March is going out like a lamb. A high of 64 degrees nearly emptied beaches on March 19 (inset) at Coquina Beach during what is typically the busiest week of the year, but as temperatures rose to 82 degrees one week later, on March 26, Manatee Beach was packed.
The Pines Trailer Park owners now seek $16.25 million for the park property.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Pines
Trailer Park residents will have to pay $250,000 more than they expected should they decide to purchase their park from the owner.
Residents met again on March 15 to discuss their ongoing efforts to cooperatively purchase the 2.78-acre waterfront mobile home park property. The meeting at the Pines Trailer Park community building was open to residents only, who were presented with a seven-page document titled, “Join your
fellow residents as we purchase The Pines.” The document, presented by Lifestyle Choice Realty Inc., notes its preliminary nature and says, “Numbers are subject to change as more information is obtained.”
Another meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, March 29.
In late January, the Jackson Partnership LLLP ownership group informed park residents and the residents association of their desire to sell the mobile home park. Under state law, potentially impacted mobile home owners must be given the first opportunity to purchase a mobile home park property before it can be offered on the open market.
According to the financial document
SEE PINES, PAGE 44
House Bill 947 proposes building a parking garage in Holmes Beach. It was given the green light by a second state committee.
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.comTALLAHASSEE – A bill proposing to build a three-story, 1,500-plus space parking garage in Holmes Beach is speeding towards approval.
House Bill 947, proposed by Manatee County Rep. Will Robinson Jr., passed the Regulatory Reform and Economic Development Subcommittee on March 22 with the unanimous approval of all members present at
the Florida House of Representatives with a change to line 15, submitted by Robinson, addressing the enforcement of the bill. The line states that the parking garage can be constructed within the “territorial boundaries of the city of Holmes Beach, without obtaining any permit, approval, consent, or letter of no objection from the city of Holmes Beach.”
The bill is now in the State Affairs Committee for consideration before moving to the House floor for a vote. If the bill passes those two votes, it moves on to the Florida Senate for consideration. If approved there, it would go to Gov. Ron DeSantis’s desk on July 1 to be vetoed or signed into law.
SEE GARAGE, PAGE 35
were
ANNA MARIA – City Attorney Becky Vose has requested separate shade meet ings to discuss separate lawsuits pertain ing to repeat noise ordinance violations at two vacation rental properties.
The shade, or private, meetings are scheduled immediately after the Thurs day, April 13 city commission meeting.
The lawsuits were filed after Special Master Gerald Buhr, in separate actions, declared each vacation rental property to be a public nuisance because vacation rental guests at each property received three noise ordinance violation citations within a 12-month period.
In June 2022, the city filed a lawsuit against Mangoes on Magnolia LLC for the repeat noise ordinance violations that occurred at a vacation rental home at 313 Magnolia Ave. Orlando resident Rajendra Patel is listed as the LLC’s registered agent.
In the Mangoes on Magnolia lawsuit, the city seeks as injunctive release a court order that would prevent the home from being used as a vacation rental for up to one year.
In August 2022, the city filed a lawsuit against Beach to Bay Investments Inc., AMI Locals LLC and developer Shawn Kaleta for repeat noise violations that occurred at a vacation rental home at 205 South Bay Blvd.
On March 22, the attorneys repre-
senting the city and Beach to Bay Investments agreed to a 30-day extension to conduct settlement negotiations.
“The parties have agreed to enter settlement negotiations to possibly avoid further litigation in this matter,” according to the extension request document.
When requesting the shade meetings, Vose said, “I desire advice regarding the litigation.”
After noting that none of the current
commissioners have participated in a shade meeting, Vose explained the behind-closed-doors process that will include the mayor, the five commissioners, the city attorney and a court reporter who will create a verbatim transcript of discussion. The transcript of the private meeting becomes public record after the lawsuit is over. To date, no court hearings have been scheduled for either case.
The city of Anna Maria is at the forefront of the battle to retain the right to regulate vacation rentals at the local level.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENTANNA MARIA – Concerns are growing about the Florida Legislature’s current efforts to reserve vacation rental regulation authority to the state.
Working in unison, Senate Bill 714 and House Bill 833 seek to preempt the regulation of short-term vacation rentals to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, weakening and possibly stripping city and county governments of the ability to regulate vacation rentals at the local level.
SB 714 and HB 833 also seek to preempt to the state the regulation of vacation rental advertising platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Working in unison, House Bill 105 and Senate Bill 92 also seek to preempt vacation rental regulations to the state.
All four pieces of legislation are currently working their way through the various Senate and House committee stops that must be cleared before matching bills can be put before the Senate and House for final votes and then sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign into law or veto.
SB 714 proposes limiting local governments to charging no more than $50 for an annual vacation rental registration fee for a single vacation rental home or unit; and no more than $100 to register multiple vacation rental homes or units at one time.
As part of its annual occupancybased registration process, the city of Anna Maria currently charges $84 per year, per occupant and the owner of a small vacation rental home or unit pays a lower annual fee than the owner of a large vacation rental home or structure.
As part of the annual registration process, SB 714 would still require vacation rental owners or managers to designate and identify someone to respond to complaints and immediate problems.
The proposed legislation would still allow local governments to enforce parking and trash regulations at vacation rental properties as long as those regulations are not imposed solely on vacation rentals.
On March 23, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy provided the city commission with a recap of his March 15 trip to Tallahassee to lobby against the legislation. Murphy said he met oneon-one with 10 different legislators. He also hand-delivered to them copies of a city resolution that formally expresses the city’s opposition to SB 714.
Murphy said the state legislators he met with are fully aware of the legislation’s intent and implications.
Murphy met with Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, from Naples, who told him this legislation was a top priority and she likes SB 714 as it’s currently written. He also met with Speaker of the House Paul Renner, Sen. Nick DiCeglie, the original sponsor of SB 714, and Sen. Jason Brodeur, the chair of the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government Committee that will soon be the second of three committee stops for SB 714. He also met with Sen. Jim Boyd, Sen. Joe Gruters, Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and Rep. Bob Rommel. All the aforementioned legislators are Republicans.
His first meeting was with Gruters, who represents portions of Manatee and Sarasota counties and chairs the Regulated Industries Committee that served as SB 714’s first committee stop.
On March 14, SB 714 passed through that committee by a 5-2 vote, with all votes cast along party lines.
Gruters was one of three committee members who didn’t cast a vote on the bill. Murphy said Gruters told him that he tried, but failed, to kill SB 714 by not letting it be heard by the committee.
“Senator Gruters said this thing’s a done deal. This is going all the way,” Murphy said.
Murphy said Boyd and Robinson advised him to keep pressure on state legislators by using the city-owned Home Rule Florida website, www.HomeRuleFl.com.
“Our lobbyist said our best chance is to lobby the Senate,” Murphy said, noting the Home Rule Florida website is the strongest tool to do so.
Murphy said none of the legislators he met with had heard from the Florida League of Cities on this matter.
“I can’t tell you how disappointed I was to hear that,” he said.
“This bill has the potential to change the entire complexion of our city,” Murphy said. “This bill eliminates our ability to control occupancy in houses. Before we had our ordinance in place, there were houses with 25 people jammed into them and they were party houses.”
Murphy said absentee Airbnb and Vrbo homeowners don’t care how many people they put in a rental home. He told state legislators the proposed legislation would lead to a proliferation of party houses that would change the complexion of Anna Maria as a residential type of city.
The city prohibits vacation rental advertisements that exceed the guest occupancy allowed by the vacation rental ordinance and stated in the annual registration form. The city contracts a company that monitors the online advertising of vacation rentals as part of the city’s vacation rental enforcement efforts.
“The only way we control it is through the marketing platform. We have to have that ability to set occupancy limits and monitor occupancy.
That’s the key element that goes away with this bill,” Murphy said.
Commissioner Charlie Salem referred to a March 15 incident captured on a Ring doorbell camera involving multiple gunshots fired in association with a party at an Airbnb home in Bradenton.
10 Tampa Bay news reported the Bradenton Police Department responded to a noise complaint at an Airbnb on Southern Parkway West where several young people were throwing a party. According to the news report, some party attendees fled when the officers arrived and gunshots were later fired within a couple of blocks of the Airbnb. Police discovered shell casings but made no immediate arrests. Nobody was injured but three homeowners reported property damage associated with the party and/or the gunfire, including a shattered front door window. The following morning, the Airbnb tenants were evicted, according to the 10 Tampa Bay report.
Salem noted the incident occurred in a Bradenton neighborhood that isn’t heavily populated by vacation rentals. He’s concerned the adoption of the proposed vacation rental legislation would prevent local officials from making changes that better protect residents.
During the commission’s March 9 meeting, Salem expressed concerns that residents and local governing bodies beyond Anna Maria Island would be negatively impacted by the proposed legislation.
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) has closed the COVID-19 testing site that it had been operating since the beginning of the year. A directory of COVID-19 testing sites in Manatee County is available at www.floridahealthcovid19.gov. Click on the “Testing Site Locator” on the home page and then click on Manatee in the dropdown box of Florida counties. The website also includes a directory of COVID-19 vaccination providers across the county, including DOH-Manatee’s main campus at 410 Sixth Ave. E in Bradenton, and Manatee South Center at 7880 Westmoreland Drive. Both sites offer no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment or on a walk-in basis. For more information or to book a COVID-19 vaccination, call 941-748-0747.
MARCH 20
Cases 165
% Positivity 9.64%
Deaths 0
% Eligible population
vaccinated 74.6%
New hospital admissions 28
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria will honor its 100th anniversary with a centennial celebration on Memorial Day.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy announced the plans during the March 23 city commission meeting.
MARCH 27
Cases 432
% Positivity 7.17%
Deaths 12
% Eligible population vaccinated 74.6%
New hospital admissions 28
Source: Centers for Disease Control
The centennial celebration will begin shortly after the city’s annual Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute on Monday, May 29 at City Pier Park.
Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the Memorial Day Salute will honor those who gave their lives in service to their country, as well as the spouses and significant others who made their own sacrifices.
The Memorial Day ceremony will feature a symphony orchestra
performing patriotic music and the theme songs of each branch of the United States military. The centennial celebration will follow.
Murphy said he’s pursuing the design and creation of a commemorative flag that recognizes the city’s centennial status.
“We would put those flags on every other light post on Gulf Drive and Pine (Avenue) and every other would have an American flag,” he told the commission.
Murphy said commemorative coins will be handed out and the symphony orchestra will perform a musical tribute to the city’s 100th anniversary, performing music that was popular in 1923 when Anna Maria was incorporated as a city.
Longtime Anna Maria Island resident Tom Aposporos will serve as the master of ceremonies and will provide some historical reflections on the city’s first 100 years.
The centennial celebration will also include a cake cutting.
Murphy said the current plans
are not set in stone and he’s open to additional suggestions.
Commission Chair Mark Short suggested researching whether there are any 100-year-old Island residents or former residents who might be able to participate in the celebration.
Murphy said the Anna Maria Island Historical Society will also play a role in the centennial celebration but that role has not yet been defined.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
After spending 14 winters on AMI, I believe I might have noticed a pattern emerging on the issue of home rule. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but it seems that all (or at least most) of the legislators pushing home rule have an (R) behind their names!
As a possible remedy, I would suggest the good voters of AMI consid-
er one or more of the following:
• recall a few of the offenders - after all, they should report to the voters, not the developers and landlords;
• elect other (R)s that are more voter-friendly;
• elect some (D)s;
• accept your fate - stop spending tax dollars on lobbying, local officials' junkets to Tallahassee and legal fees.
Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun,
I know this would eliminate a “hot” topic of conversation and could hurt newspaper content generation. But taking the same approach to the same problem year after year is not a good definition of “sanity.” In fact, some might call it “crazy!”
Just sayin’,
S.H. Parker Anna Maria, Grand Rapids, MichiganP.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
April 7, all day – City offices closed, Good Friday
April 13, 2 p.m. – city Commission meeting
107 GULF DRIVE N.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
April 5, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting
April 5, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting
April 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
April 7, all day – City offices closed, Good Friday
April 19, 10 a.m. – Department Head meeting
5801 MARINA DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
April 5, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting
April 5, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting
April 7, all day – City offices closed, Good Friday
April 11, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
April 12, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting
THURSDAY, MARCH 30
Archaeo paddle, Robinson Preserve, north kayak launch, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 31
Seashell shore walk, Coquina Beach south, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Forty carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 1
Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Saturday storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, APRIL 4
Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, noon
Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.
Yoga for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5
History of the Manatee River, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.
Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.
THURSDAY, APRIL 6
Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 7
Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
Paper Crafting for adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 8
Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Paper Crafting for adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
TUESDAY, APRIL 11
Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Family storytime, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.
Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.
Duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, noon
One on one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
Easter’s on its way, and it wouldn’t be complete without the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the white sands of Anna Maria Island’s beaches.
The Sandbar Seafood and Spirits restaurant is gearing up for the 35th Annual Egg Hunt, Egg Roll and popular Easter Bonnet Contest on Saturday, April 8, from 9-10:30 a.m. on the beach and in the Sandbar Grand Pavilion, 100 Spring Ave. in Anna Maria.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. with refreshments, with the egg hunt starting at 9:30 a.m.
The Easter Bonnet Contest begins at 10:15 a.m. with prizes for both youth and adults.
Youth prizes are: First place, Sandbar lunch for the winner and three guests; second place, Fish Hole Putt Putt & Fudge Factory; and third place, Shiny Fish Emporium Painting session. Adult prizes are: First place, two-night stay at Compass Hotel, Margaritaville; second place, photography session with Beckah Lee Photography; and third place, dinner for two at the Sandbar with a bottle of champagne.
For more information, email Tina Chiles at tchiles@chilesgroup.com. The event is sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Sun, DJ Chuck Caudill and Dara Caudill Photography.
Above, children grab as many eggs as they can during the 2022 Easter Egg Hunt, Egg Roll and Easter Bonnet contest at Sandbar Seafood and Spirits in Anna Maria. 2023 will mark the 35th year of this annual event. Right, a young lady has a successful run at the 34th Annual Easter Egg Hunt.
The Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island will host its 58th Easter Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 6:30 a.m. at Manatee Beach, 4000 Manatee Ave. W. in Holmes Beach. Island churches, as members of All Island Denominations, will participate in the service with a sermon, readings from Scripture, prayers and songs. The Kiwanis Club invites the public to attend and encourages worshippers to bring a beach chair or towel, as well as a flashlight for a pre-dawn arrival. The club also encourages trolley ridership. The trolley opens at 6 a.m.
Anna Maria officials want the county to be financially responsible for any water taxirelated enhancements made to the City Pier.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.comANNA MARIA – The city commission has returned a revised interlocal agreement regarding the City Pier being used as a water taxi stop to Manatee County officials for further consideration.
The proposed agreement establishes the city and county’s proposed conditions for the use of the City Pier.
County officials could reject or revise some of the revisions made by the Anna Maria Commission, but at some point, an interlocal agreement must be finalized and approved by the city commission before the City Pier can be used as a water taxi stop.
The pier-based water taxi stop would be part of a county-funded water taxi service that would travel between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, with stops at the City Pier, the Bradenton Beach Pier and the Coquina South boat ramp in Bradenton Beach.
The latest version of the proposed agreement includes revisions sought by the city commission during its March 9 and March 23 discussions, when commissioners authorized Mayor Dan Murphy to return the revised agreement to the county.
“The purposes of the water taxi are to relieve automobile congestion coming to and from the Island and to provide an affordable means of public
transportation to and from the Island for visitors, residents and workers,” the agreement says.
The revised agreement drafted by City Attorney Becky Vose includes several terms and conditions requested by the city commission.
The mayor and commissioners have repeatedly stressed their desire that Island employees be allowed to ride the water taxis for free or at a reduced rate. The proposed agreement does not specifically say Island employees will ride for free, but during Thursday’s meeting the commission requested the following language be added to the agreement: “All workers’ fares between Anna Maria and Bradenton shall be subject to approval of the city to ensure
that fares for workers are affordable.”
The city does not seek input on the fares to be charged to other users.
The agreement proposes, and the city commission insists, that the county be responsible for all water taxi-related improvements made to the existing boat landing area and/ or any other part of the pier. The improvements could include the installation of safety railings at the landing area only. They may also include other enhancements needed for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The agreement also proposes the county, or its contractor, be fully responsible for any costs associated with the ongoing maintenance of any water taxi dockage components located on the pier.
The agreement says the county must
assume all legal liability associated with the operation of the water taxi service.
The revised agreement says: “The water taxi route must include service between downtown Bradenton and the City Pier on every regularly scheduled day of operation, weather permitting. Any scheduled route for the water taxi must include the city of Anna Maria both coming and going to and from downtown Bradenton. No route shall return to Bradenton without having Anna Maria as its last stop before Bradenton. Elimination of this route negates this interlocal agreement.”
The revised agreement says, “The county agrees to provide a detailed plan in advance to the Anna Maria City Commission for approval showing the proposed landing area on the pier and any modifications or improvements required for the dockage and the pier. The city has the right to cancel this agreement if it finds that such modifications or improvements are unsatisfactory to the city.”
Murphy said he did not yet know if the county plans to use the existing boat landing or some other part of the pier as a water taxi landing.
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione is one of the county staff members tasked with bringing the longdesired water taxi service to fruition. In October, the Manatee County Commission authorized the county administrator to spend up to $700,000
Road construction continues in Anna Maria Island’s largest city and it’s not stopping any time soon.
The city center project, located at the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives, was initially scheduled to end in late February. That date was pushed back to March and now the project is expected to conclude in April due to unanticipated delays and necessary infrastructure repairs.
Once the city center project concludes, city leaders are anticipating beginning a new project to enhance the coastal section of Gulf Drive.
The new complete streets project is planned to have ADA-compliant sidewalks along Gulf Drive with
8:30
widened bicycle lanes. In addition to the Gulf Drive project, three roundabouts also are planned for Holmes Beach – one at Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive, one at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive at the entrance to the public beach and one at the inter-
section of East Bay Drive and Gulf Drive. The three roundabouts have been on the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization list of project priorities for several years, however, none of the roundabouts have received funding from the state.
FROM PAGE 9
to build two water taxis to initially be owned by the county and to be managed and operated by the Clearwater Ferry company.
When addressing the city and county commissions in the past, Falcione said the water taxis will initially operate from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Additional service days and/or expanded operating hours will be considered if the ridership demand exists.
On Friday, The Sun sought and received some additional information from Falcione. Falcione said each water taxi will be 50 feet long and accommodate 49 passengers.
When asked about free fares for Island employees, he said, “We do plan to have a no-charge service for employees, but it’s complicated, so we do not have a defined plan at this time. We do plan to work with the hospitality owners on the Island to help bring their employees to work via ferry. It’s a program that may not start until the fall.”
In the past, Falcione has mentioned the possibility of Island businesses providing their employees with water taxi passes.
As for when the water taxi service might begin, Falcione said, “We are hoping for a July startup.”
ANNA MARIA – The grand opening celebration for Mote Marine Laboratory’s education outreach center on the City Pier is scheduled for Friday, May 5 at 10 a.m.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy made the announcement during the March 23 city commission meeting, noting that a special event permit for the grand opening celebration was included in that day’s consent agenda.
The celebration will take place at City Pier Park, across the street from the City Pier, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned at the pier. Murphy said a jazz combo will provide the music but, other than bottled water, no food, refreshments or champagne will be served. Manatee County commissioners and other local officials will be invited to the ceremony, which is also open to the public.
After the grand opening, the marine education outreach center will be open to residents and visitors on a daily basis free of charge. The hours of operation have not yet been announced.
When contacted Friday afternoon, Murphy said Mote met its recently extended deadline to submit by Friday an application for a permanent cityissued certificate of occupancy. Building Official David Gilson was expected to review the application and issue Mote its certificate of occupancy on Monday, or soon thereafter.
The certificate of occupancy allows Mote Marine to transport the marine exhibits built offsite and install them in the city-owned pier building. When appearing before the city commission on March 9, Mote Marine representative Kevin Cooper said the marine life will require a little time to acclimate to its new environment before the facility can be opened to the public.
The Manatee County Commission is providing up to $500,000 in tourist development tax revenues for the interior buildout of the city-owned pier building and the installation of the marine exhibits. The city is managing the disbursement of the county funds as invoices are received and reviewed. Any upfront costs that exceed the $500,000 provided by the county will be paid by Mote.
In September 2021, the city and Mote Marine entered into a lease agreement that
provides Mote with five years of rent-free use of the pier building, with an additional five-year extension possible. In April 2022, the city commission approved a one-year extension because of the delays Mote experienced in getting the facility designed and the pier building transformed into an education outreach center.
According to the lease, Mote’s buildout responsibilities included but were not limited to design, permitting and the interior construction that included plumbing, flooring, ceilings, air conditioning, electrical components and more. The county funds also cover the costs to design, build and install the live and virtual exhibits.
Once the outreach center opens, Mote will pay for the ongoing staffing and operational costs and volunteers will provide facility manager Jessica Rhodes with additional free labor.
The grand opening will mark the end of the design and installation process that was first approved in late 2021.
HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.comJOE HENDRICKS | SUN Mote Marine’s education outreach center will operate in the city-owned space at the T-end of the City Pier.
BRADENTON BEACH - In addition to the typical human disruptions faced by local shorebirds, they are now contending with a food supply impacted by red tide, according to Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc.
The animal rehabilitation organization is reporting nearly double the number of birds being treated there than at this time last year, many of them showing signs of malnutrition.
“The birds are not eating because they know the fish are bad,” Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter said. “So they don’t have a food supply. Also, toxins from the algae are affecting them.”
Red tide has caused fish kills in local waters for the past several months. Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, kills fish by producing a potent toxin called brevetoxin that affects the central nervous system of the fish. The toxin can also affect birds, sea turtles, marine mammals and other marine life, according to Sarasota-based Mote Marine.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Red tide will cause changes in the abundance and distribution of fishes, which will be accompanied by changes in the patterns of habitat used by birds. Birds will be
The FWC warns boaters to go slowly and watch out for manatees, especially this time of year.
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY - As spring temperatures rise and manatees head to warmer waters, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to go slow and be on the lookout for the slow-moving marine mammals.
Manatees depend on water of more than 68 degrees to survive the winter. In the fall, they travel to Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites. As water temperatures rise in the spring, they leave their winter habitats and head toward rivers, canals and nearshore waters.
The FWC cautions that manatees can be difficult to see in the water, so it is important to go slowly and observe all manatee protection zones, wear polarized sunglasses and look out below while boating or using personal watercraft.
affected by exposure to brevetoxin via their prey and they will also face decreased availability of prey during and following red tides.”
“Numbers (of sickened birds) are very heavy already,” Carpenter said. “Last year we only had 27 cormorants all year and pelicans, only 68 all year. So far this year we have had 23 cormorants, of which 18 have died. This year we had 24 brown pelicans, and 19 of those had symptoms related to red tide and five of those have been released.”
The Wildlife Inc. breakdown of birds being treated is:
• 12 ospreys, 10 related to red tide. Three have been released;
• Four great blue herons, two attributed to red tide and two with fishhook injuries;
• Two yellow-crowned night herons, one attributed to red tide has died; the other caught in fishing line was treated and released;
•11 loons, six impacted by red tide.
LIVING WITH SHOREBIRDS
Manatee County Audubon Society board member Kathy Dod-
Telltale signs that a manatee is nearby are a visible snout or large circles on the water, indicating that manatees are below the surface.
Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs and maps of the zones are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee by clicking on “Data and Maps.”
FWC law enforcement is on patrol in state waters to remind boaters of the speed zones and to take appropriate enforcement actions, according to FWC. Boaters are reminded to abide by the regulatory signs they see on the water.
Boat strikes continue to be a major threat to Florida manatees, according to the FWC. There
Two rotating Star Dancer wind sculptures now stand alongside the City Pier Park flagpole in Anna Maria. The copper wind sculptures were created by Utahbased sculpture artist Lyman Whitaker. In October, Anna Maria Island Garden Club member Pat Short appeared before the Anna Maria City Commission, proposed the wind sculptures and offered a $6,000 contribution from the garden club. The city commission, with Commissioner Robert Kingan in opposition, agreed to contribute the remaining $12,000 needed to purchase and install the wind sculptures.
Florida-based film studio Grey Matter Studios recently completed a short film about The Island Players in Anna Maria. The film was submitted and accepted in the Sarasota Film Festival, underway this week. This is the first documentary for the studio, and will screen on Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m. at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sarasotafilmfestival.com.
Three Manatee County graduating seniors were honored with scholarships by the AMI Chamber of Commerce on March 23.
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH - The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business Card Exchange is always a great networking event, but the March 23 event at LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air was extra special for three area high school seniors who were each awarded a $1,000 college scholarship by the Chamber.
Evan Christenson, Hannah Ferguson and Terrance Johnson Jr. were on hand to accept their awards and meet Island business owners and managers.
Christenson is graduating from St. Stephen’s Episcopal School with a GPA of 4.24. He is a member of the varsity lacrosse team and volunteers at the AMI Center. Evan has been accepted to Florida State University and will major in finance and law. He hopes to return to Bradenton to establish his career and to dedicate time to help seniors and veterans who need business and or legal services.
Ferguson graduates from Braden Riv er High School and has been engaged in businesses of her own from an early age, from her lemonade stand to her bakery. She became the “leader” in the classroom as well as captain of the volleyball team and girls’ flag football team. She will major in entrepreneur ship and innovations at the University of South Florida next fall. Her dream is to own a successful business on Anna Maria Island.
Johnson graduates through the AICE program at Palmetto High School. The pandemic significantly impacted him with the loss of faceto-face instruction. He overcame the situation by setting and maintaining his own goals to maintain good grades. He will attend Florida A&M University to study business, market ing and information technology.
“These scholarships are open to any Manatee County graduating senior who is pursuing further education, whether it be a four-year degree, twoyear degree or a trade school,” AMI Chamber President Terry Kinder said. “The applications are turned in to the Chamber, which has a committee that goes through the applications and scores them, then picks the beneficiaries."
ANNA MARIA – A variety of health and wellness practitioners and vendors will be at The Center of Anna Maria Island’s first Health and Wellness Fair on Friday, March 31 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“We realize that people in the Anna Maria Island community are into health and wellness,” event coordinator Monica Simpson said. “This is a great educational opportunity.”
Admission to the vendor area is free and is $20 for members and $40 for non-members for a full-day class/ workshop access armband. Singleclass workshops are $5 for members and $25 for non-members.
Workshops include:
• Lunch workshop with Devinne Whittaker of Devs Bevs. Whittaker is also an event coordinator and lead sponsor of the health and wellness
fair;
• Let’s Talk Water with Jess Gutherz;
• Revive Emotional Intelligence with Scott Scantlin;
• Breathwork and Sound Therapy with Jess Garcia and Allison Hilderbrand;
• Basic CPR Skills with Landes Emergency Training Services;
• Children’s Flower Crown Making with Mindful Blooms;
• Health, Wellness, Fitness and Parkinson’s Disease with Neuro Challenge Foundation;
• Benefits of Chiropractic Work with The Source Chiropractic;
• Benefits of Hemp/CBD with Jim Harwood.
“With this fair, we are supporting local small businesses,” Simpson said.
“There are going to be over 27 vendors of food, consumable items and nonconsumable items."
Food vendors are: Graze Street AMI;
Greek Triangles; Petrichor Mushroom; Pure Vibrancy; Spare Kitchen; Urban Hippie Provisions and Pure Florida Apiary and Veganology. Consumable vendors are: AMI Coconuts; Devs Bevs Juice; Jupiters Microgreen Farm; Olive Branch and More; Pour House Coffee; Revive Nutrition and bottled water provided by The Center. Non-consumable vendors are: Beachbum Apothecary; Breath and Flame intentional wellness candles; Elite Hydration and Wellness; Hemp Products; KG Jewelry; Louve Lavande Apothecary; Loves Pardon Boutique; Mindful Blooms; Neuro Challenge Foundation; OneBlood; Salty Buddha Yoga Studios and Scott’s Exotic Plants.
Lunch will be provided by Grub Tropical BBQ with drinks provided by the Surfing Coconut with live music by Trevor Bystrom and Paul Fornier. For more information, visit culture@ centerami.org.
If you love candles and always wanted to make your own, join Sip N Wick at The Center of Anna Maria Island. In a step-by-step class on Wednesday, March 29 from 6-8 p.m., you will learn the art of candlemaking while you sip your favorite wine. Instructions and materials will be provided; you bring the wine. The cost is $50 for members and $55 for non-members and includes one 14-ounce candle. Additional candles can be purchased for $35 each, up to three per participant.
The Center offers a variety of programs for people 60 and older, including traveling, pursuing old hobbies and learning new ones, socializing with friends, meeting new people, increasing knowledge and becoming and staying physically fit. Annual memberships for seniors are $50 a month for 12 consecutive months. For more information, visit centerami.org or call 941-778-1908. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.
MANATEE COUNTY – The team at West Manatee Fire Rescue had a lot to celebrate when their staff took home three of four major awards at this year’s Manatee County Fire Chiefs’ Association Awards.
WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski presided over the ceremony on March 23, hosted at East Manatee Fire Rescue’s administrative offices. The annual ceremony honors the best in the county’s first responders.
Taking home top honors as Manatee County Fire Inspector of the Year was WMFR’s Josh Adkins. Firefighter of the Year was given to WMFR firefighter Crystal Tucciarone. Fire Officer of the Year went to East Manatee Administrative Officer Kim Luther. The top honor of the year, Chief Officer of the Year, was awarded to WMFR Deputy Chief Jay Johnson.
Several awards were handed out to the teams that participated in Hurricane Ian response. From WMFR were Chief Ben Rigney, Deputy Chief Jay Johnson, Lt. Dar-
ren Vollmer, Capt. Derek Bill, Lt. Andrew Lauricella, Capt. Paul Hopkins, Capt. James Leigh, Battalion Chief Ryan Moore, Lt. Andrew Powers and firefighters William Thomas, Frank Agresta, Aaron Reese, Nathan Bergbom, Zachary Benshoff, Jerrod Apple, Clayton Lease, William Bowen, Jeffrey Phillips, Ben Dillon, Gabriel Gonzalez,
Adam Baggett and Casey Fischbach.
Those honored from Cedar Hammock
Fire Rescue for hurricane response in 2022 were Battalion Chief Doug Brett, Capt. Brad Jones and firefighters Zack Kertz, Pete Stefano and Ethan Viera.
From the City of Bradenton Fire Department were Chief Timothy Geer, Lt. Lionel
Harrison, Capt. Barry Cornelison, Lt. Jonathan Turpin, firefighter Jared Gould and Engineers Matt McCabe, Jared Manning, Lou Chiocchio and Josh Eriksen.
The hurricane response team from East Manatee Fire Rescue included Deputy Chief Paul Wren, Battalion Chief Charles Reid, Administrative Officer Kim Luther, Lt. Steven Beecher, Lt. Danny Chappell and firefighters Dillon Garback and Derek Parker.
From North River Fire Department was Assistant Chief Joe Sicking, Capt. Donald Bunch, Fleet Supervisor Mike Henry, Capt. Billy Couch, Capt. Richard Small, Capt. Andrew Clark, Engineers Justin White, Blake Hunniford, Matt Stone, Chris Carver and Joe Houlihan, and firefighters Mike Davila, Nicole Tyler, Giovanne Rivera, Charlie Childress and Cierra McDonald.
Honorees from Southern Manatee Fire Rescue were Capt. Thomas Bioski, Lt. Sean Connor, Lt. Melvin Bonds, firefighter/paramedic Justin Young and firefighters Brandon Baserva, Duane Ely, Brent Ranney, Stephen Gibson, Tim Keusch and Chris Burghdurf.
From Manatee County EMS were Charge Paramedic Sam Albon, EMT Brandon Schallenkamp, Charge Paramedic Carlos Santos and Paramedic Tabitha Parker.
AUTO SERVICE
GROOMS AUTOMOTIVE
5608 Marina Dr
Holmes Beach, 896-7898
BAIT & TACKLE SHOP
ANNIE’S BAIT & TACKLE
4334 127th St. W.
Cortez, 794-3580
BANK
HANCOCK WHITNEY BANK
5324 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-4900
BIKE RENTAL
BEACH BUMS RENTALS
427 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 778-3316
BOATING STORE
GALATI YACHT SALES
900 South Bay Blvd
Anna Maria, 778-0755
CAR WASH
SUN & SUDS CAR WASH
6412 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 564-3072
CARPET CLEANER
FAT CAT CARPET CLEANING
3801 9th Ave W. Bradenton, 778-2882
CBD STORE
LIVE NATURALLY
5337 Gulf Dr #200
Holmes Beach, 567-5299
CLOTHING STORE
IRENE’S RESORT WEAR
5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605
CONVENIENCE STORE
ANNA MARIA GENERAL STORE AND DELI
503 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 779-9200
DRY CLEANER
COURTESY CLEANERS
7421 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5145
ELECTRICIAN
AIR & ENERGY
555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773
FINE DINING THE WATERFRONT 111 S Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 778-1515
FITNESS
THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA
407 Magnolia Ave Anna Maria, 778-1908
FLOOR COVERINGS
FLOORING AMERICA
3200 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton, 348-1859
FLORIST
BLOOMS BY THE BEACH
2501 Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach, 778-2555
GIFT SHOP
BEACH BUMS
427 Pine Ave
Anna Maria 778-3316
GOLF CART RENTAL BEACH BUMS
427 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 778-3316
GROCERY STORE
PUBLIX SUPERMARKET
3900 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-5422
HAIR SALON
SALT AND SCISSORS SALON
313C Pine Ave
Holmes Beach, 961-4458
HARDWARE STORE
TRUE VALUE
5324 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-2811
HEAT & AIR
AIR & ENERGY
555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773
HOME BUILDER
WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION
407 72nd St
Holmes Beach, 941-725-0073
HOTEL/MOTEL
ANNA MARIA ISLAND RESORTS
THE TORTUGA INN
1325 Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach, 778-6611
JEWELRY STORE
IRENE’S RESORT WEAR
5308 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-7605
LIQUOR STORE
HURRICANE HANKS LIQUOR
5344 Gulf Dr
Holmes Beach, 779-2337
MANICURIST
SALT AND SCISSORS SALON
313C Pine Ave
Holmes Beach, 961-4458
SEE READERS, PAGE 19
MARINA
KEYES MARINA
5501 Marina Dr
Holmes Beach, 778-1977
MEN’S APPAREL
TURTLE SHACK
314 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 726-3163
OUTDOOR SPORTS STORE
AMI OUTFITTERS COASTAL GEAR & APPAREL
401 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 254-4996
PACK & SHIP ISLAND MAIL & MORE
3230 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-1911
PAINTER
CRAIG STAPP
CWS HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC
Bradenton, 305-432-1065
PEST CONTROL
ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL
11610 3rd Ave. E. Bradenton, 778-1630
PET GROOMING THE PAW SPA
5343 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0885
PET STORE
PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES
6757 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 792-1295
PHARMACIST
JOE – WALGREENS
3200 East Bay Drive. Holmes Beach, 778-0451
PHARMACY WALGREENS
3200 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0451
PLUMBER AIR & ENERGY 555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773
POOL CLEANER STAND UP POOLS
POOL CONTRACTOR
AGNELLI POOLS
7411 Manatee Ave W. Ste.200
Bradenton, 778-4333
REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE
JASON SATO
Sato Real Estate Inc.
519 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 778-7200
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
SATO REAL ESTATE INC.
519 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 778-7200
RENTAL COMPANY
SATO REAL ESTATE INC.
519 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 778-7200
RESORT
RESORT SIXTY-SIX
6600 Gulf Dr
Holmes Beach, 778-2238
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
FREEDOM VILLAGE
6406 21st Ave W. Bradenton, 210-6153
SERVICE STATION
HOLMES BEACH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE
5333 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 779-0487
SHOPPING CENTER
ISLAND SHOPPING PLAZA
5414 Marina Dr
Holmes Beach
SOUVENIR SHOP BRIDGE ST BAZAAR
107 Bridge St Bradenton Beach, 778-3443
SPA
SALON SALON
3612 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach, 778-0400
WINDOW REPAIR
MANATEE GLASS AND MIRROR
2406 Manatee Ave E. Bradenton, 747-9100
WOMEN’S APPAREL
IRENE’S RESORT WEAR
5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
EMILY ANNE SMITH LLC
527 74th St. Holmes Beach, 778-3113
SEE READERS, PAGE 20
ART GALLERY
ISLAND GALLERY WEST
5368 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-6648
ATTORNEY
NICK SATO
2071 Ringling Blvd. #400
Sarasota, 861-4400
BAND
PAM WARD
BAR & GRILL
HARRY’S GRILL
9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
BARTENDER
KAYLA
GRUB TROPICAL BBQ
415 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 900-2874
BEACH
COQUINA BEACH
BOAT CAPTAIN
JOEY SWEET
SWEET SUNSETS & DOLPHIN
TOURS
Anna Maria Island, 661-3681
BUSINESS PERSON
MIKE ZEPPI
ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING
1614 20th St. E. Palmetto, 749-5307
CATERER
MOLLY O’CONNOR
Traveling Gourmet Anna Maria, 405-7627
CHEF
BEN SATO GRUB TOPICAL BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874
CHIROPRACTOR
DR. STEPHANIE MURPHREE, D.C.
HARBORSIDE CHIROPRACTIC 5422 Lockridge Rd
Bradenton, 702-2822
DENTIST ISLAND DENTAL SPA
3909 E Bay Dr Ste #205 Holmes Beach, 778-2204
DOCTOR
STEPHEN PELHAM, M.D.
3909 East Bay Drive #100 Holmes Beach, 778-1007
EYE CARE
EYE CENTER
5106 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 941-795-2020
FINANCIAL PLANNER
EDWARD JONES
JOHN CAMPORA
3226 East Bay Dr. Holmes Beach, 779-2499
FISHING CHARTER
SWEET SUNSETS & DOLPHIN
TOURS
Anna Maria Island, 661-3681
INTERIOR DESIGN
EMILY MOSS DESIGNS
Anna Maria, 212-0361
INDIVIDUAL ENTERTAINER
STEVE ARVEY stevearvey@aol.com
MASSAGE THERAPY
ALUNA WELLNESS
2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400
PERSONAL TRAINER
BREANNA NEWTON
Home Fitness by Bre
SCHOOL
ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY
4700 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, 708-5525
SCHOOL TEACHER
STEPHANIE DAVIS
ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY
4700 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, 708-5525
VETERINARIAN CONNOR BYSTROM
PALMA SOLA ANIMAL CLINIC
6116 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 794-3275
VETERINARIAN CLINIC
DESOTO ANIMAL CLINIC
2910 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 748-2637
VIEW
BEAN POINT
WAITER/WAITRESS
LESLIE HOFFMAN
HARRY’S GRILL 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999
YOGA STUDIO
ALUNA WELLNESS
2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400
SEE READERS, PAGE 28
When they both lost their jobs after the market crash in 2010, Mark LaBriola and his wife, Jan, made the move to Florida to start a new life. They had always dreamed of owning a restaurant, even though Mark, a national director of safety for a large company, and Jan, a mortgage broker, had no restaurant experience. After selling everything and making the move from Texas to Arcadia, then eventually Anna Maria, they found themselves living three blocks from the restaurant they would eventually come to own at 9903 Gulf Drive.
Mark says the previous owners of Harry’s Grill were praying for the right buyers to come along when he approached them about purchasing the restaurant. Having spent their savings moving to Florida, Mark and Jan
worked out a payment agreement and took over Harry’s in 2014. The couple inherited a quality menu with burgers the people of the Island already loved, so for a while they worked to maintain Harry’s signature items. However, as business began to pick up and the restaurant became more and more successful, they
added more.
Harry’s is now famous for their award-winning chili, burgers that have been voted best on the Island, bacon-wrapped shrimp, aged prime rib, steaks and many more dishes that make this a must-visit for both locals and visitors. Harry’s also features live music both inside and in their large outdoor seating area every day of the week.
Emily Anne Smith has been an artist since birth, and turned her God-given talent of being able to draw literally anything she sees into a decades-long career of bringing people’s dreams to life with her skills as an architectural designer.
“I’m 83 years old and I’ve always felt that there is absolutely no substitute for experience. Whether a single-family home or a community of 200 homes, a single office or a shopping center, a duplex or a condominium, a second home retreat or an entire island resort, to Emily Anne, they all equally spark an innate feeling of exciting creative opportunity and challenge,” she said. “God willing, what we design and create will be around for many decades to come. I feel a strong responsibility that my work must add to the quality of people’s lives, functionally, visibly and visually. When somebody says they have a design or a building problem, I see an opportunity for innovation. After extensive travel in this world, I saw what southwest Florida holds for me and the quality of my life. Nowhere is the sky so blue, the cloudscapes more magnificent, the fascination and wonder
more sweetened than living so close to the sea, like a celebration of life itself, where sea meets land. The destination of our rivers, the crashing of the waves, I could go on and on about my love for this special place. I’m so very happy to be here.”
Cheesecake Cutie in Holmes Beach came from humble beginnings, starting in owner Jennifer Geils’ kitchen three years ago. In the beginning, she only made and sold cheesecakes, using recipes handed down from her late mother, who perfected the art. As demand grew, Geils knew she wanted a brickand-mortar location, and found her home at 3324 East Bay Drive, which she opened in November 2020.
Geils says it was never her intention to become a restaurant, but customers asked for more after falling in love with her delicious cheesecakes, so she decided to give them what they wanted. Cheesecake Cutie has evolved into a popular restaurant that offers breakfast and a full lunch menu of signature sandwiches, cheesecakes, cookies and even a unique coffee recipe from beans roasted in Sarasota exclusively for the restaurant.
Geils says one of the biggest challenges is getting the word out that Cheesecake Cutie is more than just cheesecakes. She says people see the name and assume it’s not an actual restaurant, but makes a good point when saying that The Cheesecake Factory
has more than 200 items and the Oyster Bar serves more than just oysters.
Cheesecake Cutie is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ASIAN RESTAURANT
ISLAND OCEAN STAR
902 S Bay Blvd
Anna Maria, 251-6940
BAGEL SHOP
PARADISE BAGELS & CAFÉ
3220 E. Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, 779-1212
BAKERY
HOMETOWN DESSERTS
507 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 896-3167
BARBEQUE
GRUB TROPICAL BBQ
415 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 900-2874
BREAKFAST
GINNY’S & JANE E’S
9807 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 778-3170
BURGER
HARRY’S BAR & GRILL 9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
CAFÉ
CHEESECAKE CUTIE
3324 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach, 779-2253
CANDY STORE DIPS ICE CREAM 503 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 778-1706
DELI
SCOTT’S DELI 6000 Marina Dr. unit D Holmes Beach, 778-3000
FESTIVAL CORTEZ FISHING FESTIVAL
GERMAN RESTAURANT OLD HAMBURG SCHNITZELHAUS
3246 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach, 778-1320
GOLF COURSE
PINEBROOK IRONWOOD GOLF 4260 Ironwood Cir
Bradenton, 792-3288
GROUPER SANDWICH
ROD & REEL PIER
875 N Shore Dr
Anna Maria, 778-1885
HEALTH FOOD STORE
RICHARD’S FOODPORIUM
2601-B Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 749-0892
ICE CREAM SHOP
TWO SCOOPS ICE CREAM
101 S. Bay Blvd.
Anna Maria, 779-2422
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
VINNY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
5337 Gulf Dr
Holmes Beach, 896-9754
KEY LIME PIE
HOMETOWN DESSERTS
507 Pine Ave.
Anna Maria, 896-3167
LIVE THEATER ISLAND PLAYERS
10009 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 778-5755
MARGARITA
WICKED CANTINA
101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
WICKED CANTINA
101 7th St. N.
Bradenton Beach, 281-2990
MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
BLUE MARLIN
121 Bridge St
Bradenton Beach, 896-9737
NEW RESTAURANT
GRUB TROPICAL BBQ
415 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 900-2874
NIGHT SPOT
HARRY’S BAR & GRILL
9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
PIER
ROD AND REEL PIER
875 North Shore Drive
Anna Maria, 778-1885
PIZZA PIZZA SOCIAL
308 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 251-4070
PLACE TO SEE SUNSET
SANDBAR RESTAURANT
100 Spring Ave W
Anna Maria, 778-0444
RESTAURANT (OVERALL)
THE PORCH
9707 Gulf Dr
Anna Maria, 782-8683
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR
200 Bridge St
Bradenton Beach, 778-2662
SPECIALTY COCKTAIL
DR. OFFICE
5312 Holmes Blvd Holmes Beach, 213-9926
SPECIALTY GOURMET
THE FEAST
5406 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-5092
SUB/SANDWICH
CHEESECAKE CUTIE
3324 E Bay Dr
Holmes Beach, 779-2253
TAKEOUT
HURRICANE HANKS
5346 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach, 778-5788
BRADENTON BEACH – Ellen Scott is now an honorary member of the Anna Maria Island Privateers.
The Privateers surprised Scott with the honor during a March 15 fundraiser at the Drift In. The Privateers frequently partner with the Drift In to raise funds for the scholarships they award to local students and the Christmas gifts they provide to underprivileged families. The proceeds from this event were donated to the Privateers themselves as part of the “Raise The Skullywag” fundraising campaign for repairs and upgrades needed for their pirate ship-themed parade vehicle.
As she does during all Privateers’ fundraisers at the Drift In, Scott spent the evening urging patrons to purchase raffle tickets for the lotto board that contained $300 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets and a $100 bill. The raffle also included a liquor-filled gift basket valued at $300 to be given to some lucky ticket holder.
“Every time we do an event here, Ellen insists on creating the lotto board. I bring her the tickets and she arranges it, laminates it and then sells the hell out of those tickets,” Privateer John “Lil John Arr” Rutherford said.
Honorary Privateer memberships are bestowed upon community members who go above and beyond in their efforts to assist the Privateers.
“It doesn’t make them an official member, just an honorary member,” Rutherford said.
He noted Drift In manager Doreen Flynn is also an honorary Privateer.
“Ellen’s always there to help the Privateers,” Flynn said. “She’s a fantastic lady and she’s been doing this for more than 20 years.”
Flynn said that Drift In patron and retired BeachHouse restaurant chef Donald White
is also an honorary Privateer.
Several of Scott’s family members attended the fundraising event but she didn’t know they were there to see her honored.
Her son, Bob Slicker, said, “Since I was a child, my mom has always been involved in something to help someone else. She’s a true inspiration.”
Her grandson, Brian Slicker, said, “When I was young and living in Michigan, I got involved in charitable drives because of her. She taught me to help others.”
When presenting Scott with her honorary membership plaque, Privateer Kim “Syren” Boyd mentioned the lotto board and said, “Miss Ellen has been instrumental in helping us do this and we cannot think of a better way to thank her than to make her an honorary Privateer.”
Boyd then read aloud the plaque inscription: “This is to certify that Ellen Scott is held in such high esteem by this organization because of her overwhelming support and generosity to our krewe and to our mission, ‘Pirates for kids and community,’ that the membership and krewe
has elected to confer upon her the privilege of honorary membership.”
Drift In owner Derek Williams then presented the Privateers with a $500 check for their “Raise The Skullywag” campaign and Drift In employee John “Baitman” Maguire donated an additional $100.
When discussing her honorary membership, Scott said, “It made me cry. It’s a great honor. I do it because I love the Privateers and I love who they help and what they work for: scholarships for kids and helping families have Christmas.”
Later that evening, the winning raffle ticket was pulled and Massachusetts resident and seasonal Florida resident Raye Young won the liquor basket and the lotto board that produced for her $98 in additional lottery ticket winnings.
According to Rutherford, Scott generated $2,126 in raffle ticket sales that night and the Privateers received an additional $850 in cash donations, bringing their “Raise the Skullywag” fundraising total to $5,001 at the time.
ed tide; two words that nobody wants to hear but everyone needs to understand. The term is just the common expression of the much deeper problem best described as harmful algae blooms (HABs). Someone who owns a resort hotel, has a restaurant on or near the beach, or runs a business that takes people fishing or sightseeing obviously depends on clean, healthy water for their livelihood. It’s easy for the average person to see that these businesses will be negatively affected by HABs or even the mere mention of them. What’s less obvious is that poor water quality and habitat loss (seagrasses, mangroves) affects everyone,
from fishing guides to developers, realtors, builders and all the allied trades and suppliers they all depend on. We seem to only focus on the things that directly impact us in the present, finding it easier to “kick the can down the road.” Maybe we should consider how we’ll feel when our children and grandchildren look us in the eye and ask, “What did you do to make sure I had some of the same opportunities that you did?”
Things took a devastating turn five years ago with a massive and longlived harmful algae bloom (red tide) that devastated coastal waters from Naples to St. Petersburg, rendering Sarasota Bay a virtual wasteland. Since that event, Sarasota Bay has lost more grass than had regrown in the prior 40 years.
On top of that, a release of over 200 million gallons of polluted process
FROM PAGE 32
water from the legacy phosphate facility at Piney Point in late March 2021 led to the worst algae bloom in Upper Tampa Bay since the 1970s, killing thousands of tons of sea life.
Resident anglers have seen firsthand the decrease in water quality and resulting loss of habitat, seagrass and its negative effect on local fisheries. Unfortunately, those who recently relocated here have no understanding of what has been lost and what that means for future anglers. The concept of “shifting baseline” describes a gradual change in the accepted norms for the condition of the natural environment due to lack of past information or lack of experience of past conditions.
It’s critically important that we vet the politicians who represent us and are charged with enacting rules and regulations to protect our natural resources. A good source of that information is the League of Conservation Voters (lcv.org). The LCV is non-partisan and tracks the voting records of members of the Senate and Congress on environmental issues in its National Environmental Scorecard. This is a clear indication of how those tasked with representing our interests vote. It’s critical that we take decisive action now.
Research candidates before you cast your vote and consider joining and working with advocates like Suncoast Waterkeeper and their Eyes On The Suncoast Program, Vote Water and Sarasota Bay Watch. If we don’t do it, who will?
The Bradenton Elks Club and Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez put together a great day of fishing for 31 area veterans.
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
CORTEZ - In 2013, the Bradenton Elks Club began an annual event to spend a day fishing with local veterans, and 10 years later, it’s still going strong.
This year’s fishing trip featured eight boats and 31 area veterans hitting the water on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, March 22. The trip was made possible by a grant from the Elks’ National Foundation.
“This year, Bob Slicker helped me by putting me in contact with two people, Pete Anderson and Daniel Colson,” Elks member Mike Dinius said. “They reached out to the veterans they know and they put the group together.”
Eight local captains provided their boats and services to make this year’s fishing trip a reality. According to Dinius, the fish were biting that day and the catch was good. Thanks to Slicker’s Eat-
Bayfront Park North Good Bradenton Beach Good Coquina Beach North Good Coquina Beach South Good Manatee Beach North Good Palma Sola Bay South Good
Source: Florida Department of Heath
ery owner Bob Slicker, they didn’t have to throw their catches back in the water, since his restaurant had an afterparty where he provided drinks, appetizers and cooked their catch for dinner.
SUBMITTED
The person on each boat who caught the most fish also won a Slicker’s shirt to remember their successful day on the water.
High (respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)
Medium
(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)
Low (possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)
Very low (possible respiratory irritation)
Background (no effects)
None (no red tide present)
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
FROM PAGE 4
“We need the folks who are going to be impacted by this to become our allies,” Salem said on March 23.
The next item on Thursday’s agenda was a Home Rule Florida statistical presentation given by City Clerk LeAnne Addy. Addy said Home Rule Florida ran opposition campaigns on March 3, March 6 and March 12 that specifically targeted Gruters and the other Regulated Industries Committee members.
According to Addy, 1,318 Home Rule Florida email subscribers sent 4,940 email letters to those committee members during the three campaigns. She also said Home Rule Florida recently gained 555 new subscribers.
Addy encourages more people to subscribe to the Home Rule Florida email
updates and she encourages subscribers to share those emails with people they know.
Murphy said the idea of living next to a vacation rental party house was the one idea that resonated with the state legislators he spoke to.
“The angle we’re emphasizing is party houses, because that’s what this opens up,” Murphy said.
Friday evening, Home Rule Florida distributed an email that encourages recipients to express their opposition to Brodeur and the members of the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government Committee that includes Boyd and Gruters.
The email’s subject line says, “Another chance: No Party Houses. No SB 714,” and it includes a direct link to a Home Rule Florida web page that provides prewritten email letters to be easily sent to multiple state legislators.
Though not in Tallahassee this week, Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse appeared before the Local Administration, Federal Affairs and Special Districts Subcommittee on March 15 to voice his support for the bill.
In a talk with The Sun, Kruse said he was in the state capitol for another matter, but the trip coincided with the first committee hearing on the parking garage bill and he wanted to lend support to Robinson.
The hearing was also attended by Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth along with several members of city staff. Titsworth, along with many Island residents and property owners, opposes the construction of a parking garage at Manatee Beach, which is owned by Manatee County but located in Holmes Beach. City leaders passed an ordinance in 2022 banning the construction of multi-level parking garages in the city except by special exception. Though parking garages were previously not an allowable land use in the city without a special exception, the passage of the ordinance bolstered the prohibition after county commissioners began discussing the possibility of building a parking garage in the city as an answer to beachgoer parking constraints.
Kruse said that while he understands
that a special exception hearing before city commissioners could have been undertaken by the county, he thinks it would have been a waste of time, effort and taxpayer money due to city commissioners’ passage of the parking garage ban, resulting in county commissioners pushing the matter to the state level.
As of press time for The Sun, Kruse is the only Manatee County commissioner to have taken Titsworth up on her offer to tour the city’s available beach parking. Kruse said he embarked on the parking tour following a town hall meeting he held at the Island Branch Library, and said he spent more than two hours touring city streets and talking with the mayor about parking.
“We looked at probably 100% of the parking spaces,” Kruse said. “I said it when I was up in Tallahassee, I 100% gave Holmes Beach credit. What they’re working on right now is great. What they’re working on is going to be much more hospitable, much more welcoming to residents of Manatee County, staycationers and tourists.”
Holmes Beach city leaders are working to remove sign pollution, placing green numbered parking spot indicators near beach access points and working on an interactive app, with the installation of parking sensors, that can alert visitors to where available parking is located in real
time. The city also provides a map on its website that identifies public parking areas.
“I think everything that Holmes Beach is doing is amazing. It’s great. It’s going to make a world of difference,” Kruse said, adding that he feels that the bill at the state level may be pushing city leaders to work to resolve parking issues.
And though he said the city is addressing parking in as much as they have the capacity to do so, he doesn’t feel the solutions or even the proposed parking garage will fix all of the parking and traffic issues on Anna Maria Island. Even with the loss of the 400-plus parking spaces currently available at Manatee Beach, the parking garage would net 1,000 or more parking spaces, which Kruse said could potentially help provide more spaces for Manatee County residents and visitors.
“I do not think putting a parking garage there is going to fix our parking problem,” he said. “I support the concept of the parking garage. I support Rep. Robinson’s bill.”
“At the end of the day this is a large project in a large CIP within the county that has hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars of projects,” Kruse said. “So, I need numbers first. I need financials first. I’m a realist and I’m somebody who assesses everything with facts. So, I,
at the end of the day, need to see where is $30-45 million coming from? What is the timeline for completion? What are we going to do with 400-plus parking spots in the interim during construction? That’s information I don’t have yet because the bill hasn’t passed yet, so we haven’t gone through it. We get to our CIP discussions in the summer when we go through budget, so this hasn’t come up specifically. I support the concept of allowing the county a very reasonable height and reasonable footprint to build additional parking for citizens of the county. Is it 100% guaranteed it’s going to get built? Probably. I know my board. But am I 100% sold on it? I need to see where those numbers are coming from. Is that the best use of $45 million? And maybe it is. I support the concept. I support the idea of giving us the option. And I think that’s the heart and soul of it.”
Kruse added that he feels there could be better answers to the parking and traffic congestion issues on the Island, primarily the installation of a third lane on the Anna Maria Island Bridge along Manatee Avenue to allow for a dedicated first responder and transit lane. With a dedicated transit lane, he said he feels people would be more likely to ride a shuttle service to the beach with their gear if it allowed them to bypass traffic. The reconstruction of the Anna Maria Island Bridge is on the Florida Department of Transportation’s project priorities list but is unfunded.
ANNA MARIA – Week one of adult co-ed recreational soccer opened up the spring season with an actionpacked game between Vintage Beach and Duncan Real Estate.
In the close match-up, both teams showed impressive passing and shooting to start the season, but the shooting efforts of the Vintage Beach squad eked out the 4-3 win in the final seconds of the game.
Starting the game in goal, Danny Free made six saves for the Vintage team before being replaced by designated goalkeeper Mark Rudacille.
Rudacille finished the game with eight stops, while Charles “Tuna” Mc-
Cracken protected the net for team Duncan Real Estate. Credited with 12 saves, McCracken’s stops helped his team stay in contention for the full 40 minutes of regulation play.
On the scoring side of the game, team captain Kevin Roman scored a single goal. Tyler “Bean” Brewer eluded the Vintage Beach defense and keeper with two goals, keeping his team in the game.
Joey Hutchinson, captain for Vintage Beach, successfully struck twice for two points. Mid-game, Mandy Sky struck hard and accurately at the Duncan net for a goal.
Vintage Beach team member JD Webb’s ball handling and ability to move around the Duncan defense allowed him to get past McCracken with
a scoring shot.
The offensive assists by Free, Hutchinson and Rudacille helped give the Vintage Beach squad their first win of the season.
To round out the first week of adult soccer play, Pool America handily defeated Moss Builders by seven points, with the final score 10-3.
Solid Rock Construction won by two goals against Sato Real Estate, putting them at the top of the leader board along with the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits team.
Finishing the night of soccer at The Center, the Sandbar easily won against Gulfview Windows & Doors. Team Sandbar scored 12 goals in the game, with a nine-point lead over Gulfview. With six regular season games to go,
the Island’s community center adult soccer league is sure to give spectators and players a fun season of strikes, stops and scoring.
SUN SCOREBOARD
MARCH 23
ADULT CO-ED SOCCER WEEK 1
Mortgage rates appear to be control ling the real estate market across the country. My new favorite term is “rate sensitive.” This means that a buyer who would have been happy at 6.75% ran for the hills when the rates rose to 7%, about where they are as of this writing for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage.
I’m not dismissing the importance of rate increases in real money to buyers’ budgets, but nevertheless, a lot of them are walking for not a lot of money. To be fair, a one-point increase in a mortgage rate would have the same effect on affordability as a 10% increase in home prices, per First American Financial Corp. This could eliminate the buyer from qualifying for the home they are currently considering, lower their home buying expectations or cause them to disappear completely from the marketplace.
Earlier in the year when the rates were solidly in the 6% or a little over range, buyers were on the move. This may explain why our Manatee County statistics this
month show more pending properties in February 2023 compared to January 2023 even though the annual trend has been going down monthly. This was a surprise to many professionals in the housing market who now think that gain may be given back. The general consensus is that buyers now are much more cautious and are paying more attention than the people that were buying last year.
Here are the February sales statistics for Manatee County reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee: Single-family homes closed 10% fewer properties than last year. The median selling price was $490,000, up 2.5% from last year,
and the average selling price was $639,562, down 7.7% from last year. The median time to contract was 39 days compared to six days and the month’s supply of properties is 3.1 months compared to 0.6 months last year.
Condos closed 21.1% fewer properties than last year. The median selling price was $369,900, up 13.8%, and the average selling price was $435,748, up 17.3% from last year. The median time to contract was 29 days compared to 5 days and the month’s supply of properties was 3.4 months compared to 0.5 months last year.
March and April generally are busy months for closings in Florida before buyers return north. The next two months may tell a slightly different story, but there is no doubt that higher interest rates are having an effect.
One quick note about your home’s assessed value. Property taxes across the country have risen in recent years based on the increased value of your home. When you receive the new assessment and tax bill, don’t
just file it in one of those folders that you’ll never look at again. Read it over for errors that could be anything from the size of your lot to the size of your home and the size of your new pool. Don’t be afraid to contact the assessor’s office and review this with them.
It’s also a good idea to stay on top of the recent sales in your neighborhood. Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com will give you just about anything you need to know in addition to the Manatee County public records. If you really feel your home has been appraised higher than it should be, you can ask a licensed Realtor for an evaluation or a licensed appraiser. A Realtor may prepare an evaluation as a goodwill measure, but a licensed appraiser will charge a fee, however, an appraiser’s evaluation may hold more weight. And don’t forget to apply for any exemptions you may be entitled to. We are living through a sensitive time for just about anything related to finances. Keep the tissues handy and your head on straight.
Daryl Van Ostenbridge, a Chicago native and longtime resident of Manatee County and Anna Maria Island, died peacefully on March 16, 2023.
Daryl was a devout Christian and the longest member of Roser Memorial Church for 75 years. She was a beloved figure in the community, volunteering for many years at The Center on the Island. She was also a retired nurse, an avid reader, a huge baseball fan, loved crafting and quilting, traveling and had an incomparable sense of humor. As a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she always said her family was her proudest accomplishment.
She is predeceased by her husband, John; sons, Kevin and Scott; grandson, Dillon; and brother, Jim (Diane). She is survived by her sons, Butch (Edie) and John (Joyce); daughter, Vicki; grandchildren, Kevin, Keith, Jamie, Dara,
Anna and Abi; great-grandchildren
ShaiLynn, Sydnee, Hailey, Liam, Riley, Harper, Sloan and Christian; brothers, Bob (Joyce) and Paul (Jan); and sister, Virginia (Mark).
Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at Roser Memorial Community Church with a reception to follow.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roser Memorial Community Church or Tidewell Hospice. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Carl Daniel “Trigger” Mora passed away on March 17, 2023 with his loving wife and family by his side.
Born and raised in the Cortez fishing village, Trigger was a fourthgeneration commercial fisherman who followed in his father’s footsteps. He graduated from Manatee High School, Class of 1962, in Bradenton, Florida. He worked at Smith’s Radiator shop in Bradenton for several years until the sea called
him back. Trigger also owned the Shell Station on Cortez Road, but once again the sea called him back.
As he continued commercial fishing, he decided to start his business, Cortez Boat and Davit. Trigger was a skilled, clever, versatile, hardworking man who could build, fix or design anything. He was considered “a oneof-a-kind man,” met no stranger and would help someone in need. Trigger leaves behind many wonderful stories and memories.
Trigger was predeceased by his mother, Elsie S. Mora; father, Daniel C. Mora; and son, Walter Daniel “Danny” Mora. Trigger is survived by his wife, Jennifer; stepdaughter, Jackie Medvitz; son, Carl “Shayne” Mora (Rosemary); granddaughters, Savannah Mora and Kara Lou Mora; grandsons, Cameron “Scout” Mora and Liam Mora; son, Quinn Mora; granddaughters, Coral Mora, Danika Mora and Kessie Mora; sisters, Kay Lundy and Rita Jordan; many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and lifelong best friend and cousin, Wally Lewis, along with a multitude of family and friends.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 25 from 9-10 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m. at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd
Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Condolences may be made to: brownandsonsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Trigger's name, donations can be made to: F.I.S.H., P.O. Box 606, Cortez, Florida 34215-0607.
Billy L. Rouse ("Bill"), 75, passed away at his home in Holmes Beach, Florida on March 21, 2023. He was born on April 3, 1947 to Harry Rouse Jr. and Phyl lis (Carlson) in Gary, Indiana.
Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, IU basketball and having a beer with friends.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret (Margie); son, Jake (Ashley); daughter, Dr. Amy Rouse, MD; and grandchildren, Brady and Sophie Ho; as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Benny.
In lieu of flowers, please go to your local bar, drink a beer for Bill, and tip your bartender!
3/17, 3:30 p.m., abandoned boat, 200 Bridge St. The officer observed a sunken sailing vessel near the high-traffic area of the boating channel. There were no identifying markings or registration numbers visible due to marine growth on the boat, so the owner could not be located. The officer saw the boat was a threat to navigation and the environment due to contaminants from the vessel. The boat will be removed.
3/16, 11:46 p.m., disorderly intoxication, 5410 Marina Drive. The officer was dispatched to Dcoy Ducks bar where he encountered a man in the parking lot causing a disturbance, arguing with the bartender and refusing to leave. The bartender asked that the man be removed from the bar for the night, at which time the subject left and walked across the street. The officer said he continued to yell from across the street, and then began yelling at people sitting at a table in the shopping plaza. The man became belligerent and almost got into a physical fight with one of the male patrons. Based on that and the fact he refused to leave, he was
placed under arrest for disorderly intoxication.
3/19, 12:23 p.m., abandoned firearms, 3711 Fourth Ave. The officer was dispatched in reference to abandoned property. The officer called the complainant, who explained he checked out of his vacation rental the previous day and had forgotten to take his two 9 millimeter handguns with him. The officer made contact with the current renter, who allowed the officer to come in the condo and retrieve the guns, which were both loaded. The officer gave the owner of the guns information on how to retrieve them from HBPD, where they were transported for safekeeping.
FROM PAGE 12
dridge offers the following tips to coexist with birds commonly seen this time of year.
“Let them eat the food they are meant to eat - fish, invertebrates, insects… not bread or Cheetos,” Doddridge wrote in an email to The Sun. “If birds are resting on the beach, leave them alone. Walk around them rather than run through the flock. They are resting and may be malnourished due to red tide.”
Doddridge also reminded beachgoers to dispose of trash properly.
“Plastic straws and can collars can injure birds,” she said.
Doddridge suggested learning more about the birds you see on the beach by visiting allaboutbirds.org and joining the local Audubon Society.
• Wintering gulls - ring-billed, lesser black-backed and herring;
• Terns - royal, sandwich, Forster’s and common;
• Shorebirds - willet, ruddy turnstone, black-bellied plover, sanderling;
• Egrets and herons - great egret, snowy egret, reddish egret, great blue heron, little blue heron, yellow-crowned night heron, tri-colored heron;
• Swallows - barn and tree;
• Raptors - osprey, bald eagle.
With over two dozen villages, each with its own amenitie s, home types, floorplans, and price range, it’s easy to see why Lakewood Ranch is the countr y’s leader in mult i-generational living We have something for ever y size family and ever y stage of life which makes it easy to live with family, near family or among chosen family
FROM PAGE 12 were 76 watercraft strike deaths of manatees statewide in 2022.
According to the FWC, “The total statewide manatee mortality number, 800 for 2022, was above the 5-year average of 741, but was lower than that of the prior year at 1,100. Mortality was high due to the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event (UME) from starvation
and malnutrition on the Atlantic coast.” Manatees are a threatened species and it is illegal to feed, harass or harm them. Physically handling a distressed or stranded manatee can cause additional harm. Instead, report injured, distressed, stranded or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
FROM PAGE 1
presented on March 15, Jackson’s original asking price has increased by $250,000, from $16 million to $16.25 million.
The park contains 86 individual mobile home lots, according to the document. Those lots are currently owned by Jackson and monthly rent is charged for the use of each lot. The park has a shared community building that would also be part of the sale and the park owners hold riparian rights that allow for boat dockage along the east end of the park.
The document assumes each single share of the park would sell for $200,000, plus an additional $1,000 in closing costs for each lot. It also provides a breakdown of the anticipated costs per ownership share. A shareowner who makes an initial $20,000 down payment would then borrow $181,000. Their monthly share payment would be $1,513, plus a $325 monthly maintenance fee, for a total monthly cost of $1,838.
The document cites an assumed 8% fixed interest rate amortized for 20 years. With the current $16.25 million asking price, the document proposes a $10 million loan that would result in a $6,250 remaining balance due for each lot – to
be paid by the mobile home owner or the park co-op.
“For those of you who buy in, there will be no more rent and no more rent increases. Instead, you pay a monthly maintenance fee based on the cost to operate the park and a budget the owner’s association has approved,” the document states.
The final page of the document is titled, “How a resident-owned community works for you.”
The document describes a residentowned community as “a community in which the residents have joined together and purchase their community from the landlord/owner.”
Regarding the initial organization of a resident-owned community, the document says, “Lifestyle Choice Realty recommends such communities be organized through a residents’ cooperative. It is the method favored by most residents.”
Resident cooperatives are non-profit
corporations owned by the residents who chose to participate.
“Lifestyle Choice Realty recommends cooperatives for two reasons. First, the initial purchase is faster and easier because the cooperative buys the entire community, eliminating the need to survey and subdivide each individual lot. Second, the cooperative operates through its board of directors, a group of residents elected by all participating residents,” the document states.
The document notes an existing mobile home and its associated cooperative share can be sold to another buyer. It also addresses what happens if a resident chooses not to buy into the cooperative.
“In that case, the resident’s current lease agreement and prospectus remain the same. The main difference is the resident pays rent to the cooperative and will not be allowed to vote in how the park is operated.”
One meeting attendee, who wished to remain anonymous, said the Pines residents remain “cautiously optimistic” that the cooperative purchase of the park can be accomplished, but nothing had been finalized yet.
THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.
ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS
WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends.
Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?
Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
TOTAL HOME SERVICES
CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-7564570 or 941-565-3931
LOOKING TO JOIN a stable & well-established kitchen crew? EUPHEMIA
HAYE RESTAURANT, an award-winning fine dining restaurant on Longboat Key, is hiring folks to work in the kitchen. Full or part time positions available. Evenings. Pay depends on experience but is competitive. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Euphemia Haye Restaurant, 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 941.383.3633
WE ARE HIRING Part Time & Full Time. The White Egret & The Egret’s Nest in City of Anna Maria’ Please contact Pam at 941-7783782
NOW HIRING THE ISLAND CABANA come join our team. Full or part time, flexible hours 9:30-5:30 Pay based on experience. Fun, fabulous, fashionable place to work. Submit resume islandcabana@ gmail.com
HOME MAINTENANCE 8 hrs per week $20 per hour Sweep, clean outdoor furniture, vacuum pool, rake, wash windows, pickup debris, etc Call Dan 941713-1586
The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a daily or community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Cindy Lane, editior.
CAPT. MAC GREGORY
Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783
U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
GARAGE SALE-MULTIBLE ITEMS from a collector. 208 Oak Ave, City of Anna Maria. EVERY Saturday & Sunday thru April 16. 9amuntil.
TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates.
Neil 941-726-3077
RENOVATION SPECALIST
ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.
KERN CONSTRUCTION
NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-962-1194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.
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.
ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com
CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways, pool decks, concrete grinding. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bimonthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
LOST/MISPLACED MY APPLE- IPhone (light blue cover ) Saturday at Cortez Seafood Festival .Call Tony Fantetti 863-214-3886
MARTIN’S MOVING
YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS”
Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS
ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
ATTN REALTORS: Are you thinking about leaving the business to get a salaried job? If you love being a Realtor & need help navigating this new market, call us today for a confidential appt. Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team AMI KW on the Water 941-799-9299
GORGEOUS DEEP WATER LOT with 2BR/2BA home in City of Anna Maria with dock and boat lift. Beautiful street. Just one block walk to beach. $2,800,000. Call for showing 941-7136531
VILLAGE GREEN CONDO ~ Maintenance free 2BR/2BA condo with garage. Convenient West Bradenton location, 5 minutes to the beach. $348,900.00. Call Lisa Varano at Wagner Realty 941-730-9060.
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!
$435,000 Beautifully updated 2BR/2BA, second floor condo in Perico Island. Water & Nature views! Turnkey furnished! Karen Parsons Good Life Realty 407-233-7059
RENTALS: ANNUAL
ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.
ANNUAL RENTALS – AVAILABLE NOW. 2BR/1BA, furnished. $4,500/month. Canal front 3BR/2BA home, private pool, boat dock. AVAILABLE 2/1/23. $7,960/ mo. First, Last, and Security Deposit required Call Sato Real Estate, Inc 941-7787200 or Email megan@ satorealestate.com
ADORABLE 2 BR/1BA COTTAGE in Holmes Beach. Just steps from the gulf. $2550/mo, annual. Dolores Baker Real Estate 941-7787500.
ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH 1BR/1BA steps to beach and shopping. Ceramic/ Laminate floors, screened in lanai. Pets considered. $1600/mo + utilities. Non-smoking. Call 941274-7321
ANNUAL AMI RENTAL $3200 per month includes all utilities, cable, WiFi 2 BR/1.5BA Over 50 No pets/smoking Call 507382-8880.
RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION
TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455
SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190
EASTER RENTAL AVAILABLE APRIL 1- APRIL 8. Beautiful Anna Maria Northshore. 5BR/4BA private pool. www. annamaria.travel Call 855-326-6262
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525
SEASONAL RENTAL JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2024. 1BR/1BA Bradenton Beach. Small complex, heated pool. Walk to restaurants, beach one block. Call Peggy 941-545-0208.
STARTING JUNE 15, 2BR/1BA, monthly. Fully furnished, wifi, washer dryer. 2 miles from beach off Cortez road. Across from bay. $2400 per mo. Ask about possible weekly. 941-773-1552.
THREE MONTH MIN. vacation rental Jan thru Mar, 2BR/1BA, 2 miles from island, off Cortez Rd. Across from Bay. Fully furnished, wifi, washer dryer. $4000 per month. 941-773-1552.
AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941447-8372, www.amitaxi. com GOLF CART RENTALS
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
