting is a request for the city to join a federal lawsuit opposing the replacement of the existing Cortez Bridge drawbridge with a higher and larger fixed-span bridge.

The meeting is scheduled to start at noon on Thursday, May 18.

Also on the agenda will be beach access signs and benches, the installation of additional emergency access signs and benches, the Scenic Highway 2020 annual report, the purchase of a new police vehicle and a discussion about open containers of alcohol.

Under attorney business, the commission and city attorney will discuss Highland Avenue street repair, a resolution on the preservation of the city’s home rule rights, the relocation of an existing crosswalk to Ninth Street South, the purchase of 13 “smart lights” for Gulf Drive and the first reading of a proposed noise ordinance amendment. The commission will also discuss a transition plan regarding the October retirement of Police Chief Sam Speciale.

THE SUN

15

Parks committee welcomes new member The Parks and Beautification Committee has an opening for one more member.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee had a lot to work through during its March 10 meeting but kicked things off on a celebratory note with the introduction of a new member.

Committee members welcomed Alec Graham as an alternate member, filling the unexpired term of former member Donna Ryan. There is still an open alternate position available on the committee. Anyone interested in joining the committee must be a resident of Holmes Beach and willing to meet once a month, on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. May through Novem-

ber. To obtain an application, visit www.holmesbeachfl.org.

One of the first things the group tackled during the meeting was their continuing effort to bring a community garden to life near the Avenue C entrance to Grassy Point Preserve.

Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman said the parcel chosen for the community garden, one of two vacant lots owned by the city, needs to be rezoned from a residential lot to a conservation designation to allow for the community garden.

Committee members also started work on a community survey they plan to advertise to get resident and community member input on the plans for the community garden space and learn what people would like to see in the space.

Sponsors also are still needed for Adopt-A-Spot spaces throughout the city. To adopt a spot,

volunteers will need to fill out an application through the city and commit to providing clean-up and landscaping for their designated area. To inquire about the AdoptA-Spot program, contact the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800.

When discussing the ongoing improvements at city center, the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives, members discussed the possibility of acquiring the now vacant Wells Fargo property and turning it into a community park. Committee members asked city staff to look into the possibility of the property owner donating the parcel to the city with the knowledge that it would be redeveloped into a park.

Wasserman suggested committee members recommend that direction to city commissioners for their approval and action. He added that he didn’t believe it was in the city’s current fiscal year budget to purchase a property like the Wells Fargo building and parcel.

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THE SUN

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MARCH 17, 2021

CINDY LANE | SUN

Oyster beds at Perico Preserve, made possible by the Gulf Coast Oyster Recycle and Renewal (GCORR) Program.

Oyster shell recycling project resumes director of START (Solutions To Avoid Red Tide), which coordinates the program.

The Manatee River – which connects to Robinson Preserve – was called the Oyster River back in the 1800s because of the many oyster reefs lining its shores.

Over the years, however, harvesting for

By Cindy Lane restaurants and dredging oyster beds for navigation and roadbed material chipped ven if you think the best thing about away at the oyster population. oysters is the cocktail sauce and crackGCORR is trying to reverse that trend. ers, you have to admire them for their Robert Baugh, general manager of the ability to clean up our local waterways.

Chiles Restaurant Group, brought the reYou also have to admire the Gulf Coast cycling idea to this area from Charleston, Oyster Recycle and Renewal (GCORR) SC in 2017. Baugh and other employees Program, which is kicking back into gear from the Chiles Group collected oyster after a COVID-19 hiatus. Volunteers are shells from their three local restaurants expected to begin planting oyster shells at and hauled them to Perico Preserve in Robinson Preserve in west Bradenton with west Bradenton for storage in a trailer the next month or so, said Sandy Gilbert, purchased by START with $5,000 in grant funds from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.

After curing for a few months, the shell was bagged and set in the water at Perico Preserve by volunteers recruited by the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.

Over time, the shell atPARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS tracts oyster larvae, called • Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 6906 14th St. W., Bradenton “spat,” that affix them• Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 6696 Cortez Road, Bradenton selves to the shell, which • Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach begins the construction of • Anna Maria Oyster Bar, 1525 51st Ave. E. Ellenton a new oyster reef.

• The Beach House, 200 Gulf Drive N. Bradenton Beach In 2018, the group • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant, 760 Broadway, Longboat Key expanded to form today’s • The Sandbar, 100 Spring St., Anna Maria GCORR program, a part• The Swordfish Grill, 4628 119th St. W., Cortez nership of Manatee County parks staff, bivalve scien-

E

START | SUBMITTED

Volunteers plant oyster shells at Perico Preserve. tists from the Gulf Shellfish Institute and the University of Florida IFAS Sea Grant Program, Waste Pro USA, which hauls the shell, START, and private enterprise - eight participating Shuck ‘N Save restaurants.

The restaurant owners pay an extra garbage fee of more than $2,000 a year to keep nearly 60 tons of shell out of local landfills each year.

Oysters are vital in the marine environment for several reasons.

The reefs they construct provide habitat for many other species of marine life, including crabs and shrimp that feed game fish.

They help improve water quality by filtering algae and other nutrients as they feed.

Filtering up to 50 gallons of seawater every day, an oyster helps remove nitrogen and phosphorus that clouds the water and feeds red tide and other harmful algae blooms.

Clearer water allows more sunlight to penetrate the surface, helping to grow more and healthier seagrass, another key species for improving water quality.

Seagrass is the staple diet of Florida’s threatened manatees, which are starving by the hundreds this year in an unprecedented event in the Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s east coast due to seagrass destruction, according to the Save the Manatee Club.

The recycling program has shown promising results. The Gulf Shellfish Institute has determined that the fresh restaurant shell has produced 23% more new oysters than the quarried fossil shell commonly used in similar projects – a very good reason to have your oysters, cocktail sauce and crackers at one of the Shuck ‘N Save restaurants.

MARCH 17, 2021

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THE SUN

17

PROJECTS: Begin in April FROM PAGE 12

Regarding North Shore Drive, Addy said, “On that stretch of roadway we are looking at adding three speed tables. Those are $1,330 each. The approximate locations will be 750 North Shore, 400 North Shore and around 787 North Shore. We will be doing the aprons and striping in those areas as well.”

Addy said the previously discussed speed tables now required commission approval, which the commission later approved by a 5-0 vote.

Mayor Dan Murphy asked Jones to explain how the speed table locations were determined.

Jones said when vehicles take a left off of North Bay Boulevard, they will already be traveling at a pretty good speed by the time they reach the first speed table at 787 North Shore Dr ive.

Jones said there’s another long stretch of uninterrupted travel from there to 750 North Shore Drive where families often cross at the Newtown Lane intersection. He said the goal is to get vehicles to slow down again as they approach that intersection.

“I think it’s a matter of public safety. If I had to choose one, it would be that

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

This map illustrates the paving projects to be completed during the current fiscal year. The orange marks on North Shore Drive indicate the future locations of three speed tables. one,” Jones said, regarding a speed table being placed there.

“In the 400 block (near Pine Avenue) they’re gaining speed and we’ve already had one accident this year.

We really want to slow them down on this speed table to get them to that intersection. That was the reasoning there,” Jones explained.

Commission Chair Carol Carter agreed with the placement of a speed table near 750 North Shore Drive, which Jones noted is near the Seagrass Lane beach access point.

“That’s such a popular beach access and I felt it’s imperative that we do something there,” Jones said.

Short said a speed

table often serves a double purpose as a crosswalk by providing a safe place to cross the street. Once the basic speed tables are installed, Jones added, the city can look at modifying them to make them more resemble a crosswalk.

Commissioner Joe Muscatello inquired about a possible speed table near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and North Shore Boulevard. Jones said three stop signs in that general vicinity tend to slow vehicles down. Murphy said Magnolia Avenue is being studied as a separate project for future safety improvements but is not part of the current road improvement plans.

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MARCH 17, 2021

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

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MARCH 17, 2021

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OUTDOORS

MARCH 17, 2021

The importance of tides Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

H

aving a good working knowledge of the tides in your area will greatly increase your angling odds. While I always like to follow the axiom, “The best time to go fishing is whenever you can,” understanding and being able to track tidal fluctuations is invaluable.

Let’s start with a quick primer.

While numerous factors influence the tides, it’s the gravitational pull of the moon on the water that has the greatest effect. The moon also affects the Earth’s mass. This means that the oceans on opposite sides of the Earth experience high tides as the Earth is pulled away from the water.

The other object in the solar system that influences the tide is the sun, which has approximately one-half the influence of the moon. When the sun and the moon line up at the full and new moon, their combined influence creates a greater pull, and we experience strong, or “spring,” tides. When the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, during the moon’s first and last quarter, they interfere with each other and we experience weak, or “neap,” tides. In addition, the tidal ranges are greater when the moon and sun are at perigee, or closest to the Earth. Experience will teach the angler how to benefit from the myriad tidal factors that produce good fishing.

I learned a valuable lesson about tides on trips to the Bahamas in search of bonefish. My first several trips were planned to coincide with a full or new moon to take

advantage of the increased feeding activity that generally takes place during these times. Instead, I found that the bonefish I was stalking would disappear into the mangroves as the tide rose, giving me a shorter window to pursue them along the mangrove fringes. Based on that information, I planned subsequent trips when “neap tides” slowed the progress and size of the tide, providing many more opportunities for sight fishing bones.

Just the opposite is true when I explore local waters. While I still fish whenever I have the opportunity, I target days of extreme high and low tides because I know they stimulate feeding and concentrate fish. Depending on the time of year and the temperature, you can use the tides to take advantage of the season. In the winter when the waters chill down, I like to seek out locations where a late afternoon falling tide brings warm water off the flats. The holes, slues and channels the water drains into attract gamefish and can provide some excellent action.

When fishing the flats, working from the deep water to shallow on the falling tide and in reverse on the rising tide is a very effective way to target fish. Very low tides (during “spring tides”) provide an excellent opportunity to scan the flats for channels, slues and holes on the flats where fish congregate.

Armed with this knowledge, anglers can return when the flats are covered with water and benefit from that awareness. Tide charts are valuable because the tide can be varying heights depending on whether you’re fishing in the Gulf or far up a bay.

Planning your day to take advantage of these variations can make a real difference in action. No matter what species you target, you’ll have a better chance at success if you understand and track the tides. They can tell you where to concentrate your effort and

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Following the tides can be a big help when targeting redfish. Benny Parrish, of Longbeach Village, landed this 27-inch red while fishing Tampa Bay Waterkeeper's Waterman Benefit Tournament this past weekend. help you avoid other less productive areas. Pick up a tide chart at your local tackle shop or download one of many excellent apps on your smartphone.

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MARCH 17, 2021

THE SUN

21

Deep grass flats a good choice for March CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

The weather has finally been in our favor! The water temperatures are rising and fish are responding very well. The time change is throwing us off a little bit. But it’s getting light earlier and earlier.

We here at Anna Maria Charters have been getting kingfish off of the beach pretty consistently. These fish are always good for a fight. Although not the best eating, we prefer to smoke ours to make seasonal king fish dip. Also in the kingfish mix are bonita, also known as little tunny, one of the hardest fighting fish in our area.

Closer to shore, sheepshead are still biting well despite the rising temperatures. We are also finding good numbers of black drum. Snook and redfish, meanwhile, are going crazy. It’s not uncommon to catch 30 to 50 fish in a trip some days. We forgot what it was like to have warm water and no wind. We’re looking forward to the next week of business. We are as busy as

can be, and grateful for it.

Good luck out there.

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

Fly anglers fishing with me, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action fishing Sarasota Bay recently. Alan Sugar and Ray Hutchinson, from Michigan, fished with me and had good action with Spanish mackerel, pompano, blues and trout on Clouser flies on a recent trip.

Bill Morrison, from Anna Maria Island, and Peggy and Jerry Brenner, from New Hampshire, also got in on the action on a couple of other trips catching trout, blues and Spanish mackerel, also on Clouser flies.

Fishing the deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel. Check the coastal Gulf for Spanish mackerel, false albacore and tripletail when conditions are good.

Shallow water fishing for reds and large trout is also a good

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Longtime client Charlie Storms, of Evansville, Ind., shows off a beautiful fly-caught permit with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters. option now, although they are very challenging in clear water. These conditions usually require long casts to avoid spooking fish. Our natural

resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and

Water quality report Bayfront Park North Bradenton Beach Coquina Beach North Coquina Beach South Manatee Beach North Palma Sola Bay South Source: Florida Department of Heath

Good Good Good Good Good Good

High

RED TIDE REPORT

(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)

Very low

(possible respiratory irritation)

Background

Medium

(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

Low

habitat loss and degradation.

Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

(no effects)

None

(no red tide present)

(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills) Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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Island Photography & DJ a family affair Anna Maria Island residents Dara and Chuck Caudill have combined their creative talents to offer wedding photography and entertainment under one banner, Island Photography & DJ. Together, they will coordinate the photography and music for your special day.

Dara is a professionally trained photographer who combines the latest in digital technology along with an artistic and creative flair. She blends photojournalistic with traditional styles of photography. "A little fantasy mixed with a little reality," she says. "It's important for the photos to be beautiful!"

Chuck is a professional musician and DJ on Anna Maria Island. In addition to ukulele and acoustic guitar ceremonies, Chuck provides live music and/or full DJ services for the reception. He provides state of the art sound and lighting.

Dara and Chuck are true Island residents, so they specialize in beach weddings. The two know how important it is to have the right professionals for your day, especially if you are having a destination wedding. They were married in Kauai, and the people they hired made it a special day. They want to create that same memorable Island experience for you.

Over the years, they have become friends with many of the couples they helped marry. They find it rewarding when those couples revisit the area and call them to get together.

Both are fully insured and belong to many professional organizations, including the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Please check out their websites – www.islandphotography.org and www. chuckcaudill.com – to see what they have to offer. For more info, please email daracaudill@verizon.net or call 941-778-5676.

MARCH 17, 2021

MARCH 17, 2021

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THE SUN

DARA CAUDILL WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Jared Hall and Victoria Proctor were married on March 13, 2021 at Mixon's Fruit Farms in Bradenton, Florida.

Chuck Caudill provided the music for the wedding and reception. Jared and Victoria are going to St. Lucia for their honeymoon, before returning home to Palmetto, Florida.

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www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 17, 2021

Florida Senate amends proposed vacation rental legislation The proposed legislation no longer seeks to preempt all vacation rental regulation to the state and now focuses specifically on advertising and tax collections.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City officials in Anna Maria and across the state are hopefully optimistic regarding the potential impact of an amended vacation rental bill currently making its way through the Florida Senate.

On Wednesday, March 10, the amended committee substitute version of Senate Bill 522 was ruled favorable by a 13-5 vote of the Senate Appropriations Committee members.

The amended Senate bill originally filed by Sen. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Miami/ Dade, no longer seeks to preempt the overall regulation of vacation rentals to the state. This would mean Florida cities and counties would retain for at least another year their home-rule rights regarding the local regulation of vacation rentals, including inspections, annual registration programs and occupancy limits.

Before the Senate bill was amended, it contained language that stated vacation rental properties could be regulated locally as long as those local regulations applied equally to all properties whether they are used as a vacation rental or not. Language of that nature would essentially eliminate a

local government’s ability to regulate vacation rentals.

ADVERTISING REGULATION

However, the amended bill still seeks to preempt the regulation of vacation rental advertising to the state. This would include Airbnb, VRBO and other online advertising platforms. If adopted, the amended bill could take that existing regulatory authority away from city and county governments.

“The regulation of advertising platforms is preempted to the state, and advertising platforms shall be regulated under this chapter,” the amended senate bill now proposes.

The bill now includes language that proposes an advertising platform must require a person who places an advertisement for a vacation rental to include in the advertisement the vacation rental license number, the applicable Florida sales tax registration number and the applicable merchant business tax receipt or tourist development tax account number.

Similar to failed legislation proposed last year, the bill language again signals an attempt by state legislators to better ensure that vacation rental taxes are submitted to the appropriate taxing authority or authorities.

“An advertising platform must provide to the division on a quarterly basis a list of all vacation rentals located in this state which are advertised on its platform,” the Senate bill proposes.

“If a guest uses a payment system on or through an advertising platform to pay for the rental of a vacation rental located in this

state, the advertising platform shall collect and remit taxes. In order to facilitate the remittance of such taxes, the department and counties that have elected to self-administer the taxes imposed must allow advertising platforms to register, collect, and remit such taxes,” the Senate bill proposes.

The amended bill includes proposed funding for the implementation of the proposed state legislation. This includes $194,042 in recurring funds and $176,143 in nonrecurring funds from the Hotel and Restaurant Trust Fund appropriated to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and three full-time equivalent positions with a total associated salary of $111,036.

The bill also proposes $148,941 in recurring funds and $363,590 in nonrecurring funds from the state’s general revenue fund to be appropriated to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and two full-time equivalent positions with a total associated salary rate of $90,150 to implement the legislation, if adopted.

ANNA MARIA RESPONSE

The amended Senate bill was discussed during the March 11 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, but there was a sense of uncertainty regarding its potential impact.

In response to a question from Commissioner Joe Muscatello, Mayor Dan Murphy said the city currently has the authority to regulate the content included in the online advertisement of vacation rentals in Anna Maria. This includes the number of occupants allowed according to the city’s vacation rental ordinance.

“If we can’t regulate what it says on that website, they can continue to advertise whatever they want. If you read that it’s all over, it’s not all over. It’s still an open issue,” Murphy said of the still-pending legislation.

On Monday, Murphy participated in a virtual meeting with representatives of the Florida League of Cities, including their lobbyist and members of their legal staff.

City attorneys Becky and Wade Vose also participated in the meeting.

“They feel relatively comfortable that we’re on safe ground and we can still enforce our ordinance because we don’t go after the advertising platform. We go after the property owner for violations of our ordinance. From that perspective, we feel comfortable, but the jury’s still out. There’s still more research to do and another amendment could be added before the legislation leaves the Senate and the House and gets to the governor’s desk. It’s not time to relax yet,” Murphy said.

As of Monday afternoon, the amended committee substitute version of the Senate bill was awaiting review by the Senate Rules Committee before advancing to the Senate floor for a final vote, if it gets that far.

The companion bill making its way through the Florida House of Representatives still had two committee stops scheduled before advancing to the house floor for a final vote if it gets that far.

For proposed legislation to become new state law, identical bills must be adopted by both the house and the senate and then supported and signed by the governor.

MARCH 17, 2021

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SPRINGFEST: Enjoyed by art fans FROM PAGE 1

places, each for acrylics. Victoria Eriacho Paul, grade 11, won first place, Riannah Hammond, grade 11, won second place, and Isabela Mendez, grade 9, won third place.

In the middle school category, Talia Stillman, 12, won first place, Emma Raulerson, 13, won second place, and Aria Roadman, 11, won third place, all from CrossPointe Fellowship.

In the elementary school category,

Isaac Roadman, 8, won first place and Bella Roadman, 11, won second place, both from CrossPointe Fellowship.

Dylan Phillips, of Anna Maria Elementary School, won third place.

Springfest is the major fundraiser for the Art League, a nonprofit, tax-deductible organization dedicated to fostering the arts on Anna Maria Island. Festival funding helps underwrite operation of the art center, classes, exhibits, and a variety of community programs.

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

MARCH 17, 2021

And the million-dollar beat goes on W

ell, here we are again; three more months have passed as we fight our way through the biggest pandemic in more than a century, but Anna Maria Island’s real estate market hasn’t blinked.

The price point on the Island and in little Cortez is holding steady and even growing, especially in the over $1 million range, but how did we get here? Before we analyze the $1 million and over sales and listings for the next three months, let’s review what has happened in the state of Florida this year.

The real estate market all over the country is booming, but Florida in particular is doing great, with thousands of people moving into the state every week. Apparently, U-Haul is the authority on migration trends in the country, and according to their 2020 report, Florida is number three in the country for one-way U-Haul rentals. This is in addition to many airlines adding direct flights to Florida during the winter. Practically every day, Sarasota-Bradenton International

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER Airport reports either another airline flying out of Sarasota or added flights to existing schedules.

Although we have one of the largest senior populations, the Florida death rate from the virus is in the middle of the country’s rates, and well below California and New York – two other states with large populations, but fewer seniors. This plus having the state mostly or partially open during this time is encouraging people to relocate.

In addition, business migration to Florida, particularly in the finance industry, is increasing because of taxes, weather and the ability of people to work remotely. The state reports that 35 large businesses have moved

to Florida since the pandemic began. All of this has increased home sales 20% statewide in the last six months of 2020 while raising the median sales price by 14.4%.

So, let’s take a look at the $1 million and over sales and current listings as of this writing in Cortez and the three cities on Anna Maria Island for November, December and January. Closed sales are from the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website and those currently on the market or pending are from realtor.com.

Cortez closed two sales, one at $2,500,000 and one at $1,215,000; in the last comparison, Cortez also closed two properties in this price range. The city of Anna Maria closed 41 properties, one over $4 million, two over $3 million, 15 over $2 million with the balance $1 million or over. Last time, Anna Maria closed 42 sales. The combined cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach closed 39 properties, one over $6 million, one over $4 million, one over $3 million, 12 over $2 million and the balance $1 million or

over. Last time, there were 40 sales.

On the market or pending as of this writing in Cortez, there are three properties over $1 million; the last time there were eight.

The city of Anna Maria has 31 available or pending; one over $6 million, four over $4 million, seven over $3 million, five over $2 million and the balance over $1 million. Last time, Anna Maria had 42 in this category.

The combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach have 81 properties on the market or pending, three over $5 million, two over $4 million, six over $3 million, 20 over $2 million and the balance $1 million or over. Last time, there were 70 properties.

Two other impressive numbers are that almost half of the properties listed on realtor. com for Cortez and the Island are pending.

In fact, in the city of Anna Maria, there were only two properties below $1 million and both were pending.

See you in three months for another update. Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Stay safe.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 17, 2021

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

3/5, trespassing, Sports Lounge, 118 Bridge St. A homeless male was arrested after refusing to leave the bar where his behavior compelled the bartender to call the police.

3/7, 4:49 a.m., trespass warning, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S. A Manatee County Public Works employee reported a homeless person sleeping on a bench in a sleeping bag. The officer issued a trespass warning and told him to move on.

3/5, abandoned boat, Bridge Street Pier boat anchorage, 200 Bridge St. A boat broke free from its anchorage and was declared derelict due to its poor condition. Police contacted its owner, who said she had no money. She surrendered the title so the city could remove it.

HOLMES BEACH

2/28, 4:50 p.m., possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana, 700 Manatee Ave. The officer found a marijuana blunt in the car during a traffic stop, seized it and wrote a city code violation citation that carries a fine.

3/2, 3:01 p.m., driving without a license, bench warrant, 4900 block of Second Avenue. The officer stopped the driver for running a stop sign and was handed a Mexican driver’s license. The driver told the officer there was a warrant for his arrest.

The officer verified it and took him into custody.

3/3, 12:17 a.m., DUI, 4200 Gulf Drive.

The officer on patrol observed a vehicle enter the Manatee Beach parking lot after hours and drive around. He stopped the driver and she showed signs of impairment.

She failed the field sobriety test and was arrested.

3/3, 9:36 p.m., battery, resisting arrest without violence, 6200 block of Marina Drive. Police answered a call about an intoxicated male attacking his father. They found a number of relatives and when police questioned them, they told of the intoxicated father threatening others. As officers questioned the parties, the testimony changed and they recanted their stories. Approximately a half-hour after police left, they were called back to the home where the father was out of control, and they arrested him.

3/4, 8 p.m., domestic battery. Two brothers-in-law got into an argument over religion and it turned physical. One was arrested.

3/4, 2:01 a.m., traffic stop, 5300 Gulf Drive. While on patrol, the officer noticed a golf cart swerve into the oncoming lane and swerve back.

He observed the cart had no license plate and the driver did not have his license with him. The officer

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ticketed the driver and Elmer’s Towing took care of the cart.

3/6, 2:15 a.m., DUI, 700 Manatee Ave. The officer on patrol observed the defendant head east on the Anna Maria bridge and accelerate rapidly. He gave chase and she pulled over in the Neal Preserve parking lot. He observed signs of impairment and she was arrested after not acing the field sobriety test.

3/6, 8:38 p.m., reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, fleeing a law enforcement officer, 600 Manatee Ave. The license plate reader alerted police of a stolen vehicle in the area. An officer spotted the vehicle and used his lights and siren to get him to stop, but he fled. The Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office informed Holmes Beach Police they had eyes on the suspect, so the Holmes Beach officer terminated the chase. Hillsborough County deputies finally captured the suspect.

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THE SUN

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MARCH 17, 2021

VACCINE: More people eligible to receive vaccine FROM PAGE 1

Thanks to a new executive order issued

by Gov. Ron DeSantis, seniors age 60 and older are now eligible to receive a vaccination through state, county and private pharmacy distribution sites.

To sign up for a vaccine through Manatee County at either the Tom Bennett Park or Public Safety Center site, visit www. vax.mymanatee.org. Though anyone 60 and older can register with the county, in a March 12 press release county officials stated that the county will continue prioritizing vaccine distribution to those age 65 and older. Once the demand for vaccines lessens with those people, they’ll move on

to registrants age 60 and older.

Anyone age 60 or older, with underlying medical conditions and a signed form from their doctor, sworn law enforcement officers age 50 and older, frontline healthcare workers, K-12 and preschool teachers and firefighters age 50 and older can also sign up for a vaccine from private pharmacies including Publix locations, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie.

Publix is opening registration for vaccine doses at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays online at https:// www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida.

With two types of vaccines available,

anyone signing up for an appointment on Monday or Friday will receive a Moderna two-dose vaccine. People who sign up on Wednesday will receive the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.

CVS locations in Bradenton and Holmes Beach, as well as other nearby areas, are offering vaccinations. To view availability and book an appointment, visit https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/ covid-19-vaccine.

Walgreens is offering Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at select locations. To book an appointment, visit https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid19?ban=covid_vaccine_landing_schedule.

Select Walmart pharmacy locations also are offering vaccine appointments to eligible individuals. Visit https://www. walmart.com/cp/1228302 to see availability and book an appointment.

Vaccine appointments are available through Winn-Dixie at all Bradenton locations and in Palmetto. To book an appointment with Winn-Dixie, visit https:// www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covidvaccine.

While Publix has certain times when appointments become available, all other pharmacy locations release available appointment times as more vaccines become available to them.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 17, 2021

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VACATION 365 YOU’RE CLOSER TO HOME THAN YOU THINK. Check out Lakewood Ranch while you’re in town, and you’ll see why it’s the best-selling community in the country for all ages. You won’t want to leave!

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NEW HOMES FROM THE $200S TO OVER $1 MILLION * *

*Ideal-Living 2020 Best of the Best Rankings. **Prices subject to change without notice. © 2021 Lakewood Ranch

.com

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THE SUN

NOISE: Commissioners consider changes FROM PAGE 1

Commissioner Jayne Christenson agreed with Rash, saying that people who call police with noise complaints are sometimes retaliated against by the subjects of the complaint.

Tokajer said that adding a plainly audible standard to the noise ordinance may not get the results that people worried about noise are expecting – more noise citations.

“I think our ordinance is wellwritten,” he said, adding that when making changes, commissioners need to make sure that they do not overreach to infringe on private property rights and that the changes are legally defensible if the matter should go to court. Tokajer said one of Rash’s suggestions, to lower the start of quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m., was, in his opinion, overreaching.

In the past year, he said officers have responded to 330 noise complaints and issued 25 citations, 23 of which were paid. During nighttime hours after 10 p.m., the maximum allowable level for noise is 55 decibels.

As to allowing people to report potential noise violations anonymously, Tokajer said there is a bill going before the Florida Legislature that wouldn’t allow officers to respond to an anonymous complaint. Also, if a complaint goes before a judge, he said the judge needs to hear from someone harmed or aggrieved by the noise, not a responding officer.

Once officers respond to a noise complaint and make contact with the people causing the noise, whether there’s a violation or not,

his officers do not have to go back the same night.

Attorney Erica Augello said that plainly audible is very suggestible and is considered in some courts to be unconstitutional. If commissioners agree to add it to the noise ordinance, she said it would need to be very carefully and clearly defined with parameters and standards clearly set out, along with a very clear definition of noise.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said she would work with city staff on drafting a more stringent noise ordinance for commissioners to consider for adoption. She said commissioners should manage their expectations though, because even if they approve a stricter noise ordinance, it might not hold up in court.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said that with a combined community of residents and vacation renters with large homes and small lots, there’s no way to avoid noise in residential neighborhoods. She suggested holding another stakeholder meeting on noise to see if there are any suggestions from community members on what can be done to address concerns and help improve everyone’s experience in the community.

“The residents just want to be able to live and sleep in their homes,” resident Richard Motzer said.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she’s not against strengthening the noise ordinance, but she doesn’t want to adopt a law that isn’t enforceable.

“I cannot eliminate noise,” she said. “I can try to contain it to make it less horrible.”

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he

The residents just want to be able to live and sleep in their homes.”

Richard Motzer, Holmes Beach resident

We are an older community and we want our peace and quiet.”

Jayne Christenson Holmes Beach Commissioner

feels like noise isn’t a city-wide problem but is confined to certain areas which may need to be addressed.

Christenson said the average age of Holmes Beach residents is 64.

“We are an older community and we want our peace and quiet,” she said.

Once attorneys and city staff have a chance to discuss what changes could potentially be made to the noise ordinance, it will come back before commissioners for discussion at a future work session.

MARCH 17, 2021

www.amisun.com

MARCH 17, 2021

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

Its ALL About the VIEW!!!

1107 Edgewater Circle

Give Giv vve me a cal calll today t if yo you ou u’re ’re e lookin lookingg to Buy orr Sell Selllll on n Anna Maria M Mar Island Islaand or the surrounding oun area! a!

941-209-1952 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com

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THE SUN

SPORTS

MARCH 17, 2021

Moss Builders, Root Logix earn the title “Champions”

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

At the start of Tuesday night, four teams competed in the semifinals in the 8- to 10-year-old flag football league at The Center. Four additional teams vied for the final positions in the championship game for the older community center youth.

Two champions were crowned, bringing another youth flag football season to an end.

In the first game of the night on The Center’s big gridiron, Poppos earned their spot in the 11- to 14-year-old championship game, winning against The Gitt Team.

Root Logix faced Poppos in the big game by winning the semifinal against Ugly Grouper.

Under the bright lights of the Island’s football field, Root Logix came out victorious in the teens’ championship match up with the final score 31-21.

The champions had three standout players among the roster of many of the Island’s athletes. In addition to Hunter Wingate, Carter Cantrell, Charlie Rogers, Ava Harlan and Gabrielle Gilbert, teammates Luke Winsper, Payton Harlan and Harrison Schenerlein made big plays.

Winsper had two rushing touchdowns in the game along with one catch for six points. P. Harlan is credited with throwing for two TDs and rushing for another.

Schenerlein had a receiving touchdown in the win, and Winsper has a sack in the record books for the Root Logix team.

The second-place finishers, Poppos, showed the receiving depth of the squad. Six of the nine players touched the football with catches for yardage.

In addition to receptions by Colten Shook, Kaden Quinby, Rowan Benford and Jacob Seim, T.J. Eckert and Connor Samblis had passes for touchdowns.

Eckert took the football into the endzone with a nice run, while Frankie Coleman had a receiving touchdown and sack in the game.

In the last game of the night, Moss Builders won the championship game against Cloud in a very close matchup.

The one point game came down to the extra point by Moss’ Austin Guess.

The Cloud squad played their hearts

out. Charlie Neri played quarterback and finished with two passing touchdowns to Landon Sallier.

Noah Rigney supported his team with two catches in the game. Along with Rigney, Luke and Leo Foster, Lucas Signor and Jasmine Sparks took their team all the way to the end of the season.

Mason Moss threw for one touchdown to Matthew Winsper and handed off to Turner Worth for a rushing score in the team’s victory for the 8- to 10-year-old league.

Issac Roadman provided critical field and team support throughout the season and to capturing the season championship.

Adult co-ed sports continue with semifinal play this week. Wednesday night, Sato Real Estate goes up against Allied on The Center’s field at 6:15 p.m.

The following game an hour later matches Burton Brick & Tile and Blalock Walters for the final seat available in the championship game for adult co-ed soccer.

On Thursday night, the adult co-ed flag football semifinal games take place at 7 and 8 p.m. Ugly Grouper takes on Mi-Box and Beach Bums will play Moss Builders.

The final games of the season will take place next week. Two champions will be named to close out the sports season at The Center.

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, MARCH 9 YOUTH CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL SEMIFINAL PLAYOFF GAMES 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

THE CENTER | SUBMITTED

Team Moss Builders won the big game last Tuesday night at The Center to win the 8- to 10-yearold youth flag football championship.

THE CENTER | SUBMITTED

Moss Builders Beach Bums

36 34

At The Center Tuesday night, champions Root Logix won it all for the 11- to 14-year-old league.

Shady Lady Cloud

0 33

11- TO 13-YEAR OLD LEAGUE

Poppos The Gitt Team

18 12

Root Logix Ugly Grouper

20 6

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER QUARTER FINAL PLAYOFF GAMES

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

YOUTH CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE Moss Builders Cloud

Poppos Root Logix

#3 Allied #6 The Gitt Team

#8 Slim’s Place #1 Burton Brick and Tile 13 12

#7 Jiffy Lube #2 Sato Real Estate

21 31

4 1

8 9 (OT) 1 4

#4 Servis First Bank #5 Blalock Walters

THURSDAY, MARCH 11

1 4

#6 Mi-Box #3 Solid Rock Construction

29 19

#1 Ugly Grouper #8 Salty Printing

58 14

#2 Beach Bums #7 Sandbar

20 19

#4 Moss Builders #5 Slim’s Place

33 13

MARCH 17, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Renovator's protective cover 5 Not so exciting 10 Soak up the sun 14 "Dies __": Latin hymn 15 Yoga pose 16 Hatchet man __ Brasi of "The Godfather" 17 *Speak carefully to avoid offense 19 Spoken 20 2019 award for author Walter Mosley 21 *Yahtzee, for one 23 Cry of success that can also be a sarcastic admission of failure 26 Ad-__: improvise 29 "__ won't do" 30 Pinch pennies 35 Post-op sites 37 Not fooled by 39 Ho Chi Minh Mauso-

Answers to 03-10-21 Crossword Puzzle.

leum city 40 *Homemade song assortment 42 *Vocally imitate a drum machine 44 Spoken 45 Poetry event 47 Hatcher or Polo 48 Status __ 50 Forget to mention 52 Report card bummer 53 Norse mythology upheaval used as the subtitle of a 2017 "Thor" film 56 *Lunch from home 60 Repairs 64 Marshmallow blackener 65 Kitchen guide ... and where to find the starts of the answers to starred clues 68 Discomfit 69 Save a ton on the wedding reception?

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70 Not pro 71 Sty feed 72 Often __: half the time 73 Check signer Down 1 Life partner 2 Dry as a desert 3 Tolled, as a bell 4 Pie nut 5 Word after hee or yee 6 Spanish bear 7 Most challenging 8 Reversed 9 Dinosaur Jr. frontman J __ 10 Online journal 11 General vibe 12 Take in 13 Leafy vegetable 18 Middle of Q.E.D. 22 __ Sketch 24 Blue-roofed eatery 25 Fishing gear 26 Succotash beans 27 Without warmth 28 Full-bosomed 31 "Out of the Cellar" metal band 32 Under the covers 33 Boxing legend Archie 34 Impish fairy 36 Incomplete Wikipedia entry 38 "Becoming" memoirist Michelle 41 Add beauty to 43 Mideast noble

46 Scam that takes a while to pay off 49 __ Tar Pits 51 Thick book 54 Irish speakers 55 Meaty fare from a falafel

stand 56 Closest pals, initially 57 Tehran money 58 Rice-shaped pasta 59 Shed tears 61 Pitching gem, in base-

ball slang 62 "i" pieces 63 Hits the slopes 66 Wall St. debut 67 Darling

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CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com ANNOUNCEMENT: Who wants to play bridge outside on the patio, or in the park, social distanced and face-masked, Call Kathleen at 314-324-5921 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 4 UNIT RESORT style 4-plex: $1,999,900 Holmes Beach fixer upper with View of beach on Gulf Dr. Duplex Near Beach Totally renovated near Beach $795,000. Island Real Estate Call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES

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.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP YARD SALE Saturday March 20th from 9a.m1pm on Pine Ave , City of Anna Maria, across from Roser Chapel. There will be clothing, kitchen stuff, paintings & Easter items and much more. Please wear mask and follow rules.

MR AJ AMI Maintenance and Repairs- All Jobs-Anna Maria Island 941-705-1793 Licensed/ Insured aj@mrajllc.com

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 # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 941-7781115 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

Licensed and insured.

References available.

Call Chris at 941-3028759 please visit website: isletileservices.com “HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money.

941-778-3206

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 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal.

Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

LOST & FOUND FOUND SUNGLASSES at 77TH Street parking lot in Holmes Beach text 613401-2318 Contact Tim

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

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

MARCH 17, 2021

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE GULF FRONT CONDOS Vista Grande, WestWinds– CANAL FRONT HOME Holmes Beach –DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK big Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 HOLMES BEACH 4BR/3.5BA home for sale. 1 ½ blocks from Beach. $1,399,000. Call 724-263-6390 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

BY OWNER: 1BR/1.5BA 950 square feet. End unit villa w/carport at 4418 Mt. Vernon Dr. in Mt. Vernon on Sarasota Bay, a 55+ community 5 minutes from AMI gulf beaches. The villa is cheery and bright. Extensively updated, including: hardwood floors, tiled baths, breakfast bar, birch kitchen cabinets, stove w/ microwave above, dishwasher, kitchen and bath fixtures, and fans. Lots of closet space, storage, outside utility room. New A/C system installed 07/20.

Mt. Vernon is an active senior community with many social clubs and activities, a clubhouse, pool, sauna, tennis, shuffleboard, walking/biking paths, fishing, woodworking shop, and more. Free boat docks and kayak/RV/trailer storage subject to availability.

OFFERED AT $162,500. To View Call 727-479-4919 or 303-725-7160

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

AMISUN.COM

REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran.

Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

1973 MOBILE HOME: REMODELED interior 2020, new insulation, vinyl roof with transferable warranty, flooring, windows, kitchen-bath, on-demand hot water unit, exterior doors, window shades and lighting. Fully furnished - dedicated parking space $98,500. (Located the Sandpiper Resort 55+ community co-op mobile home park) No land share. Call Erik for appointment 813-6793561

FREE

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Call for Details

778-3986

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MARCH 17, 2021

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

PAINTING

TRANSPORTATION

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

1BR/1BA DUPLEX in Holmes Beach. Lawn care included. First, last and security deposit required. $1175/mo. Contact A Paradise Realty 941-778-4800 ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA updated.

Steps to beach and shops.

W/D hookups. $1950/ mo. First, last & security. ½ of electric and water. No smoking, No pets. Available April 1. Call 860-9223857

RENTAL WANTED SEEKING AMI ANNUAL RENTAL Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941799-9299

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 CONDOS AVAILABLE 1BR & 2BR on Anna Maria Island, March 27 thru season.

Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-7047525

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70.

Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable.

Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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THE SUN

MARCH 17, 2021

the Team Duncan Difference!

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Sales Associate

Katie Self Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate

Bill Romberger April Green Sales Associate Sales Associate

Martha Jones Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Sales Associate

Joey Hutchinson Sales Associate

Nancy Howle Sales Associate

✔ Local-Area Expertise ✔ Outstanding Customer Service ✔ Experienced Professionals ✔ Proven Performance

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304