Anna Maria Island Sun March 4, 2015

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VOL 15 No. 19

March 4, 2015

The Princess Ball

Spring forward this weekend!

tom vaught | SUN

The night was alive with music, and it filled the auditorium at the Anna Maria Elementary School Princess Ball. Formerly known as the Father-Daughter Dance, the inaugural Princess Ball turned out to be just as magical. With tiaras gleaming and dressed in their finest gowns, the little princesses did not need much encouragement to get out on the dance floor, with or without dad.

Global settlement to be proposed If accepted, the proposal would remedy multiple issues on multiple fronts.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – At the Thursday, March 5, commission meeting, Mayor Bill Shearon is going to present for discussion a “global settlement” that could potentially resolve four pending lawsuits and the forfeiture of office proceedings initiated against him.

Three of the four lawsuits to be

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey business outdoors real estate Sports police reports

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discussed were filed

by Shearon and/or his partner Tjet Martin, with Jo Ann Meilner serving as co-plaintiff in two of the suits. A fourth lawsuit was filed against Shearon Shearon

by Ed Chiles’ ELRA Inc. restaurant ownership group.

Attorney Charles Johnson will join Shearon in presenting a proposal to the commission that is expected to include a request that the commission majority terminate the forfeiture

Conviction tossed in fish-tossing case The U.S. Supreme Court talks crocodiles, salamanders and red fish, blue fish in an opinion that turns the tide in favor of a commercial fisherman.

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

CORTEZ – The U.S. Supreme Court decided 5-4 last week to overturn the 2011 conviction of former commercial fisherman John Yates for destroying

see settlement, page 32

see YATES, page 32

MAGGIE FIELD | sun

Sandy and John Yates celebrate the Supreme Court’s ruling.

driftwwod

THe uli charts the future of Anna

galleries:

Maria Island. 4

Uncover a hidden treasure in Bradenton. 14

Head Moose calls for herd support.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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MARCH 4, 2015

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MARCH 4, 2015

THE SUN

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New four-way stop surprises motorists Sheriff’s office deputies will give motorists a warning for now, if they fail to stop.

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

ANNA MARIA – Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office Sgt. Paul Davis says his deputies are monitoring the intersection of Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue to make sure people comply with the four-way stop sign.

The Anna Maria City Commission passed an ordinance last week adding the extra stop signs to make it safer for pedestrians walking across the street and drivers trying to pull onto Gulf Drive without being able to see if there is traffic coming. The Department of Public Works erected the signs last Friday, but a lot of drivers aren’t used to it.

“It’s an educational process,” said Davis, who ordered his deputies to give warnings to motorists who don’t stop.

“We’ve given warning and a few tickets,” Davis said, “but the tickets were for not having registration,

proof of insurance or a valid driver’s license.”

The first Sunday of the four-way stop was a mess because of the rummage sale in one of the lots next to the intersection. Witnesses said the people and cars caused a backup, especially on Gulf Drive.

Davis said they would continue with the warnings for a short while, until people get used to it. He said they have deputies monitor the intersection when available. He also said he hasn’t heard much griping about the extra delays.

“The only thing they are saying is, ‘It’s about time.’”

That’s not exactly how everyone feels about the redesigned intersection, however.

Victoria Sweeney owns Island Scooter Rentals near the intersection, and she saw the traffic back up during Sunday’s flea market.

“I’m not for anything that causes more congestion,” she said. “Hopefully, this will make people safer.”

Line Brousseou and Maurice Amor have been coming to the Island for 35 years, and they like to sit outside Ginny and Jane E’s and watch the

MIKE FIELD | SUN

Northbound traffic is backed up at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue, where a new four-way stop has caught some motorists by surprise. people. Amor thinks they should put flashing lights at the stop signs, since they’ve seen a lot of people go through the intersection without stopping.

“We’ve watched the motorists stop and wait for others.,” he said. “They

are very polite. I haven’t heard anyone yell at somebody.”

A number of motorists said they are avoiding the intersection altogether and using North Shore Drive just one see STOP, page 17

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ISLAND NEWS

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MARCH 4, 2015

in brief

City says no to Sunday music for Springfest Musician Howie Banfield appealed to Holmes Beach city commissioners to allow strolling musicians to play acoustic music on Sunday at the Art League of AMI’s Springfest on March 14 and 15 in the city field. Last year, commissioners approved an ordinance governing events in the field with no music allowed on Sundays.

“Please do something good that’s been traditional for 30 years,” he said in an e-mail to the mayor and commissioners. “We are not amplified. We are not loud.”

However, at last weeks’ work session, Chair Judy Titsworth said, “There’s no room in the ordinance for a special exception. Let’s try it out for a year. They can stroll all they want on Saturday.

“We’re trying to create some balance. There was so much music and so much noise. Let’s get some peace on Sundays because residents couldn’t even listen to their own music in their own homes. ”

Mangrove issue reviewed Mayor Bob Johnson has investigated residents’ complaints about mangroves being cut at a vacant lot on Clark Drive. He said when the incident occured, Code Enforcement Officer Dave Forbes and Police Chief Bill Tokajer surveyed the situation and called the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), but got no response.

They then called Jerry West, a resident and retired planning director for the city of Bradenton. West said there were some upland mangroves in the debris, but the trimming appeared to be legal.

Johnson said he has asked Forbes to contact the DEP again and ask for a field visit to review the case and also to review the city’s regulations regarding mangroves and establish better communication between the agencies.

Bridge projects continue Motorists should use caution on The Longboat Pass Bridge and the Cortez Bridge this week as they undergo maintenance.

On the Longboat Pass Bridge, motorists can expect intermittent northbound and southbound nighttime/overnight lane closures from 9 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. each morning through Thursday, March 5.

Crews will work on the Cortez Bridge piles jackets, span locks and complete punch list items as that project nears its end. The project is expected to end this month.

CINDY LANE | sun

About 150 people came to hear ideas from the ULI on the future of Anna Maria Island on Friday morning.

ULI charts future of AMI

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

HOLMES BEACH – A map for Anna Maria Island’s future has been sketched, and it’s up to residents, tourists, businesses and government officials to fill in the details, members of the Urban Land Institute told a group of about 150 people last Friday at CrossPointe Fellowship.

Contrary to the wishes of many long-time residents, the Island “is likely to continue to be what it is, a barrier island resort, fully built out,” ULI Chair Alex Rose said, adding that controlling how the inevitable redevelopment happens is the key to solving problems.

“You would think it would be better if fewer people would like AMI, but that’s not a winning strategy,” nor is pulling up the bridges and leaving them up, panelist Klaus Philipsen said, suggesting that “design is the solution to many of the problems you face managing growth.”

Panelists for the ULI, a not-forprofit organization that consults on development issues, outlined several suggestions for the Island, including building affordable worker housing to reduce commuter traffic and creating “areas of preservation” allowing limited development and “areas of change” encouraging redevelopment.

They suggested charging for parking and recommended severing the

tie connecting beach renourishment funding to beach access based on parking spaces.

Panelists recommended redeveloping the Holmes Beach commercial district and Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.

Environmental suggestions included harvesting rainwater to curb stormwater runoff, installing generators and solar power so cities could provide backup power in case of hurricanes and using permeable roadways to protect water resources.

They also recommended using native plants in landscape design and adopting performance standards to encourage sustainable practices.

They suggested asking the Manatee County Commission for more resort tax funds, since nearly half are generated on the Island, and creating an “AMI brand” apart from the county tourism office’s brand, perhaps along the lines of an active living, car-free, family friendly vacation resort. An experienced marketing manager for the Island-wide Chamber of Commerce would be key, they said. They also recommended forming an Island-wide neighborhood services department to regulate vacation rentals.

Police should direct traffic at busy intersections on busy days, and cities should add signs with parking rules on residential streets, they said.

All three cities should consider

sharing services, hiring an AMI planner and forming an AMI leadership council, or brain bank, and increasing mayoral terms to four years to give mayors a chance to do long-term projects, they said, adding that cities should consider a city council/manager type of government.

But most of all, they suggested the cities present a unified front on all requests to the county or state, particularly on the issues of a new bridge, and lobbying legislators to change the state law pre-empting home rule on short-term vacation rentals.

The recommendations are based on a $130,000 study – $125,000 paid for with excess revenues from the two beach concession stands on the Island and the rest from the Island’s three cities – which included studying a briefing book prepared by a local volunteer committee, touring the Island and interviewing more than 100 people about problems and potential solutions.

The panelists will publish a detailed, written report in two to three months. “ ‘The Island Plan’ is the key to achieving the results AMI desires by the choices AMI makes,” said Rose, who applauded the cities’ “willingness to come together as three cities” and undertake a long-term effort to mold the Island’s future. see ULI, page 13

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MARCH 4, 2015

THE SUN

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Pier opening celebrated Friday night’s ceremonial event put an exclamation point on the pier reconstruction.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The reconstructed Historic Bridge Street Pier was a scene of celebration Friday night during the grand opening ceremony presided over

by Mayor Bill Shearon.

Shearon addressed the crowd of approximately 100 people who gathered at the far end of the pier, talking into a bullhorn while standing on one of the new pier benches, with Commissioner Janie Robertson standing nearby.

The mayor thanked the Tourist Development Council and Manatee County for the shared pier funding; the Cast-n-Cage restaurant and the Bridge Street Merchants for participating in the evening’s ceremony; and former Mayor John Shaughnessy, city staff, and the Pier Team advisory

joe hendricks | sun

The pier was filled with happy folks during Friday evening’s grand opening ceremony. board for their guidance and contributions.

He also thanked the pier contractors, Duncan Seawall and ZNS Engineering, for their efforts during the reconstruction process that began in August and resulted in the pier being reopened in midJanuary.

“Look at the craftsmanship that’s involved here; it’s unbelievable” Shearon said.

The loudest cheer of the evening occurred when Shearon said, “This project came in on time and under budget.”

Shearon concluded his remarks by saying, “Thank you call for coming, and enjoy our new pier.”

Afterwards, County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said, “It’s great. This reminds of when I was a kid, fishing out here with a cane pole,”

“Air & Energy is my go-to company for air conditioning, plumbing and electrical. I wouldn’t trust my home to anyone else. You just can’t beat their quick response, expertise or customer service!”

- Chuck Slater Happy Air & Energy Customer for 12 years

Vice Mayor Jack Clarke said, “The pier is beautiful, thanks to a lot of hard work by the Pier Team, city staff, Duncan and ZNS.” Commissioner Jan Vosburgh said, “I love the way it turned out, and we wouldn’t be here if not for John Shaughnessy and Nora Idso (the late city clerk).”

In honor of Idso, one of the green pier benches bears the engraving: “In remembrance of

Nora Idso…Service dates: June 1999 to October 2013.” A pair of pigs bookend the verbiage, in honor of Idso’s fondness for the curly-tailed creatures.

After to responding to a Wildlife Inc. rescue call with his grandson Devon, Commissioner Ed Straight arrived as the short ceremony was winding down.

“It’s been a long time coming, but it really looks good,” Straight said.

The longtime commissioner expressed gratitude for the extra pilings that will protect the pier from damage should any of the anchored vessels break free, as was the case in 2012, when the pier was severely damaged.

Before the ceremony began, Anna Maria Island Privateer’s President Bob “Stitch” Dominas stood beneath the historic clock tower, surrounded by his fellow pirates, and fired an ear-shattering ceremonial shot from the miniature, but mighty, Privateers’ cannon.

He then hollered, “Let’s go take back our pier.”

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OPINION

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

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MARCH 4, 2015

EDITORIAL Don't forget to stop

A

hh, the Island. You gotta love it. What an enticing, captivating, incredible place it is. It's also maddening, aggravating and full of all the problems that plague any other community, resort or otherwise.

And so, in a week when nationally renowned urban planners were mapping out a $130,000 framework to take the Island into the future, it seems only fitting that the hottest topic of discussion in living rooms and watering holes was .... stop signs. Specifically, the new four-way stop installed at Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue in Anna Maria.

The intersection - one the mayor says is by far the busiest in the city - long has been troublesome for motorists and pedestrians alike. Walking across Gulf Drive has been a dangerous proposition, especially during high season. Many drivers simply would not yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks, even though they are required to do so by law. Motorists trying to turn left onto Gulf Drive from Magnolia also faced a daunting task, relying mostly on the kindness of strangers to let them merge into the bumper-tobumper traffic.

Enter the four-way stop, which city officials hope will make things safer for pedestrians and less frustrating for motorists.

It's a low-tech solution to a pesky problem and only time will tell how successful it will be. The first few days after installation saw numerous drivers failing to stop because they simply didn't know they had to. Deputies monitoring the situation handed out warnings, not citations, to motorists caught blowing through the intersection, saying they want to give people time to get used to the new stop signs.

And credit Mayor Dan Murphy, who says if the four-way stop creates more problems than it solves, he'll take it out.

We like that common-sense approach. And it didn't cost $130,000.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Storm water plan flawed Regarding the proposed change to how storm water fees are calculated, this proposal is counterproductive to the three towns’ shared long term interest of minimizing storm water runoff. LTA Engineers’ proposal simplifies an assessment - it makes it very easy for the government to calculate, and for taxpayers to comprehend. But the engineers’ recommendation is also mistaken and is an excellent example of the law of unintended consequences.

The proposed assessment change assumes that all lots, regardless of their use or compliance with current permeability requirements, merely contribute to the storm water problem based on their square footage. This assumption is patently false; because it uses only lot size it will let those

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

whose lots do not meet current permeability requirements get away with it.

But since someone has to pay the tab for storm water drainage projects that never seem to actually commence, lots that comply with the permeability requirement will be penalized. Lots in compliance are typically residential lots, and so some might view these outcomes as discriminatory. The three cities can avoid substantial civic disharmony by returning to the drawing board. They should not change their methodology until they arrive upon a truly superior solution.

Lisa Pierce Holmes Beach

Best book sale ever Our Friend of the Island Library book sale was a great success with more than a thousand people coming

Layout Ricardo Fonseca

Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis

Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Ad director Chantelle Lewin Ad assistant Chris Boniberger

Columnists Louise Bolger

Classified ads Bob Alexander

in to browse and buy. This was our very best year for the book sale, taking in more than $4,000 To our wonderful volunteers, who toiled over thousands of books, sorting, setting up, pricing and so much more, to our Friends who donated the books and everyone who attended the sale, we say most sincerely, thank you.

We give grateful thanks to The Roser Community Church and its staff who welcomed us with open arms and allowed us the use of their Fellowship Hall, a large bright space that managed to hold the thousands of books that had been donated to us over the past year.

To our Sun newspaper, which is always gracious giving us the needed publicity with good timely articles about the sale, and to Mike and Karen SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7

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

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

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MARCH 4, 2015

THE SUN

the sun survey

on the agenda

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: Do you think Anna Maria should keep or sell the land now called City Pier Park?

We should keep it but

Anna Maria

5%

2%

make it a big parking lot.

Keep it and turn it into Cell Tower Park.

10%

This is a no-brainer - sell it and get it back on the tax roles!

10005 Gulf Drive

3/6: City Pier Park Committee, 10 a.m.

3/9: Environmental, Education and Enhancement Committee, 6 p.m.

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

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

3/4: Capital Improvement Projects, 11 a.m.

3/4: Pier Team, noon.

3/4: Planning and Zoning Board, 1 p.m.

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3/5: City Commission meeting, 5 p.m.

3/10: City Commission work session on forfeiture procedures, 1 p.m.

3/12: CRC, 3 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

3/4: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board, 4 p.m.

3/9: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board lecture on Japanese gardens, 7 p.m.

3/10: City Commission meeting and work session, 7 p.m.

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

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

83%

Wednesday

I strongly favor keeping it and improving it as a park.

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

March 4

• It's about time they at other intersecput stop signs there tions.

- somebody was going to get killed. • I applaud the effort but it needed • Bad idea. This more planning to has just made it avoid unintended more dangerous consequences.

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

Einstein’s Circle discussion on “Can humor keep us healthy?”

The Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10110 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Gulf Coast Writers group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Thursday March 5

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

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

LETTERS FROM PAGE 6

LaPensee, thank you so very much.

Please note: We have no space at the library at this time, and would be obliged if you would hold the books you wish to donate until June of this year.

Denice Johnson For the staff and Friends of the Island Library

HOW TO SEND US A LETTER TO THE EDITOR Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are several ways to make your opinion known.

Visit our website at www.amisun.com and click on the “contact us” link at the top of the home page. Or, e-mail The Sun directly at news@amisun.com. If you prefer the old-fashioned way you can mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, Island Sun Plaza, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216.

Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. Letters also may be edited for length and content.

Ron Mayberry speaks on wildlife photography, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

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

Refreshments available for purchase.

The Bridge Street Merchants host free movie night, Disney’s “Maleficent,” 7 p.m. Bring your own blanket and/or chairs. Popcorn, candy and drinks available for purchase.

Friday March 6

Senior Adventures, crafts, glass art, yard sculpture and hot dog picnic, Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.

Forty Carrots program for babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Knitting/crochet group, Island

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

Opening reception for “Sea Tangles,” an exhibit by artists Deborah Webster and Lizzie Vann, Artspace, 101 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 5 to 7 p.m.

Saturday March 7

Naturalist-led wagon tour, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 9 to 10 a.m., first come, first served.

Book sale and 50/50 raffle, Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with drawing at 2 p.m.

Program on Green Cleaning, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Brenda Alcorn demonstrating gyotaku (fish prints), Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive in S & S Shopping Plaza, Holmes Beach, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Sunday March 8

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

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

Monday March 9

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

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

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THE SUN

Holmes Beach to adapt Anna Maria’s rental ordinance Commissioners plan to flag provisions that could be removed at their next work session.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners agreed to tweak Anna Maria’s vacation rental regulation ordinance to suit their needs rather than reinventing the wheel.

“I feel it would be good to have consistency between Anna Maria and Holmes Beach,” Chair Judy Titsworth told the board at last week’s work session.

“You need to discuss what you want and what’s within your ability to provide,” City Attorney Jim Dye advised. “Do you have the resources and facilities to follow through?”

“You have to decide what is the problem we’re trying to solve, can it be solved and what does it take to solve it,” Mayor Bob Johnson added.

Commissioner Jean Peelen pointed out that the whereas clauses in the Anna Maria ordinance “are really good. I want to see us go in that direction and then look at substance.”

Peelen said they should consider regulating the number of sleeping rooms, and Titsworth said the city planner suggested that they treat the vacation rentals as motels and calculate them at the bedroom density of motels.

Bert Harris Act

However, Dye cautioned them about Bert Harris Act claims and explained, “The rule of thumb is if you can do less with your property after the ordinance than you could before the ordinance, you could have a Bert Harris claim.”

He said the city’s action must impact the value of the property, and the owner must provide an appraisal to back up the claim and noted, “They are not challenging the city’s action, but that it hits them in the pocketbook.”

Commissioners then went through the Anna Maria ordinance to determine what changes they might want to make.

One area Dye cautioned them about was provisions for inspections and stressed, “Look at how many rentals there are and how long it would take you to inspect them.”

City Clerk Stacy Johnston said there are 1,700 rentals. Peelen said they could hire an outside company to inspect rentals, and Titsworth suggested they could do inspections in stages.

After they finished reviewing the ordinance, Johnson advised, “Go through what you’ve done and make sure you’re solving the problem. A lot of this could be code enforcement.

Titsworth said each commissioner should flag any provisions that could be removed and also list any new provisions to add for the next work session.

Peelen suggested that they contact Anna Maria commissioners about their efforts.

MARCH 4, 2015

Tour of Homes tickets on sale Tickets are now available for the 22nd Annual Anna Maria Island Tour of Homes on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at the following locations: AMI Sun newspaper, 202 Palm Ave.; AMI Community Center, 407 Magnolia Ave.; Ginny and Jane E’s, 9807 Gulf Drive; The White Egret, 10006 Gulf Drive; Egret’s Nest, 10010 Gulf Drive; Duncan Real Estate, 310 Pine Ave. – all in Anna Maria; AMI Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive; Islander newspaper, 5604 B Marina Drive; LaPensee Plumbing, 401 Manatee Ave.; The Egret’s Landing, 5602 Marina Drive; Island Fitness, 5317 Gulf Drive; Holmes Beach Ace Hardware, 3352 East Bay Drive – all in Holmes Beach; and Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware, 5409 Manatee Ave. in Bradenton.

Holmes Beach to discuss special magistrate Holmes Beach city commissioners plan to discuss replacing the code enforcement board with a special magistrate as Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach have done. Chair Judy Ttisworth made the proposal after announcing that the code enforcement board has lost three members. The others agreed to put it on a future work session.

MARCH 4, 2015

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Commission heads in two directions The commission will take action against a short-term rental operation to get a judge’s ruling on whether city code allows them to outlaw rentals in a residential neighborhood.

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

ANNA MARIA – Seeking a declaratory judgment for slowing the tide of short-term rental house construction is back on the table.

The city has talked about getting a declaratory judgment from the courts regarding whether the city had outlawed short-term rentals in its code before a state law took away the right of cities to do so. Getting a judgment would require the city to take legal action against a short-term rental operation, plead its case and hear what the judge rules.

The commission previously agreed to go ahead with a declaratory judgment, but Mayor Dan Murphy placed it on the agenda of Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting, where commissioners can vote on items. The previous vote was at a publicly adver-

tised workshop.

“I call for a new vote because we voted at a workshop,” Murphy said. “No other city votes during a workshop.”

Commission Chair Chuck Webb said whether a city could vote at a workshop is not controlled by state law and former City Attorney James Dye said earlier that the commissioners could vote at a workshop.

“The real issue to me is whether it is advertised adequately,” Webb said. “I feel this has been discussed a lot and to me, it is one continuous action.”

Resident David McCormick said he was at the previous vote.

“As they discussed, they had three ways to go – a declaratory judgment, a moratorium and an ordinance regulating rentals,” he said. “I want to see you move ahead with the declaratory judgment.”

Commissioner Dale Woodland said he had two questions – how much will it cost and what are the chances of an appeal?

Webb estimated it would take nine months with an appeal. He said he felt a declaratory judgment would take two-thirds of the time that code enforcement action would take.

Commissioner Carol Carter drew applause when she said the city should go both routes.

Commissioner Nancy Yetter asked why were they voting again if the first vote was legal?

The others agreed, and they let the previous vote, in which Woodland and Commissioner Doug Copeland opposed the action, stand.

As for a test case, Webb said there is had a rental house in the city that had 30 people staying there over the Christmas holidays that would make a good case.

Acting City Attorney Ricinda Perry updated the city on its settlement efforts of claims under the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act. The city has settled with Mark and Katherine McLean on one case and nearly finished with developer Shawn Kaleta over two homes being built. She said it settles all claims, but she felt it was too vague. She asked the commissioners to change the wording and they agreed by consensus.

The commissioners also made changes in its short-term rental ordinance and will continue discussion at a later date.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

No pastels here The clock tower that stands at the foot of the Historic Bridge Street Pier will not be given pastel trim and will remain white, as it always has been, according to the Pier Team. An employee of TSI of Manatee Inc. went to great heights recently in putting on the new coat of white.

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THE SUN

MARCH 4, 2015

Volunteers package 75,000 meals One healthy and nutritious package of lentils, rice, dehydrated vegetables and Himalayan sea salt costs $1.50 and feeds six.

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

ANNA MARIA – Enthusiastic volunteers rocked out to music while manning tables and filling plastic zip bags with food at Roser Church on Saturday.

Their mission was to pack 261 boxes with meal packages for Feeding Children Everywhere (FCE), providing 75,168 meals for people in need. One healthy, nutritious package of lentils, rice, dehydrated vegetables and Himalayan sea salt costs $1.50 and feeds six people.

Meals will be distributed through the Manatee County Food Bank and to organizations such as Loving Hands, Agape Flights, Beth-El, the Lord’s Lighthouse and the AMI Community Center.

One group manning tables included middle and high school students from First Baptist Church of Palmetto.

“We’ve been looking forward to coming all year,” said student pastor Todd Poppell. “The kids love getting involved and giving back to the community.”

Coordinating an event

Event coordinators included Molly Slicker, Mary Selby and Kim Darnell. It was their third event for the organization, which is based in Longwood, Fla. Slicker, who grew up on the Island, is a senior at UCF in Orlando. She said she attended

pat copeland | SUN

Above, student members of the First Baptist Church of Palmetto fill food packages with rice, lentils, dehydrated vegetables and sea salt. At right, Lynn Brennan, with the Roser Church group, fills boxes with food packages.

the first event three years ago and was so impressed that she became an intern in the organization. Now she is a staff member as the FCE communications’ coordinator.

“I ask for a place and people to do it and then set it up and watch the magic happen,” she said.

Darnell, who first saw an FCE event on a television program, said, “It just clicked with me and I said, ‘I need to know more about that.’”

One of the people on the program was board member Ed Koble, who has a home in Anna Maria. Darnell contacted him, and he put her in touch with Don Campbell, the founder of Feeding Children.

“I met Don and went to an event in Tampa,” Darnell recalled. “I came back and called Mary to see if she would help me.”

Darnell said she did not know

Selby, but saw her name in The Sun as being involved in missions at Roser Church. Selby said she was surprised by Darnell’s phone call, but also intrigued. The two met and clicked.

“My husband, Mike, was mayor of Anna Maria, and he had just received an e-mail about the Manatee County Food Bank’s shelves being bare,” Selby recalled.

“We forwarded the e-mail to Don, and he immediately sent 50,000 meals to the food bank with another 100,000 to follow in the next two months.”

The two threw a party in which they served 30 people with the organization’s meal to convince them to help with the first event in the fall of 2012.

During that event, volunteers packed 104.544 meals. In the second event in the fall of 2013 volunteers packed 97,000 meals.

pat copeland | SUN

Above, C. J. Clark decorates boxes that will be filled with 260 food packages each. At left, FCE intern Bailey Christie and Emma Winfield fill food packages. Each package costs $150 and will feed six people.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 4, 2015

THE SUN

11

Head Moose calls for herd support Moose Lodge members are being asked to show their disapproval regarding the potential removal of Gulf-side, picnicstyle seating.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – In response the recent Planning and Zoning Board recommendation that 13 beachfront picnic tables be removed from Moose Lodge #2188, Lodge Administrator and Manager Ernie Casali Jr. has issued a call to arms to the lodge’s 7,400 members.

The Bradenton Beach Lodge on Gulf Drive boasts the second largest membership of any Moose Lodge, second only to Lodge #1588, in Indian Lake, Ohio; and Casali is asking members to join forces at the March 19 commission meeting.

At that meeting, the commission will discuss the Moose Lodge’s twopart request to rezone the property and receive a special exception that

Owner Steve Traves Outdoor Pro

would allow for a 50-seat open-air dining area on the rooftop of the lodge currently being renovated.

When deciding this matter, the commission will have the option to accept or discard any or all of the five stipulations the planning board included in its recommended approval of the special exception. A special exception requires a super majority vote of for commissioners.

One stipulation favored by board members John Metz and John Burns calls for the picnic tables be removed, so they would not be factored into parking requirement calculations. If the tables were counted for parking purposes, the lodge would have to expand its parking lot, and there is no available space to do so.

“Their proposal is to remove all the picnic tables and install chairs with tiny tables that will not accommodate two drinks and a sandwich; also a total of 190 seats inside and out. That would result in very unfavorable results,” Casali wrote, in the mass e-mail he distributed to members.

“We believe that we have an

excellent chance of the city council (commission) revising this back to a much more favorable result. What we need is a humongous amount of Moose at that city meeting in March,” he added.

“It is time for all of you to step up to the plate for what you want at your lodge. If you think for one minute that the city council members will just ignore the masses, think again.

"Even if you are not a city voter, your presence will make a difference. We need to fill the meeting room, the hall, the parking lot, the street, and stop traffic if we need to.

This is our cause, not mine alone, or the board of officers alone. Unite and show them a herd of Moose like they have never seen before,” Casali’s note implored.

“There is power in numbers, especially numbers that can vote,” his correspondence concluded. Taking place at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., the March 19 meeting will begin at noon, and the public will be allowed to address the commission on this issue.

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joe hendricks | sun

Lodge Administrator and Manager Ernie Casali Jr. does not intend to take the planning board’s recommendations sitting down.

12

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MARCH 4, 2015

Committee picks city attorney The city will try to negotiate salary before signing with the winning firm.

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

ANNA MARIA – An ad hoc committee interviewed attorneys from six firms last week before picking a firm from Winter Park to handle the city’s legal needs.

The Vose Law Firm, LLP, is a family operation founded by Becky Vose and her son, Wade, is also an attorney there.

They offered to work for a $7,500 per month retainer that includes everything but litigation, phone calls or ordinances. They will charge $150 per hour for that. They bill by the tenth of an hour. They will not charge for travel to or from the Island.

Becky Vose would be the firm’s primary presence at meetings. She lives in Deltona, about 1 1/2 hours away, and felt there would be no problem getting to Anna Maria.

Vose said land use law is one of her strengths, and she said her knowledge of public records law is exhaustive.

When asked what she felt Anna Maria’s biggest problem is, she said short-term rentals, adding that she is working with

tOM VAUGHT | SUN

The mother-son team of Becky and Wade Vose, of the Vose Law Firm, LLP, was chosen to serve as Anna Maria’s city attorney. Becky will be the lead attorney.

Indian River Shores, an island community on Florida’s east coast that is facing the same problems. She said that city hired her to work on land development.

When asked if she had experience with the Bert Harris Act, which allows people who feel legislation is taking away value of their property to sue for damages, she said she helped the city of Deltona on a Bert Harris case and it stood firm.

“Now Deltona has a reputation,” she said, “Don’t mess with Deltona.”

“You’ve got to build a reputation,” said Wade Vose.

When asked about their weakest area, they said bonds. Most of the six firms that applied did not deal with bonds, which governments can float to get money for projects.

On their overall philosophy, Becky Vose said, “I believe in solving little problems before they get big.”

She predicted they would need time to become acquainted with the city’s situation,

and when they do, they might be able to include litigation in the retainer.

As for the city’s attempts to control rental properties, she said she prefers regulation to trying to get a declaratory judgment.

The city commission has already approved seeking a declaratory judgment by bringing legal action against a rental property owner charging that short term rentals are commercial enterprises and not legal in residential neighborhoods. The commission is also working on a rental ordinance to regulate the industry.

“If we win a declaratory judgment, the ruling could be challenged and the city sued,” she said.

If the city commission approves the appointment of the firm to replace James Dye, whom the city dismissed earlier this year, acting city attorney Ricinda Perry would step down.

The other legal entities that applied were Ralf Brookes, Saxon-Gilmore, Kirk Pinkerton, Persson and Cohen and Trask, Metz and Daigneault.

The ad hoc committee that interviewed the applicants consisted of retired attorney Jonathon Crane, City Clerk Diane Percycoe, City Commissioner Nancy Yetter and Mayor Dan Murphy.

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MARCH 4, 2015

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ULI: Charts AMI future FROM PAGE 4

Mayors motivated

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said he is impatient to get started and looks forward to working with other Island officials on the recommendations.

He liked the ideas of creating unique branding for the Island and repurposing underused public space, like pocket parks, for use as biking and walking picnic destinations.

Murphy especially liked the idea that free parking is not a right, he said, adding that all of the ideas are worth considering, and the idea of forming a brain bank is already underway in Anna Maria.

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson also liked the idea of a group of people with experience working on the recommendations.

He was pleased with the depth of the study and said it was just what Island officials asked for.

Johnson said he looks forward to reading the written report and working on the details, which he said will take time.

Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon said the study “exceeded my expectations. Our main thing is, I’ve expressed it before but now it’s even more important, that we have to make this study a living, breathing thing that’s reviewed on a regular basis, not like all the other studies that the cities do and it sits on a shelf and we don’t even know where it is.”

Shearon thought the employee housing recommendation was interesting and said that in the business district, perhaps condos could be built above businesses to house employees, he said.

“That’s the challenge. It’s easy to say you should have affordable housing, but that’s going to be a major challenge.”

Audience member Don Lombardi agreed, saying the ideas are wonderful, but questioning the implementation and wondering how employee housing would be built unless it’s “highly subsidized” given the high cost of land.

Anna Maria resident Ruth Ueker said she was surprised to learn about the impact employee commuters have on traffic, and was “overwhelmed, impressed and excited” by the ideas.

13

Tom O’Brien, of Holmes Beach, also called the presentation “impressive.”

Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen went farther, saying it brought her to tears.

“Residents have not had a voice due to no organization and no facts,” she said. “We have the facts now and the strategies to move forward.”

fer safer biking and walking options, he said; cities could be on the lookout to buy land that would connect the bikeways together.

Employers should consider paying for a transit pass for employees who commute from the mainland, he said.

Cities should charge for parking, and in neighborhoods that want protection from beach parking overflow, residents can buy a parking permit, he said, adding, “Free parking is not a right,” which drew applause.

Redevelopment increasing

Looking forward

The redevelopment trend on the Island away from residential homes to vacation rentals is likely to accelerate with the Island ranking No. 1 in the U.S. last year, panelist Dan Conway told the group.

Manatee County’s growth rate is twice the national average, “and their playground is your AMI,” he said, adding that each year, the Island can expect 80-90 more single family homes, 20-30 more rental units and 40-60 more hotel rooms, along with more businesses.

The Island “will need to create plans to deal with the changes,” Conway said, offering statistics that back up impressions that residents are leaving the Island and shortterm vacation rentals are taking their place.

The Island’s permanent resident population is 6,466, only about 19 percent of the total average population, including tourists, of 34,000, he said.

Since 1990, about 70 people on average per year have left, he said, their homes demolished and rebuilt as vacation rentals, since little vacant land remains.

Residents, who average a $50,000 annual income, can only support a fraction of the businesses on the Island, which rely on day trippers, seasonal residents and short-term vacation renters, he said, adding, “You need visitors as much as visitors need you.”

Able to afford only about $150,000 home prices on average, residents “are forced to find housing off-Island,” but often still work on the Island and commute, contributing to traffic congestion, he said.

Creating affordable employee housing – as many as 2,000 units – could have a significant impact on saving churches, the elementary school and businesses on the Island, he said.

CINDY LANE | sun

Alex Rose, of the Urban Land Committee, addressed a group of about 150 people Friday morning on Anna Maria Island’s future.

Transportation tips

The thread running through much of the presentation was congestion.

“There are too many cars on the Island at too many times,” creating frustration and conflicts between residents and visitors, and employees and customers, panelist Ross Tilghman said.

Once visitors are here, they don’t need to use a car, he said, and should be encouraged to walk, bike, take the trolley or travel by boat.

A slower speed limit would increase safety for those using alternate forms of transportation, he said, adding, “It’s a resort – roads should be slow and safe.”

Marketing the Island to tourists as a carfree vacation resort will ease congestion, he said, as will charging for parking at the beaches, if cities offer a free bus to and from the Island and free remote parking at the bus stop.

On the perennial question of a third bridge, the ULI was non-committal.

“But the Island can’t handle more cars,” Tilghman said, adding that the carrying capacity of the bridges is 40,000 cars a day, with employees and Longboat Key residents contributing “a considerable number.”

“Getting around on the Island you manage your life and alter your lifestyle to get around,” panelist Paul Moore said.

To lessen that, Island officials could consider turning some neighborhood streets that are parallel to main roads like Gulf Drive and Marina Drive into bikeways to of-

Island residents must move past nostalgia and look forward in order to build upon the Island’s strengths, promoting the community’s charm with historic preservation areas but also welcoming visitors vital to the economy, panelist Tyler Meyr said.

There’s no need to increase height restrictions if land is rezoned into “preservation” and "change” areas, he said. Zones of change would have large, short-term rental properties near urban areas where a younger population would live (58.1 percent of Island residents are over 55, Conway said).

Commercial areas are the most suitable for change zones, Philipsen said, suggesting that short-term rentals belong there, not in neighborhoods.

In preservation areas, development should adhere to design guidelines and be approved by a design review panel, he said. To control growth in preservation areas, cities could increase stormwater, sewage and water fees, and institute impervious surface coverage fees and other fees, he said.

Meyr cited Pine Avenue in Anna Maria as a good example of mixed use and suggested that incentives could draw younger workers to live in such business districts.

Officials should make an action plan listing priorities, then include those people directly and indirectly affected in the planning process, including residents, tourism officials, developers, tourists, day trippers, employees and others, panelist George Ruther said.

The ULI’s written report, expected in two to three months, will be a tool in negotiations with the county and state, Conway said.

“They’ve got the money. You have the impacts. You need to ask how their money can fix your impacts.”

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THE SUN

BUSINESS

MARCH 4, 2015

Unique variety for the home at Driftwood Galleries

BY LOUISE BOLGER SUN STAFF WRITER | lbolger@amisun.com

There’s a hidden treasure in Bradenton – one that’s been around since 1953 but one that is easy to miss.

Driftwood Galleries is one of those fixtures around town you drive by frequently, but may never have taken the time to investigate.

Conveniently located on Cortez Road near 59th Street with plenty of parking, Driftwood Galleries has an enormous inventory artfully arranged within its 4,000 square feet of space.

Owner Kathy Slayter purchased Driftwood Galleries in 1999, after a career as a real estate professional.

She grew up around the world as the daughter of an Air Force military family living in London, Tokyo and many other countries and even learning how to speak Japanese Slayter continued the worldly tradition by carrying practically every form of home décor at Driftwood Galleries and has a collection not offered by traditional big box stores and even high end decorating shops. Driftwood’s inventory of lamps and lamp shades could very well be the largest in Manatee County, with everything from chandeliers to table and floor lamps, Tiffany style lamps, hand poured lamps designed and manufactured in Florida and a huge supply of lamp shades.

In addition, she has a large collection of wall art include mermaids, hand carved driftwood, stainless steel sculptures, mirrors, all varieties of pictures including framed nautical charts. You also will find accent pieces of furniture including chairs and chests. There is a large inventory of decorative lamp tops called finials, as well as smaller items perfect for a new home gift or hostess gift.

Driftwood’s assortment is both formal and casual with a little bit of the eclectic thrown in. It specializes in good quality, competitive pricing

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

Driftwood owner Kathy Slayter shows the wide variety of offerings in her shop. and unique items. Because of the sheer number of items available, it’s a great place for decorators, rental agents and investment property owners to find just the right thing.

However, one of the most important services that Driftwood Galleries offers is lamp and lampshade repairs and restorations. If you’ve ever tried to get a lamp repaired you’ll appreciate Driftwood’s repair workshop overseen by a man who has been repairing lamps for 40 years.

It’s obvious that Kathy Slayter

enjoys her shop and the people she meets. Her five employees are in her words “fabulous ladies” who have a vast knowledge of the inventory and can offer decorating advice and personalized service.

The next time the Cortez Road traffic has you at a standstill or you’re looking for a decorative piece out of the ordinary, stop by Driftwood Galleries. You can’t miss it. Just look for the water tower and get ready for a feast for the eyes.

DRIFTWOOD GALLERIES 6003 Cortez Road W. (Under the huge water tower) Bradenton 941-792-3461 www.driftwoodgalleries.com Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Closed Sunday All major credit cards accepted

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MARCH 4, 2015

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15

Community Center to proceed with fitness center The room would include fitness equipment and locker rooms with dressing areas and showers.

An artist's rendering of the fitness center to be built on the second floor of the Community Center.

AMICC | submitted

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

ANNA MARIA –Island Community Center board members gave Shawn Kaleta the go ahead to proceed to permit for a state of the art fitness center to be built on the second floor of the Center.

Kaleta, a board member who has headed a committee to explore the possibility of a fitness center, showed an artist’s rendering of it at Monday’s board meeting. “Coming up the stairs, we envision two arches – one having merchandise and a light snack bar with seating to hang out and have a snack and socialize. The other we call the Lester Learning Center with workstations, videos, computers or a teen area.� “It’s a concept that’s very fluid right now,� board member Mike Coleman pointed out. “Our vision was to make sure we had no walls,� Kaleta added. “That way if we want to move something we can.�

He said the room would include fitness equipment and locker rooms with dressing areas and showers. He said it could accommodate 75 to 100 people, and the cost would be about $500,000. “This is exactly what the Community Center needs in my opinion,� board member Ed Chiles said.

Finding funding

Kaleta said they could get $200,000 of the funding if four property management companies participate in the Center ’s rental membership program, in which property owners acquire Center memberships for their renters.

He said two companies, Sato Real Estate and Anna Maria Vacations, have made commitments to the program.

Kaleta asked for help to contact local contractors and tradespersons to donate labor and supplies for the project, and board members said they would help raise the $300,000.

Executive Director Cindy Thomp-

This is exactly what the Community Center needs in my opinion.�

Ed Chiles Board member son said some of the classrooms currently upstairs would have to be relocated.

Board members also voted to allow Eric Abrahamson to proceed with a plan to beautify the landscape around the building.

The plan includes enhancing the landscape in key areas such as the entrance, creating landscape zones

around the building and replacing the current sign with a more attractive one. “This is critical to show major changes,� Kaleta said.

Abrahamson said he would fund the improvements at no cost to the board.

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THE SUN

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MARCH 4, 2015

MARCH 4, 2015

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17

STOP: Signs surprise motorists FROM PAGE 3

block east. That presents its own set of problems, however, because the four-way stop has backed up traffic so far south that its hard to make a left-hand turn back onto Gulf Drive from the other intersecting streets.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he witnessed the situation at Gulf and Magnolia on Sunday.

“I sat on a bench with my wife, Barb, and it was a perfect storm with tourists and the flea market,” he said. “You could see the worst case scenario.”

Murphy said there was a lot of traffic,

and it got backed up on Gulf Drive as motorists waited for pedestrians to cross the street. He said he would continue to monitor the situation.

“I am not above saying I made a mistake and taking it out, but over the last 20 years, I have watched motorists trying to get out onto Gulf Drive without being able to see if traffic was coming,” he said.

“Pedestrians have trouble crossing the street, and I’ve heard a lot of complaints.”

Murphy called it the most congested intersection in the city.

“We’re evaluating the situation,” he added. “I just want to make it safer for everyone.”

18

THE SUN

www.amisun.com

MARCH 4, 2015

2015 Legislature to address vacation rentals

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

The Florida Legislative session begins this week and several bills of interest to the Anna Maria Island community have been filed regarding vacation rentals, public lodging, restaurants, resort taxes, tour guide services and sellers of travel.

The hot topic of vacation rental regulation is addressed in companion bills HB 735 and SB 1344, which both state: “A local law, ordinance, or regulation may not prohibit vacation rentals, or regulate the duration or frequency of rental of vacation rentals, or set a minimum stay requirement of more than 7 days for vacation rentals. This paragraph does not apply to any provision of a local law, ordinance, or regulation which is otherwise prohibited by this paragraph but was adopted on or before June 1, 2011, or to any subsequent amendment of such a provision.”

Vacation rentals also are addressed in HB 4009, which would delete vacation rentals and transient apartments from classification and regulation as public lodging establishments.

Last session, vacation rental bill SB

356 passed and became a law, prohibiting local governments from prohibiting vacation rentals or limiting the frequency or duration of rentals unless they had such regulations on the books on or before June 1, 2011.

That law gave local officials more control than they had under the 2011 state vacation rental law that prohibited nearly all municipal regulation of rentals, “prohibiting local governments from regulating or banning vacation rentals based solely on their classification, use, or occupancy, unless they already have such ordinances in effect, or adopted them before June 1, 2011.

Island city officials have criticized the law as a violation of home rule that prevents cities from passing ordinances that would curb short-term vacation rental problems such as noise, trash, and parking violations.

Following are the bill summaries; to view the complete bills, visit www.myfloridahouse.gov and www.flsenate.gov.

House Bills HB 385 - Public Lodging and Public Food Service Establishment

Inspections

Revises certain duties and rights of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR); revises provisions related to public lodging establishment inspections; provides jurisdiction to division for public food service establishment inspections; provides regulations related to public food service establishment inspections.

HB 401 - Public Lodging and Public Food Service Establishments

Deletes requirement that DBPR's Division of Hotels and Restaurants adopt rules providing risk-based inspection frequency for licensed public food service establishments; revises how often division must reassess inspection frequency of licensed public food service establishment; revises DBPR's duties with respect to distribution of specified food-recovery brochure; deletes restriction on length of time that licensed public food service establishment may operate at temporary food service event; authorizes division to deliver lodging

Florida Sen. Bill Galvano 941-741-3401 Galvano

Florida Rep. Jim Boyd 941-708-4968 Boyd inspection reports and food service inspection reports electronically; requires operators of public food service establishments to maintain copies of food service inspection reports and make them available to division; revises certain delinquent fees for license renewal.

HB 735 - Vacation Rentals

Revises permitted scope of local laws, orsee legislature, page 36

MARCH 4, 2015

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THE SUN

19

Renowned tenor to perform at AMICCO Opera Daniel Gerdes will perform as Frederic in the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra’s Sunday, March 22, production of “Pirates of Penzance” at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 6101 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, at 2 p.m.

Gerdes, a native of Islip, N.Y., received his B.M. in vocal performance from Florida State University, his M.M. in vocal performance from New England Conservatory and completed his D.M.A. in vocal performance from Florida State University.

He made his international debut as Paride in Gluck’s “Paride ed

Elena” with Opera Piccola Bremen in Germany. He was a Gerdine Young Artist with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, where he covered the role of Pedrillo in “The Abduction from the Seraglio,” and returned to Opera Theatre of Saint Louis to sing the role of Spirit of the Masque in Britten’s “Gloriana,” as well as Borsa in “Rigoletto.” He was a young artist with The Merola Opera Program at San Francisco Opera, where he covered the role of Ernesto in "Don Pasquale."

Tickets are available at amicco.org, by calling Etta at 941-896-3899, at

Daniel Gerdes the Anna Maria Island Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach and, if still available, at the door.

20

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THE SUN

MARCH 4, 2015

Pelicans among birds to be delisted

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

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is accepting public comments on a draft plan to manage 60 species that would keep 45 species on the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List and delist 15 species.

The brown pelican, snowy egret and white ibis, year-round residents of Anna Maria Island and currently listed as species of special concern in Florida, are among those proposed for removal from the list.

The delisting was proposed because the species of special concern listing status is being phased out, and the birds, along with other 12 species, do not meet the criteria to be elevated to threatened status, according to the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Plan.

“Conservation actions are identified for each (species of special concern) so as to prevent these species from again becoming imperiled,” according to the plan.

“I hope management practices continue on the level that they have,” said Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, which collects

CINDY LANE | SUN

Above, Roseate spoonbills, like this one in Holmes Beach, are among the species that would be protected in a proposed FWC plan; three other local bird species are proposed for delisting.

Right, Brown pelicans are one of 15 species that will be taken off the state imperiled species list under a proposed plan. data on imperiled turtles and birds. Because of past successful conservation efforts, it’s more common to see bald eagles and other imperiled species now, she added.

“I'm happy the population has come back to favorable numbers, but it scares me that they will no longer have the protection that is needed,” said Holmes Beach resident Jean Bystrom, who, with a group of volunteers, rescued 280 brown pelicans hooked on fishing rigs from the Sunshine Skyway

Species affected by protection plan Mammals

Big Cypress fox squirrel, Eastern chipmunk, Everglades mink, Florida bonneted bat, Florida mouse, Homosassa shrew, Sanibel Island rice rat, Sherman's fox squirrel and Sherman’s short-tailed shrew

Birds

American oystercatcher, black skimmer, brown pelican, Florida burrowing owl, Florida sandhill crane, least tern, limpkin, little blue heron, Marian's marsh wren,

osprey (Monroe County population only), reddish egret, roseate spoonbill, Scott's seaside sparrow, snowy egret, snowy plover, Southeastern American kestrel, tricolored heron, Wakulla seaside sparrow, whitecrowned pigeon, white ibis and Worthington's marsh wren

fishing pier alone last year. “With the influx of tourism and careless fishing practices around the pelicans, we need stricter fishing and gear regulations. If this delist causes less concern for this needed protection, then a lot of pelicans will perish.”

Birds that frequent the Island that are proposed to remain listed in the plan include the American oystercatcher, black skimmer, least tern, little blue heron, roseate spoonbill and snowy plover. The plan also would pro-

Reptiles

Alligator snapping turtle, Barbour’s map turtle, Florida brown snake (lower Keys population only), Florida Keys mole skink, Florida pine snake, Key ringneck snake, Peninsula ribbon snake (lower Keys population only), red rat snake, rim rock crowned snake, short-tailed snake, striped mud turtle (lower Keys population only) and Suwannee cooter

Amphibians

Florida bog frog, Georgia blind salamander, gopher frog and Pine Barrens treefrog

tect certain mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, coral, crustaceans and mollusks.

The plan includes one-page summaries on each species, a photo and Florida range map, the animal’s status, identified threats and conservation approaches.

To read the plan and make comments on it, visit www.MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats, click on “Imperiled Species” then “read, review and comment.” The deadline for public comment is Friday, March 13.

Fish

Atlantic sturgeon, blackmouth shiner, bluenose shiner, crystal darter, Key silverside, harlequin darter, Lake Eustis pupfish, mangrove rivulus, saltmarsh topminnow and Southern tessellated darter

Corals

Pillar coral

Crustaceans

Black Creek crayfish and Santa Fe cave crayfish

Mollusks

Florida tree snail

www.amisun.com

MARCH 4, 2015

Board imposes moratorium on pools SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Marvin Grossman once again asked for a moratorium, and commissioners complied by imposing one on the construction of swimming pools with less than 10-foot setbacks in all zoning districts.

The issue came up at a previous work session when Planner Bill Brisson offered it as one of several options to alleviate the adverse impacts of resort housing. The current setback is 5 feet.

However, Commissioner Jean Peelen objected and stressed, “It must be on the agenda so people can come and speak.”

Grossman said if they announce it on an agenda, “people will rush in and try to get permits under the wire. This is going to be a short one. To wait two or four weeks will open the floodgates.”

City Attorney Steve Dye agreed with Peelen and said, “It should be an agenda item. I didn’t come expecting action on a moratorium. It’s a pretty strong action to take.

I didn’t come expecting action on a moratorium. It’s a pretty

BY JOE HENDRICKS

strong action to take.”

Steve Dye City attorney I’d rather see more foundation on this – a staff report and an opinion from Mr. Brisson.”

“It’s legal, and it’s been done before,” Grossman said. “I call for a vote.”

Peelen said they must decide whether “there’s such an emergency situation in this city that requires such a drastic action as a moratorium,” and Mayor Bob Johnson added, “You have to decide the severity of the problem.”

Grossman said it should be effective immediately and be in place for three months and added, “At the next meeting we put in the setback and it’s over.”

The vote was 4/1 with Peelen dissenting.

21

Pier rent increase questioned The recently approved rent increase is expected to be a topic of discussion at Thursday’s commission meeting.

Construction of pools with less than 10-foot setbacks is halted in all zoning districts.

BY PAT COPELAND

THE SUN

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The pier restaurant tenants and their attorney are questioning the 3 percent rent increase levied by city commissioners last month.

If enacted as stipulated at the Feb. 5 commission meeting, the $204 increase would raise Roland Pena and Tammy Kemper-Pena’s total monthly rent from $6,800 to $7,004, for a business operation that also includes a bait shop and a concession stand.

Attorney Donald Yetter addressed his clients’ concerns in a letter sent to the mayor and commissioners on Feb. 19.

The letter notes the lease the city entered into in late 2013 with Pena and Kemper-Pena stipulates an initial lease term period of two

years. The commission enacted the rent increase to coincide with the one year anniversary of the Pena’s pier-based businesses becoming fully operational.

“This increase creates an inconsistency in the lease which otherwise states that the rental payment will be increased 3 percent per term, which would be after the first term of two years, upon renewal,” Yetter wrote.

The increase raises the rent due on the city-owned restaurant space alone from $5,500 to $5,665 per month.

“It is the position of Cast and Cage LLC that rent should continue at the amount of $5,500 until the end of the initial term of the lease, at which time the renewal rate would increase. This fact is also supported in the first amendment to the lease and concessionaire agreement dated Jan. 17, 2014” Yetter’s letter said.

“I understand that both the lease and first amendment contain a reference to the first

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SEE PIER, PAGE 28

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MARCH 4, 2015

State tourism up VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism agency, estimates that 97.3 million visitors came to Florida in 2014, an increase of 3.9 percent over 2013.

This is the fourth consecutive record year for Florida tourism, exceeding the previous high of 93.7 million in 2013.

The number of direct travel-related jobs in 2014 was also a record high, with 1,135,700 Floridians employed in the tourism industry, up 3.6 percent from 2013. “Thanks to the visionary leadership of Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature, the Florida tourism industry has grown from 82.3 million visitors in 2010 to 97.3 million in 2014,� said Will Seccombe, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, in a press release.

An additional $17.5 million for VISIT FLORIDA marketing has been proposed for Scott’s “Keep Florida Working� budget.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 11.5 million overseas visitors and 3.8 million Canadians came to Florida in 2014, both of which are record highs and represent 2.6 percent and 2.4 percent increases over 2013 respectively.

Estimates reflect a 4.2 percent increase in U.S. visitors to Florida in 2014 and show that Floridians took a record total of 20.2 million in-state pleasure trips.

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Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida increased every month year-over-year from January through November 2014, the last reported month, representing a 7.7 percent increase over the same period in 2013.

Average daily room rates in 2014 rose 5.7 percent, and the number of rooms sold grew by 5.3 percent compared to 2013.

Florida’s average occupancy rate for 2014 was 69.7 percent, an increase of 4.4 percent over 2013, representing a record year for the statewide calendar year occupancy rate, exceeding the previous high of 69 percent in 2005.

Daily rates, occupancy and rooms sold all increased every month year-overyear in 2014.

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Island doctor honored Ninety-two year old Dr. Carl Voyles, of Anna Maria, was honored by the Manatee County Commission on Tuesday, Feb 24. Commissioner Carol Whitmore made it all possible after she heard he was still working after serving 60 years in medicine. His wife, artist Joan Voyles, stood with him at the ceremony along with fellow workers, friends and relatives. Voyles said the recognition seemed like a dream, but he knew it was true.

MARCH 4, 2015

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23

file photos

Above, Kevin Lausman, of the Suncoast Beekeepers' Association, gives Alan Degenhart a taste of local honey and, at left, a weaver demonstrates her craft at last year's Old Settler's Market.

Historical society celebrates 25 years at Heritage Day The event will feature an Old Settler’s Market and artisans and crafts persons.

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

ANNA MARIA – The Island Historical Society will celebrate its 25th anniversary at Heritage Day on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Island Historical Museum complex at 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

The event includes a Settler’s Market with local organic produce from Geraldson’s farm, fresh eggs, Old Settler’s Bread, baked goods, flowers and herbs and a display featuring early Spanish settlers by rangers from De Soto National Memorial.

Artisans and crafts persons will demonstrate arts and crafts as practiced by early Island settlers including beekeeping, native gardening, wool spinning, pine needle basket weaving, candle dipping, soap, bonnet and rug making and weaving.

Visitors can listen to bluegrass music by the Three Howies, take tours of the

museum and Belle Haven Cottage and the surrounding native plant garden and dress in jailhouse stripes and take photos in the Old City Jail.

An author’s corner will feature Carolyne Norwood with her two Island history books, “The Early Days” and “Tales of Three Cities;” Don Thompson with "Egmont Key, A History; and Judge Gilbert Smith with “Lawyers and Legends of Manatee County,” a history of lawyers in the county from 1885 to 2012.

Children can participate in an outdoor bingo card scavenger hunt to get a prize, visit the Community Center’s Children’s Art tent and delight in balloon toys made by clowns Snowbird and Sparky.

Artists Wendell Graham, Mary Beth Johnson and Dee Pastorius from the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will donate art to be raffled. Food will be by KCB Barbecue and Skoops Ice Cream.

The Society has a fully volunteer work force with no payroll and is financed by donations, memberships, retail sales and proceeds from its annual Heritage Day. Its museum is open five days a week all year.

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26

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

MARCH 4, 2015

Clients catching trout, pompano, reds Captain Rick Grassett

Anglers fishing with me on my Action Craft flats skiff the Snook FinAddict, out of CB's Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, caught and released trout and pompano in Sarasota Bay on flies, CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Shrimp, snook at night in the ICW near Venice on flies and trout and redfish in Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande on CAL jigs with shad tails during the past week.

Anna Maria Island winter resident

Bill Morrison and Sarasota winter resident Gary Marple fished Sarasota Bay with me on Monday. We fished deep grass flats on both sides of the bay where they caught and released trout and a nice pompano on Ultra Hair Clouser flies.

Keith McClintock, from Lake Forest, Ill., and Ron Shay, from Virginia, fished Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with me on Tuesday. Sea fog rolled in on us early in the day and made it a cool, damp day, despite a forecast for

sunny and warmer. However, they had good action with trout to 18â&#x20AC;? and a red on CAL jigs with shad tails.

Sarasota winter resident Mike Perez snook fished with me on Wednesday night. We fished lighted docks in the ICW near Venice, and he caught and released 8 or 10 snook on my Grassett Snook Minnow fly. Without much tidal flow due to an outgoing tide being negated by a strong wind blowing the opposite direction, snook were being very picky. Mike finessed them into

eating by dead drifting his fly deep in the water column. There arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t many places where the wind blows 20 mph in dense fog.

Tom Lamb, from Geneva, Switzerland, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Thursday afternoon. We fished deep grass flats on both sides of the bay and caught and released a few trout on CAL jigs with shad tails, DOA Shrimp and DOA Deadly Combos. see fishing, page 27

tide chart for anna maria city pier MARCH 4-11 A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Wed 3/4

11:14a 1.39

4:55a -0.19

10:24p 1.84

4:32p 0.54

6:52-6:33

Sun 3/8

12:30a 1.60

7:32a 0.26

1:23p 1.81

8:09p 0.06

7:48-7:35

Thu 3/5

11:25a 1.58

5:19a -0.10

11:00p 1.78

5:10p 0.40

Mon 3/9

2:06a 1.48

7:56a 0.39

1:51p 1.90

8:54p -0.0

Fri 3/6

11:39a 1.58

5:43a 0.01

11:38p 1.70

5:58p 0.26

Tue 3/10

2:58a 1.35

8:21a 0.54

2:23p 1.97

9:46p -0.04

Sat 3/7

11:59a 1.70

6:07a 0.13

Wed 3/11

3:58a 1.21

8:46a 0.69

2:59p 2.01

10:48p -0.06

Day Date

6:27p 0.15

6:51-6:33 6:50-6:34 6:49-6:34

7:47-7:36 7:46-7:36 7:44-7:37

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27

fishing: Snook season reopened March 1 FROM PAGE 26

I was a seminar presenter at the News Channel 8 Tampa Outdoors Expo & Boat Show (formerly the Frank Sergeant Outdoors Expo) at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday. Billed as the largest outdoor and boat show in Florida, the show draws big crowds every day. Almost 50 seminars on everything from fresh and saltwater fishing, fly fishing, boating, kayaking, hunting, dog training and more were given by top outdoor experts. I gave presentations on “Saltwater Fly Fishing,” which covered saltwater fly fishing tactics, fly tackle rigging and fly selection and spent some time with my friends at DOA Fishing Lures in their booth.

There are still some spots

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted

Ron Shay, from Virginia, with a trout caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Gasparilla Sound near Boca Grande with Capt. Rick Grassett. available in CB’s Saltwater Outfitters Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing School next Saturday, March 7. I will be the instructor for the school, which will cover fly casting basics, line control, shooting line and the roll cast. The course, designed for beginning and interme-

diate fly casters, will focus on basics, but also work with intermediate casters on correcting faults and improving casting skills.

Leader construction, fly selection and saltwater fly fishing techniques will also be covered. Cost for the school, which will run from

8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., is $150 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, a text book and lunch. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at (941) 349-4400 or info@ cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

Snook season reopened on the west coast of Florida on March 1, although many snook will be under the 28to 33-inch slot, so handle them gently and release them quickly. Full regulations can be viewed at www.myfwc.com.

You may find trout, blues, pompano or flounder in channels, troughs, basins or edges of flats, particularly when the tide is low. Look for reds and big trout mixed with mullet schools on shallow flats and edges of bars.

Afternoons may fish better than mornings.

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PIER: Rent increase questioned FROM PAGE 21

anniversary of the rent commencement date and the anniversary of such date throughout the initial term and any renewal terms, but then state the base rent shall increase by three percent per term commencing with the second term of the lease,” Yetter contends.

“I would appreciate your acknowledgement of my client’s understanding of the lease payment for the remainder of the first term of the lease as soon as allowed by the meeting of the commission,” Yetter’s letter concluded.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the claim probably has merit, and she expects it to be discussed at the Thursday, March 5, commission meeting.

During the Feb. 5 meeting, the commission also ordered the Penas to begin paying an additional $180 per month to cover pier-related property taxes, which they had not previously been asked to pay. The tax increase is not being challenged, but if combined with the potential rent increase, the pier tenants would see their total monthly liability to the city increase by $384.

Scholarships available The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is accepting scholarship applications through April 30 for Manatee County graduating seniors seeking business degrees. The recipients will be notified by phone in mid May and scholarship awards will be presented at the Chamber Business Card Exchange on May 27.

Scholarship applications are available at the Chamber website at www.amichamber.org. Select “About the Chamber” from the home page and then select “Events and Scholarship Forms” to download the form.

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29

Experience ‘Sea Tangles’ Friday Artspace will host a free, public reception on Friday, March 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. for "Sea Tangles," incorporating poetry, natural history, photography and mixed media paintings.

Inspired by Rachel Carson, author of "Silent Spring," artists Lizzie Vann and Deborah Webster offer a visual interpretation of life at water's edge.

Vann will exhibit a photographic series focusing on seaweed, exploring the natural history and ecology of life at the seashore. Webster's mixed media pieces express a creative, visceral response to the photographs and poetry.

Join the artists for a champagne and sea snacks reception, live music by jazz guitarist, Nick Haas, giveaways, community poetry and more.

For more information, call 941-243-3835, e-mail info@artspaceannamaria.com or stop by the gallery, 101 South Bay Boulevard above the Anna Maria Post Office.

Above Left, Lizzie Vann’s “Knotted Wrack” and left, Deborah Webster’s “Mermaid's Garden” will be on display at Sea Tangles at Artspace on Friday.

SUBMITTED

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MARCH 4, 2015

EEEC tours Gulf Front Park The Tourist Development Council agreed to donate $76,000 in matching funds to clean up the landscaping of the park, which is located on the beach.

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

Three members of the Environmental Education and Enhancement Committee (EEEC) toured Gulf Front Park last week, looking over the vegetation in the two cleared lots of land and on the uncleared, four lots in preparation for a project to return the land to its natural condition.

Lynn Brennan, Jane Coleman and Jeanie Deems joined Anna Maria Public Works Director George McKay on the tour.

The cleared land showed some of the non-native plants beginning to regrow, but it also showed where some of the

tom vaught | SUN

From left to right: Anna Maria Public Works Director George McKay watches as Jane Coleman, Lynn Brennan and Jeanie Deem discuss the plants at Gulf Front Park. critters had more room to travel and forage for food with the dense underbrush.

Brennan, who had been coming to the island since she was a child before moving here permanently, had knowledge of what was good and what was bad.

They saw some cacti that were non-native and a lot of mother-in-law tongue plants, which are non-native and invasive.

Just before they toured on Monday, the Tourist Development Committee (TDC) voted to donate up to $76,000 in matching funds to finish the project, which was initially forecast to take years, due to a lack of funds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the first time for TDC funds to the city of Anna Maria,â&#x20AC;? said Mayor Dan Murphy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I plan on being a frequent visitor to the TDC.â&#x20AC;?

Murphy said they might seek more TDC funds, which come from the county bed tax collected from short-term rentals. The city is also looking to make the six lots across the street from the Anna Maria City Pier into a park, which is known as City Pier Park.

Holmes Beach hires building official The city has been using temporary help since its building official resigned in July.

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

HOLMES BEACH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; After months of relying on outside help in the building department, the city has a new building official.

City commissioners last week approved Mayor Bob Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appointment of James McGuinness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has what we need,â&#x20AC;? Johnson told he board. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need stability.â&#x20AC;?

McGuinness is currently the building

official for the city of Treasure Island and has been the building official for the cities of Hollywood (2010-11) and Bonita Springs (2008-10). Prior to that, he was with Delta Engineering and Inspection, Inc., of Sarasota, and a senior inspector and plans examiner for the city of Venice.

Johnson said while the building department has been in turmoil for a couple of years, major construction projects have increased by 60 percent in the past two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trying to find someone to fill this role has been #1 on my list,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said and added that a committee of three interviewed candidates and was very impressed with McGuinness.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;He started a building department, has good municipal experience, all on the coast here, and has the potential to be a great asset to the city,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said.

Commission comments

Each commissioner also interviewed McGuiness and shared their thoughts.

Commissioner Pat Morton said the hiring was â&#x20AC;&#x153;long overdue.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;What impressed me the most is that he seemed to be committed to our community,â&#x20AC;? Commissioner Marvin Grossman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He reminds me of the chief (Police Chief Bill Tokajer), who knows we live in paradise, tells everybody and acts in that manner and treats

our citizens that way.â&#x20AC;?

Commissioner Carol Soustek said she liked the fact that McGuinness â&#x20AC;&#x153;wants to come here and live here and be a part of the community.â&#x20AC;?

Commissioner Jean Peelen said she told him that â&#x20AC;&#x153;he needs to get a handle on whether things are being done correctly by the building department, and he needs to get a handle on the personnel and personnel issues.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want our building official to make sure people are complying with our ordinances and if he sees people trying finding loopholes to let us know,â&#x20AC;? Chair Judy Titsworth said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be really good. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fortunate to have him.â&#x20AC;?

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31

Rotarians crawl for good cause Up next for the charitable Rotarians is the April 8 golf tournament.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Members and guests of the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island raised $1,100 during the inaugural 5-Card Charity Bridge Street Poker Crawl that took place last week on a foggy Tuesday afternoon.

Fifty-five participants paid the $20 entry fee, split into four groups, and made their way to five restaurants located along Bridge Street, where they enjoyed complimentary appetizers and purchased adult beverages.

At each stop, the roaming Rotarians picked up a playing card in hopes of drawing a winning poker hand that would earn them a gift certificate from one of the participating establishments.

Briana Shaughnessy made the rounds with the “Sharks” group and enjoyed the Cortez Cracker Shrimp and Cortez Smoked Fish provided by Max Burke-Phillips at the Blue Marlin Grill, which opened early for the occasion.

“This is awesome; I’d definitely do it again. This gives us a chance to make new friends, check out the local places and see what they have on their menus,” she said.

Her mom, Rotarian Beth Shaughnessy,

joe hendricks | sun

Joined by club president Joe Praetor, top finishers Roger Gignac, Lynn Zemmer and Terry Beeler, and first place winner Caleb Roberts. said, “It’s been extremely successful, and we had an excellent turnout from our Rotarians and Snowtarians.”

David Michaels, from Nashville, said the Blue Marlin food appetizers were “scary good.”

Over at the Bridge Tender Inn, bartender

Dan Cleary served jalapeno poppers and nachos, and Rotarian Lynn Zemmer praised the pork sliders and the spinach artichoke dip she enjoyed at Island Time.

Accompanied by Mike Graham, Gerry Garber and Lynn Talit, the quartet’s next

Members of the “Sharks” group enjoy drinks and appetizers and display their poker hands in progress during their stop at the Blue Marlin Grill. joe hendricks | sun

stop was at the Cast-Cage, where chips and salsa were served.

The final stop on the crawl was the Bridge Street Bistro, where contestants picked up their fifth and final cards before the winning hands were announced.

Prior to naming the winners, club director Tim Shaughnessy thanked the participants, and joked about doing the poker crawl weekly.

Future Rotarian Caleb Roberts claimed first place with a winning hand comprised of four sixes, beating out the full houses of second place finisher Roger Gignac, third place finisher Terry Beeler and fourth place finisher Lynn Zemmer.

“It was a great event, and total success.

Thanks to all the venues for supporting the community,” club president Joe Praetor said afterwards.

“It’s been a lot of fun and a learning experience, and we raised $1,100 for the club,” said publicity chair Susan Dutcher.

The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island’s charitable efforts include supporting the AMI Community Center and Manatee County’s Feeding Empty Little Tummies program. They also provide free dictionaries to local third-graders and helped get a trolley bench installed at the public beach.

At the international level, Rotarians provide funding for the construction of operating rooms in the Caribbean and clean drinking water in Africa.

On Wednesday, April 8, the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island will host a fundraising golf tournament at IMG. For more information, visit www.annamariarotary.org.

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yates: Conviction tossed FROM PAGE 1

undersized grouper in a federal fisheries investigation.

Yates, 62, was charged, convicted and served 30 days in jail for disposing of evidence under a federal law passed in the wake of the Enron fraud scandal that criminalizes destruction of certain types of evidence.

In an opinion laced with colorful maritime puns and citing Dr. Suess’ “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish,” the court wrote that 72 undersized grouper discovered on the Miss Katie by federal fisheries officers in 2007 are not “tangible objects” under the law, which makes it a crime to “knowingly alter, destroy, mutilate, conceal, cover up, falsify or make a false entry in any record, document or tangible object with the intent to impede or obstruct an investigation.”

“It’s been a long haul, and I’m happy, and I’m glad that somebody finally got the truth out there,” Yates said last week at Off the Hook, the Cortez recycled furniture business he owns with his wife, Sandy Yates.

Yates holds little hope that he will return to the sea.

“I’d love to, but they forced me into early retirement,” he said, adding that the Cortez fleet is fully stocked with captains. “We own the business, that’s our income now.”

Yates is consulting with attorneys to see if he can recover lost wages, he said, and plans with his wife to take the first vacation they’ve had in several years this summer, inland, in a log cabin.

The Supreme Court decision may help other fishermen in a similar situation, he hopes.

“It would make them look at it a little bit harder if nothing else,” he said.

Close call

After oral arguments last year, Yates said he thought the decision would come back 9-0, but “5-4 is as good as 9-0,” he said.

During those arguments, Chief Justice John Roberts, who joined in ruling for Yates last week, told prosecuting attorney Roman Martinez that he made Yates “sound like a mob boss” in describing Yates as launching “a convoluted cover-up scheme to cover up the fact that he had destroyed the evidence. He enlisted other people, including his crew members, in executing that scheme and in lying to the law enforcement officers about it.”

Fisheries officers testified at trial that they told Yates to leave the fish on board as evidence and return to the Cortez docks, where the fish were to be seized. Three fish out of 72 were missing when the catch was counted at the dock, accounting to court records.

Two justices who appeared to favor Yates in the 2014 arguments voted against him last week – Justice Antonin Scalia, who had asked, “What kind of a mad prosecutor would try to send this guy up for 20 years?” and Justice Anthony Kennedy, who had quipped, “Perhaps Congress should have called this the Sarbanes-Oxley-Grouper Act.” “I’m happy we got the win, but not with

CINDY LANE | sun

John Yates wearing his "Grouper mob boss" shirt. the opinion,” said Sandy Yates, a former legal assistant, adding she was surprised to have “lost Scalia.”

Because the court noted in its opinion that more than 32 months passed before criminal charges were filed against

Yates, he may file an abuse of process claim, she said.

“I don’t know if they would pay damages or not, but I would like the justice departsee yates, page 35

settlement: Global settlement to be proposed FROM PAGE 1

proceedings formally initiated last month.

A compromise of this magnitude would benefit the city in many ways, but would not directly impact the citizen-led recall efforts that could still result in a special recall election that would provide city voters the opportunity to determine if Shearon remains in office.

Shearon declined to discuss specific settlement details, but said, “It’s something I’ve been working on … It’s a discussion and a concept, and, hopefully, the commission will move on it. It’s a global settlement to try to resolve the issues, and that’s my job as mayor.”

Shearon’s agenda item contained no supporting documents for the commissioners to review in advance, but there is cautious optimism that a deal can be brokered.

“I have nothing in writing, so we need to see what the mayor is asking for and what he is offering in return,” said Vice Mayor Jack Clarke.

Martin-Meilner suit

The global settlement will address the 2012 lawsuit Shearon, Martin and Meilner filed against the city in opposition to a com-

mission-approved development agreement that allows restaurant owner Ed Chiles to improve the southern end of his BeachHouse restaurant property for parking. The agreement also obligates the city to develop an unpaved, five-space public parking area adjacent to the BeachHouse property.

Shearon removed himself from the suit when he was elected mayor.

In January, Judge John Lakin dismissed Martin and Meilner’s request for an emergency injunction that would have prevented the city lot from being developed.

Last month, the city property was cleared of invasive and non-native plants, but the parking elements have not yet been installed. The settlement proposal is expected to include a request that the city property not be developed for parking.

ELRA vs. Shearon

In early 2014, ELRA Inc. filed a lawsuit against Shearon alleging he attempted to improperly influence city staff in regard to code enforcement and future BeachHouse development plans. The suit also alleges Shearon committed Sunshine Law violations when communicating with other commissioners via e-mail.

Chiles said he needs more details, but he is open to dropping his suit, as long as his parking and future development plans are protected against future lawsuits and challenges.

These protections could include a comprehensive plan amendment that would address the Preservation zoning designation at the heart of the Martin-Meilner suit, which contends parking is not allowed on a privately-owned beachfront property historically used for those purposes.

When discussed previously, Shearon and Commissioner Janie Robertson opposed the comp plan fix, while Commissioners Ed Straight, Jan Vosburgh and Jack Clarke, City Planner Alan Garrett, Building Official Steve Gilbert, City Attorney Ricinda Perry, and ELRA Inc. attorney Robert Lincoln supported it.

A comp plan amendment requires the super majority support of at least four commissioners.

Shearon forfeiture suit

In November, Shearon filed a lawsuit against the city in opposition to the forfeiture resolution and the possibility the mayor could be temporarily suspended.

The settlement proposal is expected include a request that the forfeiture resolution be rescinded and the proceedings be permanently terminated.

If the commission-led forfeiture proceeds, Shearon is in danger of being removed from office by his peers. A discussion on forfeiture policies and procedures is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.

Martin records suit

In November, Martin filed a lawsuit against the city claiming her extensive public records requests had not been fully met, and the settlement proposal could include a request that more than $900 in related administrative fees be waived.

Martin feels the fees are excessive, but state law allows reasonable fees to be charged for particularly time-consuming records requests. The discounted fees assessed by Perry take into account more than eight hours she and her staff spent retrieving the requested records, while removing correspondence protected by attorney-client privileges. Martin has not paid the fee, and Perry has not given her the e-mails.

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MARCH 4, 2015

TOWN CRIER The Island Players will host a Benefit Preview Performance of “Becky’s New Car,” to help raise awareness and funds to find a cure for cancer, on Tuesday, March 24, at 8 p.m. at Island Players Theater, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria (corner of Pine).

Tickets to the general admission performance are a $20 donation.Tickets are available at Creations by L, 5500 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Saturday; at the Beach Market at Coquina Beach on Sundays; or from Nancy Ambrose 941-518-4431. Tickets are not available at the Island Players box office.

Einstein’s Circle, a discussion opportunity sponsored by the Lifelong Living Academy, will delve into humor and whether if can help keep us healthy on Wednesday March 4, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Studio at Gulf and Pine at 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.

The discussion is free, and no registration is required

Wildlife photographer speaks As part of its Alice Taylor Reed Lecture and Travel Series, the Friends of the Island Branch Library welcome wildlife photographer Ron Mayberry for a multimedia presentation on Thursday, March 5, at 2 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, at 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

Mayberry’s pursuit of nature photography has taken him to all seven continents and remote locations such as the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica and the North Pole. This is a free event. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and no registration is necessary. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Bingo frenzy at Center The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, hosts bingo each Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. through March 26. There will be cake and coffee for sale. Contact Linda Yarger at 778-3580 or LyargerL @aol. com for more information.

Book sale in Bradenton Beach Tingley Memorial Library’s annual book sale and 50/50 raffle will be held on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the raffle drawing at 2 p.m.

Tingley Memorial Library is located at 111 Second St. N. in Bradenton Beach, behind city hall. Get good books for the beach at bargain prices. For

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ton Beach. This outdoor arts and crafts festival offers vendors of all types selling jewelry, wood, art, photography, apparel, metal, photography, crafts, food and much more. For information, contact Terri at 352-344-0657 or visit www.tnteventsinc.com.

Play benefits cancer research

Laughter the best medicine

THE SUN

Social bridge at Roser Enjoy social bridge every Monday at noon at the Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria. For more information 941-778-0414 or just come and join the group

Play bridge at Annunciation

Free Movie Night on Bridge Street The Bridge Street Merchants host a free movie night on Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m. Bring your own blanket and/or chairs and learn what really happened to Sleeping Beauty when you watch Disney’s “Maleficent.” Popcorn, candy and drinks will be available for purchase with some of the proceeds going to Anna Maria Island Community Center. No rain date is scheduled. more information, call 779-1208.

Outdoor shopping by the beach The Beach Market at Coquina Beach offers shopping for fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry, local artists, apparel, pottery, purses, collectibles, health and beauty items and more each Sunday through July, except for Easter from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Now it offers fresh seafood.

The Beach Market is located at 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, at the trolley stop/concession stand area.

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

Oldies Beach Dance The popular Oldies Beach Dance is Thursday, March 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Sandbar Pavilion at 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria. This fundraiser is for the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO) and is sponsored by the Sandbar restaurant and the Anna Maria Island Sun. Gulf Drive Band, featuring accomplished musicians, Bil Bowdish, Ted Young and Judy Lynn will perform a danceable mix of oldies from the 50s, 60s and 70s plus some favorite swing, jazz, country and popular music.

Special guest Koko Ray will lend his talents. Jazz Fest and Oldies Beach Dance are the only concerts that these gifted musicians perform together, so bring your dancing shoes or just relax and enjoy the fun.

Tickets are on a first-come basis, so

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

Conservation meeting set The Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club’s Manatee Conservation Committee will meet on Monday, March 16, at the Women’s Resource Center, 1926 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, on Monday, March 16, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Contact Sandra Ripberger at 941-794-3878 or sandrarip@yahoo.com.

Fun and games at church St Bernard Women’s Guild will host an afternoon of fun and games which will include, bridge, bunco, bingo, mah jong, cards and board games with many prizes awarded starting at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at St Bernard activity center, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach.

Join the group or bring your own game. Desserts and beverages will be served. A donation of $10 is requested.

For more information, call 941-7925983 or 941-792-7433.

Festival helps Butterfly Park The Coquina Beach Arts and Crafts Festival to benefit the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park will be held on Wednesday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coquina Beach Gulfside, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Braden-

Enjoy duplicate bridge every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 8965154.

Greenwich, people to gather Residents of and Floridians from Greenwich, Conn., are invited to the 31st Annual Greenwich/Florida 2015 Reunion at Jacaranda West Country Club in Venice, Fla., on Saturday, March 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a buffet luncheon. Proceeds will benefit Greenwich Connecticut charities. For information, call Grace Brown at 941429-5423.

College assistance for women The Manatee County Branch of the American Association of University Women is taking applications from Manatee County women for scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year.

High school seniors can get an application form from their counselors or on-line. Women of all ages are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted for colleges, universities and technical schools.

Go to http://aauw-fl.aauw.net/ files/2013/11/ManateeAAUW_Scholarship_Application_pdf.pdf for an application. The deadline is March 21.

Last year the branch awarded 17 scholarships totaling $17,500. This year at least $19,500 is available for worthy applicants.

Concert band goes Broadway The Manatee Concert Band, with several members living on the Island, will present its annual Spring Concert at 3 pm on Sunday, March 29, at Neel Performing Arts Center at SCF, 5840 26th St. W, Bradenton. This concert will feature several selections from Broadway hit musicals. There will be a guest percussionist from Kutztown University along with a wide variety of other musical favorites. Admission is free, and everyone is invited.

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THE SUN

Y

REAL ESTATE

MARCH 4, 2015

Going on a date with a house

ou wouldn’t think about buying a car without a test drive, and you wouldn’t think about buying a boat without trying it out on the water. But we have no problem buying what is probably the biggest purchase of our lives without testing it first.

So what’s wrong with this picture?

Recently I’ve stumbled across several articles about buyers trying out a home before they purchase. The little light bulb that went off in my head told me to do a little research into what to me should be a pretty obvious practice, but isn’t.

On Anna Maria Island there are tons of opportunities to try out the area because of the multitude of rentals, and many people traditionally rent before relocating. But renting a nearby property still doesn’t give you the exact feel for a house you may really want to buy. You may get a feel for the neighbor and even the street, but it’s not the same as spending a couple of nights listening to the unique sounds that every home has.

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger However, most homeowners would not consider allowing perfect strangers to stay in their home, and although there has been a lot written about it, in reality it’s not happening. Never-the-less, sellers with hard to sell homes, second homes or unique and historic homes should consider this option.

Not only will it give buyers a sense that you have real confidence in your home, but it will also give them a real time experience and the ability to try out the appliances, sound and TV systems, water pressure and even give them the opportunity to meet the neighbors.

Toll Brothers, one of the country’s largest

home builders, has a Fly & Buy program for buyers who want to travel to a new town to check it out. If they go forward and purchase, the travel costs can then be put toward the purchase price. And a high end resort in Maui also has a promotion to allow prospective buyers to rent their condos with the understanding that if they ultimately purchase, the cost of their stay can be applied to the purchase.

Even HGTV is getting into the act with a show called “Sleep On It” which explores the idea of potential buyers sleeping in two homes with the seller’s approval before deciding which one to buy.

If this is an idea you are interested in perusing, the potential candidates would have to be vetted by your real estate agent, and they also must convince you that they are very serious about your home. A check with your homeowner’s insurance carrier would be in order, and I think I would also ask for some good faith money to be applied to a

purchase contract or to be returned pending inspection of the property after the buyers left.

I also had another thought that would be a perfect fit on Anna Maria. It’s not uncommon for sellers to offer bonuses to selling agents in an effort to get more buyers into their property. Why not offer a bonus to buyers in the form of a two night stay on the Island in a resort or rental condo to prospective buyers as an inducement to consider your home?

Again, if they end up purchasing your property you pay the rental fee, and if they don’t, they pay. It could be a good little investment on your part and could push buyers who might be considering your home across the finish line.

There aren’t any tires on a house to kick, but there are plenty of systems to be tested and comfort zones to be satisfied. Invite someone to date your house it could end up being the best date you ever had.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 4, 2015

yates: Conviction tossed FROM PAGE 32

ment to take note that you should not be abusing fishermen with threats of 30 years of prison for undersized fish,” she said.

The court wrote in the majority opinion that by the time Yates was indicted for destroying property to prevent a federal seizure and for destroying, concealing and covering up undersized fish to impede a federal investigation, “the minimum legal length for Gulf red grouper had been lowered from 20 inches to 18 inches. No measured fish in Yates’ catch fell below that limit.”

The Yates decision could have implications on a case decided last month by the Florida Supreme Court that left the commercial gill net ban in place, she said.

“The fishing industry hasn’t got a good hit in a long time,” she said. “The net ban people need to continue to a higher level.”

The ruling

In reversing the decision by the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, the justices examined the meaning and context of the term “tangible

object” in the federal law under which Yates was charged, using time-honored methods of interpreting statutes and legal precedent.

They also had some fun.

“A fish is, of course, a discrete thing that possesses physical form,” Justice Elena Kagan wrote in her dissent, citing Dr. Seuss’ “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.”

Kagan also cited a case in which dead crocodiles were used as evidence to support a smuggling conviction.

“Congress realizes that in a game of free association with ‘record’ and ‘document,’ it will never think of all the other things - including crocodiles and fish whose destruction or alteration can (less frequently but just as effectively) thwart law enforcement… and so Congress adds the general term ‘or tangible object’ again, exactly because such things do not spring to mind,” she wrote.

“Who wouldn’t raise an eyebrow if a neighbor, when asked to identify something similar to a ‘record’ or ‘document,’ said ‘crocodile?’” Justice Samuel Alito wrote, concurring with the majority.

While the verbs in the law – “alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in” and

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Sell art using social media “…could apply to far-flung nouns such as salamanders or sand dunes, the term ‘makes a false entry in’ makes no sense outside of file keeping,” Ginsburg wrote in the majority opinion.

The court also considered the law’s title, “Destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations and bankruptcy,” writing in its opinion that the title “points toward file keeping rather than fish.”

The court continued, “A fish is no doubt an object that is tangible; fish can be seen, caught, and handled, and a catch, as this case illustrates, is vulnerable to destruction. But it would cut §1519 loose from its financial-fraud mooring to hold that it encompasses any and all objects, whatever their size or significance, destroyed with obstructive intent.”

The court concluded that it would not widen the interpretation of the law to cover destruction of all types of evidence.

“Leaving that important decision to Congress, we hold that a “tangible object” within §1519’s compass is one used to record or preserve information.”

Learn to promote and sell your art using social media at a class on Wednesday, March 11, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island.

Jennifer Cascardo and Kenny Heidt will present the basics of several popular social media outlets – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, GooglePlus, YouTube and Pinterest, as well as more advanced marketing and promotional strategies useful in connecting with fans, followers and subscribers.

The cost is $50 for AGAMI members and $65 for nonmembers.

The gallery is at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

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

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THE SUN

LEGISLATURE: Will address vacation rentals issue FROM PAGE 3

ordinances and regulations with respect to vacation rentals; provides exemption for subsequent amendments of certain provisions of existing local laws, ordinances and regulations adopted on or before specified date.

HB 767 - Tour-Guide Services

Excludes tour-guide services from certain regulatory requirements; provides that the term "seller of travel" does not include provider of tour-guide services; conforms related provisions.

HB 4009 - Public Lodging Establishments

Deletes vacation rentals and transient apartments from classification and regulation as public lodging establishments; makes conforming changes.

HB 4015 - Public Lodging Establishments and Public Food Service Establishments

Deletes provisions that preempt to the state the regulation of public lodging establishments and public food service establishments; conforms provisions to changes made by act.

Senate Bills SB 310 - Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement

Specifying the facilities that are exempt from the transient rentals tax; deleting the application of brackets for the calculation of sales and use taxes; limiting the $5,000 cap on discretionary sales surtax to the sale of motor vehicles, aircraft, boats, manufactured homes, modular homes, and mobile homes; providing for the creation of a taxability matrix.

SB 470 - Public Food Service Establishment Inspections

Requiring a report for public food ser-

vice establishment inspections; specifying a grading scale used in the inspection report; requiring a public food service establishment to immediately post a letter grade card, maintain a copy of the most recent inspection report and make such report available to the public upon request; authorizing a health inspector to immediately close a public food service establishment under certain circumstances.

SB 558 - Public Lodging and Public Food Service Establishments

Revising the frequency at which the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the DBPR must reassess the inspection frequency of public food service establishments; authorizing the division to deliver lodging inspection reports and food service inspection reports by electronic means; requiring an operator of a public food service establishment to make available a copy of the latest food service inspection report at the time of a division inspection.

SB 1196 - Sellers of Travel

Removing references to the terms “tourist-related services” and “tour-guide services” from definitions relating to sellers of travel; providing that the regulation of sellers of travel by the state does not apply to persons engaged solely in the sale of tour-guide services.

SB 1344 - Vacation Rentals

Revising the permitted scope of local laws, ordinances and regulations with respect to vacation rentals; providing an exemption for subsequent amendments of certain provisions of existing local laws, ordinances, and regulations adopted on or before a specified date.

MARCH 4, 2015

MARCH 4, 2015

www.amisun.com

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SWAT recognizes Tarjanyi The Anna Maria Island chapter of SWAT, or Successful Women Aligning Together, presented February’s Woman of the Month award to Lisa Tarjanyi, of Blue Water Style Studio. Join the networking group at www. swatnetworking.com.

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THE SUN

MARCH 4, 2015

DREAM VACATIONS FOR YOUR

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VACATION

CINDY LANE | SUN

Turtles are coming The beach is being raked to fluff up the sand to make it easier for mother sea turtles to dig their nests come May 1. You may notice that you sink into the sand a couple inches where the raking has occurred.

Lecture on Japanese gardens March 9 The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Advisory Board will present a lecture on Japanese Gardens by board member Dennis Groh on Monday March 9, at 7 p.m. at city hall.

Groh, an avid gardener for over 40 years, has visited Japan three times and has read over a dozen books on the subject. He points out that most people are amazed at their first visit to a Japanese garden because it appears so different from a Western-style garden.

He will share some of the history and culture, which influenced the development of Japanese gardens and identify some of the key design concepts, which could also be applied in home gardens.

Groh will then take you on virtual tour of some of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest gardens, complete with music.

This will be followed by a question and answer session.

There will be a free will donation to support the effort to save the gumbo limbo trees at the De Soto National Memorial. The trees have been infected with a fungus that could cause their deaths.

Dennis Groh | Submitted

Geppa-ro or Tea Pavilion at Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa, Kyoto Japan.

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MARCH 4, 2015

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Paul Hayward's positive spirit impacted entire community

BY MONICA SIMPSON SUN CORRESPONDENT

If one is lucky enough, they will meet someone who so deeply touches their lives that it is forever changed. Paul Acevedo “Ace” Hayward was this person for not just one person, but also hundreds of people all over the world. Those who knew Hayward collectively felt overwhelming grief Thursday evening upon receiving word that he had taken his last breath.

For many, this sense of loss was intertwined with a sense of calm that came with knowing him, the philosophies he lived every day of his life and his battle with cancer for so many years.

Known to many as Ace and others as Hayward and Coach, among many other endearing nicknames, Hayward was born in Newmarket, Ontario, on March 3, 1959. Before planting his feet in the sands of Anna Maria Island, he found the love of soccer, which became his passion and vocation. Hayward’s sister, Carolann Hayward Malenfant, says that before his son,

Paul Hayward Jackson Kai, was born his two loves were Bethany College in West Virginia and soccer. His talents on the pitch took him to Bethany College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Hayward also held a masters degree in science/physical education.

Hayward brought these loves to Anna Maria Island and shared them with those he met. With a soccer ball, homemade goals, and several other local men who loved the game, Hayward joined the Holmes Beach field pick-up

games, which have been in play for several years and are now played at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. Open to all, these pick games became a place where Hayward met others who loved the sport and where he began to positively influence the lives of so many people in Manatee County.

When most Islanders met him several years ago, Hayward was already fighting the good fight against renal cancer. But, it would soon become clear that he was not seeking pity or sympathy. In fact, Hayward’s positive spirit and amazing outlook on life was infectious and impacted an entire community. Most who would meet him for the first time a few years ago would be astounded when hearing the news that such a healthy looking and happy individual could be going through the battle of his life.

And a battle it was.

On May 17, 2014, the community of Anna Maria Island came together for the Smiledeep Soccer Tournament Fundraiser to benefit Hayward.d More than 19 youth and adult teams played on the

He fought a battle he could not win.

But he fought for love and that is a battle worth fighting."

Nate Talucci Friend fields of the Anna Maria Island Community Center to support the man who had become their friend and coach. As he stepped on the field, Hayward uttered the words, “I can’t believe this is for me.”

On Dec. 3, 2014, Hayward himself posted on Facebook, “I have escaped once again ... the boy who cried ‘wolf,’" as he departed Moffitt Cancer Center after a six-day stay because of complications with his

breathing. Despite stage 4 renal cancer, which progressed and impacted his lungs, and despite the doctors telling him he only had 30 days to live in August 2014, Hayward lived life, cherishing every moment and making the most of every single day.

August 2014 marked the start of the fifth season he would lead the middle school soccer team at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School It also marked the start of Hayward’s determination to make it through the season and share once again his knowledge of the sport he spent his life playing and coaching, as well as share his good vibes. He made it through the season and led the boys’ middle school team along with, Coach Blake Hoonhout, to a winning record, marking one of the most successful seasons for the team.

Hayward’s positive outlook on life and willingness to fight gave him many years to share his thoughts, his talents and his caring ways with so many people. In addition to his childhood friends and SEE HAYWARD, PAGE 42

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THE SUN

SPORTS

MARCH 4, 2015

The Saints take down the Giants scrimmage. Matt Morgan hit his wife Taryn Morgan for a touchdown, adding the last points to the scoreboard.

Despite one last effort by the Giants, Buky could not lead his team to the end zone. After three snaps, the game ended with the final score of 32-19.

The regular season for all of the flag football leagues and the adult co-ed football leagues came to an end on Friday, Feb. 27. Playoff action for the youth leagues began on Saturday, Feb. 28. The final destination for each of the leagues is the championship games and all star/pro bowl games, which are all scheduled to be complete by the end of March, making way for Community Center spring sports.

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The fog set in at the Anna Maria Island Community Center as the adult flag footballers took the field Wednesday nighTaryn The first game of the evening saw the Saints overtake the Giants in the 18 and over adult co-ed flag football league in an exciting headto-head match-up.

With Jonathan Moss behind the center as the quarterback for the Saints, they started the game with three successful plays leading to a touchdown.

Dustin Swain gained strong rushing yardage taking the team close to a first down. Taryn Morgan caught a pass by Moss and made running yards after the catch before Zach Schield for the Giants finally pulled her flag. Moss found Matt Morgan in the end zone to quickly take the score to 6-0.

With a five play series, quarterback Charles Buky marched the Giants down the field starting with a short gain by Frank Agnelli. Schield cleared the first down line with a catch. He caught a second pass from Buky and was finally stopped by Taryn Morgan just before finding the end zone. Scott Elisio scored the first touchdown for the Giants, tying the score 6-6.

The Saints quickly came back with a quick pass from Moss to Swain.

Swain’s quick speed took him all the way to the other end of the field, pulling the Saints ahead once again 12-6.

After the Giants failed to gain any momentum on their next set of downs, the Saints took over and put seven more points on the scoreboard. Moss once again hit Taryn Morgan, who ran the ball to the Giants’ 10-yard line. The next pass was just out of the reach of Matt Morgan. Moss went back to Taryn Morgan with a catch at the one-yard line. Receiver Jesse Skipper was the next target of Moss scoring the next six points for the Saints. Matt Morgan score the point after elevating the score to 19-6.

Buky struck back finding Scott Eason. Evading a sack attempt by Skipper, Buky hit Elisio for another touchdown for the Giants, bringing the game closer. With a missed extra point attempt, the score was 19-12.

The first half became a shoot out between Moss and Buky. In one play, Moss found Matt Morgan deep to add another six points for the Saints. Taryn Morgan scored the extra point. Buky threw to

The Sun Scoreboard February 23: 11- to 13-year-old flag football

Amanda Richards Salon Cowboys 33 Colts 32 Lions Dolphins

26 32

Saints Bucs

6 13

February 23: 8- to 10-year-old flag football MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Matt Morgan hauls in a pass from Jonathan Moss for a Saints touchdown against Frank Agnelli and Scott Eason for the Giants.

Schield, who advanced the ball just shy of the first down. Elisio’s uncharacteristic missed catch was negated with an Impeding the Rusher call on Agnelli. Elisio made the first down, allowing Buky to throw to Agnelli, who caught the ball and advanced for additional yardage.

With Swain on his heels, Buky overthrew his next pass leaving 25.4 seconds left on the clock. With the pressure of the clock and Swain, the Saints’ quarterback quickly threw the ball to Agnelli to score six points for the Giants. Elisio made the extra point, taking the score to 26-19.

The Saints made quick work of the next set of downs before the end of the first half. Moss once again launched the ball the to Matt Morgan, who ended the play just short of the end zone.

Matt Morgan found the end zone with the next play, but it was called back with a penalty on quarterback Moss who was past the line of scrimmage when he threw the ball. Eason rushed Moss, scrambling in the backfield

before throwing an incomplete pass.

With the Saints failing to make good on the amazing field position, the first half ended with the score of 26-19.

The Giants’ offense took the field to start the second half of play. The BukyElisio combo made significant yardage on the first play. With the ball placed just shy of the first down line, Eason carried the ball down the middle of the field for the first down. The next three plays would prove to be fruitless for the Giants: Buky was sacked by Skipper, and Buky threw two incomplete passes.

The next three series by the Saints and the Giants would result in no additional points, as the defense for each team dominated the field. Kalia Klemik caught a short pass by Buky, but no one for either team was able to cross the line to score.

As the game was coming to a close, the Saints pulled together one last offensive attack. Moss pitched the ball to Matt Morgan behind the line of

Bowes Imaging Lions Bucs

12 0

February 25: 11- to 13-year-old flag football Swordfish Grill Seahawks Dolphins

26 52

February 24: 14- to 17-year-old flag football Keller Williams Realty Bucs Eagles

26 47

Latitude27Limousine Falcons Island Mail and Moore Ravens

49 12

Redskins LPAC Cardinals

W (forfeit) L

February 26: 11- to 13-year-old flag football Saints Swordfish Grill Seahawks

37 14

February 27: 11- to 13-year-old flag football Bucs Lions

27 19

see sports, page 41

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MARCH 4, 2015

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41

sports: Scores and standings Adult co-ed volleyball standings

FROM PAGE 40

Saints Colts

20 6

February 28: 8- to 10-year-old flag football Seahawks

Bowes Imaging Lions

Bears Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings

Southern Greens Duncan Real Estate Sugar Beach Digital Signarama

Flag Football Final Standings

18 6

8-10-Year-Old Flag Football League Bucs 7-1 Chiefs 6-2 Bears 5-3 Seahawks 4-4 Lions 4-4 Vikings 2-6 Dolphins 1-7

15 12

Anna Maria Island Realty Dolphins 6 Future Guardian Insurance Chiefs 24 Amanda Richards Salon Cowboys Lions

42 36

11-13-Year-Old Flag Football League Saints 7-1 Dolphins 7-1 Bucs 7-1 Lions 3-5 Cowboys 2-6 Colts 1-6 Seahawks 1-7

February 28: 14- to 17-year-old flag football Keller Williams Realty Bucs Eagles

18 and over adult co-ed flag football Saints Giants

Salty Prints Bengals Slims Place Falcons

32 39

32 19

32 48

Sato Real Estate Rams Dolphins

39 40

Sugar Beach Digital Patriots Colts

30 and over adult co-ed flag football Packers

Poppos Chargers

Raiders Tyler’s Ice Cream Vikings

19 26

34 27

Agnelli Pools and Spas Giants Chiefs

18 34

Adult co-ed volleyball Game 1: Sugar Beach Digital Duncan Real Estate

14-17-Year-Old Flag Football League Redskins 7-1 Falcons 6-2 Eagles 5-3 Ravens 5-3 Cardinals 2-6 Bucs 0-8

26 33

19 25

8-0 4-4 3-5 2-6

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Zack Schield for the Giants goes up for the reception as Dustin Swain for the Saints prepares to end the play.

Game 2: Sugar Beach Digital

19 Duncan Real Estate

25 Match Winner: Duncan Real Estate

AMI horseshoe players receive medals

AMI Horseshoe players receiving medals at the Gulf Coast Senior Games held at Bray Park on Feb. 19 follow: Front row, left to right: Sam Samuels, Bronze and Silver (T&F); Tim Sofran , Bronze; and Herb Puryear, Gold.

Second row, left to right: Bruce Munro, Gold; Bob Mason, Gold; Gene Bobeldyke, Bronze; and Bob Lee, Silver.

Back row, left to right: Bob Rawley, Silver; Bill Fox , Gold; and Jay Disbrow, Gold. Not pictured is Bill Wright, Gold. submitted

Game 1: Signarama

Southern Green

12 25

Game 2: Signarama

17 Southern Green 25 Match Winner: Southern Green

18 & Over Adult Co-Ed Flag Football League Falcons 8-0 Saints 5-3 Rams 4-4 Giants 4-4 Bengals 4-4 Dolphins 4-4 Patriots 2-6 Colts 1-7 30 and Up Adult Co-Ed Flag Football League Raiders 7-1 Chargers 6-2 Chiefs 4-4 Packers 3-5 Vikings 2-6 Giants 2-6

Ladies play scramble It was quite a foggy day on the course Tuesday, but 41 women played a blind-draw scramble. The team of Helen Pollock, Deb Wohlers, Christina Mason and Pam Alvord were the winners with a score of 29. Sue Wheeler, Jana Samuels Markie Ksiazek and Willa Barkley were second with 32. Vickie Simons, Gloria LaDue and Marcia Helgeson were third with 33. Willa Barkley had chip- ins on holes #1 and 5.

42

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

BEACH BEAT

deputy could not find any marks around the woman’s neck. The defendant was arrested.,

Holmes Beach

Anna Maria

2/15, 12:14 p.m., possession of cannabis, beach at 100 block of Spring Avenue.

The defendants were discovered smoking cannabis on the beach and were give a summons.

Bradenton Beach

2/28, 5:17 p.m., leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, no motor vehicle registration, 1400 block of Gulf Drive South.

The defendant struck a bicyclist while passing a vehicle on the right and left the scene. When he was confronted at his place of work, he admitted post Miranda knowing he had hit the cyclist. It was discovered he had no registration for his vehicle due to just purchasing it and “not having the time to get it registered.”

Cortez

2/23, 10:48 p.m., burglary from a conveyance, 12300 block of Cortez Road West.

Items were taken from a vehicle in the parking lot.

2/25, 12:26 p.m., domestic battery by strangulation, 10100 block of Cortez Road West. The officer responded and found out the couple was on vacation from New Jersey and they got into an argument, possibly about the suspect singing too loudly in the shower. They were to meet another couple for lunch, but they got into another argument over who was going to drive the rental car. The victim jumped into the driver’s seat, and the defendant got into the back seat behind her. She said he put his arm around her neck so she could not breathe, but eventually released her and moved over to behind the passenger’s seat. The

2/14, 7:24 p.m., battery, 600 block of Crestwood Lane. The officer was running radar on Key Royale Drive when a driver for Domino’s Pizza stopped and said he delivered a pizza to the address and a woman came out to get it. A man came out of the house and hit her in the head.

The driver tried to calm her and promised to get the police. The officer reported the incident as a domestic violence in progress and went to the location. The man and woman were in the driveway and the woman was crying. The man got into a truck and started it, and the officer ran over, opened the door and ordered him to put the truck in park. The man said he was leaving, and the officer said he was under arrest. Two other officers responded and helped take information.

The male claimed she hit him first, and the officer noticed some dried blood on the man’s eye. He said he could file charges against her at the police station.

He was taken to jail. While on his way, the male threatened his wife and the Domino’s driver. The officer contacted the manager of Domino’s and informed her of the threat.

2/14, 10:12, warrant arrest, 6600 block of Gulf Drive. The officer learned the suspect was at that location and arrested him.

2/15, 2:04 p.m., shoplifting, 3900 East Bay Drive, Publix. The store manager reported two men came into the store and stole six bottles of champagne. The suspects were seen on the security recording but police could not locate them.

2/17, 2:30 p.m., driving with a suspended license, 4000 block of Gulf Drive. The officer ran a random check of the driver and

MARCH 4, 2015

found his license had been suspended.

He tried to stop the driver, but could not catch up with him, so he made a capias request to the state attorney’s office.

2/19, 8:52 a.m., driving with no license, 500 block of Key Royale Drive. The officer was running radar when he caught a driver speeding. When the officer asked the driver for his license, he said he did not have one and handed the officer a Mexican passport. He was ticketed.

2/20, 7:41 a.m., driving with a suspended license, 6500 block of Marina Drive. The officer spotted the driver whose vehicle appeared to have the windows tinted too dark. He stopped the driver and found his license had been suspended last year for three offenses. He was ticketed.

2/20, 10:0, warrant arrest, 8500 block of Gulf Drive. The officer stopped the vehicle because neither occupant was wearing a seat belt. He found the driver has a warrant from Missouri with extra-

dition orders and arrested him.

2/20, 4:53 p.m., DUI, 750 Manatee Ave. The officer ran a random check of the suspect vehicle and found it had a tag not assigned, and the driver’s license was suspended. He turned on his lights and the suspect accelerated quickly going east on Manatee Avenue. He sped up to 55 over the bridge and did not stop until he got to the other side. When the officer approached the vehicle, he smelled alcohol. The driver grabbed a bottle of water and attempted to drink it all at once. He told the officer he knew he was going to jail because his license was suspended.

The officer spotted more than a dozen beer cans in the truck. He also spotted two prescription bottles, and the suspect said he had taken one pill. A backup officer arrived, and they gave the driver a field sobriety test. He was taken to jail.

Obituaries

career in education. She worked for the Hillsborough County School system for 35 years as a teacher, principal and the director of student services.

She enjoyed vacationing at the beach and also at her cabin in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. She was married to Joe Perricone for 48 years.

Dorothy leaves three children, Allen Leigh, Michele (Perricone) Romeo, and Renee Perricone; five grandchildren, Doug Leigh, Joe Leigh, Brent Romeo, Eric Romeo, Scott Romeo; and also nine great-grand-children. A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Brown & Son’s Funeral Home, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of her favorite charities: Manatee County Humane Society, DAV and Paralyzed Vets.

John R. Jenkins John R. Jenkins, 80, of Holmes Beach, died Feb. 22, 2015. A private memorial service will be held. Survivors include wife Madeleine, daughter Monica Copeland, son Neil, daughter Sylvia, and three grandchildren

Dorothy Perricone Dorothy Perricone, 83, mother and friend, passed away on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, at home in Anna Maria.

Dorothy was a graduate of Florida State University, where she began her

Hayward: Positive spirit impacted entire community FROM PAGE 39

the “Bethany Boys,” whom Hayward considered to be more than brothers to him, he made friends everywhere he traveled and with everyone he met. During his time living on Anna Maria Island, hundreds of friendships were cultivated. Lifelong friendships have resulted with Hayward as the common denominator. Scrolling through the hundreds of Facebook posts since Hayward’s passing only solidifies the tremendous impact he had. People who have never spoken to him or met him have left posts mourning the loss, declaring their changed lives and crediting him with being an inspiration.

Holmes Beach resident Tim Tedesco, friend and teammate of Hayward reflected, “‘Heyman’

improved me as a person. Most people that knew Heyman well would say they are a better person because of him. His impact in our lives is subtle, but evident.”

Teammate, friend and former Island resident Nate Talucci said, “Hayward is gone, but never forgotten. He is the glue that put many people together. To know him was to love him. He fought a battle he could not win. But he fought for love and that is a battle worth fighting. He will be missed here on earth, but heaven has gained a true warrior. Rest in peace my friend.”

The Bell family, of Bradenton, said, “No words can come close to explaining how wonderful of a person that (Paul) is. He had this magical positive ring that surrounded him, that drew you in, and he

‘Heyman’ improved me as a person. Most people that knew him well would say they are a better person because of him.

Tim Tedesco Friend and teammate made you feel like you’ve known him for years.”

Rich Bell, along with Talucci and Tedesco, played at the Anna Maria Island Community Center with Hayward in the co-ed adult soccer league, winning the championship in spring 2012.

Bradenton resident Kris Yavalar, friend and fellow soccer player,

said “The best memory I have of Ace is, he had three lucky stones he carried with him everywhere he went, and he had given two of them to two other special people.

On my birthday he pulled me aside and gave me his last lucky stone saying don’t ever lose it; this will bring you all the luck it has brought me. I literally carried it with me

everywhere ... and on his last day here with us, I put the stone in his hand and wished him a farewell and thanked him.”

The last days with Hayward brought tears, laughter, reflection and once again inspiration With friends, his sister and his mother, Dolly, Hayward left his legacy for others to continue in his memory.

Those who knew him can imagine him as “smiledeep” with a soccer ball in hand.

Hayward is survived by his mother, sister, brother Chris, seven nieces and nephews, including Jeff, Jason and Tyler Malenfant, as well as his many former teammates and friends, all of whom he would consider family. A celebration of life will be held in Manatee County on May 16, 2015.

MARCH 4, 2015

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Thin streaks 6 Influenced by, recipewise 9 Ones who deal with dealers 14 First name in furniture 15 Editor's job 17 Seeking lodging 19 Unidentified Jane 20 Tugboat sound 21 Commodities dealer 22 Summit meeting goal 24 18-Down, with "down" 26 Rearing place 27 Pulling away 31 This and that 32 Deep gulf 33 Global financial org.

36 Mexican supermodel Elsa 39 Hardly transitory 41 Gig session

Answers to 02-25-15 Crossword Puzzle.

42 Venetian island 44 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit 45 More at dinner 48 Suffix with school 51 CIA predecessor 52 London home of Constables and Sargents 53 Block deliverers of yesteryear 55 Powerful lobby for seniors 57 Cape Canaveral's st.

60 Stadium supporters, and a hint to their cry hidden in 17-, 27- and 45-Across 63 Self-control 64 Felt poorly 65 "Golden Boy" playwright 66 "Hello, ewe!"

67 Mausoleums

Down 1 Metalworking union 2 "Was __ hard on her?"

3 Crime scene clue 4 K2 is on its border: Abbr.

5 State secrets?

6 Cornstarch brand 7 Right hook setup 8 Noisy scene 9 "Mayberry R.F.D." setting 10 Nearby 11 __ la Plata 12 Attends 13 Dik Browne pooch 16 Evaluation for creative types 18 Make a memo of 23 Yours, to Yvette 25 "Now I remember!"

27 Watch chains 28 Peter Fonda's beekeeper 29 Medicine cabinet items 30 Suffix with malt 33 Low-budget pic, usually 34 Chief 35 Coach's challenge indicator 37 StubHub offerings, briefly 38 Latvia neighbor 40 Spellbound 43 Baked, layered entrĂŠe 45 Clown Kelly

46 French I infinitive 47 Purring snuggler 48 Extremely tiny 49 Needed liniment 50 Creator of many

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pieces?

54 Writes the wrong zip code, say 56 Pooch in whodunits 58 Award-winning comic

43

book writer Jeph 59 Additions 61 Pointed end 62 South-of-the-border uncle

44

THE SUN

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com NIKI'S ISLAND TREASURES announces the March 11 arrival of cross cultural guest silver artists Morgan Shorthair and Lisa Slim of the DINEH NAVAJO Reservation in Arizona. Featuring traditional DINEH Sterling silver jewelry and handcraft. Come meet and greet at 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach.

9:30-5 7 days a week.

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

Various positions available.

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

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

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

AUCTIONS HEADQUARTERS OF BODY Central Corp. Tues, March 10 at 10am 6225 Powers Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32217 Huge Sale! Vehicles, Forklifts, 50+ Offices consisting of furniture, office equipment, computers, laptops, IT equipment, warehouse items & much more! 15%18%BP Live/Online Assignment Case #16-2016-CA000213-XXXX-MA www. moeckerauctions.com / 800-840-BIDS AB-1098 AU3219, Eric Rubin

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES

BOATS ARE SELLING Very Well. Season is here-Busy-Busy-Busy.

Islandboatsales.net We Also Buy Boats.

941-228-3489 BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT. Up to 60 feet. Two minutes to Intracoastal Waterway by Cortez, Parrot Cove Marina 941-795-0088 BAYLINER 26' WEEKEND FISHERMAN Model 2655.

Ciera Mercury V8ALPHA. Great mechanical condition. On Island Locally maintained with trailer $9800 OBO. Call 941-356 GREAT BOAT SLIP FOR RENT. Water, electric, 10,000 lb lift, finger piers, Key Royale canal head.

No bridges. $250/mo. Call 410-782-9100

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

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

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-9622512

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

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS ANNA MARIA CITY Gulf Drive Frontage Commercial 2 Lots 104x120 Real Estate only $1,200,000. Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 RESTAURANT/OFFICE/ RETAIL 1113 sf Kitchen Equipment include Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach $495,000 Call Alan Galletto Island Real Estate 941-232-2216 BAR/RESTURANT 2100 ft2 with lease, includes Liquor License, Furniture and Good Will $599,000 CALL ALAN GALLETTO Island Real Estate 941-232-2216}

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

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES MATH COACH- Retired College Professor now has openings for basic math through pre-calculus. Call Myra 941-313-0528

EMPLOYMENT

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570

PART-TIME DELI CLERK needed. 20-25 hours per week. Must be flexible and have good "people skills".

See April or Jimmy at Jessie's Island Store 5424 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach

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

Call 941-251-5948

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

Retirees welcome. Call 813-409-7540

ROBIN R. STEVENS CLEANING Service 18 years experience; references Call or text Robin at: 863-2411670

ISLAND RESORT SEEKING P/T maintenance 20-30 hours per week.

Please send resume to PO Box 1563, Homes Beach, FL 34218

MARCH 4, 2015

NEW ORLEANS CHARTER school teacher fair Saturday, March 14, 9am-1pm Hynes Charter School 990 Harrison Ave, NOLA 70124 Pre-register now: www. eastbankcollaborative.com CAN YOU DIG It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! Receive Hands On Training And National Certifications Operating Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. Veteran Benefits Eligible! 866-912-0572 WELDING CAREERS Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 877-206-4006

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

Call 941-726-1482. 10015 Cortez Rd (corner of 101st) frankiezaff@yahoo.com

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES SALE NIKI’S & GIFT & ANTIQUES SHOP. 5351 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach.

All Sterling & Gold jewelry 10% to 60% off. Select Gifts, dolls, art work, vintage & costume jewelry, miniatures, glassware, collectables 30% to 80% off. Fine Essence of Oil, Soaps, candles.. Open 7 days 9:30-5.

ROSER THRIFT SHOP Open 9:30am - 2 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. 10 am -1 pm Saturday Annex open same days. Donations accepted Wednesday 9 am. – 11am 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. Call 941-779-2733 ANNUAL FLEA MARKET Saturday March 7. 9am-2pm.

Baked goods, clothing, jewelry, linens, tools, books, white elephants, furniture.

Mt Vernon Clubhouse, 4701 Independence Dr. South off Cortez Rd. LONGBOAT KEY'S Biggest and Best ROYAL RUMMAGE SALE at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Friday, March 6th NOON-4 PM, $5 admission. Saturday, March 7, 9AM - 1PM, Free Admission.

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

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968. State License # CRC1327296. Call Jerry Kern 941-504-2222 www. kernconstructioninc.com SOUTHWEST HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget.

Call Mike 616-204-8822.

“HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

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

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

KAYAK/ PADDLE BOARD ROGO SPECIAL: RENT ONE GET ONE FREE! Single Yak / Paddle Boards : $45day/ $150week Free delivery &pickup on island. Fun Yaks. Call 918-639-5002

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

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

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

LOCKSMITH ISLAND LOCKSMITH, “Lock Around the Clock”. Licensed/ bonded/insured. Call 941778-1661 or 941-713-4414

LOST & FOUND PLESE RETURN THE URN taken on February 17 near the mailbox of 503 69th St, Holmes Beach. We did not realize that items placed on street were fair game on Garbage day. We were moving in on that day. Please call Jim 443-421-3381 LOST: GLASSES (PRESCRIPTION). Lost on running route: 64th St. to beach, to White Ave, 83rd St., Marina Dr. Please call 248-765-5207 LOST SILVER-STONE Bracelet Friday or Saturday December 6 or 7 at Island Player Theater. Please call 941-794-7255 LOST GOLD PINKY ring with amethyst stone vicinity of Cortez Kitchen and Swordfish Grill. Call 941-778-8359 LOST PANDORA BRACELET many charms. Great sentimental value. Call 518-365-2702 MISSING 18 INCH GOLD chain with diamond drop, sterling silver seed bracelet , location Blue Water Beach Club between 9/12 & 9/13/2013 heartbroken was gift from husband 45 years ago REWARD please call 863-668-8566 no questions asked

MARCH 4, 2015

classified

MASSAGE

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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

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

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

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

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.

WalyPrecisionPainting.com

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

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

PET SITTING/ HOUSE SITTING ANNA & LINDSAY’S Dog Walking. $5 per dog walked, $10 Dog wash. $20 for both plus play time.

Contact 917-406-9554.

Anna Maria Island Only.

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMI VALET LLC Professional parking services. Restaurants, weddings, any & all special events. Insured & Licensed. Years of experience. Call 941-565-0137 AMIValet@gmail.com AT YOUR SERVICE Personal & Professional assistant. Great rates.

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

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE SPACIOUS 3BR/3BA Condominium rarely available in wonderful bay front complex with pool and tennis courts.

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

Family oriented and pet friendly. Offered at $450,000. Call Green Real Estate @ 941-7780455 FREE! What every REAL ESTATE BUYER or SELLER needs to know!

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

ACTIVE 55+ COMMUNITY with heated pool and boat docks. Beaches are 5 min. away. Beautifully Remodeled 2BR/2BA, villa with open floor plan. Turnkey Furnished. New Designer kitchen includes Stainless appliances, granite tops and a large island cooktop. New bathrooms and walk in closets with additional storage. Enjoy the convenience of your own washer & dryer within the unit. $169,900. OBO, Call 303-884-9479 BRING YOUR BOAT! Canal villa with no bridges to ICW. Renovated 2BR/2BA villa w/carport, in gated community. 23 foot dock. Open plan, Update kitchen & baths. $249,900 Katharine Pepper, RoseBay International 941-755-2100 or 941-792-9459 1978 MOBILE HOME 8 Church Ave, Bradenton Beach, FL, On Anna Maria Island. 2 blocks From the Beach, short walk to the bay, near Historic Bridge Street The Pines Trailer Park, age 55+ park. Call 419-566-1752 VILLAGE GREEN 4BR/3BA with private guest quarters apartment. Call for Details. $195,000 Realtor 941356-1456. No flood zone.

Minutes to Beach WATERFRONT 4BR/5BA PANARAMIC Water View.

Excellent condition. Heated pool, Boat Slip, 4 car garage $1,300,000. Real Estate Mart. 941-356-1456 or 941-713-9835 VILLAGE GREEN 4BR/3BA configured with a 2BR/1BA guest Quarters. Live in one side with total privacy for guest. Call 941-356-1456 ISLAND GET-A-WAY 1BR/1BA Steps to Beach $57,500 Real Estate Mart. Call 941-7561090 or 941-713-9835 HARBOUR ISLE HOME$40,000. in upgrades!

Beautiful! $569,000.

Perico Bay Club VillaVery well maintained! $229,000. Call Kathleen today! 941-773-0165 Island Real Estate BEST PRICED CONDO on Island. 3BR/3BA 2 car garage. Only $285,000! Offers weekly rentals. Karen Day Fineout, Wagner Realty 941-518-3682

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4BR/3BA HOUSE on 71.5 acres with 18 stall horse barn in Parrish, Florida. Call Steve Georgie 941-321-6253 at Keller Williams Realty

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

For more details contact Gregg Bayer at AMI Beaches Real Estate 941-799-9096 WATERFRONT PRIVATE LAKE. Building Lot. West Bradenton. Minutes to Beach. Not a Flood Zone.

Call for information. $37,500 Realtor/Owner 941-356-1456

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

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

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

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

LAKEVIEW VILLAGE 2BR/2.5BA Townhouse Condo. Some furniture.

Minutes to Beach Small pet considered $1200/mo.

Realtor 941-356-1456 WATERFRONT SHELL POINT. 2BR/2BA. Fully furnished, pool, tennis courts.

No pets/No smoking. $1800/mo. Call 973-4793385

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

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

TOWNHOUSE 2BR/2BA. Available March 21, 2015. $3000/mo Call to book or for info. Realtor 941-356-1456 AMI-WHY RENT SEASONALLY when you can rent your Beach Get-A-Way for a comparable amount? Call 860-922-3857 for info.

45

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

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

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

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

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