Anna Maria Island Sun March 1, 2017

FREE

VOL 17 No. 20

March 1, 2017

Water ferry service tentatively approved The permit was granted with the understanding that some additional details still need to be worked out.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

SARASOTA – The Sarasota City Commission has unanimously approved a conditional cityissued water taxi permit that will allow Sherman Baldwin and Tevatan LLC to operate a water ferry service between Sarasota and the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.

The conditional elements of the permit approved Tuesday, Feb. 21, include Baldwin still needing to acquire sublease rights for a city of Sarasotasee ferry, page 32

AME on stage

joe hendricks | SUN

This city-owned dock used by the Coast Guard Auxiliary is expected to be used as the ferry service’s Sarasota point of departure and arrival.

Rental-inspired LDC amendments proposed The board’s recommendations will now be considered by the City Commission for potential adoption.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Anna Maria Elementary School hosted its annual talent show last week, featuring a host of stars in the making. Top, second-grader Charlie Hawkins dances to “How Far I’ll Go,” by Alessia Cara. Above, Audra Rappold and Anna Wright sings “Can’t Blame A Girl for Trying,” by Sabrina Carpenter. Right, Zoie Wade sings her own composition, “Stars.”

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors sports obituaries real estate classifieds

4 6 7 26-28 34 35 38-43 45-47

BRADENTON BEACH – Last week, the Planning and Zoning Board completed the second phases of its efforts to regulate vacation rentals.

After previously crafting recommended vacation rental regulations aimed at addressing occupant behavior, the volunteer board embarked on a secondary effort that involves amending the see amendments, page 32

wildlife inc.

celebrates 30 years of rescuing animals. 31

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Heritage day FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY IN ANNA MARIA.

16

HGTV show features AMI real

estate. 12 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

www.amisun.com

2

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

3

FDOT approves Holmes Beach speed changes State officials say the changes will be made as soon as new speed limit signs can be obtained.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER

HOLMES BEACH — It didn’t take long for the Florida Department of Transportation to respond to Holmes Beach commissioners’ request to

return the speed limit to 35 miles per hour west of the Anna Maria Island Bridge.

Holmes Beach was in an uproar after the FDOT, without notice, lowered the speed limit across the bridge from 45 to 35 mph and reduced speed west of the bridge from 35 to 25 mph.

During a special meeting convened Feb. 16, commissioners voted unanimously to request a reversal of the FDOT decision.

David Gwynn, FDOT director of transportation operations, sent a same-day response Feb. 22 to Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson’s e-mailed request to increase the speed limit west of the bridge to its previous posted limit. While Gwynn agreed to reverse the change, in his e-mail, he maintained the speed study completed prior to the change and submitted to the city after new signs were posted remains valid.

He said another one would not be

conducted by the department at this time.

Gywnn said the change would take effect as soon as new signs could be obtained.

Commissioners voted 4 to 1, with Commissioner Pat Morton dissenting, to increase the speed limit from 25 to 35 mph along a stretch of Gulf Drive from 43rd Street to 52nd Street near Anna Maria Elementary School.

The change went into effect Feb. 22.

P&Z member leaving AMI over rentals Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board member Frank Harrison tendered his written resignation last week after recently announcing that he would soon be leaving the board because he and his wife, Priscilla VonAhnen, are selling their house on 11th Street South and leaving their Island home of more than 40 years.

The couple is moving across the bridge to the north end of Longboat Key. In recent years, Harrison has repeatedly expressed displeasure that he and his wife gradually became the only permanent residents left on a street that is now populated by vacation rental homes. The couple spearheaded the citizen-led efforts to

enact the voter-approved, sixmonth building moratorium that is scheduled to expire in May. During his final planning board meeting, Harrison encouraged the board and the city commission to continue working to address the concerns associated with large vacation rentals taking over residential neighborhoods.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

4

THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

in brief Family Movie Night

The city of Anna Maria will host a free Family Movie Night at City Pier Park, at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard, on Friday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m. The animated film, “The Secret Life of Pets,” will be shown using outdoor projection equipment, free popcorn and soft drinks will be served, The movie will be preceded by a short presentation on sea turtle and wildlife awareness by Suzi Fox, from the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring organization. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to sit on.

Call for art festival help The Anna Maria Island Art League is seeking volunteers for Springfest, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12. The success of Springfest relies on a squad of volunteers to help with all sorts of tasks throughout the weekend.

Help is needed for selling food tickets, manning the hospitality booth, selling raffle tickets, as booth sitters, and manning the “Young at Art” booth. If you could spend an hour or more, contact Fran at 941778-2099 or artleagueami@gmail,com.

Volunteers need not commit the entire day or to one booth. Volunteering shifts are 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Sunday breakdown. Hours are negotiable.

To volunteer, call 941-778-2099 or visit Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Boulevard, Holmes Beach, on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Home Sweet Home to host party Home Sweet Home, the citizens’ group tying to get more people to move to the Island, is having a party and everyone is invited. The celebration will be on Sunday, March 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at City Pier Park in Anna Maria. Details of the free event have not been finalized, but will be discussed at the group’s next meeting on Thursday, March 9, at 1 p.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, in Holmes Beach. The meeting is open to the public.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

MARCH 1, 2017

WGI first choice for pier design

The next step is to negotiate an acceptable price for the design and permitting services.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Wantman Group Inc. (WGI) engineering firm from Palm Beach has been deemed the city’s first choice to handle the design and permitting phases for the rehabilitation of the Historic Anna Maria City Pier.

When presenting his bid rankings at the Feb. 23, commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy said WGI ranked highest, followed by Taylor Engineering from Sarasota and the McLaren Engineering Group from Orlando.

Murphy said City Clerk LeAnn Addy and new City Planner Robin Mayer conducted their own independent reviews of the three proposals and ranked the firms in the same order, with slightly different point totals.

In accordance with the state of Florida’s Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act, the proposals did not include cost estimates and the firms were ranked solely on their merits and experience.

After presenting this rankings, Murphy requested and received the commission’s permission to enter into cost negotiations with WGI. The project price to be discussed with WGI will be only for the design and permitting phases of the project and will not include the actual reconstruction of the pier, which will be addressed in a separate request for proposals to

joe hendricks | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy shares his rankings of the three firms that submitted proposals for the rehabilitation of the Historic Anna Maria City Pier. WGI, from West Palm, submitted the top-ranked proposal. be issued at a later date.

If Murphy and WGI are able to reach an agreeable tentative price, the mayor must bring that back to the commission for final approval before a contract can be executed.

If Murphy and WGI are unable to come to agreeable terms, those negotiations would be permanently terminated and WGI would be eliminated from consideration for this phase of the project. The mayor would then open negotiations with Taylor Engineering; and if those efforts proved unsuccessful, would then negotiate with McLaren. If an amenable price

cannot be reached with any of the responding firms, the project would be put back out for bid.

Manatee County officials have tentatively agreed to provide up to $1 million for the design, see PIER, page 10

Planning board applicants sought The city of Bradenton Beach needs one, possibly two, new Planning and Zoning Board members. One seat recently opened due to a board member’s resignation, and a second may open if a current member is not reappointed on March 2. Applicants must be city residents and registered to vote in Bradenton Beach. The board provides the city commission with recommendations on land use and development issues and generally meets one or two Wednesdays per month. Applications can be obtained in person at city hall or by e-mailing the city clerk at tsanclemente@ cityofbradentonbeach.com. For more information, call 941-778-1005.

HBPD to host community forum The Holmes Beach Police Department is ready to answer questions from the community.

The HBPD will host a community forum at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. The forum is the second in a series designed to help give the community a behind the scenes look at city hall.

Chief Bill Tokajer will be joined

by Sgt. Vern McGowan, Detective

Brian Hall and Sgt. Mike Pilato for the talk. Items on the agenda include the city’s Neighborhood Watch program, residential security, traffic enforcement, parking and the difference between golf carts and low speed vehicles.

The program also will highlight different partnerships between the police department and community.

A question and answer session will be held at the end. Attendees

are encouraged to bring their ideas and suggestions to improve relations between the community and the department to the forum.

Everyone with an interest in Holmes Beach and how the police department operates is invited to attend.

For more information, contact the HBPD at 941-708-5804.

MARCH 1, 2017

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

5

Tickets now available for Tour of Homes

BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER

ANNA MARIA - Preparations are under way for The Center of Anna Maria Island’s 24th annual Tour of Homes.

This year’s event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 18, opening five Island properties in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria to the public. Each property was specially selected for its reflection of Island living, distinctive architecture and elegant interior.

Along the tour route, attendees will have the opportunity to shop the Tropical Treasures Boutique featuring arts, crafts and culinary delicacies all created especially for the tour. The boutique also will be home to “The Mermaid’s Journey” during the Tour,

a quilt created especially for the event by the Eyeland Needlers. The quilt will be raffled during the event.

Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and tickets for the tour are $20 each. Both can be purchased from The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

All proceeds from the tour, boutique and raffle benefit the Center and its community programs.

Volunteers and sponsors are still needed for the Tour. To volunteer, contact Robyn Kinkopf at 941-778-1908 or robyn@centerami.org.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, including how to be featured in the tour booklet, contact Lindsay Sauls at 512-968-6084 or events@centerami.org.

Kristin Swain | Sun

From left: Executive director Kristen Lessig and Joan Pettigrew, of the Eyeland Needlers, display the 2017 Tour of Homes quilt Jan. 30 for members of the Center of Anna Maria Island’s board.

6

THE SUN

OPINIOn

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

Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

MARCH 1, 2017

EDITORIAL Tropical perspective

J

ohn Lennon and Paul McCartney once wrote a song that started with the line, “I read the news today, oh boy.”

One might feel the same way when viewing the local headlines here on the Island, which are often dominated by rental regulations, property rights, Bert Harris claims, political disputes, traffic, parking, congestion, noise, red tide and a multitude of other problems and inconveniences that take some of the shine off this tropical jewel. Yet, Anna Maria Island remains a unique and wonderful place to live, work and play for those who still believe the rewards outweigh the challenges that are also part of the deal.

We have 17 residents (some retirees, some still working) who are willing to take on the challenges and headaches (some self-inflicted) of elected office, getting paid a pittance to try and solve complex problems that would constitute a much higher pay grade elsewhere. We also have dozens of volunteer board and committee members who get paid nothing to work on these same issues.

The Island is blessed with a politically-engaged citizenry that doesn’t always agree and doesn’t always get it right, but is never shy about voicing an opinion, pushing for change or standing firm on a strong-held belief. Yes, the numbers are shrinking, but the fulltime residents who remain form a close-knit community that cannot be duplicated up the street in Bradenton or across the bay in Sarasota.

A

lthough they undoubtedly contribute to our topical and tropical dilemmas, the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to the Island each year also provide a significant income stream for our local businesses and tax revenues for our local governments. They also add color to the ever-changing palette of Island life, sharing insights and experiences with us and hopefully getting the same in return.

There’s public beaches every two miles and public access points in between. There’s public fishing piers at both ends of the Island and recreational opportunities everywhere you look. We have a free trolley system, low-cost shuttle services, and water taxis and ferry services are looming on the horizon.

This oversaturated Island still offers a cornucopia of locally-owned restaurants, bars, businesses, art galleries and shopping destinations that are as far-reaching and fascinating as the folks who run them.

Is the Island perfect? Nope. But we get to chase our personal versions of paradise with good people at our side, the sun on our face and tropical breezes at our back, while our compatriots up north slog through another winter watching the Weather Channel and saying, “Man, I wished I lived somewhere warm.”

Boat drinks, anyone?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Withdraw SB 188 Editor's note: This letter originally was sent to State Sen. Greg Steube.

We are a couple in our mid50s that own a home in the city of Anna Maria. We live in Europe, and we love Anna Maria and what it offers. We go to Anna Maria on our vacations as often as we can to experience the beaches, the nature and the friendly people. Periodically, we rent out our home to visiting families through an established property manager.

We are great supporters of preserving the serenity of Anna Maria. We do not want Anna Maria to turn into a party town, filled with bustling and noisy oversized homes. That would be devastating and heart-breaking to us. We also believe that this is what attracts the current visitors to Anna Maria.

The Vacation Rental Ordinance (“VRO”) introduced in Anna Maria is working well.

Even though we rent our home out, we fully support the VRO, since we can see the positive impact it has had on the preser-

vation of the original character of the city. Yes, the VRO introduced restrictions to our ability to rent our house out, but for the good of the very reason we bought a house in Anna Maria.

This is why we believe that a licensing of vacation rentals is good for all.

The VRO is also a constructive compromise for all homeowners in Anna Maria. As a homeowner, you have gained on some items and you have given up on other items. This goes for vacation rentals as well as for the local residents. In our mind, this is the essence of what good neighbors do; we agree and we compromise. Of course, this has to take place on a local level and that is what has occurred in Anna Maria.

We understand what the introduction of Senate Bill 188 aims to do, to secure that all homeowners are treated in the same way. But the cost to achieve this goal is to create a central-state regulation that eliminates the possibility for cities to agree on local rules through decentralized compromises. To take away this option for local co-ordination and replace it with a state-

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. wide law does not sound like the America we know. It looks more like how lives in totalitarian states are regulated.

With this letter we hope that you will consider amending or withdrawing Senate Bill 188 for the following reasons: Show respect for local democracy by allowing for local decision-making. Allow compromises to be crafted as a means for homeowners to agree on how they shall share their precious time together in local communities.

Vacation rental ordinances have been introduced and, like in Anna Maria, fulfill important purposes. In Anna Maria, the experience is that it supports the homeowners in their wish to live in harmony on the serene and peaceful island of Anna Maria.

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter. We look forward to follow the continued progress for local communities in Florida.

Per Samuelsson Colette Hamilton Anna Maria

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

7

the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Should Island drawbridge openings be reduced to twice an hour for passing boats or remain at three times an hour?

Anna Maria

Holmes Beach

3/9: City commission special meeting, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

3/1: Parks and beautification committee, 10 a.m.

3/2: City commission work session, 6 p.m.

3/9: Police Department community forum, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

8%

Keep it at three times an hour. Boaters have just as much right to travel as motorists.

10005 Gulf Drive.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

3/1: CIP and city commission joint meeting, 9 a.m.

3/1: Special CRA and CIP joint work meeting, 10 a.m.

3/1: Scenic WAVES advisory board, 3 p.m.

3/2: City commission meeting, 6 p.m.

3/7: City commission workshop, 1 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

5801 Marina Drive.

Island-wide

3/6: Island Transportation Planning Organization, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, 2 p.m.

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

mark your calendar

92%

Reduce the frequency to twice an hour. Each opening wreaks havoc with traffic.

Note: Events are free unless indicated.

Wednesday

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY Holmes Beach, like Anna Maria, is hiring its own lobbyist to fight two vacation rental proposals being considered in Tallahassee. What do you think of this move?

Mar. 1

• I am opposed to both cities hiring lobbyists. This unfairly targets the rental industry.

•I think it's a good idea and wish Bradenton Beach would do the same thing.

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

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

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain

Tom Vaught Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Susan Otto

Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gulf Coast Writers, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:45 p.m.

Thursday Mar. 2

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

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

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center,

6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included.

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

Meg Lowman, Einstein of Treetops, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

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

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

Friday Mar. 3

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

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

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

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

Saturday Mar. 4

Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:30 a.m.

American contract bridge SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

8

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

mark your calendar From Page 7

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

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

Lego Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Sunday Mar. 5

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

Monday Mar. 6

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

Tuesday Mar. 7

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna

Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

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

Identity theft presentation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

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

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

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

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

What it takes to change a bridge timing The bridge timing requests could take another six months or longer to enact.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Michael Lieberum, Chief of Bridge Operations for the United States Coast Guard’s Seventh District, explained last week how the bridge timing requests for two Island bridges will be processed.

On Feb. 13, Lieberum e-mailed the three Island mayors and informed them that Friday, April 14, is the deadline to submit public comment on the proposed reduction of bridge openings for four draw bridges along the Intracoastal Waterway. Dating back to 2015, the requests pertain to the Cortez Bridge, the Anna Maria Island Bridge and two bridges in Sarasota. The requests were made in order to reduce traffic congestion created by bridge openings.

The proposed rulemaking calls for the bridges to be opened on the quarter hour and the three-quarter hour, from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m., when requested by passing boat operators. The bridges would still be opened at any time for an emergency vessel or a tug boat. The Island bridges being considered can currently be opened three times an hour from January 15 to April 15, and twice an hour for the rest of the year.

Public comments can be submitted and viewed at www.regulations.gov by entering “Drawbridge Operation Regulation, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway,

PY HA P U R H Oy D ay !

Sarasota, Fl.” in the website’s search engine. As of Monday, there were five comments posted, and all five expressed support for the change.

“We look at the comments. If there are no negative comments – nothing against the proposed rule – then there’s no real reason to have a hearing or a meeting. In most cases, there isn’t a public hearing,” Lieberum said.

When asked about potential opposition from the boating community, he said, “This is a pretty minor change, going from three times an hour to two. I don’t expect a lot of pushback, but if there is, that will have to be addressed. If that happens, we’ll contact the local authorities and set up a public meeting.

We wouldn’t do anything that wouldn’t involve the local politicians.

“If there’s nothing negative that needs to be addressed separately, we can move forward with the final rule. Then it has to go through the normal process: We draft it up and make sure the bridge owner, FDOT, doesn’t have any issues with it; then we move forward with processing the rule, which means going through the chain of command to Coast Guard headquarters, DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and then getting it to the Federal Register, which publishes whatever we provide them,” Lieberum explained.

“If there’s no pushback, we’re looking at the possibility of six or seven months. If there’s any pushback, then it’s going to take longer. This has taken awhile to get through for some reason, but I’m glad we’re finally at this point,” he said.

hy Come see wd the te o v re e we w

1 Nerwant

Ev e r

Aw

MARCH 1, 2017

#

g n i ardWinning Affordable Din

Restau

ALL MONTH LONG

WE LOVE THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER!

t s a f k a Bre

Served Daily! 8 – 11am

March Clothing Drive Benefiting the Donate a clothing item at any one of our 4 locations before March 31st and get a

FREE Portabella

Mushroom Appetizer!* *With the purchase of an entrée. Limit to 1 per table, per visit.

Good at all 4 locations. Good until 3/31/17.

VISIT US AT OYSTERBAR.NET FOR ALL OF OUR DAILY DEALS!

" Ê" Ê/ Ê* ,ÊUÊ941.778.AMOB(2662) 200 Bridge Street (Historic Bridge Street Pier)

s y a d n Mo

All-U-Can-Eat Fish & Chips NOW available at all 4 locations.

MARCH 1, 2017

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

9

Visit Florida bill passes last committee

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

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida House of Representatives Appropriations Committee has voted 18-12 to pass HB 7005, a bill that would reduce funding for Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing agency, and eliminate funding for Enterprise Florida.

An amendment proposed by bill sponsor, House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O'Lakes), and approved by the committee would cut Visit Florida’s budget by two-thirds to $25 million and impose new budget transparency measures, salary caps and other fiscal reforms.

If the bill passes, funding for Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development agency, would be eliminated, along with funding for the state film commission.

Gov. Rick Scott, who has been critical of the bill, has asked the Legislature for $76 million for Visit Florida and $85 million for Enterprise Florida.

Corcoran proposed the bill three weeks after a lawsuit he filed uncovered a secret $1 million contract with Miami music artist Pitbull, which led to the resignation of Visit Florida Director Will Seccombe.

The full House will hear the bill when the legislative session begins on Tuesday, March 7. The Florida Senate has no companion bill.

10

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 1, 2017

City planner hired Robin Mayer brings 40 years of experience to his new job with the city of Anna Maria.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

ANNA MARIA – Robin Mayer has been named the new city planner.

The city commission unanimously approved the hiring recommendation made by Mayor Dan Murphy at the Feb. 23, meeting. Murphy told the commission he interviewed five candidates, and Mayer emerged as his top choice.

Mayer will replace former Bruce McLaughlin, who recently resigned on short notice, and Murphy told the commission Mayer would provide the city with more of his time than McLaughlin did.

Mayer’s contract calls for him to work a minimum of 36 hours a week, which at $50 an hour equates to a weekly salary of

$1,800. He will be paid $50 an hour for any additional time worked and he will not be compensated for travel time or Mayer travel expenses.

After the commission authorized the mayor to execute the contract, Mayer said, “Thank you, I look forward to working with you all.”

Standing outside of city hall afterwards, Mayer discussed his path to Anna Maria.

“I have 40 years of experience.

My first 28 were with the city of Tacoma in Washington. I retired from there, came to Florida to work for Collier County, then worked in the private sector for a little over two years.

I went over to St. Lucie County as the director of growth management, and after the implosion of the economy, they reorganized and kept me on as the head of their building and code division.

Then I went to Longboat Key and I was there for a little over a

year as director of planning and zoning and building. I retired there, and then realized I wasn’t ready to retire,” the 66-year-old Mayer said.

Mayer lives in east Manatee County, and he’s been coming to the Island for the past four years.

“I love the Island and the way the commissioners want to protect it, and I’m ready to help them do that,” he said.

When discussing his skills and experience, Mayer said, “Every day you come into the office you learn something new, and after 40 years I’ve learned a lot: how to work with people, how to make things run more efficiently and how to make the whole process work better.”

Bradenton Beach City Planner Alan Garrett served as McLaughlin’s predecessor in Anna Maria, and he spent an afternoon with Mayer last week bringing him up to speed on the city’s planning issues. The two men planned to meet again this week as well.

PIER: Design firm selected FROM PAGE 4

permitting and rehabilitation of the pier that was originally built in 1911. Commissioner Doug Copeland sits on the Tourist Development Council that provides resort tax-based funding recommendations to the county commission, and he encouraged the mayor and commission to proceed as quickly and judiciously as possible on this because the city of Palmetto also is requesting matching funds for the rehabilitation of an old railroad bridge that is now used as a fishing pier.

Commissioner Dale Woodland noted that the pier tenant, Mario Schoenfelder, recently made some repairs to the T-end of the pier, where he operates a restaurant and a bait shop.

“It’s actually in better shape today than it was a year ago,” Woodland said.

“They just put $30,000 to $40,000 into it,” Commissioner Brian Seymour added.

Woodland reminded the commission to keep in mind the impact the pier rehabilitation will have on the dozens of employees who work in the restaurant and the bait shop when the actual rehabilitation work begins.

In regard to the pier tenant’s potential financial obligations as it pertains to the forthcoming project, Murphy said he would reinitiate his discussions with Schoenfelder after a contract is entered into with WGI or one of the other engineering firms.

Thank you for making The Center’s Murder Mystery a success!

DE IG H FF D

S

EMPAcurious Artisanal A

HEET O F H

VE

N

EAT WELL TONIGHT

A Huge Thank You To Beth Shaughessy & The Cast!

Thanks to our Event Committee Jen Kaleta, Teresa Burgess, Karen Harllee and Billi Gartman

MARCH 1, 2017

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

11

Mermaid showing no signs of slowing down It’s business as usual at the Anna Maria eatery.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Ed Spring wants folks to know that it’s business as usual at his Sign of the Mermaid restaurant, even though the restaurant property was recently sold.

“I wanted to stop the rumors going around. In a nutshell, we sold the property a few months back due to a divorce that had to settled through the court. I leased the property back from the new owner for six years and our goal is to continue on with the Sign of the Mermaid as we have for the last 25 years,” Spring said.

“The new owners have no intention of tearing the building down because they’re into the old style of Florida, and they want the operation to continue on,” he added.

“Both my daughters are still there – Kellie Garden and Serena Spring.

They’re still running the restaurant for me. Serena does the kitchen, and Kellie does the dining room and manages the whole operation. I’ve got pretty much the same kitchen crew that I had before, and we’re increasing it with new employees and working with a new chef. And I’m still the main force behind everything,” Spring explained.

He also wanted to dispel any rumors about the Sign of the Mermaid’s signature desserts.

“We’re still making the homemade pies, cakes and wedding cakes like we have for the past 25 years, and nothing

joe hendricks | SUN

chantelle lewin | SUN

Fromn left, the Mermaid’s kitchen staff includes Serena, Richard, Michele, Ed and Lauren. The Sign of the Mermaid has been doing business in Anna Maria for 25 years. The homemade pies and cakes have long been a staple of the restaurant’s dessert offerings.

has changed. They’re our recipes, and they have been since day one,” Spring said.

According to Spring, the only real changes in store include the addition of some new menu items and the seasonal expansion of the restaurant’s hours of operations.

“Our hours change on a regular basis because we go along with the season. Right now we’re doing dinner six nights a week (Tuesday through Sunday) and breakfast and lunch five

joe hendricks | SUN

days a week (Wednesday through Sunday),” Spring said. “There will be times in March and April that we’re running seven days a week and we’ll let everybody know through our voice mail and our e-mails.”

The Sign of the Mermaid is located at 9707 Gulf Dr. in Anna Maria and the restaurant phone number is 941-7789399. You can visit the restaurant online at http://signofthemermaid.wixsite. com/themermaid or on Facebook.

12

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 1, 2017

HGTV show features AMI real estate

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

Some Anna Maria Island property listings are being showcased on national television.

Crews from Home & Garden Television’s “Beachfront Bargain Hunt” show journeyed to the Island to film on Feb. 23-25. Before making the trip, producers from the television show reached out to Holmes Beach Realtors Mark and Jen Bowman, with Keller Williams on the Water.

Producers selected two of the properties the husband and wife team represent to showcase on an episode of the show. Jen said the selection process was primarily in the hands of the show’s producers and the real estate buyer. The primary criteria was price point. To qualify for the show, properties are required to be listed at $400,000 or less. The featured selections were narrowed down from four provided by the Bowmans.

Though the listings they represent are being featured, the Realtors them-

selves were not a part of the filming.

“My goal is to get our listings noticed,” Jen Bowman said. “I would be more nervous if I had to show the properties on camera myself.”

“I don’t care about being in the show,” Mark Bowman said. “Our listings will be exposed to a national audience. At the end of the day, it’s about our clients. We’re here to sell their properties.”

One of the properties being featured is a condominium owned by Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen.

Peelen took to social media to express her excitement in a video.

“I’m very excited,” she said. “I just hope it sells.”

Jen Bowman said the show isn’t only about the properties being featured, it’s also a showcase for the Island.

She said local hotspots and destinations, including restaurants, shops and attractions including the Rod and Reel Pier and Bridge Street, were filmed for possible inclusion in the show.

The episode is expected to air later in 2017 on HGTV.

Kristin Swain | Sun

Realtors Mark and Jen Bowman, with Keller Williams on the Water, select pictures for a listing Feb. 23 at their Holmes Beach office, 5386 Gulf Drive.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

13

Workshop clarifies proposed rental regulations The city commission still needs to address occupancy limits and licensing fees.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners and Planning and Zoning Board members gathered last week for a joint workshop as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to develop vacation rental regulations.

The primary purpose of the Tuesday, Feb. 21, workshop was to determine whether the Quality of Life Ordinance that was adopted in 2015, but never implemented or enforced, should be eliminated and replaced by a new ordinance or updated in a manner that incorporates commission approved planning board recommendations and any additional provisions the commission wants to enact as part of the city’s second attempt to regulate rentals.

City Planner Alan Garrett again stated his belief that it makes more sense to update the existing ordinance because it already contains the whereas clauses, findings of facts and other required elements that would have to be included in a new ordinance.

After much discussion and some continued objection, it was agreed that the Quality of Life Ordinance would be retained and updated according to the final decisions yet to be made by the commission.

Consensus also was reached on numerous elements to be included in the updated ordinance.

The state definition of a transient public lodging establishment – aka short-term rentals – contained in the original ordinance will be used instead of the modified definition recommended by the planning board.

Exterior and interior signage will be required of all short-term rentals.

A small exterior sign located near the

joe hendricks | SUN

Members of the City Commission, the Planning and Zoning Board and city staff participated in a vacation rental workshop last week. front door will list the owner’s name, the rental agent’s name, if applicable, and a 24 hour contact number for police officers to use, if needed, when responding to a complaint. An accompanying notice placed near the inside of the front door will list the number of allowed occupants and the number of allowed parking spaces.

Administrative inspections of vacation rental properties only will take place after a verified violation has occurred. The initial licensing processes will not require a preliminary inspection.

Side yard trash pickup will be required of all non-owner-occupied rentals and also of any owner-occupied rentals that receive verified trash related complaints.

When discussing higher fines for repeat violations of noise, parking and rental ordinances, City Attorney Ricinda Perry was asked to research

WHEN YOU THINK FANS, THINK DAN'S!

DAN'S FAN CITY LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE! TORNADO

DESIGN

MARINE GRADE S316 STAINLESS STEEL

YOUR FAN

ASK US HOW

OR SEE OUR

RAINDANCE

Direct Water Contact 30 Year Warranty 45 Stores Nationwide Parts, Services & Open 7 Days A Week Installation Available Locally Owned and Operated · Fan Experts For Over 35 Years

Bradenton

1808 Cortez Road

755-3262

whether the commission could suspend or revoke a city-issued rental license, as currently provided for in the ordinance. State law now prevents cities from prohibiting a property from being used as a vacation rental.

Through its code enforcement department, a city can however have a problematic property declared a public nuisance, which can result in a property having to be vacated.

The commission has not yet made a decision on occupancy limits. The planning board originally recommended two persons per bedroom, plus two additional guests per rental unit, but then later made a second recommendation calling for an eight-person occupancy limit, with no grandfathering provision for existing rental properties.

The city of Anna Maria received more than 100 Bert Harris claims in response to its eight-person occupancy limit, which included a five-year grand-

fathering period. The majority of those claims are being settled with permanent two-plus-two occupancy exceptions being given to property owners who filed claims.

Working with staff, the commission also needs to determine how much it’s going to cost to administer, implement and enforce the proposed rental regulations. Perry said the city would probably have to hire at least one new employee and that salary and all other costs incurred by the city should be recovered by the annual licensing and regulatory fees. At the end of the workshop, city department heads were directed to prepare cost projections that will help determine what the licensing, renewal and inspection fees will be.

None of the proposed rental regulations will take effect until the amended Quality of Life Ordinance has been adopted by the commission by way of two public hearings.

14

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 1, 2017

It’s the time of your life.

Make it Island Time.

Waterfront Living on Florida’s Last Private Island From the high $400’s

Island Coach Home

Ahh…island time. The freedom of days set to the rhythm of the tides, the roll of the sun, and pure whimsy. Like time spent on Harbour Isle, a private island paradise where you can catch dinner on a morning kayak and the sunset from our private Beach Club overlooking Anna Maria Sound. The locals call it “Florida’s Best Kept Secret.” And you’re about to get in on it. Come take the tour, and pick up the keys to Florida’s last private island. Don’t miss your chance for the best views and pricing at Harbour Isle! 5 minutes to world-famous Anna Maria Island beaches.

One incredible community. Two great ways to live it!

ISLAND COACH HOMES Back by popular demand. New neighborhood, final phase!

WATERFRONT CONDOMINIUMS Rental income opportunity!

Waterfront Condos

TOUR 6 NEW MODELS

and Award Winning Beach Club

12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209

Located on SR-64 West, just before the Anna Maria Island Bridge

Ask about our incredible incentives!*

(877) 542-0822 | mintofla.com

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

MARCH 1, 2017

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

15

1 st •8 am G77Ƒ8Ɯ2B:@ 2B Ɵ1? IƃB< April Coquina Beach

5K Walk / Run

JOIN A TEAM N A C E N O Y AN Uncles Grandmas • Friends Neighbors •EQUESTED DONATIONS R

\1ƃB4 [7; :7 Ɵ17Ɠ? :?ƃ5@ ƃAƪ?ƃ< @2 B?< ;8

Curran’s Crusaders • Hannah’s Holy Walkamolies Cross Country Coast Busters • The Walking Warriors Red Hot Chili Steppers • Jonathon and David • Cute Cool & Fast

www.sjsf l.org

WE NEED TEAM CAPTAINS

Sponsorship s Available $10,000 • $5 ,000 $2,000 or $1, 000

Email Any Questions to: mhussey@sjsf l.org

16

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 1, 2017

Heritage Day Festival this weekend Come to the Island Historical Museum complex, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, for the annual Heritage Day Festival on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and enjoy music, arts and crafts and a Settler’s Market.

Throughout the grounds of the museum and Historical Park, artisans will be demonstrating arts and crafts as practiced by early Island settlers including beekeeping, wool spinning, wood working, bonnet making, candle dipping, soap making and cane fishing pole crafting.

In addition, there will be a Settlers Market with organic local produce and herbs, Settler’s Bread and honey; tours of Belle Haven Cottage and the surrounding native plant garden; an author’s corner; and a collectible booth with antiques from the museum’s attic for sale.

Take a chance on one of a variety of exciting raffle baskets that include a two-night stay at one of the Anna Maria Island Resorts, two round trip tickets to Key West via the Key West Express jet powered vessel, gift certificates to local restaurants

Submitted

Raffle baskets at Heritage Day include gifts and gift certificates to local businesses. You need not be present to win. and businesses, autographed books, bottles of wine, tote bags, cupcakes, coffee cups, kayak rental for two and a collection of crafts from Heritage Day vendors.

Raffle tickets are $1 each, six for $5 or an arms length for $20.

You do not need to be present to win.

The A.M. String Band with Howie Banfield will provide music, children can participate in old fashioned games, and BBQ and refreshments will be available for purchase.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Chamber gathering Barb Eberhart, from Palma Sola Bay Club, addresses members of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The members enjoyed snacks and refreshments in the outdoor area around the swimming pool with a covered bar. Eberhart said they have sold condominiums to Island resident who wanted to move to the mainland, but not far from Anna Maria Island’s beaches.

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

17

Honor for Chamber official

BY DEB WING AMI CHAMBER PRESIDENT

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson recently asked Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Administrator Cathy Pizzo to attend the Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day commission meeting. Cathy was presented with a letter from Gov. Rick Scott that he sent to the city of Holmes Beach recognizing her for her efforts in helping the community during an emergency.

Last year, the Chamber assigned Pizzo to a special task force called the Manatee County Disaster Preparedness & Planning Committee. It is one of our Chamber initiatives designed to help communities before, during and after a weather disaster or any disaster that hurts communities. As a member of this committee, Cathy attends regular task force meetings and gathers important information for the area.

This summer, during Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, Cathy sent out information to the entire membership on emergency contact numbers, the Citizens Information Center, shelter locations and addresses, National Weather Service website links and National Hurricane Center links and asked them to share this information with the community.

submitted

Cathy Pizzo shows the letter from the governor recognizing her efforts.

In addition, she and other AMI Chamber volunteers and staff answered hundreds of phone calls aimed at helping to direct local residents and tourists, who were worried, to safety.

These people we believe wrote to the governor telling them how helpful Cathy had been during this stressful time. Cathy was very surprised but proud to be able to represent our Chamber as she was recognized for her efforts in helping our community.

In addition to helping the local communities during emergencies, we also help the Bradenton Area Conven-

tion and Visitor Bureau contact local chambers throughout Florida letting them know what was available in terms of shelters/hotels, etc. to help those who are more affected than we are in emergencies. We gather information by shelter/hotel/motel location and let other communities know that we need assistance finding shelters or that we have shelter available, depending on where the disaster is occurring.

Finally, after the disaster, we are part of a multi-step plan to aid in recovery efforts as we alert different members in specific industries, at specific times to help us get up and running again. (i.e.: we locate emergency businesses that can help with medical needs we become aware of, electricians to help restore power, contractors of all trades to help rebuild, etc.) All in an effort to help our economy stay afloat, keep people employed and repair damage quickly and effectively.

We are very proud of Cathy Pizzo, who has been put in charge of heading these initiatives and her efforts in quickly and effectively getting the information she gathers out to the public via our membership. I am glad she received this well-deserved recognition in her commitment to our community.

18

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

Afterschool program returns to the Center

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

After a few weeks in a temporary location, The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Beyond the Classroom afterschool program is returning to the nonprofit’s campus.

The program was moved temporarily to Anna Maria Elementary School, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, due to staffing and transportation issues. As of Feb. 27, the program returned to the Center’s building at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

Executive director Kristen Lessig said while she was very grateful to the school, its staff and the Manatee County School Board for their hospitality, she’s happy to resume normal operation of the program almost two weeks ahead of schedule.

The afterschool program was moved to the school because of the loss of three employees due to personal reasons. An issue with the grants for the Center’s bus and van also prevented transportation from the school to the nonprofit’s building.

The vehicles, received through two five-year Florida Department of Transportation grants, were unusable to the

Center because of a FDOT recording issue, according to Lessig.

She said the title to the van was released to the Center Feb. 23, allowing it to be used for transportation. Lessig said she expects to come to an agreement with the department to secure the release of the bus’s title.

One of the grants expired in 2017 while the second comes to term in 2018. Once the grant expires, the title for each vehicle is gifted to the nonprofit.

With staffing and transportation issues resolved, Lessig said she’s happy to get back on track in time to offer St. Patrick’s Day and spring break camps.

The St. Patrick’s Day camp, “Lucky Leprechaun PJ Day,” takes place Friday, March 17. March 9 is the last day to register.

Spring Break Camp takes place 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 20-24. The registration deadline is March 16. Cost for the camp is $40 per day or $150 for the week.

Both camps welcome children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

For more information on the afterschool program or camps, contact the Center at 941-778-1908.

Submitted | Sun

Children in the Center’s afterschool program view a six-foot Ferris wheel Feb. 24 outside of Anna Maria Elementary School, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The Ferris wheel was built by 9 year-old Gabriella Gilbert out of K’nex building pieces. The Ferris wheel will be on display at Small Town Creamery.

Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Most insurance plans accepted Digital X-rays & EKGs Minor emergencies, illnesses & injuries

Bradenton

4647 Manatee Ave W. 941.745.5999

www.bradentonurgentcare.com Member of Manatee Physician Alliance

170306

MARCH 1, 2017

check us out

www.amisun.com

@ amisun.com

THE SUN

19

20

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

Chef-crafted … authentic … with integrity

ZAGAT “Top Restaurants in America”

941-778-6444 www.BeachBistro.com

Crafted Cocktails

941-213-9926

www.DoctorsOfficeAMI.com

Florida Trend “Best New” Restaurant

941-778-0411 www.eathereflorida.com

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

21

Tipping - politics, economics and cheese

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The virtues of tipping are manifest. People smile more and go faster when they are enthused by the prospect of a tip.

You get your cheese faster when the people serving your cheese think they are going to get some cheese too.

The politics of tipping and minimum wages is not complicated.

The most ambitious and brightest people all over the world want to come to America.

Many of them make it.

Because these workers are new to the country, they are often employed in industries with ease of entry. Restaurants are one of those industries.

The simplest of the new Americans' talents is their ability to cook food and serve it.

Their labor is auctioned at the lowest levels. These low level wages are often lower than what constitutes a living wage

or a wage adequate to feed and clothe a family, let alone buy a car or send a kid to college. It is too often irrelevant to the person paying the wage that it is inadequate.

A restaurant operation that is paying less than the minimum required to support the worker is operating a kind of slavery. The worker is paid something, but not really enough to live.

Because the restaurant does not pay a survivable wage, it's workers live in subsidized housing with subsidized health care and travel to work on subsidized transportation.

Restaurant owners and chains that refuse to pay their cooks and waiters a living wage are operating their businesses with subsidies paid by you.

Economic injustice eventually creates political discontent.

Someone realizes, "Hey, these workers are not paid a decent minimum wage. We should do something. We should raise the minimum wage."

Right now those political minimum wage accusations are being leveled particularly and most justifiably at chain restaurant operators in our major metropolitan areas, where the costs of living are highest and the level of wage inadequacy is the most glaring.

Some restaurant operators in these major metro areas are now advocating a kind of "steal-the-cheese" switch that restaurant owners have always played when faced with having to pay their cooks more.

It's called, "Let's steal it from the waiters."

Every restaurant operation in the history of food has tried at one time or another to rob Peter the waiter to

pay Paul the saute guy. If Paul the saute guy deserves more money, the owner would rather take it from Peter the waiter than pay it himself. The owner steals the waiter's cheese and gives it to the cook.

The restaurant owners who are currently espousing a radical change in tipping practice are just taking another run at stealing tips. If you take a look at what they are paying kitchen workers in urban markets, where the costs of living are high, you would realize they must have some experience at theft.

One "respected" restaurateur in New York is paying cooks and chefs an average of less than $12 an hour.

In New York it costs more than $12 an hour to stand on a street corner and breathe.

The "let's-change-the-tipping" restaurant owners in New York, LA and Seattle just want to steal the waiters’ cheese so they don't lose any of their cheese.

The tipping system has survived because it works.

If the sneakier restaurateurs succeed in stealing the waiters’ cheese to keep more cheese for themselves, then your cheese is going to take a lot longer to get to the table.

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

941-778-0411 941-778-0411

online o online ordering rdering – –> >e eathereflorida.com athereflorida.com

22

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 1, 2017

Importance of historic preservation featured at luncheon Cathy Slusser, Manatee County’s director of historical resources, spoke to the AMI Historical Society.

BY PAT COPELAND SPECIAL TO THE SUN Submitted

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria Island Historical Society members learned about the importance of historic preservation from Cathy Slusser, Manatee County’s director of historical resources, at their annual luncheon on Feb. 16.

Slusser supervises five of the county’s historical sites – Manatee Village Historical Park, the Manatee County Historical Records Library, the Florida Maritime Museum, Palmetto Historical Park and the Manatee County Agricultural Museum. In addition, she has written three historical novels about the first settlers of Terra Ceia Island.

Slusser, who said her grandparents came to the Island in 1947, gave six reasons why historical preservation is important.

“It gives us cultural identity,” she explained. “It gives us insight into who and what we are. Historic artifacts and buildings set the community apart and make up the fabric of the community.”

It also is community building

From left: the Gulf Drive Band, Judy Lynn, Bil Bowdish and Ted Young, along with musician KoKo Ray, will provide tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s at the Sandbar pavilion for the Oldies Beach Dance.

doug COPELAND | SUbmitted

Volunteers, officers and board members with speaker Cathy Slusser at the luncheon. by giving residents a shared experience, a respect of past events and a sense of stability, she said, and contributes to the economy through revitalization, tourism and revenue generation.

Economic impact

“More than 46 percent of mainland U.S. residents who took a vacation in Florida in 2008 participated in some history based activity during their stay, generating $4.13 billion in expenditures and supporting 85,562 jobs,” she pointed out.

“Cultural /heritage travelers spend more during trips – an average of $994 – compared to the average trip at $622. Half of these expenditures are on activities, dining and shopping.”

She noted that historic preservation is an environmentally friendly way to revitalize business districts and residential neighborhoods because it creates less waste and less greenhouse emissions.

In addition, it has an education component because it “teaches local heritage, increases understanding of the past and impacts cultural respect and civic responsibility,” she said. “Student learn best by hands on participation.”

Finally, it is a part of smart growth planning because historic buildings are where public infrastructure already exists, provide affordable rent, put jobs where the workers are located and do not consume more land.

“Reinvigorating historic neighborhoods reinforces existing schools and allows them to recapture their important educations and social and cultural role on a neighborhood level,” she added.

Implement a program

PAT COPELAND | SUbmitted

Cathy Slusser, Manatee County's director of historical resources, spoke about the importance of historic preservation.

She said communities that wish to implement a historic preservation program should: • Adopt a historic preservation ordinance; • Establish a historic preservation board; • Apply for certified local government status; • Make fees reasonable for property owners;

Oldies Beach Dance returns to Sandbar pavilion Time to dust off those dancing shoes, the Oldies Beach Dance is returning to the Sandbar pavilion.

The annual event takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, with crowd favorite tunes provided by the Gulf Drive Band along with special guest KoKo Ray and his duel saxophones.

Tickets are $10 in advance and available from event coordinator Nancy Ambrose at the weekly Coquina Beach Markets, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or by calling 941-518-4431 until noon the day of the event.

Tickets are $15 at the door.

Refreshments will be provided by the Sandbar restaurant for an additional charge.

All proceeds benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra.

• Establish incentives, such as tax incentives, for property owners; • Establish a program of identification and recognition through plaques, awards and press coverage.

Slusser’s books – “From a Heavenly Land: Eliza’s Story, Julia’s Story and Caroline’s Story – are available in the Island Historical Museum at 402 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

Electing officers

Historical Society members also elected the following officers for 2017-18: Lynn Brennan, president; Arlene Clark, vice president; George McKay, treasurer; Evelyn Hoskins, corresponding secretary; and Pat Copeland, recording secretary; board members Nancy Deal, Caryn Hodge, Barbara Murphy and Valerie Wilson; and Directors Emeritus Carolyne Norwood and Betty Yanger Brennan thanked the bread bakers, who as of Feb. 16 had baked 275 loaves of Early Settler’s Bread that is for sale in the museum on Wednesdays; the docents, who man the museum five days a week; and Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, who directed the expansion of the historical park behind the museum and Old City Jail.

She said the organization has received grants from the Giving Challenge, the AMI Chamber trolley program and the Bishop and Parker foundations. Grant funds will be used on the two major projects for 2017 – the Cobb’ Corner display at the museum and the publication of a brochure featuring a historic walking tour of Holmes Beach.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

23

BeallsFlorida.com

Exclusively at SHOP SAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE STORE & AT BEALLSFLORIDA.COM

INTRODUCING:

OUR LATEST PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY THAT IS SO COMFORTABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT, YOU’LL FORGET YOU’RE WEARING IT.

Moisture Wicking

Quick Dry Featherweight

REEL LEGENDS®

Flip Flops or Water Shoes for Ladies & Men

20%

EXTRA

OFF

SAVINGS PASS

your purchase

SALE, REGULAR & CLEARANCE MERCHANDISE REEL LEGENDS

Use promo code REELTEC on BeallsFlorida.com

®

Freelines for the Family

WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 1-4, 2017

FREELINE REELIN

Quick Dry

Moisture Wicking

Go to BeallsFlorida.com for hours, locations and the latest deals!

Bealls stores & BeallsFlorida.com are operated by Beall’s Department Stores, Inc. and Beall’s Westgate Corporation.

GET

Savings Pass valid for use on a qualifying merchandise purchase in Bealls Department Stores, by phone at 800-569-9038, on Click & Find kiosks and on BeallsFlorida.com only. Savings Pass must be presented at time of purchase. Limit one (1) Savings Pass per purchase. Cannot be applied to prior purchases, gift card purchases, existing Bealls Florida credit balances, taxes, or shipping charges and cannot be used with Employee Discount or any other offer. Dollar-off discounts will be applied before any percent-off total purchase discounts. Savings Pass is applied to qualifying items on a prorated basis; returns will be credited at the return price on your receipt. EXCLUSIONS: Cobian®, Columbia, Gumbies®, Huk™, La Blanca®, Levi’s®, Melissa & Doug®, Natural Life®, Night Ize®, Nike®, Pelagic®, Sakroots®, Sawyer®, Simply Southern®, Southern Fried Cotton™, Suncloud®, Under Armour®, select premium comfort shoe brands, Bealls Outstanding Buys, Bealls Extreme Values and other brands listed at BeallsFlorida.com/exclusions. Not valid at Bealls Outlet. Bealls stores & BeallsFlorida.com are operated by Beall’s D epar tment Stores, Inc. and Beall’s Westgate Corporation.

SP01

10 bealls buck$

$

FOR EVERY $50 YOU SPEND

Receive $10 Bealls Bucks (March 1 & 2, 2017) when you make a qualifying merchandise purchase of $50 or more (before taxes) in Bealls Department Stores only. Maximum of $120 Bealls Bucks awarded per customer. Bealls Bucks have no cash value and can be redeemed in-store (March 3 & 4, 2017) only at Bealls Department Stores. Bealls Bucks must be presented and surrendered at time of purchase; any remaining balance will be forfeited. Bealls Bucks cannot be earned on purchases of gift cards or applied to prior purchases, gift cards, taxes or existing Bealls Florida credit balances. Bealls Bucks will be applied before any percent off total purchase discounts. Offer cannot be earned or combined with Employee discount. OP12

24

MARCH 1, 2017

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

25

26

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

MARCH 1, 2017

Sarasota Bay Watch begins clam restoration

S

ince its beginning, a decade ago, Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) has focused much of its efforts on scallop restoration. The organization has already released over 21,000,000 scallop larvae. Newly acquired funds will ensure the continuation of this long term, community-driven restoration effort.

While scallop restoration will remain a priority of the group, SBW is enthusiastically beginning a clam restoration initiative. Like bay scallops, southern hard clams (aka quahogs) were once abundant in our bays and waterways.

Due to the same factors that affected scallops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; over harvest, water pollution, sewage, dredge and fill and storm water run-off â&#x20AC;&#x201C; clams no longer thrive in local waters.

The decision to add clams to the restoration effort springs from their unique and hardy life cycle. These shellfish inhabit the flats along the eastern seaboard from Canada to Florida. They range in size from 1 to 4 inches wide,

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS and vary in color from gray to white.

Depending on their size, they are also known as Cherrystone, and Littlenecks.

Unlike bay scallops, which live only one year and are sensitive to red tide, the southern hard clam lives up to 30 years and actually eats red tide, mitigating the harmful effects of the toxin.

Hard clams are also very efficient filter feeders. An adult can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day. In the filtering process, they also absorb assorted viruses, toxins and bacteria in polluted water. Low levels of pollutants do not harm clams, and they are able to clean themselves when the pollutants are removed. see reel time, page 27

rUSTY CHINNIS | sun

Divers including Al Jeffrey, Sarasota Bay Watch volunteer and board member, assist the Gulf Shellfish Institute in securing mesh clam nursery bags to the bay bottom. The bags will protect the baby clams until they reach the stage where they are virtually predator free and ready for release.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

27

reel time: Clam restoration begins FROM PAGE 26

While scallops are a favorite food for many marine animals and suffer from predation throughout their short life cycle, adult clams feature a thick protective shell that is virtually predator free (except for human harvesting).

While bay scallop restoration will continue, it was decided that SBW will mobilize its experience and team of enthusiastic volunteers to clam restoration as well. The program is now off and running thanks to START (Solutions to Avoid Red Tide) that generously provided seed funding to create a matching challenge. Community funding rose to

the task as well. These donations along with a gift from the Disney Conservation Fund have provided the springboard to kick start this effort.

This past Friday, SBW helped the Gulf Shellfish Institute plant 400,000 clams at Port Manatee. The organization is gaining experience for its upcoming restoration project. SBW partner Bay Shellfish Company, which also raises its scallops is growing approximately 300,000 clams at its hatchery in Terra Ceia.

When they’re ready, Two Docks, a commercial clam farmer, will help deploy these young clams in fine mesh

bags on his leased submerged lands.

There they will be grown to nearly adult stage animals in the protective bags.

Sarasota Bay Watch volunteers will then take over and release these hardy clams into the bay on the sea grass beds and sand flats. There they should nestle into their new homes and quietly filter (up to 50 gallons per clam) coastal waters for the next 30 years.

SBW is excited by the prospect of them improving our bays and increasing water clarity, which will in turn support healthier and more abundant sea grass. In addition these adult clams will

naturally reproduce. This will increase their stocks in our bays and waterways.

Sarasota Bay Watch is a grass-roots, nonprofit, citizen-based organization dedicated to preserving and restoring Sarasota Bay’s ecosystem through education and citizen participation. You can become an active participant by joining as a member and volunteering in Sarasota Bay Watch’s ongoing effort to protect and restore this valuable natural resource. Visit the site and learn more at www.sarasotabaywatch.org.

Live like a local Respect Wildlife

Dolphin Please don’t feed us! We might chase a fish on your line and swallow a hook.

Anna Maria Island Sun • Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Winter Sales Event MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY

For a limited time both Grady-White

and Yamaha Outboards are offering terrific incentives towards the purchase of any new Grady and/or a qualifying Yamaha Motor. Come in today to see how you can save.

306 Canyon

CANNONS.COM

941-383-1311

6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

28

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 1, 2017

Snook season begins Captain Dave White

Snook season is upon us!

March 1 rings the bell for these linesiders and will remain open until May 1. With smashing eats, acrobatic jumps and powerful runs, I love targeting these awesome predators. Tactics vary from situation to situation and angler to anglers, but here at Anna Maria Charters, I'll tell you a couple of my favorite methods.

The most common way I fish for snook on my charters is with a free-lined pilchard, focusing on deeper potholes on the grass flats. When I'm fishing by myself and really want to cover ground, I'll start about 15 minutes before sunrise and tie on my favorite top water lure.

For the most part, I enjoy using a Top Pup or a Top Dog Jr. by mirrolure. Twitching side to side with a pretty fast retrieval seems to work well for me. And getting a strike is awesome! Watching

CAPTAIN RACHEL | Submitted Captain Dave White | Submitted

Danny Gibbons, of Sarasota, shows off a healthy slot snook caught on Anna Maria Charters. the snook smash the surface always gets your heart going.

Snook are one of the most delicious fish that we have in our waters. Just make sure they're over 28 inches and under 33 inches. Only keep

one per day. Our Florida law enforcement officer take snook very seriously. If you think the animal is questionable, put it back. There's plenty of keepers out there!

Good luck and tight lines!

Snook day on the bay Jim Rueger, of Homes Beach, and Tom Humpert, from Cincinnati, Ohio, show one of the many catch and release snook caught recently while fishing in the bay with Captain Rachel Nobbe-Cato out of Tropical Isles Marina in Palmetto.

They also caught jack and trout during their great day on the bay.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

29

Study: Feeding wild dolphins can hurt them Wild dolphins are more likely to be injured if humans feed them, even unintentionally, such as by discarding bait, according to a new study based in Sarasota Bay. Human-related feeding of wild dolphins, intentional or not, is directly linked to increased risks of injury from boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear or ingestion of hooks and line, according to the study, published in the peer-reviewed journal, “Royal Society Open Science.”

The study analyzed data from 1,142 bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, including 190 (16.5 percent) described as conditioned because they had accepted human handouts, targeted bait, catch or crab pots, or had patrolled back and forth within 20 meters of boats, lines or fishing piers. The authors found that 84 (7.5 percent) of the dolphins had human-related injuries.

One dolphin in the study died with a fish hook embedded in her head that was connected to fishing line around her larynx that strangled her. Another died with fish hooks in his stomach, broken bones, signs of old wounds, a history of abnormal behavior and health issues likely related to his human-altered diet.

On average, dolphins conditioned to seek human-sourced food had approximately double the injury risk of those that were not conditioned, according to the study.

Researchers observed a female dolphin, Vespa, who has taught her calves such behavior, and they taught it to her grandcalves; multiple animals in the

SUBMITTED | Sarasota Dolphin Research Program

Bottlenose dolphin Toro, a juvenile female, was rescued, rehabilitated and released

by Mote Marine in 2004. In the habit of seeking food from recreational fishermen, she was entangled on her dorsal fin and pectoral flipper. family have died from human interactions.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Fredrik Christiansen, of Murdoch University in Western Australia and researchers from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland analyzed data collected from 1993-2014 by the Chicago Zoological Society/ Brookfield Zoo’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) and Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program.

Since 1970, SDRP scientists have operated the world’s longest-running study of a wild dolphin population, assessing the behavior, health, movement, prey and other characteristics of longterm resident bottlenose dolphins in their Sarasota Bay home.

Since then, the human population of Sarasota and Manatee counties has more than tripled and the number of registered

boats has quadrupled, increasing the chances of dolphin-human encounters.

From 25 to 30 percent of dolphins and whales that Mote’s stranding program responds to have some sign of human interaction, according to program researchers.

• Report feeding or harassment of wild dolphins to NOAA Fisheries Southeast Enforcement Division: 1-800-853-1964 • Report injured, entangled and stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in Sarasota and Manatee counties to Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program: 941-9880212; anywhere in Florida to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: 1-888404-FWCC (3922); or anywhere in the U.S. to the NMFS Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline: 1-877-WHALE-HELP (1-877-942-5343).

Dolphin Tips DO

• Stay at least 50 yards away from dolphins when viewing from a vessel or watercraft.

• Limit time spent observing dolphins to 30 minutes or less.

• Avoid making loud or sudden noises near dolphins.

• Move away slowly if a dolphin’s behavior indicates the animal is stressed or disturbed.

• Look Before You Book! Book wild dolphin viewing tours with businesses that responsibly view dolphins in the wild and help dolphin conservation. See Facebook “Don’t Feed Wild Dolphins” and “Dolphin SMART.” • Put your vessel’s engine in neutral if in the close vicinity of dolphins.

• Call for help if you hook a dolphin on a fishing line or see a stranded or injured dolphin - Mote Marine's Stranding Investigations Program, 941-988-0212.

DON’T

• Pursue, swim with, pet or touch wild dolphins, even if they approach you.

• Feed or attempt to feed wild dolphins.

• Encircle or entrap dolphins with vessels.

• Direct a vessel or accelerate toward dolphins with the intent of creating a pressure wake to bow or wake-ride.

• Separate mother/calf pairs.

• Drive watercraft through or over groups of dolphins.

30

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 1, 2017

Fishing, history and people power in Cortez The 35th annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival was last weekend.

It also was the 130th anniversary of the Cortez commercial fishing village, as it was in 1887 that then 20-year-old Capt. Billy Fulford bought the first tract of land in the area, before the first survey. His 1889 house still stands and is lived in by a great-great-niece.

While we celebrate and enjoy our local seafood, we also should give credit to people who have saved the fishing industry. This year it’s time to honor one who made it possible for the boats to continue to navigate the channel and for the fishing industry to survive – Capt. Soupy Davis.

His friends and the Cortez Village Historical Society just celebrated his 90th birthday, but let’s go back to when he was 60 years old. Without Soupy and the other people who got involved in 1984-85, there would be no industry today.

Mr. Chance said, “Looks like something is happening in Cortez.”

A very exciting speech was delivered but no action was taken by the board.

What could they do now?

One morning of the next week as the aunt walked out the door, Alcee Taylor said, “Linda was here this weekend."

She asked, “What does Linda do?”

He replied, “Linda works for the Army Corps of Engineers in Jacksonville.”

People power, once again.

Enter Betty Banks, who saved the newspapers for her husband Blake to read when he came in after a twoweek fishing trip. She had all the articles, letters to the editor and all the coverage that the Herald had given on the County Commission meeting. These were collected and mailed to Linda Lancaster, a Cortez native.

Linda worked for the head of the permitting department, and he was a good friend. She put the newspapers down on his desk and said, “This is my hometown.”

The history

the phone call

BY MARY FULFORD GREEN SPECIAL TO THE SUN

In 1984, Chris-Craft bought a tract of land on the southwest corner of the Cortez peninsula. The only person who knew anything was going on was 93-year-old Charlie Guthrie, who was living in a little cottage there. He knew they wanted to pay him some money to support closing the road in front of his home. In no uncertain terms he said, “No.” Chris-Craft’s goal was to build a marina. The company applied to the Manatee County Planning Commission for the permit, and the marina permit was granted by the Planning Commission, the Board of Manatee County Commissioners, the Department of Natural Resources and even the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before anybody living in Cortez knew anything was happening.

When the corporation started buying up the row of houses on the next street over for parking, a villager, Stanley “Smiley” Guthrie, was told of the planning board meeting. He and Jenny lived in the house right around the corner. He met up with his cousin, Sue Maddox. Sue and her young cousin, Sylvia Fulford Bailey, walked together every day. Sue wanted to go to the meeting with him but she had to work. Sylvia went with him to the Planning Commission. She listened to how boat owners could come in for repairs and fiber glassing. At this meeting, she questioned why that would be beneficial for the neighbors.

The next day, a young attorney met with her at the meeting room of the

file photo

Capt. Soupy Davis, of Cortez, was instrumental in helping defeat a proposed marina scheduled to be built in the fishing village back in 1984. volunteer fire department to explain why it would be an asset. It did not make sense to her, so she called her aunt and said, “What is this Planning Commission?" So the aunt sent Sylvia to the planning department to get a copy of the plan. She came back with it and one look revealed that it violated the Cortez plan that Carol Clark had written for Cortez on 14 points. It also revealed that the marina would have two piers 145 feet long out into the bay. The plan stated that it would not negatively impact the channel.

Sylvia went up to the planning department with the outline of how it violated the Cortez plan. The young man who had stated it would not negatively impact the channel was her target.

She asked, “Do you know where the channel is?

He replied, “No.” At that she said, “So you sat there in that chair and said it wouldn’t be impacted, and you don’t even know where it is?”

People power

It’s people power that’s going to save the fishing industry. Smiley and Sylvia were the first two. Then came Harry

Howey, the developer of the Cortez Trailer Park. He was a member of the Cortez Village Historical Society, incorporated in 1984. He and his son rode out in their boat and measured 145 feet from the shore. Guess what?

Very little channel was left for the boats to come in. This was reported to CVHS. How to save Cortez ? How to stop Chris-Craft? Maybe some letters to the editor? Members of the society met with author Ben Green. They drafted six letters to the editor signing different names from a 12-year-old to a 59-year-old. David Klement from the editorial page of the Bradenton Herald was for Cortez. All of the six letters were published in the newspaper. The front page, of course, was for the big corporation. It also was supported by the Chamber of Commerce.

The villagers decided to meet with the County Commission. Before attending that meeting, they talked with Walter Bell, manager of the big A.P. Bell Fish Company. He called chairman Ed Chance and told him that they were coming up. They arrived with their little homemade signs – “Save Cortez.”

The articles were very interesting in that the goal of the Army Corps of Engineers is to keep waters navigable.

The channel was going to be closed except for less than 50 feet. He needed to talk to the boat captains.

Capt. Jim Berry loaned his speakerphone to Ralph Fulford, manager of the historic Fulford Fish Company and president of CVHS. The aunt introduced the first captain to speak – Capt.

Soupy Davis. That was 32 years ago.

The voice in Jacksonville said, “Capt. Davis, tell me what your boat draws.”

Capt. Davis replied as did the other fishing captains. The others are no longer here to be honored. On the basis of that telephone call the Army Corps revoked its permit, and it all came tumbling down. Chris-Craft sued the county for a stop work order. It was estimated that it cost the county $5 million to $6 million in legal fees.

The fishing industry has lived on for these 32 years since that event. So that’s the role that people played. Surviving today is Sylvia, now 60, Linda is 70, and the aunt is now 90 and so is Capt. Soupy Davis. All the others are gone, but people power saved the Cortez fishing industry, and Capt. Soupy Davis was the first captain to testify.

Cortez salutes Capt. Davis for playing music on the porch at the festival and for his role 32 years ago. Let’s remember all the people who helped in saving the fishing industry.

MARCH 1, 2017

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

31

Thirty years of rescue in Bradenton Beach Gail and Ed Straight operate the not-for-profit group with volunteers and donations and no government funds.

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

BRADENTON BEACH – The Wildlife, Inc. Education and Rehabilitation Center sits in a very unlikely spot – an established residential neighborhood on Anna Maria Island. The home of Gail and Ed Straight, hidden behind shrubbery and trees as well as a fence, looks like any other residence, but there are many surprises inside.

Neighbors are used to the noises from parrots, owls and other injured critters who live there in cages. Some of them are on the mend and will be released back to the wild, while others are too injured to survive on their own, and they will spend the rest of their days there.

Wildlife Inc. has been around 30 years and many residents and government workers of Manatee County know to call 941-778-6324 if they find an animal in distress. The Straights have accepted all types of animals in need of care, from magnificent raptors such as eagles to owls otters, turtles and recently, an 8-foot snake found in Robinson Preserve.

Volunteers help feed, bathe and care for them, and there are others who help educate kids at schools around the county and during their annual fundraiser arts and crafts festival.

David Sadkin, the education director, is well known to area students as is the Straights’ grandson, Devon, who helps show the animals who live there permanently. Devon, incidentally, graduated from Bayshore High School and is going into law enforcement.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Above, screech owls are among the many birds in the cage behind the Wildlife, Inc. building.

Some of them will spend the rest of their lives there because they lost skills that would allow them to return to the wild. Volunteer Kristen Nichols with an injured raccoon.

It all began with a duck that somebody had found, and they took it in.

Then came more injured critters and in 1987, Gail got licensed.

“Each year calls grew,” said Ed Straight. “In 2000, we remodeled and when the Pelican Man, Dale Shields, died we had to help fill the void.”

Ed Straight came from North Carolina, where he grew up on a dairy farm.

When he got to college, he started to

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Gail and Ed Straight have been rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals for 30 years in their Bradenton Beach yard.

study for a law career, but changed his major to psychology.

He also spent time treasure hunting, looking for shipwrecks While in college, he got into a rock and roll band and later moved to St. Petersburg where he worked with ambulance crews and met Gail, who worked in a hospital. They later moved to the Manatee County where he was put in charge of the county’s ambulance service and finally, the Manatee County Emergency Management Service.

In 1983, he became a reserve deputy for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and until last year, he was a Bradenton Beach City Commissioner.

They operate by gifts and donations, and when a wealthy benefactor held the annual Island Blood Drive for many years, they usually got the most donations from blood donors who could specify where a $100 donation could go.

Wildlife Inc. has expanded to Mixon Farms east of Bradenton, where they have some animals and on the Island, Dr. William Bystrom of Island Animal Clinic in Holmes Beach provides medical help.

Ed Straight still enjoys playing rock and roll and dreams of fortune hunting, but his roots are in that house hidden on the Island, where the sounds of animals in need reverberates.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

The owls are kept until they can survive on their own, and those who cannot will stay at Wildlife, Inc. for the rest of their lives.

32

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 1, 2017

ferry: Service tentatively approved FROM PAGE 1

owned dock building near Centennial Park and the 10th Street boat ramp. The dock and adjacent cityowned building are leased to the all-volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla. Baldwin also plans to inquire about subleasing and sharing the sparingly used auxiliary building for use as a lobby area.

Baldwin was scheduled to meet with Sarasota Parking General Manager Mark Lyons this week to discuss the subleases and to further clarify the parking situation. Depending on the outcome of these discussions, Baldwin hopes to begin his ferry service as early as next month or as late as July. He originally hoped to begin service in mid-February, until he encountered unanticipated delays in the permitting process.

Sarasota’s water taxi permit ordinance was adopted in 2003, but it was never fully implemented until Baldwin submitted his application. This process revealed the need for future refinement of the ordinance and the commission agreed that would be undertaken as a separate and future commission matter.

In accordance with the existing ordinance, further clarification is still needed in regard to parking. The city-owned dock is located next to the Centennial Park public boat ramps and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in an area that contains approximately 900 parking spaces.

There is ample room for parking, but the arrival and department point is not within easy walking distance of Main Street and the downtown business and entertainment district.

Baldwin originally hoped to set up shop in the cityowned waterfront complex that includes the Marina

Jacks and O’Leary’s Tiki Bar, but that was not to be.

“I wish it was closer to downtown. I would prefer that it be in the heart of the downtown, but there’s challenges trying to get that done,” Lyons said after last week’s meeting.

This means folks who travel to Sarasota from Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island will need to utilize the city’s new Gem Car electrical shuttle service, Uber drivers, taxis and other means of alternative transportation to reach their desired locations.

Lyons said there is also enough space in that location to accommodate larger shuttle buses.

Sarasota Commissioners also expressed interest in Uber-like water taxis transporting folks around the waterfront and across the bay to Longboat Key, and Sherman mentioned this as an anticipated second phase of his ferry operations.

When asked about a ferry stop in Longboat Key, Baldwin told the commission this would not be feasible due to the lack of public docking facilities. He said Uber-like water taxis would be a more practical means of accomplishing that goal.

Lyons said he appreciated the fact that Baldwin came to the city with a plan that did not seek financial subsidies.

“Sherman came forward with a full plan. We’re proud to partner with him and help him out where we can. We’re glad to see the permit is underway.

There’s still some work that needs to be done, but I’m convinced that it can be handled,” Lyons said.

The Sarasota commissioners touted the ferry service’s potential to create jobs and economic opportunities in addition to serving as an alternative means of travel between Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

joe hendricks | SUN

This diagram outlines the proposed water ferry and water taxi routes in Sarasota, Bradenton Beach and Bradenton.

Sherman said he was happy that his permit was conditionally granted and he expressed no displeasure about the delays incurred. His future plans include expanding the ferry service to include downtown Bradenton as well, which he hopes to do later this year or in 2018.

amendments: Proposed to limit home and lot sizes FROM PAGE 1

city’s land development code (LDC) as a means of potentially limiting home sizes, lot sizes and the size and number of bedrooms allowed.

The proposed LDC amendments are directed primarily at the future construction of vacation rental homes, but if adopted by the city commission they would apply to all properties in the R-1 and R-2 residential zones.

In the absence of Chair John Burns, the board’s Wednesday, Feb. 22, meeting, was chaired by Vice Chair Jim Lynch. Lynch guided the board through a review of previously-discussed items and final consensus was reached on the recommendations to be forwarded to the City Commission for consideration and potential adoption.

Many of the proposed amendments are the result of the combined efforts of board member Reed Mapes (a retired contractor) and City Planner Alan Garrett, with additional

cindy lane | SUN

This photograph illustrates the current trend in residential construction and how it compares to the smaller homes built many years ago. insight provided by the other board members during the many meetings that preceded last week’s meeting.

As of last week, the board is recommending that newly created lots be limited to 5,000 square feet.

The board is also recommending a maximum of 2,000

square feet of habitable living space in accordance with a 40 percent floor area ratio (FAR) derived from a maximum lot size of 5,000 square feet.

The board recommends the habitable space be limited to 2,000 square feet, even if the lot in question is larger than 5,000 square feet. This stems

from the discussed desire to prevent larger vacation rentals from being built on larger lots or combined lots.

After the meeting, it was suggested to Garrett that a 2,000 square foot limit on lots larger than 5,000 square feet would likely encounter pushback from some of the many property owners who plan to one day redevelop their larger lots. Garrett acknowledged this was a likely scenario.

During previous discussions, the board expressed initial, non-unanimous support for limiting a structure’s second living level to 40 percent of the lower living level, but subsequent debate created uncertainty as to the effectiveness and fairness of such a requirement, and it was not included in the recommendations approved last week.

As part of its efforts to decrease occupancy, the board recommends a bedroom area ratio (BAR) of 29 percent; which means 29 percent (580 square feet) of the 2,000

square feet of habitable space could be used for bedrooms.

Working in unison with a recommended minimum bedroom size of 120 square feet, this would allow for no more than four bedrooms in a singlefamily home.

If supported by the commission, the proposed LDC amendments would also apply to duplexes built in the R-2 district, and they would be applied proportionately to new structures built on smaller lots.

With the support of City Engineer Lynn Burnett, the board recommends that all structures requiring a building permit provide for the storage of the first two inches of rain that falls on the entire property, as designated by a certified site plan designed by a certified stormwater engineer.

The planning board recommendations will be discussed at a future commission workshop.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

TOWN CRIER Center needs volunteers The Center of AMI is in full swing and needs volunteers to help during this busy season. The Center’s annual Tour Of Homes will be held on Saturday, March 18. Volunteers will be assigned a home and work with a team to guide the visitors during their tour. The Center is featuring five unique homes on the Island. Contact Volunteer Director Robyn Kinkopf at 941-778-1908, ext.

204, or robyn@centerami.org.

To learn about The Center’s history and how volunteers help them achieve their goals Kinkopf invites all to The Center’s next volunteer orientation on Wednesday, March 1, at noon and 6 pm at The Center.

Writers scheduled to meet The Gulf Coast Writers are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, March 1, at 12:45 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

Member are urged to bring something they wrote to share with the group. Call the library at 941-778-6341 for more information.

Einstein of Treetops speaks An expert on travelling across jungles by treetops will speak at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, March 2, at 2 p.m. as part of the Friends’ Travel and Lecture Series.

Meg Lowman was nicknamed Einstein of the Treetops by the Wall Street Journal for her expertise in solving mysteries of forests. She is the former Selby Gardens director and she designed Manatee County’s Myakka Canopy Walkover.

The lecture is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the library at 941-778-6341 for more information.

Forty Carrots fun The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts Forty Carrots, a parenting program based in Sarasota, on Friday, March 3, at 10 a.m.

This is a new program where kids from mobile babies to five years old and their parents experience new activities, join in circle time fun, spend time with other families and get valuable parenting information.

The program is free and tickets are available at the library desk. Space is limited to 12 families. For more information, call the library at 778-6341

Seniors enjoy the circus Senior Adventures members will

attend a circus on Saturday afternoon, March 4, instead of meeting on Friday morning. Plans are for members to meet at the Sarasota Circus at 2 p.m.

The winter show is ”Synergy,” and tickets start at $10.Visit circus arts.org or call 941-355-9805 for information or tickets.

Knit and crochet at the library If you’re good with needles or want to be, there is a monthly meeting at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, for people about knitting and crocheting. The next one is scheduled for Friday, March 3, at 2 p.m. Bring your latest project and enjoy. Call 941-7786341 for more information.

Bring your questions Learn how to turn all thumbs into green thumbs as the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts Ask a Master Gardener on Saturday, March 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These gardeners have the answers for home and container gardeners in this location. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Lego my Legos

or other health problems by taking Prevention Plus Stroke and Vascular Screening offered Monday, March 6, at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. The screenings are being offered at reduced prices.

They include stroke/carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179. Blood tests, liver, cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests also are available.

To register, call 888-667-7587.

Fun for preschoolers Island Branch Library Children’s Librarian Trudy Bell reads to pre-schoolers on Tuesday, March 7, at 10 a.m. at 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

After the reading, there will be some dancing and crafts. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Be careful with your info Privacy is getting harder to keep in this age of the Internet and identity theft scams. There will be a lecture at the Island Branch Library on Tuesday, March 7, at noon on how to safeguard your personal data. For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341,.

Kids, bring your parents to the Lego Club, which meets at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, March 2, at 2 p.m.

Children’s librarian Trudy Bell has a lot of the little building blocks, thanks to a generous patron of the library, and she’ll help you jump-start a project, unless your parents want to help.

Donations of gently used Legos are welcome. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

The Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players meet on March 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Swordfish Grill, 4628 119th St. W, Cortez. They will tour the Cortez Cultural Center following lunch. Visitors are always welcome. Call Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431 for information.

Brunch for the bay

Paper folding convention

Join the Suncoast Waterkeeper, Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) and the Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club at the Bradenton Yacht Club, 4307 13th St. W., Palmetto, on Sunday, March 5, from noon to 3 p.m. for a brunch and fund-raiser to benefit a number of actions to defend our fragile coastal environment and to support efforts to protect our local waterways from illegal pollution and over development.

The speaker will be Dr. Randall Wells, of the Chicago Zoological Society and based at Mote Marine Laboratory as the director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest running study of a dolphin population of the Chicago Zoological Society.

Tickets are $50. Make reservations at http://suncoastwaterkeeper.com/ brunch.

Judy Pruitt will host an Origami Mini Convention on Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. There will be teachers all day to show how to make items from folding paper.

They will teach to all levels of difficulty and it is open to all ages, as long as children have an adult with them.

Attendees may will be able to get help on difficult models. Bring a shoe box to hold your models. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Detect problems in time You could be alerted to possible stroke

An historical tour

Sign up for crochet in Cortez Diane Evans, a long-time teacher with extensive experience in crochet, will teach a beginning crochet class series starting on Tuesday, March 7, at the Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum, at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez.The first class will be two hours in length from 1 to 3 p.m. This traditional skill is one that has been used in Cortez for

THE SUN

33

generations.

The first of the series of classes will include basic crochet stitches and tools, terminology, pattern reading, yarn information along with the many ways crochet may be used. The class is open to six passionate ladies and gentlemen who would like to take their learning beyond the introductory class into four crochet projects (a coaster, dishcloth, doily, and a project of their choice), each one designed to make the student comfortable with different skills so they can transition comfortably to crocheting at home.

Classes will be on Tuesday’s from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 14, 21, 28 and April 4.

Participation in all classes is required.

The fee for all five classes is $140 and includes a beginners crochet kit and yarn for the first project. Supplies for the additional classes will not be included.

The Folk School is keeping this class to a maximum of six people to ensure time for individual attention and additional help if needed. Register by calling 941-708-6120 or visiting the Folk School at Florida Maritime Museum.

Island Players perform for a cure The Island Players will host a benefit preview performance of “Play On” to help raise awareness of and funds for the fight against cancer on Tuesday, March 7, at 8 p.m. at Island Players Theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria at the corner of Pine Avenue.

Tickets to the general admission performance are a $20 donation, and they are available at the Anna Maria Island Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and at the Beach Market at Coquina Beach on Sundays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or from Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431.

Tickets are not available at the Island Players box office.

A tasty adversary The Florida Maritime Museum at 4415 119th St. W., in Cortez presents “The Lionfish Invasion” on Wednesday, March 15, at 3 p.m. Non-native marine fish species can pose a major threat to marine ecosystems and how they function and the lionfish, although beautiful, is no exception Join the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to learn more about this invasive species and its impact to the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Topics covered in the presentation include a history of the invasion, basic lionfish biology, their impacts, and proper harvesting and handling techniques.

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

34

THE SUN

SPORTS

MARCH 1, 2017

Tyler’s Ice Cream churns it up into A. Alderson’s hands as she recovered the pass for a touchdown with tremendous concentration.

With the score 37-7 and seven minutes left on the game clock, the extra point attempt was not successful.

Never quitting despite the point spread, AMOB’s Petrin threw a long pass to Choate for another six points after missed flag pulls by two Tyler’s defenders. The extra point

by Law closed the score gap to 37-14.

Taking it to the ground, the first down hand off to A. Alderson gained 15 yards for her team before she ran through two defenders and lost her balance. The short run by Calderone took it to third down.

Anther bad snap gave the ball back to Anna Maria Oyster Bar. After three snaps of the football Team Anna Maria Oyster Bar scored with a Brandon Yost touchdown and extra point ending the score at 37-20.

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

In a battle between the #4 ranked Team Tyler’s Ice Cream and #5 ranked Team Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB), the 11to 13-year-old youth flag football league season starts to wind down with Team Miller Electric as the clear leader. Coach Rob Alderson, of Tyler’s Ice Cream, called in systematic plays his team has practiced all season. The practice paid off.

AMOB coach Zac Yost and coach Alderson both stress the importance of continuing to play hard despite their season records. With Team AMOB slated to play the top team in the first round of the playoffs, Yost works on honing plays and coordinating his team.

Driving the football down the field with Josh Waldo as the quarterback, Devin Calderone was the designated receiver on the first offensive drive of the game. Three completed passes, including a first down right at the goal line, paved the way for Tyler’s Ice Cream to get on the scoreboard early with a touchdown by Cash Carter.

The failed extra point attempt left the score at 6-0.

Three snaps of the football by AMOB put the football back into the hands of Tyler’s, but not before Byron Law took the ball for a 15-yard gain on a handoff.

Tyler’s quarterback got the ball to Thomas Heckler, giving him the option to run or pass. Heckler found Carter for short yardage. A short pass to Ava Alderson took the football five yards short of the mid-field line.

On third down, Waldo hit Heckler, who broke away from the defense taking it down the rest of the field for six more points. Heckler’s catch in the front corner for the extra point advanced the score to 13-0.

Another short pitch to AMOB’s Law resulted in a 10-yard gain before giving the offensive possession back to Team Tyler’s Ice Cream.

Changing up their offense, Carter went under the center. Reading the play, Travis Bates nearly made an interception on Carter’s first pass of the day right at the end zone. With another option play, Heckler ran the ball for a 20-yard gain.

Cash was almost intercepted again by Andrew Davidson. With the pass tipped off of Davidson’s hands, Calderone caught the football for the third Tyler’s Ice Cream touchdown moving the score to 19-0.

After two botched plays, Law was the only player open. Law’s catch was just short of the first down giving the football

monica simpson | SUN

Tyler’s Ice Cream’s Ava Alderson charged up the field against the Anna Maria Oyster Bar defense on Saturday at The Center. back to their opponent.

Waldo returned to the QB position, and placed the ball on the back of Reese Riley for a sneak rush and a 10-yard gain.

Strong coverage on defense by AMOB stopped the second down play with a forced pass to Alderson. Alderson could get her hands on the ball.

With a fake handoff to Riley, Waldo threw a short pass to Josie Alderson for a huge first down run, giving Tyler’s Ice Cream three more snaps of the football.

The long targeted pass to Carter resulted in six more points on the scoreboard, widening the scoring gap to 25 points.

Tight man coverage by the AMOB defense stopped the extra point for Tyler’s as time ran out, and the quarterback could not get the pass off in time.

Tyler’s Ice Cream’s defense could no longer employ the rush on the QB due to the point spread. The first down pass to Davidson was incomplete. Wesley Choate completed a pass for gained yards before Calderone’s flag pull.

With 30 seconds left in the first half, AMOB made a huge first down reception, leaving time for a short pass to Kale Petrin.

The half was closed with a critical flag pull by A. Alderson at the three-yard line preventing the score.

The second half of play started with AMOB on offense. The first play resulted in seven rushing yards by Law with another crucial stop by A. Alderson. Davidson’s

dropped pass took AMOB to third down.

Calling for the ball, wide receiver Choate grabbed the football and gained first down yardage and more.

In a repeat play, on first down the hand off once again was to Law who again was stopped by A. Alderson, her fourth flag pull of the game. Unable to convert on second and third down, Tyler’s Ice Cream took over the football.

Tyler’s offensive possession included a reception to Carter for a 15-yard gain. The long pass by Waldo hit Carter in the end zone for another touchdown resulting in a score of 31-0.

After short gains and flag pulls by J. Alderson, Petrin, as the QB, regained the high snap. Petrin hit Bates with the first down pass. On first down and half the length of the field to score, Davidson took the football for a 15-yard run eluding the flag pulls of two defenders before being stopped

by Heckler.

Spinning moves by Dylan Jacques got Team AMOB its first touchdown of the game with less than 10 minutes left on the game clock. The one-point conversion was good taking the game score to 31-7 preventing the shutout.

Taking over on offensive, Tyler’s Ice Cream’s Calderone was stopped by Law in what would have been another score.

Cash taking the snap threw the ball to A. Alderson as the intended receiver. The football bounced off the defender and right

Sun Scoreboard Thursday, February 23 Adult Co-Ed Flag Football Mason Martin1 Smoothie King

3 12

Beach to Bay Progressive Cabinetry

34 6

Moss Builders Tyler’s Ice Cream

0 20

Saturday, Feb. 25 Youth Flag Football: 8- to 10-YearOld League Beach to Bay Slim’s Place

40 36

Salty Printing Truly Nolen Win

19 16

Bark & Co. Cloud Pest Control

12 0

Youth Flag Football: 11- to 13-YearOld League Progressive Cabinetry Planet Stone

13 31

Anna Maria Oyster Bar Tyler’s Ice Cream

22 37

Youth Flag Football: 14- to 17-YearOld League Air & Energy Duncan Real Estate

46 13

Intechgrate Systems Sign-A-Rama

48 6

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

Obituaries James W. 'Jim' Kissick, Jr. James W. “Jim” Kissick, Jr. Cdr USN (Ret.), 92, of Bradenton Beach, passed away Feb. 24, 2017.

A descendant of pioneers, including the individual responsible for the formation of Manatee County in 1855, and a grandfather who represented the steamship line serving, twice daily, the travel needs to Tampa from the 1880s until 1909, who then became director of the Seaboard Rail Line.

Jim was born on Terra Ceia Island in 1924 to the late James W. and Mabel (Armstrong) Kissick. He graduated from Palmetto High School, entered the U.S. Navy in June 1942, and served as a combat air crewman in dive bombers over Japan, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the battleship Yamato, and others.

He earned a BS degree in aviation operations engineering in 1948, and accepted a US Navy commission. As a pilot he qualified in many props, all early jet fighters, as an airship commander and extensively in anti-sub helicopters.

In late 2014, he learned he was the only known quadruple-qualified pilot of all active/retired aviators.

His unusual military career, also, included carrier bridge qualifications to Task Force level. During Vietnam he served as staff operations officer of the Amphibious Ready Group, and later, in Southern Command, became the military assistance director for Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and many other awards. He, also, received several “Winged S” awards from Sikorsy Helicopters for saving lives and being saved by their aircraft.

Military retirement in 1967 led to piloting a helicopter for a newspaper in Illinois. Concurrently, he became technical editor, columnist, feature writer and test pilot for their world-class aviation magazine.

Returning to Florida in 1971, he flew for corporations, operated his own aerial advertising business, and was twice elected as city councilman for Bradenton Beach. For a period he managed a helicopter company in Louisiana, and later he led an airline/helo company serving the Bahamas.

In Manatee County his memberships

included the Veteran’s Council, Military Order of the World Wars, the Naval Aviation “Squadron,” the Military Officers Association, the American Legion, the Manatee County and Anna Maria Historical societies and others. Jim was also a member of Roser Memorial Community Church on Anna Maria, and also sang for 23 years in a Methodist choir.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Marcella, of Bradenton Beach, one son, James W. Kissick, III, of Bradenton, four daughters; Anita (Tony) Walters, of Springfield, Ill., Peggy (Jerry) Jamison of Denver, Colo., Ginger McLin, and Mary Kay Vanasse, both of Bradenton, step-son, Thomas (Yvonne) Tryon, of Ellenton, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, with final honors by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Manasota Operation Troop Support, 4301 32nd St. W., Suite C-20, Bradenton, Fl. 34205 in his memory.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

Jane Grossman Our beloved mother, wife and grandmother Jane passed away peacefully in her island home on Feb. 21, 2017. This was a woman who did it all – showed us how to live large and guided others to do the same.

Our hearts are at once broken and filled with many beautiful memories and love.

She was born Oct. 21, 1938, in Allentown, Pa., to Elwood and Alma Shollenberger. She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Martin. She is survived by her daughters, Nicole Skaggs and Shelly Hill; two granddaughters, Natashia and Rachael; grandson Matthew; her three stepchildren, Charis, Rochelle and Michael; and her loving husband Dr. Marvin Grossman.

Jane had many journeys in life. She was a woman who led a life of many firsts. She was the first policewoman on the Bethlehem, Pa., police force in 1959. She graduated from Bethlehem Business College and studied at Moravian College and the University of Pennsylvania Extension in Europe. She was a Realtor for 36 years and received many awards in that field. A true en-

THE SUN

trepreneur, Jane also held an insurance license, owned a beauty parlor, several boutiques, a bakery, several motels, an antique store, several commercial properties and acted as a marketing director for author, real estate developer and Italian car maker Piero Rivolta.

She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma. She was an activist, and in the early 1990s. Jane founded a nonprofit civil and human rights organization called Friends of Unity in the community in Sarasota, Fla. One of the many honors Jane received for her activism was the state of Florida Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for dedicated community service. This was presented to her by Gov. Lawton Chiles.

She was extremely proud of this prestigious honor.

While in Sarasota she was the chair of the Housing Board for HUD. She had a special focus on helping women rise from challenging life circumstances.

She was a guiding light for many women in her life. She also became very interested and active in politics and she ran 16 campaigns, local, state and federal. And yes, she was also a Unitarian Minister and ran a New Age Center called The Chapel of Light in Sarasota.

In 2000, Jane became semi-retired and moved to Holmes Beach with her husband, Marvin. For them, Anna Maria was paradise, a slice of heaven.

She became an active Realtor on the Island and quickly rose to one of the top agents in the area. She also opened a gift shop in Holmes Beach; after all it was only semi-retirement, and Jane was tireless. She also became immersed in local politics and ran her husband’s, election campaign. He is a Holmes Beach city commissioner today.

Jane also enjoyed and was an avid bridge player. She had Master Points and loved teaching her family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Roser Community Church 512 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, Florida 34216 on Saturday, March 4, 2017, promptly at 10 a.m.

David A. Samulski David A. Samulski, 55, of Bradenton, died Feb. 21, 2017. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at St Bernard Catholic Church. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge. www.brownandsonsfuneral. com

Donald P. Knode Donald P. Knode, long-time Anna Maria Island resident, died peacefully

35

on Feb. 15, 2017, at the Inn at Freedom Village in Bradenton, aged 93.

Born in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Don grew up in Albuquerque, N.M., where he became an active Eagle Scout and outdoor enthusiast. He developed a keen interest in radio and as a student was a broadcast announcer at the University of New Mexico.

His university studies were interrupted by the start of WWII, and Don was drafted to learn Japanese at the U. S. Navy Japanese Language School in Boulder, Colo. As an officer in Naval Intelligence, he was sent to Japan during the U.S. occupation to assess bomb damage to telecommunications in Hiroshima.

After the war, Don returned to the U.S. and graduated in 1950 from Yale University with a B.A. in international relations. At Yale, he was a proud member of the crew team, which in 1949 beat Harvard in the annual headto-head regatta – a sporting triumph he would cherish for the rest of his life.

Resuming his pre-war interest in broadcasting, Don was hired by ABC and sent to Munich, Germany, to interview Russian refugees. He subsequently joined Radio Free Europe in Istanbul, Turkey.

Later, Don joined Merrill Lynch Fenner & Smith, where he had a long, distinguished, international career. He was responsible for opening the first Merrill Lynch office in Japan in 1961 and rose to the level of vice president within the firm.

While in Tokyo, Don also served as president of the American Chamber of Commerce of Japan (ACCJ), and eventually started his own consulting and investor relations firm.

He retired to Holmes Beach in 1998.

Don had a life-long love of theater and participated in the Asolo Theatre Guild Playreaders. He was a member of the Yale Club of the Suncoast. He enjoyed playing tennis, and remained a loyal Tampa Bay Bucs fan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara (Hazzard) Knode; two daughters, Karen (Lee) Trepte and Kim (David) Watkinson; his son, Stephen (Sharon) Knode; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A private service has been planned.

Memorial donations may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 3277-A Fruitville Road, Suite 1, Sarasota, FL 34237.

36

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MARCH 1, 2017

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

37

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Plan for the future

lunch dinner take-out 5346 gulf drive, holmes beach 941.778.5788

After enjoying the PTO Family Dinner in the cafeteria from Poppo’s restaurant on Pine Avenue, third-graders at Anna Maria Elementary School performed “Possibilities” in the auditorium to a large crowd. The message of the play was for the students to consider all their possibilities and plan for the future as they grow up.

Island Players present ‘Play On’

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

The latest production from the Island Players is set to give audiences a sneak peek at the trials, tribulations and hysterics that take place behind the scenes at the theater.

The comedy is called “Play On” and follows a troupe of actors desperately trying to put on a production despite the playwright constantly changing the script with hilarious consequences.

Starring in the 10-person ensemble cast are Sylvia Marnie, Diana Shoemaker, Daniel Coppinger, Caroline Cox, Laura Morales, Mark Shoemaker, Craig Moran, Valerie Lipscomb, Susan Mergens and Robin Rhodes.

The play, written by Rick Abbot, is directed by Heiko Knipfelberg.

“Play On” runs from March 9-26, with performances at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The curtain rises at 2 p.m. on Sundays for matinee performances. The stage is dark on Mondays.

Tickets are $20 each and available by calling 941-778-5755 or in person at the Island Players Theater box office at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

Box offices hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. Will call is available one hour prior to showtime.

A benefit preview performance will

submitted

be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 at the Island Players Theater. Tickets are general admission and require a $20 donation. Tickets are available from the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, or by contacting Nancy Ambrose at 941-518-4431. Tickets for the benefit performance are not available at the playhouse box office.

All proceeds from the benefit performance will go to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.

The play is being co-produced by The Off Stage Ladies.

38

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

MARCH 1, 2017

Flood insurance - it just never goes away

T

ake a look out your window or walk to the end of the street or take a very short ride to the beach, no matter where you go on Anna Maria Island you’re looking at water. And what happens when the beautiful water you’re looking at gets too high or starts to overflow your pool or starts seeping under the front door. Well, folks, that’s called a flood.

Thanks to the Flood Disaster Protection Act, everyone who lives in a flood zone can purchase flood insurance, and the majority of those people are mandated to purchase flood insurance by their mortgage lenders. The Flood Protection Disaster Act is a government subsidized program and as we know, the premiums for this insurance has been going up consistently for several years now and will continue to increase.

Rates are going up because The Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 was passed in order to phase out government discounts to homeowners by gradually increasing their rates until they achieve their full risk level and actuarial rates. Annual flood insurance

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger rates in our area are increasing from 5 percent to 18 percent for primary residences and more for non-primary residences.

Further, The Flood Disaster Protection Act requires all federally regulated lenders that service home loans or lines of credit to inform customers about their obligation to purchase flood insurance. If you live in a special flood hazard area, per flood maps produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you will be required to insure your property with flood insurance.

At a minimum, you will be required to maintain flood insurance that is at least equal to the lesser of: the combined outstanding balance

of all loans and maximum line of credit limit, 100 percent of the estimated replacement cost value of the buildings as determined by your insurance provided or the maximum amount of coverage available under the National Flood Insurance Program.

If you fail to provide proof to your lender of a valid flood insurance policy, they will purchase the insurance on your behalf to protect their asset and bill you. If you’re property is part of a condominium association, your association may have flood insurance that will satisfy the lenders requirement.

Per a piece that appeared in this publication several weeks ago, FEMA is now advising homeowners to procure an elevation certificate for their property. According to FEMA the definition of an elevation certificate is “an administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program which is to be used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper insurance premium

rate.” An elevation certificate can be provided by a licensed surveyor, engineer or architect and is well worth the price, since it can be very valuable in helping to lower your flood insurance premiums or at least maintaining the existing rate.

Property owners who do not have an outstanding mortgage on their property are not required to purchase federal flood insurance, however, living within feet of a large body of water or a river without insurance is really taking a risk. In addition, if you have insurance that was not required by a lender and allow it to lapse when you attempt to reinsurance, you could lose the discounted rate and will be billed the full risk premium.

That’s the latest update on flood insurance FEMA is being nice enough to advise you to get an elevation certificate, and the advantage of having a mortgage on your property is that you can’t go without insurance. Meanwhile, enjoy the view from your window, and be proactive in protecting your property.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

THE SUN

39

Public stumped for reliable news Kelly McBride is vice president of the Poynter Institute of St. Petersburg, billed as providing the world’s most innovative journalism and e-learning program.

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

HOLMES BEACH – In these days of the Internet, news networks with strong biases and “false news,” one needs a guide to tell how reliable their news is.

That’s the message from Kelly McBride, a seasoned journalist who is vice president of the Poynter Institute.

McBride spoke at the Island Branch Library on Thursday, Feb 23, as part of this season’s library's lecture and travel series. She described the Poynter Institute as a “think-tank” that takes a look at

all news-gathering systems and how it impacts what people see as the truth. She said in these days, democracy is in peril.

McBride said the Internet has had the largest effect on news. She said before that, there were local news sources.

“The main source was newspapers and reporters created most of the news,” she said. “When radio came along, they read the news from the local paper.”

Then came network television, which tried to cover all of the news of the country. As news networks increased, the number of reporters declined and most of the journalism was located along the east coast, especially around New York City and Washington, D.C., and along the west coast around Los Angeles. When cable TV sprouted, there were more national news sources.

McBride said with the Internet, there was an algorithm for each user.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Kelly McBride recommends trying several news sources for more complete coverage.

“They record everything you do on the Internet and then they decide your likes, and they deed you information that they feel would interest you,” she said.

McBride said fake news grew from the latest presidential campaigns, and it is being perpetuated

by Internet news sources such as Facebook,which she called the largest source of news and information), as well as Google, Twitter and more. She said that’s confusing to many people because they have various levels of truth to them.

“You need to be balanced and transparent in how you check facts,” she said McBride said the political system has failed the American people and you can tell by the numbers of people who did not vote in the last election.

What should people do?

“First of all, pay for your news,” she said. “Local news has been weakened by competition.

“Be responsible for what news you get, and try to figure out what is news and what is not,” she added. “If you pass on news, make sure that it is true.

40

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

County prevails in Long Bar appeal On Friday, Feb. 24, Manatee County Attorney Mickey Palmer sent an e-mail to county commissioners and senior staffers informing them that the county prevailed in the appeal of a 2016 circuit court ruling that upheld the county commission’s 2013 denial of Long Bar Pointe developers Carl Beruff and Larry Lieberman’s request to destroy environmentally sensitive coastal mangroves in order to build a navigation channel that would connect to a marina and waterfront hotel.

“It is with great pleasure and immense pride that I inform you that the Second District Court of Appeal issued a Per Curiam Affirmance (PCA) in the matter of Long Bar Pointe LLLP/Cargor Partners VIII v. Manatee County.

This means that the county has won on every issue in the litigation. A PCA is not appealable to the Supreme Court. The case is thus over,” Palmer wrote.

Rat Pack rocks the Center Sarasota-area crooner John Russo is bringing his Rat Pack-style show to The Center of Anna Maria Island for one night only.

Russo will be performing a one-man Rat Pack Tribute, bringing the stylings of Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin to life at 6 p.m. Friday, March 11, on the Center’s stage.

Tickets for the event are $30, including dinner from the Traveling Gourmet and Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen. Attendees are encouraged to BYOB, however, wine and beer also will be available for purchase.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting event coordinator Lindsay Sauls at events@ centerami.org.

Tickets are available by calling 941-778-1908 or in person at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

joe hendricks | SUN

Shown here at a marathon county commission meeting in 2013, Long Bar Pointe developers Larry Lieberman and Carl Beruff learned last week that their appeal of a circuit court ruling had been denied.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

2/19, battery,100 block of Cedar Avenue.

The victim said her live-in boyfriend pushed her during an argument, causing her to fall to the ground. He was arrested.

2/21, assist other agency, 600 block of North Bay Boulevard. When the victim arrived for a three-day vacation, he found the house was not a rental and is owner occupied.

in brief Bert Harris settlement offers City Attorney Becky Vose presented the Anna Maria Commission with nine Bert Harris claim settlement offers last week. With Commissioner Nancy Yetter in opposition, the commission voted 4-1 in favor of the offers. The offers, approved for two properties at 832

Bradenton Beach

2/20, driving with a suspended license, Cortez Road at Gulf Drive. The defendant was spotted by deputies driving half on the road and half on the sidewalk to get past cars in a beach-day traffic jam. She was spotted throwing a bottle of alcohol out of her vehicle. She was stopped after she arrived in Bradenton Beach and arrested.

Cortez

No new reports.

Holmes Beach

2/17, suspicious circumstances, 200 block of South Bay Blvd. units #A and #B state the property owners previously signed restrictive covenants that prohibit them from being rented for less than 30 days until May 2020.

Vose said a settlement offer would not be made to the owners of 9802 Gulf Drive because the property is zoned commercial and is not covered by the vacation rental ordinance. The rest of the offers called for permanent two-plustwo occupancy exceptions, some of which are for properties not yet developed.

THE SUN

41

North Harbor Drive. Police got a report of a boat belonging to a resident adrift in the waters off the area. Two officers took the police boat to the area and got the boat back to its lift.

2/17, theft, 600 block of Emerald Lane, A white boat lift was stolen from a boat.

2/20, alcohol on the beach, 52nd Street beach access. The officers wrote citations to two people for consuming beer on the beach.

2/20, theft/shoplifting, Jessie’s Island Store, 5424 Marina Drive. The store clerk saw the two underage males try to conceal a bottle of Mike’s Hard Lemonade, and she yelled for them to put it back, which they did and then tried to run. The clerk

stopped them and detained them until police got there. The clerk asked the officer to contact their parents. Because the two exhibited a tendency to run, the officer handcuffed them together for the ride to the police station.

2/21, vehicle on the beach, 45th Street beach access. The officer was dispatched to the beach on a report of somebody driving on the beach. He found the vehicle, and the driver said he thought it was OK to drive on the beach. The officer issued a citation.

2/21, noise code violation, 200 block of 69th Street. The officer answered a noise complaint. The renter turned down the music while the officer wrote a citation.

Lobbyist hiring to be discussed

board.

The commission will also discuss revisions to the employee handbook and the possible hiring of a lobbyist to combat a vacation rental bill.

Under attorney business, the commission will discuss a resolution pertaining to commission candidacy vacancies and the second reading of an anchorage and mooring ordinance.

Starting at 6 p.m., the Thursday, March 2 Bradenton Beach Commission meeting will include the commission’s acceptance of planning and zoning board member Frank Harrison’s resignation. Harrison, former planning board member Fawzy Makar and building moratorium advocate Priscilla VonAhnen will then receive certificates of appreciation.

Under new business, the commission will determine whether John Metz is reappointed to the planning

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

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 110 7th Street S Deborah Nelson 941-266-5900 A4174554 $2,200,000

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

B R A D E N TO N 216 81st Street W Judy LaValliere 941-504-3792 M5903622 $1,200,000

ANNA MARIA 811 N Shore Drive Laurie M Mock 941-232-3665 A4178184 $3,950,000

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 111 8th Street S George Myers 941-224-6021 A4162212 $599,000

B R A D E N TO N 532 Hillcrest Drive Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4170841 $499,900

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

ANNA MARIA 524 Villa Rosa Way Kelly Baldwin 941-404-9396 A4173954 $1,395,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 615 N Point Drive Kathy Valente 941-685-6767 A4173388 $1,100,000

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

NEW CONSTRUCTION

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

B R A D E N TO N 5053 47th Street W Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4169735 $359,995

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

B R A D E N TO N 7710 34th Ave W 202 Barb Eberhart 941-761-7349 A4156445 $335,000

RENTAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6200 Flotilla Drive 242 2 Bed 2 Bath 1458 SqFt $2,600

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

42

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

MARCH 1, 2017

1-4 BEDROOMS • CONDOS & HOMES WEEKLY & MONTHLY • FAMILY & PET FRIENDLY

Art teachers Terry Thompson and Abby Kolesa with the artist, Olivia Sabo, and her mother, Susan Sabo.

Personalized Property Management!

15% Commission Rate

submitted Submitted

Sabo art on display The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island, located at 5414 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, will be displaying throughout March the art work of Olivia Sabo.

Olivia's acrylic painting is titled "SPUDS" after her father, Chris Sabo, who was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 2010. Olivia is an eighteen-year-old senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, where her art teachers, Abby Kolesa and Terry Thompson, are proud of her dedication and art skills. Her design won for the Sarasota annual Walk for Alzheimer's. She plans to attend Ringling School for the Arts to study illustration.

Old friends’ works at Studio The Studio at Gulf and Pine will host its second exhibition of 2017 called “New Works by Old Friends” through March 26.

The exhibit will feature the works of Jean Blackburn, Anne Abgott, Cory Wright, Maro Lorimer and Charles Townsend, who have all shown at the gallery in years past, as well as newcomer Jay Canterbury. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, March 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Studio is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

MARCH 1, 2017

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

43

44

THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 "And another thing ... " 5 Up on the latest info 10 Not yet paid 14 California wine valley 15 Gathered, as autumn leaves 16 Tree fruit 17 Of the poorest quality 19 The "I" in MIT: Abbr.

20 Long stretch 21 Communication syst. for the hearing-impaired 22 Jury __ 23 Southern speech quality 25 Heart exam: Abbr.

28 One of the five basic tastes 30 Inventor Howe 32 River through southern Russia 34 Armed conflict 35 Novel or short story, say 38 "If I may cut in ... " 41 Typically reddishbrown ape 42 Varieties 43 Fashionable dude 46 "The A-Team" muscleman 47 Pet food brand 48 Bottle parts 51 "Waiting for Lefty" playwright Clifford 53 Capote nickname 55 Calendar periods 57 Canadian tribe 58 Sgt., e.g.

60 Zero 61 Dog treat 62 Well-hit line drive, in baseball jargon

66 Choice on the fairway 67 Ruined 68 Big Apple stage award 69 Like morning grass 70 Well-practiced 71 Politician Romney Down 1 Fed the pot 2 Pakistani city 3 Kind of column or cord 4 Dinghy blade 5 Fly ball paths 6 2008 Pixar robot 7 Letters before an alias 8 Hi-__ graphics 9 Magazine VIPs 10 Poppy narcotic 11 Left the 44-Down sans permission 12 Patsy 13 Richard Gere title role 18 __ Lama 22 Fittingly 24 The name Fred yells at the end of "The Flintstones" closing theme song 26 Museum manager Answers to 02-22-17 Crossword Puzzle.

27 Research funding 29 Bugs 31 Happy hour perch 33 Noble gas 36 Blow up 37 Pained reaction 38 Rifle range rounds 39 Dyed-in-the-wool 40 Words to click on at a sweepstakes website 44 Army outpost 45 Cry of victory 49 Jedi Master Obi-Wan __ 50 "Never mind" ... or what one might do with the last word of 17-, 35-, 43- and 62-Across 52 Itsy-bitsy 54 Open, as a parka 56 Icy precipitation 59 Small change 61 eBay action 62 Big Pharma watchdog: Abbr.

63 Cleared (of) 64 Poem of praise 65 CD-__

MARCH 1, 2017

FEBRUARY 15, 2017

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALESNow's the time.

Snowbirds are Here.

We also Buy Boats.

"Business On A Hand Shake" Call 941-2283489

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

LOCAL MAINTENANCE and PEST control company looking for service technician, Must be self-starter, team player, experience helpful but willing to train right person. Call 941 7134673 to schedule interview PIZZA COOK: Need to fill 2 part time positions at Family Style Pizzeria. Afternoon & evening positions. Experience preferred. Contact Solo's 941-962-4491 BUSY ISLAND VACATION Rental office looking for full time energetic, team player with excellent customer service skills, clear professional phone skills, reservation experience a plus. Call 941-725-8889 for interview.

POOL ATTENDANT POSITION in Longboat Key. Hourly pay + tips. Service Industry experience preferred. Send resume to Leochangbb@gmail.com subject line Pool Attendant or Call Leo at 941-223-0939

FISHING CHARTERS

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

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

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

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-962-2512 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing and Widows. Call 941251-5948

ANNUAL FLEA MARKET Saturday March 4. 9am-2pm.

Baked goods, Clothing, Jewelry, Linens, Tools, Books, White Elephants Furniture. Mt Vernon Club House 4701 Independence Dr South (off Cortez Rd.) LONGBOAT KEY'S Biggest and Best ROYAL RUMMAGE SALE at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Friday, March 3, NOON-4 PM, $5 admission. Saturday, March 4, 9AM - 1PM, Free Admission.

EMPLOYMENT

CARPET CLEANING

CLEANING SERVICE

Call us today! 941-778-3986

COMING SOON! CORTEZ PARK Yard Sale. Treasure/ Trash. New/Used. New items by creative people.

Friday March 3. 8am-1pm.

Clubhouse 12507 Cortez Road MOVING SALE 9:30am4pm Saturday March 4.

Wine Cooler, Paddle Board, Household Furnishing and Accessories. 524 Bayview Place, Anna Maria. Located between Waterfront Restaurant and Galati Marina MARCH 2, 3 & 4! MOVING SALE! Beatle memorabilia, furniture, artwork, cool stuff! 3012 Ave E, Holmes Beach. 7am-1pm 480694-0756 VINTAGE COSTUME JEWERLY, Large Variety Framed Art. If you don’t like our price, make us an offer! Palma Sola Thrift Shop 9516 Cortez Rd West. 2 miles past Cortez Bridge in Mount Vernon Plaza. Questions call Carol 941-812-7679

THE SUN

“HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us BESPOKE SERVICES, MASTER CARPENTER for all home & office repairs. Also painting, decorating, decking & dock repairs,. Large or small works. Reasonable Rates! Island guy for Island work. Call RICHARD 941-448-3571 SHEETROCK/DRYWALL REPAIRS install & finish.

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX, Open 9:30am.-2 pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10am. – 1pm. on Saturday. Donations preferred on Wednesdays 9am.

-11pm. 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. 941-779-2733.

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

Neil 941-726-3077

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

SIDEWALK SALE - Palma Sola Thrift Shop. Everything $1. Quality Furniture & Home Décor 50% to 75% off. Selling down store completely. Awesome deals, Come out and see us! 9516 Cortez Rd West. 2 miles past Cortez Bridge in Mount Vernon Plaza. Questions call Carol 941-812-7679

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

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 3/1/2017 9:00am at 1855 63rd Ave E Bradenton FL 34203 pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes.

NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids 2000 Saturn Vin 1G8ZR12791Z224016 1998 Saturn Vin 1G8k5274WZ260389

LOST & FOUND LOST KAYAK BIMINI BAY Floated away on Sunday nights storm. Tan Feather Lite. Please call 941-7783057 LOST ENVELOPE WITH Money in it. Border of Holmes Beach & Bradenton Beach. REWARD 361-9440167 LOST HEAVY GOLD CHAIN with Blue Stone near 47th Ave in Holmes Beach on December 26. REWARD! Call 908-963-1702 LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

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

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

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates.

941-812-0507

AMISUN.COM

45

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Wall paper removal..

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

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE 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 26 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

46

THE SUN

classified

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

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

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/ month. Models open daily. {Contact us 941254-3330} www.MirabellaFlorida.com 106 WILLOW RENOVATED Cottage. 1 in from Beach, beautiful pool/spa. Lush landscaping $1,197,000.

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

FANTASTIC WATER VIEWS: PERICO ISLAND Large ground level condo 2BR/2BA bath, 2 car garage, den, vaulted ceilings in living room, dining room, sunroom, 11002 Perico Way. $349,900. PERICO ISLAND Furnished 2BR/3BA townhouse very large floor plan, dining room, walk in closets, den, priced to sell $269,900. PERICO ISLAND 2BR/2BA great Water Views, new designer bathrooms, updated kitchen, stainless appliances, new wood floors, beautiful window treatments. Mint condition $279,900. PERICO ISLAND Wonderful water views of Robinson Preserve enjoy the tropical birds, 2BR/2BA, plantation blinds, new kitchen, tiled floors, new bathrooms, great storage areas, stainless appliances, Immaculate condition $307,900.

Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group sharonsellsbeaches@yahoo. com 941-330-5054

Call us today! 941-778-3986

CANAL FRONT BAY VIEW 3BR/3BA dock & lift, 2 car garage W. Bradenton CONDO 2,376 sq.ft. Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-232-2216

ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc.

BAY FRONT HOME Palma Sola W. Bradenton 4000sq.ft. 4BR/3.5BA 4 car garage. Stunning cathedral ceilings. No Island traffic! Island Real Estate Ask AL Galletto 941-232-2216

W BRADENTON, POINTE WEST: 2BR/2BA ground floor villa w/carport, screen patio & full laundry. Comm. pool, cable & water incl. in $1150 rent.

First, last, sec. & credit check req.. Call Island Real Estate at 941-778-6066

SPECTACULAR BAY VIEWS! This spacious home sits on an estate sized lot. Pool, boating, privacy - Life is good! $1,489,000. Wagner Realty, Karen Day Fineout 941-518-3682

ANNUAL RENTAL HOLMES BEACH 3BR/2BA renovated in 2010. Granite, washer/dryer, storage. No smoking $1700/ mo. Call 603-969-6840

SAN REMO SHORES Deep Water Canal 2BR/2BA/1.5, Pool, Wet Bar, $439,000 Call 941-932-0701 LONGBOAT KEY CONDO 1BR/1BA Canal Front great water views, Furnished, new kitchen, wood floors, sleeps 6.

Mint condition move in ready, beach to bay community with 4 pools, gated. $249,900. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group sharonsellsbeaches@yahoo.com 941-330-5054 FOR SALE THE PORCH HOUSE Adorable old Florida pool home two blocks to Beach via White Ave Anna Maria . 2BR/2BA pool . Property very high dry no flooding! Fenced yard. &599,900 Brenda Boyd May Broker/Owner 941-730-8589 2BR/2BA AFFORDABLE WATERFRONT Villa in Seaside Gardens, Holmes Beach $380,000 Contact captnse@gmail.com or Call 970-846-7394

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

Call today for details. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com

2BR/2BA WATERFRONT GROUND level condo with many upgrades including new kitchen and covered parking.

W/D. 2BR/2BA villa w/ deep water boat dock . w/d hook up , tile & carpeted, 2 car carport, Open Bay view.

1st, last $1,900/mo. $1,900 sec deposit. All persons 18 and older must pass background & credit check. Ask for Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www. teamduncan.com

MARCH 1, 2017

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915 WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

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

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

WEST COAST TREASURE 3BR/2BA fully furnished home. Available now!

NW Bradenton (Palma Sola). 4 miles from Beach. Nightly/Weekly/ Monthly. Reasonable Rental Rates. Call 941201-2190 GULF DRIVE BRADENTON BEACH 2BR/1BA full kitchen ground floor. Direct TV, porch 75 steps from beach.

Beautiful. Available March – May. 90 day minimum Call 813-917-5270 LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION for MARCH: 2BR/2BA Canal Front Villa with boat dock on Holmes Beach $2200/ mo; 2BR/2BA Sunbow Bay Condo with heated pool & tennis $3200/mo; 2BR/1BA apartment 1 house from the Beach in Anna Maria $750/week; 3BR/3BA Canal front home in Anna Maria, Heated pool & spa $2000/week. Call Green Real Estate 941-7780455 www.greenreal.com NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Anna Maria. 3BR/2BA Seasonal Rental across the street from Gulf.

Heated Pool.

AMIRENTAL.com

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

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

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

941-779-5095

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

business & service directory computer service

home improvement

home improvement

THE SUN

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

painting

transportation HOME SERVICES

47

48

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

MARCH 1, 2017

Vacation Rentals • Sales • Property Management

TeamDuncan.com • 941.779.0304

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216