Anna Maria Island Sun May 11, 2016

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VOL 16 No. 28

Sunrise, sunset

May 11, 2016

Rich Rosati | submitted

The sun rises over a Holmes Beach canal, above, and silhouettes a sailboat at sunset in the Gulf, left.

ANNA MARIE HAYDEN | SUBMITTED

Murphy to run again Incumbents Nancy Yetter and Chuck Webb also plan to run again.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy announced last week that he would seek a second term in office during the forthcoming fall elections.

Anna Maria Commissioners Chuck Webb and Nancy Yetter also recently said they would seek reelection.

When discussing his decision, Mur-

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors town crier restaurants REAL ESTATE obituaries

4 6 7 22-23 25 26-27 28-33 35

phy said, “The biggest driver in my decision is the relationship we’ve formed with our city commission. I think we’ve got a cohesive and effective team, and we’re able to address prob- Murphy lem areas and rectify situations that needed to be rectified. I think we’re also now on the track to being able to proactively solve things in the future. I feel good about that. I want to keep that energy and momentum gosee murphy, page 29

thousands get a taste of Food and Wine on Pine. 20

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Surfers detained, not arrested, at Twin Piers A surfer detained by police at the Twin Piers construction site says the county should make signs more clear to let surfers know what is off limits.

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

BRADENTON BEACH – Three local surfers were handcuffed but not arrested by Bradenton Beach police last Friday at Twin Piers after refus-

ing repeated requests to come ashore due to dangerous conditions at the construction site, Police Chief Sam Speciale said.

“As surfers, we put ourselves in harm’s way all the time,” one of the three surfers, Zack Carter, told The Sun. “We knew what we were doing.

It’s probably not the safest spot to surf, but the sign doesn’t say ‘keep out of the water.’ There has to be see surfers, page 16

TREE HOUSE FATE REMAINS UP IN THE AIR. 16

AMI Moose Queen of Hearts drawing tops $75,000. 13

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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Ordinance limits mayor’s supervision The commission majority believes the commission as a whole should supervise department heads.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – A new ordinance approved on first reading last week defines the city’s weak mayor form of government and the mayor’s limited role within it, and Mayor Bill Shearon is not happy about it.

“If I have no leadership authority or supervisory responsibilities, then I don’t have any responsibilities. I’m a ceremonial mayor. I will not be held accountable,” he said during the Thursday, May 5, meeting.

Despite his pleas, Shearon was outvoted 3-1 on the pending adoption of Ordinance 16-467. Commissioners Ralph Cole, Jake Spooner and Jan Vosburgh voted in favor of the ordinance and Vice Mayor Ed Straight was absent with excuse. The ordinance will not take effect until adopted on final reading on Thursday, May 19.

The ordinance represents the commission’s collective interpretation of the city charter as it pertains to the duties and powers of the mayor and commissioners. The ordinance was requested after three work meetings took place in February and March.

The ordinance states that department heads are supervised by the commission as whole and not by the mayor individually.

During his two terms as mayor, Shearon has taken a more active approach to staff supervision than previous mayors and this contributed to the commission’s desire for clarification.

“It is the mayor’s duty, according to the charter, to make sure that policy mandates are carried out by the department heads, but it is the department heads’ responsibility to run their respective departments,” Cole said during last week’s discussion.

“It clarifies that we have the weak mayor system, which hasn’t been clarified before,” he said of the ordinance.

Cole said this clarification would also provide future mayors and candidates with a clear understanding of the mayor’s duties.

“I don’t think we’re taking anything from the mayor’s position that he doesn’t have,” Cole said.

“I agree,” Spooner said. “We’ve had three meetings on this already. That’s what we asked for, and that’s what we got. If there’s an issue, it’s brought to us,” Vosburgh said she was surprised Shearon offered so much resistance to the ordinance. She was under the impression he agreed to proceed with it during the

going to function.”

Public perception

Joe Hendricks | SUN

Commissioner Ralph Cole initiated the efforts to clarify the city charter back in February.

March 22 work meeting.

In response to Vosburgh, Shearon said, “I thought that I still had come type of supervisory authority and at least leadership authority. With this motion, you’re taking away those two authorities, so I’m just like a commissioner. I don’t even know why we have a mayor then. I don’t see how the city’s

During public input, Jim Hassett questioned the idea that no single commission member would have supervisory authority. He said he intended to ask Vice Mayor Straight if he was prepared to serve as interim mayor if Shearon quit.

“What if this man over here decides to walk?” he asked, in reference to Shearon.

At no time during the meeting did Shearon suggest he would resign.

“It is my belief that you would not be having this conversation if the preceding mayor was here, or the next mayor. I don’t know who would want to step into this job without any responsibility,” Hassett said.

Pricilla VonAhnen said to the commission: “We voted for the mayor, and we voted for you. We didn’t vote for the department heads.

I think the person we vote for should be in charge. What else is the mayor for? Cutting ribbons? That’s not right.”

Attorney insight

In response to Hassett, City Attorney Ricinda Perry said, “The problem we’re running into is the city commission has recsee mayor, page 5

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ISLAND NEWS

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Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

MAY 11, 2016

in brief

Ugly Grouper to lose parking In an e-mail last week, Holmes Beach City Attorney Patricia Petruff told the mayor and building official that “it appears that the Ugly Grouper has had it shared parking agreement revoked.

“This means that the Ugly Grouper is in violation of its site plan and must take steps to remedy the situation. If alternative reliable off street parking can’t be located, in all likelihood, seats will need to be removed from the facility.”

In an accompanying letter, Joe Varner, managing member of Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Homes, which has an office and parking lot adjacent to the Ugly Grouper, said the business “does not give any authorization to any other party, business or individual to use our property, the vacant lots at 314 and 316 57th street, Holmes Beach, Fl., for any parking or any other activities.

“Furthermore, we are currently working with our legal counsel to cancel the parking usage agreement that was signed between Island Flea DBA Barefoot Tiki Bar and ourselves date Jan. 21, 2014. There are numerous reasons for this which will be outlined in a letter to come from my attorney in the next few days.”

Doug copeland | submitted

The rain is a pain Above, Anna Maria Public Works Department employees attempt to pump out the city pier parking lot with a pump sitting atop a trash can last Wednesday. At left, vehicles brave the flooded streets in front of Keyes Marina and the Branch Island Library.

Anna Maria city recorded 5.5 inches of rain that day.

Water off in shopping center Manatee County Utilities Department has issued a precautionary boil water notice for the Island Shopping Center, including part of 56th Street, 58th Street, 59th Street and Flotilla Drive.

The replacement of water valves is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11. The water will be shut off from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Customers are advised that once service is restored, all water used for drinking or cooking should be boiled as a precaution. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. As an alternative, bottled water may be used.

This precautionary notice will remain in effect until a bacteriological survey has shown the water to be safe, normally 24 to 48 hours. A rescission notice will be issued when lifted. If residents have any questions they may call 941-792-8811, ext. 5268, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. or 941-747-HELP (4357) after 5 p.m. or on weekends.

Mother and son event Moms and sons at Anna Maria Elementary School can enjoy time together at the school’s Mother & Son Knight on Wednesday, May 11, at the school playground from 5:30 to 7 p.m. There will be games, treats and Kona Ice. Call the school at 708-5525 for information.

Corrections/clarificaions • LifeLines in the May 4 edition was authored

by Manatee County Public Safety Dept. Lt. Collin Schmidt. The original story contained no byline.

• Lifeguard towers in Manatee County are not air conditioned. A story in the May 4 edition indicated they were.

Holmes Beach receives Bert Harris claim The property manager says the diminished value of the property at 128 49th Street is $351,000.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The city has received a Bert Harris claim regarding property at 128 49th Street from Keith Carter.

In the e-mail, Carter said he is manager of Rorentals, LLC, the property owner, and said, “It is intended to develop the property, but there is no purpose in investing in architectural drawings and submitting building permits as it is clear that recently introduced changes to the building code preclude the type of development

anticipated and that these changes in regulations impose an inordinate burden on Rorentals’ vested rights in the property.”

He said the city has enacted a series of ordinances that “have materially diminished the investment backed value of the property,” and listed the following ordinances: Ordinance 13-03, which limits the living area ratio; Ordinance 13-05, which eliminates the underground connection for duplexes; Ordinance 14-16, which bans pool and AC equipment in setbacks; Ordinance 15-10, which bans swimming pools in front yards; and Ordinance 15-19, which requires front yard setbacks on all street frontages and sets limits on pools and water features.

However, he said the appraisal, which shows a diminished value of

$351,000, “is based on the impact of Ordinance 15-12 as this produces the maximum diminution in value.

That ordinance calls for a maximum of four bedrooms in singlefamily homes and two per side in duplexes in the R-2, R-3 and R-4 zoning districts.

But Carter also maintained that the ‘elements contained in the other ordinances will still cause a diminution, both in their own right and in combination with elements in the other ordinances” and that the claim is affected by all the referenced ordinances.

The e-mail, dated April 27, said the city “has 150 days to respond to the claim with a written settlement offer.” Attached to the email was a seven-page “Opinion Challenging Council Policy” and appraisal documents.

MAY 11, 2016

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Tourism luncheon spotlights boom, preserves

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

PALMETTO – Local tourism and all its sectors have grown for five years in a row, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) officials told guests at the 2016 National Tourism Week luncheon last week.

Manatee County has seen an increase

in visitors, expenditures, employment and economic impact as a result of tourism, according to the county’s tourism consultant, Tampa-based Research Data Services.

Specifically, last year, Manatee County visitor numbers exceeded 3 million, up 3.4 percent from 2014, tourism generated $46.9 million in state and local sales and use taxes, up 8.8 percent, tourism-

Islands, Bradenton featured on series The “How to Do Florida” television series will feature Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Bradenton in its season premiere next month.

The show, which focuses on Florida destinations and Floridastyle meals, covers many of the top attractions in Manatee County, including offshore fishing, Pine Avenue shopping, the TreeUmph! fitness course, Dakin Dairy and the beaches. “‘How to Do Florida’ really captures the Bradenton Area’s real, authentic Florida charm and showcases that we are so much more

than just a beach town,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, in a press release.

“We are thrilled to be featured as the season premier for the Emmy award-winning TV series that captures the diversity of our county to such a large audience of potential visitors and encourages people to get out and enjoy our great state.”

Select episodes of the program are available locally on the Fox Sports Sun cable network, and on Emirates Airlines Orlando-bound flights. Episodes also can be found on iTunes.

related jobs totaled 24,700, up 13.8 percent, and the total economic impact of tourism was $1.1 billion, up 10.6 percent.

In the past five years, visitors increased 12 percent, tourism jobs increased 35 percent, the average daily room rate increased 22 percent and the total economic impact increased 44 percent, according to RDS. Tourism growth is due in part to the county’s preserves, according to tour-

ism officials, who honored the staff of the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department at the luncheon, and themed the event, “Parks and Preserves Make It Perfect.”

A welcome reception prior to the luncheon showcased culinary offerings of local restaurants, focusing on sustainable and locally grown and caught menu items.

MAYOR: Powers limited FROM PAGE 3

ognized that it functions under a weak mayor form of government, and it’s very different from a strong mayor form of government, which is what the other two Island cities have.

“When you have a weak mayor form of government, you have to recognize the mayor’s hands are tied, and somebody has to have the supervisory capacity over the city staff. This commission decided they wanted themselves, as a whole, to have that supervisory capacity. The commission collectively governs and supervises depart-

ment directors. Neither the mayor nor any commissioner may direct or supervise the department head or their staff members. No individual elected official has that right. You have to do it collectively,” Perry concluded.

The mayor is still responsible for the creation of the annual budget and the mayor’s annual state of the city report.

When asked about the ordinance later in the week, department heads Terri Sanclemente, Sam Speciale and Tom Woodard each said reporting to the commission as a whole would have no negative impact on their ability to manage their departments.

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OPINION

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

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MAY 11, 2016

EDITORIAL Keep the ball rolling

T

he Food and Wine on Pine (FWP) celebration was a big success, and, as Ed Chiles put it, was an opportunity for us to brag about the Island.

He’s exactly right.

Through all the good and bad and the growth that we knew would eventually come, Anna Maria Island has always been able to put on a good party. Sometimes it’s for an annual occurrence, such as Bayfest, starting off another tourist season, or the holiday open houses, which are such a big success partly because nobody is afraid to go out on the streets after dark.

Food and Wine on Pine is a relatively new event begun by Chiles, who has been trying to make things a little more sustainable in the food business. Now, he appears ready to hand the reigns over to someone else and to lessen the load on his staff and especially his talented marketing manager, Caryn Hodge. We are sure hoping he is successful at that because we would hate to see this marvelous event falter. There has been a rich mixture of local music, gourmet fare and fine art at FWP, propelling this celebration in just a few short years to the top of the festival food chain.

A

nd make no mistake - the food was outstanding. The aromas from the many dishes permeated the Pine Avenue air, complemented nicely by a long list of brews and wines for people to sample.

The kids had fun with art at the kid’s zone and Roser Memorial Community Church put out some water for thirsty celebrants and their pets.

It is rare to have a festival like this after season, but the early Easter holiday made the traffic a lot easier to live with recently and FWP drew a lot of people from the mainland.

We have non-profit organizations that could pick up the gauntlet if the Chiles Group lets it go. Perhaps the award-winning AMI Chamber might be interested.

They've done a spectacular job with Bayfest, after all.

We hope somebody steps in and keeps the ball rolling. There’s too much to celebrate and this is too good a party to let the lights go out.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Patience please part of it after they started seeing

In response to Mr. Accatatta's letter (The Sun, May 4 edition),there isn't a state in the Union where you can park a car against the normal flow of traffic without getting a ticket. I would bet dollars to doughnuts if you parked that way in Bradenton you would be getting a ticket as well.

It’s not a matter of how the police in Holmes Beach or any of the cities here on the Island treat visitors.

It's the law, and also a matter of safety – yours and anyone else who happens to be traveling that street, especially in the opposite direction as you're taking your vehicle across or in front of oncoming traffic.

Same thing when you go to leave.

Parking out here can be a bear. Not only for those who visit the Island, but also for those of us who live and work out here and that goes for all three cities. So, in the future, please just use some patience along with some common sense.

Thomas Steveley Bradenton Beach

Thanks for a great event Thank you to Ed Chiles and the Chiles Group for Food & Wine on Pine. What a terrific community event. I had a group of people come all the way from Iowa to be a

it on my FaceBook - they thought it sounded so great and they were not disappointed - they loved it.

Special thanks to Caryn Hodge and Ruth Uecker, who worked tirelessly to make sure the event was a huge success. Many people come and think how fun it is - they do not think about all the work that goes into putting on an event like this.

Caryn and Ruth did a remarkable job heading the event - thank you.

Thank you to all the committee members who played a vital role in the success - Lisa Bean, Dorothy Blum, Melissa Enders, Billi Gartman, April Green, Alex G, Joyce Karp, Maria Keenan, Jeanie Pickwick, Diane Phinney, Lisa Sampson, Ron and Nancy Scott and Brian Wiggins. Thank you to Baskets

by Beth Jones, Ed Moss and Wayne Bronkema and CrossPointe Fellowship, Roser Church, The Center and Lizzie Vann. Thank you to all the wonderful sponsors and great volunteers who made the event happen. Thank you to the AMI Sun for all the publicity and covering the event. Thank you to the artists, musicians, chalk artists, beer and wine distributors, retail vendors restaurants and actors who made the event memorable. Thank you to everyone that did anything to make the event happen and to everyone

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. that came out and enjoyed the beautiful day on Pine. A special thanks also to all the businesses that donated items for the chance drawing baskets. See what Anna Maria Island can do when everyone works together - what a special Island we have. Thank you all.

Nancy Ambrose Holmes Beach and Bradenton

Mayor, unlock those gates My husband and I have recently purchased property in Holmes Beach and we are thrilled. We have been renting for nine years but found it difficult to find a rental that allowed two large dogs. That problem is now happily solved.

I take my dogs to the Holmes Beach dog park daily when I am in town. It is a friendly, well-kept park and I have met many nice people and their dogs there. There are, conveniently, three gates from which to enter and depart the park.

That makes everything easier when there are many dogs coming and going.

Unfortunately, only one of the three gates is ever unlocked.

Please, Mayor Johnson, unlock all three gates. Such a simple solution to an aggravating problem.

Deborah Sweet Walsh Buffalo, NY

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on the agenda

the sun survey

PREVIOUS QUESTION: What do you think of the new signs on the beach indicating the access streets?

52%

I don't like them at all. We have too many signs already.

These are completely out of place, visually disruptive and should be removed.

5801 Marina Drive

Anna Maria 10005 Gulf Drive

5/12: City Commission work session, 6 p.m.

5/17: Planning and Zoning Board, 4 p.m.

For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

5/11: Scenic WAVES, 3 p.m.

5/18: Planning and Zoning Board, 1 p.m.

5/19: City Commission meeting, noon.

For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach

5/11: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board, 10 a.m.

5/12: City Commission work session, 7 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

Island-wide

5/12: Manasota League of Cities, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, 9:30 a.m.

5/18: Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, 2 p.m.

5/19: West Manatee Fire Commission, 6 p.m., 6417 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton.

mark your calendar

41%

I think they are great and will ultimately save lives in emergency situations.

Note: Events are free unless indicated.

6%

I don' really care about the signs. What we really need are more restrooms.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

• It's a good idea and about time the mayor's duties were clearly established.

• I don't like it. It seems like they are What is your opinion of changing the rules after the election. the proposal to redefine • Not sure. Maybe they should play a round mayoral duties in the city of Texas Hold 'Em to settle the matter. of Bradenton Beach?

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

Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Pat Copeland Cindy Lane

Tom Vaught Joe Hendricks

Ad assistant Chris Boniberger

Accounting John Reitz

Columnists Louise Bolger

Classified ads Bob Alexander

Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution Bob Alexander Keith Isner Tony McNulty

Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene Cindy Lane

Lifelong Learning Academy discussions, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12 p.m.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10.

Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

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

May 12

View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

Editor/CEO Mike Field

May 11

Thursday

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Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field

Wednesday

Contributors Steve Borggren Tom Breiter Monica Simpson

Zumba with Suzy for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 11 a.m., $10 per class.

Aerobics for seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Paddling Neal Preserve, Neal Preserve, Manatee Avenue east of Anna Maria Island Bridge. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 7.

Friday May 13

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

Sarasota Institute of Life-

time Learning lecture series via DVD, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 a.m. $8 per lecture, tickets at the door.

Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Saturday May 14

Perico preserve grand opening, Perico Preserve, north side of Palma Sola Causeway, east of Harbour Isle development. 9 to 11 a.m. Reserve to 941-7425923, ext. 6039, or aedan. stockdale@mymanatee.org.

Origami class, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

Music on the porch, Florida Maritime Museum, Cortez Road and 119th Street West, Cortez, 2 to 5 p.m.

Starry night telescope exploration, Robinson Preserve, 99th Street Northwest and 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, 8:30 to 10 p.m.

Reserve to 941-748-4501, ext. 6039.

Sunday May 15

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

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MAY 11, 2016

Blues, Brews & BBQ part II

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

Serving up a special blend of great outdoor music, cold beer, tasty food and family fun, the Second Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ festival will take place in Bradenton Beach, on Saturday, May 21, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event will take place in the gated lot at 107 and 111 Bridge Street, next to the Fish Hole adventure golf course.

Internationally-acclaimed blues guitarist Gene “Sarasota Slim” Hardage will headline the show, bringing to Bridge Street a musical style that commingles blues, funk, boogie, slide guitar and warm Southern charm.

“We are thrilled to have Sarasota Slim return. A lot of blues fans were disappointed when his show got rained out last year,” said event chair Eric Fleishman, in reference to last year’s weather-shortened inaugural event.

Taking the stage at 4:30 p.m., Blues Pig will serve as the musical appetizer to Sarasota Slim. Blues Pig is a staple at the annual Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party and has often performed at DCoy Ducks in Holmes Beach and

Tiny’s Lounge in the Whitney Beach Plaza. Island favorite Mac McConnell will kick-off the music at 3 p.m., joined by special guests.

The musical lineup was assembled by “Stone Crab Steve” Arvey, a wellknown bluesman in his own right, who also serves as an ambassador for the Tampa Bay Area Suncoast Blues Society.

“It’s a privilege to have musicians of this caliber play right here on Anna Maria Island, especially for such a good cause” Arvey said.

Proceeds will benefit All Island Denominations Food Pantry at Roser Church and the fundraising efforts will include a silent auction.

The menu features Island Time Bar & Grill’s mouth-watering BBQ ribs and pulled pork platters, and Fire & Stone Pizza menu favorites, including barbeque-themed pizzas. Bradenton-

Submitted

Sarasota Slim will headline a musical roster that also includes Blues Pig and Mac McConnell. based Motorworks Brewing will provide the craft beers. There will be a full-liquor bar, and standard domestic beers, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

There is a $5 admission fee, all ages are welcome, kids 12 and under are free and the gate opens at 2 p.m.

There will be a limited amount of complimentary table seating inside the festival area and guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets, but no coolers.

Outside food and drink are not allowed, but wristbands will allow event attendees to come and go freely while shopping and dining along Bridge Street, where special deals will be offered by the Bridge Street businesses that make up the Bridge Street Merchants Association.

Event organizers suggest taking the free Island Trolley to Bridge Street, with limited parking also available along Bridge Street, in the city lot behind Bridge Street Bistro, at Bradenton Beach City Hall and at the Tingley Memorial Library. There is also plenty of free parking along Gulf Drive at Cortez Beach, just a few blocks south of Bridge Street.

The Island Beach Monkeys’ bus and shuttle, 941-565-6542, and the Ride AMI shuttle service, 1-877-743-3264, will also provide transportation to and from the event.

For more information visit www. visitbridgestreet.com or call 607346-4126.

We’re rolling out improvements!

New carts will be delivered the week of May 16, 2016 Each resident will receive one BLUE 64 gallon cart for single stream recycling.

Each resident will receive one GREEN 64 gallon cart for solid waste.

Collection Schedule: Monday & Thursday: Solid Waste Wednesday: Yard Waste Thursday: Recycling

www.wasteprousa.com Single Stream Recycling is an easier and expanded recycling program! Place all recyclables in your blue 64 gallon cart – no separating needed!

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MAY 11, 2016

THE SUN

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Clerk warns of deed solicitation letter Some Manatee County homeowners are receiving letters from companies offering to sell them a copy of their deed and property assessment profile. These copies are being offered for prices ranging from $50 to $100 per deed.

The letters periodically appear in Manatee County and are often concentrated in a specific zip code or neighborhood, so that neighbors receive the letters at the same time.

“Your deed is a public record and is permanently maintained and preserved by the Manatee Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office,” says Clerk Angelina “Angel” Colonneso. “You do not have to pay a private company for a copy.

"You can view and print, for free, a noncertified copy of your deed from our website: http://www.manateeclerk.com/www.ManateeClerk.com. Should you ever need a certified copy, the cost is $1 per page and $2 for the certification. In most cases, the total cost will be between $3 and $5.”

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Clerk’s Recording/Official Records Department at 941-741-4040 or e-mail mailto:clerkscopycenter@ManateeClerk.comclerkscopycenter@ManateeClerk.com.

PY P A H R H OUD ay !

Ev e r

y

Saturday ~ May 14 th PACE Center For Girls 6th Annual Lucky Duck Race!

Gary

Enjoy Breakfast Daily At The Pier! 8 – 11am Our Pier location plays by its own rules.

Specials may not apply.

Get your racing ducks for the Lucky Duck Race. 1st Place WINS your choice of a 2-year car lease or $6,000 cash! 2nd Place WINS dinner for a year at the O-Bars!

PIER 941.778.AMOB PIER PIER 941.778.AMOB (2662) 200 20 Bridge Street (Historic Bridge Street Pier)

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Cinco de Mayo Island-style Bradenton Beach was in a party mood during last week’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations, with the sounds of live music and people celebrating the May 5 holiday filling the air along Bridge Street and Gulf Drive.

Live music could be found at the Gulf Drive Café, Wicked Cantina, The Freckled Fin, Island Time, Blue Marlin Grill, The Drift In and the Bridge Tender Inn, with many other Island establishments also celebrating the MexicanAmerican culture. Not to be confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on Sept. 16, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the day the Mexican Army defeated French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Clockwise from above left, Joined by her friend Vicky LaChance, Ginny Calcutti, from Sarasota, wore her lucky Sombrero to the Moose Lodge’s Queen of Hearts drawing.

From left, Lindsey Phillips, Lori Short and Megan Meredith display the commemorative T-shirts that were given away at Island Time. A five-piece mariachi band strolled the Wicked Cantina patio as part of the Cinco de Mayo festivities. Wicked Cantina’s Bar Taco Trio and Cantina Brew made for a perfect Cinco de Mayo meal.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

MAY 11, 2016

MAY 11, 2016

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District to consider fire assessment rate hike Their three options are no increase, a 1.5 percent increase or a 2.25 percent increase.

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners will vote at their meeting on May 19 on the fire assessment rate for 2016-17.

At a recent budget work session, Chief Tom Sousa unveiled a new budget format, a draft budget for 2016-17 and options for assessment rates. He said future initiatives are increasing staffing to four per shift at the Holmes Beach station and increasing service delivery with the implementation of an ALS (advanced life support) program.

The increased staffing would come through a federal grant, which provides funding to fire departments to hire career

firefighters. The federal government will pay 24-months of full salary and benefits, and the district will pick up that cost after 24 months.

The cost per year after the first 24 months would be $300,000 for three firefighters. The cost of the ALS engines would be $210,000 per year not including start up costs.

Sousa said that according to state law, the district could raise the assessment rate to 4.02 percent. The last time the assessment rate was raised was 2014-15.

He said a 1.5 increase in the assessment rate would bring in $71,530 more in revenue and a 2.25 increase would bring in $120,000 more. He recommended 2.25 and noted, “We don’t want to fall behind if we want to do the enhancements.”

He sad he would prepare three resolutions for commissioners to consider at their May 19 meting – one with no increase, one with a 1.5 percent increase and one with a 2.25 percent increase.

Have your say on public transit Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) riders and the public have a chance to shape the future of public transit this summer as planners receive feedback on proposed service modifications to better address growth in the county.

Manatee residents and MCAT riders can provide feedback a number of different ways.

First, an online survey has been posted to an area of the MCAT http://www.ridemcat.org/ public-hearings/.

Second, public workshops will be held later this month to gather input near key MCAT routes: The public can give feedback on Monday, May 16, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

in the first floor chambers of the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. A second public workshop opportunity will be held Wednesday, May 18, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Palmetto City Hall Council Chambers, 516 8th Ave. W. MCAT representatives will pass out flyers to riders at all MCAT transfer stations next week to inform people about the workshops and the online survey. Flyers posted this week on MCAT buses have already alerted riders to the proposed changes.

For more information on MCAT, visit www. mymanatee.org/mcat

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THE SUN

SUN FILE PHOTO

Get stoked for surf camp Brandi’s Surf Camp will hit the waves off Holmes Beach Monday through Friday June 13-17, June 20-24, and June 27-July 1, and Tuesday through Friday, July 5-8, from 9 a.m. to noon. The camp costs $205 per week, and preregistration is required at 941-778-1001.

MAY 11, 2016

MAY 11, 2016

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Queen still in hiding Moose members are asked not to park in business or private parking lots that could result in their cars being towed.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

Open everyday 7:30AM to 5:00PM 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria • 941-778-3170 www.ginnysandjanees.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Queen of Hearts remains an elusive gal.

Bradenton resident and Moose member Melinda Thompson pulled the three of diamonds out of envelope #30 during the Thursday, May 5 Queen of Hearts drawing. Although she did not win the $65,410 lion’s share of the $72,910 total jackpot for pulling the Queen of Hearts, she did win $750 as a consolation prize. An additional $7,000 in door prizes and 50/50 prizes were also given away to Moose members.

Lt. John Cosby, from the Bradenton Beach Police Department, estimated there may have been as many as 800 people on hand at Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge for last week’s drawing. With the Queen still in play for the Wednesday, May 11 drawing, this week’s total jackpot will be $75,050, with $8,000 slated to be given away in door and raffle prizes The remainder would go to the lucky person who draws the Queen of Hearts if the lady in red decides to reveal herself. There are 27 unopened envelopes, each containing a playing card from the same deck, remaining in the glass display case that is kept under lock and

joe hendricks | sun

Melinda Thompson was hoping for the Queen of Hearts but got the three of diamonds instead. key.

Lodge Administrator Ernie Casali asks members not to park across the street at the Circle K, down the street at the Drift In or in any other business or private parking lot where their cars may wind up getting towed.

Free parking is available within walking distance or a short trolley or shuttle ride at Cortez Beach, which is located a few blocks south of the lodge.

You must be a Moose member and possess a nationally-issued membership card to participate in the drawing.

Moose Lodge Administrator Ernie Casali, right, opens the display case that contains the sealed envelopes that hold the cards used for the Queen of Hearts drawing. joe hendricks | sun

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THE SUN

MAY 11, 2016

Moratorium initiative process explained

EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM

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A group of Bradenton Beach residents is hoping to enact a building moratorium if the city commission does not.

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BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPODENT | jhendricks@ amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – A timeline has been established for the citizenled petition initiative that could result in a building moratorium being enacted later this year.

The petition initiative is being led by Pricilla VonAhnen, who along with her husband, Frank Harrison, has lived in Bradenton Beach for more than four decades.

VonAhnen has already provided the city with a copy of the proposed ordinance that VonAhnen and others hope the City Commission will adopt. If the commission chooses not to adopt the ordinance, city voters will be asked in November to decide if there will be a six-month moratorium on the acceptance and review of building permit applications for residential structures that contain more than four bedrooms and are to be located in the city’s R-1 and R-2 residential zone districts.

With VonAhnen in attendance, City Attorney Ricinda Perry explained how the process would unfold in the coming months. She said the Supervisor of Elections Office, on May 2, verified the petition signatures VonAhnen turned in; and City Clerk Terri Sanclemente has verified the process requirements set

joe hendricks | sun

Building moratorium advocate Pricilla VonAhnen was on hand when the petition initiative timeline was announced. forth in the city charter.

The next step will be a town hall meeting at the Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., at six p.m. on Tuesday, June 7.

The publically-noticed meeting will allow for open discussion between citizens and commission members on vacation rentals issues, including a possible moratorium and new or amended vacation rental regulations that would replace the city’s dormant quality of life ordinance.

Bradenton Beach is the only Island city that has not enacted a building moratorium in recent years, the only Island city without active vacation rental regulations in place, and the only Island city not named in a vacation rental-related lawsuit.

Perry said the commission must act on the petition no later than Friday, July 29.

“The commission needs to decide whether to approve that ordinance in its substantial form or deny it,” she told the commission last week.

If the commission approves the moratorium

ordinance in its substantial form, the moratorium would be put into effect and the petition initiative, having succeeded, would die. If the commission denies or rejects the ordinance, it has to be prepared to go on the November ballot for city voters to decide.

After receiving input at the town hall meeting, the commission will entertain the petition initiative-generated moratorium ordinance at the Thursday, June 16, meeting and decide whether to accept or reject it.

If the commission accepts the ordinance, two public hearings will be held in July to adopt the ordinance. If the commission rejects the ordinance, two public hearings will be held in July to approve an ordinance that established the ballot language to be sent to the Supervisor of Elections Office.

The ballot language and supporting documentation has to be submitted to the elections office in August in order to hit the November election deadline.

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MAY 11, 2016

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Sign up for Chamber golf tourney The 17th Annual Anna Maria Island Chamber Golf Tournament has a new date, Friday, May 20, and there are still openings for golfers, donors and sponsors. The tournament I being held at IMG Academy, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. Check-in starts at 11:30 a.m. and the shotgun is 12:30 p.m.

The tourney is open to singles, doubles and foursomes. Organizers will team those who aren’t on a team with teams that need members. The cost is $125 per golfer or $500 per

team. The fee includes lunch from area restaurants including J Burns Pizza, The Feast, Hooters Wings and more; refreshing beverages, Margaritas and beer; and a buffet dinner featuring chicken, roast beef with side dishes and salads plus dessert. The cost for the buffet dinner is $35 per person.

In addition, golfers could win valuable prizes in the raffles including golf foursomes on premier golf courses, overnight stays in hotels, restaurant gift certificates and more.

There are still oppor-

tunities to sponsor a tee to advertise a business.

Donors of raffle prizes or items for goodie bags by May 17 will get mentioned at the banquet awards dinner.

Applications are available online at www.amichamber. org. They should be returned to Debbie@ amichamber.org or faxed to 779-9679 or mail them to 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL. 34217. Payment is due in advance.

Open to members and non-members, this event sponsors the Chamber’s Scholarship Fund.

16

THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MAY 11, 2016

Special magistrate to issue tree house ruling Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran built the tree house on the beach in front of Angelino’s Sea Lodge in 2011.

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

HOLMES BEACH – After hearing four hours of background information, lawyers’ pleadings and witness’ testimony regarding the tree house last week, Special Magistrate Kelly Fernandez said she plans to make a ruling two weeks after reviewing documents she requested.

Tree house attorney David Levin opening the hearing by giving a chronology of events regarding the tree house built by Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran on the beach in front of Angelino’s Sea Lodge at 103 29th St. in 2011.

It then came to the attention of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the city.

In 2013, the city’s Code Enforcement Board ruled that the tree house was constructed without a permit and encroached 20 feet into the erosion control line. The board ordered the couple to remove the violations or demolish the tree house.

When they did neither, the board imposed a fine of $100 per day. The couple appealed the order and the fine, and in March 2014, they were granted a stay from the fine.

In September 2014, a judge upheld the board’s original order. The couple appealed, and the circuit court also upheld the board’s

PAT COPELAND | SUN

From left Richard Hazen and Lynn Tran confer with their attorney David Levin. order.

The hearing is the next step in this process in which the special magistrate will determine whether to re-impose the code board fine.

In another action in September 2013, the couple filed an initiative petition seeking to put an ordinance on the ballot for voters to decide if the tree house is legal. However, the city alleged that an election would be invalid under state law and requested a declaratory judgment.

In February, Levin filed a motion arguing that the prohibition in state law applies to a

development order and that the tree house is an accessory structure.

Motion for continuance

After receiving the notice of the special magistrate hearing, Levin filed a motion for continuance to stay the hearing because the case involving the petition is scheduled for a court hearing in June.

“To comply with the order would penalize the Hazens with not complying when they are still trying to pursue their legal remedy that would make the structure lawful,” Levin said. “There is no prejudice to the city or the

public to delay this until that hearing.”

Fernandez asked why the petition has been delayed for so long, and Levin said he thought they would win on appeal and after the appeal was denied, he moved forward with the petition process.

Fernandez asked if he wanted it delayed until the vote of the people.

“I have confidence that the court will say that the city should pursue the petition process,” Levin responded. “We hope the city would allow the process to go forward.”

“In order to follow the order of the code enforcement board, the tree house has to come down. It can’t be undone. The code board process is to bring people into compliance. We are trying, and now we have one last shot.”

City Attorney Jim Dye disagreed and said the initiative petition is “a sideshow” and the primary jurisdiction is with the code enforcement board.

He “vehemently disagreed” with Levin’s statement that there is no prejudice because of “the risk it presents in its current state.

There is a grave risk of harm” to the neighbors and the city.

Fernandez denied the motion, and then Levin asked that in addition to hearing testimony, that she review the transcript of the original code enforcement board hearing.

Witnesses called

Witnesses included Code Enforcement Officer James Thomas, Planner Bill Brisson, Building Official Jim McGuinness and Tran.

SEE tree house, PAGE 31

SURFERS: Detained at Twin Piers surf break FROM PAGE 1 something more clear.”

Three crumbling erosion control groins at what is known as Twin Piers - one of Anna Maria Island’s most popular surf spots - are being rebuilt by Manatee County as permeable adjustable groins to preserve the beach from erosion, which will help protect hurricane evacuation route Gulf Drive from flooding in a storm.

It is posted as a no trespassing zone and a construction site on the land side of the construction, but surfers say no such signs are in the water, and they may enter the water north or south of where the signs are.

Regardless, Speciale said, they were told to come in.

“We have orders from the county not to allow anybody in the construction zone,” he said. “They had to shut down the construction site for an hour.”

The construction crew first told the surfers to come ashore, then county lifeguards, then Bradenton Beach police and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office boat patrol, he said, adding that one surfer shouted a profanity while the other two came in.

Officers thought their initial refusal indicated the possibility that one could be wanted by police, so they handcuffed them and ran checks on them, which came back clean, Speciale said, adding that the officers then let them go and told them to surf farther up the beach.

They didn’t tell the surfers why they were being cuffed, Carter said.

The narrator of a video of the incident that appeared on the Gulfster, Surfer, and other surfing websites, labeled “Surfing is not a crime,” states incorrectly that the men were arrested; Speciale said, explaining that they were only detained.

“I have respect for officers, but it was handled a little excessively,” Carter said.

“Pretty much everything they said to us was obvious, like we could go to jail because we didn’t listen to their command, but it could have been told to us not in handcuffs.”

The city of Bradenton Beach received two e-mails last weekend criticizing the police, one suggesting, “Spend more time and tax dollars catching the thieves,” and the other suggesting, “Many people feel this unfortunate situation could have been

handled differently.”

“We’re getting hate mail from California,” Speciale said.

Known risk One of the dangerous conditions at the site is a fence that has been installed in the water to keep nesting sea turtles away from the area during construction, said Suzi Fox, director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, who checks the site every morning for turtles before the crew begins work.

The fence is required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Army Corps of Engineers construction permits to keep turtles from getting trapped in the zone, and it will be removed when construction is completed, she said.

The fence is sometimes visible and sometimes not, depending on the conditions, Fox said, adding, “Surfers could not possibly know if they were going to hit that fence.”

Carter said the surfers saw the fence, but the waves “were probably going to be flat in the next hour.”

When one of the officers walked out on the pier and told them to get out, “We

didn’t abide, which I take full responsibility for, but in our defense we were trying to surf away from the pier,” he said.

The incident also was a case of mistaken identity, he said, adding that the surfers the officers originally addressed had gone.

A surfer who witnessed the incident but did not want to be identified suggested that signage should be posted in the water where surfers can see it.

“They need to be more specific,” he said.

“We didn’t get any warning.”

Surfers have expressed concern in the past about the reconstruction of the three groins, saying it could change the surf break there, as they say beach renourishment has done elsewhere on the Island.

Tom Pierro, of CB&I, formerly Coastal Construction and Engineering, the county’s beach consultant, and a surfer himself, told The Sun last year that the surf break should remain the same after the new groins are completed.

So far, the break is still good, and surfers will continue to go there, Carter predicted.

“We rarely get waves. When we do, this could be the only spot on the Island that’s a wave worth riding.”

MAY 11, 2016

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Paint and get fit at The Center The Center of Anna Maria Island offers the following classes at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For further details or to register call The Center at 778-1908 or visit the website at Centerami.org

Corks and Canvas – Painting with a Purpose

The Center has partnered with Painting with Twist to bring the fun to the island. Enjoy time with friends and experience this fun art class.

All art supplies are included. Bring your favorite snacks and beverages. May 12 at 6 p.m. and the painting will be Rod, Reel & Pie. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Half of all proceeds will go back to The Center. Drop-in child care is available during class.

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Becki Hovda will be bring her turbo kick class to The Center on Mondays at 1 p.m. Turbo Kick combines traditional kickboxing moves with high-intensity interval training for an unbelievable calorie burn.

You will have a blast getting into knockout shape learning hard-hitting combos and edgy dance moves while torching fat and carving lean, strong muscle in the most empowering class you have ever taken. No bags; no gloves; just results. This class is included in Center membership and $15 per class for non-members.

Zumba

The Center offers Zumba with instructor Grisel McCain on Monday from 9 to 10 a.m., Tuesday from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Wednesday from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., and on Saturdays, Zumba Gold is offered from 10 to 11 a.m. for active older adults.

Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a one of a kind fitness program. The class is free to members and $15 per class for non-members.

Yoga for Relaxation

Whether you have practiced yoga for years or are just beginning your yoga journey, this class is for you. Special attention is given to your level of fitness, mobility and flexibility by combining gentle stretches, rhythmic breathing, yoga postures, mediation and relaxation. Join instructor Lucy Spoon on Mondays and Fridays from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. The class is free for members and $15 for non-members.

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THE SUN

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MAY 11, 2016

Right of way policy forthcoming The focus will be on right of ways needed for stormwater projects and bike paths.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – City officials are moving forward with long-range plans to reclaim city right of ways and alleys needed for stormwater improvements, bike paths and other city projects.

During the April 26 workshop, city commissioners authorized staff to work with the city attorney to develop an ordinance to serve as a formal right of way policy. City Engineer Lynn Burjoe hendricks | sun nett said the new policy would Privately placed landscaping elements in some city right of ways will have to be include a mechanism that allows removed in order to accommodate stormwater projects. the city to grant exceptions if and when warranted.

The right of way reclamation erty, but City Clerk Terri Sancleefforts pertain most immediately mente cannot locate any such those needed for federally-mandocuments. dated stormwater and drainage “I’m pretty sure some of these improvements now in the planpeople are going to be upset, so ning stages. we are going to have to figure If funding is obtained to conout some way to handle this,” struct portions of the AMI SUNCosby said.

Trail bike and pedestrian path Cosby said staff needed comalong Gulf Drive, those property mission direction because planowners also would be affected. ning for future projects is already Portion of driveways that sit If you didn’t have a underway. within the trail corridor would “We’re not doing this because permit to put something see existing surface materials we have nothing else better to do. removed and replaced with the This is a federal requirement,” in the right of way, it same material used to build the Cosby said of the pending stormbike trail, and obstructions lowater improvements. doesn’t belong there.” cated in city right of ways would Commissioners Jan Vosburgh, be removed.

Ed Straight, Jake Spooner exSteve Gilbert Capital Improvements Program pressed concerns about impacting Building official (CIP) facilitator John Cosby said, residents and property owners, “We need to figure out some way and Straight reclaiming city propto define the rights of ways; and erty would not be an easy process. we have some people that are Mayor Bill Shearon said he sup“If you didn’t have a permit using the rights of way for their ports reclaiming right of ways, to put something in the right of own private use – businesses and with the exceptions being given way, it doesn’t belong there,” individuals.” to who have something in writing.

Gilbert said.

Cosby said the city’s code He said the city does not have the Cosby and Burnett said there enforcement officer is often told money or resources to reclaim all would be plenty of advance notice by property owners that previous right of ways and the right of ways and on-site informative meetings mayors and commissioners grantwould be reclaimed as needed to prior to project commencements. ed them permission to use city complete city projects.

Providing a 100-year perspecproperty as an extension of their Building Official Steve Gilbert tive, Burnett said the city is obliown property. This has resulted in said, “The goal isn’t just to scrape gated to adopt by 2017 specific cricity property being used for parkeverything clean and leave it flat teria in the land development code ing, landscaping, dumpster placeand bare.” that addresses sea level rising. ment and various other uses.

He said the goal is to address “As we do our projects over the “You name it, it’s there to stormwater retention concerns, next 20 years, we are establishing some extent. There’s nothing in while ensuring that homeowners’ a transportation system and right writing. It’s one of those handdriveways are left in a condition of ways with materials that can be shake deals that’s occurred in the city can accept as ongoing built upon,” she said. the past,” Cosby said. future maintenance obligations.

She said lifting the roadways Cosby said three property Commissioner Ralph Cole asked three inches when they are resurowners claimed they have writabout a row of palm trees planted faced every 25 years would acten resolutions from the city that on private property that have commodate 12-inches of sea level allow for the use of city propgrown onto city property. rising over the next century.

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MAY 11, 2016

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Arbor Day Keep Manatee Beautiful (KMB) Executive Director Ingrid McClellan visited all three island cities Friday, April 29, to dedicate trees being planted in celebration of Arbor Day. The first stop was Bayfront Park, in Anna Maria, below, for the final installment for the park’s pavilion area. Officials planted two green buttonwoods and three gumbo limbo trees. KMB paid for the trees with donations from the Osceola Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Women of Manatee County Republican Club. The next stop was at the beach end at 68th Street in Holmes Beach, left, where officials planted a silver buttonwood that was paid for by a donation to KMB from Modern Woodmen of America. The final stop was Bradenton Beach, below left, in the Norma Lloyd Park across the street from city hall, where officials planted two Geiger trees, with funding from KMB. PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Chamber gathering The Anna Maria Island Historical Society hosted the AMI Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange on Wednesday, April 27. From left to right, Chamber Vice President Terri Kinder, Chamber board member and city of Anna Maria First Lady Barbara Murphy and Chamber President Deb Wing.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Passover Seder The new Rabbi at Temple Beth El, Michael Sternfield, brought the Passover Seder to Anna Maria Island recently at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church recently. Members of Temple Beth El and Gloria Dei shared the meal on Seder plates, featuring matzah and wine. The Rabbi explained the symbolic meanings of the Seder and of all the traditional items. The evening ended with all participants holding hands and singing “God Bless America.” One attendee, Dr. Robyn Spirtas, stated, “It was a beautiful evening of coming together and respect.”

Her husband, Neil Spirtas, said that he was so pleased that Temple Beth El could provide this experience for those who attended.

SUBMITTED

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MAY 11, 2016

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MAY 11, 2016

Thousands get a taste on Pine

The Chiles Group is looking for an entity to take over the popular annual event.

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

ANNA MARIA – The city’s main street, Pine Avenue, was all dressed up last Saturday for the Food and Wine on Pine and wearing its best hats for the Kentucky Derby.

The cooler than normal temperatures were per-

fect for walking up and down the street, shopping for vendors’ items, smelling the food being served while visiting the shops along the city’s commercial district. Chiles Group organizer Caryn Hodge estimated the crowd at more than 6,000.

“It couldn’t have been better,” said Chiles Group President and Owner Ed Chiles. “With over 200 volunteers, great food and music, we get to brag about Anna Maria Island.”

The volunteers worked in shifts, the chefs worked all through the event and the aroma was inviting.

At Roser Church, there were chairs and benches for the weary visitors to sit and snack. The church set out a cooler with water for people and pets.

Across the street, Rev. Ed Moss got his yearly ration of green slime, which he wore proudly as he entertained the kids. There was face painting and some of the kid painted pictures, which the Manatee Art Education Association displayed on the walls of their tent. The association is made up of art teachers throughout the county.

There were many genres of music from the folk sounds of Trevor Bystrom and Kristi

Armas, the Island rock sounds of Scott Blum, Scott Pritchard and Chuck Caudill plus favorites like the Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines and KoKo Ray with his ménage and John Rinell.

The group in the large tent waiting for the Kentucky Derby Hat Contest judging waited patiently, enjoying mint juleps as thy watched the pre-race show on the big screen TV. The hat winners were Bizzy Hart, of Tampa, who said she made her hat to reflect the derby and food. Second place went to

21

Kathi Riddle, of Windermere, Fla., who came to enjoy the event.

After the event, Hodge said it might be the last Food and Wine on Pine.

“We’re going to take another look at it and see if some other entity might want to organize it,” she said. “We have a few people who are talented enough to produce a quality event.”

Hodge said the Chiles Group has other projects it wants to investigate. Proceeds from the Food and Wine on Pine will be split between a number of local non-profit charities.

tom vaught | SUN

Clockwise from above: Two-year-old Ryan Gustke paints a sand dollar at the Manatee Art Education Association tent. Anna Maria Elementary School teacher Pidge Taylor and her twin sister, Pam Kelly, right, dressed for the Kentucky Derby hat contest.

Geri Cannon dressed as Annie Silver, an early businesswoman who helped found Wagner Realty, and Peggy Powell as Annie Cobb, from one of the families who helped found Holmes Beach, described the famous characters from the Island’s history before a crowd of people, who were enjoying food form the many booths.

tom vaught | SUN

Clockwise from left: Mickey Monosak and Pam Lechie dance to the music. Two kids also got into the spirit listening to the music.

Ed Chiles and his wife, Tina, were pleased with the turnout for the event. Vinny and Cheryl’s Italian Kitchen displayed a huge sandwich at their booth.

chantele lewin | sun

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OUTDOORS

FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Fishing with guides F

ishing with a guide is an excellent way to get a new appreciation of local waters, and can be indispensable in an area you’re not familiar with. When you fish with a local guide, you get an entrée to his/her extensive knowledge of where to find fish and a unique introduction to the natural world around you. Guides know where the best opportunities for action are while introducing you to some of the area’s most beautiful natural assets.

Guides aren’t just for novice anglers.

Many experienced anglers regularly fish with guides. They know that there is no substitute for the local knowledge gained from being on the water on a regular basis. Then there’s the convenience of stepping on a boat, being taken to the fish, having the guide fillet fish, if you decide to keep any, and not having to clean the boat.

Many people have the mistaken impression that guiding is an easy job, while only a few really understand

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS the hard work of a long day on the water. These men and women strive to provide experiences that last a lifetime, while working tirelessly to protect the valuable resources that we all too often take for granted.

It’s a demanding process for a charter captain to get his or her license in the first place. Licenses are issued by the United States Coast Guard only after applicants have completed a battery of tests that are formidable. First they must show proficiency in their knowledge of the rules of the road, which includes knowing nautical light combinations, whistle signals, fog signals and maritime conventions in both interna-

rusty chinnis | sun

Paul Heinold, a visitor from Virginia, holds a nice snook he caught on fly. Heinold was fishing with Captain Chris Hargiss. tional and inland waters. They must also be skilled in charting and plotting courses on nautical charts. Other areas of expertise they are required to master

include boat handling, electronic navigation, fire prevention, understanding see reel time, page 23

MAY 11, 2016

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Tarpon tips Captain Rick Grassett

It’s tarpon time! As water temperatures continue to rise in the next few days and weeks, migratory tarpon will become more plentiful along our beaches in the coastal Gulf. Depending on conditions, tarpon may also be more aggressive now due to less fishing pressure early in the season.

Spin fishing anglers can set up in their line of travel, wait for tarpon schools to move past and cast a DOA Baitbuster, a 4-inch CAL Shad, a live crab or pin fish to them. Once you’ve seen the first school of fish, you can concentrate your efforts in that lane, since other schools may be following the same route.

When they aren’t showing well on the surface, a live bait under a float in their travel lane may score. I’ve

also done well blind casting a DOA Baitbuster or Swimming Mullet when there wasn’t much showing on the surface.

Fly anglers should do well with a variety of baitfish or crab fly patterns fished on floating or intermediate sink tip fly lines. I’ve done well with Lefty’s Deceiver, Tarpon Bunny and Tarpon Toad flies in dark colors.

Anchoring on their travel route should result in some shots at fish.

The best angle is a head 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 usually spook them.

When setting up, give other anglers several hundred yards and take into consideration that tarpon schools may

be moving both north and south. Be quiet, even though your four-stroke outboard sounds quiet it is no substitute for a push pole or an electric trolling motor. Even use your electric trolling motor sparingly, especially in shallow water.

Snook season is closed now on the west coast of Florida, but catch and release night snook fishing around lighted docks and bridges in the ICW or in the surf with flies and DOA Lures should also be good. Look for reds, snook and big trout mixed with mullet schools or cruising shallow flats and edges of bars in backcountry areas of Charlotte Harbor and lower Tampa Bay. Trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and more should be good options on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.

reel time: Fishing with guides FROM PAGE 22

weather, passenger and crew safety and marlin spike seamanship (knot tying),. Once they pass the test they are drug tested, must take a first aid course, document 720 hours on the water and obtain a maritime security card.

I’ve learned a lot of what I know fishing with guides, and they have saved me countless hours of frustration. Tips like how to prevent a backlash, how to remove one if you get one, finding fish

by looking for signs that may not be intuitive and how to remove a hook with a barb from your hand have proved invaluable.

Today there’s a new cadre of young guides joining the seasoned veterans that surprise me with new places to fish, new ways to target certain species and techniques that produce quality fishing. I’m amazed at the skill and knowledge they display. Guides are trained professionals that will help you catch fish and teach you

lessons they’ve learned over years of hard work on the water.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of a day on the water with one of the many professional guides in our area, I would encourage you to give it a try. Split a trip with friends, and you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth and much more. The best way to find a competent guide is by word of mouth or consulting a local tackle shop.

Good fishing!

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MAY 11, 2016

SUBMITTED

Mother’s Day

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteer Debbie Basilius staked off the first sea turtle nest of the 2016 season on Mother’s Day – appropriately - at Spring Avenue in Anna Maria.

Turtle Tips During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • 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.

• Don’t use flashlights, light sticks or cell phone or camera flashes on the beach at night.

• Remove all 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 sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use sky lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

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

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s 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).

Submitted

Travelin’ Turtle contest winner Susanne Arbanas found this week’s Travelin’ Turtle at the Olive Oil Outpost in Anna Maria and holds it up with owner Kelly Kary. Arbanas wins a prize package and a chance at the Grand Prize drawing next week, featuring Turtle Watch gear, a Sun souvenir and gift certificates from Island businesses.

The contest, celebrating the start of sea turtle nesting season on May 1, is sponsored by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and The Anna Maria Island Sun. Interested in sea turtles? Check out Turtle Tips in The Sun for things you can do and avoid doing that will make nesting season easier for turtles. Mark your summer calendar for Turtle Talks each Tuesday in June and July at Crosspointe Church, 8605 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, from 10-11 a.m., sponsored by Turtle Watch, and visit www.islandturtlewatch.com.

Nesting News Nests laid: 1 False crawls: Nests hatched: 0 Hatchlings to Gulf: 0 Nest disorientations: 0 Not hatched: 0 Nests remaining: 0 Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

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TOWN CRIER

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Eyes to the skies

On Wednesday, May 11, at 10 a.m., Miss Elena presents a special free music demonstration for preschoolers at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Parents are asked to stay with their children during the program. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Look up through a high powered telescope to explore the heavens from Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., on Saturday, May 14, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Learn how to identify stars and planets with help from a Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department guide. This will be the last stargazing program until fall, when the sun sets earlier. This event is suitable for all ages. To reservate, call 941-7484501, ext. 6039.

Seniors enjoy music at Roser

Ecumenical service

Senior Adventures, the group that provides a venue for learning and entertainment for senior citizens, is going to visit Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, on Wednesday, May 11, at 11 a.m. for a musical program by Marilyn and Jim Shirley.

Marilyn plays piano at Roser, and Jim plays saxophone. They will perform music ranging from “He Touched Me” to Hank Williams’ “I saw the Light.”

Jim is retired from the Manatee Community Band and Shriner’s Band. They have both performed with others in a band, entertaining residents at local nursing homes.

Attendees are asked to bring a brown bag lunch; beverages will be provided. RSVP to the church office at 778-0414. In addition, make reservations for a May 18 visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium for a behind the scenes tour.

All Island Denominations will hold an Ecumenical Pentecost Service and Ice Cream Social on Sunday May 15, at 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Church Of The Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Everyone is invited.

All Island clergy will take part in the service and music will include choirs of all six island churches, led by the Annunciation’s choir director. An ice cream social will follow, with the ice cream provided by the Holy Cow Ice Cream Store.

Music demo for preschoolers

Stay inside the lines Coloring isn’t just for kids. Thousands of adults nationwide have taken up the childhood practice of filling in the pictures, and the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is holding a session on Wednesday, May 11, at noon. For more information, call the library at 778-6342.

Chair yoga at Art League The Anna Maria Island Art League presents Gentle Chair Yoga with instructor Cindy Phillips, Wednesdays from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd. Holmes Beach. The cost is $10 per class.

Spaces are limited.

Gentle Chair Yoga combines breathing with postures to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and tranquility. This class will focus on stretches to foster healing and soothing the spirit and gaining an overall sense of well being, followed by balance and strengthening poses utilizing a chair as a prop.

The Art League is looking for a yoga instructor for the summer. Contact Fran at 778-2099

You otter visit

Senior Adventures will meet at the front parking lot of Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, on Wednesday, May 18, at 9:30 a.m. for a behind the scenes tour of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. They will meet Huck, Pippi and Jane, the residents of the newly opened Otter Exhibit. They will have lunch at the Deep Sea or can bring a brown bag lunch. The discounted group rate for 10 or more is $14.75. Advance reservations and payment required. Contact the church office at 778-0414.

Explore the waters at Neal The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is hosting a water exploration of Neal Preserve, at 12301 Manatee Ave. W., on Thursday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Navigate through the mangrove tunnels in the bay with a county kayak guide.

The kayak launch is on the south side of Manatee Avenue, east of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear, including a life jacket.

Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext. 7.

Seniors travel to MOSI Senior Adventures, the group for seniors to explore the area and have fun, is going to The Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa on Friday, May 13 to watch the I-Max screen. Members should meet up at The Center, at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria, by 10 a.m. The cost is $20, plus gas. For more information, call Peg Miller at 778-3106.

Drum circle at public beach Enjoy the sounds of drums keeping the beat at the Sunset Drum Circle at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. There’s no charge to listen, and dinner is available at the café.

Bridge class A beginner’s/refresher class in bridge takes place Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Aging in Paradise Resource

Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, second floor, Longboat Key. The cost is $10 per class with coffee and cookies provided. RSVP to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or by phone, 941383-6493.

Paper folding at library Judy Pruitt presents her origami class at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn this ancient Japanese art of paper folding. The class is free. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Join Lego Club The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, offers constructive fun with Legos on Saturday, May 14, from 12 to 4 p.m. The library has a stock of the little plastic building blocks and kids can team up or work alone. For more information, call the library at 778-6341

Perico Preserve to open Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 14, by attending the grand opening of Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., at 11 a.m. After the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department hosts a ribbon-cutting, officials will lead attendees on guided tours through the preserve that is dedicated to bird watching. Call 941-742-5923, ext. 6039, to reserve.

Paddle through the Preserve Start your evening by watching the sun set from a canoe or kayak in west Manatee County’s largest preserve, Robinson Preserve, at 1704 99th St, N.W., Bradenton, on Monday, May 23, starting at 7 p.m. and ending at 9:30 p.m.

Take advantage of low tide to watch the sunset from the sandbars of the Manatee River. Bring your camera for great shots of egrets, herons and roseate spoonbills. This is an easy paddle that can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers.

Participants must have their own canoe or kayak and safety gear, and wear a life jacket. Paddlers under the age of 16 must be in a boat with a parent or guardian. Reserve to 941-742-5757, ext.

7, to register.

Zumba on Thurdays Zumbatime with Suzy, beginners class, will be held Thursdays, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, second floor, Longboat Key. The cost is $10 per class. RSVP to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or by phone, 941-383-6493

Making music at the beach Enjoy Jam in the Sand on Thursdays at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s free and it’s fun. Enjoy dinner while you listen.

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THE SUN

Commission rejects committee application During the Thursday, May 5, commission meeting, Bradenton Beach commissioners rejected Linda Haack’s application to serve on the city’s Scenic W.A.V.E.S. Committee. The rejection was based on the commission majority’s desire that those who serve on city boards should be city residents or own businesses in the city. Haack used to own a business in Bradenton Beach, but she lives in Bradenton.

Commissioner Jan Vosburgh was the first to oppose the appointment, joined by Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jake Spooner. Spooner said he knew and liked Haack, but he agreed that board and committee members should be city residents.

Mayor Bill Shearon supported Haack’s nomination and said the committee already includes non-resident representatives from Keep Manatee Beautiful, the Florida Department of Transportation and other agencies. Scenic W.A.V.E.S. co-chair Tjet Martin pointed out that co-chair Carl Parks is also a Bradenton resident. Martin said a residency requirement would make it more difficult to find and retain committee members.

The commission agreed that residency requirements for board and committee members was something that required more discussion at a future meeting.

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REAL ESTATE

MAY 11, 2016

The mystery of a land lease E

veryone loves a good mystery and one of the most mysterious features in real estate is the concept of a land lease. Since I never had any experience with a property that was in a land lease arrangement, I decided to look into one of real estate’s more obscure arrangements after reading a story about homeowners in China.

Homeownership in China is a very new concept, which only started becoming an option for the Chinese within the last 20 years, however, their definition of homeownership is slightly different from ours.

In the United States, homeowners hold permanent title to their real estate and the property it sits on with some exceptions. In China, the government owns all of the land and leases it to developers to improve the land and sell to the public.

This is not so different from a land lease arrangement that we have in this country.

The only problem is that since the entire

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger concept of home ownership in China is so new, they haven’t yet established the appropriate laws to govern these leases.

Therefore, some homeowners in areas of China have not been able to sell their properties unless they pay very high fees to local authorities and frequently don’t even know how long the lease is for when they purchase.

Fortunately, land leases in this country are regulated and fairly common, especially in urban areas with a lot of condos and co-ops. Basically a land lease is a type of financial arrangement in which the ground under a structure is leased rather sold to

the builder, meaning that the land and the structure are owned independently. The most common form of a land lease is for 99 years. More often than not leases are extended rather than being allowed to expire, sometimes at a rate adjusted for inflation and appreciation.

Possibly the largest and most recent land lease was Hong Kong, where the British had a 99 year lease which they lost in 1997, handing the city over to the Chinese government. Closer to home in Clearwater, the Top of the World condo community is mostly 99-year land leases. If you own in one of the buildings which is a land lease you pay a fee for the land in addition to other condo fees. One of the things to be sure of if you’re considering a land lease property is to determine when the lease expires, since financial institutions could object to providing financing on a property that may only have a short-term lease in place.

And, is owning a fee simple property better than a land lease property? Probably, but there could be situations where you don’t have a choice. Besides do you really own land or does even our government only give you a provisional right to use the land as long as you pay your property taxes? See how fast they take your land if you don’t pay those taxes along with other ownership fees. Not to mention zoning limitations and architectural restrictions, as well as homeowner association regulations.

Eminent domain also can take the land that you think you own in order to improve the quality of life for everyone. Sort of makes China look not altogether bad.

So the mystery is not that much of a mystery and not even that much of a risk. Land leases in this country are pretty secure, even though they aren’t outright ownership, China not so much. God keeps making people, but not land. I guess he’s the one who really holds all of the land leases.

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murphy: To run again FROM PAGE 1

ing. I think it’s good for the city and I enjoy doing it.”

Reflecting on a recent accomplishment, Murphy said, “The refinancing of the City Pier Park debt is going to help the city 10 to 12 years from now. To me, that’s a good proactive step: doing things for the future and not just taking care of things that present themselves as problems, like the vacation rental ordinance, which I think was a major accomplishment.”

After a year and a half in office, Murphy feels he still has unfinished business to attend to, if given a second term by city voters.

“There’s a lot things I started that I want to finish. We’ve got City Pier Park, and I definitely need to see the City Pier rehabilitation through to the end. I also want to put some emphasis on paving and drainage so the streets are safer. There are some hot spots in the city that are in dire need of attention.”

Murphy has been working with volunteer financial consultant John Chambers and the commission on cutting the city’s interest expenses and maximizing investment opportunities.

“There’s a lot more to do with the city’s finances. We’ve got a good start on it, but there’s so much more that can be done,”

Murphy said.

Before running for mayor in 2014, Murphy had never sought public office.

“I didn’t even run for student council in high school,” he joked.

When asked about what he’s learned during his first year and a half as mayor, the retired Verizon Wireless executive said, “It’s very similar to the business world. You have to operate as a team and communicate extensively in order to be successful. Going the extra mile to develop relationships proved to be an invaluable tool in getting things accomplished.”

Seeking her third term in office, Yetter, also feels there is unfinished commission business she would like to continue working on. She had previously contemplated selling her home and moving off the Island.

Webb will be seeking his sixth consecutive term in office. He also served on the commission during the early 2000s before taking a break to concentrate on his career as an attorney.

The qualifying period to formalize election intentions takes place June 20 through June 24. At this time, no other candidates have announced candidacies. The Anna Maria city elections will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The last day to register to vote is Tuesday. Oct. 11.

CHANTELLE LEWIN | sun

Franchises coming?

These signs in the windows at 3302 East Bay Drive in the Anna Maria Island Centre have piqued the interest of passersby. According to Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson, the city received a building permit application from Benderson Development Company LLC on April 21, but it has not yet been reviewed.

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Perico Preserve opens Saturday Manatee County’s newest preserve, Perico Preserve, will open on Saturday, May 14, at 9 a.m., on International Migratory Bird Day, highlighting its purpose as a rookery and reserve.

A ribbon cutting ceremony, guest speakers, educational exhibits and naturalist-guided tours are planned at the public event.

The 176-acre preserve on the north side of Manatee Avenue, east of the bridge to Anna Maria Island, features a rookery island in the center of the preserve’s seagrass habitat that is already a nesting site for wading birds, and won a

CINDY LANE | SUN

Wetlands are a dominant feature at Perico Preserve, making it a great place to watch birds.

2016 National Environmental Excellence Award from the National Association of Environmental Professionals.

Amenities include a shell trail, boardwalks and bridges that loop around the seagrass basin, platforms along the trail

overlooking the basin, a bird blind, benches and shaded swing benches.

The upland portion of the site is former farmland purged of exotic plants, including Brazilian peppers and Australian pines, and restored to its native state.

About 120 acres of the preserve is a mangrove forest and a bayou with seagrass.

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department worked with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to restore the property.

MAY 11, 2016

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TREE HOUSE: Magistrate to rule FROM PAGE 16

Thomas was called to authenticate photos of the structure.

Dye asked Brisson about the consequences of not having a building permit, site plan or plan review.

Brisson said a site plan must be approved before a building permit can be issued and said without a site plan the city has not had an opportunity to review the structure for potential hazards that could result in a dangerous situation that could impact the beach or surrounding area.

Levin maintained that Brisson had no knowledge of this particular structure and therefore could not talk about its impact on the beach or the surrounding area.

Dye asked McGuinness about the lack of permitting and how it affected the surrounding area. McGuinness said there is no building permit to show that it meets code or is properly engineered, making it a potential risk to other structures in a storm.

Levin maintained that McGuinness has never inspected the structure and does not know if it complies with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations. He also said FEMA

has different regulations for accessory structures than for occupied structures.

Tran described her unsuccessful efforts to obtain an after the fact building permit for the structure.

Closing arguments

Dye said there are three criteria to be considered– if there were previous violations, what efforts have been made to bring the structure into compliance and the gravity of the violation.

“From the testimony there was a great deal of activity prior to the code board hearing and not much activity since then,” Dye said. “The activity on the part of the property owner to address the violations was minimal.

“There’s been a great deal of legal activity, but not much to address the substance of the tree house – zoning, planning, construction.”

Regarding gravity, he said, “The city’s regulations that apply to this situation are more than just technical violations.

They carry serious consequences.”

He said site planning “protects the integrity of the city” and “ignoring this puts the formal review process at risk,” and because the structure did not go through the building permit process, it poses a great risk to persons and property in the

event of a hurricane.

He asked for the maximum fine of $250 per day to begin Sept. 14, 2014, resulting in a total of 594 days to date and a fine of $148,500. In addition, he asked for the city’s costs of $4,271.

Levin said the Hazens tried to get an after the fact permit but could not and then filed the initiative petition, but the city “sat on it. The only other option that they had available to them was to was rights to challenge the various decisions that were made in the courts.”

He then asked Fernandez again to grant the motion for continuance and noted, “Nothing has happened since it’s been there. There’s no evidence it poses a risk to health safety or welfare.”

Regarding the penalty, he said there is no testimony as to what the city’s costs are based on and that there is an attorney general’s opinion that such costs are not recoverable.

Fernandez again denied the motion for continuance. She said she would review the transcript of the original code board hearing as requested by Levin, and that she wanted back up for the city’s costs.

She said she would issue her final order two weeks after getting the requested documents.

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Top real estate producers for April, 2016 A Paradise Realty

Tom McDonnell - Listing Helen and Al Pollock - Selling

Coldwell Banker

Gabe Buky, Charles Buky Listing and Selling

Duncan Real Estate Darcie Duncan Listing and Selling

Fran Maxon Real Estate

Stephanie Bell - Listing Brianna Shaughnessy - Selling

Island Real Estate Anna Maria Elizabeth Blandford, Patty Giarrusso and Randy Blandford Listing and Selling

Island Real Estate Holmes Beach Alan and Scott Galletto Listing Marianne Correll - Selling

Michael Saunders Kathy Valente Listing and Selling

Mike Norman

Marianne Norman-Ellis Listing Chad Terrell - Selling

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Terry Hayes Listing and selling

Sato Real Estate Barbara Sato - Listing Jason Sato - Selling

Wagner Real Estate

Lori Guerin and Carmen Pedota - Listing Becky Smith and Elfi Starrett - Selling

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THE SUN

TOM VAUGHT | `SUN

From left to right: Jennifer Eddy as Gretchen, Maricel Combo as Grabriella, Sarah Johnston as Gloria, Judy Glynn as Bertha, Travis Rogers as Bernard and Joseph Mammina as Robert in "Boeing, Boeing."

Bedroom comedy closes season The Island Players at 10009 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria close out their 67th season with “Boeing Boeing,� by Marc Camoletti. from May 19 to 29.

This comedy is about a playboy who is engaged to three airline hostesses at the same time, but a schedule change bursts his bubble when it brings all three women to his apartment in Paris.

The cast, in order of appearance, includes Sarah Johnston as Gloria, Travis Rogers as Bernard, Judy Glynn as Bertha, Joseph Mammina as Robert, Maricel Cumbo as Gabriella and Jennifer Eddy as Gretchen.

Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 each. The box office opens on Monday, May

9, and is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays.

On performance nights, the box office opens at 7 p.m. and for Sunday Matinees, it opens at 1 p.m. Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted.

For reservations or information, call the box office at 778-5755 or go to the website, www. theislandplayers.org.

MAY 11, 2016

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TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Sweet desserts

The ribbon flies after Judy Owens, holding the scissors, celebrates the opening of Cupcake Delights, at 3324 East Bay Drive, in the Anna Maria Island Centre. It offers sweet desserts and can cater birthdays, weddings, showers, holidays and corporate events. The website is www. cupcakedelightsami.com, and the phone number is 779-CAKE (2253).

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THE SUN

SPORTS

MAY 11, 2016

Middle schoolers take the pitch

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

After years of friendship and meeting on the flag football field, basketball court, community center baseball diamond or the Center’s soccer fields, friends once again met up on a head-tohead match up on Tues., May 3. Middle schoolers from King Middle School, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School and Manatee School of the Arts took the field for 40 minutes of play.

Thomas Heckler protected the goal for Team Coldwell Banker. The nerves-ofsteel goalie has been the recipient of the Sportsmanship and Goalie of the Year awards from the Center in several sports, including soccer.

Heckler was supported on the field by flag football star Jackson Hayes and relative newcomer to the island David Thompson.

For Team Beach Bums, Sean Rodriguez moved the soccer ball well in the game, but found the defense of Thompson an obstacle at times.

Tyler Brewer, last season’s MVP, took a hard shot on goal for Team Coldwell Banker that was stopped by Team Beach

Bum’s goalie Javier Rivera. On the next possession, Brewer’s teammate German Rivera got the ball to his feet near the goal. Feeding Hayes the perfect pass, Hayes scored the team’s first goal advancing the score to 1-0 for Coldwell Banker.

Looking to tie the ballgame, Thompson stole the ball from Rodriguez after he lost his footing on the field. Getting back to his feet quickly, Rodriguez took the ball back and shot hard. Showing why he has been recognized as the best goalie in the league, Heckler made a nice diving save, stopping Rodriguez’s goal.

Rodriguez took the corner kick, which was saved by Ava Zink. Zink has also earned her accolades in the past as the Female MVP of multiple sports at the Center, including soccer.

G. Rivera took a shot on goal that was high and to the right. On defense for Beach Bums, Bryce Higgins applied strong pressure all night, frustrating the offense of Coldwell Bankers.

Rarely seen in youth soccer at the Center, brothers Javier and German Rivera found themselves on different teams and on different sides of midfield. In the goal, J. Rivera continued to deny Team Coldwell Banker its second goal by stop-

ping the corner kick by Thompson.

The newest player for Coldwell Banker, Ella Arens, took the field. Arens defensive support, Riley Baugh, stopped an offensive run by Dalton Guthrie for Beach Bums. Ben Brashear, for Team Beach Bums, threw in the ball at the sideline, only to hit Thompson, who dribbled the ball past midfield.

Thompson got the ball to the feet of Brewer, who had nobody to pass it to.

Brewer eventually found his cousin, Travis Bates, who took the shot. Travis’ shot was just wide and out of the reach of goalie J. Rivera. Brewer took the next shot for Team Coldwell Bankers, but kicked it right to J. Rivera.

With six minutes left in the half, Guthrie replaced J. Rivera in the Beach Bums goal.

With the clock ticking off more than five minutes, Brewer found an opening and scored the second goal of the night for Coldwell Banker.

Beach Bums started the second half with a two-point deficit. After six minutes of play, veteran player Daniel Sentman patiently waited for the opportunity to shoot, scoring the first goal for Team Beach Bum and bringing the score to 2-1.

Back on offense, Brewer jukes against the defensive feet of Rodriguez, moving the ball around him and striking hard on the goal. The ball sailed just high. Brewer’s next shot was just left of the post.

Picking up the game pace, the speed of Hayes chasing the soccer ball down the sideline allowed him to beat all of his opponents. Hayes struck with his left foot past Guthrie moving Team Coldwell Banker ahead again by two goals.

J. Rivera was moved back into the goalie position, but his skills just could not stop the third goal by Hayes. The hat trick was possible because of the assist by Thompson.

With the score 4-1, Rodriguez took the goal for Beach Bums. Trying to make the offensive difference for his team, J. Rivera kicked the ball through the defenders to have clear access to the Coldwell Banker goal. Goalie Heckler managed to get on the ball before it passed the scoring threshold.

Despite a strong effort by Beach Bums, including shots on goal by Rodriguez, strong defense by Connor Ludwig, Fiona Turner-Leathem, and Alex Winterhalter, Team Coldwell Banker come out victorious.

Island girls are all-stars

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

What do you get when you take two Alderson sisters, a few Culhanes and mix in four Johnston siblings? You get a weekend full of girls’ all-star softball with tons of family support.

This past weekend at Palma Sola Park, the girls chosen for the Manatee Girls Softball (MGS) League all-star teams faced teams from the Venice, Miss Sarasota, Miss Manatee, DeSoto and North Port Softball Leagues in a tournament played by the best of the best.

Anna Maria Island was well represented at the tournament with five girls who have grown up playing sports on the Island and attending Anna Maria Elementary School (AME). Ava and Josie Alderson, Marley Culhane, and Kiera and Addison Johnston were chosen to represent the Manatee Girls Softball League in the tournament. The girls were cheered on by their brothers and sisters, Maddox Culhane, Gavin Johnston and Kendall Johnson.

The oldest of the girls and representing the 12U Division, Ava Alderson started sixth grade this year at King Middle School

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Manatee Girls Softball Island All-Stars, left to right: Kiera Johnston, Josie Alderson, Marley Culhane, Addision Johnston and Ava Alderson) after finishing her studies at AME. She plays on Team D-Mar General Contracting and Development, Inc. for the MGS League. Ava plays multiple positions for her team, including third base. She has played at MGS for five years, staring in the

8U age division.

Representing the 10U Division, Kiera Johnston, a fifth-grader at AME in Mrs. Miller’s class, played her fourth season with MGS. She just started pitching this season and was selected as one of the players on

the mound for the all-star tournament.

Kiera also plays for the West Bradenton Baptist Church team, the WB Kids.

Josie Alderson, also in the 10U Division, is a fourth grader in Mrs. Fisher’s AME class. Josie plays for Team Tyler’s Ice Cream and has been part of a MGS squad for five years. Beginning her time on the diamond playing T-ball, she now plays multiple positions, with strengths at third base, catcher and pitcher.

Playing in the 8U Division, Marley Culhane and Addison Johnson represent AME in Mrs. Ensworth’s third-grade class and Mrs. Jordan’s first-grade class, respectively.

Marley is in her fourth season at MGS playing for Team RJ Gators playing third base or short stop.

Addison Johnston, who is seven-years old, has played in the League for three years. She also plays for Team RJ Gators and finds herself at second base or outfield.

The girls all represented their MGS teams and the Island well with their outstanding efforts on the field, talents in their positions, as well as their sportsmanship and attitudes off the diamond. The Island and AME are surely proud of their accomplishments.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MAY 11, 2016

Obituaries Michael Reed Barton Michael Reed Barton, 73, of Holmes Beach, died Saturday, April 30, at Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg.

Born Dec. 15, 1942, Mike was the son of the late Frank Barton and Margaret Hielig.

A lifelong beach lover, Mike spent as much time on Zuma Beach growing up as he did in school. At 18, he joined the Navy working on a tugboat, the USS Cree.

He later joined the Merchant Marines, before becoming the ultimate hippie traveling up and down California following music and experiences.

A jack-of-all-trades, Mike was a carpenter, a handyman and an amazing cook. After working for years doing location catering for the film industry, Mike moved to Indiana, married his wife Debi and tried to adapt to life in the Midwest. On Jan. 1, 2000, they opened Barton’s Cafe, a breakfast and lunch place on Indy’s northeast side.

After several years, they sold the thriving business, put the kitchen on wheels and started wandering the country, feeding people at drag races, music festivals or whatever else sounded fun.

In 2009 they found Anna Maria Island, fell in love with it and stayed. Most recently Mike worked at Blue Water Beach Club and at Duffy’s Tavern in Holmes Beach.

Mike is survived by his wife, Debi; his sister, Sharon, and her husband, Roberto Munoz-Flores; and their three children, Rick, Raquel and Shannon. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m.

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

5/1, information, 100 S. Bay Blvd, Anna Maria City Pier. The deputy got a call from an employee of the bait shop on the pier who said water was leaking from the restaurant and could cause damage, and he could not get a response from the restaurant manager. The deputy looked at the leak and determined it was coming from the Coca Cola machine. They looked for a phone number for the Coke distributor and could not find one. The deputy finally called the plumber the city uses for the pier. He fixed the problem.

5/3, petit theft, 100 block of Tern Drive. The victim’s credit card was stolen.

on Sunday, May 15, at the Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach.

Edward A. Kerr Edward “Ed” A. Kerr, 76, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2016.

In 1939, Ed was born in Knoxville, Tenn., to parents Paul and Allie Kerr.

Ed attended Young High in Knoxville as well as the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Ed’s childhood in Knoxville solidified his lifetime love of the Tennessee Vols football team. Ed worked many different jobs after college and was promoted from a “goldfish salesman and parakeet catcher” at the Sears store in Kingsport, Tenn., to the Sears executive training program. Ed moved his wife and daughter to Chicago in 1966 and experienced his first winter with the blizzard of 1967 – 23 inches of snow in a 24 hour period – the most on record.

Ed lived in the western suburb of Warrenville, Ill. and commuted everyday to the Sears headquarters in downtown Chicago. Ed moved into the Sears Tower when it was completed in 1973 with an office on the seventh floor. As a buyer of braided rugs, Ed traveled to Japan and other parts of Asia in the 1970s developing his love of travel and Asian culture. Ed also met some of his best friends through his work, and he stayed in touch regularly with them. Ed was an active member of the Warrenville Zoning Board, fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and outdoor sports aficionado.

Ed left Sears after 16 years and moved to Greenville, S.C., to manage a textile firm – Carolina Creations. Ed met and married his second wife, Carol Bettenhausen, and they lived in Green-

Bradenton Beach

5/1, trespass after warning, 1300 block of Gulf Drive, Cortez Beach. The officer was called to the beach on reports of two men sitting on a protected dune project drinking beer. The officer recognized one suspect as having been trespassed from the area a day earlier and arrested him.

5/2, lost property, 400 block of North Bay Drive. Trashcans were lost.

Cortez

2/15, battery, 10100 block of Cortez Road West. The suspect hit a woman and kicked the male. He was arrested.

5/1, burglary to a conveyance, 10500 block of Cortez Road West. A boat was burglarized.

5/2, civil matter, 3600 block of 117th Street West. The woman, who was arrested in a domestic abuse case and lost custody of her four-week-old child to the father

ville for almost 20 years. Ed loved retail and ran a custom furniture store and eventually had several small outlet stores in North and South Carolina.

Ed loved to boat and fish and owned several antique cars that he exhibited at shows around the Southeast. Ed and Carol traveled the world with his work and were able to see China in the 1980s.

Ed and Carol eventually retired and moved to Anna Maria Island, where they could enjoy the sun and sea. Ed was a member of the Holmes Beach Planning Commission. Ed will be remembered as a great storyteller, prankster, gambler, negotiator, food lover, sports fan and lifelong friend to so many.

Ed is predeceased by his parents and wife, Carol. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Diwik (James); brother, James Kerr (Judy); sister, Lib Mitchell (Mike); granddaughter, Alexandra Diwik; and nephews, David Kerr and Rick Mitchell and nieces, Kelli Aguirre and Christy Kerr, as well as great nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his faithful dog, Kailey. The family wishes to thank all the friends and neighbors who helped care for Ed over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Food Bank of Manatee, 811 23rd Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34208. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 11 a.m. at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home located at 720 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205. Condolences made to www.

GriffithCline.com.

Jimmy W. Mixon Jimmy W. Mixon (Jim) passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2016.

He was born on Nov. 24, 1937, in Augusta, Ga., to parents Wade and Marie Mixon (deceased). Jim along with his

listed on the baby’s birth certificate now says she is not sure if he is the father.

She also accused the male of drinking and smoking marijuana in the presence of the child.

5/5, burglary, violation of injunction, 10300 block of Cortez Road West. The victim found the suspect asleep on her couch when she came home from work. The suspect was a former boyfriend, and she has a domestic injunction against him. He fled when the victim phoned the Sheriff’s Office.

5/7, found item, 4110 127th St. W., The Seafood Shack. An anonymous person turned in a wallet found in the restaurant’s parking lot.

Holmes Beach

4/23, driving an unregistered motor vehicle, 100 block of 34th Street. The officer ran a computer check of a vehicle and found the license plate had been stolen. He

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wife Patricia (Trish) and son Mark owned and operated Mixon Insurance in Holmes Beach. He was a former member of Rotary, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, past president and district governor’s representative. He was a former member of the Code Enforcement Board in Holmes Beach and president of Island Co-Listing. He was a former member of the Hernando Desoto Historical Society, where he served as a crewe member for many years. He was one of the oldest members of Key Royale Golf Club in Holmes Beach and Newport Golf and Country Club in Newport, Vt. He won the club championship many times at both golf clubs and remained an active member until his death. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul of the Apostles Church.

He is loved and survived by his wife, Trish; son, Mark Mixon, of Holmes Beach; daughter, Kim Eresten, and husband Alex of Munith, Mich.; son, Wade Mixon and wife Frieda, of Augusta, Ga.; son, Brian Mixon, and wife Sandra, of Savannah, Ga.; stepson, Robert Ostroski, of Bradenton; granddaughter and grandson, Melissa and husband Jason Chambers, of Palmetto; granddaughter and grandson, Brooke and Tristan Mixon of Augusta, Ga; grandson, Chase Mixon, of Savannah, Ga; great grandchildren Landry and Harper Chambers, of Palmetto, and Hayden Mixon, of Augusta, Ga.; and sister Emily Pentacost, Gadsden, Ala. Services will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of The Diocese of Venice, 1000 Pine Brook Road, Venice, FL 34285 or to a charity of your choice.

stopped the driver, who said the car belonged to his girlfriend. He spoke to the girlfriend, who said she took the plate from her old car and put it on her new one. She said she got a refund on the registration and sold the car to the driver and had the registration, but could not find it. The driver was issued a notice to appear, .

4/26, arson, 3216 East Bay Drive, The Islander newspaper. The officer responded to a report of a fire threatening the building and found a pallet of newspapers on fire in front of the Islander office. He got a fire extinguisher from Walgreens and put out the fire prior to the fire truck’s arrival. The manager of Walgreens said a white male was in the store and had a confrontation with an employee prior to the fire. He provided a surveillance tape to police, and they recognized the suspect as a homeless person they knew. He said he had no knowledge of the fire.

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Negotiated agreements 6 Coagulate 10 Cry of disbelief 14 Wake-up call alternative 15 Talk wildly 16 Dance that tells a story 17 Arm bones 18 Sign of things to come 19 Wild goat with recurved horns 20 Outgoing sort 23 Spews 24 Sets upright 28 Danger color 29 Body shop fig.

31 Feel remorse over 32 Chop (off) 33 Extra-earnest entreaty 36 Crate component 39 Multivolume ref. work 40 Common diagnosis for distracted kids: Abbr.

41 KP duty need 46 Back in time 47 Black __: spy doings 48 Critic Reed 49 Punching tool 52 Sales enticement 54 National park on the Maine coast 56 Clerical worker, facetiously 60 April honoree?

63 German automaker 64 Occupy, as one's time 65 Bridges in Hollywood 66 TMZ twosome 67 Creepy 68 Vexes

69 Gather in the fields 70 Expression of disdain Down 1 Prince's lookalike, in a Twain novel 2 Assert without proof 3 Enjoyed a ride in a birchbark 4 Police stings, e.g.

5 Metal refinery 6 Edit for size, as a photo 7 __ duck 8 "Back to you," in CBspeak 9 Stiffen in fear 10 Moan and groan 11 Center of activity 12 Draft pick 13 Price add-on 21 Latin 101 infinitive 22 Sports analyst Hershiser 25 Unlike Lady Godiva 26 Poppycock, to a Brit 27 Made tracks 30 Car roofs with remov-

Answers to 05-04-16 Crossword Puzzle.

able panels 31 Golf's __ Cup 33 Class-conscious gp.?

34 Golf ball support 35 Musical gift 36 Box for practice 37 Theater section 38 Get from __: make slow progress 42 Carryall bag 43 Outdoor 44 Spring 45 Reasons that may be flimsy or lame 49 Cling 50 Dog at a roast 51 Kitchen storage area 53 Top grade 55 Colorado skiing mecca 57 Baby-faced 58 Invention beginning 59 Like overcooked pasta 60 Justice Dept. agency 61 On top of, in an ode 62 Furniture wood

MAY 11, 2016

MAY 11, 2016

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLEANING SERVICE

BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com

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

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

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688.

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

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

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell.

The Good, The Bad or The Ugly.

Call Now 727-400-1910

BABY SITTER ISLAND BABYSITTERS and House sitters: Educated, Experienced, Reliable, CPR, Friendly, Chef. Call Jennie 860-617-2004 RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BICYCLE REPAIR ISLAND MOBILE BICYCLE Repair. "I will come to you." Reasonable Prices.

Please Call Rick 941-5459683.

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES. Selling Your Boat? 16 Years, Hundreds Of Boats Sold. "Business On A Hand Shake." www.Islandboatsales. net Call Dave- 941228-3489

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways.

Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP and Annex: Open 9:30 a.m.2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 10a.m.-1pm.Saturday. Donations accepted 9-11a.m. on Wednesday.

511 Pine Ave. Anna Maria.

941-779-2733.

YARD SALE SATURDAY May 14. 309 Tarpon, Anna Maria. 8am-1pm. Treasures, Collectibles, Household, books, American Blue Willow, McDonald's on request. Rain Date May 15 MOVING ESTATE SALE 625 Key Royale Drive Household, art, nautical 2013 AMI Tour Home Fish, boating décor Saturday May 14 8am-2pm 941-778-7399

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION (2 Lots) 12,840 sq. ft. Located on Gulf Dr. in the City of Anna Maria, close to the beach and surrounded by shopping.

Business on a tropical island! Island Real Estate Ask Al Galletto 941-232-2216

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

Neil 941-726-3077

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 PART TIME RETAIL Sales clerk is available at Bradenton Beach gift shop.

Flexible hours including days, weekends, evenings.

Retirees Welcome. Call Shirley 941-580-1535 PART TIME at AMI Gift Shop. Must be able to work, nights & weekends.

Retiree's Welcome Call 813 -409-7540 LAWN & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE. Full Time 40 Hour Week. Island Condo. Full benefits. Good pay. Drug Free Workplace.

Call 941-778-5915 SEASONAL DAY TIME Help Needed for Scott's Deli. Apply 5337 Gulf Dr Suite 300, Holmes Beach.

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 # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com GARAGE FLOOR COATING Standard 2 car garage, starting at $450.

Please call 786-3188585. We accept all major credit card.

JOE UNGVARSY CONSTRUCTION Concept to Permit. State License CRC 035261. "Like No Other."

Call 941-779-4630 or email juremodel1@aol.com

THE SUN

BESPOKE SERVICES ISLAND repair & maintenance. Professional carpenter. Decking, Dock repairs & treatments.

Household repairs and decorating, Power washing/cleaning, decks patios, docks, drives, pool areas. Island Resident for Island work. Keep it Local Call Richard 941448-3571

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

LOST & FOUND MISSING BLACK AND WHITE male cat. Lucky is deaf and 15 years old.

He was last seen on 2nd St in Bradenton Beach where he has lived outdoors for 4 years.

Reward. Heartbroken.

941-730-7052 LOST CAT “FIDO” He adopted us 16 years ago. His turf is in the area of 5392 Gulf Dr. near Time Saver and Niki’s . Has collar with a bell, chipped by Animal Clinic. If found please call 941-518-6329.

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

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

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

941-812-0507 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.

WalyPrecisionPainting.com “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

PETS SWEET GERBIL FREE to good home includes food and aquarium cage. Call 813-758-7057

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND! Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay. Beautiful Townhouse w/direct bay views! 3BR/2.5 BA/ 2 CG with private swimming pool. Open plan.

Pet friendly. $699,000 Katharine Pepper RoseBay Intl 941-792-9459

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W. BRADENTON CONDO 4000sq.ft. Canal front Bay view 3+BR/3.5BA Bonus room dock lift 2 car Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-2322216 NEW HOMES at MIRABELLA FLORIDA. Starting from the mid 200’s Only minutes from the beaches, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open floor plans, 2BR/2BA plus den and 2CG. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball, pet friendly community. HOA only $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us 941-254-3330 www.

MirabellaFlorida.com NEW LISTING BEST Value in Harbour Isle 1994 sf 2BR + Den. Loaded with upgrades, End unit.

Open plan, Overlooking Reserve. $492,500 Karen Fineout Wagner Realty Call 941-518-3682 229 CHILSON 3BR/3BA. New, pool, canal with no bridges to Bay. Walk to Beach. $1,250,000. Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 INVESTOR ALERT: GULF VIEWS, fully furnished updated 2BR/2BA condo, with sunsets from the front lanai, and master bedroom: unit may be rented 52 times a year offered @ $595,000. Please contact Erlene Fitzpatrick RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941224-6339 W. BRADENTON TANGLEWOOD Patio Home off 59th St. 3BR/2BA with 2 car garage & Community pool. Fenced yard, Pet friendly $180,000 Call Gayle Schulz, Simpson South Realty at 941-8126489

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RENTALS: ANNUAL WATER FRONT PROPERTY Available June 1.

2BR/2BA water view with dock on Anna Maria Sound. Open floor plan, new rear deck pavers being installed.

Waiting list for applicants. $1850, first, and security. Background & credit required for all occupants over 18 years old. 3BR/2BA SPACIOUS GROUND LEVEL CONDO. Many upgrades including new kitchen, covered parking. W/D hook up, includes water, sewer, trash, cable & grounds care. Park like setting. Pool, sauna, observation dock. $1650 /mo. $1650 last $1000 security. 1BR EFFICIENCY in town, 1 bath NO PETS, no W/D 650sf water, sewer, gas, electric, included $800/ mo $800 sec dep. Background check required $40 Available 6/1. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

NORTHWEST BRADENTON single family home in Village Green. 2BR/2BA w/ 2 car garage, small pet with approval. $1400/mo. First, last and security required. Available May 1st. Call June at Island Real Estate 941-345-1295

HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1BA Duplex. 214-A N Harbor Dr. 900+ sq.ft. Nice & Clean.

W/D hookups. $1100/ mo + utilities. First, Last & one month security. Credit check. 1 year lease. Call 941-809-2488

ANNA MARIA ISLAND Long Term Available 2BR/2BA. Steps to Beach, Shops, Restaurants & Trolley. No smoking/No pets. Very Clean $1600/mo First, last & security. Call 860-9223857

3BR/2BA ELEVATED, pet friendly, furnished duplex with garage $2500.

3BR/2BA Furnished Bayfront condo in Mariners Cove $2500. Contact A Paradise 941-778-4800

WEST BRADENTON HOUSE Cute 2BR/2BA plus family room. W/D hookups, car port, large yard. $1300/mo.

First, Last, Security. Credit check Available May 1. Call 941-809-2488 text for info tyxq to 26971

ANNUAL RENTAL Bradenton Beach, 3BR/2BA home, view of Intracoastal. Unfurnished. $2,100/mo First, last, and security required.

Call Sato Real Estate, Inc. at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate.com

AMISUN.COM

3BR/2BA TOP FLOOR condo in Bradenton Beach. Washer/ Dryer, Private Elevator, 3 Car Garage. Partial Gulf Views! 1 block to beach. Furnished or Unfurnished. Small pet considered. $3,000/mo.

First/Last/Security. GulfBay Realty 941-778-7244

MAY 11, 2016

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

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

AMISUN.COM

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

Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469 ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

www.amisun.com

MAY 11, 2016

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MAY 11, 2016