Anna Maria Island Sun May 12, 2021

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 21 No. 31

May 12, 2021

The Court denies the treehouse owners’ petition to hear their case, but the fight isn’t over yet.

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

U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear treehouse owners’ case SUBMITTED | FACEBOOK

HOLMES BEACH – The U.S. Supreme Court has dealt another legal blow to the owners of the beachfront treehouse at Angelinos Sea Lodge.

Owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen had appealed to the court to issue a writ of certiorari in their case against the city of Holmes Beach.

The owners have been fighting to keep their treehouse in its Australian pine perch in front of their home and four-unit vacation rental property for nearly a decade.

The court denied the appeal in a document issued May 3. It is the second time the court has refused to hear a matter regarding the treehouse, the first time being in 2017.

The denial from the highest court in the land is the second setback to the treehouse owners’ case in less than a month. The first came from the Holmes Beach special magistrate, who ruled during an April code compliance hearing that Tran and Hazen violated the city’s vacation rental ordinance.

The magistrate said the owners were renting their four units without valid vacation rental certificates issued by the city.

The couple applied for VRC renewals in late 2020 but were denied due to outstanding code compliance issues on the property, namely the treehouse and associated code fines. Until the fines are settled and the existing issues are remedied - with either

Owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen stand on the deck of their beachfront treehouse.

SEE TREE HOUSE, PAGE 25

Blue-green algae bloom clogging bays, ICW Lyngbya in local waters can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation, but its removal is not feasible, local scientists say.

BY CINDY LANE

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

Nutrients and warming temperatures are feeding a bloom of blue-green algae called Lyngbya in area waters, according to scientists with Manatee County.

As has been the case over the last two years, Lyngbya is accumulating in the waters of Robinson Preserve and

INSIDE NEWS 4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 6 OUTDOORS 18 CASTLES IN THE SAND 20 REAL ESTATE 20-25 RESTAURANTS 27 CROSSWORD 29

in the Intracoastal Waterway, Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay, according to a report by county environmental scientists distributed to county commissioners

by Acting County Administrator Scott Hopes last week.

Excessive Lyngbya, a cyanobacterium, is common locally when warm temperatures combine with nutrientrich waters to form mats, according to the report.

The nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen were contained in the 215 million gallons of polluted water released into SEE LYNGBYA, PAGE 25

JAMBALAYA, fresh

from The Porch. In Food & Wine. 17

Anna Maria Island, Florida

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A kayaker navigates around a Lyngbya bloom at Robinson Preserve last week.

ALARM expressed over proposed

14-bedroom house. 3 BELIEVE it! Time to prepare

for hurricane season 2021. 10 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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MAY 12, 2021

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MAY 12, 2021

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Concerns raised over proposed 14-bedroom house The vacant property previously contained a triplex in which a murdersuicide occurred.

I don’t know where the line is of what we do allow, and I don’t know where the line is of what we should allow.”

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Resident David Bell says he’s worried about a property on Avenue C being advertised as a potential 14-bedroom, 14-bath house that can “sleep up to 32 guests.”

During Thursday’s City Commission meeting, Bell expressed concerns and posted questions regarding a Realtor.com advertisement for the property being developed at 2514 Ave. C. Bell is also member of the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency.

The Avenue C property Bell referenced previously contained a triplex in which a murder-suicide occurred in October. The triplex was demolished by the new property owners in November and the property is currently vacant pending future development.

When addressing the commis-

David Bell, Bradenton Beach resident, CRA member

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The triplex that previously occupied the Avenue C property was demolished in November. sion, Bell referenced a Realtor. com advertisement that lists the property for $4.99 million.

“I’m going to read you something from Realtor.com and then make a brief comment,” Bell told the commission.

When reading a portion of the advertisement aloud, Bell said, “Under Construction. Here’s your opportunity to own a brand new property just steps away from the world famous beaches of Anna

Maria Island. With a total of 14 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, this property can sleep up to 32 guests.”

He then said, “That address is 2514 Ave. C. I don’t know where the line is of what we do allow, and I don’t know where the line is of what we should allow. But what I would ask of the commission is that we check and make sure, because this is an advertisement that it is allowed.”

Bell noted the Avenue C property is in the general vicinity of homes owned and occupied by two city commissioners – Marilyn Maro and Jake Spooner – at the north end of the city.

Bell, who lives on Bay Drive South, closer to the south end of the city, addressed the potential for similar development throughout the community.

“If it’s in your neighborhood, it’s going to end up in everybody’s neighborhoods. And if it is allowed, should it be allowed?” he said, expressing hope that the commission would discuss this overall issue at a future meeting.

The commission members did not comment on Bell’s concerns.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Realtor.com ad presented

by Realtor Don Purvis and Beach House Real Estate also says, “The property can be divided into two separate houses or could be used as one large home at any given time. Individually, each side of the property has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a private heated pool and its own rooftop deck.

The entire property is being sold turnkey furnished. Sellers are willing to entertain splitting the property and selling each side individually. Don't miss this unique Island investment opportunity!”

According to the ad, the lot size is 9,148 square feet and the SEE AVE C, PAGE 5

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Golf tournament to benefit scholarship fund ANNA MARIA - The AMI Chamber’s 22nd annual Golf Tournament Benefiting the Scholarship Fund will take place this Friday, May 14 at IMG Academy Golf Club. Foursomes are sold out, but dinner spots are still available at $35 per person.

The Chamber also is still in need of raffle prizes and goodie-bag inserts for the tournament. If you would like to promote your business by donating a prize or a goodie-bag insert, contact the Chamber at 941-778-1541, or online at info@amichamber.org.

Bradenton Beach allows COVID-19 state of emergency to expire In response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent executive order, the city of Bradenton Beach has allowed its COVID19-related declaration of a local state of emergency to expire. On May 3, DeSantis issued an executive order suspending all remaining local government mandates and restrictions based on the COVID-19 state of emergency. The Bradenton Beach Commission held its final weekly emergency meeting on May 5 and unanimously decided to allow its COVID-related local state of emergency to expire that day. That action means facemasks are now optional but not required of city hall visitors and city meeting attendees. The commission also allowed its Piney Point declaration of a local state of emergency to expire. The Anna Maria City Commission will discuss its response to DeSantis’ order on Thursday.

Anna Maria purchasing new generator The city of Anna Maria is getting a new generator to power city hall during extended power outages. The City Commission recently approved a request by Public Works Manager Dean Jones JOE HENDRICKS | SUN to replace the city’s existing Anna Maria’s diesel diesel generator that was generator will be replaced purchased used in 2017. The with a new natural gas city will purchase a new nat- generator. ural gas generator at a cost not to exceed $42,500. When presenting his purchase request, Jones said it would cost about $29,000 to repair the diesel generator. Jones said the new generator will come with 1,000 gallons of natural gas and the storage tank will be buried beneath a nearby horseshoe pit. He added that the initial supply of natural gas would power city hall around the clock for 14 days. The new generator is expected to be installed in mid-June. Hurricane season begins on June 1.

Correction The Aluna Wellness Center & Spa and the Wagner Real Estate properties that could potentially be impacted by the city’s ongoing zoning and future land use map revision discussions are located in the 2200 block of Gulf Drive North. A story in last week’s edition listed a wrong address from incorrect information provided to The Sun.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

MAY 12, 2021

Seagrass in Sarasota Bay drops to 12-year low

After a surge, seagrass is now on the decline.

BY CINDY LANE

SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com

SARASOTA BAY – Seagrass has declined by 18% in Sarasota Bay, according to a preliminary report from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

From 2018 to 2020, the reductions total more than 2,300 acres, bringing the total acreage down from 12,853 in 2018 to 10,540 acres in 2020.

Levels this low have not been seen since before 2008, according to the report.

Contributing factors include red tide, Hurricane Irma, and human impacts that increase levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous.

While those nutrients were contained in last month’s dumping of 215 million gallons of wastewater from the closed Piney Point phosphate plant into Tampa Bay, the seagrass losses preceded that incident. However, the losses highlight the current vulnerability of the ecosystem, according to the report, as well as the importance of ongoing monitoring and the need to prevent further nutrient input.

“We have an awful lot of work ahead of us, and we could very well be set back further by potential impacts from the Piney Point spills,” according to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s Executive Director, Dr. David Tomasko.

Seagrass is an important indicator of water quality and ecosystem health, and also supports 70% of important commercial and recreational fish species in Florida, provides food and shelter for marine organisms like sea turtles and manatees, stabilizes the seafloor, reducing wave energy and erosion, and

CINDY LANE | SUN

Seagrass in Sarasota Bay off Longboat Pass in 2014. reduces pollutants, including bacteria and pathogens, in the water.

Under programs initiated by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, local municipalities, state agencies and others to remove human sources of nutrients to the bay, Sarasota Bay showed increasing levels of seagrass recovery until about 2016. Initiatives included upgrading wastewater treatment plants, removing treated wastewater discharges to creeks and canals and converting septic tanks to sewer systems.

“Over the next few weeks to months, we will be pivoting our efforts towards finding the mix of on-land and in-the-water projects and programs that can help us recover the water quality and ecosystem health of Sarasota Bay,” Tomasko said.

Red tide remains at low levels

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Red tide remains at low levels in Manatee County after being detected in water samples three weeks ago.

Low concentrations were detected in lower Tampa Bay at Passage Key, School Key (Key Royale on Anna Maria Island), the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria and in Sarasota Bay at the Longboat Pass boat ramp in Bradenton Beach, according to the most recent Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report.

Fish kills and red tide-related respiratory irritation were reported over the past week in Manatee County.

Red tide produces a neurotoxin

called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health. Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water, go inside to an air-conditioned space, or wear masks, especially during onshore winds.

Consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.

Health officials also warn against swimming near dead fish and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of algae. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s

beaches but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue leading to the Island.

Environmental officials say that the nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen, which feed toxic red tide algae blooms, were present in the 215 million gallons of polluted water discharged last month into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee from one of the closed Piney Point phosphate plant’s retention ponds, built into a gypsum stack. The emergency release, which ended April 9, took pressure off the compromised stack to avoid an accidental spill of even more of its contents. The polluted water is spreading in Tampa Bay and its estuaries and into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the University of South Florida College of Marine Science.

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MAY 12, 2021

Commissioner duties conversation continues Trying to work out what’s the job of a commissioner and what jobs are solely for city staff is turning into a tricky business in Holmes Beach.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The topic of what the duties are of a commissioner is still being discussed in the Island’s largest city.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth addressed the issue during an April 13 meeting where she advised commissioners to have patience with the process of progress in the city, asking them to approach her directly when they have concerns rather than trying to solve problems themselves.

Some of the problems, she said, might be out of the scope of work for a city commissioner.

Commissioners Kim Rash and Jayne Christenson took exception to the mayor’s comments, both commenting during the same

meeting that they were going out, speaking to residents and bringing some of the concerns they heard in the community back to the commission during commissioners’ comments. At an April 27 meeting, both commissioners reiterated their commitment to helping the community and giving voice to residents’ problems.

Now, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer wants to set the record straight concerning the duties of a city commissioner.

Tokajer said that he wants commissioners to be involved in the community but he doesn’t want them risking themselves or residents by doing the job of police and code officers.

“We’re not saying that commissioners shouldn’t be interacting with their constituents and seeing what their concerns are,” he said.

He added he hopes commissioners will give residents and business owners advice on who to contact at the city and who can best address their concerns rather than trying to take care of it themselves.

When an issue involves an injured party, such as a resident dealing with continuous loud noise from the house next door, Tokajer said it’s important that code or police officers are called to respond to the scene rather than a commissioner who relays information back to the police. He said the commissioners don’t have the training to get all of the information and do the investigation needed by police to issue a citation or prosecute a crime.

Another issue is that if a case goes to the city’s special magistrate or to court, the officers need to be able to produce a true victim or an injured party, not the statement of someone who wasn’t affected by the violation. Tokajer said it could seriously damage the outcome of a case to not have the actual victim present at a hearing.

For anyone who has a concern that needs to be addressed by the city, visit www.holmesbeach.org to find the direct contact information for each city department.

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AVE. C: Development alarm sounded FROM PAGE 3

structure to be built by Johnson Homes of West Florida will provide 6,216 square feet of living space and eight ground-level garage parking spaces.

When contacted later in the week regarding Bell’s comments and questions, Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert said by email, “It’s a duplex. Two dwelling units with a common firerated wall. Under review now. Two-family dwellings are a permitted use in the R2 zone district.

Brian Johnson is the contractor.”

The city’s vacation rental ordinance does not impose specific occupancy limits on vacation rental properties – other than the general occupancy limits set forth in the Florida Building Code.

According to records on file with the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office, AMI Partners II LLC purchased the Avenue C property from Adil Can and Marianne Detullio-Can for $819,000 on Oct. 15 – days before the murder-suicide occurred.

The Cans purchased the property for $449,000 in 2004.

According to state records, AMI Partners II LLC lists a Sarasota address. Attorney John Moran is listed as the LLC’s registered agent and Brian Johnson and Andrew Christman are listed as the LLC’s managers.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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MAY 12, 2021

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Jason Schaffer Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks from the Chamber

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce wishes to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the many volunteers, CrossPointe Fellowship, and all of the great vendors, food trucks, bands, attendees, classic car owners and the city of Holmes Beach for their participation and support of the 2021 Beach’N Food Truck & Music Festival.

The “Chamber of Commerce” weather was perfect and the 70% of the festival we were able to thankfully complete went off perfectly.

What an inspiration it is to see the enthusiasm of everyone involved. Thank you to our Beach’N sponsors: Manatee County government, LaPensee Plumbing, Pools, and Air, Anna Maria Island Resorts, Anna Maria Beach Resort, Duncan Real Estate, Blooms by the Beach, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, Waste Pro and Shore Thing Tiki Cruises. The festivals and golf tournament that the Chamber hosts help support our annual scholarship program. We couldn’t do it without you!

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce staff and board of directors are proud to

be part of the many community endeavors all of you help us make successful each year!

Terri Kinder President Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

Bike riding on AMI Saying that riding a bicycle on the Island is dangerous is an understatement to the 10th degree.

Especially in Holmes Beach, but more on that later.

It’s time that motorists need to stop trying to equate bicycles and cars, and the laws they must follow. Until someone comes up with a 6,000 lb. two-wheel, pedalpowered bicycle, there will be no comparison. The things that a cyclist encounters on a simple bike ride are nothing like a ride in a car. A cyclist in a bike lane (if there is one) has to look out for not only cars in the bike lane, but glass, tree branches, holes, golf carts, pedestrians, joggers, etc.

The same things have little effect on a 6,000-lb. vehicle. Bike-haters' favorite complaint is the “stop sign” horror. They hate to see a cyclist slow down and look both ways and go through a back road stop sign. Same folks barely stop their 6,000-lb. vehicle while turning right at stop signs, or just blow through stop signs. Size does matter in some cases, I guess. For the most part, cyclists are much more

aware of their surroundings than a motorist. When was the last time you saw a cyclist holding their dog in their lap while smoking a cigarette, and texting? I wait.

Now back to Holmes Beach bike-riding horror. Let’s start with bike lanes. The average width of a bike lane is four feet. In HB, you will find very few lanes that are that wide. Check out the “double line” bike lanes on the north end of the city. I inquired a few years ago when they popped up and couldn’t get an explanation.

Personally, I believe someone who painted the new lanes after the multi-use path was finished, painted the lane too narrow and then just painted another line to add to the confusion. Those lanes are less than two feet in places, but heck, it’s just for bikes, who cares, right? I was happy to hear that someday, Marina Drive will be fixed so that motorists know to merge left and perhaps fixing the bike lane through there. Holmes Beach is not a bike rider’s friend.

The bike lanes are poorly marked and nonexistent in many places.

The city should find a better road painter, for sure.

It’s time to stop trying to put bikes and cars in the same sentence; they are two different modes of transportation. Keep it that way.

Rick Lewis Anna Maria

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MAY 12, 2021

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.

May 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting May 17, 2:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting May 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting May 31, all day – City offices closed for Memorial Day

BRADENTON BEACH

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

City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.

May 19, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting May 20, noon – City Commission meeting May 31, all day – City offices closed for Memorial Day

HOLMES BEACH

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

May 19, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing May 25, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow May 31, all day – City offices closed for Memorial Day

ISLAND-WIDE

May 18, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration office, Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

MARKYOUR CALENDAR The Island Branch Library is open at 60% capacity. Please wear a face mask/covering.

The Tingley Memorial Library is open.

The Center of Anna Maria Island is open with social distancing and face masks required.

The Holmes Beach dog park (Scentral Park), skate park, basketball courts, pickleball courts and tennis courts are open.

Local preserves are open, including Grassy Point Preserve, Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

Local beaches are open.

WEDNESDAY MAY 12

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

Reservations required at www.eventbrite. com/e/151211962049.

SATURDAY MAY 15

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

MAY 13

AMI Chamber Sunrise Breakfast, Compass Hotel, 12324 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 7:30 a.m., $10 for members or $18 for prospective members. Reserve to becky@ amichamber.org.

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Marshall Tucker Band, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m. Tickets on sale at www.centerami.org.

FRIDAY MAY 14

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

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce 22nd Annual Golf Tournament benefitting the scholarship fund, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m. Reserve to 941-778-1541 or info@ amichamber.org.

Palma Sola Cleanup and Seaside Safari, Palma Sola Causeway Park, 9917 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 to 8 p.m.

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com/e/149739748619.

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY MAY 21

SUNDAY MAY 16

THURSDAY

THE SUN

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.

TUESDAY MAY 18

Stroller Stroll, Robinson Preserve expansion kayak launch, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Reservations required to coral. bass@mymanatee.org or 941-742-5923 ext.

6034.

WEDNESDAY MAY 19

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

Golfing for God, IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton, 2:45 p.m. tee time, 5:30 p.m. bible study and dinner, $40 for golf and dinner, $20 for dinner.

Reservations required. Reserve to www.roserchurch.com/g4g/.

THURSDAY MAY 20

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

Registration required at www.eventbrite.

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

SATURDAY MAY 22

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required.

Tortoise talks, Valentine House lawn, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m.

SUNDAY MAY 23

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-7425923 ext. 6042 for more information.

TUESDAY MAY 25

RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Participants asked to bring bottled water and wear a face mask or shield.

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THE SUN

Adopt-A-Spot application in question Adopt-A-Spot application approvals are on hold until it’s decided if the agreement needs to be updated.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Though it took months to update, the city’s Adopt-ASpot agreement is coming back under scrutiny for how it formalizes the contract between spot caretakers and the city.

During their final meeting, members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee broached the subject of the agreement again, saying some people have been hesitant or backed out of adopting spots to beautify in the city because of the legalese in the Adopt-ASpot agreement. Member Alec Graham said his wife is an attorney and reviewed the document, saying she would advise him against signing the document.

The adoption agreement contracts the volunteer or organization to maintain a certain green space in the city and to work on the space for two years, report to the city when work is complete, only

install certain types of plants in the space and it absolves the city from any liability if an accident were to take place while working on city property.

“If people are not going to sign the contract, we’re not going to get volunteers,” committee member Allyson Gilles said.

Member Susan Anderson, who’s been leading the charge to find new volunteers for spots, said some people are working on their chosen locations even without an approved agreement with the city.

City Clerk Stacey Johnston said since the agreement is being looked at for potential revisions, even the applications which have been turned in by potential spot adopters are on hold for approval by city leaders until a decision about the application is made. If changes are made to the agreement, anyone who’s already applied to the city will have to submit another one using the new form.

City Commissioner Carol Soustek, the committee’s liaison to the commission, said she would follow up on the progress of the new agreement with the city attorney and her fellow commissioners to make sure progress is not lost over the committee’s summer break.

MAY 12, 2021

Community garden input needed If you’re interested in having a community gardening space in Holmes Beach, or even if you aren’t, there’s an opportunity to have your voice heard. The city’s Parks and Beautification Committee has released an online survey to gauge interest in having a community garden located near the entrance to Grassy Point Preserve.

Access the survey by going online to www.surveymonkey.com/r/V9HG83Y. The deadline to submit your response to the survey is Aug. 31. Survey responses will be reviewed by members of the Parks and Beautification Committee when they reconvene in October after their summer break.

SUBMITTED | CITY OF HOLMES BEACH

Scan this code with your cellphone’s camera to access the Holmes Beach community garden survey.

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LANDSIDE

6906 14th Street West 941.758.7880

CORTEZ

6696 Cortez Road 941.792.0077

ELLENTON

1525 51st Avenue East 941.721.7773

BRIDGE ST. PIER Bradenton Beach 941.778.AMOB (2662)

MAY 12, 2021

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THE SUN

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Satcher, Van Ostenbridge settle public records lawsuit County Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh is now the lone remaining defendant in the civil lawsuit.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – County Commissioners James Satcher and Kevin Van Ostenbridge have reached a $6,000 settlement with paralegal Michael Barfield in the lawsuit he filed regarding Public Records Act compliance.

According to the settlement agreement, “Van Ostenbridge and Satcher shall pay Barfield the sum of $6,000 within 30 days of full execution of this agreement. Barfield agreed to file notice of voluntary dismissal.”

County Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh is now the lone remaining defendant in the civil lawsuit Barfield filed and then amended in December alleging the defendants’ failure to fully comply with the public records requests he submitted on Nov. 20.

Barfield sought from Baugh, Satcher, Van Ostenbridge and Commissioner George Kruse all emails, text messages, social media and other digital messages sent or received from Nov. 3 (election night) through Nov. 20. He also requested detailed phone logs of all calls made or received during that period. Because he promptly complied with Barfield’s requests, Kruse was not named in the lawsuit.

Barfield’s records requests were preceded by the Nov. 19 special county commission meeting requested by Van Ostenbridge during which he proposed putting County Administrator Cheri

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

From left, District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge has agreed to settle the lawsuit and now seeks reimbursement from the county. District 1 Commissioner James Satcher seeks county reimbursement after settling a Public Records Act-related lawsuit. County Commission Chair Vanessa Baugh is the only remaining defendant in the Public Records Act-related lawsuit.

Coryea on notice that her potential termination would be discussed at a future meeting. Van Ostenbridge made that motion with no advance notice given to the public or the commission as a whole.

When opposing the motion, Commissioner Reggie Bellamy said the efforts to oust Coryea appeared to be “premeditated.” Commissioner Carol Whitmore said they appeared to be “orchestrated.”

It was also learned that Van Ostenbridge requested and received a private meeting with Coryea earlier that morning, during which he asked Coryea to resign without first consulting with the commission as a whole. Coryea told Van Ostenbridge she would not resign.

On Feb. 23, Coryea and the county commission mutually agreed to a separation agreement that ended her tenure as county administrator and called for her to receive about $204,000 in compensation from the county.

SETTLEMENT REACHED

When contacted May 4, Barfield said, “They are reimbursing not all, but a significant portion of my costs. There were no attorney fees because I didn’t hire an attorney. That probably saved them another $10,000 or $15,000 in legal fees.

Vanessa Baugh hasn’t settled yet.”

On Tuesday, May 11, the county commission will discuss Satcher and Van Ostenbridge’s request to collectively be reimbursed $60,000 for the attorney fees and costs they incurred as defendants. Attorney Morgan Bentley represented Van Ostenbridge and attorney Robert Robinson represented Satcher.

As of Sunday, the meeting packet for Tuesday’s meeting did not include any documents that detail how the $60,000 reimbursement figure was determined.

The reimbursement request requires the support of at least four commissioners.

The meeting packet includes a memo from County Attorney Bill Clague that states, “Florida law allows the county

to pay the legal expenses incurred by commissioners in this case, subject to the board finding that the commissioners were performing their official duties for a public purpose in the matters covered by the litigation.”

On Thursday, May 6, The Sun requested from the Manatee County Records Division, acting County Administrator Scott Hopes and others any documents Satcher and Van Ostenbridge provided in support of their $60,000 request. The only response received was from Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Angelina Colonneso, who also requested those records.

“We are requesting the itemized receipts which would be needed prior to any reimbursement. The request will be made of the commissioners themselves, not via the county,” Colonneso stated in her response, adding that she will provide copies of those documents when received.

SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE 11

10

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THE SUN

Time to prepare for hurricane season

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

It’s Hurricane Preparedness Week, and the National Weather Service reminds everyone to begin thinking about everything that needs to be done before the June 1 start of the season.

• Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and if you do, plan alternate routes and destinations.

• Determine where your closest hurricane shelter is or make advance arrangements for a special needs shelter, if necessary.

• Review your insurance policies and consider buying flood insurance depending on where you live.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE | SUBMITTED

The hurricane train of Irma, Jose and Katia in September 2017.

• Compile your important documents and keep them handy for quick access.

• Make a list of emergency supplies and begin

stocking up now.

• Batten down the hatches on your home and boat and prepare your yard.

• Check with elderly neighbors to help them

prepare.

For more information, visit www.amisun. com/2021/05/10/hurricaneguide/

MAY 12, 2021

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MAY 12, 2021

THE SUN

11

LAWSUIT: Settlement agreement with two of three defendants and $58,791 as the owner-operator of Be Easy Tours. Manatee County Commissioners currently earn about $90,000 per year.

“If an award of attorney’s fees is granted, those fees must be considered reasonable. Thus, without a billing ledger from the commissioners’ attorney, no board member, nor the public, is in a position to grant this request. I find it disingenuous that a billing ledger has not been provided,” Bower’s memo stated.

FROM PAGE 9

“We had one very brief hearing in this case and one all-day deposition (for Van Ostenbridge). I can’t figure out how they could cumulatively run up legal bills for $54,000. They’re only paying me $6,000,” Barfield said.

“We’re entitled to see the back-up material: the amount of fees, the billing hours incurred and the rates they’re paying their attorneys. It has to be a reasonable number. You can’t determine reasonable costs until you know what the $54,000 is based on.

In my view, all of this should come out of their own pockets because they failed to comply with the law, and they didn’t turn over any records until after a judge issued an order for them to do so. They are now asking the county taxpayers to support their violations of the Public Records Act,” he added.

In response to a criminal complaint also filed by Barfield, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducted a criminal investigation of Baugh, Kruse, Satcher and Van Ostenbridge.

On March 19, FDLE spokesperson Jeremy Burns provided a case summary that stated, “In December, the state attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit requested FDLE’s assistance with reviewing a citizen complaint concerning allegations of Sunshine Law violations and possibly other law violations by several Manatee County commissioners. FDLE Agents met with the complainant who alleged that James Satcher, George Kruse, Vanessa Baugh and Kevin Van Ostenbridge conspired to reverse a controversial land purchase (the Lena Road property) and to fire the Manatee

BAUGH DEPOSITION AND HEARING

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Paralegal Michael Barfield has reached a settlement agreement with two of the three county commissioners named in his December lawsuit.

County administrator. There was no information obtained to substantiate that a criminal violation occurred.”

By settling the lawsuit, the defendants are neither admitting or denying the allegations made by Barfield in his civil suit, but are, in part, "entering into this agreement for the purpose of avoiding greater future costs."

BOWER MEMO

In response to the reimbursement request, District 3 resident and former commission candidate Matt Bower submitted to the county a fourpage memorandum in opposition to the award of attorney fees.

“At this time, no documentation has been presented to the board or to the public giving rise that these two commissioners actually paid for the legal

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services they are requesting reimbursement. Considering the asset and income disclosure by each of these two commissioners at the time of their filing for county commissioner, it is difficult to believe either commissioner personally paid for such legal services. To even consider whether such legal fees should be reimbursed, the burden of proof is upon these two commissioners to submit proof – copies of checks, wiring of funds or otherwise – that such fees were paid and incurred,” Bower’s memo states.

According to the disclosure form Satcher filed when seeking office, Satcher Ministries earned $28,932 and Satcher earned $16,714 as a business consultant per his 2019 federal tax returns. According to his disclosure form, Van Ostenbridge earned $20,000 from Boyd Realty

“I’ve said I wouldn’t end the case until I have comfort that I received all the records I requested. I’m not there yet with Commissioner Baugh,” Barfield said.

On May 5, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Charles Sniffen approved Barfield’s request to depose Baugh under oath on Friday, May 14.

A subsequent hearing before Sniffen has been scheduled on Friday, May 26 at 9 a.m.

On April 27, Tallahassee-based attorney George Levesque sent Sniffen a letter on behalf of his client, Baugh.

“In light of the allegations made in Mr. Barfield’s petition, the undisputed sworn evidence and the procedural history in this case, we believe there is just cause for this court to dismiss or deny the petition. Commissioner Baugh would like for this court to conduct a non-evidentiary hearing to afford her the opportunity to advance these arguments,” Levesque’s letter stated.

Barfield said he hopes the May 26 hearing produces a ruling as to whether Baugh has fully complied with the Public Records Act.

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New member joins parks committee The Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee welcomed a new member during a May 5 meeting, the group’s final meeting of the season. Resident Kathryn Sandberg joined the group as first alternate. Members also were ready to welcome a second new member, Christian Ulanch, as second-alternate, filling out the committee’s roster. However, City Clerk Stacey Johnston said she’d been unable to contact Ulanch to inform him of his appointment to the committee by Holmes Beach commissioners.

With the committee now on break through the summer, Ulanch is planned to be sworn in at an October meeting.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

City Clerk Stacey Johnston swears in new Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification first alternate member Kathryn Sandberg May 5 at city hall.

MAY 12, 2021

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MAY 12, 2021

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

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13

Southern Atelier students serious about art The Southern Atelier student art exhibit, “Awakening Realism,” opens at The Manatee Performing Arts Center.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON - With students from Anna Maria Island and surrounding communities, the Southern Atelier is serious about art, and recently showed off their skills at the Manatee Performing Arts Center with the opening of their student exhibition.

“There are many different kinds of art, and we all love art. I’m not against any kind of art, but I am just for classical realism; that’s what our school is,” said Southern Atelier founder Charles Miano, who explained the word "atelier" is French for "an artist’s workshop."

The school opened in Manatee County 15 years ago and is a type of training that was very popular in 19th-century France.

“This type of training is based on 400 to 500 years of disciplined craftsmanship that has been built up over the ages since the Renaissance,” Miano said.

Due to the popularity of the modernism movement, the Atelier fell out of fashion for more than a hundred years, which includes most of the 20th century. According to Miano, a new awareness for the movement of classical realism is now underway.

“We have artists come in, and we have artists working in the same tradition,” he said, referring to the fairly recent resurgence of the classical realist movement.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Southern Atelier founder and Art Director Charles Miano and Atelier students at the unveiling of a portrait Miano painted of student and benefactor, Li Volk, in red.

Students draw and paint from live models, which teaches the importance of anatomy, much like what is seen in drawings and paintings of the Renaissance. They also draw and paint casts of important Renaissance period sculptures and drawings. The goal is for students to copy the original work exactly as it was originally, which is the first part of the program.

After mastering the drawing phase of the program, students then move on to two more phases.

The second phase is designed to move students toward painting, and that is called "light effect." In this phase of the program, students draw from casts of objects, which teaches them to get a sense of light and space. Subject matter may include busts of torsos, arms or feet. Phase three of the apprenticeship is painting. Students take what they have learned and begin to put it to work, creating and recreating beautiful works of art.

The program is full-time, and only about 15 students are cur-

rently selected to attend in that capacity. Students come from across the country, and even around the world, to study under Miano.

"Everyone starts and does the same level of projects, and you have to complete a certain number of projects to a certain level before you go on to the next level," said Gene Clayton, a first-level Atelier student who has been in the program for about a year.

"It’s not like academia, where your progress is determined by the calendar," he added. "It’s determined by your skill level."

Clayton, who came to study from Atlanta, had a drawing on display at the exhibition, along with other students of varying skill levels. It should be noted though, that this is not amateur art. Most of the works exhibited are for sale in excess of $1,000 and are of high quality.

"What I really wanted to do was learn realism, and they teach only SEE ATELIER, PAGE 22

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www.amisun.com

Bradenton Beach allows COVID state of emergency to expire In response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent executive order, the city of Bradenton Beach has allowed its COVID-19-related declaration of a local state of emergency to expire. On May 3, DeSantis issued an executive order suspending all remaining local government mandates and restrictions based on the COVID-19 state of emergency.

The Bradenton Beach Commission held its final weekly emergency meeting on May 5

and unanimously decided to allow its COVID-related local state of emergency to expire that day. That action means facemasks are now optional but not required of city hall visitors and city meeting attendees. The commission also allowed its Piney Point declaration of a local state of emergency to expire. The Anna Maria City Commission will discuss its response to DeSantis’ order on Thursday.

SOURCE: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

MAY 12, 2021

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MAY 12, 2021

THE SUN

15

Alcohol-to-go a win for restaurant, lodging industries Alcohol-to-go is not going anywhere, due to new Florida legislation.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has released its legislative summary report highlighting bills that were passed and signed into law during the 2021 Florida legislative session that affect the restaurant and lodging industry.

“After COVID-19 brought one of the darkest years for Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry, this year’s legislative session has given us some light and hope for the future as we continue to rebuild this great industry. Ensuring that businesses and their teams are protected from job-killing nuisance lawsuits, allowing them to continue their safe

operations of alcohol-to-go which kept so many alive, and obtaining essential funding for Florida’s critical marketing organization – VISIT Florida – are all huge victories for us,” FRLA president and CEO Carol Dover said, calling the 2021 session a huge success.

One piece of legislation of particular interest to Anna Maria Island restaurant owners is the alcoholto-go regulation. During the pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order permitting what is known as alcohol-to-go. This change in regulation allowed many Island restaurants to supplement their revenue through the sale of alcoholic

2021

beverages to accompany take-out food orders. According to the FRLA, this was not only an important lifeline for struggling businesses, but also demonstrated that some of the existing regulations surrounding alcohol were antiquated and no longer necessary. The change is now signed into law, and alcohol-to-go is not going anywhere.

COVID-19 liability protection was also passed and signed into law during this year’s session. The legislation states that if a business demonstrates a good faith effort to comply with existing rules, regulations and guidance regarding COVID-19 safety and sanitation, the business is immune from liability.

The law is meant to protect Florida businesses from meritless lawsuits.

If a business is found to have not made a good faith effort to comply with existing guidance and regulations in order to protect the es-

tablishment, its employees and its customers, then a lawsuit against the business could move forward. If the lawsuit proceeds, the plaintiff would have to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the business acted with gross negligence.

Tourism revitalization was another big issue during the legislative session. The House and Senate negotiated and came to an agreement for funding VISIT Florida, a marketing group that encourages out-of-state tourists to come to Florida for vacation.

Critics, especially many top House Democrats, have argued that beaches, theme parks, and great weather draw tourists here in huge numbers, and the funding simply isn’t necessary.

Despite opposition, $50 million in state funding for VISIT Florida was granted, as well as another $25 million in federal funding.

16

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MAY 12, 2021

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FOOD & WINE

THE SUN

17

Jambalaya, fresh from The Porch

Josh Foster THE PORCH

H

ello, my name is Joshua Foster. My wife, Brianna, and I are opening The Porch at the previous Sign of the Mermaid location in Anna Maria.

We have restored the home back to its glory. Welcoming and bright, this home has been around for a long time – since 1913, to be exact. When you see it in person, you won’t believe your eyes.

We’re honored to operate out of this location. We are asked what we are going to offer at The Porch. Well, we will be focused on fresh ingredients, daily caught fish, aged steaks, organic chicken, no preservatives or additives and fresh produce.

Ed Spring, his wife, Andrea, and their family, owned and operated the location for 30 years, and with locals and visitors alike built a reputation for his great cooking and fine dining. This was the unforgettable Sign of the Mermaid.

We are also focused on great food. I personally love experiencing great flavors, and when I add ingredients, I value them for what they bring to the dish. Imagine, enjoying that first bite of steak accented with many incredible flavors - that’s us.

We encourage bold flavors, never lacking in taste and far from dull.

In thought, good beef stew or a great jambalaya comes to mind. Today, I will share with you my jambalaya recipe. I grew up in a very British household, so I never got to enjoy this French Cajun dish, but my take on it is full of chunky fresh ingredients.

SUBMITTED

Jambalaya Serves 4

Ingredients

1 lb. raw Andouille sausage cut in nice slices 1 lb. mixed chicken breast and chicken thigh cut in strips 1 lb. medium peeled raw and deveined shrimp 8 diced medium fresh tomatoes, 16 oz tomato sauce 3 medium onions diced, 12 cloves of garlic sliced

1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper cut into ¼” x 3” pieces 3-5 diced jalapeno peppers, diced small 2 tsp each of dried oregano, basil and rosemary 4-5 bay leaves 8-10 dried red pepper flakes Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine oil with three-quarters of the onion, jalapeno, half of the bell peppers and cook until onion is translucent. Add all the spices, chicken

and sausage. Cover and cook on low to medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until all the meat is cooked through. Then add all the rest of the ingredients except the shrimp and the remaining bell peppers. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes on low.

Add the remaining peppers, onions and shrimp and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve on a bed of white rice. I’d recommend you pour a nice crisp Riesling or Pinot Grigio. However, if it’s beer you love, a nice creamy dark ale or a foggy wheat beer are also complementary - both pairing nice with tomato-based plates.

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

MAY 12, 2021

Online angling

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

I

t might seem like the digital world has been around forever but it wasn’t that long ago that information about fishing was only available in books and magazines, on fishing shows, or by going fishing. Now, in the internet age, fishermen have a wealth of resources to supplement their days on the water.

Whatever your questions, answers can be found on YouTube instructional videos, Facebook posts, groups and live events. Searches reveal forums, illustrated articles, and much more right from your computer keyboard. Want to learn how to tie a particular knot, or a permit fly? Wondering where the fish are biting or what the tides are for your fishing trip (anywhere in the world) next week? You can even learn about the licensing requirements for an excursion to Belize or lodges that cater to fly fishermen in the Bahamas. The internet has a wealth of wonderful information and tons of junk.

You have to know the right questions to ask to get the right answers.

Cast your net wide with “fishing” in Google (www.google.com), the net’s current #1 search engine, and you’ll have 271 million websites to choose from. There are also 373 million fishing-related images and 209 million groups with fishing links, as well as directories and news. If you want to go fly fishing in the Bahamas and you’ve heard great things about the Abacos, type in "fly fishing the Abacos" - with-

SUBMITTED

out quotation marks - and you’ll get approximately 431,000 websites. Google is looking up everything on fly fishing and Abacos. Narrow the search by putting quotes around the query and you’ll narrow the search to 272 sites specific to fly fishing the Abacos.

When searching the internet, be as specific as you can by entering words that narrow the inquiry. This advice will get you close in your search, but it may take some further sleuthing to find just what you’re looking for.

Narrow your search down as far as you can, and then start paging through the results to view the websites. I pay attention to page views when searching YouTube. More views are often a sign of a good result, but not always.

If this all seems very confusing, that’s because it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s not

useful. The best way to learn is to practice.

Time on the web, when used intelligently, is fun, interesting and very informative.

Here are a few sites you might want to check out. They have information on tides, what’s biting, where the action is, clubs, events and much more. Captain Mel Berman’s Online Fishing Florida Magazine has to be the most comprehensive site in our area. Many of you may remember Mel as the host of “The Mel Berman Show” on Tampa’s 970 WFLA Radio. His website, www.capmel.com has a wealth of information for local anglers. Even though Berman passed away over a decade ago, Neil Taylor administers the site and has kept Mel’s legacy alive and well. Learn from others, and share your thoughts through chats, forums and email.

When you’re planning your next trip,

you might want to stop by The Angling Report, www.anglingreport.com, an independent online (and print) newsletter on fishing travel.

The Angling Report gives fishermen what they call the "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" low down on destinations, lodges and guides. The site concentrates on quality fly and light tackle fishing in the U.S. and abroad and is written by anglers who actually traveled to and fished the destinations.

Want to chat and share information with other anglers? Explore sites like www.flyfishingforum.com , or www.floridasportsman.com. There’s something out there for even the most sedate armchair angler.

The possibilities are endless, so sit down, turn on your computer and see what you can find. Just remember, it’s a jungle out there and you’ll want to narrow your focus to the sites that are worth your time!

MAY 12, 2021

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

19

State pursues Cortez net camp demo CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection continues to pursue the demolition of Raymond Guthrie Jr.’s stilt structure in Sarasota Bay, spokeswoman Shannon Herbon said Monday.

Because the courtimposed deadline for the demolition of what Guthrie calls a net camp passed earlier this month with no sign of compliance, the state agency plans to take the matter back to Manatee County 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas, who granted an extension until the end of the Florida legislative session. The court gave Guthrie time to

SUN FILE PHOTO

DEP officials say they still intend to have the net camp torn down. persuade legislators to save the structure, however, no action was taken.

Guthrie built the structure just off the Cortez fishing village in 2017 without a permit, and claims ownership based on prior net camps his family

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, lanterns 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 can disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand and level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can ob-

built on the same spot. The court has ruled that the state owns the submerged land under the structure, and the state requires its demolition.

“For any structure to receive proprietary authorization from the

struct or trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use wish 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).

BIRD TIPS During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

department, it is required to meet the criteria set forth in Chapter 18-21, Florida Administrative Code,” according to Herbon. “As applicable to this structure, this criteria includes, but is not limited to the requirement that ‘activities on sovereignty lands shall only be limited to water-dependent activities and minimal secondary non-water dependent uses pursuant to section 253.03(15), F.S.’ The Guthrie house does not meet the criteria of the rule.”

Supporters hoped that a non-profit organization could operate the net camp, but the form of ownership is “irrelevant,” she said.

• Teach kids not to chase birds – if they’re disturbed, bird parents may abandon nests.

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

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

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

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas; dogs are not allowed on the beach by law.

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

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

Progress made on Kingfish plans Additional trailer parking at the Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach likely will be installed after the new Anna Maria Island Bridge is built – a project that could be 10 years in the future.

During a May 4 Council of Governments meeting, Charlie Hunsicker, Director of Parks and Natural Resources with Manatee County, gave an update on the progress of plans to expand the county’s boat ramp access, including Kingfish.

Hunsicker said renovation plans are about 60% complete in the design phase. Once the bridge is complete, he said 20 boat trailer parking spaces will be added to the existing 46 trailer parking spaces with regular vehicle parking remaining the same. Renovations to the existing parking area, three launch ramps and other onsite facilities may take place earlier if funding is available.

20

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

MAY 12, 2021

Governments change; so do taxes T

here always seems to be something to talk about as it relates to taxes.

Tax liability for real estate investors and individual homeowners is continually changing, especially when there is a change in government.

This time is no different.

I’ve written a few times about a 1031 exchange, which is a way to defer the capital gains on the profits from the sale of property by “exchanging” the property.

Basically, this allows you to reinvest the proceeds from your original property and subsequently defer the capital gains if another property is purchased within six months of the sale. This tax benefit is, however, only eligible for either investment or second home properties, not for a primary residence.

During the last tax overhaul in 2017, some of the benefits of the 1031 exchange were rolled back. Properties could be exchanged for “like-kind” properties including artwork and valuable collectibles, however,

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER that part of the law was amended to allow for only real estate to be recognized as an exchange.

The 1031 exchange has traditionally been used by corporations, small real estate investors and individuals alike. Real estate investors take the position that exchanges encourage businesses to expand and create jobs. Individuals use the exchange as a way to roll over their second home properties into larger family homes and then pass them on to their heirs without paying the capital gains accrued over the years. In fact, most 1031 exchanges are done by individuals rather than corporations.

Now as part of the Biden administration’s

proposed new economic plan there will be a further reduction to the benefits of the 1031 exchanges. The proposal would abolish 1031 exchanges on real estate profits of more than $500,000. This would probably eliminate the benefit to corporations to use the exchanges, but still allow benefits for individuals and small investors. As always, everyone’s tax liability and positions need to be reviewed by professionals in the field.

There is no question that this has been a tax loophole since 1921 and this isn’t the first time the federal government has had its eye on it. I do, however, question how much benefit there will be left for individuals and small investors if the price of properties continues to skyrocket.

And, while we’re talking property values, there was an Emerging Housing Market Index published at the end of April by The WSJ/Realtor.com organization. The index ranks the 300 biggest metro areas in the U.S. based on economic health and lifestyle data, including unemployment rate, wages,

commute time and small-business loans.

Out of the top 50 metro areas, the only one in the state of Florida was the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton region, coming in at number 47. It’s an interesting list to look at if you follow real estate trends and how they may have changed in the past year. Coeur D’Alene in Idaho came in first, followed by Austin, Texas and Springfield, Ohio. The only areas in the northeast were two upstate New York regions - Rochester and Buffalo - and one in New Jersey, in Trenton. The index points to the metro areas where homebuyers are seeking an appreciating housing market and appealing lifestyle with amenities.

Keep your eye on the new proposed economic plan by the federal government.

There may be other proposals tucked in the legislation that could affect the real estate market. Also, keep your eye on the emerging markets around the country. COVID-19 has changed many things this past year and real estate is definitely at the forefront. Stay safe.

MAY 12, 2021

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

21

Holmes Beach commissioner receives noise warning One Holmes Beach commissioner found himself on the wrong side of the city’s noise ordinance.

BY KRISTIN SWAIN

SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Issues between two neighbors in an attached duplex caught the attention of police when one accused the other of violating the city’s noise ordinance. The neighbor on the receiving end of a noise violation warning was Commissioner Kim Rash.

The incident took place in the early morning hours of May 1 and lasted for nearly two hours. When Rash left town in the days following the April 27 city commission meeting, he left a stereo playing in his side of the Holmes Boulevard duplex to make people think that he and his family were home instead of out of town. His neighbor, Anastasios Tricas who owns the other side of the multi-story duplex, called police to report a noise violation just after 6 a.m. on May 1 due to noise from the stereo.

In the report compiled by Holmes Beach police officers, Tricas said he had dealt with the noise from the stereo for a

couple of days before calling police and that the bass was vibrating the walls of his unit, making it difficult for him and his wife to sleep.

Though officers on the scene said the music from the stereo didn’t violate the city’s noise ordinance, a decibel reading taken in the shared stairwell of the duplex came in at 45db according to the police report and officers did determine that the vibration in the walls due to the bass from the stereo. The continuous nature of the noise and volume, among other issues, was a violation of the city’s noise ordinance, the officers said.

A warning was posted at Rash’s door and, after officers determined that no one was home, they called the commissioner to advise him of the situation and see what could be done to turn the stereo off.

Rash immediately complied with officers and called a friend to come over to remedy the situation in his absence.

Chief Bill Tokajer said that while Rash did comply, it took some time to get someone to the house to turn the stereo off.

While waiting for someone to come to turn off the stereo, Tricas wrote out a fivepage statement giving a list of accusations against his neighbor, even stating that the strained relationship with Rash is one of

SUBMITTED

Commissioner Kim Rash’s neighbor accused him and his family of having a loud party then leaving the remnants on their porch for the neighbor’s realty showing. The discrepancy is that the Rash family was out of town at the time. the reasons his side of the duplex is currently for sale.

One of the more serious complaints in Tricas’s statement accuses Rash of using his position as a city commissioner to overstep and intimidate Tricas, discouraging him from calling the city to complain about issues.

Rash declined to comment on the accusations made by his neighbor.

Rash is one of the city commissioners who has fought publicly for stricter enforcement of the city’s noise ordinance,

particularly the use of a list of seven standards to determine if noise is an issue rather than a noise meter reading. It was only in the past few months that commissioners agreed to adjust enforcement of the noise ordinance to take the seven standards into higher regard than a decibel reading from the noise meter over the city’s decibel maximum, 50db for quiet hours when this incident occurred.

The noise complaint and associated accusations weren’t the only issues brought to the city between the two neighbors.

Tricas also contacted the city’s code compliance department on April 30 to report trash on Rash’s side of a shared patio. When reporting his complaint, he said he had a showing of his duplex unit that afternoon and that bottles, trash and chairs were strewn about on the patio. In his complaint to police, he said the trash and tipped-over chairs were the result of a loud gathering the Rash family had on April 29-30. Though Rash had a friend quickly come and clean up the mess before code officers were able to respond to the home, where the trash came from is still a mystery as the Rash family members were all out of town at the time with no one staying at the home, according to the police report from the May 1 incident.

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MAY 12, 2021

ATELIER: Students serious about art FROM PAGE 13

classical realism here at the Southern Atelier, so that’s why I came here to study with Charles,” Clayton said. He says he found Miano and his program through the Art Renewal Center, realizing this is the only Atelier of its kind in Florida. Clayton also added that this is truly full-time. His job is this apprenticeship and nothing else.

In addition to training, the Southern Atelier is also available to commission anything a customer could want. Miano said they are able to exactly recreate any work of realism art.

“If you go to a museum and wish you could have a certain work of art hanging on your wall, we can make you a copy,” Miano said. So, if you like a Rembrandt but don’t have a hundred million dollars burning a hole in your pocket, you can commission it through the Southern Atelier, and the next best thing will be on your wall.

A beautiful example of Miano’s work was unveiled at the conclusion of the opening of the Atelier student exhibit, featuring a portrait of apprentice, Li Volk.

“She is such an amazing individual, she has a background in design and marketing in China; she did the Beijing Olympics, so

when she came through our doors it was really a stroke of luck," he said. "She’s been the executive director of our nonprofit, so she’s been able to help us through a lot of volunteering. To do this kind of work, it takes a lot of administration to run a nonprofit organization.”

Miano noted how important Volk has been to the Atelier and their efforts, especially during COVID. Like many businesses and organizations, the Atelier was affected

by COVID-19. Miano said they were fortunate to be able to hold classes via Zoom and other virtual platforms throughout the pandemic. In-person classes resumed with

masks and social distancing in late 2020.

While the full-time Atelier is a rigorous and intensive program requiring complete dedication, and little time for much else, Miano said they do offer part-time classes and programs that area residents can enroll in. This enables participants to learn some valuable techniques that will enhance their skills without the level of commitment required for the full-time program. Miano said many residents of Anna Maria Island and Manatee County have enrolled and have benefited from these programs.

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MAY 12, 2021

THE SUN

23

Piney Point pollution plume widens

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MARINE SCIENCE | SUBMITTED

Scientists at USF’s College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg estimated the location of the plume of polluted water from Piney Point on May 11 based on tides, currents and wind. The areas of most concern are indicated in orange and yellow. 215 million gallons of polluted water were released into Tampa Bay at Port Manatee last month from one of the closed Piney Point phosphate plant’s gyp stack retention ponds to take pressure off the compromised stack, which avoided its collapse and an accidental spill of even more of its contents. The water is an acidic blend of saltwater and debris from a Port Manatee dredge project, stormwater runoff, rainfall and “legacy process water” - wastewater from phosphate processing that contains nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which feed toxic red tide algae blooms. An accidental leak detected on March 26 led to the discharge, which ended April 9.

Where’s Bortie?

Loggerhead sea turtle Bortie is headed toward shore at Crystal River. Turtle watchers hoped she might nest again on Anna Maria Island, where she was satellitetagged after laying a nest in June 2018 on Coquina Beach (see the red star on the map). Bortie competed in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 11th Annual Tour de Turtles in 2018, placing 10th out of 13 contestants with 351 logged miles. Turtle nesting season began locally on May 1 and ends on Oct. 31 Please keep beachfront lights out for nesting!

CINDY LANE | SUN

Conchs wash ashore Live conchs washed up on the Sarasota Bay shoreline on Longboat Key on May 7. The beaching is “highly unlikely” to be related to the discharge of polluted water from Piney Point last month, because the circulation pattern of the pollutants is still some distance from Longboat Key, according to Jim Culter, senior scientist and Benthic Ecology Program Manager at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. Conchs also can be washed ashore from shallow water by windy weather and rough surf, and can move into shallow water if oxygen levels are decreased in deeper water, he added.

SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY | SUBMITTED

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THE SUN

Zoning discussions continue The proposed map revisions could impact property values and development rights.

I had a right to do this and now you’ve taken it away. That opens the city up to some liability.”

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) has made several more recommendations regarding potential zoning and future land use map revisions.

The proposed map revisions are intended to resolve inconsistencies that exist citywide between the city’s zoning maps and future land use maps.

The proposed map revisions could potentially impact property values and develop rights for many residential and commercial properties.

As a follow-up to the April 21 discussion, the P&Z members met again on Wednesday, May 5. The map revision discussions will continue on Wednesday, May 19 at 10 a.m.

Building Official Steve Gilbert and City Planner Luis Serna are guiding the board through the preliminary review process. According to Gilbert and Serna, the existing map inconsistencies could expose the city to legal challenges because the maps are in conflict.

All P&Z and staff recommendations are subject to final city commission approval or denial. No final decisions will be made until public hearings are conducted and potentially impacted property owners are notified.

GULF DRIVE NORTH

The P&Z members discussed three areas along Gulf Drive North that for clarity’s sake were referred to as 5A, 5B and 5C. Area 5A is located in the 2400 block of Gulf Drive North, along the east edge of the road, between 24th and 25th streets north. Potentially impacted properties include the Bluegreen Via Roma resort and several residential/vacation rental dwellings.

Gilbert and Serna suggest amending the existing future land use designation to high density residential. With member Dan Morhaus absent, the board voted 4-0 to instead recommend maintaining the medium density residential future land use that allows single-family dwellings and two-family duplexes and rezone those properties from their current R3 zoning (multi-family dwelling) to R2 (two-family dwelling).

Serna said the board-recommended zoning amendment would result in some of those properties becom-

Luis Serna, Bradenton Beach City Planner ing non-conforming with city code, which might impact how they could be redeveloped.

The board made a similar recommendation for the 5B map area along the eastern side of the 2300 block of Gulf Drive North. Potentially impacted properties include Las Palmas Beach Rentals, the Anna Maria Island Inn, Beach & Sun Villas and some residential/vacation rental properties.

Map area 5C encompasses the Beach Club at Anna Maria and other residential/rental properties along the east side of the 2200 block of Gulf Drive North. Gilbert and Serna recommend increasing those future land use designations to high density residential. In contrast, the board recommends reducing the current R3 zoning to R2.

The triangular-shaped area bordered by Gulf Drive North, Avenue C and 22nd Street North includes The Anna Maria Island Inn and Tropic Isle resort. The board and staff recommend changing those future land use designations to high density residential, while retaining the current zoning.

AVENUE A

By a 3-1 vote, with P&Z chair Ken McDonough in opposition, the board recommends rezoning 10 residential properties along the west side of Avenue A, between 23rd and 22nd streets north.

City staff recommends changing the future land use designation to medium density residential, which allows duplexes. In contrast, the board recommends maintaining the low density residential future land use and reducing the current R2 zoning which allows duplexes to the R1 zoning that does not. This area already includes duplexes at 2218 and 2204 Ave. A. Board member John Burns proposed the zoning change as a means of preserving the residential character of that neighborhood. McDonough opposed the zoning change because it would make the two existing duplexes non-conforming with city code and prevent the future construction of duplexes in that area.

Regarding the board’s recommendation, Serna said, “The only caution

we have in recommending for a downzoning is someone could say, ‘I had a right to do this and now you’ve taken it away.’ That opens the city up to some liability.”

The board made a similar 3-1 recommendation to reduce from R2 to R1 the zoning for the residential properties along the west side of Avenue A, south of 22nd Street North.

BEACHFRONT, BAYFRONT PROPERTIES

The board and city staff recommend changing the Beach House Resort’s future land use designation from commercial to high density residential, while maintaining the R3 zoning.

Regarding seven elevated beachfront residential dwellings along the west side of Gulf Drive North, near 11th and 12th streets south, the board and staff recommend maintaining the low density residential future land use while reducing the zoning from R3 to R1 (single-family dwelling).

The board discussed potential map revisions for the bayfront residential properties along Bay Drive North, from 10 Street North to 12th Street North – including the lot that contains the Summer Sands’ community pool.

As a starting point for future conversation with those property owners, the board and staff recommend changing the future land use designation to low density residential, while maintaining the R1 zoning.

Serna said some of those property owners may want to preserve their current single-family zoning and others may want to allow for more intense residential use.

PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS

On April 21, the board contrasted city staff when recommending the rezoning of the Sandpiper Resort mobile home park and several properties along the east side of Gulf Drive North. Those potentially impacted properties include Sharkey’s Seagrill, the Shell gas pumps, the Circle K convenience store, Club Bamboo, Studio 104, KW on the Water, Blooms by the Beach, Aluna Wellness Center & Spa and Wagner Real Estate.

MAY 12, 2021

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MAY 12, 2021

Perico Bay Club—As Good As It Gets!!

JUST SOLD!!!

1207 Spoonbill Landings Cir I $305,000 518 Sanderling Cir-$275,000 627 Estuary Dr - $312,900 1107 Edgewater Cir-$319,500 1189 Edgewater Cir-$332,000 Givee me a CALL TODA TODAY AYY A If you yo ou u’re ’ree looking tto Buy o orr Sell Sel elll on Anna Maria Island d

941.730.1294 I Lynn@Edgewaterami.com www.EdgewaterRealEstateInc.com

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TREE HOUSE: Supreme Court refuses case FROM PAGE 1

the treehouse being removed or the city allowing it to stay - the VRCs cannot be issued.

Speaking on behalf of Tran and Hazen during the special magistrate hearing, attorney Bruce Minnick said the city cannot expect his clients to be able to pay the outstanding fines, more than $200,000, without being able to rent the units that provide their income.

Special magistrate Michael Connolly ruled the couple violated the city’s ordinances, ordering them to immediately stop renting the units and imposing a $125 per day fine. The fine is in

addition to a previously issued fine of $50 per day.

In a May 6 email to The Sun, Tran said she and Hazen are disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court denied their petition. She added they will continue to pursue every legal avenue open to them to try and save their treehouse and hang on to their Holmes Beach property unless city leaders are willing to work on a compromise with them.

The couple still has cases against the city and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection pending in Manatee County 12th Judicial Circuit Court.

LYNGBYA: Bloom clogging bays, ICW FROM PAGE 1

Tampa Bay at Port Manatee last month from one of the closed Piney Point phosphate plant’s gyp stack retention ponds. An accidental leak detected on March 26 led to the intentional discharge that ended April 9 and kept the stack from collapsing.

Contact with Lyngbya can result in itching, burning, pain, rash, blisters and cell death, resulting in loss of superficial layers of the skin, according to the report. Airborne toxins from the algae can cause eye and respiratory irritation.

Excessive growth of Lyngbya can result in damage to seagrass beds and oyster bars, foul odors, oxygen depletion in the water and fish kills. It also can cause harmful algal blooms such as red tide, also associated with detrimental human health effects. Low levels of red tide were reported last week in Manatee County by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The mats are formed when naturallyoccurring Lyngbya on the bay bottom is exposed to increased temperatures, sunlight and nutrients, causing rapid growth, according to the report. Longer

days and clear water conditions cause Lyngbya to rapidly produce oxygen, causing bubbles to form and become embedded in its filaments, which makes the algae float to the surface to be carried by tides and winds, sometimes forming mats. Accumulations often increase along shorelines, like Robinson Preserve.

“It is not feasible to remove the extraordinary biomass of Lyngbya during these bloom events on a bay-wide scale,” the report states. “The scale at which removal would have to occur in such a large and open system is not likely feasible and cost prohibitive.”

No cyanotoxins – the neurotoxins produced by blue-green algae – were detected in water samples taken in Tampa Bay on May 4 in response to last month’s Piney Point discharge, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Results taken from samples on May 6 are pending.

Exposure to cyanotoxins can cause hay fever-like symptoms, skin rashes, respiratory and gastrointestinal distress, and, if consumed, liver and kidney damage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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THE SUN

MAY 12, 2021

County commission approves G.T. Bray pickleball complex The new pickleball complex will provide a facility to host large pickleball tournaments that include out-of-town visitors.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Manatee County plans to build a $3.29 million pickleball complex at G.T. Bray Park in west Bradenton.

County commissioners last week unanimously approved the spending request presented by Parks and Natural Resources Department Director Charlie Hunsicker.

“There’s been huge demand – surprisingly so in the last three years – for pickleball play,” Hunsicker told the commission.

“Many communities have realized the economic value of this from the standpoint of making a pickleball complex large enough to host tournaments. Now there are traveling teams. Certainly, there are tournament promoters, and we thought it very effective for west Bradenton to construct the type of facility that would provide that economic engine – not only in the play but in the hotel stays, the meals and all the cascading attributes,” he said.

“At G.T. Bray, we’ve had underused hard tennis courts for many years. I’m not going to say that about clay courts, however. Those are still utilized heavily in league play, but the hard courts not so much.

There’s plenty of other hard courts in the area. Our charge was to convert this underutilized asset to a pickleball complex that should be unmatched in a four-county area,” Hunsicker said.

Hunsicker said 14 of the 20 new pickleball courts will be covered in a manner that allows players to compete in the shade. Six of the new courts will not be covered. Hunsicker said the shaded areas can also be used by the youngsters who participate in the county summer camp program during rainy days and inclement weather.

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

This rendering illustrates the design for the new pickleball complex to be built at G.T. Bray Park.

The pickleball complex plans no longer call for the installation of four new tennis hardcourts and the existing hard courts will give way to the new pickleball courts.

District 3 County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge is a proponent of the pickleball complex and he said it will be one of the nicest in Florida.

“These are baby boomers. This is the fastest-growing sport in the country right now and boomers love them some pickleball,” Van Ostenbridge said, before making the motion to approve the expenditure. “And it turns out, boomer pickle players have a few dollars, too. The idea is to bring them here for a weekend tournament. They’re going to get a hotel room or an Airbnb and get some dinner and go out to the beach.

In the end, this will be a revenue generator for our Parks Department, and it will be a fantastic asset for the residents in our district.”

A completion date for the new complex was not mentioned during the recent commission discussion.

Pickleball player input wanted Calling all pickleball players who use the new court at Holmes Beach city field! City leaders need your input on the

court’s playing surface.

Complaints, slips, falls and a few injuries have led to city leaders thinking about different ways

to address issues with the geogrid pickleball court recently installed at the park. Players who use the court are

asked to scan a QR code attached to the court’s sign to access a survey to voice their opinion on the court surface.

MAY 12, 2021

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Center’s summer camp is open for registration Summer is coming quickly and The Center of Anna Maria Island’s staff is ready to welcome kids with loads of fun activities at its summer camps.

This year’s summer camps are open to kids ages five to 12, from those getting ready to enter kindergarten up to fifth-graders. Camp runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

June 7 through July 30.

Parents can sign children up for a weekly sports camp, a discovery camp dedicated to exploration of the arts, or to take part in one or more specialty camps.

The cost per week for Center members to take part in the Summer My Way camp is $170 per child or $185 per child for non-members. Each week features a new sports skill, discovery theme and a field trip. Each specialty camp has its own hours and costs.

One of The Center’s more popular specialty camps is drama camp, held at the Island Players Theater in Anna Maria. This camp is open to children ages six to 13 and will help kids work on their stage skills from behind-thescenes work to acting. The drama camp runs for two weeks from 9 a.m. to noon on July 12-15 and 19-23 with a 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. performance at the theater on July 23 which is open to the public. The cost to attend is $260 for

Center members and $275 for nonmembers.

Fit Crew camp runs from noon to 4 p.m. July 19-22 and is open to children ages six to 12. This fitness-inspired camp will teach children strength training and endurance through games, sports and other activities with a focus on the science behind exercise. The cost is $120 for members and $135 for non-members.

Fishing camp takes place July 26-29 from 9 a.m. to noon for participants age five to 12. Young fishermen and women will discover the sea life in local waters while learning to tie knots, bait hooks, cast and reel. The cost is $90 for members or $105 for non-members and all participants are required to bring their fishing poles.

Another specialty camp this year is archery camp, taking place from July 5 through 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Campers age five through 12 will learn the basics of archery through fun games and skill challenges. The cost is $75 for members or $90 for non-members.

For more information or to sign up for summer camp, visit www.centerami.org/summermyway or call 941-7781908. Registration is required by the Thursday before the week a child will be attending camp.

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SPORTS

MAY 12, 2021

Friendly competition at its best

Key Royale golf scores MONDAY, MAY 3 MODIFIED STAPLEFORD

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Starting the week’s soccer play in a 1-1 tie, team Shady Lady, coached by David Zaccagnino, and James Roadman’s Solid Rock Construction team exemplified the spirit of youth recreational soccer. Competition, skill development, teamwork and fun are all part of the sports experience at The Center.

The Shady Lady offense kept keeper Austin Guess, for Solid Rock Construction, busy defending the shots of players like Jesse Zaccagnino and Tomas Bartos. Four of the Shady Lady squad shared the goalie duties during the game, with two saves by J. Zaccagnino, and single stops by Bartos, Riley Karecki and Oliver Tirpak.

The defenses of both teams kept the scoring to a minimum, resulting in the tie game. The offensive strikes resulted in single goals by both teams.

Solid Rock Construction’s point came from a goal by McKenna Darak. Turner Worth is credited with an assist in the game.

Adding to his statistics in the record books for the week, J. Zaccagnino scored the lone goal for Shady Lady, in addition to his saves while playing in goal. Teammate Bartos made a single assist in the match-up.

With the end of the regular season finishing on May 11, the final games and schedules leading to the championship game

1st Place Individual - tie with a score of +5, Bill Koche and Bill Shuman 1st Place Team - tie with a score of +5 - Ken Butler, Bill Koche, QuentinTalbert, Joe Tynan and the team of Buddy Foy, Dale Hudson, Jerry Martinek, Blake Ress and the team of Marty Hicks, John Kolojeski, Tom Nelson, Bill Shuman.

TUESDAY, MAY 4 - LOW NET SCORE FLIGHT A Betsy Meyer Lisa Edmonds Dolly Darrish Helen Pollock

FLIGHT B MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Turner Worth, for Solid Rock Construction, and Shady Lady’s Tom Bartos go to battle for the soccer ball in last Tuesday night's opening game that ended in a 1-1 tie. Teammates Beau Canup and Oliver Tirpak stay alert at center field anticipating the next play. will be decided in the coming weeks.

Beach Bums

SUN SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, MAY 4 YOUTH CO-ED SOCCER WEEK #4 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

HSH Grooms Auto

(0-3-0) 0 (1-1-1) 1

The Gitt Team AM Bath Time

(1-2-1) 5 (2-1-0) 6

Shady Lady (1-0-2) 1 Solid Rock Construction (0-2-1) 1 Bridge Tender Tidy MD

(2-2-0) 0 (2-0-1) 1

(0-1-2) bye

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

Blalock Walters

(3-0-0) bye

THURSDAY, MAY 6 ADULT CO-ED SOCCER WEEK #4 Killer Bait Slim’s Place

(0-3-1) 7 (2-1-1) 7

Salty Printing Sato Real Estate

(1-3-0) 6 (1-3-0) 8

Beach Bums Flynn Law

(3-0-1) 7 (3-1-0) 1

C.A.B.B. Sandbar

(3-0-1) 5 (1-3-0) 1

Margrit Layh Susan Van Orsdel Sue Christenson Marty Clark Mary Wilke

FLIGHT C

Sally York Janet Razze Terry Westby Jackie Gorski Jodi Maleeny

THURSDAY, MAY 6 SHAMBLE

28 29 31 31 31 34 34 34 35 30 31 32 32 32

1st Place, 3 under par - Jon Holcomb, Hoyt Miller, Larry Solberg , Terry Tarras 2nd Place, 2 under par Fred Miller, Tom Nelson, Greg Shorten, Bill Shuman

MAY 12, 2021

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Source of seasonal color 5 Like bubble baths 10 Golfer at Royal Troon, often 14 "I'm buying!"

15 "America" soloist in "West Side Story" 16 It parallels a radius 17 Hot spot 18 Philanthropic football player?

20 Varieties 22 "Diana" singer 23 Stooge Howard 24 Football player who's PR-savvy?

27 Head for the hills 28 Spots 29 Groovy cousin 30 Usher 32 No different from, with

Answers to 05-05-21 Crossword Puzzle.

"the" 35 "One more thing ... " 36 Football player with a line?

40 Work out ahead of time 41 Appropriate 42 Targets 45 Fjord kin 46 Book jacket info 49 Goal feature 50 Football player with management skills?

54 Hubbub 55 Fictional hunchbacked helper 56 Like many windows 57 Football player at the beach?

61 It's abuzz with activity 62 Cover for an ear 63 Ending with poly64 Chills

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65 "At Last" singer James 66 Monopoly stack 67 Friend of Mary Poppins Down 1 Start of a kid's showoffy cry 2 Painfully wished one had 3 Changes, as a law 4 Luxury handbag brand 5 Give somewhat 6 Start to cycle?

7 Backless sofa 8 Period of work 9 "Sandman" or "Joltin' Joe" 10 Long sandwich 11 Seafood sandwich 12 Headed the right way 13 Fallen for 19 Long-nosed fish 21 Joe's 2008 election counterpart 25 Lingerie item, briefly 26 Blissful settings 31 Like dried mud 32 Govt. IDs 33 Time of one's life?

34 Harsh 36 Hit one that was caught on the warning track, say 37 Acknowledgment of being sunk?

38 Parisian friend 39 Hold tight 40 Pizazz 43 Barely more than not at all

44 Pulled 46 "No fighting, now" 47 "The nerve!"

48 Weird to the max 51 Drunkard

52 Ticked off 53 Indian title of respect 58 Reggae relative 59 Wine choice 60 No and J

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THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

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

PIANIST/ORGANIST. CHURCH position for an experienced musician to fill accompanist role for weekly church services.

Please email resume to office@gloriadeilutheran.com

AMI TURTLE WATCH needs donations & silent action items for our FUNDRAISER. We can pick up! Call or text 941-713-6531.

BEACH RESORTS (Smuggler's Cove & Umbrella Beach) - looking for full time maintenance personnel. Duties include opening of resort in the mornings, handling work orders, painting, etc. Saturday required. Please call 941-778-6667

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

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570

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

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

EMPLOYMENT VIDEOGRAPHER. GREAT OPPORTUNITY for extra weekend income. Responsibilities include filming and internet posting of weekly Sunday church service. Please email resume to office@gloriadeilutheran.com

AMISUN.COM

Call us today! 941-778-3986

FOR SALE The City of Anna Maria is accepting sealed bids for the following items beginning on May 11, 2021:2003 John Deere Gator Serial #: W006X4X074360 Located: Public Works 2004 Golf Cart Model E825 VIN#: 5ASAG47474F034225 Located: Public Works The sealed bids must be submitted to the City Clerk no later than May 20, 2021 to the following address: City of Anna Maria Attn: City Clerk 10005 Gulf Drive PO Box 779 Anna Maria, FL 34216. All sealed bids are due no later than May 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The award will go to the highest bidder. Any questions, please contact the Anna Maria City Clerk at (941) 705-6130.

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

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CBC 1261150.

Call Mike Kern 941-7781115

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

Licensed and insured.

References available.

Call Chris at 941-3028759 please visit website: isletileservices.com “HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money.

941-778-3206

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

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

Sweeping, blowing, weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing: driveways, walkways, fences, pool decks/ cages. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315.

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES. Repairs, Additions, Drip, Timer Head Adjustments. Call Rick today Cell 720-299-1661 Office 941518-6326

MAY 12, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 05/12/2021, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FMCU0F70DUB98563 2013 Ford 1FVABTBV33HK47306 2003 Freightliner 1GNEK13T01J288794 2001 Chevrolet 2GCEC19C471575264 2007 Chevrolet 5TESN92N61Z758157 2001 Toyota JMHMGD38427S026401 2002 HONDA LHJTLBBN9EB200024 2014 BASH WBAGL63444DP70799 2004 BMW NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 05/19/2021, 09:00 am at 1855 63RD AVENUE E. BRADENTON, FL 34203, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. NORMS TOWING reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

2D4GP44L16R827528 2006 Dodge 2HGES16555H537606 2005 Honda 3KPF24AD8LE203047 2020 Kia 4T4BF3EKXAR015345 2010 Toyota JTEEW21A960014524 2006 Toyota JTKDE167470190515 2007 Scion KNADE123976251068 2007 Kia KNDPM3AC4L7801247 2020 Kia

LOST & FOUND LOST ON MANATEE BEACH. 18" herringbone chain (4mm thick, square link, round clasp, 10k) with 3/4" Spanish gold coin pendant.

Please call 585-755-3894.

Contact Dennis

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096 40-YEAR PAINTER from Kentucky. Hourly rate guaranteed savings over contractor price. Neat, dependable, equipped, insured. Highly productive. A+ rated by Better Business Bureau for 40 years. 502-817-6786. aapressurewash.com

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran.

Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

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

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

FREE

HOME DELIVERY

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

Call for Details

778-3986

www.amisun.com

MAY 12, 2021

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PAINTING

TRANSPORTATION

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee.

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

RENTAL WANTED SEEKING AMI ANNUAL RENTAL Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty 941799-9299

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

SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates.

Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190

AMISUN.COM

ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1BR 6 months $1550/mo. redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525.

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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MAY 12, 2021