Anna Maria Island Sun May 17, 2017

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VOL 17 No. 31

May 17, 2017

Noise ordinance extension proposed No final decisions have been made regarding live music being allowed later at night and additional commission discussion and public input will take place.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

them out of business and reduce shipping options for Islanders.

Island Mail and More offers shipping through FedEx, DHL, the United States Postal Service and UPS. Other residents plead with commissioners to uphold an ongoing formula business moratorium which blocks franchise businesses from opening in the city until

BRADENTON BEACH – City Commissioners are considering Police Chief Sam Speciale’s suggestion to extend the 75-decibel noise limit until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays on a trial basis.

The noise ordinance adopted in 2014 currently allows 85 decibels until 7 p.m., 75 db. from 7 to 10 p.m. and no outdoor or open-air music after 10 p.m. Indoor venues are allowed to operate within the 65 db. limit until 1 a.m.

The noise ordinance was the topic of discussion at the Tuesday, May 9, commission workshop. The workshop was a follow-up to the noise ordinance discussion at the As Bridge Street April 20 regugrows, the city is lar commission meeting that going to have to was triggered

by Freckled grow with it.”

Fin owner Scott Lubore getting arSam Speciale rested on April Police Chief 5 for a noise violation.

If commissioners move forward with the live music extension on a trial basis, they would prefer it apply only to the Bridge Street business district and not north of Cortez Road, where many permanent residents live near the Gulf Drive Café, Wicked Cantina and Tommy Knockers Saloon. A legal opinion is still needed as to whether the weekend music extension would have to be applied equally to all establishments located in the city’s commercial districts.

Speciale said his suggestion was inspired by a recent noise ordinance amendment adopted in Bradenton that allows Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton to have live music outside until mid-

see UPS, page 11

see noise, page 41

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch | Submitted

Above, these beach chairs were left out overnight at a resort in Holmes Beach. At right, a sea turtle got stuck under a beach chair last year in Longboat Key. City of Bradenton Beach | Submitted

It’s turtle time again!

Chairs and other items left on the beach at night present serious risks to nesting sea turtles.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The mother sea turtles have begun to arrive, and they are laying their

precious eggs along the Island’s coastline.

“We had eight nests, 11 false crawls on the Island and nothing hatched,” Suzi Fox said Monday morning when discussing the first activity of the 2017 sea turtle nesting season.

Fox is the longtime director of the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Program.

“These are nests coming in right now. We’ve only had them for the last five days, so nothing’s hatched,” Fox said, noting that the gestation period for turtle eggs is 45 to 75 days.

She said a false crawl pertains to tracks made by a turtle that came ashore but chose not to lay any eggs. see turtles, page 31

UPS Store likely a no-go in Holmes Beach With no exceptions allowed to the city’s formula business moratorium, a UPS Store opening shop in Holmes Beach is unlikely.

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

HOLMES BEACH — Despite the rumors swirling across the Island, a UPS Store is unlikely to open in

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey outdoors weddings TURTLES & BIRDS REAL ESTATE obituaries

4 6 7 26-27 28-29 31 34-40 43

Holmes Beach any time soon.

The issue wasn’t on the city commission’s May 9 agenda, but several Island residents and business owners, along with UPS Store franchisee Bob Wright, appealed to commissioners during public comment.

Owners of Holmes Beach shipping and mailbox store, Island Mail and More, Rebecca and Eric St. Jean expressed concern that a UPS Store could potentially put

Pets are tops at Beach Veterinary Clinic. 14

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Bringing ONE OF THE ISLAND’S FIRST FAMILIES TOGETHER.

10

GIANT Crystal Lagoon prompts more

concerns over Aqua by the Bay. 13 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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THE SUN

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MAY 17, 2017

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MAY 17, 2017

THE SUN

3

Pier design firm dismissed City officials hope for better results with the second-ranked design firm.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The West Palm Beach-based WGI engineering firm has been discarded as the city’s top choice to serve as the design and engineering firm for the rehabilitation of the Anna Maria City Pier.

The Sarasota-based Taylor Engineering and its local partners, Sweet Sparkman Architects, will now get a chance to design and assist in the acquisition of the joe hendricks | SUN permits needed for the anticipated $2 mil- The Historic Anna Maria City Pier needs to be replaced. lion replacement of the decaying wooden proposals. WGI came out on top, folNew York-based McLaren Engineerpier. lowed by Taylor and McLaren. With ing Group answered the city’s request On Thursday, May 11, the, City Comthe commission’s blessing, Murphy for proposals (RFP) for the initial mission unanimously supported Mayor engaged in preliminary fact-finding design and permitting phases.

The Dan Murphy’s request to terminate discussions with WGI regarding costs, actual replacement of the pier and the discussions with WGI and initiate completion timetables and other delivrestaurant and bait shop spaces at the discussions with Taylor Engineering. erables, including the Program EvaluT-end will be addressed in a separate Murphy laid the groundwork for this ation Review Technique (PERT) charts RFP after the design and engineering possible change when he voiced growhe repeatedly requested. is done. ing frustration with WGI at the April 27 Murphy had not yet sought commismeeting.

With assistance from city staff, Murphy reviewed and ranked the three sion authorization to move into actual In February, WGI, Taylor and the

contract negotiations with WGI. “They have finally met the original specifications after two months,” Murphy told the commission last week.

“The price tag’s come in at $310,697, which is extremely high to start negotiations.”

He said WGI’s latest estimate included $25,000 for utility services planning and permitting, $12,091 for an electrical engineer and $38,000 for potential seagrass abatement.

City Planner Robin Meyer participated in some of the meetings and phone discussions with WGI, and he shared his insight with the commission.

“You look at the list the city provided them, and it’s a very straight-forward, bulleted list. It took them two months to finally answer the questions. To me, it’s not very professional. It doesn’t make sense, so I concur with the mayor,” he said.

Commission Chair Doug Copeland asked if the city would be required to negotiate with McLaren if things don’t work out with Taylor Engineering.

“The third vendor was pretty much see pier, page 8

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THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

in brief

Bridge work to slow overnight traffic Crews will be working on two of the three bridges that move traffic on and off the Island, but they won’t be working during daylight hours.

Crews will be performing maintenance on the Anna Maria Island Bridge at SR 64 (Manatee Avenue), and drivers can expect intermittent lane closures between from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. from now through Thursday, May 18.

The Longboat Pass Bridge on Gulf Drive will be getting some maintenance from Sunday, May 21, through Thursday, May 25, and drivers can expect lane closures between the hours of 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. Drivers are urged to use caution and obey flaggers.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

MAY 17, 2017

Citizens voice their choices for Cortez Road changes

Citizens have until Friday, May 19, to submit opinions to www.swflroads.com/ sr684/123rdstto86thst,and draft plans are available at Tingley Library, 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach.

BY TOM VAUGHT

Fee reduction request on Thursday’s agenda

SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

At its Thursday, May 18 meeting, the Bradenton Beach Commission will discuss the impacts the pending air conditioning and roof repairs will have on the Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s business operations in September. The commission will discuss a request to reduce permits fees by $20,367 for the North Coquina Boat Ramp repairs, a request to replace the sign at John Chappie Park so it matches other city park signs and the city attorney will address some easement concerns. The consent agenda includes an $825 invoice for special master services the city provided during John Metz’s land use and permitting appeal. The meeting will begin at noon.

Approximately 130 people attended a public hearing at Cortez Road Baptist Church on May 9 on changes to make Cortez Road West safer and more efficient. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) hosted the hearing, and officials gave four suggested solutions to the road as it goes through Cortez Village. That area turns into a bottleneck during rush hours and on beach days during season.

The stoplight at 119th Street with a staggered intersection is blamed for a lot of the slow-downs as westbound motorists turn right before those turning left and stoplight cycle takes longer. The same is true for eastbound motorists.

FDOT listed 77 collisions between January 2011 and December 2015. Four resulted in fatalities, and 29 produced injuries. There were 32 rear-end crashes, 11 angle crashes and sideswipe crashes, eight left turn crashes, nine runoff-road crashes, four bicycle related crashes and two involving pedestrians.

The four choices offered by FDOT were: • Option A: leave the turn signal at 119th Street as it is; • Option B: remove the stoplight altogether and prohibit eastbound left turns and lengthen the westbound to southbound turn lane; • Option C: eliminate eastbound left turns north on 119th Street and eliminate northbound left turns from 119th Street to westbound Cortez Road, provide a left turn lane for westbound Cortez Road onto southbound 119th Street and make an extended acceleration lane for southbound 119th motorists turning onto eastbound Cortez

Barrier Island Chambers celebrate The Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key chambers of commerce will hold their Third Annual BBQ On the Bay at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, 3000 Harbourside Drive, on Thursday, June 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The networking event will be held in the outdoor banquet room featuring an abundance of shade with huge wrap-around porches with lounge chairs overlooking the bay. There will be an indoor area for cooling down or in case it rains.

The cost is $25 per person in advance, $30 at the door.

Reservations are limited to 85 people per chamber, so members are urged to reserve now. There will be a cash bar (no credit cards) and complimentary beer by Gold Coast Eagle.

In addition, there will be food: smoked brisket, chicken wings, Cuban pulled pork sliders, ribs, pineapple NAPA slaw, baked beans, mac ‘n cheese, grilled corn on the cob on a stick, cheddar biscuits, corn bread and sliced watermelon.

The dress code is business beach attire, and Mike Sales will provide live music. There will be lawn games including corn hole and there will be a 50/50 raffle.

For more information or to reserve, call the Anna Maria Island Chamber at 941-778-1541.

Correction Bradenton Beach resident Rose Vincent was incorrectly identified in an Arbor Day photo caption in the May 3 issue of The Sun.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Dave Gwynn, Florida Department of Transportation district transportation director, talks with West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Tom Sousa about Sousa’s preference for low medians because fire trucks sometime have to go into oncoming lanes while responding to emergencies during heavy traffic. Former Manatee County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann, of Cortez, watches.

Road; • Option D: realign the south leg of 119th Street intersection to match the north leg.

Option D was the one favored by many off the attendees, but there is a caveat. The land needed to realign the intersection is administered by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office, which operates the old Cortez School, now known as the Florida Maritime Museum, and the property owners would have to give their approval.

Keep medians low

The preliminary plans also call for a new median from West Manatee Fire Rescue’s Fire Station 2 at 10350 Cortez Road to Royal Palm Drive West. Before the public spoke, West Manatee Fire Chief Tom Sousa was seen speaking to FDOT District Transportation Director Dave Gwynn about medians.

He said firefighters don’t like tall medians because fire trucks sometimes have to go into the oncoming lanes when traffic is stopped, and they can’t drive over tall medians.

Comments

Some of the public comment came from Cortezians, but Longboat Key residents also spoke about how long it takes them to get

on and off their island.

Swordfish restaurant manager Bob Slicker voiced his preference for Option D and how important is to not restrict traffic to 119th Street, where trucks supply his restaurant and distribute seafood to other areas from the fisheries.

Option C would have forced those trucks to drive narrow residential roads in the village.

“Maybe you should build another bridge to the islands,” he said.

Causing to audience to applaud.

Sharon France, of Sunny Shores, lobbied for a light for 119th Street.

“We have 303 homes north of Cortez Road and I am asking you for a light,” she said.

Longboat Key Town Manager Dave Bullock called for a continuous lane eastbound to keep the traffic moving.

Former County Commissioner Jane von Hahmann, who is vice chair of the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage, talked about the need for efficient roads for the fishing industry.

“When mullet season comes, fishermen come from all around, and they launch from Coquina Gulfside and unload to trucks there,” she said. “We need to be able to get that fish to Cortez for processing. Correcting this situation is important to Cortez.”

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MAY 17, 2017

THE SUN

5

Visit Florida chief comes to town

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

PALMETTO – Despite this month’s budget cut from $78 million to $25 million, the state’s tourism agency will continue to make Florida number one, Visit Florida Executive Director Ken Lawson told about 150 members of the local tourism industry on Friday at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

The Legislature rejected Gov. Rick Scott’s request for $100 million for the agency in the state budget, passed last week. Scott could veto the budget, but the Legislature could override his veto in a special session.

The cut will cause Lawson to make hard decisions about reducing staff and programs, he said during the local celebration of National Tourism Week.

“They put handcuffs on us” at the same time that California and Texas are coming after Florida’s tourists, he said, adding that marketing efforts in emerging

markets like China will have to be scaled back.

“I will make the hard decisions,” Lawson said. “I believe in this state. I’m going to find a way to win.”

Lawson asked those in the tourism industry for help by contacting state representatives and senators beginning now, nearly a year before next year’s Legislative session begins.

“We are going to every district to regain the trust we lost,” Lawson said, referring to a secret contract between Visit Florida and rapper Pitbull for a music video promoting the state. The agency now posts contracts and salaries online.

“There were questions about who we are and how we handle our money, but we all know our value,” he said. “I’m going to get our money back and make sure this community is able to market itself.

“We’re going to work hard to serve this state, we’re not going to back down from any challenge

CINDY LANE | SUN

Visit Florida Executive Director Ken Lawson addresses members of the local tourism industry. and make sure we’re the number one tourist destination in the world,” Lawson said to cheers.

Dr. Larry Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, told industry representatives that in the future, creativity will be the most important and valuable

commodity in the workplace, with design differentiating businesses from each other.

State of tourism

Earlier in the afternoon, Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), told a smaller group that 2016 tourism

in Manatee County was a recordbreaking success.

A record 3.09 million people visited the area last year, paying a record-high average room rate of $168 a night, he said.

First-time visitors come back 94 percent of the time for another vacation, and many buy homes or businesses, he said.

Tourism is the number one industry “that helps sustain quality of life,” Falcione said.

The top 10 domestic feeder markets are Tampa/St. Petersburg, followed by Orlando, New York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Detroit and Cleveland.

Marketing the destination to Canadians is decreasing, as Canadian visitors spend less per day than any other visitor, he said, adding that Europeans and UK visitors spend more and stay longer.

“We have to target the right person,” he said. The CVB is aiming at the $130,000 to $135,000 see visit florida, page 16

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OPINIOn

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

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MAY 17, 2017

EDITORIAL An education in legislation

T

he 2017 state legislative session was an educational experience for many on the Island.

Those who followed the vacation rental bills though various committees before they hit the House and Senate floors learned that state legislators and others who spoke in their favor were not always bound to “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

Several false claims were made about “draconian” local regulations and Rep. Mike La Rosa, a developer from St. Cloud, brazenly claimed this battle was about protecting the property rights of hard-working Americans who were struggling to maintain vacation homes primarily for personal use. In truth, it was about protecting the business interests of wealthy investors, some of whom hail from foreign lands.

In the session’s final week, many watched freshman Senator Greg Steube break his promise to fellow Senators when he made a last-ditch attempt to turn what had become a city-friendly, committee-supported bill back into one that matched the nefarious legislation sponsored by his pal La Rosa. But men like Sen. Bill Galvano from Bradenton and Jack Latvala from Clearwater reminded us that state legislators are still capable of doing what’s best for the people instead of what’s best for deep-pocketed campaign contributors and special interest groups.

City commissioners were reminded how easily their ability to regulate vacation rentals can be taken away, and they now know to include lobbyist fees in their annual budgets.

Hopefully, the 2017 session taught permanent residents that the precious legislative balance struck in 2014 is a good compromise that protects their quality of life without crippling the rental industry that now drives the Island’s economy.

Politicians and residents learned that phone calls, letters and e-mails sent to state legislators are not magic bullets, but they still matter. And many learned how to navigate the House and Senate websites in search of meeting agendas, amended bills and video feeds.

Those who followed other legislative matters learned that a small percentage of the bills introduced actually get adopted as new state law, and this year’s casualties included misguided attempts to strip away home rule pertaining to Community Redevelopment Agencies, business tax receipt programs and local business regulations. Legislators also failed to create the laws needed to implement the voter-approved medical marijuana program.

We already know that the vacation rental battle will be waged again in 2018, so let us take what we learned this year and apply it with grit and grace next year.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Sticker shock When I was walking my dogs Saturday, I ran into my new neighbors, who will be moving in after their new house is built. And I was told something that disturbed me very much.

They currently own a home in Anna Maria, but wanted to live in a more residential neighborhood, so they decided to build across the street from me in Holmes Beach.

They recently bought an old house that was at least 50 or 60 years old and needed to be torn down. They tore it down and are now having a new home built for themselves by a builder who was born on the Island.

Last week, they dropped by on their daily visit to see how their house is coming along. To their surprise, someone had pasted a professionally-made sticker over the sign in their yard and it said something along the lines of “Big houses and greedy.”

The gentleman told me his wife was very hurt and upset by this, and I was very embarrassed to think that somebody on this Island would do that to someone they don’t even know. These people are residents of Anna Maria and are moving to Holmes Beach as permanent residents. I cannot believe that anyone who wants to encourage permanent residents to live here would do something like that.

People are allowed to build whatever size house they want, as long as it’s built according to our building codes and regulations. To treat future permanent residents like this is disgusting. I hope that anyone who sees this kind of thing happening in their neighborhoods will report it to the authorities immediately. Trust me, I will. And I welcome my new neighbors!

Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach resident since 1969

Farewell from Ed Spring After a quarter-century of living the dream on the greatest island ever - Anna Maria - it's hard to say my final goodbye and farewell to all my friends patrons and service associates that supported me for those 25 years. We could not have survived without all your local support and friendship.

I would love you to support the Sign of the Mermaid restaurant and its new owners, Deion and Dee. They are wonderful people and are maintaining the quality and consistency and the flavors. Many of our staff members are staying on to continue the consistency that you enjoyed and depended on over the years. This is been such a wonderful ride and I hope the new owners continue on for another 25 years.

I want to take my hat off to many of my friends that have helped me throughout the years, especially to the Copeland family and the Coles and family. Without Betty and Ted I would not have survived a quarter-

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7. century on AMI. And thank you to all the many others who I don't have time to mention here. I wish the best to the new owners and all the new patrons. And to the old regulars: my best wishes to all of you. Thank you, thank you and goodbye.

Edward Spring Former owner, Sign of the Mermaid

Cell tower flag poles Most of us agreed we needed new cell phone towers on theIsland but I think we can all agree they are ugly. Recently, I was in Clearwater where I saw they put large American flags on their cell towers. Not a bad idea. Maybe we should as well.

Tracy Eckert Bradenton Beach

Thank you, Senator Galvano Editor's note: This letter was originally sent to Senator Bill Galvano.

On behalf of the city of Anna Maria, thank you for your efforts in curtailing Senate Bill 188. Had this vacation rental bill become law, the results would have been a major defeat for home rule, not to mention the negative impact on all of the stakeholders: our residents, our visitors, the vacation rental unit owners and the local Realtors. The only losers here were the out-ofstate mega businesses. Thank you for having listened to our concerns and supporting us when we were in need. We wish you all the best going forward.

Mayor Dan Murphy Anna Maria

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MAY 17, 2017

THE SUN

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the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Do you favor Holmes Beach making improvements to the city's dog park?

Anna Maria

Holmes Beach

5/25: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

5/29: Memorial Day salute, City Pier Park, 10 a.m.

For information, call 7086130.

5/18: Public Works Community Forum, 6 p.m.

5/23: City Commission meeting, 6 p.m.

5/25: City Commission work session, 6 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

30% No

10005 Gulf Drive.

Bradenton Beach

5801 Marina Drive.

107 Gulf Drive N.

5/18: City Commission meeting, 12 p.m.

5/23: Special City Commission workshop, CRA plan, 9:30 a.m.

5/23: City Commission workshop, 1 p.m.

For information, call 7781005.

Island-wide

5/17: Barrier Island Elected Officials meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall, 2 p.m.

5/18: West Manatee Fire Commission meeting, administration building, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

70% Yes

Wednesday May 17

The sun survey is not a scientific poll and is used for entertainment purposes only.

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

• Yes. 10 p.m. is too early for the music to stop and it would benefit businesses and their employees.

Do you think the Bradenton Beach Commission should al- • No. It’s too loud already and going low live music at outdoor and past 10 o’ clock would only make it open-air venues until midnight worse. on Fridays and Saturdays?

• Maybe. Try it on a temporary basis and see what happens.

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

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

Photo management on your smartphone or tablet, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd floor, Longboat Key, 10 to 11:30 a.m. $10. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $12. Space limited.

Art for kids, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Tom Vaught

Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Ad director Chantelle Lewin

Ad assistants Chris Boniberger Sue Otto

Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz

Classified ads Bob Alexander

Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty

Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Web/Social media Jocelyn V. Greene

Contributors Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Sean Murphy Monica Simpson

May 18

Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

Mat pilates for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

Book club, “West With The Night,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.

Successful Women Aligning Together, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive,

Bradenton Beach, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Members, $12, guests, $17. Reserve to swatami@gmail.com.

Knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday May 19

Bridge refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise. org or 941-383-6493.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday May 20

Naturalist-led wagon tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th Street NW, Bradenton, 9 a.m.

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

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

Sunday May 21

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

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 8

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THE SUN

PIER: Design firm dismissed FROM PAGE 3

unacceptable to the city planner and myself. They really didn’t have experience in this area,” Murphy added.

“If the second one doesn’t work, you’re supposed to negotiate with each one,” City Attorney Becky Vose said in reference to the state’s Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act. “Even if they’re proposal wasn’t satisfactory?” Copeland asked.

“It can be a very short negotiation,” Vose replied.

“If we do go to the potential second vendor, I would put a tight timeframe on that. It shouldn’t take two months to come up with a response,” Commissioner Carol Carter said.

“I concur,” Copeland said.

“I agree. In a couple weeks they should be able to have a decent response. It just doesn’t take that much time to answer those questions,” Meyer said.

“I’m in favor of moving on,” Commissioner Brian Seymour said.

When he asked about WGI’s original cost estimate, Murphy said it was in the $200,000 to $225,000 range.

“I’m ready to move on,” Copeland said.

“The company’s shown a total lack of professionalism and obviously they don’t need the business that much. I think we would be much better off finding another firm,” Commissioner Nancy Yetter said before the vote took place.

MAY 17, 2017

mark your calendar From Page 7

Monday May 22

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Tuesday May 23

Boomer Boot camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included.

Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Learn to knit, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration required.

Call 941-778-6341.

Wednesday May 24

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

Gentle chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd.,

Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $12. Space limited.

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

Chess Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m.

Thursday May 25

Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

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

Mat pilates for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 10:45 a.m., $10 per class. Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Jam in the Sand, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Bridge refresher class, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $10, includes coffee and cookies.

Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday May 27

CPR Training, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration required. Reserve to 941-7786341.

Healing Meditation with Sheryl Spikes, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Donations accepted.

Tuesday

May 30

Boomer Boot Camp, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m. One class, $15; five classes, $65; 10 classes, $100.

American contract bridge league, open pairs duplicate bridge games, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 1 to 4 p.m., $11 per game with snacks included.

Reserve to maryannbrady@aginginparadise.org or 941-383-6493.

www.amisun.com

MAY 17, 2017

THE SUN

9

Holmes Beach commissioners undaunted by Bert Harris Despite mounting number of Bert Harris claims, Holmes Beach commissioners refuse to consider settling.

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

HOLMES BEACH — The number of Bert Harris claims in Holmes Beach is continuing to grow while commissioners are electing to stay the course, sticking by the city’s ordinances.

During the May 9 commission meeting, City Attorney Patricia Petruff asked commissioners how they would like to proceed, if they’d like to consider offering a settlement to Bert Harris petitioners.

Commissioners opted to continue standing by their existing ordinances and treat every Bert Harris case as it goes to court on an individual basis.

“This was not brought up as a matter of urgency,” Mayor Bob Johnson said.

“The course we’re on is fine right now given the time horizon, and I think that’s where we need to stay.”

“I prefer to take each case on an individual basis,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said. “I’m more comfortable with that.”

The problem with staying the course lies is if all 54 Bert Harris claims against the city go to court and the city loses all of them. The 54 cases represent more than $20 million in alleged property value loss.

Petruff said she’d received notice

from the Florida League of Cities that while the city has insurance, it doesn’t have enough to cover the potential losses. Without a time limit for filing Bert Harris claims, the influx of claims into city hall could potentially be ongoing.

Out of the 54 claims received by May 12, 41 of those dealt solely with occupancy. The first of those claims to turn into a court case, one for an eight bedroom property at 211 54th Street owned by Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Homes LLC, could cost the city $395,000 in alleged lost value to the home by enforcing two people per bedroom occupancy. The owners argue that before the city enacted its vacation rental ordinance, the property rented to groups of 19 people regularly.

Petruff suggested commissioners consider offering the same settlement Anna Maria did — occupancy of two people per bedroom plus two per unit.

She said a condition of the settlement could be that it’s only valid for a certain number of years to be determined by the commission. Another option is the settlement could “run with the land,” meaning the right to have two additional renters in the unit could transfer if the property is sold.

Petruff said neither option would be a solution for all of the occupancy issues, but it could pacify some property owners.

Commissioners agreed to wait to see how things began to pan out in court before considering any potential settlement agreements.

Moms and daughters Mother's Day at Swordfish Grill in Cortez was a rousing good time for everyone Sunday afternoon, including Denise Clemence and her daughter, Makence, of Wesley Chapel, and Jennifer Liotti and her daugher, Sophie, of Bradenton.

It was all-you-can-eat snow crab day at Swordfish, with music being provided by the ever-popular Dr. Dave Band.

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN joe hendricks | SUN

City Attorney Becky Vose was recently praised for the way she’s handled the Bert Harris claims filed against the city.

Commission approves Bert Harris counteroffers Last week, the Anna Maria City Commission approved by a 4-1 vote six Bert Harris claim settlement counteroffers presented by City Attorney Becky Vose. The city is offering occupancy exceptions that would allow for 16, 14, 12 and 10 overnight guests instead of the eight allowed by the city’s vacation rental ordinance. On April 27, the commission majority approved seven counteroffers that would allow for similar occupancy increases.

A report City Clerk LeAnne Addy prepared for the April meeting stated 59 of the 112 claims filed (including one not solely related to occupancy) had been completely settled and 14 more offers had been accepted by the property owners. At that time, 10 counteroffers were still pending and all claims had been responded to.

To date, no claims have been taken to court, and the city has made no financial settlements. At the April meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy praised Vose’s handling of these affairs.

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MAY 17, 2017

Bringing one of the Island’s first families together

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

ANNA MARIA — The family of one of Anna Maria Island’s founders has come home, at least for the weekend.

More than 60 people gathered May 13 at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, to celebrate their ties to each other and the Island’s past courtesy of their relation to George Emerson Bean.

Bean was one of the Island’s first settlers in 1894, residing on the northern end of the Island at what’s now known as Bean Point. After 125 years, the branches of his family tree came together near the spot where Bean began homesteading on the Island.

Though some branches of the Bean family have gotten together over the years, organizer Lisa Mayfield said this is the first time all of the branches of the family tree had come together to meet each other and celebrate.

“It’s been a wonderful day,” Mayfield said.

Family members came in from around the country specifically for the event, including many from Mobile, Alabama, Jacksonville, Florida and Tennessee. Some family members came from as far as Sitka, Alaska.

Gayle Elsbury joined the event, traveling to the Island from New Hampshire to meet her family members for the first time. Elsbury met Mayfield online while searching through an ancestry website. The two corresponded for several years, meeting for the first time at the Saturday event. Elsbury had vacationed every summer on the Island for several years before she realized she was related to the Bean family.

“It’s just been wonderful to meet everyone,” she said.

Family genealogist Patti Bean Vickers said the festivities had given her the opportunity to meet “Beans I didn’t even know about.” Vickers took over the recording of the family’s history from her father and was happy to have the opportunity to discover new relatives.

In addition to barbeque, chicken and other food provided by KCB BBQ Team and music from The Anna Maria Island String Band, the museum was opened to the family, allowing attendees to view the history of the Island, including photos of the ancestor who brought them all together.

“It’s wonderful to have this family here,” museum docent Nancy Deal said.

Valerie Wilson | SUBMITTED

Clockwise from above: The descendents of George Emerson Bean gather for a family reunion photo at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum. One of George Emerson Bean’s youngest descendants finds herself trying to escape from behind bars at the Old City Jail in Anna Maria during the Bean family reunion. The Anna Maria Island String Band plays bluegrass and folk favorites.

Bean family genealogist Patti Bean Vickers enjoys refreshments with two little Beans during the reunion. Two little Beans inspect a palm tree behind the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

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MAY 17, 2017

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Post office relocation hits a roadblock Mayor Bob Johnson isn’t giving up in his quest to find a new location for the Holmes Beach Post Office.

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

HOLMES BEACH — Plans to relocate the Holmes Beach Post Office have come to a halt, at least for now.

With the post office closing June 30 at its present location, 5354 Gulf Drive in the S&S Plaza, Mayor Bob Johnson is searching for another established business to take over the postal service contract. During the May 9 commission meeting, he said those plans hit a roadblock with the United States Postal Service.

Johnson had been hopeful that local mail service business, Island Mail and More, would be able to add the post office to its offerings.

The move would allow residents with post office

boxes to continue maintaining their service.

Unfortunately, Johnson said the business’s application to take over the contract with the USPS had been denied because Island Mail and More offers other shipping options.

“USPS won’t contract with a competitive service,” Johnson said.

For Island Mail and More to obtain the postal service contract, the one-stop shipping shop would have to discontinue other shipping services including UPS, FedEx and DHL. The store already offers USPS shipping services and private mailbox rental.

In preparation for the Holmes Beach Post Office closing, a notice of potential closing has been posted at the location and mailings have been sent to postal box holders. In the meantime, Johnson is still scouting local businesses for a potential match with the postal service.

He said the talks with other businesses are “in early stages.”

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The Holmes Beach Post Office will close June 30.

UPS: Store likely a no-go FROM PAGE 1

commissioners hash out a permanent regulations. The moratorium expires October 31.

“I don’t want to lose the mom and pop feeling on the Island,” resident and business owner John Clark said.

Wright had a different opinion.

“I think there’s enough room on this Island for more than one concept,” he said.

Wright argued a UPS Store would be a small business with a franchise concept, not a compa-

ny-owned store.

City attorney Patricia Petruff said without the city’s formula business moratorium on the agenda for discussion, there was no action for commissioners to take.

With no exceptions allowed by the moratorium, a UPS Store cannot open in the city while it’s in effect. Current formula businesses are not affected by the moratorium. Whether additional formula or franchise businesses are allowed to open in the city

will depend on what commissioners vote for at a later date.

Petruff suggested concerned citizens approach the commission during public comment when the moratorium is on a meeting agenda.

Though Wright sent an informal inquiry to Mayor Bob Johnson concerning potentially opening a UPS Store, no formal applications or variance requests have been registered with the city.

Holmes Beach isn’t the only

Kristin Swain | kswain@amisun.com

UPS Store franchisee Bob Wright addresses Holmes Beach commissioners May 9, asking them to consider allowing a UPS Store to open in the city despite its current block on formula businesses.

Island city to address formula businesses. Anna Maria also has a moratorium in effect blocking formula businesses until perma-

nent legislation can be determined. No legislation blocking formula businesses is in effect in Bradenton Beach.

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MAY 17, 2017

Pines loses an icon of civic engagement “Ohio Bob” was beloved in and around the Pines Trailer Park.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The residents of the Pines Trailer Park lost a dear friend last week when Robert “Ohio Bob” McClannan Jr., 70, was killed while mowing his lawn in Piqua, Ohio.

According to the Piqua Daily Call, he was struck by a neighbor’s vehicle on May 8, while turning his push mower around in the neighbor’s driveway.

Bob was a full-time park resident for 16 years and in the late 1950s and early 1960s he spent his summers there at his grandparent’s place. Last year, he bought a second home in Piqua, and he recently returned to Ohio to escape the summer heat and humidity.

Bob was known to many as the guy who rode around on his bike picking up trash, and in December the City Commission recognized him for those efforts.

“He was always helping us out by picking up litter on Bridge Street. He was very kind and a great conversationalist,” Bradenton Beach Public Works employee David Higgins said last week.

Connecticut residents André and Dianne Rachambault spent their first winter in the Pines this year and André has contacted Ward 4 Commissioner John Chappie about placing a bench on Bridge Street in Bob’s honor. Rachambault is collecting donations and can be reached at 860-299-3117.

“Bob used to clean up the sludge and seaweed by the park’s boat slips. I only knew him for two months, but what I saw was a tremendous gentleman who set a good example for others,” he said.

Linda Maerker is the president of the Pines Park Tenants Association; she knew Bob for nearly 10 years.

“I'm sure you have heard the same thing about Bob over and over. How helpful he was, what a hard worker he was and how he was always there to help. Bob was that and more. You name it, and Bob did it.

When you tried to pay him he would rarely take anything. I know he's been paid in homemade pies and home-cooked meals on several occasions,” Maerker said via e-mail from Ohio.

Maerker recalled how one summer Bob drove to Kentucky to meet up with another Pines couple before they all drove to her home in Ohio and then onto another couple’s home in New Hampshire.

Hilda Richard | Submitted

“Ohio Bob” McClannan used to ride his bike around town and pick up any litter he found.

“You see, we weren't just winter friends,” she wrote. “We will say goodbye one last time on Tuesday morning. He will be remembered. He will be missed. He was loved. Our hearts are broken, and when we all get together next winter, we will grieve all over again as the Pines Park family.”

Rachambault said some park residents were bringing sand from Anna Maria

Island to the funeral service.

Pines resident Bill Vincent compiled the following reflections and unattributed comments from those who knew Bob. His friends said he knew everything there was to know about mobile homes and park living and had worked on most units in the park.

“Bob loved helping the newbies in the park, the inexperienced snowbirds who had never lived in a mobile home.”

“He loved attending Tuesday night’s ‘Union Meeting,’ the name given to the Pines residents’ dance party at the Drift In.” “Bob had one of the most engaging, contagious smiles I ever saw. He was a wonderful storyteller.”

“Bob would cycle the streets, avenues and alleys early in the morning. He would pick up trash and put it in the milk crate mounted on the front of his bike. He loved Bradenton Beach. He never wanted recognition or credit. He believed it was his civic duty.”

“What a pleasure it was to hear that distinctive, drawn-out baritone voice cry ‘Mooorning’ as he sailed by on his bicycle.”

That morning voice will be heard no more, but it will echo in memories of Pines residents for years to come.

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MAY 17, 2017

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Crystal Lagoon joins Aqua concerns The Aqua by the Bay developers want to build a large, man-made lagoon near Sarasota Bay and Long Bar Point.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – The May 4 County Commission land use meeting featured much talk about mangrove destruction, an estuary enhancement area, dredging and high-rise buildings, but there was another design element introduced that concerns former County Commissioner Joe McClash: a Crystal Lagoon.

The intent to build a man-made lagoon surfaced when Aqua by the Bay developer Carlos Beruff ’s attorney, Ed Vogler, was addressing concerns expressed about the developers’ previously unstated plans to build as many as 24 145-foot tall highrise buildings. Vogler was trying to make the point that even with the high-rises, Aqua by the Bay would be a unique and special development, in part because of a water feature that until that point had not been mentioned by the developers, the commissioners, county staff or the Planning Commission.

“This project is going to have constructed a Crystal Lagoon. Have you ever heard of that before? I think there’s only two or three in the whole world right now. What it is, essentially, is an incredibly open, blue water facility that has sand beach, and it’s chlorinated in some way.

You’re talking about a world-class commitment for Manatee County.

The cost to start the design of this has been funded, and it will be built as part of the early parts of this project,” Vogler said.

The lagoon came up again during public comment. Barbara Walker, from the Audubon Society, said, “It’s

www.crystal-lagoons.com | Submitted

Former County Commissioner Joe McClash included this image of a Crystal Lagoon in Chile in an e-mail he sent to county commissioners. Right, earlier this month, attorney Ed Vogler, right, told the County Commission that is client, Carol Beruff, left, planned to include a Crystal Lagoon in the Aqua by the Bay development. like a fake beach, and we could put a fake beach almost anywhere.”

Charter captain Kathe Fannon said, “I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but this pool that you’ve designed would look great in Orlando. You are less than five miles from the Gulf of Mexico. We don’t need that here.

This is not Aqua by the Bay, this is awkward by the bay.”

McClash is actively involved with the Suncoast Waterkeeper organization and he later sent county commissioners an e-mail about the proposed lagoon.

“This new concept of a crystal lagoon was never brought up before.

‘Wow’ is all I have to say; and yes, ‘Awkward by the Bay’ is the appropriate name. This is not Manatee County. The comp plan and land development code don’t allow for what

joe hendricks | SUN

was presented or this new crystal lagoon concept,” he wrote.

His e-mail included a link to the Crystal Lagoons website and an image of a beachside lagoon in Chile that is described as operational.

“They are a giant swimming pool for a lack of any other description,” McClash wrote.

During that May meeting, Vogler told county commissioners there were only a few such lagoons in the world, but the Crystal Lagoons’ website mentions more than 600 projects in different stages of planning, design, construction or operation in

60 countries, with Florida locations include Hillsborough County, Venice, St. Cloud and Jacksonville.

The website also says Crystal Lagoon technology uses up to 100 times less chemicals than conventional swimming pool technologies and consumes only 2 percent of the energy needed by conventional swimming pool filtration systems.

The entire Aqua by the Bay project has been remitted back to the Planning Commission for further review based on additional details to be provided by the developers, but no meeting date has been set.

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BUSINESS

MAY 17, 2017

Pets are tops at Beach Veterinary Clinic

BY LOUISE BOLGER

BEACH VETERINARY

SUN STAFF WRITER

I

t doesn’t take long for a new pet to become an important member of the family, and like all members of the family, we want them to have the very best medical care. Beach Veterinary Clinic in Cortez has it all covered from nose to tail and everything in between for the care of the furry members of your family.

Beach Veterinary Clinic is conveniently located for both on Island and off island pet owners just on the east side of the Cortez Bridge in the historic Cortez fishing village. In 2015, the long-time clinic changed hands and is currently managed by Dr. Jade Kafer who is the managing DVM and Joey Knudstrup who is the hospital manger.

Currently there are two doctors in addition to Dr. Kafer, Dr. Nicole Corning and Dr. Crit Holland. The doctors have more than 30 years combined experience. They are also actively looking for a fourth doctor in order to provide better service to their clients and longer hours. Also, Beach Vet has an additional 12 members on its staff, including a fulltime groomer.

According to Knudstrup, who has worked at Beach Veterinary Clinic for 16 years, they offer full service soft tissue veterinary services including boarding and grooming. In addition to general medical services like shots, check-ups, dental services, heartworm

CLINIC 4404 124 St. Ct. W. Cortez 941-792-2838 Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – noon All major credit cards accepted Submitted

From left, Dr. Nicole Corning, Dr. Jade Kafer, Joey Knudstrup and Dr. Crit Holland at Beach Veterinary Clinic. and flea and tick exams, they can perdling five or six pets per day. form bone surgeries and have the ability One of Beach Veterinary Clinic’s new to call in surgeons to come to their facil- and exciting services is Telemedicine ity for more complicated procedures. where your pet can have a virtual visit This is a wonderful service for both huwith the doctor right from your elecman and animal clients, the humans can tronic device or computer. This will be be nearby their pets and the animals up and running very shortly and will don’t have to be moved. Beach Vet also ultimately be offered to established offers digital X-rays, and endoscopy to clients. Basically, it will be used for get those accidentally swallowed items follow-up visits for previous procedures removed from the throat and stomach.

– another great service that will help Beach Vet has a large boarding facility keep you out of traffic during the busy where 19 large animals, 12 cats and 25 winter season. small dogs can be accomodated. They Beach Vet offers a full pharmacy make sure the animals are attended to both on line and in its clinic as well as on weekends and holidays. Grooming monthly promotions. Discounts are is also a busy service at Beach Vet, hanoffered every month geared toward

specific monthly events and posted on their website. Also, the first time you visit Beach Veterinary Clinic, it is free – a really nice perk for vacationers and seasonal visitors.

And finally, in the spirit of community service, Beach Veterinary Clinic will be hosting an open house on Saturday, June 3, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. called “Paws At The Beach.” The open house will benefit two pet rescue agencies and will include giveaways, hospital tours, raffles, doctor dunks and, of course, pet adoption.

Beach Veterinary Clinic says it is“contemporary medicine with old fashion care,” and certainly virtual office visits are as contemporary as it gets, – full service from nose to tail.

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MAY 17, 2017

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City issues business tax reminders Vacation rental owners are required to have a city and state-issued licenses and pay a 5 percent tourism tax.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Last week, Code Enforcement Officer Gail Garneau notified two Sandcastle condominium property owners that they owed the city money and were potentially operating vacation rental units without a valid, cityissued business tax receipt license.

The Sandcastle condominium building is located at 200 Gulf Dr. S. Jeff Garner was informed that he owed the city $151.95 from 2013 to present. According to a related e-mail Garneau sent Deputy City Clerk Marie Montoya, Garner has never acquired a business tax receipt license for the unit in question. Garneau’s reminder notice indicated the property is advertised as a vacation rental by Anna Maria Vacations.

When contacted, Garner said he was not aware that a city license had not been acquired, and he planned to bring that to the property management company’s atten-

The city understands that this may have been just a mere oversight for renewing your business tax receipt.” joe hendricks | SUN

Gail Garneau, Code Enforcement Officer

Some of the condominiums in the Sandcastle building are used as short-term vacation rentals tion this week so the matter can be rectified.

Trent Goss was notified that he had a past due balance of $36.85.

Later in the week, he informed Garneau that his unit is no longer being used as a vacation rental.

“The city understands that this may have been just a mere oversight for renewing your business tax receipt. The intent of this courtesy notice is to give you an opportunity to respond on or before June

10 to avoid further action by Code Enforcement,” Garneau’s notice to the property owners stated.

Garneau also provided copies of the business tax receipt license application form and the business tax receipt fee schedule.

In 2013-14, the annual fee was $30.39 for the first rental unit and $12.16 for each additional unit. In March, the City Commission increased those annual fees to $31.91 for the first rental unit and $12.77

for each additional unit. The annual fee for property management companies is now $121.55, and the companies are required to provide the city with a list of the rental properties they manage.

Vacation rental owners are also required to have an annual stateissued vacation rental license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and pay the county’s 5 percent tourism tax on each vacation rental transaction.

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

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Rental owners petition Holmes Beach for rezone HOLMES BEACH — Vacation rental property owners in one R-1 residential district want the same rights as property owners in the R-2 zone.

Though the issue wasn’t on the agenda, several owners of properties in a beachfront R-1 zone asked commissioners to consider an overlay district for the area stretching west of Holmes Boulevard from 43rd to 52nd Streets.

The area was subject to a sunset clause which allowed short term rentals, of at least 7 days, in the R-1 district for a period of 10 years after a previous city commission passed a 2007 ordinance restricting R-1 rentals

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Commissioners listen to a request for an overlay district. to 30 days. The sunset clause expired earlier this year.

Commissioner Jean Peelen suggested residents go through the appropriate channels,

filling out an agenda request form, for the matter to be considered for discussion at a future commission work session.

MAY 17, 2017

VISIT FLORIDA: Chief comes to town FROM PAGE 5

annual household income bracket this year. Last year, average visitor income was $125,000.

In the next five years, visitors will shift from baby boomers to GenXers, Falcione predicted.

Challenges for 2017 include the Visit Florida budget cut and the weakened exchange rate of the Euro against the dollar, Falcione said, adding, “We target a demographic usually not affected.”

Another concern is traffic on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. “We’re cognizant of it. We’re careful how we market in spring,” avoiding spring break ads, he said.

“The challenge is when the industry is doing a great job marketing,” he said. “Multimodal transportation is the answer to the challenge.”

Visitation in the first quarter of 2017 is flat after several years of growth, Falcione said.

Wildfires that continue to burn around Florida are a “public relations nightmare,” he said, as visitors tend to think that all of Florida is affected and go elsewhere.

Visitors also saw a video rendering of the planned convention center

hotel, which is scheduled to break ground this fall for a November 2019 opening.

Tourism Ambassador Awards

The CVB presented its inaugural Hospitality Leadership Award to Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker. The award reflects the character, ideals and leadership of the recipient.

While Manatee County is a vacation destination, “We get to live here year around,” Hunzeker said. “We have a lot of people that want to make this a better place. It truly is a great place to be. It’s been an honor to be the county administrator.”

The CVB also recognized Pier 22 Chef Greg Campbell with a Tourism Ambassador Award.

Food is the way to everyone’s heart, Campbell said. On Thanksgiving, the restaurant in downtown Bradenton served between 1300 and 1500 people, he said, adding, “It’s about feeding people and coming together and celebrating. It’s about making an experience for them they don’t forget.”

Sizzling Summer Sale!!

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For more information info@centerami.org or (941)778-1908 www.centerami.org

407 Magnolia Ave Anna Maria, Florida 34216 www.centerami.org

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MAY 17, 2017

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17

Stepping out to help JD walk

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

HOLMES BEACH — Come out to D Coy Ducks May 21 to have some fun and help raise money for a good cause.

The bar, located at 5410 Marina Drive, is hosting a fund-raiser from 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 21, to help raise $10,000 to purchase WalkAides for community member JD White.

White, who suffers from dropfoot as a

result of cerebral palsy, has the opportunity to purchase two WalkAides, devices that can help activate his leg muscles and increase his mobility. To accomplish his goal and get rid of the leg braces he’s worn for most of his life, White needs the community’s help.

The May 21 fundraiser event will feature food, drinks and live music, along with a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and more than $3,000 in raffle items. Some of the silent auction items include a culinary

tour of Anna Maria Island, two-night stays at Island establishments, spa services, excursions and a fishing charter.

Raffle tickets can be purchased during the event for $1 each, six for $5 or $20 for an arm’s length. Items up for raffle include culinary experiences at Island restaurants and gift certificates.

Food for the event includes pizza, baked ziti, pulled pork and peanut butter bars.

Donations will be accepted at the event.

Anyone wishing to donate who can’t

make it out to the event can check out White’s online fundraising campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/jds-walkaides. The online campaign reached $3,085 at press time for The Sun. Opportunities are still available for anyone who would like to be sponsor or donate raffle or silent auction items or help White accomplish his goal by serving as a matching donor for the event. For more information, contact Karyn Hodge at 941-713-3105.

Toys for Tots

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Dave Klein, of the Marine Corps League of Manatee County, holds a plaque of appreciation to Bill Alexander, owner of A-Paradise Realty, for their leadership in the Toys for Tots campaign on Anna Maria Island as A-Paradise staff and members of the Marine Corps League watch. A-Paradise will head the 2017 toy collection campaign starting Dec. 2.

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Bill Hard was a staple of Island restaurant scene Friends are setting up a fund for Hard, who was hospitalized for several months.

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

ANNA MARIA – Friends of Bill Hard are sorry to hear of his passing, although it ends months of pain for him.

Bill had a long history in the food industry, dating back to Shell’s restaurant in Holmes Beach.

“He was the general manager of Shell’s,” said Waterfront restaurant owner Jason Suzor. “He was a friend, and at The Waterfront, he became our red wine expert.”

In December of 2002, a fire destroyed The Waterfront and Suzor rebuilt, adding a covered dining area for diners to watch the bay in front of it.

“He ran our wine tastings for years, and he really loved that,” Suzor said.

“He was a very loving person.”

Hard worked for Moveable Feast after The Waterfront fire and Joe Dale, co-owner of The Feast in Holmes Beach, said Hard was “A really great guy.

SUBMITTED

“He was a calming influence and he taught me a lot,” Dale said. “He had a long battle, and it’s sad to see him go, but now he’s not in pain.”

Friends have set up a GoFundMe account on the Internet under Hard’s name, according to his fiancée , Karen Robinson.

A celebration of life will be held for Hard at a later date

Library features summer family fun

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

HOLMES BEACH – Summer’s coming, and the kids will be out of school soon. They can’t spend every day at the beach for obvious reasons, so the Island Branch Library is offering three sets of events for kids an their parents at 5701 Marina Drive.

First is a summer reading program called “Build a Better World” designed for preschoolers and held on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. It is incorporated into the popular preschool story time “This early literacy program is a fun way to introduce your child to language, literature, and the library through stories, songs and rhymes, said children’s services librarian Trudy Bell. “A simple craft project follows.”

The programs scheduled are: June 6 – Build a Better World; June 13 – All About You; June 20 – Home Sweet Home; June 27 – All Around the Town; July 4 – Library closed; July 11 – Construction Zone; July 18 – Round and Round We Go; July 25 – Sing it Loud;

August 1 – Colors of the World.

Super Saturdays

These programs are aimed mostly toward kids 5 years old to teens and they teach arts and crafts as well as handy items that could be gifts. These sessions start at 2 p.m.

June 3 – Safety Pin Jewelry (tween and teens); June 10 – Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bags; June 24 – Lego Excavation; July 1 – Build a Classic Car Shrine (registration required); July 8 – Family Fun Postage Stamp Art Magnets; July 15 – Build with Homemade Tinker Toys (ages 3 and up); July 22 – String Painting; July 29 – Paint a Pokemon Catapult; Aug. 5 – Lego Club.

Special Family Events

These are events for kids and parents, and they are held on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Programs marked ** are sponsored by the Friends of the Island Branch Library.

SEE LIBRARY, PAGE 19

MAY 17, 2017

MAY 17, 2017

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No end in sight for vacation rental fight City leaders expect the state legislature to make another attempt next year to strip away local governments’ ability to regulate vacation rentals.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and the City Commission want to retain lobbyist Chip Case in anticipation of the state legislature continuing its efforts to prevent local governments from regulating vacation rentals.

And visiting Holmes Beach Commissioner Jean Peelen thinks the other two Island cities should join in Anna Maria’s efforts.

During the Thursday, May 11, commission meeting, Anna Maria resident Ruth Uecker said she was told by a media member that Sen. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) intends to file another vacation rental bill next year.

Steube’s 2017 bill, SB 188, failed to reach the Senate floor for a final vote earlier this month, and that also led to the demise of the House bill filed by Mike La Rosa (R-St. Cloud).

“I think we need to get our ducks in a row and come up with plan so that we will be ready because it is going to come back,” Uecker said.

Murphy said Case’s current contract expires at month’s end and he asked if the commission wanted to retain him to continue monitoring vacation rental issues at the state level.

“This week, Airbnb opened a political action committee (PAC) in the state of Florida.

It’s called People Versus the Powerful; I guess we are the powerful, and they’re just the common people just trying to eke out a living.

"Airbnb seeded this with a million dollars.

The stated purpose is to provide funds for both supporting and opposing local candidates. This development with the PAC is the tip of the iceberg. This issue’s not going to go away and we need to be prepared or we can just go ahead and turn the keys over and be

done with it,” Murphy said.

“Everything you’ve related about Chip has been positive – that he is a man that knows Tallahassee, knows the movers and shakers there and served us well. We need somebody that knows how Tallahassee works, and it doesn’t work fair. It’s money well-spent,” Commission Chair Doug Copeland said.

“Sen. Steube is quoted as saying he will keep pushing legislation until it is successful,” Commissioner Brian Seymour said.

“That’s correct, and you can bet the People Versus the Powerful are right there willing to write checks,” Murphy said.

“And his counterpart in the house is a developer. La Rosa and his brother are large real estate developers,” Commissioner Carol Carter said. “I think the other positive about Chip Case is that he worked well with Casey Cook at the Florida League of Cities.”

Commissioner Nancy Yetter said, “Rather than being reactive, we need to be proactive and go on the attack because Steube just used this first round to see what we were made of and how much we would fight back.”

Carter said it was suggested at that day’s ManaSota League of Cities meeting that a senator or representative be found who is willing to file a vacation rental bill that would benefit local governments.

Commissioner Dale Woodland asked what could be done get more Florida cities educated and engaged in this issue. Nancy Yetter suggested following up with the more than 100 city officials she and Uecker previously contacted and perhaps pay visits to some of their commission meetings.

“It would be wonderful if all three cities could support it financially so everyone on the Island is singing to the same tune and doing what the lobbyist tells us to do,” Peelen said in support of an Island-wide effort.

The commission expressed unanimously support for retaining Case and Friday morning Murphy e-mailed him and asked for two proposals outlining potential services rendered and anticipated costs.

LIBRARY: Summer family fun FROM PAGE 18

June 8 – Didgeridoo Down Under; ** June 15 – Mad Science; ** June 22 – Wonders of Nature Traveling Animal Show; ** June 29 –Bits N Pieces Puppetry Rumpelstiltskin; ** July 6 – Out of My Hands Juggling and Illusion Show; **

July 13 – All About Manatees by the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department; July 20 – End of Summer Hands-On Engineering Challenge; July 27 – End of Summer Dance Party.

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

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MAY 17, 2017

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch joe hendricks | SUN

The Bradenton Beach Planning Board would like to prevent houses like the one on the right being replaced by houses like the one on the left.

Letter addresses property devaluation

The City Commission has discussed, but not adopted, the proposed actions that prompted the Stolen Rights letter.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – In response to land development code amendments recommended by the volunteer Planning and Zoning Board, many Bradenton Beach property owners recently received a letter from StolenRights.org.

The one-page letter also made its way to City Hall.

“The city of Bradenton Beach intends to pass regulations that permanently lower the value of your property. Under Florida Law, you may claim compensation for the losses caused by the city, but only if you are aware of your rights and request that compensation in a timely manner,” the letter states.

The letter pertains to planning board recommendations that if adopted by the City Commission would apply to the construction of all new houses and duplexes in the city’s R-1 and R-2 residential zones.

The board’s intent was to reduce the occupancy of new short-term vacation rentals, but the proposed changes would also apply to new homes built for full-time residents.

The board recommends reducing the currently allowed habitable living space from 3,500 square feet to 2,000 square feet, with no more than 580 square feet for bedrooms.

Earlier this year, planning board members Frank Harrison, Jim Lynch, Reed Mapes, John Metz, Patty Shay and Bill Vincent voted in favor of the proposed code amendments.

Board chair John Burns opposed them.

In April, the commission discussed the board recommendations but took no formal steps toward their adoption. City Attorney Ricinda Perry said the proposed changes would devalue residential properties and expose the city to numerous Bert Harris claims.

The commission asked staff to come up with additional suggestions and no further discussion has ensued.

The Stolen Rights letter falsely stated, “The city counts on taking your property right without you knowing you should file for compensation.”

In April, City Planner Alan Garrett made it very clear that if the commission were to approve the proposed changes the city would need to inform all potentially impacted property owners that they had one year to file Bert Harris claims. Without this notification, the time frame to file a claim would be open-ended.

“We are not a commercial organization, see letter, page 33

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MAY 17, 2017

Chef-crafted … authentic … with integrity

ZAGAT “Top Restaurants in America”

941-778-6444 www.BeachBistro.com

Crafted Cocktails

941-213-9926

www.DoctorsOfficeAMI.com

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941-778-0411 www.eathereflorida.com

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Warm coats

BY SEAN MURPHY SPECIAL TO THE SUN

B

artenders are listeners.

You sit at the bar. You drink. The bartender listens.

The topics can be tricky.

The patron’s ex-wife.

This one is real tricky.

The bartender has to try to kill this conversation because the person to the left is somebody’s ex-wife and the guy to the right is going out with an ex-wife.

The patron talking about his ex-wife is not a happy guy. He gets a couple of drinks in, and he will get morose and then the bar will get morose and morose people tip poorly.

Politics. Not good right now. Republicans are morose.

Religion. Fire and damnation. Morose.

The Floridian’s favorite warm coat.

This is one of my favorites.

Every Floridian has one warm coat he wears during those coupla weeks in December when the Canadians slip us a couple of those too-dam-cold Canadian cold fronts.

This week that one warm coat is heading to hibernation in the back of the closet, but next October it will be back again.

By October, we will be sick of the heat and overjoyed to welcome that first, refreshing cool front.

People will laugh and drink and dance naked in the streets.

By December some of those cold fronts will get fiercer and colder and more belligerent.

There will be bitterly cold Canadian cold fronts. Damn Canadians.

Those warm coats will climb back out of their closets, and the locals and their warm coats will march into the bar like critters marching into the ark – arm in arm – two by two.

On those cold nights, it is as if every

bar stool has two guests – the patron and their coat.

The coats are introduced to the bartender and the other patrons in the bar.

“I got this coat from my sister’s exhusband – he played football at Notre Dame. SOB is still behind in alimony, and I’m keeping the goddam coat” “I got this coat from the mayor of Buffalo – we got raided in a poker game, and he had to rush out without it.”

“I got this coat in Failene’s basement for a dollar in ’72.”

There is always a lady in a great big fur – testimony to acres of forest denuded of small animals.

The lady with the fur loves her coat – as martinis slide down, she begins to slide deeper into the fur and the warm, romantic memories of her lost youth.

“Ralph gave me this coat after he got back from Vegas.”

A guilty fur coat.

I’ll miss the winter coat talk. Memories of winter coat convesations will keep me cooler in the hot days from

now until the next “big chill” in October.

One dog day in September, when the heat is cruel and relentles and crushing, I will dig around in the trunk at the back of the closet for my special warm coat.

I will slide into it like an old boot and go sit by the pool in the white hot sun, and I will dream of cold fronts and all my friends around the bar in their special coats – shiny suede, broken zippers, mismatched buttons and matted sheepskin collars.

I will look forward to cooler days again, and I will wonder what Ralph did in Vegas that was so bad he had to buy that fur.

Sean Murphy is tolerated by the talented people who perform culinary and service wonders at the Beach Bistro and Eat Here and The Doctor's Office. His occasional writings can be followed at the restaurants’ websites – most notably at www.beachbistro.com

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MAY 17, 2017

941.779.2337 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK 5344 3 GULF DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH

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MAY 17, 2017

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THE SUN

OUTDOORS

MAY 17, 2017

Annual Crosthwait tournament slated M

ark your calendars for the upcoming Annual Crosthwait Amateur Fishing Tournament at the Bradenton Yacht Club. The 34th installment of the tournament will be held May 19-21. The tournament was founded in 1983 by commodores at the Bradenton Yacht Club in honor of Commodore Colonel Sam Crosthwait.

Crosthwait lived and fished in Manatee County for 25 years and was a frequent tournament winner. He fished around

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS the world in many countries, and his ideals of personal conduct, sportsmanship, and love of nature serves as an example for those who fish the tourna-

ment. The event, according to organizers is the largest and oldest amateur fishing tournament in Florida. During the tournament, local guides volunteer their time and talents to Project Healing Waters, taking disabled veterans out for a day of fishing followed by lunch.

The tournament is held each year in May, during which hundreds of anglers and thousands of community spectators attend the event, which is run by a volunteer committee of more

than 40 people. As with the original tournament, only amateur fisherman may participate. Winning anglers are awarded trophies, cash and prizes.

Winners are chosen by a point system and inshore species are released.

Charitable funds derived from sponsors, advertisers and gifts are directed back to the community. With the support of title sponsor, Yellowfin Yachts, see reel time, page 27

tide chart for anna maria city pier-may 17-24 Day Date

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

Wed 5/17

6:09a 1.53

9:41a 1.39

3:30p 2.16

11:45p 0.10

6:40-8:13

Thu 5/18

7:01a 1.60

11:20a 1.37

4:41p 2.01

Fri 5/19

7:43a 1.70

6:04p 1.87

7:43p 1.79

12:53p 1.23

Sat 5/20

12:40a 0.19

7:32p 1.79

8:54p 1.75

2:08p 0.98

6:40-8:14 6:39 -8:15 6:39-8:15

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Sun 5/21

8:44a 1.98

2:20a 0.46

8:54p 1.75

3:10p 0.65

6:39-8:16

Mon 5/22

9:12a 2.16

3:03a 0.63

10:07p 1.74

Tues 5/23

9:40a 2.36

3:42a 0.81

11:13p 1.71

Wed 5/24

10:11a 2.56

4:17a 0.99

4:05p 0.30 4:56p -0.03 5:46p -0.29

6:38-8:16 6:38-8:17 6:37-8:17

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MAY 17, 2017

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27

Fishing takes off Captain Dave White

It's finally been nice and flat out there on the Gulf! We at Anna Maria Charters have taken the opportunity to get offshore. Fishing the area’s wrecks and hard limestone bottom areas. We're searching for species like red grouper, hogfish, blackfin tuna, mangrove, lane, and yellowtail snapper.

Wreck fishing has been a lot of fun. I'm anchoring up out front of the wreck and chumming live pilchards heavily. This gets the amber-

jack, snapper and tuna feeding. The amberjack are targeted with a large top water popper. It's fun to watch a 40-pound animal smash one off of the surface. The snapper are caught by drifting a bait back over the wreck with a light jighead hidden inside it. Tuna are picked up with a large, live free lined bait as far out the back as possible. Hopefully these calm conditions persist and we can continue to capitalize on the excellent fishing!

Captain Dave White | Submitted

Kyle and Kelly Cannon, of Chapin, S.C., show off a hogfish, yellowtail and lane snapper caught with David White, of Anna Maria Charters.

reel time: Crosthwait tournament FROM PAGE 26

organizers hope to add a youth fishing tournament on Saturday, in keeping with Crosthwait’s desire to teach kids how to fish and enjoy our local waters.

Over the last 10 years, the tournament has donated more than $150,000 to the community, providing scholarships to support the education of local young anglers, Donations also support the Marine Mechanics Program at Manatee Technical College and the fish and game association.

The tournament begins with a division captain’s meeting at 6:30 pm on May 17 at the yacht club. Fishing begins with a River Masters shotgun start on May 19. There are a number of divisions including River Master, inshore, offshore and junior. There start and weigh-in times are spread out over the course of the three-day event. Sunday is the day when the winners are announced following a banquet and entertainment from 3 to 5 p.m. The festivities conclude at 6 p.m. For details, go to the tournament’s website http://www.crosthwaitfishing.com.

captain LARRY MCGUIRE | SUbmitted

It’s snapper time off Anna Maria Island Betty and Bob Rosas, long time residents of Anna Maria Island, show off part of their catch of mangrove snappers. Using live Spanish sardines was magical on these mangos in about 100 feet. Their family also caught big grouper,a variety of snappers, porgy’s, Jacks and lemon shark fishing while with Capt Larry McGuire.

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MAY 17, 2017

Have your special celebration with us

tubs & HBO. Pristine private beach with complimentary

Anna Maria Island Resorts is your location for a beachfront wedding, anniversary, family reunion or special event. The award-winning Tortuga Beach Resort, Sea Side Beach Resort, Tropic Isle Beach Resort and Tradewinds Beach Resort offer a variety of luxurious accommodations to suit your individual needs, from hotel style rooms to two-bedroom deluxe suites.

We can handle any size group by utilizing all our resorts for accommodations.

Each of our beautiful resorts offers a heated swimming pool, private beach access, complimentary beach towels, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, WIFI and free local and long distance calling. At the Tortuga, we have boat docks; so you can either bring your boat or arrive by boat.

All our resorts have unique qualities that make each one a little different than the other. Tortuga Beach Resort offers a stunning events pavilion directly on the beach; while the Sea Side Beach Resort is nestled in the sand with a gorgeous intimate beach front location. Across the street from the Sea Side, is our beautiful tropical oasis the Tropic Isle Beach Resort. All the units are facing into the sparkling pool with a gazebo tucked into the foliage overlooking the pool, so guests may relax and enjoy the shade. Lastly we have our Tradewinds Resort that features wonderful Old Florida style pastel colored cottages, porches to enjoy, a pool located directly on the bay and a great fishing dock.

Please contact us at 941-778-6611, ext. 105 or online at www. annamariaislandresorts.net. Call Dante’or Katie and make an appointment for a grand tour of any or all of the facilities and assist you in making your special celebration even more magical!

OPEN DAILY 7 AM - 9 PM

MAY 17, 2017

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THE SUN

Chelsea Kalous and Stephen Jaslow were married at the Sandbar restaurant on March 19, 2017. Chuck Caudill played ukulele for the ceremony and was DJ for the reception. Patti Mckee and Luis Ortiz, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. Chelsea and Stephen honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Atlanta, Ga. Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

Michelle Brush and Charley Ellis were married at the Gulf Drive Cafe on March 18, 2017.

Laura Snow, event manager for the Gulf Drive Cafe, coordinated the wedding. Michelle and Charley honeymooned in St. Lucia before returning home to Parker, Colo.

Dara Caudill | www.islandphotography.org

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TOWN CRIER Celebrate Memorial Day The Cortez Village Cultural Center at 11655 Cortez Rd., next to the Florida Maritime Museum, will host a Memorial Day picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 27.

The Center will serve hot dogs and beverages, and people are asked to bring a dish to pass around. As attendees eat and remember, some musicians will set up and play music on the porch, a jam session featuring local musicians playing local folk music at the museum. For further information, call Kris Martinez at 941-5244081.

Readers meet The Friends of the Island Branch Library Book Club meets on Thursday, May 18, at 10:15 a.m. to discuss “West with the Night,” by Beryl Markham. For more information, call the library at 941778-6341.

Sit and knit

ages. Arrive a minimum of 15 minutes in advance. Meet at the wagon loading ramp near the screened-in pavilion. Seats are available on a first-come, first served basis.

Ease your stress level with a meditation session at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, May 20, at 11 a.m.

It’s free. Call 941-778-6341 for more information.

Lego my Legos Kids, bring your parents to the Lego club, which meets at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, May 20, at 11 a.m. Children’s librarian Trudy Bell has a lot of the little building blocks, thanks to a generous patron of the library, and she’ll help you jump-start a project, unless your parents want to help. Donations of gently used Legos are welcome. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Free knitting class

Get creative by attending the knit and crochet session at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Thursday, May 18, at 2 p.m. Bring your latest project and enjoy. Call 941-778-6341 for more information.

Hearing specialist speaks

Public TV features AMI

Senior Adventures, the group for active seniors learning and having fun, will listen to a lecture from a hearing specialist in Friday, May 19, at Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N., Bradenton Beach, at 10 a.m. The specialist will offer tips on obtaining and maintaining hearing aids.

He will offer free follow-up ear evaluations and cleaning before a pizza lunch.

The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive Holmes Beach will host a free showing of "WEDU/PBS, the One Place That Can Take You Anyplace," on Tuesday, May 23, at 11 a.m.

This presentation will include a documentary that explores how the Historic Green Village on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, Florida has become a showcase for sustainable living, electrical generation and water conservation by recycling and renovating historic buildings in the area.

Roll through Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., in a covered wagon on Saturday, May 20, from 9 to 10 a.m.

A naturalist tour guide will explain the preserve’s history, wildlife and flowers and describe preserve highlights.

This program is suitable for all

Live like a local Respect Wildlife

Recharge your Zen

Children 8 years old and older and adults have an opportunity to learn knitting at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Tuesday, May 23, at 3:30 p.m. You must register for this class in person or by calling 941-778-6341.

Wagon ho

MAY 17, 2017

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

Black skimmer We’re here to rest and enjoy the beach, like you. Please don’t chase us!

Help with weight control Overeaters Anonymous meets at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, each Thursday at 7 p.m. For more information, call 813-494-6518.

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

Attention businesswomen Anna Maria Island Successful Women Aligning Together (AMI SWAT) is looking for new members to become part of a growing group of dynamic women that want to support one another in business, as well as in personal growth and development. It’s an opportunity to network and build relationships, meet other professional women, learn marketing techniques, make contacts and build your business.

The AMI SWAT Chapter meets the third Thursday of each month at the Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, go to www.swatnetworking.com and click on meetings then

tures fat-burning aerobics, muscle pumping strength activities, fun balance challenges and nutrition coaching to help boomers reach their goals. High and low impact options are available. The costs are $15 per class, $65 for a five-class pass and $100 for a 10-class pass. Scholarships are available for those in need.

Bring hand weights.

Roser-Robics, Get Fit While You Sit features chair-based aerobic exercises designed to increase cardiovascular and muscular endurance. All ages and skill levels are welcome as variations are shown. Bring two cans of fruit of equal size and weight to be used for class activities. These sessions are free.

For more information, call 941-778-0414 or log onto www. roserchurch.com/boomerbootcamp or www.roserchurch. com/roser-robics.

Adult care volunteers click on Anna Maria, or e-mail Lisa Brakefield, secretary, at rsvpamiswat@gmail.com.

Lose that stress Loren Batsell leads a guided relaxation circle on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at the Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd, Holmes Beach.

Donations are requested. A portion of the money will benefit the Art League.

Batsell practiced wellness for more than 20 years, She is a nationally board certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and licensed acupuncture physician.

Chairs will be provided or students may bring a mat. Attendees will be given verbal cues throughout the process to calm the body, mind, and spirit. Comfortable clothing is suggested.

For more information, call 778-2099 or visit the Anna Maria Island Art League, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Boomer workouts Roser Community Church offers exercise classes four times per week starting at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall, as follows: Boomer Boot Camp every Tuesday and Thursday and Roser-Robics every Wednesday and Friday. Boomers N Motion founder Melissa Merkle is the coach.

Boomers Boot Camp fea-

Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has advocate positions available in Manatee County. Volunteers visit with residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult-family care homes to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect. Training and certification are provided, and volunteers participate in council meetings, administrative assessments and complaint resolution in facilities.

If you would like to become an ombudsman and make a difference in your community, visit ombudsman.myflorida. com, search on Facebook or call 1-888-831-0404.

Stress-free fun Stay within the lines or get creative at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, when it presents its Coloring Club on Wednesday, May 24, from noon to 1 p.m. For more information, call 941-778-6341.

Chess club meets The old saying, "practice makes perfect” applies to the game of chess, and the best way to practice is to attend the Island Branch Library Chess Club, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Wednesday, May 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Call 941778-6341 for more details.

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MAY 17, 2017

turtles: Nesting season is upon us FROM PAGE 1

“We’re right at the same level as we were last year, and the beach is much better. We had a little escarpment – a ledge of sand – going along the whole Island. That’s something the county guys will be coming in this week and knocking down,” Fox said.

The three-foot escarpments were created by wave action generated by winds blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico, and they make it more difficult for the turtles to get upland to lay their eggs.

Chair concerns

Turtle season began on May 1 and continues through Oct. 31. During this period, beachfront property owners are to use turtle friendly lighting and bring in all beach chairs, tents, umbrellas and other items in after sundown.

City ordinances in all three Island cities state these items must be removed by 10 p.m., and Fox was concerned about the number of chairs left on the beach last weekend in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

“I did an inspection with the Bradenton Beach Code Enforcement Officer (Gail Garneau) Friday night, and we found a lot of the large resorts had their chairs left out. When Gail talked to me this morning, she said she sent them all e-mails and one of them wrote back and said isn’t the law 11 o’ clock? No. Last year it was 10 o’ clock and the last 10 years before that it was 10 o’ clock. We were out there at 10:30,” Fox said.

“Everybody’s scrambling to get into the groove for this year, and it’s the larger places that are lagging. Big resorts have chair-pullers, and they need to get their staff in order. Some of

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Submitted

This illustration demonstrates how to make the beach areas safer for nesting sea turtles. them are only pulling them up as high as the city benches. All of this is still sea turtle nesting habitat, and this is an accident waiting to happen. If they would just stack them, they would be OK,” she added.

In her e-mail to the resort owners and managers, Garneau asked them to post a notice at the point where their guests enter the beach as a reminder for them to bring the chairs back from the beach and have them stacked properly.

Lights low

When asked about compliance with coastal turtle lighting restrictions, Fox said, “Lighting is pretty good. We we’re nicely shocked at how good that was. That’s a relief to see that a lot of

people have already put on their sea turtle-friendly lights.”

Fox said the arrival of turtle season does not mean no lights are allowed at beachfront properties.

“There are plenty of fixtures and bulbs that are turtle friendly, and no one has to turn out their lights,” she said.

If anyone has concerns or questions about turtle nesting visit www. islandturtlewatch.com or call Fox at 941-778-5638.

If you see someone disturbing a sea turtle nest or encounter a sick, injured or dead sea turtle, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-3922 anytime night or day.

Marking nests

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31

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 disorient hatchlings.

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.

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

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

• Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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.

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

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

• 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.

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

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

Flippers and Feathers

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteer Carolyn Kappenmacher marks off one of the first sea turtle nests of the season last week.

Sea turtles do not have external ear openings, but can sense sounds and vibrations. They have an acute sense of smell underwater and also have good vision underwater, but are nearsighted on land.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED

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MAY 17, 2017

Happy Hour 12-6 Daily Gulf View Patio 7:30am-10pm Breakfast . Lunch . Dinner Live Music Nightly

joe hendricks | SUN

The Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board consists of Carl Pearman, Bob Carter, Monika Beard, chair Jon Crane, David Youngs, Margaret Jenkins and Jim Conoly.

Comp plan review finished The City Commission will now deliberate on the changes proposed.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Planning and Zoning Board has completed its year-long review of the city’s comprehensive plan and is proposing many amendments for City Commission consideration.

Working in unison with the more detailspecific land development code, the comp plan that is to be reviewed every five years represents city’s land use goals, objectives and policies.

The planning board is chaired by Jon Crane and consists of longtime members Margaret Jenkins, David Youngs, Carl Pearman and Jim Conoly and new members Monika Beard and Bob Carter. The comp plan review also included three city planners – former Planners Alan Garrett and Bruce McLaughlin and new City Planner Robin Meyer.

During the board’s Tuesday, May 9, meeting, Meyer led the board through a brief final review of the proposed change included in the 59-page document, bringing attention to the new and revised language highlighted in red.

Revised language found on page 1 states, “The city of Anna Maria is located on a barrier island which is a delicate eco-system which cannot accommodate unlimited growth.”

The future land use elements include new references to preserving habitat suitable for native trees and plants; providing for traffic flow and parking that includes bicycles and pedestrians; allowing local development and flood regulations to be more stringent than federal regulations; allowing no more than two habitable floors for residential development; and providing more open space for bicyclists, pedestrians, self-propelled watercraft and people with disabilities.

The board is proposing an entirely new historic preservation element that would

assist the city’s ongoing efforts to provide for greater preservation and protection of historic homes and structures on a voluntary basis.

The housing element stresses the importance of maintaining an infrastructure system that includes water, sewer, roads and bridges and addresses the additional demands created by the growing vacation rental population.

New language proposes sexual orientation be added to the provision that already states the city should do everything in its power to prevent discrimination based on race, sex, disability, national origin and religion when buying, selling or renting a home.

The revised housing element also says, “The city shall bring complaints regarding contractors’ fraudulent behavior and noncompliance with building codes before the Local Constructional Regulatory Board.”

The infrastructure element includes a new goal that calls for the city to “explore efforts to increase access to information technology while making the city a wireless community served by e-commerce and e-government.”

These objectives include underground utility lines, integrated wireless technology in all government facilities and parks, and working with Internet service providers to ensure high quality, high-speed internet access.

When Meyer finished, Crane said, “It does seem to me that you were able to summarize a year’s worth of blood sweat and tears into 10 minutes.”

Meyer suggested a possible planning board/commission joint workshop that would allow for additional discussion before the commission votes on the proposed changes.

After the meeting, Crane and Youngs said the review process gave them a much greater understanding of the comp plan.

Crane said he was pleased with the additional focus on environmental sensitivities, and Youngs said he was pleased with the new language pertaining to wireless and digital technology.

101 7th St. North Bradenton Beach 941.281.2990 www.WickedCantina.com

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MAY 17, 2017

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LETTERS: Property devaluation addressed FROM PAGE 21

and we offer nothing for sale. We formed in the wake of property devaluations made by Anna Maria and Holmes Beach and wish for you to avoid the fate of those owners – many of whom missed the deadline for compensation claims because they were never informed of the restrictions or of their rights,” the letter states This claim is partially false. The city of Anna Maria did notify property owners of the eight-person occupancy

limit contained in the vacation rental ordinance that took effect in 2016, and the city received 111 occupancy-related Bert Harris claims.

The Stolen Rights letter also said, “The city is planning to vote on May 4 to temporarily ban nearly every form of development in residential districts.”

At that meeting, the commission voted to extend the building moratorium for three more months. The moratorium prevents city staff from issuing building permits for homes that would

include more than four bedrooms or rooms that could conceivably be used as sleeping rooms.

The StolenRights.org website is registered to Perfect Privacy LLC with the Jacksonville address associated with Web.com. Perfect Privacy is a Web.com affiliate that allows clients to hide their actual identities.

As of Monday, an e-mail inquiry sent to the Stolen Rights website last week had not generated a response.

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REAL ESTATE

MAY 17, 2017

Timing the real estate market

s it a good time to buy or is it a bad time to buy? Will my home appreciate in value over the next t10 years or will I sustain a loss? Which neighborhood or city will make me the most profit on my home?

These and other home purchasing questions are the most common that buyers have, especially first time buyers, who are inherently nervous. The problem is no one can really answer these questions, and no one should, based on what happened 10 years ago.

Someone recently asked me how can I tell what the trend is in the area I’m interested in. Real estate asking prices will give you a pretty good idea of what the market values look like in your area, but it won’t tell you what the appreciation or depreciation rate is from month to month or year to year. But there are a couple of websites available that could help.

First of all, most municipalities in the country have public websites organized within their property tax or property asses-

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger sor’s area of the county you’re researching. You can usually sort by sales date and narrow it to subdivision or even street.

For example, here in Manatee County you could ask for all sales from Jan. 1, 2017, to the current date and also narrow the search to a specific subdivision or homeowner association. Once you have this information, just go back within the individual sales to the previous one, and based on the year and the sale price, you can determine the rate of appreciation.

However, what’s a lot easier is to go to the local board of realtors’ website which publishes sales within their multiple listing service. It’s been my experience that this

information is updated every month and will give you the average sale prices, rate of appreciation, number of sales and more.

I can’t guarantee that every board of realtors nationwide is making this information available, but it is the current trend.

On the national level, the housing market is red hot, being pushed up because of a lack of new construction and the lack of available listings with bidding wars not uncommon. The supply of homes for sale in March nationally was down 6.6 percent from a year earlier according to the National Association of Realtors. Certainly, in Manatee County, we are experiencing a similar environment with just over a four-month’s supply of homes available for sale.

There are some overheated markets that are headed for a bubble, but at this point, they are confined to cities like San Francisco and Denver. San Francisco is up 97.8 percent from its low point, and Denver is up 59.3 percent from its low. That said,

there are few signs of an imminent housing bust that would lead to major national declines in home prices per the economists. With stricter mortgage regulations and larger down payments, home buyers have more invested in their purchase than during the days of easy credit and sometimes zero down payment mortgages.

Economists generally expect prices to continue to go up in most markets for a few more years, assuming the economy keeps expanding. However, the overheated markets could wake up one day and find their market has cooled way down.

Trying to time the real estate market is like trying to time the stock market. There are so many moving parts that any one of them to change the marketplace in a heartbeat. But remember, buying a home is not like buying stock. It’s a place you and your family will live in, make memories and, with a little bit of luck, accumulate some appreciation to move on.

MAY 17, 2017

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Commissioners begin grand tree ordinance discussions Holmes Beach commissioners are seeking to boost the city’s tree protection power with a grand tree ordinance.

Commissioner Carol Soustek brought the issue before commissioner May 9 during a work session. The issue, Soustek said, is not that the city has no protection for trees, but that protection isn’t strong enough to keep the city in the shade.

“We love shade here,” Soustek said.

The city’s land development code requires a permit from the building department to remove large trees and, if removed, those trees have to be replaced. The issue is that single family and duplex lots are exempt from the rule.

“If you wish to save the trees, you

need to remove that exemption immediately,” Building Official Jim McGuinness said.

Commissioners agreed they would like to see stricter protection enacted for mature trees and more provisions stated for the removal of trees, including replacing those removed with like kind trees. Like kind trees include native species, preferably not palm trees, and replacing an equivalent amount in diameter of the tree removed.

Grand trees would be determined by the species and diameter of the tree.

McGuinness and City Planner Bill Brisson were to create a draft plan for discussion by commissioners at a future work session.

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Spend the evening with Holmes Beach Public Works Members of the Holmes Beach Public Works staff are ready to take community questions.

The department will host the latest in a series of community forums at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

Planned for the event is a discussion on capital improvements, including drainage, boardwalks and wetlands, with City Engineer Lynn Burnett. Public

Works Foreman Dave Benton will be onhand to discuss environmental stewardship and emergency management. Jim McGuinness, superintendent of public works, will provide an introduction. All three invite attendees to bring their questions and concerns for discussion during the forum.

For more information, contact city Human Resources Analyst Mary Buonagura at 941-708-5800, ext. 222.

Holmes Beach eyes historic preservation Holmes Beach commissioners are considering an ordinance establishing historic preservation protections for buildings and sites of historic significance.

Commissioner Jean Peelen brought the matter before her fellow commissioners May 9 during a work session. She suggested following Anna Maria’s lead in establishing an ordinance.

Anna Maria is currently working to obtain a state historic preservation designation for buildings 50 years or older and

places of historic significance.

Peelen said there are three types of designations the city could seek – local, state and federal. Local designation would be set by commissioners, while state and federal designations would be governed by the state of Florida and the National Park Service respectively.

Commissioners agreed to wait until Anna Maria completed the process before determining a historic preservation program for Holmes Beach.

Call us for all your sales or rental needs!

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WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MAY 17, 2017

MAY 17, 2017

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MAY 17, 2017

AME Spring Gala out of this world Parents and staff at Anna Maria Island Elementary ate, drank, danced and bid on items at the PTO’s Spring Gala, held at the Seafood Shack in Cortez Saturday night. This is the PTO’s largest fundraiser and teachers and students work on classroom projects to auction. The theme of the gala was “Star Wars.”

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

PTO President Lindsay Sauls with her husband, Brian, worked hard preparing the gala.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

David Zaccagnino and David Greene were ready for battle as the only two male attendees to honor the theme.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Kindergarten teacher Bridget Querraro sported a Princess Leia hairdo

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Oscar Cobe with his wife, Lisa, sported mouse ears with animated “Star Wars” scenes.

www.amisun.com

MAY 17, 2017

Pickleball court curing The new pickleball court at Lou Barola Park in Bradenton Beach is not expected to be open for play for at least another week. The concrete foundation is being given 20 days to cure before it is painted, striped and equipped with a net; and Public Works Director Tom Woodard has been on vacation.

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Top real estate producers for April, 2017 A PARADISE

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE

Cindy Grazar & Jo Anne Curtan - Listing Quentin Talbert & Mary Burke - Selling

Lynn Zemmer - Listing & selling

AN ISLAND PLACE REALTY

Stephanie Bell - Listing Brianna Shaughnessy - Selling

COLDWELL BANKER

Elizabeth & Randy Blandford - Listing & Selling

Sue Carlson - Listing Suzy Korinek - Selling

Gabe Buky Team - Listing & Selling

DUNCAN REAL ESTATE Darcie Duncan - Listing Cindy Jones - Selling

FRAN MAXON REAL ESTATE

ISLAND REAL ESTATE – HOLMES BEACH ISLAND REAL ESTATE – ANNA MARIA Gail Tutewiler - Listing Melinda Bordes - Selling

MICHAEL SAUNDERS – ANNA MARIA ISLAND George Myers - Listing Team of Ken Kavanaugh & Margo Story - Selling

MIKE NORMAN

Kathy Caserta - Listing Sally Norman Greig - Selling

SATO REAL ESTATE

Jason Sato - Listing Richard Freeman - Selling

WAGNER REAL ESTATE Carol Codella - Listing Ron Eiseman - Selling

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www.amisun.com

MAY 17, 2017

‘Weathered Souls’ at Studio The art of Edana Davis is featured in “Weathered Souls,” a display at the Studio at Gulf and Pine, 10101 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, that will continue through June 24.

There will be an artist’s reception on Thursday, May 18, at The Studio from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Sandbar restaurant will provide the refreshments.

Davis, who retired from a career in the dental arts as a porcelain technician, captures the calm stillness of summertime colors and nature’s light in large-scale paintings of tethered boats, old cars and beach cruisers. Her expressive style and unexpected use of color is also evident in her sea life pieces.

The Studio at Gulf and Pine and is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Call 941-778-1906 for more information.

FREE

HOME DELIVERY

Call for Details

778-3986

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MAY 17, 2017

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In the ears of the beholders Opinions vary on the limitations imposed by the noise ordinance adopted in 2014.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

BRADENTON BEACH – During last week’s City Commission noise ordinance workshop, residents, musicians, business owners and commissioners expressed their views on Bradenton Beach’s noise ordinance and the city’s live music scene.

Imperial House resident Barbara Hug asked why music-related noise violations continually occur between Seventh and Ninth streets north, where many senior citizens are reluctant to lodge police complaints.

Vice Mayor John Chappie and Mayor Shearon encouraged residents to call in their noise complaints because they get logged in by Sheriff’s Office dispatchers.

“I know it’s a pain, but please call it in so we have a record,” Shearon said.

Local musician Gary Drouin was among those who questioned how much traffic noise and other ambient noise gets factored into sound meter readings. He said restricting the ability to offer live music could be considered a violation of a business owner’s civil rights; and he expressed his opinion that some people are going to complain if they can hear any music at all, regardless of how low the decibel limit is.

Local musician Koko Ray Hansen is currently on tour but he submitted a letter to the commission that requested mu-

joe hendricks | SUN

This button worn last week by local musician Gary Drouin dates back to a noise ordinance debate that took place in Sarasota many years ago. Right, The Freckled Fin’s Scott Lubore, Steve Shannon and Eileen Lubore participated in last week’s noise ordinance discussion, and Code Enforcement Officer Gail Garneau watched the proceedings. sic not be referred to as noise. He also requested that decibel readings be taken from the complainant’s property line rather than the venues’ property line.

Freckled Fin General Manager Steve Shannon said it would be nice if he could go to work without the fear of being arrested, as was the case with Freckled Fin owner Scott Lubore last month.

Freckled Fin employee Thida Sou made an emotional plea about the importance of live music and how it impacts her and her co-workers’ ability to earn a living.

Commissioner Jake Spooner asked Police Chief Sam Speciale how many different people have complained about live music recently. Speciale said it was a “handful” of the same residents, most of whom live in or near

the Sandcastle condos across the street from the Freckled Fin. With permanent residency being encouraged by groups like Home Sweet Home, Spooner said it was important to weigh the impact of the noise ordinance on the hundred or more bar and restaurant employees that live and work in Bradenton Beach versus the complaints of a small number of residents who chose to live in a commercial district.

Shearon countered by saying the Freckled Fin building was previously occupied by an Italian restaurant that did not offer live music.

Lubore questioned why the current decibel limit drops from 85 decibels to 75 decibels at 7 p.m., just when the music is getting going. He and his wife Eileen claimed their business was being

unfairly targeted by the city; and Eileen quested the need to arrest someone for a misdemeanor noise violation.

Commissioner Marilyn Maro asked Lubore if he was aware of the noise ordinance when he opened his business.

He said he was.

Speciale reminded everyone that the Lubores met with Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz in April and were told that after receiving several warnings and five noise citations in a two-year period the next verified complaint would result in an arrest.

“Two weeks later they went to 98 decibels and he was arrested,” Speciale said.

“No other venue is having this problem.”

Mayor Bill Shearon noted that the Freckled Fin and the other Bridge Street establishments have all been quieter since that arrest.

noise: Ordinance extension proposed FROM PAGE 1

night on Fridays and Saturdays.

Speciale also proposed that decibel readings taken by an officer that is not responding directly to a noise complaint be taken 100 feet from the center of the stage instead of at the business establishment’s property line. He reiterated that sound measurements taken in response to a complaint are supposed to be taken at the complainant’s location, which does include using a cell phone to call in a complaint while standing at the establishment’s property line.

No formal decisions were made at last week’s meeting. Commissioners agreed to give further consideration to Speciale’s proposal and discuss it with their constituents and the members of the business community. An 11 p.m. compromise also might be considered.

joe hendricks | SUN

Police Chief Sam Speciale has proposed that outdoor and open-air venues be allowed to have live music until midnight on weekends.

Mayor Bill Shearon was asked to schedule a future work meeting to allow for additional discussion and some preliminary decision making that could result in direction being given to city staff. Any changes to the existing noise

ordinance would then be made during regular commission meeting. Commissioners John Chappie and Jake Spooner said they would like to have those decisions made by the end of June if possible. Speciale said the trial period,

if approved, should occur before the slower summer months arrive.

Chappie, Speciale and Spooner were among those who acknowledged that Bridge Street has changed and continues to change, and the days of Bridge Street getting quiet at 10 p.m. on a Friday or Saturday night are long gone.

It was also noted that there are more open-air and outdoor music venues than there were in the past.

“As Bridge Street grows, the city is going to have to grow with it,” Speciale said.

Commissioner Ralph Cole noted that families still visit Bridge Street resorts and that must also be factored into any decisions about live music being allowed to continue later.

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MAY 17, 2017

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

5/7, burglary to vehicle, 200 block of Willow Avenue.

The complainant said her two cars were entered overnight. It was unknown if anything was taken.

5/7, found property, 400 block of Pine Avenue. A person found a credit card. The card appeared to be from another country and the Sheriff’’s Office will hold on to it for safekeeping.

Bradenton Beach NANCY AMBROSE | SUBMITTED

Last call Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players enjoyed their last meeting of the year on May 10 at IMG Academy Golf Club. They will start up again next season.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Funky fun Store owner Adrian Griffith cuts the ribbon on Funky Island Essentials at 5702 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach along with, left to right, Monica Weiben, Tish Mooney, Patty Greitman and Aaron Lewis. They will hold a grand opening on Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20 from 10, a.m. to 6 p.m.

5/3, possession of drugs and paraphernalia, Cortez Beach, 900 Gulf Drive S. The officer spotted a car in the parking lot after hours with its front doors open.

He spotted three people inside and smelled freshly burnt marijuana. The driver admitted it belonged to him, and he received a notice to appear in court.

5/5, battery on a law enforcement officer, Gulf Drive and Bridge Street The officer saw the suspect in front of the Freckled Fin holding a beer in violation of city code. He told the suspect to take it inside.

Later, as he was approaching the Circle K, he saw the suspect walking up the stairs holding another beer. As he climbed the stairs, the suspect tried to prevent the officer from stopping him, punching the officer several times. The officer tried to pin him, but he noticed the suspect was eyeing his holstered pistol. That’s when the suspect broke free and made a run for it. A Good Samaritan joined the chase and captured the suspect when he fell.

By then, two other officers were there and they finally handcuffed him and took him to jail.

5/6, burglary, 2200 block of Avenue A. The victim said somebody forced his way into her apartment.

She said she checked her apartment, and it appears nothing was taken. Her large dog was in the apartment too and police speculate the dog might have scared away the intruder.

5/9, Marchman Act, Bridge Tender Inn, 135 Bridge St. The officer responded to a man down, and when he got there, he found out the man was heavily intoxicated. The man said he lived on a boat in the anchorage, but the officer felt he was too drunk to get there safely. He took an alcohol count and found it was above sober. He took the man into custody under the Marchman Act and send him to the hospital to sober up.

Cortez

No new reports

Holmes Beach

5/9, disorderly intoxication, Manatee County Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. The officer was called to the beach by two men on a report of an intoxicated male trying to start a fight with them. The officer found the suspect, who was trying to start a fight with some other parties. The suspect registered over the limit on alcohol, and the officer arrested him.

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MAY 17, 2017

Obituaries William 'Bill' Hard William “Bill” Hard, 65, of Ellenton, formerly of Holmes Beach, died May 12, 2017, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born in Indiana, but grew up in Verplanck and Buchanan, N. Y. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Joyce Basley Hard, and his brother, John C. Hard.

Bill is survived by his fiancée, Karen Breeding Robinson, of Ellenton. They enjoyed 25 wonderful years together.

Also survived by “adopted” son, Eric Holderby of Columbus, Ohio, his extended family in Ohio, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bill was an avid golfer and was blessed to have been able to fulfill his bucket list by going on a trip to Scotland, thanks to Jason and Leah Suzor.

He was also a wine enthusiast and master entertainer and dearly loved the wine tastings at The Waterfront and his Waterfront family.

To his many friends he cherished each and every one of you. He will be greatly missed but always in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice.

There will be no service per Bill’s request. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

C. D. Adams C. D. Adams (Clyde Dillard “Doc”) died May 10, 2017, at his home in Sebastian, Fla. C.D. is the sixth son of Willis and Dora Fulford Adams, of Cortez, and the grandson of the first Cortez family, William T. and Sallie Adams Fulford.

He is predeceased by his parents; five brothers, William H., Willis H., Leon H., Clayton; and, three sisters, Pauline Forcke, Doris Green and Mabel Hipp.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanie (McCann); four sons, Tim (Sue), of Sebastian Fla., Mark (Paula), of Houston, Texas, Thomas (Sue), of Sebastian Fla.,

and Steven, of Alaska ; a brother Cleve Adams, of Gardena, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; two nieces; five nephews; and, eight first cousins. A fishermen grandson comes to the west coast to fish during the mullet run.

C.D. graduated from Bradenton High School in 1942, and he returned for many of the class reunions throughout the years. He is remembered for bringing buckets of golf balls that he had picked up on his run every morning through the golf course. After graduation, he quickly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While flying over Germany, he had to parachute out of the B 17 bomber when it was too damaged to fly. The survivors hid out for several days. He was captured by farm women armed with pitchforks while he was digging up turnips to eat. He was a prisoner of war for seven months in a German prison camp. When he returned to the states, the Japanese had surrendered before he had to report for duty in the Pacific. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he worked in the fishing industry in Cortez for several years. He then began to work for Pratt Whitney Aircraft until retirement. His death now leaves just two surviving WW II veterans of the 67 from Cortez.

Donald John Jablonski Donald John Jablonski, CAE, 82, of Anna Maria, Fla., died on April 22, 2017.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1934, in Essexville, Mich., and was raised in Bay City, Mich.. Mr. Jablonski also resided in Arlington, Va., Washington, D.C. and Potomac, Md. Donald was a 1953 graduate of Bay City Central High School, Bay City, Mich., and also a 1959 graduate of Southeastern University, Washington, D.C. After experience, study, training, and testing, He was honored by the ASAE Certification Board with a lifetime title Certified Association Executive (CAE). In addition, he served as president and treasurer of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Md. Exchange Club for many years. Don served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, assigned to the Naval Inspector General Of-

THE SUN

fice in the Pentagon. Don’s on the job accounting skills were honed through employment as an auditor with Capital Airlines, Inc., as senior accountant with Advanced Communications Engineering, and costs accountant with Selma Field Engineering Services.

These positions served him well as he moved on as assistant comptroller with Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB); and as senior associate executive VP with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and his final position as the first executive director of American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, in which he assisted in its incorporation as a new non-profit society.

In 1999, Don developed Hodgkin’s disease and went through many radiation and chemo treatments, and over the next 17 years developed five more cancers, for which he had to take action. Cancer did not beat this man.

Don’s passing was the result of sepsis that took hold of him very quickly, while in a nursing/rehab facility, after hip surgery.

Don left behind his wife of 41 years, Hellen ''Pat;'' daughter Pamela Jablonski; son Tim, and his predeceased children: daughter, Elizabeth Whitfield and son, Philip Jablonski in the afterlife.

The family Jablonski; grandson Lorenzo Whitfield; two step children, Bernie Neumaster, and Terry (David) Neumaster; daughter in law Shelly Jablonski; son in law Lorenzo H. Whitfield and son in law Randy Bell, ask that memorials be made by giving a donation to H. Lee Moffitt Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Fla., or your local veterans service rganization.

Also Don asks that memorials be made by giving a flower to a loved one or a friend or making a call to a relative.

A service was held on Monday, May 8, 2017, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton, was in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be made to www. brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Robert J. McClannan Jr. Robert J. McClannan Jr., age 70, of Piqua, Ohio, died on Monday, May 8,

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2017, at his residence. He was born in Nuremberg, Germany, on Aug. 31, 1946, to the late Robert J. McClannan and Pat I. Dills.

Robert is survived by one brother: Herbert McClannan, La Vista, Neb.; and one grandchild.

Robert graduated from high school in Bradenton, Fla. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. He worked in industrial maintenance and was a truck driver.

He was a seasonal resident of Bradenton Beach, and he was known by his neighbors for his helpful ways. His nickname was “Ohio Bob.” A graveside service was scheduled for Tuesday May 16, 2017, at Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua. Arrangements are being handled by Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home, Piqua.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County, P.O. Box 502, Troy, OH 45373 or the charity of the donor's choice .

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.melcher-sowers.com.

Kenneth W. Rickett Kenneth W. Rickett, 79, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2017, at Blake Medical Center.

Ken was born in Reno, Nev., June 11, 1937, to Kenneth and Helen Kelly Rickett. He was a very enthusiastic resident of Anna Maria since 1981, and he enjoyed helping people fulfill their dreams through his real estate career.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, Scott Rickett, and a grandson, Ethan; his daughter, Erika Lombardi, her husband, Bill, and their sons, Zach and Ryan; a stepson, Brian Bishop, his wife Diana and grandson Sam Bishop and wife Heather and great grandson Owen.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Make a Wish Foundation.

There will be a celebration of Ken’s life on his 80th birthday, Sunday, June 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Key Royale Club, where he shot several holes in one over the years.

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FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 "Get lost!'

6 Google __: geographical app 10 Ruth with bats 14 Egypt's capital 15 They may clash on a movie set 16 Environmental sci.

17 *Power source that plugs into a computer port 19 Physics particle 20 Andes, e.g.: Abbr.

21 Against 22 Make amends (for) 23 *"Airplane!" flight number, to the control tower 26 Boats with doublebladed paddles 29 Forget to include 30 Mosque leader 31 Address for Bovary 33 Having one flat, musically 36 *Carl Icahn or Michael Milken 40 Billy the __ 41 Father or son New York governor 42 Head, to Henri 43 Suffix with joke or pun 44 Gratify 46 *Castle gate-busting weapon 51 Going on, to Sherlock 52 Lily pad squatter 53 Sock hop site 56 "The Mod Squad" cop 57 Home of the player at the ends of the answers to starred clues 60 Actor Estrada 61 Be complicit in, as a

caper 62 Giraffe kin 63 Exec's asst.

64 TiVo predecessors 65 Jotted down Down 1 Film on stagnant water 2 Film credits list 3 Barbecue fare 4 Smile shape 5 Iroquoian people, or a hair style named for them 6 Fred or Ethel of old TV 7 Texas A&M athlete 8 19th-century master of the macabre 9 Old Rus. state 10 "Get lost!"

11 Follow, as a tip 12 Trailblazing Daniel 13 Roundheaded Fudd 18 Yucatรกn years 22 Jungian inner self 23 Pack (down) 24 Calf-roping event 25 Poet Khayyรกm 26 Punt or field goal 27 Mine, to Marcel 28 One of 100 between

Answers to 05-10-17 Crossword Puzzle.

end zones 31 Native New Zealander 32 Source of quick cash, briefly 33 Brainstorm 34 Butterfly catchers 35 For nothing 37 Eight-musician group 38 Regretful sort 39 Bulleted list entry 43 Heavyset 44 Plum's title in Clue, briefly 45 Blue or black water of filmdom 46 Hay bundles 47 Burning 48 Mixer with gin 49 Player referenced in 57-Across' clue, briefly 50 Southern side dish 53 Tiny biting insect 54 "Eek!" 55 Hotel room cleaner 57 Cleveland cager, for short 58 "Easy as" letters 59 Old studio letters

MAY 17, 2017

MAY 17, 2017

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMPUTER SERVICES

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

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

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

BABY SITTER RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES Islandboatsales.net 17 years & Hundreds Sold. “Business On A Hand Shake” Not Using Your Boat, Let’s Sell It. Dave/Owner 941-228-3489

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

CLEANING SERVICE CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570 CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, Construction and Vacation Rentals . Also available Power Washing and Windows. Call 941251-5948 THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICE CommercialResidential-Marine.

Island Based Company.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning-Weekly-Occasional.

Call for Free Estimate.

941-281-4951

Call us today! 941-778-3986

EMPLOYMENT

PART TIME CLERK Position Available. Family Owned Gift Sop on AMI. Retirees welcome. Call 813-4097540 CAREGIVER NEEDED in exchange for STUDIO APARTMENT. Light house keeping. Private entrance, utilities and TV included.

No smoking/pets. Able to pass background check.

Call 941-792-2585

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

FOR SALE GOLF SUPPLIES: Brand new never used golf balls, still in original boxes, 1 Dz each: Titleist 100HVC- Titleist Dt 90Top Flight Plus 2. 2 Dz Top Flight Z Bacata 90- 3 balls Wilson MXD-2, 3 balls Wilson ProStaff.

Dozens of practice balls, tees, etc. All for $50 on AMI 941-807-5492

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP and ANNEX, Open 9:30am.-2 pm Tuesday, Thursday and 10am. – 1pm. on Saturday.

Donations preferred on Wednesdays 9am. -11pm.

511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

941-779-2733.

TOOL & GARAGE SALE May 19 & 20. 10am-4pm. 102 Pelican Dr AMI. Many tools, luggage Much More!

HAULING SITE CLEAN-UP to trash outs we can handle it all.

Call us for your dumpsters/ trash needs today 941-7538772

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 # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates.

“No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 WALY PRECISION PAINTING: painting, drywall, stucco, and remodeling, commercial/residential, licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-4656324 www.WalyPrecisionPainting.us BESPOKE SERVICES, MASTER CARPENTER for all home & office repairs. Also painting, decorating, decking & dock repairs,. Large or small works. Reasonable Rates! Island guy for Island work. Call RICHARD 941-448-3571

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

THE SUN

SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $55/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770 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 5/17/2017 9:00am at 1855 63rd Ave 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.

1995 Buick century 1G4AG55M8S6491096 2010 Honda Accord 5J6TF1H33AL002349 2004 Honda Civic 1HGEM21964LO51995

LOST & FOUND STOLEN FROM 217 PINE AVE. Art work from front of house. Multi-colored Fish.

REWARD! Call 813-2305900 FOUND SMALL FRIENDLY domesticated black & white cat near Bean Point.

Needs good home. Call 941-778-1976 LOST KAYAK BIMINI BAY Floated away on Sunday nights storm. Tan Feather Lite.

Please call 941-778-3057 LOST HEAVY GOLD CHAIN with Blue Stone near 47th Ave in Holmes Beach on December 26. REWARD! Call 908-963-1702 LOST MY GRANDMOTHER'S gold wedding band (initials inside and date) at Coquina Beach area. Reward.

Call 407-579-1621

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

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

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

941-812-0507 “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455 BAYSIDE COMMERCIAL PAINTING. David Padyani Call 941-565-9446 or Larry Zimmer 941-2248123 Licensed & Insured PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Meticulous, Thorough, Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Wall paper removal..

Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

PETS ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available.

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

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

AMISUN.COM

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

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

FROM THE HIGH $200’s Only minutes from the beach, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open 2BR or 3BR/2BA plus den & 2CG floor plans.

Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball and fenced-in dog park. HOA only $190/ month. Models open daily. Contact us 941254-3330 www.MirabellaFlorida.com 516 N. BAY New Construction. 4BR/4.5BA Incredible Gulf Bay Views. $1,725,000.

Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Bch - Key Royale GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, La Casa L’Plage, Waters Edge & MORE. Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 PERICO ISLAND FURNISHED 3BR/3BA townhouse very large floor plan, dining room, walk in closets, den, priced to sell $269,900.

Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941330-5054 BAY FRONT HOME W. Bradenton Palma Sola 4000 sq.ft. 4 BR/3.5 BA 4 car garage. Stunning Cathedral ceilings. No Island traffic! Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941-232-2216 NEW LISTING BREATHTAKING Gulf Views LONG BOAT KEY 1BR/1BA {WEEKLY RENTALS} Great Income producing property.

Sleeps 4 $439,900 Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-3305054

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classified

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE BRADENTON BEACH CLUB by Owner 2BR/2BA + Den. 1268sf.

Pictures? homeaway. com/ 3676751. Interested? Call Owner 813454-7611 $469,000 FANTASTIC WATER VIEWS: PERICO ISLAND Large ground level Villa 2BR/2BA, 2 car garage, den, vaulted ceilings in living room, dining room, sunroom. 11002 Perico Way Bradenton New Price $329,900.

Sharon Hightower RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941330-5054 3BR/2.5 BA SINGLE FAMILY HOME. New Kitchen, Roof, New A/C. SPECTACULAR WATER VIEWS. 11433 Perico Isles Circle, Bradenton $425,000 . Sharon Hightower RE/MAX Alliance Group 941-330-5054 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 26 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 FOR SALE: THE PORCH HOUSE. 2BR/2BA, 2 blocks to beach! Boyd Realty.

Scott May 941-238-8377 or Brenda Boyd May 941-7308589

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4 PM DRASTICALLY REDUCED. PRICED TO SELL Beautiful Custom Home, 10 Minutes from AMI Beaches Completely renovated in 2016: new stainless/granite kitchen, NEW ROOF, skylight and hardwood floors. Open floor plan, split bedrooms, large lanai, 2210 sq ft under AC, 3BR/2BA/2CG. $329,900 5320 88th St. W., Bradenton Call 941580-0626

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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 Ed DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. 2BR/2BA half duplex in Heritage Pines $995 annual lease. 2BR/2BA furnished in West Bay Cove $1600 annual lease. 1BR/1BA unfurnished duplex on island $1050 annual lease.

2BR/2BA furnished at West Bay Point Moorings $1850 annual lease Contact A Paradise 941-778-4800 ANNUAL RENTAL- BEAUTIFUL, 3BR,/ 3BA canal front home perfect location on Oak Ave 1 block to beach 3 blocks to stores. Dock w/ lift. Spacious and light, granite counter tops and stainless appliances. Large garage, private yard.

Available June 1. $2,800 month - 941-321-5454 BEAUTIFUL 2BR/2BA HOME in Heather Hills Estates. This large home has 960 sq. feet of living space and can be rented fully furnished, partly furnished or ready for your furnishings. The home is in a quiet and friendly 55+ community with access to an 18-hole golf course, shuffleboard court and expansive club house.

Home has an open style living room/dining room and a separate den.

Includes a carport, lovely front porch seating area and a laundry/utility shed with a washer and dryer. Close to restaurants, shopping and more. No pets/smoking. Just $975 a month.

Rent includes water, trash, pest control, yard maintenance, home association fees and more.

Drive by and you'll fall in love with its charm. Call 727-902-4005 for more information.

CANAL FRONT CONDO Smugglers Landing 2BR/2BA/2 Car Port. 40' boat slip with Gulf access.

2 pools, tennis courts. Unfurnished. $1800/mo. Call 770-883-3561

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

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

MAY 17, 2017

SEASONAL RENTALS AVAILABLE: May & June.

HOLMES BEACH: 2BR/1BA ground level. Block to Gulf.

ANNA MARIA (monthly minimum): 2BR/2BA & 2BR/1BA Both ground level and Close to Beach.

2BR/1BA Gulf Front. Second story. Horizon Realty of Anna Maria 941-7780426 kringco@tampabay. rr.com NORTH SHORE DRIVE, Anna Maria. 3BR/2BA Seasonal Rental across the street from Gulf.

Heated Pool.

AMIRENTAL.com

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095

ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469

www.amisun.com

MAY 17, 2017

business & service directory computer service

home improvement

home improvement

THE SUN

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

painting

transportation HOME SITTING / PET SITTING

HAULING

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THE SUN

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MAY 17, 2017