Anna Maria Island Sun May 10, 2023

Seafood Shack sale may eliminate Annie’s

Annie’s Bait and Tackle is part of the parcel for sale that includes the Seafood Shack.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – A very unique bit of old Florida may soon be gone.

Annie’s Bait and Tackle, 4334 127th St. W., is part of a parcel including the Seafood Shack restaurant and marina that is for sale at an asking price of $15 million.

“I heard about this through the rumor mill,” said Bruce Shearer, Annie’s co-owner with Kim Shepherd. “I heard secondhand there are six people interested in it, and four would like to keep things the way they are. I hope whoever buys it keeps things the way they are.”

Annie’s, which has been serving fishermen since 1957 and has been owned by Shearer and Shepherd for more than 20 years, is a

Cortezian breaks state record with backyard pumpkin

The great pumpkin weighs in at 1,039 pounds, a new state record.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – What started out as a casual pastime for Cortez resident and backyard farmer Tim Caniff has turned into a serious statewide agriculture record.

At 1,039 pounds, Caniff’s great pumpkin - grown in his backyard – has blown the previous state record out of the water by more than 400 pounds. “This started off as a fun beer-drinking hobby,” Caniff said. “This pumpkin was golf ball-size a little over two months ago.”

It was a nearly two-hour long process on Saturday morning to get the pumpkin out of the garden and into the back of Caniff’s truck to get it weighed.

Fellow fisherman Tim Murphy, who helped with the pumpkin’s move, told Caniff, “Two kings are going to be crowned today. One in England and one in Cortez.”

Prior to Saturday morning’s weigh-in, Caniff, a commercial fisherman for Cortez Bait and Seafood, had fashioned a hoist from a bait net scoop, with rope and chains to lift the oversized fruit (a pumpkin is a fruit, not a vegetable).

Once lifted, a wooden pallet was pushed under

go-to place for whatever is needed for a day on the water, as well as a cozy waterfront lunch or dinner spot. Annie’s sells bait and tackle, beer, ice, food and gas.

“Our motto is, ‘If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.’ When we started this place, I knew if I didn’t have everything I couldn’t stay in business,’’ Shearer said. “There really is nothing else like this. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Shearer, 70, said while he can retire comfortably, he hopes that won’t be the case.

“I really like working. I’m here every day,” he said. “I would miss the friendship. I have met a lot of nice people here.”

Shearer acknowledged that Annie’s ramshackle building just north of the Cortez Bridge may be off-putting to some tourists, but he said that locals and regular customers understand the value of Annie’s.

Proposed vacation rental legislation fails

The city of Anna Maria led statewide opposition to the proposed vacation rental legislation.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Legislature has failed in its efforts to preempt the regulation of short-term vacation rentals to the state. During the 60-day legislative session that concluded on May 5, the Florida Senate and House of Representatives both proposed preempting the regulation of short-term vacation rentals (also known as transient public lodging establishments) to the Florida Department of Professional and Business Regulation (DBPR). Doing so would have severely limited city and county governments’ ability to regulate and inspect short-term vacation rentals at the local level. The proposed legislation would have prohibited city and county governments from imposing and enforcing occupancy limits and would have also ended their ability to regulate and enforce short-term vacation rental advertising by online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.

SEE RENTALS, PAGE 28

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Cortez resident Tim Caniff stands behind his record-breaking pumpkin.

SEE PUMPKIN, PAGE 25

SEE ANNIE’S, PAGE 25

TDC recommends funding for water taxi

The Manatee County Tourist Development Council unanimously recommends a $425,000 subsidy for the water taxi service.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - Among the many agenda items up for discussion at the April 24 Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting, the soon-to-be operational water taxi service was an issue all TDC members were enthusiastic about.

The water taxi service, planned to begin operation in July, will link Anna Maria Island and Bradenton in an effort to alleviate some traffic congestion and parking issues.

Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Executive Director Elliott Falcione told TDC members last week that everything was going well with the construction of the boats, the three cities that will be on the ferry route and all other aspects of the project.

“The boats are coming along very well and should be complete by midto late June and there will be some

branding on them as well,” Falcione said. “We are about 90% there on an operation agreement between Manatee County and the water ferry operator. We hope to bring that to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in midto late May.”

Falcione said the three cities that will be on the route will be Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach. He said that all three cities have drafted interlocal agreements and the TDC

will bring those to the BCC at the same time as the operations agreement.

“If the stars align, and I hope they will, it’s been a long time coming, we’re hoping to start a Friday, Saturday and Sunday service in the month of July,” Falcione said. “Would July Fourth be the perfect scenario, absolutely, and we’re going to try to get there.”

The main focus of the TDC’s discussion was a subsidy to fund the water taxi service for the first year of operation.

Falcione said earlier ideas to subsidize the service included the Coquina Beach Market and beach concessions, but those options were no longer on the table. He said the only option for year one would be to use tourism tax proceeds.

Falcione asked the TDC for a recommendation of $400,000 to carry the service for the first year, as well as $25,000 for marketing efforts. After the first year, he said they would look into grant opportunities and other funding sources so the program could ween off of the tourism tax funding. The $400,000 is to fill the gap between projected first-year total operating costs and first-year income from paid water taxi rider fares, which will be in the $8 to $10 range per rider, depending on whether it is a one-way trip or a hopper pass that would be good for the day. Plans are still in place for Island workers to use the service for free to get to and from work, which could help with parking issues.

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown moved to recommend the $425,000 subsidy as discussed, and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover-Bryant seconded. The motion was passed unanimously and will be presented to the BCC later this month.

SUBMITTED | CVB

Boats that will ferry riders from Bradenton to AMI are currently under construction in the Orlando area. The water taxi is expected to begin operation in July.

Reentry tags available

The city of Bradenton Beach’s new 2023-24 reentry tags are now available free of charge at the city clerk’s office. The tags allow residents, property owners and business owners to return to the city after a hurricane or other emergency event results in the city being evacuated.

Zoning ordinance amendment on Thursday’s agenda

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet on Thursday, May 11 at 2 p.m. After general public comment, the commission will be presented with the first reading and public hearing of an ordinance that would amend chapter 114 of the city’s 23-914 zoning ordinance. The agenda notes that the Planning and Zoning Board voted 2-1 to recommend commission denial of the proposed ordinance. The mayor will present a city investment proposal. The mayor and city clerk will lead a discussion about the use of the city’s remaining American Rescue Plan funds. The mayor and clerk will provide an update on the now-completed legislative session and the opposition efforts that utilized the city-owned homerulefl.com website. Thursday’s meeting can be attended by phone by calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering the meeting ID: 85392000280.

Clean water campaign plunges ahead

The Holmes Beach-led Islanders 4 Clean Water campaign is plunging into action. During an April 25 meeting, Mayor Judy Titsworth said the effort had already raised $20,000 in donations from two anonymous donors. She said all donated funds will be collected by the city and used to help fund giveaways for participants, such as T-shirts, Florida-friendly plants, rainwater barrels and other environmentally friendly items. The clean water campaign focuses on bringing attention to how everyone can take small actions that have a big impact on helping to keep area waterways clean and reduce pollution. Participants are not required to be Island residents; the campaign is open to anyone who cares about improving water quality. Pledge to help make the water cleaner and earn a free gift by picking up a checklist at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, or at www. islanders4cleanwater.com. Video yourself taking the plunge and jumping into the water or make a donation to the campaign.

Practice safe nighttime bicycling

Holmes Beach commissioners and police have noticed some issues with area cyclists, particularly at night. During an April 25 meeting, Commissioner Pat Morton commented on seeing bicyclists traveling city streets in the opposite direction of traffic with no lights at night while he was on a ride-along with police officers. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said that he would speak with local bicycle rental agencies to remind them that bicycles are required to have lights to be ridden at night. Without a light, bicycles need to be parked after sunset, he said, or riders could face a ticket from officers.

Bills threatening freedom of speech fail

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

TALLAHASSEE – Florida lawmakers failed to pass two companion bills that would have changed Florida’s libel and defamation laws to remove longstanding protections of freedom of speech and of the press.

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 1220 and House Bill 991, would have undermined the landmark 1964 U.S. Supreme Court defamation case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, which established that public figures suing for defamation must prove the defendant acted with actual malice, either knowing published statements were false or recklessly disregarding the truth of the statements.

The difficult-to-prove standard is necessary, according to the court’s opinion, written by Justice William

J. Brennan Jr., because “debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust and wide open,” including “vehement, caustic and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials.”

The proposed legislation would have established a presumption that statements by anonymous sources are false. For example, anything that the late FBI agent Mark Felt (Deep Throat) told Washington Post reporters as they uncovered the Watergate scandal during the Nixon administration would have been presumed false in a defamation action against the newspaper under the proposed legislation.

The legislation also would have extended the definition of “defamation” from traditional media to include any “utterance on the Internet,” such as individuals post-

ing on social media.

The New York Times reported on May 4 that the House bill sponsor, Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola), said he intends to file a revised version of the bill in the 2024 Florida legislative session. Florida’s 2023 legislative session ended May 5.

The Times also reported that the legislation was unexpectedly opposed by supporters of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who held a roundtable on Feb. 7 during which he called for the Legislature to act on the issue. Right-wing media outlets were among the opponents of the resulting bills, arguing that “the legislation would harm all news media, including conservative outlets, and lead to an increase in frivolous and costly lawsuits,” according to the Times.

Condo legislation headed to DeSantis’ desk

minium-related law established with the 2022 adoption and enactment of Senate Bill 4-D in 2022.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

TALLAHASSEE – A proposed state law pertaining to condominium building inspections and condo association reserve funds is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his final approval or rejection.

Working in unison, Senate Bill 154 and House Bill 1395 seek to clarify, strengthen and expand the condo-

The 2022 and 2023 legislation is inspired by the 2021 collapse of the 12-story beachfront Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside, which killed 98 people.

The proposed law received the unanimous bi-partisan support of both the Florida Senate and House of Representatives. On May 3, the Senate voted 39-0 in favor of adopting the proposed legislation. On May 2, the House voted 118-0 in favor of adopting the proposed legislation.

If DeSantis signs the legislation, it would establish mandatory inspection timelines for condo buildings at least

three stories tall and 30 years old or older.

The proposed legislation would also require impacted condo associations to create and set aside reserve funds for structural inspection studies and any structural repairs or deficiencies identified by those studies.

The Florida Building Code would govern condo height and age determinations. The three-story standard would include condo buildings that have two elevated living levels above ground-level parking.

If enacted, the law would not take effect until at least Jan. 1, 2025, and would not apply to privately-owned resorts, hotels, timeshares and apartment buildings.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The proposed state law would apply to the Gulf View condominium building (left) in Bradenton Beach. The Bridgeport condominiums in Bradenton Beach (center) would also be impacted by the new law, as would the Martinique condominium buildings in Holmes Beach (right), the tallest buildings on Anna Maria Island.

The proposed state law would mandate condominium inspections and the establishment of reserve funds.

Parking garage bill speeds to governor’s desk

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

TALLAHASSEE – There’s only one more stop for HB 947 before it becomes law – Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The bill, which would allow a threestory, 1,500+ paid parking space garage to be constructed at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, sped through the Florida Senate on May 4 with 39 votes in favor and none opposed. It now goes to DeSantis for approval, veto or approval by nonaction on the part of the governor.

The parking garage bill, sponsored by Manatee County Rep. Will Robinson Jr. and supported by other members of the county’s legislative delegation, allows for the parking garage to be built at the county-owned beach in Holmes Beach against city regulations and land development code provisions and without permits from the city building department. Parking garages are not an approved land use in Holmes Beach and require approval through a special exception process with the city commission and building department.

A county commission effort to build the garage, spearheaded by Commis-

sion Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge, skipped past the special exception process and went straight to the state with support from the full county legislative delegation despite pushback from city elected officials and Anna Maria Island residents. Van Ostenbridge said he thought it best to work around the city because he felt the commission wouldn’t approve the parking garage even if county officials went through the special exception process. He took the matter to state leaders where the bill sped through three House committees, a floor vote in that chamber and most recently the Senate floor vote. Though no official plans for the garage have been released, Van Ostenbridge said it’s planned to span the entire width and breadth of the county’s parcel at Manatee Beach, replacing the current concession stand, tiki bar, retail store and restroom facilities, with some built into the garage along with 1,5001,700 parking spaces over three stories with rooftop parking. Construction is currently estimated to cost $45 million and take at least two years to complete, during which parking and facilities at the site would not be available.

Alternative to Azure Shores rezoning proposed

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Building Official Steve Gilbert and City Planner Luis Serna have proposed an alternative to resolve potential inconsistencies with the zoning and future land use designations for 23 residential properties in the Azure Shores subdivision.

Located between Bridge Street and the Cortez Bridge, the properties have an R-3 (Multiple Family Dwelling District) zoning designation and a Retail/Office/Residential (ROR) land use designation.

In October, the city commission rejected Gilbert and Serna’s recommendation to rezone those properties with the MixedUse District (MXD) zoning designation that city staff felt was compatible with the existing ROR land use designation.

During that same meeting, the commission also rejected the Planning and Zoning Board’s contrary recommendation to rezone those properties to R-2

(two-family dwelling) and change the future land use map designation to Medium Density Residential.

The commission directed Gilbert, Serna and the P&Z to start again and obtain more input from potentially impacted property owners.

The map inconsistencies that exist in several locations citywide date back to 2008, when the city commission amended the city’s future land use maps but did not amend the corresponding zoning designations.

City staff has proposed a solution that doesn’t require rezoning 23 residential parcels.

CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED

The areas highlighted in light purple/lavender represent the Azure Shores properties.

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO Mike Field Editor

Cindy Lane

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Reporters/Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Jason Schaffer

Kristin Swain

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

Joe Becht

Steve Borggren

Capt. Rick Grassett

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

Capt. Kevin Wessel

Capt. David White

Anne Yarbrough

Layout Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Advertising Assistant

Pamela Lee

Classifieds

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

Connor Field

Tony McNulty

Brian Smith

Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers

Mike Field

Maggie McGinley Field

Family-owned since 2000

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Perseverance comes with a price

The treehouse saga has gone on for 10 years. The Trans certainly are deserving of a perseverance award for what many consider their insane struggle against government. Personally, I thought the treehouse added to the Holmes Beach landscape and Old Florida charm that used to exist on Anna

Maria Island, and why my wife and I moved here in 1991. While I'm on the topic of perseverance, I would be remiss if I didn't give a personal award. That would have to go to Kim Rash and his dedicated group who have fought a tireless fight to improve Holmes Beach residents' quality of life. It was a continuous struggle, but they persevered, with Kim ultimately getting elected to the

Drop us a line

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun,

Holmes Beach commission in landslide elections. Along the way they were constantly subjected to deep undeserved (I might add) antagonism, scorn and even ridicule. Yet, they persevered at great expense to their family life and well-being. Keep up the good fight, Kim.

P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

Bob McCaffrey Bradenton

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

May 11, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

May 25, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

May 29, all day – City offices closed, Memorial Day

HOLMES BEACH

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

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

May 10, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting

May 19, 11:30 a.m. – Police Officers Pension Board meeting

May 23, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting

May 29, all day – City offices closed, Memorial Day

BRADENTON BEACH

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

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach. com or contact city hall for more information. May 17, 10 a.m. – Department Head meeting May 17, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting May 18, noon – City Commission meeting May 29, all day – City offices closed, Memorial Day

ISLAND-WIDE

May 16, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Off Stage Ladies lunch and meeting, The Feast Restaurant, 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

Island Time Book Club: “Then She Was Gone” by Lisa Jewell, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 11

Homeschool Creature Feature: Coquina Quest, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.

AMI Chamber luncheon, The Porch, 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 11 a.m., $22 for members or $30 for nonmembers

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

FRIDAY, MAY 12

Oyster drilling for vertical oyster beds, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Forty carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

AMI Chamber 24th Annual Golf Tournament, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. Reservations required by calling 941-778-1541

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

SATURDAY, MAY 13

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Food Trucks, Pirates and Tunes Festival hosted by the AMI Privateers, city field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon to 6 p.m.

Family Fishing Club, Robinson Preserve expansion, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 1:30 p.m.

Paper crafting for adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Bradenton Beach’s paid parking efforts continue

The city’s initial paid parking program is not expected to include the parking spaces along Bridge Street.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city is moving forward with its plan to implement a paid parking program as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plans to issue an RFP seeking bids from interested paid parking program equipment providers and operators.

On May 3, CRA members directed City Attorney Ricinda Perry to draft the paid parking RFP based in part on input previously provided by Mayor John Chappie, Public Works Director Tom Woodard, Police Chief John Cosby and the city commission.

Paid parking is expected to include the city-owned portion of the public parking lot off First Street North (behind the BridgeWalk resort), the public parking spaces near the cell tower, the police department headquarters and Lou Barolo park and the city hall parking lot after regular city business hours.

Paid parking is not expected to include the city-owned parking spaces alongside Bridge Street, the privately owned parking spaces along Bridge Street or the city-owned parking spaces near the Bradenton Beach Historic Pier.

CRA member Jake Spooner expressed his concern that not including the Bridge Street parking spaces in the initial paid parking program would result in Bridge Street-area employees monopolizing the remaining free parking spaces. As he’s done during past discussions, Spooner said paid parking in the city-owned Bridge Street parking would result in more of those parking

spaces being available for customers who visit the Bridge Street businesses.

In response, Cosby expressed support for not including the Bridge Street spaces in the initial RFP. He encouraged the CRA members to pursue the other parking locations first and then evaluate the success of those locations before potentially including Bridge Street in the paid parking program.

During past discussions, Cosby expressed support for paid parking in part because it would create a new and additional revenue source for the city, with those revenues generated primarily by tourists and visitors rather

than the city’s remaining permanent residents and taxpayers.

Easy Parking Group owner Joshua LaRose provides the CRA-funded Old Town Tram Parking shuttles. He also already provides paid parking equipment and oversight for the Chiles Hospitality group’s privately-owned paid public parking lot near the BeachHouse restaurant in Bradenton Beach, and Chiles Hospitality’s privately-owned paid public parking lot near the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria. Both of those paid parking lots are open to the public, including beachgoers, and are not restricted to restaurant patrons.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The city-owned portion of the parking lot behind the BridgeWalk resort (left) and the public parking lot near the cell tower (center) will be included in the paid parking plan. The city-owned parking spaces along Bridge Street (right) are not expected to be included in the plan.

CVB first in Florida to partner with Leave No Trace

importance of protecting nature, waterways, wildlife, local businesses and beaches so future generations can enjoy unspoiled beauty for years to come.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

SARASOTA - The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) Love it Like a Local campaign, launched in 2022, has helped visitors to Anna Maria Island and other area destinations understand the

The latest evolution to this effort is a recently formed partnership with Leave No Trace, making the CVB the first in Florida to partner with this organization.

Leave No Trace is an international nonprofit organization that uses the powers of science, education and stewardship to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet, according to the CVB.

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

“With our Love it Like a Local campaign, we set out to educate visitors to the Bradenton area of simple actions they can take to leave less of a footprint. Through partnering with Leave No Trace, it gives us the opportunity to take our commitment to sustainable travel from a campaign to an integral part of who we are as a travel destination,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the CVB. “I urge our community to join us in working together to showcase this incredibly important message that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

CVB officials invited local business owners and managers, conservationists, media and the public to join community leaders at a luncheon on May 4 at the historic Powel Crosley estate in Sarasota in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week. At the luncheon, the CVB introduced a promotional video showcasing the Leave No Trace approach to sustainability and conservation. The short video features commercial fishermen, business owners, members of the CVB and others sharing a message about not only the history of the Manatee

Scholarships available through Roser Guild

The Roser Women’s Guild has scholarships available for graduating seniors entering college during 2023-24. Scholarships of $375 per semester will be awarded to part-time students enrolling in 6-11 credit hours of undergraduate courses. Scholarships of $750 per semester are available to full-time students enrolling in 12 credit hours or more of undergraduate classes. All scholarships are limited to a maximum of $1,500 per year and can be renewed for all

County coastal community, but ways to ensure its future.

The video is available on the CVB’s YouTube page or by searching “Leave No Trace guide to the Bradenton area” on YouTube. To learn more about the Love it Like a Local campaign, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com.

Ten years ago, The Anna Maria Island Sun launched its Live Like a Local campaign to educate young readers about marine mammals, sea turtles, shorebirds, native plants and how to live with and conserve them. Visit www.amisun.com/live-like-local.

four years of undergraduate study. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the school, must be used for tuition, books, supplies or fees, are limited to courses leading to an undergraduate degree and are only available as long as the student maintains a 2.75 cumulative grade point average. The deadline for applications is May 26. For more information, or to download an application, visit www.RoserChurch. com/roser-guild-scholarships. All Guild scholarships are funded by sales from the Roser Guild Thrift Store.

A new video that is part of the Love it Like a Local campaign helps viewers embrace the Leave No Trace philosophy.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

CVB Marketing and Communications Director Kolby Gayson debuts a new promotional video embracing Leave No Trace principals at the May 4 National Travel and Tourism Week luncheon held at the historic Powel Crosley Estate.

Manatee Beach made ADA accessible

There’s a new feature at Manatee Beach, one that helps make the beach more accessible for everyone. County leaders installed a 100-foot-long mat as part of an initiative to meet accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 6-foot wide mat extends a quarter of the way across the 400-foot width of Manatee Beach, ending in a 12-foot landing area where users can rest and enjoy views of the sand and surf. Made of recycled metals, the mat is slip-resistant and is planned to stay in place year-round except during severe storm threats. The mat does not extend out into areas where sea turtles typically nest and does not impede the raking of the beach outside of sea turtle nesting season, which runs from May 1 - Oct.

A new 100-foot-long beach mat was installed on May 1 on the north side of Manatee Beach to assist in making the sand more accessible to those who are mobility challenged.

31. Located at the north end of the concession and retail building at Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, the new beach mat walkway is open to everyone.

SUBMITTED | MANATEE COUNTY

Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center opens

The Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center is now open on the Anna Maria City Pier.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center on the City Pier is now open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The long-awaited Mote facility opened Friday, May 5 after a grand opening ceremony at City Pier Park and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the City Pier entrance.

In early 2021, the Anna Maria City Commission voted 4-1 in favor of the Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory occupying the vacant city-owned pier building rather than a full-service restaurant. The outreach center was initially supposed to open in 2022 but delays resulted in the facility opening a year later than originally expected.

GRAND OPENING

Before the grand opening ceremony started, Anna Maria Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I’m thrilled. I’ve been a big proponent and I think it’s going to be a focal point of the cultural interests here in the city.”

Anna Maria Commissioner Robert Kingan said, “This is the culmination of years of work. We are finally getting to the last piece of renewing and rebuilding

the pier. We’re delighted Mote is part of that. I’ve already seen the exhibits and they’re absolutely fabulous.”

Former Mote Marine board chair and Anna Maria resident Bob Carter was the first to suggest a Mote facility on the City Pier.

“This is going to be a real benefit to the community. The tourists will learn more about the environment they’re in when they come here. They’ll understand more about the ecology and the fragile nature of this Island. It’s going to be a wonderful educational experience,” Carter said.

Holmes Beach resident and charter fishing Capt. Scott Moore said, “We have so many people visit this Island from all over the world and they’re always asking about our waters and our wildlife. Educating people is much needed.”

A jazz combo consisting of Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra members played before the ceremony and performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the ceremony.

During his opening remarks, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “I can’t tell you the thrill it gives me to see what we’ve done out on that pier. It’s our way of saying the environment is important to us.”

Murphy thanked city staff for making the grand opening possible. He thanked the present and past Anna Maria city commissioners who supported the project and Bob Carter for suggesting it.

He also thanked Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione, the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and the Manatee County commission for providing $500,000 in county funds that covered most of Mote Marine’s interior buildout and installation costs.

Speaking next, County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge referenced coaching high school football and said, “We used to always say, ‘Begin with the end in mind.’ It didn’t matter how hard it was or how long it took to get

there. This is a good example of that. The City Pier is the most-visited amenity in Manatee County. It’s an integral part of our community. The mayor and the city council and Mote Marine have helped us make something great that much better.”

Speaking last, Mote Marine President and CEO Dr. Michael Crosby said, “Mote is built on three foundational pillars: passion, partnership and philanthropy. This entire effort was a partnership from the very beginning.”

He thanked Murphy, the city commission, the county commission and the community for their support. He also noted some of the Mote volunteers in attendance would now volunteer at the new outreach center.

“Mr. Mote grew up fishing here. He had a home here on Anna Maria Island,” Crosby said.

Crosby thanked the Mote Marine staff for exceeding his expectations and architect Barron Schimberg and Willis Smith Construction for their efforts.

He touted the live exhibits, which include a Florida mangroves exhibit, a Florida grass flats exhibit, a live invertebrate touch tank and the “Under the Pier” exhibit that utilizes an underwater camera and a hydrophone under the pier.

“Everything you see and hear and learn about out there is connected back to the research Mote does,” Crosby said.

He mentioned the interactive and virtual exhibits, which include a fish identification exhibit and the Draw Alive exhibit that allows youngsters to color an image of a marine creature, which is then scanned and displayed on the digital screen in an animated underwater environment.

Crosby said Mote Marine’s science education team will host environmental classes on the pier and along the local beaches.

As the crowd headed to the pier entrance for the ribbon cutting, city staff handed out commemorative coins.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Above, from left, County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy and Mote Marine President Dr. Michael Crosby cut the ceremonial ribbon. Right, Charlotte and Jocelyn Bitner, of Orlando, touch a live horseshoe crab.

SEE MOTE, PAGE 22

Lifeguards, firefighters train together

Manatee County Marine Rescue conducts water rescue workshops for West Manatee Fire Rescue personnel.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Since many water rescues involve both Manatee County Marine Rescue and West Manatee Fire Rescue personnel, a recent series of joint training exercises enhanced their coordinated efforts to save lives.

The water rescue workshops were organized by Manatee County Marine Rescue at Coquina Beach on May 2-4.

“We are building relationships here,” Manatee County Beach Patrol Lt. Marshall Greene said on Thursday.

“Both WMFR and Beach Patrol work hand in hand on most - if not all - scenarios, so this water rescued training is vital in building the working relationships and familiarity with each other as we approach storm season,” Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan said.

Three in-water scenarios were practiced - a rescue with no equipment, a res-

cue with a Peterson belt, also known as a rescue tube, and a rescue using a board.

“Keep in mind, if you lose your equipment going out, then you become the equipment,” Greene said.

“Use of a board depends on how far the victim is out there,” Greene said. “The main point is getting to them. Once you get to them, the rescue is easy.”

Lifeguards demonstrated techniques such as “high stepping,” which is jumping over waves with the goal of getting to a victim quickly.

Manatee County Marine Rescue Chief

Joe Westerman told The Sun last year that an annual average of 90-135 riptide rescues are made at the three Anna Maria Island public beaches - Manatee, Cortez and Coquina - and Manatee County lifeguards may have prevented a corresponding number of potential deaths.

Being a lifeguard is a physically demanding job. According to the Beach Lifeguard I or II job descriptions posted by Manatee County, the following are among the job requirements:

“Must be able to demonstrate successfully 50 meters of each of the following

swim strokes in a pool: freestyle, breast stroke, sidestroke and backstroke. Must be able to run ½ mile in 3:30 minutes or less, swim 500 meters in open water in 10 minutes or less and demonstrate a non-equipment rescue of an active, panicked victim from 100 meters offshore. Must be able to demonstrate paddling a rescue board approximately 200 meters.” Candidates must also be able to acquire and maintain American Heart Association CPR certification and First Responder/ EMR or First-Aid Certification within 30 days of the hire date.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Above, Manatee County Marine Rescue and West Manatee Fire Rescue personnel run into the water to practice a mock rescue. Left, Manatee County Marine Rescue Lt. Marshall Greene, left, and WMFR Lt. Andrew Powers, right, review the use of a rescue belt before heading into the water.

Breakfast at Blueberries

Blueberries Cafe and Wine Bar, 5337 Gulf Drive, #300 in Holmes Beach, hosted the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast on May 4. From left are Scott Hoogewind, Ryan and Marcy Pfahler (GI Bins), Stephanie Behling and Dr. Debbie Hutch (Turning Tides), Becky Lietzau (standing, AMI Chamber), David Baptiste (Trustco Bank), Felica Goett (Blooms By The Beach), Bob Slicker (Slicker's Eatery) and John Lappin (Concord Home Mortgage).

AMI Chamber lunch Thursday

Each month, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce holds a networking lunch for members and those considering becoming members. The May lunch will be held at The Porch Restaurant, 9707 Gulf Drive N. in Anna Maria on Thursday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To RSVP and choose your menu items for this event, email becky@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541.

Turning Tides opens

Turning Tides and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce invite the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 11 from 4-7 p.m. at their new 6672 Cortez Road W. Bradenton location. Meet the staff, learn about special event pricing and enter to win a bundle valued at $500. Turning Tides is a whole-body wellness sanctuary with dozens of services to aid in mind and body wellness.

Privateers event Saturday

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will hold their Food Trucks, Pirates and Tunes event at City Field in Holmes Beach on Saturday, May 13 from noon to 6 p.m. This all ages event will feature more than 10 food trucks, lots of vendors, a chance to tour the Skullywag pirate ship and live music from Southern Cross, Steve Paradis, The 301 Travelers, Cabana Dogs and the Bradentucky Death Rays. The

Privateers are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They have been in existence for 52 years and have donated over $500,000 in scholarships for local high school students as well as contributing to other charities, adopting families at Christmas, participating in community events and promoting children’s reading events. For more info, visit www.amiprivateers.org.

March 2023 tourist tax collections compared to March 2022

Total*

*(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 partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in March and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in April. 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

Laughs plentiful in Island Players’ new play

couples, two living rooms, one affair and plenty of chaos makes Island Players’ 'How the Other Half Loves' a hit.

Three

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - The final play of the Island Players’ 74th season is underway and it’s a strong end to a season that has brought audiences to tears laughing all season long.

“How the Other Half Loves” was written by prolific British playwright Alan Ayckbourn, who wrote more than 70 plays over seven decades and is a favorite of director James Thaggard. That made it an easy choice for the Island Players to choose Thaggard to direct this comedy, which left audience members laughing on the edge of their seats on opening night.

Thaggard regularly directs Island Players productions and was excited to put his mark on the Ayckbourn classic.

The story follows three married couples whose lives become almost

hopelessly entwined due to one affair that happened and one that was assumed to have happened. The audience watches the story hilariously unfold in two living rooms simultaneously. In one scene, the entire cast is having dinner at one table in two homes on two separate days. It may sound hard to follow, but it’s not, and

the momentum of the scene brings plenty of laughs from the audience. Absent-minded Frank Foster (Eric Johnson) and his wife, Fiona (Kristin Mazzitelli), are an upper-class couple who live a polite life, but are a bit distant and far from passionate with each other; their living room is half of the stage. Frank employs Bob

Phillips (Caleb Allen), who constantly argues with his wife, Teresa (Katherine Dye). The Phillips’ humbler living room is the other half of the stage. William Detweiller (Tom Horton) and his timid wife, Mary (Maggie Carter), get caught up in the deceit as Mary is used as cover for the actual affair and is clueless as to what’s going on for a great deal of the play.

When attending “How the Other Half Loves,” keep an ear out for the music, which is a personal touch from director Thaggard, who has a personal connection to 1970, the year in which the play is set. Also, while the entire cast speaks with a British accent, only one actor is actually British and knowing this makes trying to figure it out fun for Americans in attendance.

“How the Other Half Loves” runs through Sunday, May 14, with daily performances at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. There are no performances on Mondays. Tickets are $25 at the box office and $27 online. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and can be reached by phone at 941-778-5755 or online at www.theislandplayers.org.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Three couples’ lives become entangled due to an affair and plenty of assumptions, and it all plays out simultaneously in two living rooms in the Island Players production of Alan Ayckbourn’s 'How the Other Half Loves.'

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

Tarpon fishing should take off during May as migratory fish arrive along our beaches. Also look for Spanish mackerel, tripletail, cobia and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf of Mexico.

Snook will move into passes and the surf and reds and trout should feed heavily on shallow flats as baitfish become more plentiful. Blues, Spanish mackerel and more mixed with trout on deep grass flats should also be good options.

As migratory tarpon start to arrive this month, we should have schools of tarpon moving along our beaches. Early arriving tarpon may be more aggressive due to less fishing pressure early in the season. Fly anglers should do well with a variety of baitfish or crab fly patterns fished on floating or intermediate sink tip fly lines. Staking out or anchoring in shallow water on their travel route should result in some shots at fish. The best angle is a “head-

May fishing takes off

on” shot, followed by a quartering shot. A perpendicular shot may work if it’s timed perfectly, although casting too far beyond their line of travel will usu ally spook them. I use a push pole if I need to adjust my position to make a cast. Give other anglers at least several hundred yards of space and keep in mind that fish can be moving either north or south so setting up too close to another angler may affect their flow of fish.

Regulations have returned to normal for reds and snook in Sarasota. Spotted Seatrout have changed in southwest Florida to a three-fish-per-person bag limit and a six-fish-per-boat limit. Trout must be from 15”-19” with one allowed per vessel over 19”. In my opinion, it’s important to protect larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Full regulations and details for all species can be viewed at https://myfwc.com/.

Snook will be spawning this month, so use tackle heavy enough to catch and release them in a timely manner

There should be good fly fishing action in the coastal Gulf of Mexico this month. Mark Nielsen, of Seaford, Delaware, with a false albacore caught and released while fly fishing the coastal Gulf in a previous May with Capt. Rick Grassett.

and handle them gently. Larger snook will mostly be females and should always be supported horizontally rather

than hung vertically by the jaw. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, work well at night. One of the most fun ways to target snook is to walk the beach and sight cast flies to them in the surf.

Higher tides this month will mean that reds will spend more time feeding on shallow flats. Look for them along mangrove shorelines and around oyster bars when the tide is high and in potholes or along sandbars when the tide is low. When fishing shallow water for reds, be as quiet as possible. I prefer to use a push pole or wade. Reds are one of the most challenging species to catch on a fly. Since they can be very spooky, I often wade for them when fly fishing to keep a lower profile. I like a 12’ or longer leader on a floating fly line. Wide profile baitfish patterns work well this time of year since many reds are feeding on larger baitfish. Lower Tampa Bay and Gasparilla Sound are both good areas for reds this month.

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Cheesecake Cutie remains undefeated in Center youth soccer

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Week six of youth recreational soccer ended the regular season Monday and Tuesday night, with the fifth-week play helping to set the stage for the playoffs.

Cheesecake Cuties finished the fifth week undefeated in the 8- to 10-year-old league with a one-goal win against Sato Real Estate. The two goals by Gunnar Maize helped the Cuties stay on top, along with the five saves by goalkeeper Sawyer Leibfried.

For Sato Real Estate, currently ranked just under Cheesecake Cuties, Vincent Gollamudi made four nice stops, but his saves and the single goal by Brandon Sato just was not enough for the talented team in purple.

Team Solid Rock Construction, with the same record as the Sato team going into the final week before playoffs, won their game against Island Real Estate with a final score of 4-1.

Matthew Darak made all four goals for the Solid Rock team with assists by Luke Willing and Obi Roadman.

Isaac Roadman made two big stops in goal, while Island Real Estate’s Owen Mahoney and Miles Moss had two and six saves respectively. Preston LaPensee scored the single goal for his team.

Island Real Estate finished week five under Westfall Lawn Care & Pest Control.

The Westfall squad played hard against the AMI Coconuts team, only to finish the game in a 2-2 tie. Wesley Bekkerus scored an early goal for Westfall with a second goal scored by Callin Westfall.

Westfall is also credited with an assist in the first game last Tuesday night. Goalies Kason Price and Jordan Steele made saves that gave their team points for the tie.

On the other side of the soccer ball, TJ Hagey scored team AMI Coconuts both of its points. The Westfall shooters kept Andre Harwood busy protecting his goal, making 15 stops.

In the 11- to 13-year-old league, two games were played with HSH Designs easily defeating Shady Lady Horticultural Services by four goals. Sterling Holiday crashed the Shady Lady defense to score five goals in the game.

Teammate Chase Castagna made seven nice saves against shots by the Shady Lady team. Aubrielle Clarke managed to get one by Castagna for her team’s only goal. Jack Zaccagnino kept his composure despite the arsenal of shots by the HSH offense, keeping four out of the goal.

Number one ranked Gulf Drive Café took their first loss of the season last week against Moss Builders, currently ranked second. Moss Builders goal scorers Colin Bankert, Mason Moss and Callin Westfall helped make the win

possible, along with 20 saves by Austin Guess.

Guess’ work came from the Gulf Drive offense shooting every chance the team got. Luke Dellenger is the only Gulf Drive shooter who was able to get one past Guess. In the net for Gulf Drive Café, Cyrus Ryan was put to work by the Moss Builders’ offense, saving 10 shots.

The final adult soccer regular season games were played last Thursday night. Going into the first week of playoffs, Duncan Real Estate finished on top and is slated to play against eighth-ranked Moss

Builders on Thursday at 6 p.m.

In the last game to be played at 9 p.m., Sato Real Estate, finishing the regular season play in second position, will face off against seventh seed Vintage Beach. Ending the regular season in third, the Sandbar team matches up against Solid Rock Construction, sixth seed, at 8 p.m.

The 7 p.m. game has fourth place Gulfview Windows & Doors looking for the win against the fifth-ranked Pool America in order to advance to the semifinals, to be played on May 18.

Nolyn Fetzer, for team AMI Coconuts, fights for possession on the pitch against Westfall Lawn Care & Pest Control’s Maggie Niedzwick last Tuesday night at The Center.

RED TIDE REPORT

TURTLE TIPS

During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, follow these tips to help turtles:

• Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water. To report large holes or other turtle obstacles, call:

• City of Anna Maria code enforcement — 941-7086130, ext. 111.

• City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941778-1005, ext. 280.

• City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-7780331, ext. 260.

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

Source: Anna Maria Island

Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

NESTING NEWS

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

• Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all beach chairs and other objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the

• Level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can block hatchlings from the water.

• Don’t use balloons, wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf, and turtles can ingest the debris.

• Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights.

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s

Turtle nests laid: 5 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls: 3 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched: 0 (Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchlings hatched: 0 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Source: Anna Maria Island

Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Donate to letter carriers’ food drive

The Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is Saturday, May 13. It is the largest one-day food drive in the U.S., timed for the time of year when the food pantries start to run low from their holiday donations.

“The employees of the Bradenton Beach Post Office would like to wish our northern friends safe travels as they head to their northern homes,” said Brian Andrews, food drive coordinator for the Bradenton Beach Post Office. “If you have any nonperishable food that you won’t be bringing home, you can leave it at the Post Office at 116 Bridge St. Any

donations are truly appreciated.” Local residents can leave any non-perishable food at or in your mailbox with the flag up for your postal carrier to collect.

“The Stamp Out Hunger Donor Drive is a drive with a single mission - to feed the hungry in America, and, as always, with your help, we will,” according to the National Association of Letter Carriers website. “As the need for food assistance is still more significant than ever, we want to allow everyone to continue to meet that need and help your local community food pantry or bank.”

Public health emergency for COVID-19 ends

The public health emergency for COVID-19 ends on May 11, and that means changes are coming. According to a press release from Medicare.gov, Medicare will no longer cover vaccines without cost sharing. It will also no longer cover over-the-counter tests. To

learn more about how this will affect Medicare beneficiaries, visit Medicare. gov. To learn more about current vaccines and stay up to date about the latest COVID information and infection rates, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus.

MOTE: Outreach Center now open

FROM PAGE 11

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Inside the outreach center, children were immediately drawn to the invertebrate touch tank. Accompanied by her grandfather, Benjamin Webb, Harper Chastain was among the first to visit the exhibit. When asked what she touched, she said, “A starfish.”

“This is amazing. This is probably the best thing that could come out here, especially with the environment in the state it’s in,” Webb said.

“The number of exhibits is more than I expected. It’s fabulous,” Carol Carter said.

TDC member, businessman and conservationist Ed Chiles said, “We sit here on the edge of the largest gulf in the world and we know we’ve got

challenges. We’ve got to educate our visitors, our locals and, most of all, our kids. They’re the ones that are going to be dealing with this for the next 60-70 years and feeling more of the impacts we’re feeling right now. We need them to make sure the people in the policy positions understand that we’ve got to protect our environment and our marine resources. This is a great place to get that message across.”

City Commissioner Charlie Salem said, “It’s great for our tourists and residents to get educated about keeping our water clean and keeping vibrant the habitat that supports so many jobs and so much recreation in this area.”

Resident Mary Bacon said, “It’s fantastic. It’s just what we needed out here.”

Enjoying summer fare

Brian Mathae

HURRICANE HANKS

lthough we live in a warm climate year-round, it’s when summer approaches that I crave traditional summer food. To me that means more grilling, more fresh fruits and vegetables and perhaps a homemade peach pie! Nothing says summer more than watching over a grill full of meat or fish with a cold one in hand. A summertime salad is a perfect complement to a grilled meal. They typically don’t take long to prepare and can rest while you finish grilling. In fact, many salads are best prepared ahead of time as they need some time to blend their flavors together.

I think the heat of summer (and humidity around here) changes our eating habits this time of year. Fruits and vegetables are more easily digested, saving us some energy to keep moving in the heat. Plus, their water content helps us stay hydrated. Today’s recipe includes watermelon, which is 92% water by volume. Some studies have suggested that eating watermelon after intense physical activity may hydrate your body better than drinking water because it also provides you with natural sugars, amino acids, mineral salts and vitamins that are lost in exercise. It is also high in lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant. Another main ingredient in today’s recipe is tomato, which is also rich in lycopene. There are really only a few

components to the recipe and they nicely complement each other. You get flavors of salty and sweet with a hint of acidity, textures of ripe but firm fruit and soft cheese and the incredible scent of fresh herbs. It’s simple, it’s tasty and it’s perfect for summer! The most difficult part of this meal just might be deciding on which wine to drink with it. While the salad is light and slightly sweet, if you are grilling meat you should plan on a red wine. The umami, fat and char will balance out the tannin in red wine. Two excellent choices come to mind. Both have been rated a 93 in the past by James Suckling. The Prisoner Red Blend contains predominately Zinfandel grapes and tastes of dried blackberry, pomegranate and vanilla. Alternatively, Crossbarn is an incredible Cabernet

Watermelon Salad

(serves 6-8)

Ingredients

1 cup of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

2 cups cubed seedless watermelon

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Sea salt to taste

Fresh ground black pepper to taste

1 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup basil leaves, roughly torn

Sauvignon with an aroma of black cherry and the flavor of rich, dark fruit with beautifully integrated tannins. Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon is

Directions

1. Combine the tomato and watermelon in a glass bowl, lightly salt and let stand for a few minutes.

2. Slowly whisk together oil and vinegar, adding salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add feta and basil to tomato and watermelon.

4. Pour dressing over all ingredients and lightly toss.

about $20 more per bottle, so let your palate and budget decide on your best wine pairing. Enjoy.

Packing up the wealth Castles

Pity the poor governors of some of the large metropolitan areas in the North east, West and Midwest. Specifically, New York and Illinois, where their mostly wealthy and upper-middle-class residents are packing their bags and their money and heading to other states where they think they will be more appreciated.

The IRS’s adjusted gross income statistics show a startling pattern of migration within the United States; two of the most astounding states are Illinois and New York. The IRS data shows a net 105,000 people left Illinois in 2021, costing the state approximately $10.9 billion in adjusted gross income. That’s up from $8.5 billion in 2020 and $6 billion in 2019. New York’s income loss increased to $24.5 billion in 2021 from $19.5 billion in 2020, and $9 billion in 2019. In addition, California lost $29.1 billion in 2021, more than triple what it did in 2019.

By comparison, the lowest tax states kept adding income even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida, a state with zero income tax, gained $39.2 billion, up from $23.7 bil-

in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

lion in 2020, and $17.1 billion in 2019. The states that contributed the most to Florida’s billion-dollar bonuses were New York, Illinois, New Jersey and California. Florida certainly isn’t alone - many other low-tax states like Texas, Arizona and Nevada have also benefited from this wealth migration. In addition, Florida and other low-tax states led the country in job growth. Florida’s employment grew 4.5% over the past year and Illinois’ gain was 2.2%.

As great as Florida’s wealth gain is, we have dropped out of the Emerging Housing Markets Index compiled by Realtor. com. Although Florida regions have typically been in the top 10, in some of our smaller and growing areas they are not

within the top 10 on this most recent index. This is the good and the bad of being a very popular state. Everything becomes more expensive and housing costs, as we all know, are not nearly as affordable in Florida as they once were.

The first quarter index indicates that buyers demand affordable homes and most of these are in the small Midwest cities. The top-ranking area is Lafayette, Indiana and the 10th ranking is the Manchester-Nashua, New Hampshire region. The index ranks the 300 biggest metro areas in the United States. In addition to housing market indicators, the index incorporates economic and lifestyle data. Real estate taxes, unemployment, wages, commute time and small business loans are all factored in.

Finally, I would be remiss not to point out that as of May 1, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the quasi-government agency that controls and insures most of the residential mortgage financing in the country, has changed some of the agency’s mortgage pricing.

The new rules add fees for many borrowers with high credit ratings and large down payments and use them to reduce the cost of borrowing for those with lesser credit ratings and smaller down payments. There is a formula that factors in the borrower’s credit rating and the down payment, but the spirit of the change is to support lowerincome homebuyers who, in the opinion of the Federal Housing Finance Agency that regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have the “financial capacity to sustain a mortgage.” Congress is naturally taking a look at this new fee schedule and comparing it to the subprime debacle prior to the 2006-07 financial meltdown.

Next time one of the high-tax states evacuees move in next door, greet them and their bags of money. Florida has indisputably changed from when my parents moved here in the 70s and I’m pretty sure they would think it’s a good thing. My father always said Florida has the best roads in the country. He should see the traffic now.

PUMPKIN: State record ANNIE'S: Potential casualty of Seafood Shack sale

FROM PAGE 1

the pumpkin and then dragged by truck to a waiting forklift. It was then lifted into the truck bed and Caniff drove it slowly to the fish house. It was once again removed by a forklift and placed carefully onto a scale.

When the scale registered 1,039 pounds, after the removal of the pallet and metal lifting frame, he received handshakes and congratulations from his friends and fellow fishermen.

“I’m blown away,” he said. “Four digits. You just never know if it will take off.”

A representative from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Service was present at the weigh-in to verify and certify the results and send those results to the Florida Department of Agriculture.

“This is a Florida state record for sure,” said Christine Russo, commercial horticulture agent at UF/IFAS. “Last year’s record was a 622-pound pumpkin grown in Santa Rosa County.”

The statewide record comes with bragging rights, and Caniff said he’s going to try to grow a pumpkin next year to exceed this one.

Caniff has grown a pumpkin every year for about the past 20 years. The last couple of years, the fruit was up to about 100 pounds.

“I had one about 8 or 9 years ago that was 675 pounds,” he said. “At 600 pounds, I would have 10 guys come over and give them some beers and we could lift it. This one is too big for that.”

Caniff started the seed indoors last December. Since Florida sun is not the most hospitable environment for pumpkingrowing, Caniff fashioned a sun shade to protect the fruit.

He said the debris left by Hurricane Ian proved to be great compost for his backyard garden.

“I took the leaves that came down after the hurricane and put them into the soil,” he said. “Between that and fertilizing the soil with cow manure, the pumpkin just took off.”

He credited the genetics of the seed as contributing to the pumpkin’s size.

“I’ve met growers over the years,” he said. “I was introduced to the 1885 Werner seed. People have grown 2,000-pound pumpkins with that seed.”

Once the weighing is done, Caniff will return the pumpkin back to nature.

“It’s the circle of life,” he said. “I’m going to give it back to the farm where the manure came from so it can be fed to the cows there.”

FROM PAGE 1

“We may look like a dump but our kitchen is gorgeous,” he said. “I’m very proud of what we’ve done here.”

Shearer, who has lived in Cortez for more than 40 years, reflected on how the area has changed.

“Cortez Road was a two-lane road back then. The only thing you had to worry about on the road is that you might hit an alligator or a pig,” he said. “I lived in the village 20 years and everybody knew everybody. It’s not like that anymore.”

The Seafood Shack parcel is listed by Dave Neff and Elliot Rose of Coldwell Banker, and only offers of $15 million or greater will be considered.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in the property,” Neff said. “We have asked people to submit bids by May 15. The floor on this is $15 million.”

Neff declined to say how many interested parties there are.

The 5.6-acre property is described on crexi.com as a “...fully operational marina, restaurant and ancillary income streams from Jet-Ski/boat rental, with additional land for expansion of marina wet slips and dry rackominium boat storage.”

The parcel also includes a submerged lease area.

Neff said the current owners, Canadian-based Vandyk Properties, had prepared a conceptual plan for condos, an upgraded marina and dry boat storage, but decided to step away and focus on their primary business model of luxury residential properties.

“Zoning has a height restriction of 50 feet there,” Neff said. “That’s not to say that they couldn’t have gone for rezoning, but they decided not to take that route.”

“Little by little they’re taking away the Florida way of life,” Shearer said. “I guess they call that progress, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Annie’s Bait and Tackle has been a Cortez staple since 1957.

OBITUARIES John Shaughnessy passes away

Michael A. Helm

Michael A. Helm, 68, of Cortez, Florida, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023. Mike was born in Ferndale, Michigan on March 20, 1955. Mike was a master electrician and owned his own company. He enjoyed his days out in the Gulf, fishing. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and two sisters, Nancy and Fran. He will be missed greatly. There will be no local services at this time. Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Former Bradenton Beach Mayor and City Commissioner John Shaughnessy passed away on Wednesday, May 3. During the Thursday, May 4, city commission meeting, Mayor John Chappie announced Shaughnessy’s passing and asked for a moment of silence in his honor. “He was a great mayor. He lived here a long time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, one of a kind and he was just a great guy,” Chappie said. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said, “He was a great friend and very important in my younger years of being

your city attorney. He taught me a lot. He was a man of grace and style and he did a lot for the city. He was the one that initiated the million-dollar

match from Manatee County to get the pier done. He was just a wonderful person and his wife, June, is lovely as well.”

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

John Shaughnessy and his wife, June, enjoyed lunch at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in 2015.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The city of Anna Maria and other Florida cities can continue regulating short-term vacation rentals at the local level.

RENTALS: Proposed legislation fails

FROM PAGE 1

Florida law defines a transient public lodging establishment as any unit, group of units, dwelling, building or group of buildings rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or one calendar month, whichever is less; or which is advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests.

On April 27, the Senate adopted SB 714 on third and final reading by a 28-10 margin. Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) voted in favor of the proposed legislation.

On May 3, the House voted 73-39 in favor of adopting on third reading an amended version of House Bill 833. Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Bradenton) voted in favor of the proposed legislation.

According to Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, a last-minute amendment made to the House bill would have prohibited local governments from suspending for any reason a locally issued vacation rental registration or license.

The House amendment resulted in HB 833 no longer being an identical companion bill to SB 714, which in turn resulted in the non-matching House and Senate vacation rental bills both dying. If matching House and Senate bills had passed through their respective governing bodies, the legislation would have been sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for him to veto or sign into new state law.

Using the city’s contracted lobbyist and the city-owned Home Rule Florida website, Murphy, the Anna Maria City Commission and City Clerk LeAnne Addy led the statewide opposition to the proposed vacation rental legislation. According to Addy, the Home Rule Florida website generated and resulted in approximately 40,000 opposition emails being sent to state legislators during the past two months.

When contacted Friday, Murphy shared his thoughts on the failed legislation.

“We are pleased that the vacation rental legislation died a natural death. It was poorly thought out and would have been unenforceable by the state,” he said.

“At the same time, we realize this issue will come back again even stronger next year. So, we’re preparing for that fight now. HomeRuleFl. com served a vital role in getting the word out, not just locally, but across the state as well. We plan to expand our coverage over the next few months so as to have greater coverage and an even more diverse universe of users interacting with our website,” Murphy said.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends.

Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

BOAT SLIP WANTED

IN SEARCH OF BOAT SLIP for rent or sale (preferably with lift)

Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team KW on the Water 941799-9299

CARE GIVER

CARE GIVER AVAILABLE: Long Time Island Resident “many references” Trustworthy & caring person. Helps with laundry, cooking etc. Call 941-685-0045 ask for Cheryl

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts?

Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-7564570 or 941-565-3931

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSEKEEPER/CLEANER FOR ISLAND RESORT. Weekends a must, can be flexible. Email islands58@ aol.com

PART-TIME CASHIER

– Interested in supplementing your income?

Bored with your life? Then, join our team. We are hiring for a part-time cashier. No evening hours! Email your resume: hometruevaluehardware@gmail.com or apply in person. Home True Value Hardware, 5324 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach.

ACTIVITY PERSON NEEDED for Beach Resort Part Time 20-24 hrs per week. For more details please call 941-779-2804

The award-winning ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourism-driven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a daily or community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be mailed to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Attention: Cindy Lane, editior.

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 SALE

GARAGE SALE-MULTIBLE ITEMS from a collector. 208 Oak Ave, City of Anna Maria. EVERY Saturday & Sunday thru May 7. 9amuntil.

GOLF CART

2022 ADVANCED EV6

GOLF CART $10,500, 6 Seater, Street Legal, Registered with Title, Warranty, 1,030 miles, Lots of Extras added. Call 469-667-3308

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077

RENOVATION SPECALIST

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-962-1194

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.

ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

HOME SERVICES

CONCRETE FUSION, CRACK REPAIR sidewalks/ driveways, pool decks, concrete grinding. Why fix 95% of concrete when only 5% bad? Number 1 in concrete repair. Insured. Free estimate. Call Bobby 941-374-7670.

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

SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bimonthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

LOST AND FOUND

LOST/MISPLACED MY APPLE- IPhone (light blue cover ) Saturday at Cortez Seafood Festival .Call Tony Fantetti 863-214-3886

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service

Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

VILLAGE GREEN CONDO ~ Maintenance free 2BR/2BA condo with garage. Convenient West Bradenton location, 5 minutes to the beach. $329,000.00. Call Lisa Varano at Wagner Realty 941-730-9060.

PERICO ISLAND Rarely available 3BR/3BA single family POOL home. Renovated in 2016 with an open floor plan, new roof, saltwater pool, custom cabinetry and so much more! This is a must see, very private home perfect for entertaining! 2368 sq. ft. $849,000 Karen Parsons Good Life Realty 407-233-7059

RENTALS: ANNUAL ISLAND LIVING ANNUAL RENTAL at Runaway Bay. Nice Turn-key furnished large 1bdrm 1 bath second floor condo. Large Pool and beach access. $2750/mo. Available July 1st 2023. Duncan Real Estate call Paige Rogers 513-3821882

ANNUAL RENTAL – AVAILABLE NOW. 2BR/1BA, furnished. $4,500/month. First, Last, and Security Deposit required Call Sato Real Estate, Inc 941-7787200 or Email megan@ satorealestate.com

ANNUAL, UNFURNISHED RENTAL 3 miles from AMI in Village Green of Bradenton. 2BR/2BA, large great room and yard. Contact Sato Real Estate at 941778-7200 for showings and more information.

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND total remodeled 2 BR/1.5BA in 55+ community BEACH across street, furnished, pool, library, parking next to this ground floor. Annual rental $3200/mo includes WiFi and all utilities, No pets, No smoking Call Tim 507382-8880.

ANNUAL: 2BR/2BA TOWNHOUSE, Palma Sola Trace, clubhouse, pool and more. $2,500 monthly Call 941778-4800

ANNUAL: 1BR/1BA Guest apartment Holmes Beach. Renovated, beautifully furnished. Available June 1. Small fenced yard, pets considered, washer/dryer. $2000/mo. Call 305-7938980.

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

HOME SERVICES

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525

TRANSPORTATION

SARASOTA CITY 1 Or 2 Bedroom Cozy Getaway. Quaint Sarasota Apartment. Walk To City. Five Minutes From The Beach. 2 Night Minimum Stay 1 Bedroom $250 Per Night And 2 Bedroom $290 Per Night. Please Call Joe 908507-4146

TRANSPORTATION

AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941447-8372, www.amitaxi. com

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095