Anna Maria Island Sun May 13, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 31

May 13, 2020

Reopening weekend gets off to a fast start The Island was bustling with leisurely activity on Saturday.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Manatee Beach was busy Saturday afternoon.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – A tour of Anna Maria Island on Saturday revealed an Island wasting no time trying to return to normal as the first weekend of the governor’s phase one reopening plan unfolded.

With a two-hour parking limit in place, the parking lot at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach was already full shortly after 10 a.m. Additional cars were not allowed to wait in front of the main gate and were turned away and forced to circle around until other cars exited out another gate.

Manatee County Code Enforcement Officer Pete Chadziewicz said people were being patient, but growing more impatient with each unsuccessful pass by the gate.

INSIDE NEWS 4 COAST LINES CAPTAINS REPORTS

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“When we’re full, we’re full,” he said.

The beach itself was quite busy and social distancing was practiced with varied degrees of success.

The West Coast Surf Shop was open and the picnic tables at Skinny’s Place across the street were filled with outdoor diners.

After leaving the beach, Valrico residents Dana Kates, Shaun McCloskey and their three children hit the Ugly Grouper restaurant for lunch, where Kates and her 5-yearold son, Andrew, engaged in a joyous dance to the live music performed by Nick Lutz.

“This is the first time we’ve had the kids out in eight weeks. It feels pretty amazing,” Kates said.

“It’s Mother’s Day weekend.

We had to get mom to the beach,” McCloskey added.

Down by the Anna Maria City Pier, folks gathered on the narrow beaches on both sides of the pier, joined by several boaters anchored just offshore.

Across the street, ice cream cones were enjoyed on Two Scoops’ waterfront patio.

Ginny’s and Jane E’s, Harry’s Grill, Poppo’s Taqueria, the Sandbar, Slim’s Place and The Waterfront restaurant were among the Anna Maria restaurants welcoming back their weekend patrons.

On Pine Avenue, Shiny Fish owner Rebecca Preston was happy to be back in the retail business, even at limited capacity.

“I’m thrilled to be open.

We’ve seen a steady increase in visitors this week,” Preston said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Above, The Bridge Tender Inn in Bradenton Beach was a popular spot on Saturday. Left, Ugly Grouper patron Dana Kates and her 5-yearold son, Andrew, danced to the music performed by Nick Lutz.

SEE REOPENING, PAGE 11

A ‘ COMFORT

PIER LEASE saga takes

DISH TO LIFT YOUR SENSES AND SPIRIT. 20

unexpected turn. 3 YOUR BICYCLE can expand

your fishing horizons. 14

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Anna Maria Island, Florida

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MAY 13, 2020

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Pier lease saga takes unexpected turns

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

ANNA MARIA – Sean Murphy has withdrawn his proposal to lease the city-owned restaurant and bait shop buildings on the new Anna Maria City Pier.

On Wednesday, May 6, city commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of authorizing Mayor Dan Murphy to begin pier lease negotiations with Sean Murphy, owner-operator of Beach Bistro, Eat Here and The Doctor’s Office craft cocktail bar in Holmes Beach.

Commission Chair Carol Carter cast the only opposition vote to Sean Murphy’s offer to pay the city $14,000 per month in base rent. The Ugly Grouper LLC group headed

by G. (Gary) Michael Ross offered $18,000 per month.

On Friday, Commissioner Amy Tripp requested a “Motion to rescind action taken at meeting of May 6” be placed on the agenda for the commission’s Thursday, May 14, meeting. When contacted, Tripp declined to comment on her reason for that request.

On Sunday, Sean Murphy notified the mayor via text message that he was withdrawing his proposal.

OFFER WITHDRAWN

“It was my intention when I entered

the RFP (request for proposals) process to be as helpful as possible to you in your endeavor to find the best operator for your pier franchise. I was far from certain that the operator should be me, but I was convinced that I could be helpful,” Sean Murphy wrote in his text.

“Since I formed that resolution our community has been assaulted by a pandemic.

The hospitality industry has been turned on its head. I was dismayed when my RFP became one of only two submitted at the closing date and was further dismayed when the motion was made and then passed that we would be the first negotiant. I believe we have fallen into a difficult time for planning any hospitality project. It is not your fault that in the middle of your RFP mechanism our world has turned inside out. I would recommend to you and the commission that you begin the RFP process over again when potential applicants have adjusted to the new environment and can make better decisions. I am certain that you will receive more and better proposals than you have now. I am withdrawing my proposal and encouraging you and the commission to begin again,” he wrote.

In response, the mayor wrote, “I will relay your note to our commissioners. Our city appreciates your having taken the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Sean Murphy withdrew his offer to lease the bait shop and restaurant buildings on the new Anna Maria City Pier. time to bid and hope that if a new RFP is issued, you would consider submitting an offer again. This will confirm receipt of your notification withdrawing your offer from further consideration for the City Pier restaurant.”

The commission will decide Thursday whether to authorize the mayor to begin lease negotiations with Ross and Ugly Grouper LLC or reject the remaining bid and reissue the RFP. Thursday’s meeting will be conducted by telephone and begin at 2 p.m. To listen or participate, call 1-408650-3123 and when prompted enter the access code: 590303789 When a tenant is secured, the city will retain control of the pier walkway, boat landing and the outdoor public space at the

pier’s T-end. Once opened after COVID-19 safety concerns subside, the fishing pier and public restrooms will remain open 24 hours a day.

During public comment at Wednesday’s meeting, it was suggested the future pier tenant consider selling affordable burgers, hots dogs and chips at the bait shop for those on limited budgets. Tripp, Carter and Commissioner Mark Short supported that suggestion.

THE PROPOSALS

On May 6, the mayor presented the commission with three options: Select a preferred bidder to begin negotiations with, reject both bids and reissue the RFP issued before the pandemic struck or take no formal action.

After 50 minutes of discussion, Commissioner Jon Crane made the motion to move forward with Sean Murphy’s proposal.

Short, Tripp and Commissioner Joe Muscatello supported Crane’s motion.

Referred to as Thomas Sean Murphy in the proposal, his proposal noted he had an available cash commitment of $400,000 from the Robert Schwaeger Family Trust, $300,000 in commercial financing and a SEE PIER LEASE, PAGE 17

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ISLAND NEWS

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MAY 13, 2020

IN BRIEF

Margaritaville hotel closes in on opening A sign is installed May 1 at the entrance to the newly constructed Compass by Margaritaville hotel at One Particular Harbour on Perico Island. The six-story, 123-room hotel is scheduled to open this summer and is taking reservations beginning July 15. Also opening this summer at the site is the Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar. For more information, visit www. compasshotel.com/AnnaMariaSound.

WMFR to hold assessment fee public hearing West Manatee Fire Rescue’s board will hold its May 19 meeting by teleconference. The first item on the agenda will be a public hearing before board members vote on the assessment fee rate for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The public is invited to virtually attend the public hearing and meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. For more information on how to join the meeting, visit www.wmfr.org.

City reduces dock rent for hotel Holmes Beach city commissioners approved a request to reduce the amount of money that the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club is required to pay the city for use of docks attached to city-owned seawall along Marina Drive. The request came from hotel management as work is underway to repair and replace the aging seawall. Work is expected to take three months to complete and though rent on the space has been paid through August, Mayor Judy Titsworth recommended reducing the invoice mailed in July by three months or $3,428.66. The reduced annual payment for 2020-21 will be $10,285.99 and is due to the city in August.

Members reappointed to pension board City commissioners unanimously approved the reappointment of three members of the Holmes Beach Police Department’s pension board – Darcie Duncan, Det. Sgt. Brian Hall and Sgt. Michael Walker. Both Hall and Walker were voted to continue their service on the pension board by their fellow police officers. Duncan’s position was a board of trustees appointment and was approved by her fellow four trustees to continue serving on the board. All three two-year terms expire April 1, 2022.

Correction Holmes Beach code enforcement officers are not evicting rental guests who may be violating the governor’s statewide order banning vacation rentals. An item in last week’s Beach Beat erroneously said two renters had been evicted. Code enforcement officers do not have the authority to evict guests for violating the governor’s order.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

WMFR commissioner won’t seek re-election BRADENTON – After 12 years on the dais, West Manatee Fire Rescue Commissioner Randy Cooper announced that he won’t seek re-election in November.

Cooper made the announcement April 21 during the board’s monthly meeting, held via teleconference online due to COVID-19 precautions.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure

working with you guys,” Cooper said, acknowledging everyone in the fire district that he’s worked with over the past dozen years.

“It’s been a pleasure serving on the board with you,” Commissioner David Bishop said, thanking Cooper for all his work over the years. “I’ll definitely miss being on the board with you.”

Commissioner Larry Jennis’ seat on

the dais also is up for re-election in November though he hasn’t stated whether he plans to pursue another term.

WMFR’s commissioners serve fouryear terms. Any resident of the district is invited to run for an open commission seat. Qualifying for candidates will be held in June. For more information on running for a fire district commission seat, visit www.votemanatee.com.

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MAY 13, 2020

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Commissioners abandon stormwater fee reduction Commissioners considered rescinding a 2019 decision to raise stormwater fees, but realized it’s too late for the coming tax year.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners considered rolling back the stormwater fee from the $2.95 per 100 square feet of lot to $1.50 for the coming tax year to help relieve some of the financial burden on property owners due to COVID-19. However, their conversation came too late to affect the 2020-21 tax year.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer brought up the conversation during an April 28 virtual work session. Schaefer said that he wanted to know if the $1.50 rollback rate would be sufficient to fund all of the city’s public safety infrastructure projects in the 2020-21 fiscal

year and, if so, he’d like to reduce the approved stormwater fee rate for the next year.

While commissioners had some discussion about reducing the rate, City Engineer Lynn Burnett said that there’s no time for commissioners to reduce the rate at this point.

Burnett said that the stormwater fee rate must be set by January for the coming tax year.

Commissioners voted in December to approve the $2.95 rate, a concession to the $4.40 rate Burnett suggested to help meet the city’s infrastructure goals. With the fees manually calculated for each property and required to be uploaded to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s office by June 1, it left commissioners with no time to discuss the issue at length, much less draft and pass a resolution. Burnett said she’s already begun the work of figuring the fees for each property in the city with the goal of uploading the information

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The work being done to replace the failing seawall along Marina Drive is being paid for using the monies collected through the Holmes Beach stormwater fees. a week or so before the June 1 deadline.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff brought another problem to commissioners’ attention. If commissioners voted to void the resolution governing the stormwater fees for the coming year, she said she’s not sure that legally the old rate would be in effect. Without time to do any legal research, she said it’s possible that the city could end

up with no stormwater fees collected for the 2020-21 tax year if they moved to reduce the stormwater fee now.

Stormwater fees pay for pipe replacements, WaStop valves, drainage projects, seawall repairs and replacements and other infrastructure projects.

Commissioners agreed to not pursue reducing the stormwater fee for the coming year due to timing issues.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said that he understands that property owners have an additional burden this year financially due to temporary business closures, however, he added that the city also is underinvested in infrastructure, which is failing and creates a public safety issue. With current plans already forecasted to take 17 years to complete planned projects, he said he feels uncomfortable pushing back another year.

Kihm also pointed out that if commissioners lower the rate one year, it will have to be significantly increased the following year to make up for the lost revenue.

“We haven’t invested in infrastructure in over 50 years,” Kihm said. “The bill’s coming due.”

Burnett said that if commissioners want to consider lowering the stormwater fee rate for the next fiscal year, 2021-22, they will need to have those discussions by November at the latest to pass a rate by January.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Pandemic brings out our best and our worst We have witnessed events in the last two months that have never happened in many of our lifetimes. This has brought out the best and worst in some.

There will be rough financial times ahead that may last years and now is the time to help one another. I have spoken to many Islanders who have lost everything and have no hope in the future. We need to bring our community together and help our fellow citizens. In my experience being contacted

by Islanders, many will not tell anyone what they are going through. Islanders, we need to talk to our neighbors.

I recently was contacted by an Islander who has no income and is getting ready to sink fast. I was able to get her someone higher up but don't know if it will help.

MAY 13, 2020

I had an experience at the age of 15 years old with no place to go. Citizens on this Island gave me shelter and helped me make it through high school and college.

Let’s get together with our local food bank and maybe find ways to get our Islanders food without them feeling embarrassed going to the pantry. Let’s financially contribute to our food pantry and think of creative ways to get our citizens who may have lost their jobs some kind of employment.

This county and our country will not rebound quickly. We will notice behaviors on some due to the severe pressure and stress they may be under. If you notice, talk to that person. Be patient if they do something dumb and talk. We are all caring and now is the time more than ever to be creative and help our Island communities.

Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach SEE LETTERS ON PAGE 8

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MAY 13, 2020

ON THE AGENDA

May 25, all day – City offices closed for Memorial Day

ANNA MARIA

BRADENTON BEACH

For information, call 941-708-6130 City hall is currently closed to the public.

All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission special meeting May 15, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation board meeting

For information, call 941-778-1005 City hall is currently closed to the public.

All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 19, 9:15 a.m. – City Commission emergency special meeting May 20, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting

10005 GULF DRIVE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR May 13-26 The Center of Anna Maria Island is closed.

All Anna Maria Island churches are closed.

The Island Branch Library is closed.

Tingley Memorial Library is closed.

All classes at area parks and recreation areas are closed and parks in Bradenton and Holmes Beach are closed including G.T. Bray, the Holmes Beach city field complex and the Holmes Beach Community Skate Park. All area public tennis courts, pickleball courts and basketball courts are closed.

The Holmes Beach dog park, Scentral Park, is open to the public.

Local preserves remain open to the public including Grassy Point Preserve, Perico Preserve, Neal Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

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May 21, noon – City Commission regular meeting May 25, all day – City offices closed for Memorial Day

May 26, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

HOLMES BEACH

May 19, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting. Instructions on how to join the virtual meeting will be available on www.wmfr.org.

May 20, 3 p.m. – Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, tentative, Town of Longboat Key.

5801 MARINA DRIVE

For more information, call 941-708-5800 City hall is currently closed to the public.

All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 25, all day – City offices closed for Memorial Day

ISLAND-WIDE

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MAY 13, 2020

Giving Challenge raises funds for nonprofits MANATEE COUNTY – This year’s Giving Challenge came to a close at noon on April 29 and raised $10,927,279 for 687 area nonprofit organizations, including several from Manatee County and Anna Maria Island.

The Giving Challenge was sponsored by the Sarasota Community Foundation with donations from $25-100 matched by The Patterson Foundation. While the organizations may not see the monies raised until around July 1, here’s how they stacked up on the challenge’s leader board.

• Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee raised $205,220 from donors with a $90,225 match for a total of $295,445.

• Mote Marine Laboratory raised $161,857.50 from donors with a $79,648.50 match for a total of $201,887.

• Southeastern Guide Dogs

raised $57,076.34 from donors with a $48,022.34 match for a total of $105,894.68.

• The Manatee Players raised $65,575 from donors with a $35,080 match for a total of $100,655.

• The Center of Anna Maria Island raised $76,938 from donors with a $14,108 match for a total of $91,046.

• The Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County raised $64,680 from donors with a $20,415 match for a total of $85,095.

• The Humane Society of Manatee County raised $33,146 from donors with a $26,421 match for a total of $59,567.

• Manatee County Habitat for Humanity raised $29,080 from donors with a $25,280 match for a total of $54,360.

• The Mayors Feed the Hungry Program raised $25,039 from donors with a $20,734

match for a total of $45,773.

• Art Center Manatee raised $19,485 from donors with a $17,835 match for a total of $37,320.

• Wildlife Inc. raised $16,165 from donors with a $14,535 match for a total of $30,700.

• Underdog Rescue of Florida raised $15,167 from donors with a $13,792 match for a total of $28,959.

• Friends of Manatee County Animal Services raised $14,115 from donors with a $11,415 match for a total of $25,530.

• Suncoast Waterkeeper raised $10,255 from donors with a $9,255 match for a total of $19,510.

• The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage raised $9,312 from donors with a $8,662 match for a total of $17,974.

• The Palma Sola Botanical Park Foundation raised $8,465 from donors with a $7,415 match for a total of $15,880.

• The Manatee County Audubon Society raised $6,375 from donors with a $6,275 match for a total of $12,650.

• Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum raised $5,595 from donors with a $5,245 match for a total of $10,840.

• The Artist’s Guild of Anna Maria Island raised $5,153 from donors with a $4,503 match for a total of $9,656.

• The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra raised $4,675 from donors with a $4,275 match for a total of $8,950.

• Keep Manatee Beautiful raised $1,400 from donors with a $1,000 match for a total of $2,400.

LETTERS Why leave motels, hotels open?

I depend heavily on the income I receive from renting my home on Anna Maria Island.

I understood the reason behind prohibiting the home rentals to be one of safety for the residents of the state and our community.

But the motels and resorts are still open?

How does it make us safer when the guests in the hotels are using elevators, touching common surfaces throughout the lobby, and sharing a common pool? Our open beaches, hotels and resorts will protect us much better than staying in a home? I question if these decision were truly made in the best interest of our community.

Becky Hullinger Anna Maria

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Bayfront Park parking lot reopening Anna Maria is feeling the impacts of beach reopenings and parking restrictions implemented elsewhere on the Island.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Bayfront Park parking lot closed by Manatee County on March 20 is expected to reopen this week.

The beachfront park is owned by the city of Anna Maria but managed and maintained by Manatee County.

On Thursday, May 7, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy sent an email to city commissioners informing them that County Administrator Cheri

Coryea informed him county commissioners would address the opening of additional county facilities at their Tuesday, May 12 Land Use meeting.

Murphy’s email said he expected the Bayfront Park parking lot to open at some point this week and he asked City Commission Chair Carol Carter to place the matter on the agenda for discussion at Thursday’s city commission meeting.

CITY-WIDE PARKING CONCERNS

Saturday evening, Murphy sent Coryea an email expressing his concerns about the impact Anna Maria was feeling due to beach openings and the parking restrictions implemented elsewhere on the Island.

“We are getting hammered parking-

wise in our city today. Part of this is due to the reduced parking at the public beach as well as the two-hour time limit. The rest is due to the decision

by Holmes Beach to eliminate all right of way parking in their city. Neither you nor Anna Maria can do much to change that situation in Holmes Beach.

Our only option would be to make some far-reaching decisions to protect our neighborhoods and our residents in Anna Maria,” Murphy’s email said.

“Please see what you can do to help us get back to some sense of normalcy.

Please re-examine what you are doing at the two opened beaches (Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach), the entry check points, two-hour parking passes and reduced parking. The two-hour limit is not the answer for the entire

island. Nor is the reduced parking lot capacity,” Murphy wrote.

“If the intent of the county commission was to reduce crowding at the beaches on Anna Maria Island to control the spread of COVID-19 virus, it has failed. The crowd has moved to Anna Maria. It works only for Holmes Beach beaches, but the unintended consequence is that now there are three times as many people jammed together in Anna Maria and it has become nearly impossible to control. We are a city of one square mile. The same number of people are coming to the beach as before COVID19, but they are being forced into a city that has only limited room and a finite number of no parking signs. Please let me know what you can do to help,” Murphy’s email concluded.

Slim’s Place opens free sandwich bank If you need a free Philly cheesesteak sandwich or burger swing by Slim’s Place.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Slim’s Place in Anna Maria is offering a free Philly cheesesteak sandwich or a free burger to those in need of a meal.

Owner Chris Smargisso recently sent out an email detailing his establishment’s COVID-19-related charitable efforts.

“On Thursday April 16, we did a pop-up opening to raise funds to feed the unemployed service industry workers in the area. We asked people to come out and buy a Philly cheesesteak or a burger at regular price and donate one for $6 to our sandwich bank to feed people in need. We had

159 sandwiches donated by our awesome islanders on the first night,” his email said.

“We have been overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the generosity of our Slim’s family of locals. We also had numerous people stop in with gift cards and donations for our staff while we were closed. The amount of love and appreciation shown by these patrons is heartwarming and much appreciated by all of us at Slim’s. Our plan is to continue the sandwich bank and donate them to first responders, medical field workers, local businesses and anyone who needs a Philly to make their day a little better. People can donate by calling 941-567-4056 or stopping in during business hours,” Smargisso wrote.

When contacted Monday, Smargisso provided a sandwich bank update.

“People can come and buy a donatable sandwich for $6.

And all people have to do to get a sandwich for free is come in and ask for it. You don’t even have to be unemployed at this point. If a cheesesteak or burger will help make your day any better come on in and get one. We’ve got plenty to give away,” Smargisso said.

He said the sandwich bank had 184 available sandwiches as of Monday morning.

Smargisso plans to maintain the sandwich bank and have it in place this fall in case there is a second wave of COVID-19 outbreaks that create additional hardships for the people of Anna Maria Island.

“We’re going to keep it running and have this constant sandwich bank at Slim’s. We’re just trying to help people out,” Smargisso said.

Slim’s Place is located at 9701 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria.

We Are Now Open for Outside Dining

CHRIS SMARGISSO | SUBMITTED

Slim’s Place in Anna Maria has a sandwich bank that provides a free Philly cheesesteak sandwich or a burger to a hungry member of the Island community.

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MAY 13, 2020

Our building may be closed, but our MINISTRIES continue!

THE GOOD NEWS We invite you to w ship with us online!

www.RoserChurch.com/worship

Every Sunday 10:00 AM

Watch LIVE (interactive) or LATER! Call the office if you need assistance.

Call the church text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

FACEBOOK> follow> see first, join a group. Need help? Call the office!

The FOOD PANTRY is open to assist island residents/w kers in need.

The CHAPEL is open 9:00 to 3:00 weekdays f prayer & meditation.

Send PRAYER REQUESTS to info@r erchurch.com call the office.

Call the church office if you would like to talk to a PASTOR. A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • Facebook @RoserChurch

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REOPENING: First weekend gets off to a fast start FROM PAGE 1

The beach in front of the Sandbar restaurant was a popular destination and so was nearby Bean Point.

The beach near the Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach was moderately busy, but the beachgoers were spread out.

Bridge Street was abuzz with activity, including those who enjoyed lunch and/or adult beverages at the Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar, the Bridge Tender Inn, the Daiquiri Deck, Blue Marlin Seafood, Island Time Bar & Grill, Oma’s Pizza and more.

People also visited the reopened retail establishments, including the Bridge Street Bazaar, where the clerks now work behind newly-installed Plexiglas shields.

Similar dining activities took place north of Cortez Road at the Gulf Drive Café, Wicked Cantina and Smoqehouse.

The Island’s stand-alone bars – the Drift In, Sports Lounge, Anchor Inn, D Coy Ducks and The Doctor’s Office – remain closed under the governor’s executive order.

Vacation rental check-ins are still prohibited according to the governor’s executive order, but out-of-town visitors and out-ofstate license plates were a common sight.

A Tampa attorney recently filed a lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis seeking to get the vacation rental ban lifted and DeSantis has not yet announced when vacation rental operations can legally resume.

DeSantis allowed hair and nail salons to reopen Monday with enhanced safety protocols, but he had not yet announced when the second phase of his reopening plan would begin.

CONTINUED TESTING

When the reopening began on Monday, May 4, there had been a total of 619 reported COVID-19 cases in Manatee County, with 59 deaths and 162 hospitalizations.

As increased testing continues, Manatee County had 783 reported COVID-19 cases, 178 hospitalizations and 74 deaths – 46 of which were attributed to nursing homes and assisted living facilities – as of Monday, May 11.

There was still only one reported COVID-19 case in Holmes Beach, one in Bradenton Beach (cruise ship-related) and none in Anna Maria. According to Manatee County Public Safety Director Jake Saur, a positive case is attributed to the zip code shown on the driver’s license or ID of the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Patrons enjoyed ice cream cones and a waterfront view at Two Scoops in Anna Maria.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Shiny Fish owner Rebecca Preston is glad to be back in business.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria Oyster Bar Managing Partner Lynn Horne, left, relaxed with friends and patrons.

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MAY 13, 2020

Save the refuge for the birds Cindy Lane

F

riday, May 15 is Endangered Species Day, a great day to get outdoors and try to spot local birds, turtles and manatees that are on the federal and state imperiled species lists.

It is not, however, a great day to take your two quarantine-weary dogs in a fast red boat to Passage Key, a national wildlife refuge off the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, and let them off their leashes as you walk around the island, allowing them to repeatedly flush hundreds of birds off their nests during nesting season, causing the birds to screech and stay away from their eggs and their young for extended periods.

But that’s exactly what one couple did last Friday evening with their two dogs.

In case you didn’t know, walking on Passage Key is against the law. Bringing dogs onto the key is against the law.

Laws such as these can’t always be quickly enforced on an uninhabited island, despite the nine rather large signs stating: “National Wildlife Refuge | Bird Sanctuary | Area Closed.”

“Due to its value to nesting seabirds, shorebirds and wading birds, Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public use year-round,” according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The fact that boaters often go without clothes in the waters off Passage Key is

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

This couple brought their unleashed dogs onto Passage Key Friday evening, May 8. The bird nesting island is off limits to people and pets. often overlooked by law enforcement.

The fact that people come ashore and disturb protected shorebirds should never be overlooked.

Among the threatened birds nesting on Passage Key are black skimmers and American oystercatchers. Nonthreatened birds include brown pelicans, laughing gulls, sandwich terns and royal terns.

“Threatened” is a category of protection under the Endangered Species Act, passed by Congress in 1973, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, and commemorated on Endangered Species Day on Friday. “Imperiled species” is the general term that includes endangered species (the most critically threatened of all), followed by threatened species (less critically threatened), and species of special concern (the least critically threatened).

On and around Anna Maria Island, several threatened species are common, including:

BIRDS

• American oystercatcher • Black skimmer • Least tern • Little blue heron • Piping plover • Reddish egret • Roseate spoonbill • Snowy plover

MAMMALS

• West Indian manatee

REPTILES

• Gopher tortoise • Green sea turtle • Loggerhead sea turtle

The Endangered Species Coalition recommends 10 things you can do to help protect imperiled species like these.

• Learn about endangered species in your area. Teach your friends and family about the wildlife, birds, fish and plants that live near you.

• Create a backyard wildlife habitat.

Put bird feeders and other wildlife attractants, such as bird houses and baths.

• Plant a pollinator garden with native vegetation in your yard. Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife like butterflies.

• Minimize use of herbicides and pesticides that can affect wildlife.

• Reduce your use of water in your home and garden so that animals that live in or near water can have a better chance of survival.

• Place decals on windows to deter bird collisions.

• Slow down when driving to avoid collisions with animals.

• Recycle and buy sustainable products.

• Don’t litter.

• Never purchase products made from endangered species like ivory, coral and tortoise shell.

And please, stay off Passage Key.

Turtles, watchers face obstacles on beach

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Sea turtles might be hard pressed to beat their 2019 Island record of 544 nests as they navigate around some hazards this nesting season.

First, there’s the much-needed beach renourishment project slated for next month, which will enlarge the eroded beach.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers are relocating all sea turtle nests in the path of the renourishment in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, Director Suzi Fox said. Anna Maria nests will stay put as the renourishment project

does not extend into the city of Anna Maria.

“We need to put all of our efforts into renourishment for the turtles’ sake as well as ours,” she said.

Then there are holes in the sand, dug by beachgoers enjoying the newlyreopened public beaches on the Island after weeks of COVID-19 closures.

Holes can trap sea turtles as they nest and hatch.

“We are working with the county beach raker, Mark Taylor, to get the holes filled in, and it is a huge job,” Fox said, requesting people to fill in holes they see on the beach.

And there’s the trash Taylor picks up daily, which has increased dramatically since the beaches reopened last Mon-

CINDY LANE | SUN

1. Holes dug in the sand and not filled up can entrap nesting sea turtles. day, she said, reminding beachgoers to pack out what they pack in.

Turtle Watch faces some obstacles of its own, with COVID-19 precautions

reducing the volunteer staff from 79 to 25 people, Fox said.

“We’re missing the rest of the crew,” but the remaining volunteers are covering the beaches faster and more efficiently by using four ATVs instead of walking the beach, she said, adding that the vehicles will keep Turtle Watchers safely away from beachgoers during the pandemic.

The popular Turtle Talks will not be held this year due to the pandemic, there will be no end-of-season banquet, and Turtle Watch volunteers will not be delivering handouts about turtle-friendly lighting door to door, although the handouts are available by appointment at 2213 Avenue B in Bradenton Beach.

Call 941-778-5638.

MAY 13, 2020

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Road work in Cortez Work continues on the road realignment at SR 684/ Cortez Road from 123rd Street West to 119th Street West and from 123rd Street West to 86th Street West. Crews are realigning the intersection of Cortez Road and 119th Street West, resurfacing the roadway, improving drainage, constructing a sidewalk and installing new highway lighting.

Expect nighttime or overnight lane closures from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Cortez Road and on 119th Street West (both north and south sides); daytime lane closures from east of 119th Street West to 86th Street West within the four-lane section of Cortez Road are expected from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. over the next few weeks. The project is expected to be completed by late summer.

Cortez Bridge work continues Motorists may may expect possible delays on the Cortez Bridge. Expect nighttime or overnight intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures from 9 p.m. each night to 4 a.m. each morning, Tuesday, May 26, through Thursday, May 28, while crews perform maintenance work.

Two TDC seats open Manatee County is accepting applications for two elected official seats on the Tourist Development Council (TDC), a nine-member citizens advisory committee that makes recommendations to the Manatee County Commission on the expenditures of tourist tax revenues.

The TDC is seeking two elected municipal officials to fill the seats; at least one must be from Bradenton, the county's largest municipality. The seats are for four-year terms. Applications are due June 1 and may be found online at www. mymanatee.org/advisory_boards.

The TDC meets on the third Monday of every other month at 9 a.m. at various locations throughout Manatee County.

For more information, call Monica Luff at the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 941-729-9177 ext.

3944 or email her at Monica.Luff@mymanatee.org.

Water quality report ‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE !

Bayfront Park North

Coquina Beach North

Coquina Beach South Cortez Beach Manatee Beach North

Palma Sola South Source: Florida Department of Heath

Poor Good Good Good Poor Poor

14

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

MAY 13, 2020

The bike angle Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

I

like to bike and I love to fish. It occurred to me a long time ago that I might be able to access some great fishing spots by bike. More often than not though, my fishing adventures involved a boat. That is until I started pedaling to Longboat Pass to fish from the bridge and to the bay to explore local public docks. What I discovered was a way to get in some excellent fishing without having to do the work to get a boat in and out of the water, with all that’s involved.

That didn’t keep me from boating, but it opened up a new avenue for getting my fishing fix and a bike ride too. For anglers who don’t have easy access to a boat, a bike can take you to some excellent angling opportunities.

A good example is Robinson Preserve in Manatee County. The park is a treasure for walkers, bikers, kayakers and anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

It also provides access to Perico Bayou and Tampa Bay. In addition, it also holds a maze of canals that, based on recent observations, hold some pretty terrific fishing. On a bike ride to the park recently, I encountered a number of anglers who had used their bikes to access the bridges that span the preserve's canals and outlets to Tampa Bay. When I reached a favorite spot for a water break near the bay, I saw two anglers far out on a shallow flat I’ve fished many times from my boat.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A couple of anglers pedal through Robinson Preserve on their way to a favorite fishing spot.

Nearby, leaning against a picnic table were their two bikes with rod holders. I took some pictures along the shoreline and eventually the two anglers waded to shore nearby. They had experienced a productive morning of fishing, seen no other angers and landed a number of big redfish and trout.

Although it doesn't take more than a medium light spinning rod rigged with an artificial lure to get in the game, I saw other bikers transporting live shrimp and even cast nets for catching bait. My preferred rig is an 8-pound spinning outfit or 8-weight fly rod with

a 25- or 30-pound leader. I'm confident in the flies, plugs and jigs I fish, so that's what I use and what I catch fish on. I double my standing line with a Bimini twist or a spider hitch and then tie my leader to the double line with a blood knot. After tying on a fly, top water plug or jig with a Non-Slip Mono Loop, I stick a spool of leader and a couple of extra flies or lures in my pocket and I'm good to go.

This time of the year is perfect for a world of wade fishing that a bike gives access to. All you'll need is a pair of wading boots or old tennis shoes and

a change of pants for the ride home.

Bikes can quickly get you to places you'd find hard to reach even by boat.

You can plan your outing by consulting access points (Google Maps) online.

Then pack your gear and use your bike to explore some local less-accessible fishing gems. Try using your bike to expand your fishing horizon. Whether it’s a quick ride to a local pass or to one of a number of local parks near Anna Maria Island, you’ll be surprised at the opportunities it will open up for you.

MAY 13, 2020

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Fishing heats up as summer approaches CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

Things seem to be getting a bit back to normal here on our little island. The charter business is picking back up and we’re happy to say that fishing is stellar!

Inshore, the snook, trout, redfish, Spanish mackerel and black drum are cooperating nicely for our inshore charters. We hope that the mangrove snapper will get bigger as we stay warmer. Also inshore, the tarpon are moving in nicely. We’ve landed fish up to about 130 pounds so far. We use pass crabs and threadfin herring as our primary baits. The tarpon fishing will improve greatly as we move further along into May and June.

Offshore fishing is about as good as it gets as well.

Blackfin tuna have moved in thick. African pompano are biting well too, with fish up to 40 pounds being caught. The yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper are getting good as well. They’ll only get better as summer progresses.

Hopefully things continue to trend up around here and life starts resuming as normal! Tight lines!

Trey Morrison from Oxford, Maine, hoists a big African pompano caught with Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters.

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

MAY 13, 2020

What’s bad for New York may be good for Florida

I

am a New Yorker, I was born in New York City and worked there for 25 years. Until I moved to Florida more than 20 years ago, I lived my whole life in either New York City or its surrounding suburbs. I love New York City. I have never found another city anywhere in the world where I have traveled to match New York’s vibrant energy, diversity and culture; it is simply one of a kind.

However, now I fear the best of what the city has to offer may be gone.

What the 911 terrorists could not do, an uncontrollable virus may very well complete. What does this mean to us now comfortably living in Florida and about to open our businesses, beaches and stores? It could mean a lot, especially as it relates to real estate.

New York state has been losing residents for a long while; as of mid-2019 it lost almost 77,000 residents from the previous year. A combination of out-of-sight state and local taxes along

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER with overpriced real estate has made it almost impossible for young families to exist in New York City and many of its suburban communities within commuting distance to the city. Now, because of the pandemic, a large percentage of employees and their companies are finding out that working remotely is possible. They are realizing they may not need to be in an office in the middle of a city, they can live wherever they want and enjoy a higher quality of life for them and their families.

Because of the virus, existing home sales fell nationally in March by 8.5% as expected. This is unfortunate after

February’s growth was at the highest level in more than a year. The national real estate market was perfectly set up for a big spring buying season with low unemployment and low mortgage rates, making buying a home ideal, but now all of that is on hold. The lack of sales could have a negative effect on price growth combined with the loss of jobs, but that remains to be seen.

However, Florida - with our low taxes, low regulations and balanced budget in addition to a variety of housing options all more favorably priced than the northeast - is increasingly becoming a big draw. I read a recent interview with a Realtor in southeast Florida who reported that in recent weeks he has seen a significant jump in inquiries for available properties. In the past he said he typically got one or two leads a day from the northeast. Now, he is averaging about 10 per day from the suburbs of New Jersey, Manhattan and

Long Island as well as other parts of the northeast that have been hardest hit by the virus. Northeast buyers are telling him that they see a second wave of retirees relocating to Florida full time, much of it based on not only financial advantages but also lack of density.

There you have it. I cannot fall out of love with New York City, but I can see how it is changed and may no longer be the best fit for many. Residents of northeastern states may have had it paying for the privilege of living on top of each other and are ready to social distance permanently. My advice to Florida Realtors is market to the northeast, especially those areas considered the tri-state - New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. My feel is there are a lot of people who have been simmering with thoughts of a change for a while and this pandemic may have put simmering over to boiling. Stay safe.

www.amisun.com

MAY 13, 2020

PIER LEASE: Unexpected turns FROM PAGE 3

liquor license valued at $360,000.

“The Beach Bistro also has a full complement of restaurant equipment available to outfit the operation,” the now-withdrawn proposal said.

Murphy’s proposal estimated $300,000 in renovation completion costs and $50,000-plus for furnishings and light wares.

His proposal mentioned breakfast, a $20 check average for lunch and a $25$30 check average for the dinner and bar menus.

“To accomplish rent goals for the city, the product offerings will have to make higher check averages possible. We can’t get the rent the city needs with just hot dogs,” the proposal said.

The proposal said menu offerings would emphasize fresh seafood, top quality meats, cheese, charcuterie, a “creative cocktail list,” American beers, craft beers and wine.

Murphy’s proposal did not mention fishing and only mentioned the bait shop regarding rent covering maintenance costs.

The Ugly Grouper LLC proposal notes their restaurant in Holmes Beach is co-owned by Scott Rolen – a retired

Major League Baseball player. Thad Treadwell is listed as general manager.

The Ugly Grouper proposal says the restaurant opened in 2016 has produced greater than 10% bottom line profits after budgeting approximately $10,000 a month for rent.

Their proposal references a partnership with Project Corporate, their entity that provides administrative and promotional support for the Ugly Grouper and other restaurants in Indiana not co-owned by Ross and Rolen.

The proposal notes the Ugly Grouper is pre-approved for a $2 million line of credit that can be used for buildout and Mason Martin Builders provided an estimate of slightly more than $1 million to complete that work.

“We want City Pier to be the best dining experience on the Island, which would include live music. We plan to provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our menu will give a variety of local and fresh items at price points that are comparable with most restaurants on Anna Maria Island. We will also offer a fishing experience that even the most novice fisherman can enjoy. Our goal is to provide guests with assistance, if needed, and promote the enjoyment of the fishing pier,” the proposal says.

HOLMES BEACH: 5201 Gulf Drive • ELLENTON: 945 25th Drive East, Suite 10

The $4,000 per month in additional base rent offered by Ugly Grouper LLC equates to $48,000 per year and at least $480,000 during a 10-year lease, not including periodic rent increases.

Both bidders submitted alternative rent proposals based on a percentage of revenue generated. The mayor said preCOVID-19 estimated annual revenues were between $3 million and $4 million.

FINANCIAL RECORDS

“A final corporate entity has not been selected for the operation. Sean Murphy will be the principal,” Murphy’s proposal says.

According to official records at the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court website, on May 5, 2016, Beach Bistro Inc. and Thomas Sean Murphy entered into a $250,000 mortgage agreement with developer Shawn Kaleta and attorney Louis Najmy. Murphy is listed as the mortgagor, Kaleta is listed as 1/5 mortgagee and Najmy is listed as 4/5 mortgagee.

On May 16, 2016, a State of Florida Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statement form was filed that lists Beach Bistro Inc. and Murphy as the debtor and Kaleta and Najmy as secured parties. The agreement references a commercial unit/condominium identified as Resort Sixty Six, which shares the same address as Beach Bistro.

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“This financing statement covers the following collateral: All furniture, fixtures, equipment, alcohol and beverage licenses,” it says.

On June 17, 2016, a mortgage modification document that added $90,000 to the previous mortgage agreement was filed. On May 3, 2018, the 2016 financing statement was terminated.

On Jan. 10, 2020, a mortgage and security agreement dated March 12, 2018 was filed for a $125,000 mortgage agreement between Murphy, Kaleta and Najmy with the same mortgager and mortgagee assignments.

On January 31, Eat Here AMI LLC and Murphy entered into $60,000 mortgage agreement with the Mask Cigar & Liquor LLC that lists Vimal Patel and Darshit Patel in Sarasota as managing members.

Eat Here is in The Waterline Shoppes plaza owned by Waterline Shoppes LLC and currently listed for sale for $3.2 million.

The official records list one item for the Ugly Grouper: a 2016 Holmes Beach city resolution pertaining to a revised site plan. The official records for Ross list two non-monetary affidavits associated with FL Blue Sky Properties LLC and the 50 North Shore Drive 1 LLC. These financial records were not discussed at last week’s meeting. They were first reported by The Sun on Saturday.

18

www.amisun.com

THE SUN

BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH

4/20, battery on a law enforcement officer; Bradenton Beach police station. While under arrest, the defendant spit on the officer.

HOLMES BEACH

5/4, Possession of alcoholic beverage by a minor; 100 50th St. The officer saw the subject approaching the beach with a bottle of wine. She attempted to conceal the wine but failed, so the officer

gave her a notice to appear before a judge.

4/30, Trespass after a warning; Publix, 3900 East Bay Drive. The subject was arrested after being caught intoxicated in the store.

5/1, Larceny, theft; Waterline Resort, 5316 Gulf Drive. Four fishing rods and a depth finder were stolen from a boat moored there. Two of the rods were recovered two days later.

5/3, Violation of the ban on right-of-way parking; 200 Manatee Ave. The car was towed.

5/4, Violation of the emergency ban on rental check-ins; 101 73rd St. Code Enforcement Officer James Thomas reported

MAY 13, 2020

the defendant needed a place to stay for four days, but the law said no.

5/5, Vehicle theft; 5200 Marina Drive. The license plate reader alerted police to a stolen vehicle and a drawn weapon.

There were four juveniles and the driver said she had bought the car from a friend and the other juveniles said they didn’t know the car was stolen. An inventory of the car produced $56 cash and a leafy green substance.

The driver was arrested and the others were released.

5/5, Violation of the emergency ban on rental check-ins; 114 48th St. The renter and rental agent were given notices to appear before a judge.

Bert Harris continues to plague city leaders BRADENTON – Holmes Beach city leaders are still battling nearly two dozen Bert Harris Act cases in court.

With Manatee County Circuit Court resuming via teleconference, the city’s attorneys participated in two hearings, one on April 30 with Judge Charles Sniffen and one on May 4 with Judge Edward Nicholas.

Sniffen heard five cases, all concerning the city’s occupancy restriction of two people per bedroom or six people,

whichever is greater. All five property owners alleged that the occupancy restriction unfairly burdens the use of their vacation rental properties and doesn’t allow them to earn what they consider a reasonable return on their investment. Sniffen said that he would consider the facts of all five cases before issuing a ruling on the city’s motion to dismiss. Another group of cases heard by Sniffen in January on the city’s motion for partial summary

judgment are still awaiting a ruling.

Nicholas ruled on the four cases he heard in the city’s motion to dismiss in favor of the property owners. All four cases concerned occupancy restrictions. While Nicholas said all of the arguments given by attorneys on both sides were excellent, he was confined to “the four corners of the Act” and found the facts in favor of the property owners. The city’s attorneys have 20 days from May 4 to respond.

941.780.8000 CindyQuinnRealtor.com

MAY 13, 2020

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19

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bridge Street gets a makeover The faux-brick surface installed on Bridge Street in 2016 has been removed. Last week, Superior Asphalt resurfaced the street and the post office parking lot used for after-hours public parking.

The project cost was $54,152.

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20

THE SUN

FOOD & WINE

MAY 13, 2020

A dish to lift the spirit

Brian Mathae

I

Barley Salad with Nectarines 12 Servings

HURRICANE HANKS

t’s been six weeks since I last wrote an article for this feature. Like so many of you, since then I’ve been up and down, happy and sad and yearning for a return to a simpler and gentler life. I’ve been moved by the kind words and compassion shown by so many in the community to me for the unexpected loss of my mother and by our incredible customers who have been extremely generous with their financial support of our staff.

For that I am forever grateful. At the same time I’ve struggled with feelings of isolation from family and friends, despair for the financial well-being of our staff and ourselves and a general feeling of malaise.

Needless to say, it’s been a very long six weeks. I would have preferred hibernation over isolation. A nice restful sleep, in which I would lose 15% to 20% of my weight, only to awake and feel refreshed with the spring sun’s warmth upon me, hungry and ready for the world, sounds far more appealing! I didn’t lose any weight during isolation - in fact I probably gained some. Nonetheless, I feel that the hope and promise of better times ahead is getting nearer and nearer. It makes me think back to the warm spring days when family and friends would have an impromptu barbecue in the backyard. For those who

Ingredients

16 ounces pearl barley 4 medium limes 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tbs sugar 3/4 tsp greshly ground black pepper 4-5 medium nectarines, pitted and cut into small segments 2 large tomatoes, seeded and cut into small segments 1/2 cup fresh chopped mint tsalt

Directions

In a saucepan boil 6 cups of water and add 1 tsp salt and barley. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 45 minutes until the barley is tender.

Transfer barley to a strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

SUBMITTED

have lived in the north, you can appreciate the feeling of coming out of hibernation. The changing of seasons makes us genuinely more appreciative of the beauty that the world has to offer us.

Sometimes you have to lose something, even temporarily, in order to really appreciate it. We felt alive and happy during those gatherings. And I feel the rumblings of the same feelings now. There was

www.TheFeastRestaurantAMI.com

always an opportunity to try new dishes at the gatherings. Everyone would bring a dish to share and many were outstanding. One in particular feels totally appropriate to share with you right now. It combines the comfort of a grain and the freshness of stone fruit, lime and mint. It will lift your senses and make you feel comfortable. From all of us at Hurricane Hanks, we hope you enjoy!

Grate the limes until you have 1 tablespoon of lime rind. Squeeze limes to obtain 1/2 cup lime juice. Add the rind and juice to a bowl and add olive oil, sugar, pepper and 1 tsp salt. Whisk until well blended.

Add barley, nectarine and tomato segments and mint to lime dressing. Stir gently to coat well. Chill until served.

MAY 13, 2020

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Prepared for a shot 8 It dropped "Western" from its name in 1997 13 By design 16 Basic 17 Come to one's senses 18 Not level 19 Department store section 20 Pacific resort, popularly 22 Some years ago 23 Like 24 Westernmost African capital 25 Hardly Mr. Cool 26 Commonly crumbled fare 29 Word on Italian street signs Answers to 05-06-20 Crossword Puzzle.

30 Competition involving pictures 33 Hometown folks 34 Portmanteau coin 35 Longtime Warner Bros. output 39 __ player 40 Calm 41 Legendary Asian 43 "War on Peace" author __ Farrow 44 Network for cinema lovers 47 Homecoming figure 48 Headline 49 Pinky __ 51 Completely lost 53 Waiting line 55 Imply 56 Some of Nixon's Plumbers, formerly 57 Simpson of fashion

THE SUN

21

58 "Aha!" Down 1 Puccini 3-Down 2 Magic star of the '90s 3 See 1-Down 4 Member of an Iraqi minority 5 "Wonder Woman" (2017) villain 6 Microbrew option 7 Asti wine grape 8 Pampering place 9 Brown on the Food Network 10 Ring centerpiece 11 Cause of many '70s lines 12 Come before 14 Really absorb 15 With all judges present, as at a Circuit Court 21 Lower-calorie cookie since 2015 24 Hardly Hollywood's most wanted 26 Filter target 27 World record?

28 High-and-mighty sort 30 Exchanged for an equivalent 31 Pucker inducer 32 Revolutionary-era loyalist 33 Super Bowl LI per-

former 36 Hot 37 View from Anchorage 38 Warn, watchdogstyle

42 Utopian 44 Many Beliebers 45 Cuban hero JosĂŠ 46 Peak 49 Dreamcast maker

50 Sharpen 52 Had 54 "What a terrible idea!"

22

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMPLOYMENT

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com

HOTEL ON ANNA MARIA seeking Housekeeper Full time, Part time. Must have two years experience. We drug test.

Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message.

813-735-4373.

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.

BOATS: WANTED: BOAT LIFT/ DOCK SPACE/CANAL SPACE My wife and I are looking for a space for our 23ft boat. Looking to rent or purchase a canal space on Anna Maria. Please call/text 203-247- 6405

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. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE 13 UNIT RESORT: $3,999,900 Bradenton Beach on Gulf Dr. WAREHOUSE: 9300 sq ft possible Machine Shop w/ Heavy Duty Elect. Or Car Storage. So many Possibilities. Near SRQ Airport. $595,000. Island Real Estate call Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

JESSIE’S ISLAND STORE has immediate openings for full and part time cashiers for both day and night shifts. Apply in person at 5424 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach or call 941778-6903 THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or

by U.S. Postal Service to The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216, attention: Mike Field, publisher.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

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.

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

MAY 13, 2020

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 05/13/2020, 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.

1FAFP3432YW102992 2000 FORD 1FAFP45X22F166559 2002 FORD 1G1FB3DS5J0122655 2018 CHEVROLET 2GCEC19V831209416 2003 CHEVROLET 5FNRL18953B015672 2003 HONDA KNDJD733135129024 2003 KIA SAJEA51C44WD88267 2004 JAGUAR NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 05/20/2020, 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.

1G8AJ52F94Z178145 2004 SATURN 1GCDM19X92B139658 2002 CHEVROLET 2B6HB11Y0YK129782 2000 DODGE 3B7KF23ZXXG182759 1999 3N1AB7AP3KY384127 2019 NISSAN F44CT9V704697 1979 SPRINTER KNDJN2A2XK7918978 2019 Kia

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 06/03/2020, 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.

1FDWE35S93HA65339 2003 FORD 1FTEF14N9TLB51289 1996 FORD 1FUJBBCG43LK49559 2003 FREIGHTLINER 3FA6P0G78KR267419 2019 FORD 3KPA24AB7KE200406 2019 KIA WELR0997J485 1985 WEL NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: NORMS TOWING gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 06/10/2020, 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.

1FMCU04118KA71305 2008 FORD 1GCCS138258233384 2005 CHEVROLET 1N6DD26S5XC329308 1999 NISSAN 4S2CK58W744300098 2004 ISUZU

LOST & FOUND LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068

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

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

941-812-0507

AMISUN.COM

“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 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

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

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

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

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

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

PAINTING

HOME SERVICES TRANSPORTATION

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE

CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY May 17. 1pm-4pm. 7920 4th Ave W. Bradenton. Pine Bay Forest Condo. Gorgeous 1300 sq.ft. 2BR/2BA Condo.

Completely remodeled.

Beautiful coastal glam style with vinyl plank floors. Recessed lighting.

Brand New Kitchen.

Custom Touches like barn wood slider doors. MOVE RIGHT IN. $225,000 Call 941-7136531

IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

AMISUN.COM

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 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com

2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 WARES CREEK AREA. 3BR/2BA on Wares Creek $1700/mo Available NOW. First, & 1 ½ security deposit. Credit check required.

Call 941-809-2488 HOLMES BEACH DUPLEX 2BR/1BA (216 N Harbor Dr) 2 blocks to beach.

Washer/Dryer hook ups, I Year lease. $1350/mo First, 1 &1/2 months security deposit. Available NOW. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL 2BR/2BA duplex off Cortez, 3.5 mi to beach.

Fenced yard, W/D hook ups, covered parking, non-smoking, pet friendly. $1,100/mo. 941-721-8480 M-F 9-5, or email mehall@ nclaimsadjusters.com

ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL Big POOL, Small Complex. 1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Furnished, Water, Electric, Cable, Wifi included. $1550/mo. No pets. Call 941-704-7525 HOLMES BEACH ANNUAL Furnished 1BR/1BA. Kitchen, living room, Florida room. Spacious yard, quiet neighborhood. 2 blocks to beach. Includes washer/ dryer, wifi, all utilities. No pets/non smoker. First, last & security at signing. $1300/mo. Available June 1. Contact Linda 440-9837232.

1BR/1BA-AVAILABLE NOW - 3 blocks from beach, near boat ramp (401 63rd Street) & 1BR/1BAavailable mid June, 1 block from beach (212 66th Street) Both - 1 year lease, ground level, in Holmes Beach, no dogs, no washer/dryer hookups, each $950/month. 1st, last & sec. $45 application fee.

Call Dolores Baker Real Estate 941-778-7500 for more details.

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

RELOCATING TO FLORIDA-RENT BEFORE YOU BUY. 2BR/2BA Holmes Beach, block to beach, large kitchen, dishwasher, microwave, washer/ dryer, central A/C, lanai, POOL $1200/mo. Plus utilities. Available June 1 through January 1. Call 847-769-6175

ROOMMATE WANTED WANTED ROOMMATE 3BR/2BA condo overlooking water. Near Anna Maria Island. $800/mo. Non smoker. Call or text Lisa 704-491-6977

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. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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the Team Duncan Difference!

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Dee Munn Broker Associate

Katie Self Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate

Martha Jones Sales Associate

April Green Sales Associate

Pat Short Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Joey Hutchinson Sales Associate Sales Associate

✔ Local-Area Expertise ✔ Outstanding Customer Service ✔ Experienced Professionals ✔ Proven Performance

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304