Anna Maria Island Sun March 4, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 21

March 4, 2020

Potential tenants attend City Pier prebid meeting The pier itself is expected to be opened to the public in March or April.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

A shore thing PETE GROSS | SUBMITTED

Snowy plovers like these will soon be nesting on AMI as the season begins with a three-day count of shorebirds. Story on Page 3.

Vacation rental bills appear to be dead There’s still a chance the Florida Senate’s vacation rental bill could be discussed and advanced through its final committee stop on Thursday.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

TALLAHASSEE – Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and City Commission chair Carol Carter flew to Tallahassee Monday morning, March 2, planning to address the Florida Senate Rules Committee regarding proposed vacation rental legislation.

Murphy and Carter planned to speak about Senate Bill 1128, a bill originally

filed by Sen. Manny Diaz Jr., R-Miami/ Dade, in an attempt to preempt to the state all regulation of short-term vacation rentals and vacation rental advertising.

The House companion bill, HB 1011, co-sponsored by Rep. Jason Fischer, RJacksonville, and Rep. Mike LaRosa, R-St. Cloud, aligned with Diaz’s efforts to also require all vacation rentals advertised at online advertising platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to be registered with the state.

If adopted as proposed, that state legislation would eliminate the local vacation rental regulations and registration programs that currently exist in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

SEE RENTAL BILLS, PAGE 26

ANNA MARIA – More than a dozen restaurateurs are potentially interested in leasing the new City Pier restaurant and bait shop.

Last week, the deadline to submit proposals in response to the city’s request for proposals (RFP) was extended from March 10 to April 8. This was done at the request of the interested restaurateurs, including those who attended the RFP prebid meeting at Anna Maria City Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

The city commission approved the submission extension on Thursday, Feb. 27. Before doing so, Commissioner Mark Short asked Mayor Dan Murphy how the extension would impact the restaurant opening.

“You’re still looking at probably the fourth quarter (of 2020) to the first quarter of next year for a restaurant to be operational,” Murphy said.

During Wednesday’s prebid meeting, Murphy said SEE PIER, PAGE 34

Manatee County resident being treated for coronavirus As of Monday afternoon, two Florida residents were identified as being treated for coronavirus

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – On Sunday, March 1, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) announced a Manatee County resident was among the first two people in Florida to presumptively test positive for the coronavirus.

“The Florida Department of Health had announced there are two presumptive positive cases of 2019 coronavirus disease, COVID-19, in Florida.

Both individuals remain in isolation at this time. Despite these cases in

Florida, the overall immediate threat to the public remains low,” said the first paragraph of the FDOH’s twopage written announcement.

“The first patient is an adult Manatee County resident without travel history to countries identified for restricted travel by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This person did seek health care, is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials,” the FDOH announcement said.

“The Florida Department of Health is working closely with the patient, their close contacts and health care SEE VIRUS, PAGE 34

INSIDE

BROADWAY STAR

NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OUTDOORS 22-23 RESTAURANTS 26-27 REAL ESTATE 28-33 CROSSWORD 36 CLASSIFIEDS 37-39

DICK York named Citizen of the Year

Maria Wirries returns to the area to sing with the Sarasota Orchestra. 9

in Anna Maria. 4

Anna Maria Island, Florida

VANDALS damage the new

Holmes Beach skate park. 5

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MARCH 4, 2020

MARCH 4, 2020

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Shorebird survey marks start of season

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Body found off Key Royale

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

Shorebird nesting season is beginning, and a three-day survey of shorebirds on Anna Maria Island beaches shows 38 black skimmers – a threatened species in Florida – preparing to nest.

Local shorebirds – including another threatened species, snowy plovers, have not quite begun their spring nesting, but will soon, said Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox, who completed the survey.

Skimmers, plovers and other shorebirds scoop out shallow nests in beach sand, making the nests difficult to see and vulnerable to being unknowingly trampled by beachgoers. Volunteers stake out the nesting areas to protect the eggs, chicks and parents.

During bird nesting season, March through August, beachgoers should follow these tips to keep birds safe: • Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they are disturbed.

• Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Suzi Fox has completed a three-day survey of shorebirds on the Island’s beaches.

• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close to them.

• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach.

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.

• Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.

• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

The body of 49-year-old Pamela Alice Mehan was discovered on Thursday, Feb. 27, floating in the waters of Anna Maria Sound near the 600 block of Key Royale Drive in Holmes Beach.

Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office Public Information Officer Randy Warren confirmed these details and said, “Detectives found nothing to indicate foul play. The scene and facts are consistent with a suicide.”

On Feb. 29, Palm Harbor resident Cole Ian posted a note on Facebook that said Mehan faced many struggles and challenges and dealt with mental health issues throughout her life.

“On Feb. 25, Pam took her life because she decided she was tired and could not fight any more. She was kind and most of all she loved Jesus,” Ian wrote.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

AMI ranks third on Trip Advisor Anna Maria Island is third in Trip Advisor’s top trending U.S. tourist destinations, after Key Largo, Fla. and Moab, Utah.

The review cites beaches, restaurants and events as the main draws for visitors, saying, “The quaint feel of Anna Maria Island makes it the perfect place to eat grouper sandwiches and kayak with dolphins. While you’re here, visit Bean Point Beach, tucked away on the north end of the island – a cozy paradise with an Old Florida vibe. Then hop on over to Anna Maria Bayfront Park, which includes sweeping views of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway.”

Waste Pro problems surface in Holmes Beach Holmes Beach property owners who are having issues with their Waste Pro service now have another means of getting the problem resolved. Commissioner Pat Morton, who serves as the commission’s liaison to the waste and recycling collection company, wants residents who are experiencing issues to call him so he can help in remedying the situation.

During the Feb. 25 commission meeting, Morton said he’s better able to help residents if they contact him rather than trying to get in touch with Waste Pro directly. To contact Morton, call him at 941-920-4061.

BTR increase moves to a vote Holmes Beach commissioners agreed during a Feb. 25 work session to move a draft ordinance increasing the city’s business tax receipt costs by 5% to a first reading at an upcoming meeting. However, depending on how things go during the final weeks of the Florida state legislative session, it might not matter.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said the ability of local governments to regulate businesses in their cities through a required business tax receipt is on the chopping block in Tallahassee.

Currently, the city of Holmes Beach requires everyone operating a commercial business in the city, whether at a commercial location or in a private home, to obtain a BTR from the city clerk’s office and renew it annually. Under the existing Florida state statutes, city leaders are allowed to charge for a BTR and to increase the amount charged by 5% every two years.

Local artist hosts live demonstration Come out to The Studio at Gulf and Pine for a live demonstration by artist Cory Wright from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 11. The event is free to the public. While at the studio, walk around and take a look at Wright’s current collection, which is on display in the gallery.

The Studio at Gulf and Pine is located at 10101 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.

For more information, call 941-778-1906 or visit www.studioatgulfandpine.com. For more information on Cory Wright, visit www.corywrightart.com.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

MARCH 4, 2020

York recognized as Citizen of the Year

Anna Maria residents Dick York and Bob Carter shared the Citizen of the Year award.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Dick York has been recognized as one of the city of Anna Maria’s two Citizen of the Year award winners for 2019.

York received his Citizen of the Year award from Mayor Dan Murphy during the Thursday, Feb. 26, city commission meeting. York was unable to attend the Jan. 23 meeting at which fellow winner Bob Carter was honored.

York is the retired president and CEO of an information technology firm. He and his wife, Sally, moved to Anna Maria in 1999.

York, Carter and Norm Mansour, who passed away in 2016, created the Home Rule Florida coalition that has helped lead the public opposition to the state legislature’s repeated and ongoing efforts to take away local governments’ ability regulate short-term vacation rentals at the local level.

Before presenting York with his award, Murphy cited his accomplishments.

“Since moving to Anna Maria, Mr. York has been actively involved in an Island and statewide initiative aimed at preserving home rule. He has contributed not only his time and talent, but he has also personally funded and maintained a website (www.

HomeRuleFl.com) dedicated to this effort,” Murphy said.

“By providing this effective tool to the residents of our Island community and citizens throughout the state, Mr. York has been instrumental in stopping the erosion of home rule within the state of Florida. And he’s been making known the concerns of grass roots constituents. Mr. York has become a principal crusader in maintaining the rights of cities to deter-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy presents Dick York with his Resident of the Year award Left, the late Norm Mansour helped create the Home Rule Florida coalition.

CINDI MANSOUR | SUBMITTED

mine their own destiny. I thank you very much Dick for everything you’ve done,” Murphy said.

At the January meeting, Deputy City Clerk Debbie Haynes made similar remarks and also said, “Each legislative year for the past eight years, Mr. York has updated, expanded and improved the website, transforming it into the most effective web presence in the state of Florida to address the issue of erosion of home rule.

The site highlights the latest news on pending bills impacting home rule, identifies the sponsors of these bills and the committee hearing process and provides an easy and instantaneous method for constituents to communicate with legislators on this important issue.”

After accepting the award from Murphy, York said, “I think this award should go to multiple people. It was a team effort, and,

as you may know, it was the original three amigos who got together. Bob Carter, who you already know of, but one we don’t hear about is Norm Mansour, who unfortunately is gone.

“If you ever get on the website, Norm is the author of a lot of the background. Norm’s background was commercial real estate, and he really contributed a lot to putting into perspective what’s going on with all this stuff about home rule, which, in fact, if you read through it, it’s about zoning. Zoning is the right of the local government for hundreds of years, and now we’re losing it.

That’s what it’s all about, so this goes to Norm also,” York said.

“Thank you, Dick, for everything you’ve done, and you really are a crusader,” Murphy then said.

“You are, and the state knows that too,” Commission chair Carol Carter added.

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MARCH 4, 2020

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No suspects in skate park vandalism Vandals tagged the new Community Skate Park but unnamed community members stepped up to help clean up the mess.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders and community members had an unpleasant surprise Monday, Feb. 24, when they discovered that the brand-new Community Skate Park had been decorated with graffiti.

As of press time for The Sun, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that there were no leads as to who vandalized the skate park but if anyone has any information, contact the HBPD at 941-708-5807.

The skate park officially opened to the public on Feb. 15. Graffiti was spray painted onto the skate park around the edges of the street park and

SUBMITTED | DAVID ZACCAGNINO

Vandals visited the Community Skate Park in Holmes Beach after hours Feb. 23, leaving their mark in spray paint on the edges of the park and around the bowl. around the top of the skate bowl.

While public works employees worked during the day to remove the spray paint, Mayor Judy Titsworth said it was some unnamed community members who really made the

paint disappear. During the Feb. 25 commission meeting, Titsworth thanked the anonymous people and asked that they share with city leaders what was used to clean the paint off of the concrete park.

She said that the cleaner

worked so well to remove the paint that the city would like to acquire some of it to address any future issues as well as to finish cleaning the existing graffiti.

“We’d like to sincerely thank whoever cleaned the graffiti at

the park,” Tokajer said.

Though there aren’t any suspects yet in the skate park tagging, Tokajer said he now has a camera on the skate park to deter any future graffiti artists from painting the park.

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OPINION

GUEST EDITORIAL

BY ED CHILES

A

small beach town is on the verge of making a major difference.

There’s a lot of talk these days about the environmental challenges we are facing. Our small beach town is doing something about it. Bradenton Beach is located on the south side of Tampa Bay on Anna Maria Island, smack dab in the middle of the only place in the country that has three national estuaries on its border: Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

The city has been taking some big steps to address environmental issues. It has joined the other two municipalities on Anna Maria Island in developing the most progressive storm water management and capital improvement programs of any barrier island in the country to mitigate runoff into marine waters and address sea level rise.

RED TIDE

Bradenton Beach, as well as most of coastal Florida, experienced one of the worst red tide outbreaks in recent history in 2018. It was devastating to our marine environment and our economy. Red tide is a naturally

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occurring organism, but there is no doubt that nutrient loading from runoff into our inland and marine waters feeds and exacerbates the blooms. During the 2018 bloom Mote Marine Laboratory recorded the highest cell counts of the organism ever measured in south Sarasota Bay. The only marine species that lived through the outbreak in south Sarasota Bay were a few species of crabs and clams.

CLAMS

Clams are filter feeders that promote the benthic environment, which is the sea floor, much like worms improve soil. Harmful algal blooms are a serious problem in coastal waters nationwide.

Eighty percent of Florida’s $900 billion economy is on the coast.

Unfortunately, we don’t get a say in the nutrient loading that flows into our Gulf of Mexico from the farm belt via the Mississippi River.

But that didn’t stop Bradenton Beach from an ambitious effort to make the biggest change in our lifetime to promote bivalve aquaculture. Bradenton Beach understands the history of our area. We have always been about a working waterfront. Our small island city is located just across the bay from Cortez, the oldest continual fishing village in Florida.

More than 90% of seafood consumed in the U.S is imported and 50% is from aquaculture. It’s our

second-biggest trade deficit, at $14 billion last year.

We need environmentally friendly biological solutions for clean water, and we need to promote environmentally sound aquaculture. Clams do that. Did you know that one acre of seagrass sequesters as much carbon as 33 acres of forest?

If you want more seagrass, plant clams. Clams dig around and improve the benthic environment. Their waste stream fertilizes seagrass, and because they are filter feeders they clean large quantities of water daily, approximately five gallons a day for a middleneck-sized clam.

Cleaner water allows more light through the water column, which promotes photosynthesis, which promotes seagrass growth.

RESTORATION PROGRAM

In Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island, local restaurants started the Gulf Coast Oyster Restoration and Recycling program. All of their clam and oyster shells are recycled and used for shoreline restoration and to provide substrate on the sea bottom, which is shown to improve bivalve growth by 27 percent. This local restoration and recycling program – in conjunction with the University of Florida IFAS/Sea Grant program, Manatee County Department of Parks and Natural Resources, Solutions to Avoid Red Tide, the Tampa Bay Estuary

MARCH 4, 2020

Program and The Chiles Restaurant Group – is now the largest program of its kind in the state.

In 2018 Bradenton Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency board initiated the brood stock clam restoration effort by purchasing 100,000 clams from a local clam farmer that had become too big to sell due to extended red tide closures. We have 287,000 acres of shellfish-approved waters in our state, but only 1% are leased. With three national estuaries on our border, we are one of the best places in the country to raise clams. We desperately need to incentivize and encourage bivalve aquaculture. Now Bradenton Beach and its CRA board are leading the effort to create a fund for brood stock clam restoration and to have clams certified for mitigation credits.

This can be a tremendous boon to our marine waters, while speaking to our heritage of working waterfronts. It will promote economic development while furthering the branding of our area as a place that is leading the charge toward sustainability while also promoting the highestquality sustainable seafood.

Please help us by encouraging your friends to contact their local legislators to support House Bill 3829, and write or call Governor DeSantis and ask him to certify clams for mitigation credits.

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ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

For information, call 941708-6130 March 4, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation Board meeting March 12, 2 p.m. – City Commission special meeting

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

For information, call 941778-1005 March 4, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting March 4, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting March 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting March 10, 9 a.m. – City Commission work meeting FILE PHOTO

Martin Figlinski poses in front of his oil paintings that won him the best of show award last year.

Springfest coming up SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – After discontinuing the Winterfest festival due to lack of attendance, the Anna Maria Island Art League is going ahead with Springfest as the only juried, outdoors art festival to be held this year. The festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Holmes Beach City Hall park, 5801 Marina Drive.

This is the 32nd Annual Springfest and it draws top quality art to

the Island. Admission and parking are free. This family event features continuous live music on stage Saturday and a large food court offering a variety of food and beverages. Also exhibiting will be community organizations that include various historical and environmental groups with information about these causes.

A highlight of the festival is a gala raffle of artwork donated by festival exhibitors. Proceeds benefit the Art League’s scholarship fund, which provides classes to children and adults. The raffle gives everyone a chance to collect

great art for a small donation.

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and winners need not be present to win.

Springfest is the major fundraiser for the League, a nonprofit, tax deductible organization dedicated to fostering the Arts on the Island.

In addition to the classes, funds from the festival underwrite operation of the art center, exhibits, and a variety of programs for the community.

For further information contact the Anna Maria Island Art League at 941-778-2099 or artleagueami@ gmail.com.

City adopts international property maintenance code Holmes Beach city commissioners voted unanimously during a Feb. 25 meeting to approve the second and final reading of an ordinance adopting the international property maintenance code with one major change.

In addition to the items laid out in the property maintenance code, which allows code compliance officers to better enforce

against property owners who neglect their Holmes Beach properties, commissioners agreed to the addition of a section addressing the mini reefs being installed underneath docks around the Island as a part of a fundraiser for The Center of Anna Maria Island.

The new section requires the property owner to maintain the mini reef and have it removed if

it becomes a hazard or begins to break down. In comments, commissioners added that they’d like to speak with leadership at The Center to determine if there’s a way to mark or tag the reefs so that the owner can be identified in case they break loose from their moorings.

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

March 4, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting March 4, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting March 10, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

ISLAND-WIDE

March 9, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Bradenton Beach City Hall March 11, 2 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 4

TOM VAUGHT

March 18, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

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

Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Florida Cracker Crafts: Clay, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., $20 cash only. Reserve to coral.bass@mymanatee.org.

Ukulele class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m.

THURSDAY MARCH 5

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

Knit and Crochet Sunshine Stitchers, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

FRIDAY MARCH 6

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

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY MARCH 7

Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon.

Valentine House open, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Heritage Day, Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Springfest arts and crafts show, Holmes Beach city field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dyeing with plant-based dyes, The Folk School, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m., $38.

Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Music on the Porch, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 2 p.m.

SUNDAY MARCH 8

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

Springfest arts and crafts show, Holmes Beach city field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Commission pledges $5 million in tourist funds to Mote

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

BRADENTON – Manatee County commissioners have committed $5 million in Manatee County tourist tax funds to Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota County for marketing over the next five years.

Mote, which operates marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation facilities, an aquaculture facility and conducts research into coral bleaching, red tide and other marine issues, previously requested $15 million to help build its planned Science Education Aquarium (SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park. However,

Manatee County Attorney William Clague told commissioners at the time that Manatee County tourist tax proceeds can’t be used for construction projects outside the county, and commissioners declined the request, deciding to look for other ways to assist the organization.

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) decided last month to recommend that county commissioners approve a reduced commitment of $1.25 million over 25 years, or $50,000 a year.

But county commissioners decided on Tuesday, Feb. 25, to raise that amount to $5 million, or $1 million a year for five years,

earmarking the funds for marketing, not construction.

“I believe that right now we have an opportunity that we have not seen before and I’m not sure we’re going to see it again,” said County Commissioner and newly-appointed TDC Chair Misty Servia, who explained that she supports Mote as a means to improve water quality.

Reduced water quality could lead to reduced tourism, while improved water quality will support ecotourism, she said.

Commission Chair Betsy Benac agreed with Servia that supporting Mote is an “incredible opportunity.”

The board vote was unanimous in favor of the expenditure.

MARCH 4, 2020

January 2020 tourist tax collections compared to January 2019

Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*

13% 1% 35% 19%

*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bishop Museum and the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Resort tax increases reflect both increased visitation and improved tax collection efforts. Amounts shown were collected in February and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in January.

Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/tdt-evader.cfm Source: Manatee County Tax Collector

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MARCH 4, 2020

Maria Wirries to sing in Sarasota

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

SARASOTA – Broadway actress Maria Wirries, who entertained Anna Maria Island audiences as a child performer, will perform with the Sarasota Orchestra in “My Favorite Things” in three shows March 6-7 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

The 22-year-old Haitian-American singer, dancer, actor, musician, composer and competitive figure skater won the Island’s Got Talent contest at the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria in 2009 at age 12 with her renditions of “Blue Bayou” and “New York, New York.”

After graduating from the musical theatre program at Penn State University, Wirries joined a twoyear national tour as part of the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.” She is understudy in two roles: Zoe Murphy, the title character’s love interest, and his school friend, Alana Beck.

On a break from the tour, Wir-

ries will star in “My Favorite Things,” featuring songs from "The Sound of Music," "Mamma Mia!," "Les Misérables" and more with the Center Stage Singers and the Sarasota Orchestra under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Andrew Lane.

Wirries has previously performed with the Sarasota Orchestra in its Masterworks and Pops Concert Series, and with the Sarasota Orchestra Jazz Ensemble, and the Sarasota-based Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band.

“I’m a complete sucker for traditional musical theater songs,” Wirries said. “I jumped at them immediately.”

In her current tour, Wirries has participated in 560 shows in 38 cities.

“I didn’t realize that not every city is as fortunate to be surrounded by generous people who love and support the arts as Sarasota,” Wirries said. “Growing up, I was surrounded by it. We have the arts, along with the beach and good weather. We are so lucky.”

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA | SUBMITTED

Maria Wirries will perform with the Sarasota Orchestra in “My Favorite Things” on Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. Wirries at age 12 in 2009 won the Island’s Got Talent contest at the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria with her renditions of “Blue Bayou” and “New York, New York.”

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MARCH 4, 2020

Coquina Beach Café sign approved

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City commissioners recently approved by a 3-2 vote Manatee County’s request for a conditional use permit that allows a new sign to be installed near the main entrance to Coquina Beach.

Approved on Thursday, Feb. 20, the new sign will promote the Coquina Beach Café and the offerings made available there by the concessionaries, who lease that space from the county.

The request Grant Vosburg presented on behalf of the county and the concessionaires met with some resistance from Mayor John Chappie.

Chappie expressed concerns about the sign’s white background and the size, general appearance and proposed location for the sign that will replace a recently removed sign.

After much discussion, the commission majority approved the request with the stipulations that the top portion of the sign be changed from white to a darker color, that

the new sign matches the color and aesthetics of the other existing Coquina Beach signs and that the new sign be located on the south side of the main entrance rather than the north side as originally proposed.

Even with those stipulations, Chappie voted against the sign request. Commissioner Jan Vosburgh also voted no, but she said later that was because she liked the sign as originally proposed, with the white background instead of the darker background that Chappie preferred.

CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED

Bradenton Beach Commissioners approved a modified version of this proposed Coquina Beach Café sign.

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MARCH 4, 2020

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Solving a murder Big Easy style The 12th Annual Murder Mystery at The Center brought Mardi Gras style to the Island.

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

ANNA MARIA – The night was full of mystery, murder, voodoo dolls, witch doctors and the sounds of jazz Feb. 29 at The Center of Anna Maria Island’s 12th Annual Murder Mystery.

The dinner theater, which took place over two nights on Feb. 28 and 29, is an annual fundraiser for The Center and features an adults-only dinner, raffle and, of course, the murder mystery play, which takes the stage each year.

This year’s murder mystery was Mardi Gras themed and brought out more than 500 people over the two nights in their green, purple and gold best to enjoy a taste of New Orleans on Anna Maria Island.

Several returning favorites graced The Center’s stage including writer/ director and actress Brianna Roberts playing Beatrice “BB” Bordeaux, Don Purvis as Drew Breese, Ray Gardner as Maximus Bootay, Jillian Gardner as Mickey Mallencourt, Clay Spangler as Harry Fallick Jr., Monica Simpson as Madame Poussey, Leah Purvis as Detective Mignon LeBlanc, Chris Scott as Deputy Dangle, Mike Shaughnessy as Cajun Gator Thibodeau and Caleb Roberts as both Poo-Yie and the shortlived role of Drunk Dave.

On the eve of a big Mardi Gras parade and the election of a new krewe president, the Krewe of Zyle gathered together to decorate their group’s float.

When they arrive, they discovered that their current president, Drunk Dave, is already dead at the bar. Hilarity ensued

SUBMITTED | LYNN ZIMMERMAN

A couple dressed as a voodoo doll and a voodoo witch doctor take advantage of the photo booth, sponsored by Sato Real Estate.

The couple also was one of the winners of the night’s costume contest. Right,party goers pose for photos with the cast during a mingle party before the murder mystery began. as the characters tried to figure out who the killer was while also getting ready for the parade and working out their group politics.

Each night, the cast drew an envelope to see which one of the multiple endings they’d practiced would play out on stage. On Saturday night, Purvis’s Drew Breese was discovered to be the killer in an attempt to take the krewe’s presidency.

Before the killer was announced, guests were invited to place their name in a drawing and guess who the killer was. The winner was awarded a gift certificate to the Beach House restaurant in Bradenton Beach.

As the drama unfolded on stage, guests were treated to dinner provided

by Bayou Catering and featuring sausage and chicken jambalaya, stuffed mushrooms, chicken caprese bites,

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

SUBMITTED | LYNN ZIMMERMAN

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore gathered her krewe together to attend the murder mystery on Saturday night.

SEE MYSTERY, PAGE 35

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Commissioners approve new playground contracts The next new area at the city field complex in Holmes Beach will be a new playground.

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

HOLMES BEACH – More progress is being made at Holmes Beach’s city field complex.

During the Feb. 25 commission meeting, Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman gave an update on the work going on at the park complex while Mayor Judy Titsworth presented commissioners with two contracts for playground equipment, one for installation and one for the purchase of the equipment.

Wasserman said that work is progressing on the small dog park with sod being installed.

Activities at the small dog park have temporarily been moved to the former large dog park which will be dismantled once

the work at the small dog park is completed.

With commissioners unanimously approving both playground contracts, one for $61,539.29 for the custom designed equipment, modeled to resemble vintage airplanes as a nod to the park space’s former life as an airstrip, and one for $20,476.83 for the installation of the equipment. Though each contract is with a different LLC, Titsworth assured commissioners that the work is being done by the same company, Playcraft Systems.

Wasserman said the city piggybacked on a contract that the playground manufacturer already has with the Manatee County School Board after considering proposals from three contractors. He said that not only is the chosen contractor the most cost-effective, he also feels very confident in working with them.

Now that the contracts are approved, Wasserman said that work will begin to create

SUBMITTED | CITY OF HOLMES BEACH

The new playground at city field will feature custom designed equipment resembling vintage airplanes as a nod to the space’s history as an airfield. the new playground equipment, which should take three business days to install with installation beginning on or after April 13 and being completed by April 24.

Titsworth said that no decision has been made yet on what type of ground cover will be used at the playground.

She added that a four-foot

fence will be installed around the new playground once the equipment is installed. Commissioner Kim Rash offered to assist with the fence purchase and installation once work reaches that stage.

Rather than being installed by the existing pavilion, the playground equipment is planned to be installed on the

southeast corner of the parking lot across from the entrance to the small dog park.

Wasserman said it allows for the use of existing trees for shade and gives parents easy access to parking and restroom facilities.

Bocce ball and shuffleboard courts are planned to be installed at the former skate park location next to the public works yard and new skate park. The plan, he said, is to install lighting that will benefit both the skate park and the sport courts where it won’t bother residents. An exercise station is planned for installation to the north of the new large dog park.

Titsworth said that the changes to the layout were designed to help give more free space to the multi-use field and take advantage of existing facilities. She added that the multi-use field will still be used as a debris collection area after a storm event.

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Fewer enrollments worry parents Parents suggest off-Island residents who work on the Island enroll their children at the Island school.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Manatee County Schools Superintendent Cynthia Saunders attended the Anna Maria Elementary (AME) School Advisory Council on Monday, Feb. 10, where the talk turned to the school’s decline in new enrollees.

Saunders eased some of the parents’ concern by declaring, “There are no plans to make Anna Maria Elementary School anything but Anna Maria Elementary School.”

At the beginning of the school year, officials had to scrap plans for two kindergarten classes because there were fewer enrollees than planned. They had 11.

Saunders said they would plan for more kindergartners and keep their fingers crossed.

The drop in students has been a problem for several; years as the demographics of the three Island cities have changed. A robust vaca-

Second-graders sing Anna Maria Elementary School’s second-grade students will perform the musical “Forever Friends” on Tuesday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m., following the PTO Family Dinner

by The Waterfront restaurant, which starts at 5 p.m. For $8 per adult or $5 per child, diners will enjoy pulled pork with a brioche roll, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, a dinner salad and dessert for an additional donation. Pre-order before

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Manatee County Schools Superintendent Cynthia Saunders speaks at Anna Maria Elementary about the school's decline in new enrolees. tion rental business has resulted in fewer owner occupied houses as investors buy homes, knock then and replace them with larger structures that can hold more tourists. Many of those who can afford to live on the Island are older and their children have moved away.

The meeting attendees talked about marketing the highly rated school for parents who could

choose AME for their children under the School Choice plan that allows parents to choose a different school without a reason. Some attendees talked of marketing AME to those who live on the mainland, but work on the Island.

So the little school by the bay is safe for now, but time will tell if it remains that way.

3 p.m. on Monday, March 9, and you will be entered into a drawing for a Waterfront gift certificate.

Center takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free to everyone 65 and older regardless of income.

The dining events feature a continental breakfast, social activities and speakers and a nutritious luncheon. Pre-registration is required 48 hours in advance of the dining date.

To register, visit www.mealsonwheelsplus.org/friendshipdining-registration or call 941-747-4655.

Dine at the Center Dine with your neighbors and meet new friends at The Center of Anna Maria Is-land as the nonprofit joins the list of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee’s Friendship Dining Centers.

Friendship dining at The

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TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Sweet success The ribbon flies at the first anniversary of the Waffle Press, with Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members celebrating. The Waffle Press, at 425 Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, serves a variety of snacks and desserts based on sweet waffles.

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Enterococcus bacteria levels decrease in Bradenton Beach The latest test results indicate lower levels of enterococcus bacteria near the Bridge Street Pier.

with their respective investigations,” Mele stated in his written remarks.

“The results from the sample taken inshore at the dinghy dock, about 30 feet from the beach, are 131 CFU, still high enough to warrant a beach closure advisory,” Mele stated in reference to the small city-owned dock south of the Bridge Street Pier boardwalk.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The elevated enterococcus bacteria levels recently detected in Bradenton Beach offshore of the Bridge Street Pier and Bay Drive South have dissipated.

On Friday, Feb. 14, Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Andy Mele and board chair Joe McClash issued a press release regarding “extremely high pollution levels discovered at Bradenton Beach bayfront.”

Regarding the water samples taken prior to Feb. 14, the Suncoast Waterkeeper press release said, “Over a period of two weeks, enterococcus levels exceeding 24,000 colony-forming units (CFU) per liter have been discovered twice along the waterfront at Bridge Street and Bay Drive South in Bradenton Beach, an area intensively used by tourists throughout the year.

Other samples reached 1,670 cfu/L and 4884 cfu/L.”

THE ‘PELICAN THEORY’

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Enterococcus bacteria levels have decreased in the waters near the Bridge Street Pier.

LATEST TEST RESULTS

On Friday, Feb. 28, Mele shared the reports for the follow-up testing he conducted on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

On Sunday, March 1, Mele provided his written remarks on those latest test results.

“These results indicate that the extreme water quality problem in the

cove formed by Bay Drive South and the Bridge Street Pier was the result of an event or condition that has apparently passed. It may well return, so we will, of course, continue to monitor the site and work closely with the Manatee County Department of Health and Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie.

We urge those entities to move forward

On Monday, Feb. 17, the city of Bradenton Beach issued a written response to Suncoast Waterkeeper’s Feb. 14 press release.

“It was noted at a recent CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting that there have been higher counts of pelican fecal matter on the pier and floating dock, which may be the contributing cause for the recent water samplings collected by Suncoast Waterkeeper,” the city statement said.

The city statement also mentioned “the boating community activities in the waters tested, the Manatee County force main construction activities adjacent to that area and recent boring activities for the undergrounding of SEE BACTERIA, PAGE 27

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Humpback bridge vandalized The Anna Maria Public Works Department repainted the portion of the humpback bridge on North Bay Boulevard vandalized by graffiti in mid-February. Public Works Manager Dean Jones said the vandal or vandals would be “prosecuted by the city to the full extent of the law” if caught. He said police patrols were increased and the city plans to “stamp this out completely.”

Jones said a graffiti-resistant coating would be applied to the bridge surfaces. In her Feb. 17 Facebook post that included a photo of the graffiti, Island resident Lisa Powers Weiss wrote, “I don’t care if you live here or are just visiting. I don’t want you here defacing this precious Island that I call home.”

DEAN JONES/CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED LISA POWERS WEISS/FACEBOOK | SUBMITTED

The humpback bridge in Anna Maria was recently vandalized. The vandalized portions of the bridge were repainted and to be sealed with a graffiti-resistant coating.

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Mayor authorized to research impact fees City officials will weigh the cost of implementing impact fees versus the potential revenues generated.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy has been authorized to spend up to $5,000 to research the possible implementation of impact fees that would be assessed on new construction in Anna Maria.

Impact fees are collected by a local or county government upon the completion of a construction project and used to help maintain levels of service for streets and roads, drainage and other infrastructure needs.

On Thursday, Feb. 27, Murphy sought and received unanimous City Commission authorization to use $5,000 from the city’s contingency fund to explore impact fees and bring back some initial recommendations to the commission.

Murphy said the amount of construction taking place in Anna Maria is impacting city streets, drainage and residents’ way of life.

“It’s more than just brisk, it’s steam-

5:30 PM

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor Dan Murphy has been authorized to research impact fees rolling. I remember the days back when it was a very sleepy town and there was maybe a job being done over here, one over there and that was it. Almost every major street, every major thoroughfare is impacted today.

You can see the wear and tear on our streets,” he said.

“The other part of this is the impact on drainage within the city. We have ordinances in place that address the drainage and these homes are built by the code to meet those drainage requirements, but I think that needs to be reevaluated and incorporated into this impact fee study because I’m not so sure it’s working,” he added.

“I think everybody is familiar with the lake produced on Pine Avenue af-

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ter any type of a rain event. That lake wasn’t there until one home was built.

It was built exactly to the code and they met all of the drainage requirements, yet the result is not pretty,” Murphy said.

Murphy said the money spent implementing impact fees could be recovered through the future collection of impact fees, but at this point he does not know what those costs would be.

“I can tell you it’s going to cost a lot more than $5,000 to introduce impact fees. For $5,000, we can get pretty good picture of what we need to do, where we are and what the recommendations are,” Murphy said.

“I think at the same time it would probably be a good idea to look at all of our codes,” he added, citing construction staging as a particular concern.

Murphy said there were recently some “serious issues” on North Shore Drive when multiple houses were built at the same time in close proximity to one another.

“It looked like a parking lot down there,” he said.

Commissioner Joe Muscatello noted the city currently has no impact fees, SEE FEES, PAGE 19

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Manatee County collects impact fees According to the Manatee County website, the county collects school impact fees countywide. Impact fees for other types of infrastructure are collected on new development in the unincorporated areas of Manatee County, and the county also collects impact fees for each fire district and facility investment fees for the county’s water and wastewater capacities.

“The construction of new dwelling units and businesses increases the demand for county infrastructure capacity. To maintain levels of service, the county must expand infrastructure capacity for multimodal transportation, parks/natural resources, law enforcement, public safety and libraries,” the county website says.

“Impact fees ensure that new development pays its share of the capital cost incurred to accommodate population and job growth. Impact fees are restricted to funding growth-related capital improvements and may not be used for replacing infrastructure, maintenance or operations,” the county website says.

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FEES: Considered in Anna Maria

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FROM PAGE 17

and he said he would authorize $10,000 or $20,000 if that’s what the mayor needed.

“Impact fees should have been in place 20 years ago. Now we’re paying a price,” Muscatello said before he made a motion to approve Murphy’s $5,000 request.

“I’m all for it,” Commissioner Jon Crane said.

Crane noted he previously sat on a city committee that considered impact fees.

“The consensus was it would be too expensive when balanced against what we would get back.

But the mayor and the city attorney just explained that could be part of what we’re recovering in impact fees. There’s a lot of impact to the Island that’s not being paid for,” Crane said.

As an aside, Crane expressed his opinion that the Manatee County Tourist Development Council is not paying its fair share to offset the impacts those promotional efforts have on the Island.

“It’s hard to ride your bicycle on the edge of the road because the edge isn’t there anymore,” Commission chair Carol Carter added.

She attributed those conditions to the large construction trucks that struggle to stay within the confines of the city streets.

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OUTDOORS

MARCH 4, 2020

Manatee CCA banquet a huge success Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

O

n Feb. 27, I attended the 2020 Manatee County Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Banquet at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. That night close to 1,000 anglers and conservationists were in attendance to show their support for one of the CCA’s largest and most active chapters.

It was great to see the commitment local sportsman have for not only the fish that swim Florida’s salt waters but the habitat that supports them. The fact that this organization had its beginnings right here on Anna Maria Island made the experience all the more satisfying.

The CCA is a non-profit organization with 17 coastal state chapters span-

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Nearly 1,000 anglers and conservationists attended the Manatee County Coastal Conservation Association banquet at the Bradenton Area Conventon Center. speckled trout populations.

Redfish campaign, and by 1985, chapters ning the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic In response, 14 concerned recreational had formed along the Gulf Coast. seaboard and the Pacific Northwest. anglers created the Gulf Coast ConservaThat year I joined Captain Scott CCA had its beginnings in 1977 after tion Association to combat over fishing. drastic commercial overfishing along SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 23 the Texas coast decimated redfish and The stewardship started with a Save the

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REEL TIME: Banquet a huge success FROM PAGE 22

Moore, Cindy McCartney, Captain Jim O’Neill, Pete Turner, Mac Smith and other concerned anglers to form the Manatee Chapter of the then Florida Conservation Association (FCA), which became the state’s fifth chapter. The timing was auspicious as GGCA organizer Bruce Cartwright was in Florida organizing state chapters and helped guide us in absorbing and disseminating the group's message.

In 1986, FCA successfully intervened in lawsuits filed by commercial interests opposing Spanish mackerel recovery plans establishing the FCA as a force for positive change that would make huge strides toward protecting and enhancing coastal fisheries.

In 1987, the CCA was also successful in stopping purse seining of spawning redfish in the Gulf of Mexico in response to the blackened redfish craze. That year the FCA merged with the Everglades Protection Association and joined with CCA in efforts to bring about a management plan to protect bill-

fish from longline fishing vessels.

In 1988, the FCA won a fouryear battle to achieve gamefish status for Florida's depleted redfish stocks. Redfish became the first species since 1957 to be removed from Florida's market.

That same year, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce signed an FCAsupported management plan for billfish, marking the first time federal authorities have declared a gamefish in federal water.

By the early ‘90s, the mid-Atlantic region and New England all had active chapters. Washington and Oregon chapters were formed in 2007. The CCA has participated in virtually every national marine fishery debate since 1984. In the federal court system, CCA’s legal defense fund has been used to defend net bans, fight for the implementation of by catch reduction devices, support pro-fisheries legislation and battle arbitrary nofishing zones.

Now in the 21st century, the CCA network is engaged in hundreds of local, state and national projects

supporting conservation efforts.

The CCA has been a strong supporter of Sarasota Bay Watch’s clam restoration project and donated at the recent Scallopalooza Fundraiser to increase the impact of their “A Million Clams in 2020” initiative. CCA funding has initiated scientific studies, funded marinescience scholarships, build artificial reefs, created finfish hatcheries, supported hydrologic and contaminant studies, monitored freshwater inflows, supported local marine law enforcement and much more.

Through broad-based recreational angler support, a strong legal and legislative presence, decades of experience and an unwavering vision for the future of U.S. and global marine resources, the CCA battles for the sustainable health of our coastal fisheries and for recreational anglers’ interests. You can support the Coastal Conservation Association’s mission, join the Manatee Chapter and learn more about the organization at www. joincca.org and www.ccaflorida. org/chapter/manatee/

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ENTERTAINMENT FAMILY FUN

At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Wednesday, March 4, Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group; Ukulele Class, 3 to 4 p.m.

• Thursday, March 5, Sunshine Stitchers, 2 to 4 p.m.

• Friday, March 6 Forty Carrots – Partners in Play, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Saturday, March 7, Ask a Master Gardener, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Guided meditation with Sheryl, 11 a.m.

• Tuesday, March 10, Preschool story time, 10 to 11 a.m., Mahjong Club, Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., DYI Beach sign and seashell crafts (age 18+), 2to4 p.m.

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

PLANT AND MORE SALE

Palma Sola Botanical Park’s annual Plants and More Sale on Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., features native and exotic plant vendors, as well as artisans in wood, pottery, textiles, and jewelry. There will be food – barbecue, sweet treats and music.

The park is at 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Vendors are wanted; phone 941-761-2866 or email pal-

masolabp@aol.com.

PRIVATEERS HOLD LAST MARKET

Don’t miss the last Anna Maria Island Privateers' Thieves’ Market at Coquina Park’s south parking lot starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14.

This market by the beach offers dozens of concessionaires selling unique artwork, old and antique items, movies and music household goods clothing and accessories and more.

Food includes baked goods, barnacle burgers, scurvy dogs or walk the plank tacos. This is you final opportunity of the year to shop with pirates.

GENEALOGICAL SEMINAR PLANNED

The Manatee Genealogical Society will host a special seminar on Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Westminster Courtyard, 222 12th St. W. (Old Main St.), Bradenton.

The keynote speaker, Ray Maki, a member of the Manatee Genealogical Society and New York historian, will present "New York State Genealogy: Dealing with the Empire." There is no charge for this seminar.

Following the presentation there will be a Q & A period with the speaker and then a moderated open discussion period.

For more Society information,

go to the website: https://mgsfl. org/ or Facebook: www.facebook. com/ManateeGenealogicalSociety Email questions: info@mgsfl. org.

TIME FOR A BEACH DANCE

The Ninth Annual Oldies Beach Dance, to benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, is coming to the Sandbar restaurant special events pavilion at 200 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, on Tuesday, March 19, from 3 to 5.p.m In addition to the Gulf Drive Duo, with Karen Jones on vocals and Bil Bowdish on vocals, flutes and saxes, they will welcome back Koko Ray as their guest soloist. Ray has been with the Oldies Beach Dance for many years and always presents a first-class performance.

Put your dancing shoes on or just sit back and listen to the great show. They will also be shooting a video this year and would like to have you as part of the memory for this years’ dance.

Oldies Beach Dance tickets are available at www.amicco.org or by dropping by the AMI Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, and are $10 in advance. After music expenses, all proceeds go to the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra.

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‘Leading Ladies’ coming to Island Players

ROSER MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CHURCH

The Potter’s House High School Gospel Choir will perform at Roser Church on March 9.

Roser to host gospel choir Roser Memorial Community Church is hosting the Potter’s House High School Gospel Choir in concert for one day only on March 9. The performance begins at 3:30 in the church’s sanctuary and is free to the public. Directed by Nate Glasper Jr., the gospel choir was formed in early 2019 at The Potter’s House High School in Wyoming, Mich., and features the talents of 11 students. This is the group’s first tour. For more information, or to listen to samples of their uplifting music, visit www.tphgr.org/songsofhope.

Roser is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

The Island Players present “Leading Ladies,” by Ken Ludwig from March 5 to 22.

Ludwig has written more than 28 plays and musicals including the popular “Lend Me A Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo.”

“Leading Ladies” is about Jack and Leo, two down-ontheir-luck English Shakespearean actors. When they learn that a local wealthy woman is searching for her sister’s children to include in her will, they decide to pose as those individuals. But when they discover that long lost Max and Steve aren’t nephews but nieces, they must continue their plot, now posing as Maxine and Stephanie for a chance at the multi-million dollar inheritance.

The cast, directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland and assisted by Stage Manager Denise Handley, includes five actors new to the Island Player’s stage; Caitlin

Spain-Phipps as Meg, Andrew Allen as Leo, Mikey Lynch as Jack, Sarah De Young as Audrey and Philip Troyer as Butch.

The remaining three actors who often grace the Island Players’ stage are Mark Woodland as Duncan, Laura Morales as Florence and Rick Kopp as Doc. The Off-Stage Ladies coproduce this hilarious comedy.

Tickets are $23 and are available for purchase now. The box office is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and one hour before each show.

For more information, see the Island Players’ website www. theislandplayers.org, or call the box office at 941 778-5755. Island Players Theater is located at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. Shows run Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with Matinees on Sundays at 2. p.m.

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RENTAL BILLS: Appear to be dead FROM PAGE 1

The House bill already successfully passed through its three committee stops and was awaiting potential advancement to the House floor for a final vote.

The Senate bill passed through two committee stops and was scheduled to make its third and final committee stop with the Rules Committee on Monday.

LEGISLATION DERAILED?

Upon their arrival Monday morning, Murphy and Carter learned from the city’s lobbyist, Chip Case, that Sen. David Simmons, R-Longwood, filed a proposed amendment that morning that sought to protect the local vacation rental ordinances and regulations already in place.

Murphy, Carter and Case were present when the Rules Committee meeting began at noon.

To their surprise, the anticipated discussion on SB 1128 was postponed with no explanation after the committee held a short opening discussion about a shark fin harvesting prohibition.

When contacted at 12:17 p.m., Murphy said, “This means they don’t intend to hear the bill today, but they could bring it back up before 6 p.m. We’re sitting tight lest they try to sneak this in.”

A short time later, Murphy said Case and others were trying to figure out if the postponement meant the Senate bill and this year’s legislative efforts regarding vacation rentals were dead.

At 12:56 p.m., Murphy said, “It appears to be dead.

Today provides brief relief in defending our rights to home rule, but it’s too soon to let our guard down.”

At 4:15 p.m., Murphy said, “They could have another meeting on Thursday and put that legislation back on the docket. We don’t think that’s probable, but it’s possible. Our lobbyist is on top of it, and he’ll let us know what happens. If it’s not on Thursday’s agenda, it’s not likely to be heard,” Murphy said.

The 2020 legislative session is scheduled to end on Friday, March 13, and committee meetings are expected to conclude this week.

Murphy said he and Carter were headed home Monday night and would return Thursday if needed and if given enough advance notice.

“They could schedule the meeting with four hours’ notice, which would preclude our participation, but our lobbyist would be there. It’s a wait and see situation,” Murphy said.

At 4:33 p.m. Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry received a text message from Bradenton Beach’s lobbyist, David Ramba.

DAN MURPHY | SUBMITTED

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Commissioner chair Carol Carter traveled to Florida State Capitol Building in Tallahassee Monday morning.

“It looks dead as of today,” Ramba told Perry regarding SB 1128.

GOVERNOR’S CONCERNS

To become state law, matching Senate and House bills must be adopted by their respective legislative branches and then supported and signed by the Florida governor.

On Feb. 24, Gov. Ron DeSantis was interviewed by Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida and asked about preempting vacation rental regulations to the state.

According to the video of that interview, DeSantis said, “I haven’t made a final decision. I’ve expressed privately to some members of the legislature I have concerns about that. We’re going to be in charge of this as a state? For us to be micro-managing vacation rentals, I’m not sure that’s the right thing to do. My view would be, probably, that should be determined locally. That’s where I’m leaning now. I’m going to listen to some more arguments if the bill passes, but I do have some concerns about that.”

MARCH 4, 2020

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27

BACTERIA: Levels decrease FROM PAGE 15

utility lines on Bridge Street.”

Mele’s March 1 statement was accompanied by a photo taken while he was collecting water samples at the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

“There were at least as many pelicans on the other side of the ramp, out of sight on the left,” he wrote in reference to the photo.

“The test came back 85 CFU/100ml – slightly elevated, but clearly not on the order of the results we got two weeks running at Bay Drive South. Furthermore, the pressure washing on the floating dock is performed on Friday and we tested Wednesday, now settling in on Tuesday – plenty of time for the pelican feces to dissipate, sink, photo oxidize, chemically bind with particulate matter or just get taken away by the strong tides that run through there. So, with all due respect, we cannot endorse or affirm the credibility of the ‘pelican theory,’” Mele’s statement said in reference to the city’s recent statement.

“I also call your attention to the results from Palma Sola Creek. During the three weeks we have sampled it, the CFU count has been increasing to dangerous levels. It is not a recreation site per se, but paddlers and fishers use the nearby waters of Palma Sola Bay frequently. We will expand our monitoring of Palma Sola Bay. There may be a problem brewing there, as Palma Sola Creek has received sewage spills from several sources in the past,” Mele stated.

ANDY MELE/SUNCOAST WATERKEEPER | SUBMITTED

In his March 1 statement, Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Andy Mele referenced this photograph recently taken at the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach.

WHAT IS ENTEROCOCCUS?

According the Florida Department of Health website, “Enterococci are enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of enteric bacteria can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife and human sewage. If they are present in high concentrations in recreational waters and are ingested while swimming or enter the skin through a cut or sore, they may cause human disease, infections or rashes.”

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W

REAL ESTATE

e’re in a seller’s market, words that every homeowner wants to hear.

But even a seller’s market needs to be handled with care and respected. It can turn on a dime on so many factors, quickly depleting your pot of gold.

A seller’s market is defined as a real estate market that has more demand than supply, and that’s certainly true all over Manatee County. As of January, there was only 3.4 month’s supply of single- family properties for sale in Manatee County, a six- month supply of available properties is generally considered a healthy real estate market. Also, to be considered a seller’s market sales, prices grow above 4 percent a year. As of January, single-family homes in Manatee County grew 6.6 percent over January of last year.

So, what’s the best way to sell your property in a seller’s market? It’s recommended that in a good seller’s market a property can be priced about 5 percent higher than comparable properties. But

MARCH 4, 2020

Seller’s market?

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER

since we all know that a homeowner’s perception of a comparable property may not be what buyers see relative to condition and location. You must be careful in pricing above the market, and treat it as an experiment that may not work and may need to be quickly adjusted.

Here in Manatee County we are seeing a lot of new construction competing with resales. We’re living in a funny world where, unlike previous generations, buyers don’t want to take on projects and may pay a premium for new construction but not your home. Do whatever you can to remove objections to your property, including some renovations that may not get you

all your money back but could sell your property a lot faster. Emphasize features in your home that new construction may not ever have, including water views and mature landscaping.

If you’re selling an empty property, consider staging or at the very least virtually staging, which will provide photos online showing how the homes looks with furniture. This may not beat new construction decorator models, but it will give you an edge with other resales.

Nationally and locally sale prices are picking up as inventory stays tight. The S & P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, which measures average home prices in major metropolitan areas across the nation, reported that for November there was a 3.5 percent increase over a 12-month period. The growth continues in its analysis in December, with the average home prices going up 3.8 percent during the previous 12-month period.

The housing market has been expected

to be boosted by the mortgage rates being at their lowest level in half a century.

However, although sale prices are going up, sales numbers are going down.

Inventory is limited, and buyers are not moving forward because they can’t find what they want and/or the price points are too high. According to the National Association of Realtors, the housing inventory level was the lowest for January since 1999.

Existing home sales fell 1.3 percent in January compared with December according to the National Association of Realtors.

Until this market gets into a more normal area, we’re stuck with a seller’s market, not always a good thing. So, no matter how low the inventory goes, buyers aren’t fools and won’t pay way above market value just because they don’t have a lot to choose from.

They’ll sit out the market, continue living with mom and dad or rent.

Don’t you be a fool and take the market for granted. Protect your pot of gold; it may not always be there.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 4, 2020

BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA

2/13, petit grand theft, shoplifting, 100 Spring Ave., Sandbar restaurant. While waiting for a table, a male took two hats from a rack and went into a restroom with the hats and a bag. When he got out, he made a small purchase and fled.

2/18, criminal mischief, 100 S. Bay Blvd.

Somebody spray painted the humpback bridge

BRADENTON BEACH No new reports

CORTEZ

2/15, domestic battery, possession of a controlled substance, out of county warrants and out of state warrants, 11500 Cortez Road W. a male and female got into an argument during the Cortez Fishing Festival. It turned physical, and deputies arrived. They searched the couple and found methamphetamines. They arrested the couple, and deputies found a number arrest warrants on them.

HOLMES BEACH

2/19, possession of marijuana, 700 Manatee Ave. The officer clocked the defendant driving at 55 mph in a 35 mph zone. He notice a small amount of leafy green material in the car’s interior, and the driver said it was his. He was ticketed for speeding and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.

2/20, no vehicle registration, license plate not registered for the vehicle, 100 52nd St. The officer ran a computer check on the vehicle in front of him and performed a traffic stop. The driver said his license was suspended. The officer issued summonses for criminal violations.

2/22, driving with no license, 5100 Gulf Drive. The officer ran a computer check on the vehicle in front of him that was weaving. The female driver said she had no license and had never owned one. The officer gave her a criminal citation, and a passenger drove her home.

2/23, vehicle theft 2900 block of Avenue E., The victim said her locked blue Subaru Legacy was stolen. Later in the day, the car was recovered by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

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2/23, information, 3300 block of 6th Ave. The victim called police to report a hit and run accident. The officer found a front tire exploded, damaging the car.

2/23, theft, 200 block of 81st Street. The victim reported his gold rope chain valued at $200 was stolen from his residence. The case is under investigation.

2/24, criminal mischief, 5801 Marina Drive, skate park. Somebody spray painted part of the park and public rest room.

2/25, driving with a suspended license, 700 Marina Drive. The officer stopped the driver because the license plate reader identified her as having as having a suspended license. She was ticketed, and her car was towed.

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www.amisun.com

MARCH 4, 2020

www.amisun.com

MARCH 4, 2020

THE SUN

r u o MEET

BUILDERS at Music on Main

We've made it easy FOR YOU TO FIND YOUR PLACE IN LAKEWOOD RANCH Join us for a fun-filled evening during Music on Main, and meet all 21 of our homebuilders in one place! There’s never been a more convenient way to browse our incredible array of available homes and homebuilders. Plus, take advantage of special giveaways and builder incentives offered just for attendees of this special event.

You won't want to miss it!

Join Us Friday, March 6th at 6pm 8 1 3 1 L A K E W O O D M A I N S T R E E T, L A K E W O O D R A N C H , F L 3 4 2 0 2 | 8 0 0 - 3 0 7- 2 6 2 4

.com *Prices subject to change without notice. © 2020 Lakewood Ranch

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THE SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Trying to reopen As of Sunday, March 1, the Fire & Stone pizzeria on Cortez Road remained closed. Owner Peter Ross recently indicated he’s still waiting on the county-issued certificate of occupancy needed to reopen the pizzeria that’s been closed since last May. In mid-January, Ross said he hoped to reopen that month.

MARCH 4, 2020

MARCH 4, 2020

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Commissioners talk fertilizer During a Feb. 25 work session, Holmes Beach commissioners began a discussion about adopting fertilizer and landscape maintenance regulations.

The good news for local landscapers is that if they’re already abiding by the Manatee County regulations nothing will change for their operations in Holmes Beach.

Commissioners agreed to move the draft ordinance to a first reading at a future regular meeting. The ordinance formally adopts the Manatee County fertilizer and landscaping regulations that already are in effect county-wide.

By adopting the regulations it allows city code compliance officers to enforce them in Holmes Beach.

The county’s fertilizer and landscap-

ing regulations require best practices, developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, to be observed in order to help prevent runoff that can damage marine ecosystems and ground water. The intent is to keep excessive nutrients out of the water that can cause water quality to degrade and could lead to events such as red tide.

Some of the requirements include having professional landscaping companies be registered with the county and have a county-issued sticker on all vehicles and to limit the use of fertilizer on plants and turf.

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MARCH 4, 2020

PIER: Potential tenants attend meeting FROM PAGE 1

he expects the pier itself to open to the public in March or April.

According to the prebid meeting sign-in sheet, an additional list provided by Murphy and additional research by The Sun, the following parties attended Wednesday’s meeting and/or expressed to Murphy interest in leasing the city-owned pier buildings: • Julian Botero and Gabriella Hoock, from the Gulf Drive Café in Bradenton Beach; • Hal Christensen and Jessica Stevens, from Harry’s Continental Kitchens in Longboat Key; • Rod & Reel Pier manager Rockey Corby, representing current City Pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder’s TCPR Inc.; • Gabriel Davila and Darlene Ruth, from Seabreeze Concessions, the former concessionaire at Lido Beach in Sarasota; • Buddy and Cate Foy, owners of Cate’s Italian Garden in Bolton Landing, N.Y.; • Chef Marcos Fernandez, from the upscale Nineteen61 restaurant in Lakeland; • Joseph Guli III, CEO of the Sarasota-based Tableseide Restaurant Group whose brands include Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie, Muse at The Ringling and Oak & Stone; • Kimberley Mancini, from Michael’s On East in Sarasota; • Brian Mathae, owner of Hurricane Hanks in Holmes Beach;

• Sean Murphy, owner of the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach; • Greg Novack, hospitality consultant and founder and former owner of Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice; • Steve Rose, owner of Bortell’s Lounge in Anna Maria; • Mike Ross and Thad Treadwell, from the Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach; When contacted Friday, Schoenfelder said he has not yet decided whether he’ll respond to the RFP. In January, the city commission rejected his offer to pay an initial base rent of $8,000 per month.

MEETING Q&A

During Wednesday’s meeting, Murphy spent 50 minutes fielding questions from potential bidders.

He told attendees the city seeks proposals from those interested in leasing the pier buildings and completing the interior build-outs of the exterior shells at their own expense.

He said the potential bidders can schedule a tour of the pier and pier buildings.

Murphy said the tenant will lease the restaurant and bait shop areas and share the use and maintenance costs for the common areas that include the pier walkway, boat landing, T-end decking and public restrooms.

In response to questions posed, Murphy said: • The pier buildings provide 4,600 square feet of total interior space.

• Leasing additional portions of the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Those interested in leasing the new City Pier restaurant and bait shop have until April 8 to submit their proposals. shared common areas is negotiable; • The tenant is not obligated to sell live bait at the bait shop, and the current tenant stopped doing so long ago; • The city expects the tenant to acquire a fishing license that allows anyone to fish on the pier; • The number of parking spots provided will be based on city code requirements, gated parking is negotiable and valet parking at nearby Bayfront Park is possible; • Live music and/or outdoor speakers in the common areas is negotiable.

Murphy said the city doesn’t have any information to provide regarding past pier revenues, foot traffic or the number of pier visitors. He said one consultant estimated that location could potentially generate a maximum of $3.5 to $4 million in annual revenues with a restaurant, bait shop and souvenir and merchandise sales.

“It’s the most visited attraction in

Manatee County. It’s a high visibility location. It’s a great view. That’s a big part of the attraction,” Murphy said.

Attendees asked several questions about utility lines and connections, lighting, drain locations and other technical details. Murphy could not provide specific details in every instance, but those details are included the 65 written questions and answers posted later in the week at the city website, www.cityofannamaria.com.

The updated submission schedule and the RFP are also posted there.

“We were pleased with the number of interested attendees at the meeting,” Murphy later said. “Most importantly, it was apparent there is a great deal of interest from our local restaurateurs in operating on the pier – successful businesspeople who know the Anna Maria City Pier’s potential.

Attendees came from a wide range of niche markets in the hospitality industry, ranging from family-oriented to upscale and gourmet.”

VIRUS: Resident being treated for Coronavirus FROM PAGE 1

providers to isolate and monitor persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough or shortness of breath,” the announcement said.

“The second patient is an adult resident of Hillsborough County with a history of travel to Italy. This person is isolated and will continue,” the announcement said.

“There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus,” the announcement said.

The Health Department recommends avoiding close contact with people who are sick; staying home when you are sick; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; washing your hands often and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

“All potentially exposed employees and providers have been identified and the hospital is communicating with them to answer questions and provide additional information. We are working very closely with the local and state departments of health as well as the CDC to assure that we continue to take all appropriate precaution,” the Doctors Hospital statement said.

When addressing the media on Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed the two cases reported in Florida. He reiterated the FDOH statement about the threat currently being low to others, but he acknowledged additional cases are expected.

HOSPITAL ISSUES STATEMENT

On March 1, The Doctors Hospital of Sarasota issued a written statement that said, “Doctors Hospital of Sarasota has been notified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that we have a patient in our facility who presumptively tested positive for COVID-19.

The patient was admitted to our facility in late February and remains in our care.

“On Friday, Feb. 28, the CDC changed it guidance regarding COVID-19, specifically the criteria for persons under investigation, which con-

LOCAL OFFICIALS MEET

sequently led the patient to be tested.

Upon recognizing that the patient was a potential COVID-19 case, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota immediately and appropriately activated all protocols for handling potential COVID-19 cases, including immediate isolation.

County Commissioner Carol Whitmore was among the local public officials who attended a non-public meeting at the Manatee County Public Safety Center in Bradenton on Monday afternoon. According to Whitmore, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth was among the city officials present for the conference call with the Florida Department of Health.

www.amisun.com

MARCH 4, 2020

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35

MYSTERY: Big Easy style FROM PAGE 11

parmesan spinach dip with crostini and bourbon bread pudding for dessert.

The presenting sponsor for this year’s murder mystery was The Ugly Grouper with other sponsors including The Morey Foundation, Sato Real Estate, Moss Builders, Beach Bistro, Beach Bums, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Personal Injury Law, Beach House Real Estate, Johnson Homes of West Florida, Fit Crew, HSH Designs, Eason Builders Group, Slim’s Place, Acqua Aveda, Island Photography by Dara Caudill, Vacasa, Gnarly Mangrove and ALSCO. Raffles during the twonight event included a 50/50 raffle which topped out at $1,110 on Saturday to be split between the winner and The Center and more

than $600 before the split on Friday night. Chinese raffle items included a month of workouts at Pure Barre in Bradenton, tickets to a Tampa Bay Rays game, a brunch or dinner charter cruise for four with Captain Sky Cruises, five Fit Crew classes, a gift package from Shear Rituals salon, five personal training sessions with Ray Gardner, a gift basket and certificate from Pink and Navy, a beach essentials basket and gift card from the Sandbar, a wellness basket from Melaleuca/Laura Johnson Wellness, a National Geographic skateboard from West Coast Surf Shop, a Yeti cooler from Beach Bums, a Bridge Street night out gift basket and a relaxing spa day package from Acqua Aveda.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Madame Poussey sweetly declares her innocence during her interrogation. Parking cop Deputy Dangle mocks the overly dramatic BB during her interrogation after the death of Drunk Dave.

Island group cruises Panama Canal Accompanied by friends, a group from Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach recently embarked on an 11-day cruise of the Panama Canal. Sailing aboard Holland America’s Eurodam, the group made stops in the Bahamas, Aruba, Curaçao, Cartagena and Costa Rica. “We had an amazing time,” Anna Maria resident Barbara Murphy said.

BARBARA MURPHY | SUBMITTED

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THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 For both men and women, as a school 5 "Now!" letters 9 White vin 14 Jason's ship 15 Southwest tableland 16 Piece between steps 17 Smokes, for short 18 Nerve impulse carrier 19 In tune 20 One on a dean's list 23 Eclectic musician Brian 24 Put mileage on 25 Wood-shaping tool 26 __-relief 29 Imperfection related to an inherited disorder 33 Word after ink or knee 34 Small island 35 Horne of jazz 36 Help for a small climber 39 Electrical unit 40 Civil War sword 41 "Well, start talking" 42 __-Caps 43 Agnus __ 44 "The Third Man" or "Double Indemnity" 48 Service charge 49 "Mr. Blue Sky" rock gp.

50 Many times o'er 51 Old horse 54 Parliamentary rules violation ... or what each circled-letter quartet represents?

57 MD meeting an ambulance 60 Parcel (out)

61 Subtle glow 62 Safari heavyweight 63 Composer Stravinsky 64 Bearded flower 65 Seth who played Wozniak in "Steve Jobs" 66 Feline feet 67 __-dish pizza Down 1 Hidden supply 2 Mythological night-sky hunter 3 Christmas drink 4 "I can only __ much" 5 Piled up 6 Hockey team on the ice, e.g.

7 Not worth __ 8 Way to watch bamboomunching zoo bears 9 Medal metal 10 Dryer fluff 11 Set a price of 12 French word in bridal bios 13 Call out 21 Prepare to tackle 22 Whirling current

Answers to 02-26-20 Crossword Puzzle.

26 U.K. network, with "the" 27 Clearasil target 28 Oater badge shape 30 English derby site 31 Blood of the gods 32 Swing willy-nilly 36 Broadway hit, in slang 37 "__ from Muskogee": Merle Haggard song 38 Eye rudely 39 Potato chip go-with 40 Scuffle 42 Études, typically 43 Feels otherwise 45 Recent rightist 46 Like pitches that bounce in the dirt 47 Last 52 Cliffside abode 53 Fully comprehend 54 Corn bread 55 Draped Roman garment 56 Sudden attack 57 Go wrong 58 Letter after pi 59 Project for an archaeologist

MARCH 4, 2020

MARCH 4, 2020

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit. com FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 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

EMPLOYMENT NAIL/SKIN PRO needed now at busy island day spa. Fl. license req. 941896-2222 TWO SIDES OF NATURE – Anna Maria Island’s Largest Little Beach Shoppes... is now hiring part-time associates.

Varied shifts available must be able to days, nights and weekends.

Retail Experience Preferred. Great personalities a plus! Great pay!

Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd.

Unit A-1, Anna Maria.

Two Sides of Nature, Two Sides of Nature Too, Two Scoops – having a little fun every day!

Join the team at the FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM to preserve Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. Assist with collections, school tours and more! Contact 941-708-6120

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

TWO SCOOPS – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite Ice-Cream... is now hiring part-time associates.

Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends.

A great place to work and have a little fun… looking for a few friendly people to join our team.

Food prep. or server experience preferred.

Great Pay! Apply today…

Two Scoops 101 S. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria.

CLEANING SERVICE

THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE ESTABLISHED RETAIL BUSINESS for sale on AMI. 250k plus inventory. Long term lease possible. $4200. a month plus low cam fees. Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 Email to sharonsellsbeaches@ yahoo.com

Call us today! 941-778-3986

FISHING CHARTERS

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES

ROSER THRIFT SHOP & ANNEX open 9:30-2p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Donations preferred 9a.m.-11a.m. Wednesdays.

511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Phone 941-779-2733 MOUNT VERNON ANNUAL FLEA MARKET Saturday March 7. 9am-2pm. Baked goods, clothing, jewelry, Linens, Tools, Books, White Elephants Furniture. Mt Vernon Club House 4701 Independence Dr South (off Cortez Rd.) PINEBROOK/IRONWOOD Rec Hall 3. Community Rummage/Bake Sale.

Amazing deals, Hugh Sale.

Something for everyone!

3606 Ironwood Circle, Saturday March 7th. 8am1pm Cash Only RUMMAGE SALE FRIDAY & SATURDAY. March 6 & 7. 216 South Harbor Dr, Holmes Beach. 9am-noon.

Lots of great stuff.

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 941-725-0073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500

THE SUN

MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

LOST & FOUND LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068 LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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.

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

HOME MAINTENANCE. Tile and Laminate installation.

Popcorn ceiling removal, Drywall repair, texturing and painting. Call 941-7259876

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

COASTAL INTERIORS Trim, paint, repairs and more 27yrs experience Local 786-318-8585

HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com GREEN ISTALLATIONS VOTED #1 by Yelp for last 3 years! Call 786-318-8585

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell driveways and scapes. Also Rock, Mulch, & Soil. Free estimates. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

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

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

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

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

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

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

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CLASSIFIED

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 MOBILE HOME in 55+ community 1975 Fully furnished, excellent rental history, 1BR/1BA, 50 steps from beach. $72,500. Call 813-6793561

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE

2BR/2BA GULF FRONT Condo. Fabulous view rarely on the mkt.! Sun Plaza West. $749,000 COMPLETELY REMODELED gorgeous condo with Peek of Gulf. $600,000 firm. RIVER DISTRICT Homes Bradenton. $300,000 start !

Very cool historical area.

PERICO ISLAND Patio Home. private pool.

Close to AMI! $369,000 Brenda Boyd May Broker/owner Boyd Realty LLC. 941-730-8589 www.boydrealty.com 2BR/2BA REMODELED UNIT in Up coming Beautiful Cortez Park.

Water View. For Personal showing call 740-3989846 HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER north end of Anna Maria. 2BR/2BA + bonus room. Large back yard.

Walk to Beach. $640,000 Call 941-779-9173.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY March 8 1pm4pm. 7920 4th Ave W. Bradenton. Pine Bay Forest Condo. Gorgeous 1300sq.ft. 2BR/2BA Condo. Completely remodeled. Beautiful coastal glam style with vinyl plank floors. Recessed lighting. Brand New Kitchen. Custom Touches like barn wood slider doors. MOVE RIGHT IN. $225,000 Call 941-713-6531

RENTALS: ANNUAL BAY HOLLOW CONDO Beautiful 2BR/2BA canal front condo just off the Island with views of the water, boat dock can be available for use, updated gourmet kitchen. HOA approval required, $1900/ mo. HOLMES BEACH, elevated nice 2BR/2BA duplex a block to the beach. updated kitchen with washer and dryer included, all tile floors, large carport and storage area, nice front deck to enjoy the sunsets. $1,900/mo. immediate occupancy, non smoking, no pets. Call Paige Rogers 513-382-1992 paige@ teamduncan.com Duncan Real Estate

MARCH 4, 2020

2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 2216 8th Ave W. Cute 2BR/2BA House fenced yard $1500/mo. Available Now. 3BR/2BA on Wares Creek $1800/mo Available NOW. First, last & security.

Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488 NW BRADENTON HOUSE for Rent. 1012 76th St NW Catalina Sub-division.

3BR/2BA on Lagoon. 6 miles to AMI beaches.

Available Now $1800/mo.

First, last & security. Credit check required. Call 941809-2488 ANNUAL RENTAL BUGALOW with mini-loft. Vaulted ceilings. Utilities included, Washer/Dryer. Steps to Beach. Pets considered. $1395/mo. First, Last & Security. Call 941-741-1096 SMUGGLERS LANDINGS. CORTEZ 2BR/2BA/2CG. Overlooking Canal.1400s.f. , unfurnished, with 2 pools, 40ft boat slip. $1900/mo.

Available May 1. Call 770883-3561

LONG TERM RENTALUnfurnished 1BR/1BA Gulf View, Bradenton Beach. No pets. $1,050/ mo. Call for details. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941778-2307.

ANNUAL RENTAL 2BR/2BA, no pets, ready mid March, $1200/mo. Call Dolores Baker Real Estate, 941-7787500

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 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 KEY ROYALE, SEASONAL, February 1-29, 2020, gorgeous canal home 3BD/3BA, 8500$/mo,10 min walking distance to the beach. Mike text 514952-7022 or drmsake@ yahoo.ca

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured

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