Anna Maria Island Sun May 17, 2023

Pirates invade Holmes Beach

RICK THRESS | SUBMITTED

The Anna Maria Island Privateers held their first-ever Food Trucks, Pirates and Tunes event at city field in Holmes Beach May 13 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and lots of people came out to shop, eat, soak up the sun and enjoy a day of live music. The all-ages event featured more than 10 food trucks, lots of vendors, a chance to tour the Skullywag pirate ship and live music from Southern Cross, Steve Paradis, The 301 Travelers, Cabana Dogs and Bradentucky Death Rays.

Passing of a patriarch

Hugh Holmes died May 8 at home surrounded by family.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Community leader and family man Hugh Holmes died May 8 at the age of 96.

Born and raised on Anna Maria Island, Holmes helped to shape the community named after his father, Jack Holmes, through civic volunteerism and his work as a developer.

After returning from the U.S. Navy following WWII, Holmes helped to build the Anna Maria Island Volunteer Fire Department, bringing the first fire engine onto the Island. He later served as chief of that department, a legacy that his grandson, Ben Rigney, now continues as chief of West Manatee Fire Rescue, the full-time fire department that absorbed the volunteer organization.

Civil case in net camp dispute dismissed

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – A civil suit filed in 2018 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) against Raymond Guthrie, Jr. over his net camp building in Sarasota Bay has been dismissed.

Net camps were wooden shacks used by fishermen to hang hemp and cotton fishing nets to dry. According to historic photographs, there were dozens of net camps on the bay off Cortez.

“Net camps are small simple structures and provide space to store nets and other fishing gear,” according to the Florida Maritime Museum.

In a motion initiated by 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas on Feb. 23, parties were notified that since no filings in the case had been made in more than 12 months, the case would be dismissed if no stay is issued or approved prior to the expiration of a 60-day period.

On May 4, Nicholas signed a Motion and Notice/Order of Dismissal.

Listed as lawyer for the plaintiff (DEP), Bradentonbased Attorney Robert C. Schermer, declined to comment on the dismissal via email on May 13.

Holmes was a community leader in other ways, including his time as founder and CEO of the Island Bank and the owner/operator of Holmes Construction Company, which built commercial shopping plazas, homes, hotels and condominiums across Anna Maria Island. He also volunteered as a civic leader, a legacy carried on by his daughter, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth.

After news of his death, many community members and leaders took to social media to reminisce over their memories of Holmes and offer their condolences to his family.

“Mr. Holmes was a gentleman,” Carol Whitmore said, a former Holmes Beach mayor and former Manatee County commissioner.

“What an incredible life,” former Anna Maria commissioner Carol Carter said. “Sincere condolences to the Holmes family.”

SEE HOLMES, PAGE 25

City leaders continue garage fight

The fight against parking garage construction at Manatee Beach continues.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The Florida House of Representatives and Senate may have passed House Bill 947 on to Gov. Ron DeSantis’s desk, but that doesn’t mean that city leaders are done fighting against the construction of a parking garage at Manatee Beach.

During a May 9 commission meeting, Mayor Judy Titsworth and City Attorney Erica Augello said they’re exploring every available legal strategy to combat the parking garage bill which would see a three-story garage built over the current parking, conces-

sion stand, retail space and restroom facilities at the Manatee County-owned beach property. Estimated to cost $45 million to build over a minimum of two years, the garage is planned to hold 1,500-1,700 paid parking spaces, a new concession stand, retail space, restrooms and a bar. While the garage is under construction, parking at the beach, located at 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, would be unavailable. Currently, city leaders are asking residents and other Anna Maria Island stakeholders to write to DeSantis to encourage him to veto the bill. DeSantis can veto the bill, sign it into law, or take no action and allow it to become law. As of press time for The Sun, DeSantis had taken no action on the bill.

SEE GARAGE, PAGE 22

New sewer line services future development

The county approvals granted in 2016 allow for 1,950 residential units, a 150-room hotel, a marina basin and more.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The tree and bush clearing activity currently taking place along the north side of Cortez Road West, between 115th Street West and the West Manatee Fire Rescue station, is associated with a Manatee County force main sewer line replacement project.

The preliminary clearing work being performed by the Woodruff & Sons construction company does not signal the beginning of the Peninsula Bay construction process, but there is a documented connection between the county project and Whiting Preston’s future Peninsula Bay development.

On March 28, Preston’s Pen Bay 1 LLC and Manatee County entered into a force main-related permanent utilities easement agreement. The easement agreement names Pen Bay 1 LLC as the grantor and Manatee County as the grantee. The easement

allows Manatee County to use in perpetuity a specific portion of the Pen Bay 1 property to install and maintain county utilities.

According to the signed utilities easement agreement, “the force main will be designed with the capacity to carry the sewage from the planned Peninsula Bay development for 2,000 equivalent dwelling units and grantee (the county) shall reserve such capacity for the Peninsula Bay development.”

That same day, Preston also signed an affidavit of ownership and encumbrances pertaining to the utilities easement.

According to Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge, a new 36-inch force main sewer line will be located in the easement area and some of Woodruff & Sons’ construction equipment and construction materials will be stored elsewhere on the Pen Bay 1 property

that has long been associated with Preston’s Manatee Fruit Company agricultural operations.

No development activity appears to be taking place yet on the eastern portion of the Pen Bay 1 property. Nor are there any signs of development elsewhere on the more visible central and western portions of the property.

FUTURE PLANS

According to project page posted at the Kimley-Horn + Canin Associates website (https://www.canin. com/project/peninsula-bay-2/), the Orlando-headquartered firm is providing master planning, vision planning, public involvement and transportation planning services for what it describes as a 375-acre master planned infill development.

On March 12, The Sun reached out to Preston’s Palmetto Companies Inc. and Kimley-Horn + Carin Associates seeking additional information on the current Peninsula Bay plans and a potential construction timeline. As of press time for The Sun, those inquiries had not yet generated any responses.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Some of the sewer project-related tree and bush clearing activities are taking place near the Cortez Road West/ 115th Street West intersection.

BRIEF

Masi promoted to sergeant

On May 4, Bradenton Beach Police officer Steve Masi, left, was promoted by Police Chief John Cosby to the rank of sergeant. Masi, who’s been with the department for more than 10 years, will now serve as the department’s night supervisor. “I’m very honored and I’d like to thank Chief Cosby and Lt. Diaz for promoting me to this position,” Masi said.

Anna Maria’s new deputy clerk arrives

The city of Anna Maria’s newly-hired deputy clerk, Fransheska “Fran” Berrios, has reported for duty and her duties will soon include planning and coordinating the city’s special events. “We’re excited to have her. She’s got a great personality,” City Clerk LeAnne Addy recently said. Mayor Dan Murphy said Berrios will take over the event planning duties long performed by Deputy Clerk Debbie Haynes. Haynes’ previous semi-retirement will become full retirement after she plans and coordinates the Memorial Day Symphony Salute and the Centennial Symphony celebration, which will both take place at City Pier Park on Monday, May 29, beginning at 10 a.m. On Thursday, May 11, Mayor Dan Murphy and the city commission praised Haynes for her work on the Mote Marine Science, Education & Outreach Center grand opening ceremony on May 5. “The Mote opening celebration was fabulous,” Commissioner Jon Crane said. “Debbie did a fabulous job pulling this together. I couldn’t be happier,” Murphy said. “We all agree,” Commissioner Robert Kingan added.

Get prepared for hurricane season

Manatee County Emergency Management presents the Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on Thursday, May 18 from 4-7 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto. This is a family-friendly event that is fun and educational where visitors can learn about insurance, evacuation levels and much more. There will be vendors, an emergency vehicle showcase, door prizes and giveaways. For more information on this free event, call 941-749-3507.

Bradenton Beach’s floating day dock expanded

After a long permitting delay, the Army Corps of Engineers has approved the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) longstanding request to extend eastward the existing floating day dock. Last week, Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift installed the three premanufactured floating dock

sections that arrived the previous week. Extending southward, approximately 13 perpendicular finger piers will be affixed to the expanded floating dock next to the Bradenton Beach Pier. The expanded floating dock and the new finger piers will provide additional free public dockage on a first-come, first-served

basis. The expanded dock area is also expected to serve as a landing area for Manatee County’s pending Bradenton to Anna Maria Island water taxi service. The dock expansion project is being funded by the CRA, but Manatee County is reimbursing the CRA for 50% of the total project costs.

Centennial flags line city streets

The city of Anna Maria’s new centennial flags now hang from several streetlight poles along Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue. The flags commemorate Anna Maria’s 100th anniversary as a chartered city and are being displayed in advance of the centennial celebration taking place at City Pier Park on Monday, March 29, at 10:45 a.m.

During the May 11 Anna Maria City Commission meeting. Mayor Dan Murphy said additional flags were ordered and some will be hung along the side of Pine Avenue that doesn’t yet have them. Murphy said the flags have been well-received. “I’ve never received so many compliments about something we’ve done,” he said. Murphy said the commemorative flags can be purchased at city hall and Short noted his neighbor already has one flying from his flagpole. The centennial flags can be purchased from the city for $58.27.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The floating dock at the Bradenton Beach Pier has three new sections of decking at its eastern end.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Several of Anna Maria’s new centennial flags are hanging along Gulf Drive.

Berrios

Manatee High School student awarded scholarship

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Man atee High School Student Travis Bates won the $5,000 John van Zandt Scholarship.

He was awarded the scholarship by The Center of Anna Ma ria Island’s Executive Director, Christopher Culhane, at Manatee High School on May 9.

The John van Zandt Scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating senior for financial assistance toward a career requiring certification, licensing or apprenticeship.

Bates plans to study Marine Services Technology at Manatee Technical College.

“His roots run deep in AMI, with his great grandparents having been co-owners of the IGA now known as Ginny and JaneE’s. Bates’ great grandfather, Bennie Scanio, also helped Fred Hutchinson create the athletic field in 1955,” according to a

Travis Bates, winner of the John van Zandt Scholarship, receives congratulations from The Center’s Executive Director Christopher Culhane.

press release from The Center.

“The Center wishes Travis the best of luck in his future and thanks all of this year’s van Zandt scholarship applicants.”

Artists’ Guild awards scholarship

The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island announced the winner of the nonprofit's 2023 scholarship, Brice Carlton. Carlton is a senior at Parrish Community High School and an awardwinning playwright, actor, director, novelist and filmmaker. Brice plans to attend State College of Florida in the fall and then Florida State University to study and pursue a career in film, theatre, and performing arts.

Scholarships available through Roser Guild

The Roser Women’s Guild has scholarships available for graduating seniors entering college during 2023-24. Scholarships of $375 per semester will be awarded to parttime students enrolling in 6-11 credit hours of undergraduate courses. Scholarships of $750 per semester are available to full-time students enrolling in 12 credit hours or more of undergraduate classes. All scholarships are limited to a maximum of $1,500 per year and can be renewed for all four years of undergraduate study. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the school, must be used for tuition, books, supplies or fees, are limited to courses leading to an undergraduate degree and are only available as long as the student maintains a 2.75 cumulative grade point average. The deadline for applications is May 26. For more information, or to download an application, visit www.Roser Church.com/roser-guild-scholarships. All Guild scholarships are funded by sales from the Roser Guild Thrift Store.

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Family-owned since 2000

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Officials seek governor's assistance

Dear Governor DeSantis, As elected officials of the City of Holmes Beach, we are writing to you to request you veto HB 947 when it is presented for your signature. Our community does not support this bill and is concerned about the effects its passage will have not just on the citizens, business owners, and visitors of the City of Holmes Beach.

HB 947 is a local bill that allows Manatee County (a non-charter county) through its Board of Commissioners to construct a parking garage on County property located within the jurisdictional boundaries of Holmes Beach without having to abide by the laws, rules, and regulations of the City, including its Charter, Comprehensive Plan, and Land Development Code. In fact, the legislation specifically prevents the City from having any regulatory control over its permitting or construction.

It was surprising, to put it mildly, to see this bill brought forth and supported by members of the GOP. While not all citizens are members of the Republican Party, we live in a representative democracy and the people have spoken, electing a Republican controlled State Legislature and Governor. Some of the tenets of

the GOP are limited government, economic freedom by way of lower taxes, controlling government spending, and "the people, not the government, are the best stewards of our country's Godgiven natural resources."1 HB 947 defies every single one of these principles.

This bill is the definition of "big government" and reads more like a provision in a large infrastructure bill reminiscent of the 1950s than a bill that seeks to stimulate a free economy. It seemingly seeks to alleviate a local problem - parking - where such a problem does not persist. The problems on the island are not with parking, but with traffic. Bringing more vehicles to the island by providing a structure that will increase the vehicles in the parking lot from 350 to 1500 is not a solution but serves only to exacerbate the real problem. With the limited information that was provided to the State Legislators, and the limited time with which they had to consider that information, it is with all due respect that we state this is not an issue for the State government.

Local problems require local solutions, and the cities on the island are working together to do just that.

Not only is HB 947 an obvious act of government overreach, the erection of the project, which is estimated at $45 million in

construction costs, will be done on the backs of the taxpayers. Manatee County does not have the funding to construct the project, and an analysis of sources of funding reveals that increased taxes will likely be that source, or perhaps incurring public debt. This is troubling as the garage is not an income-generating project. The Economic Impact Statement accompanying the bill does have projected revenue, however, the estimate does not detail the source of the revenue or whether it is net or gross. Assuming the revenue is net, and the project is actually income-generating, the project will never pay for itself due to maintenance costs from year to year. It will be a continuous expense and will not be value added.

The project is a tax burden that will not serve to generate any economic stimulus. It will cause increased traffic which will lead to a decrease in tourism and visitations to local restaurants, hotels, and amenities, as well as reduce property values. In turn, this will reduce the City and County tax bases which is income necessary for integral government projects, such as stormwater control which is a major concern on the island, the County, and the State of Florida as a whole.

FROM PAGE 7

The City of Holmes Beach has made great strides to shore up its stormwater system. Presently, the site of the parking garage is a shell parking lot that abuts the State's greatest natural resource- the public beach. A shell surface is a permeable and natural surface which allows for the percolation of water. The proposed project will replace this shell surface with a 400,000+/- sq.ft. concrete structure which will induce unregulated water runoff, causing nearby roads and private properties to flood during nothing more than an afternoon shower. The costs of this project far outweigh any "solutions" that it proposes.

HB 947 is legislation that fails to adhere to the tenets of your political party, the party which the electors of this State have overwhelmingly chosen to be our legislators. It also fails to solve the issues facing Anna Maria Island and Manatee County, and instead serves to create a tax burden by way of government overreach.

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Holmes Beach respectfully and strongly urges you to veto HB 947.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

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

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

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

Harmful Algal Blooms/Red Tide Lecture, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 18

Trail Team Thursday, Leffis Key Preserve, 2651 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. to noon

Tree Tots: Water Wonders, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Island Morning Book Club: “The Only Woman in the Room,” Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m.

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

May 17, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

May 18, noon – City Commission meeting

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

HOLMES

BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. May 19, 11:30 a.m. – Police Officers Pension Board meeting

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

May 24, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

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

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

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

FRIDAY, MAY 19

Seashell Shorewalk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m. Meet under the Longboat Key Bridge Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

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

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

TUESDAY, MAY 23

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 25

Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Green Explorers, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Carol Soustek Terry Schaefer Dan Diggins Pat Morton Greg Kerchner Holmes Beach City Commissioners

Multiple departments respond to Cortez Bridge incident

Police from multiple departments responded to a man who appeared to be hallucinating and running into traffic on the Cortez Bridge.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Bradenton

Beach Police officers Devon Straight and Tom Ferrara were at the Circle K near Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach when a concerned citizen came in and told them there was a man on the Bradenton Beach side of the Cortez Bridge screaming for help and running into traffic. The incident began around 7:35 p.m. on May 7.

“Myself and Officer Ferrara quickly responded and soon located the male standing in the middle of Cortez Road next to the Bradenton Beach Police station,” Straight said in a written report. “The male, later identified as Gregory Cawley, appeared wide-eyed and very anxious.”

Officers said that throughout the encounter, Cawley continued to reference people on the scene that weren’t there, including a

group of people across the street that were watching the incident. No such group was present on the scene, leading officers to believe he was hallucinating and, due to his dilated pupils, they believed the incident was drug-related.

Straight’s report said Cawley was still fighting police and trying to break free even after EMS arrived and he was handcuffed to a stretcher. Once in the ambulance, he admitted to snorting and consuming crystal meth, although no drugs were found on him. Cawley was taken to HCA Blake Medical Center.

Pedestrians struck while crossing street

Two pedestrians were struck by a truck while crossing the intersection of Marina Drive and Gulf Drive.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - The intersec tion of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive in Holmes Beach was temporarily closed May 12 after two female pedestrians were struck by a truck while crossing the streetin a marked crosswalk. The driver, Michael Ritchie of Bradenton, told police he had the green light and did not see the women as he was turning left from southbound Marina Drive onto southbound Gulf Drive.

“It’s important for motorists to understand that they must yield to pedestrians even if the light is green, as it was in this case,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said. “The only time a person turning left has the right of way over pedestrians is when they have a green left-turn arrow. There is

no arrow at this intersection, so drivers always need to be alert when turning.” The two women, identified as Miriam and Deborah Trotter, both sustained injuries. While D. Trotter was released from HCA Blake Medical Center the same day, M. Trotter suffered critical injuries and remains on life support at press time. Ritchie was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian.

SUBMITTED | HBPD

A truck struck two female pedestrians May 12 at the intersection of Marina Drive and Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

SUBMITTED

Police from Bradenton Beach receive backup from Holmes Beach and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to deal with a man allegedly high on drugs and running into traffic on the Cortez Bridge in Bradenton Beach.

Non-conforming lot ordinance on hold

The proposed ordinance amendment would impact future development on residential properties containing two or more lots.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria City Commission is delaying action by a month on a proposed ordinance pertaining to multiple non-conforming lots located on a single property.

The commission reached this decision, in part, because adopting the proposed ordinance would almost certainly subject the city to Bert Harris claims filed by negatively impacted property owners. Restrictive language contained in hurricane relief-related Senate Bill 250 also factored into the decision.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

In March, the planning and zoning board voted 2-1 in favor of recommending city commission denial of the proposed ordinance, Ordinance 23-914.

On May 11, the city commission discussed the proposed ordinance on first reading.

Section 114-135 of the city’s code of ordinances currently says non-conforming lots that don’t conform with the city’s minimum lot size and area requirements may be built upon as long as the proposed construction complies with all spatial and bulk requirements and all other regulations applicable to conforming lots and parcels.

The proposed ordinance contains

new language that states “if two or more platted lots have been combined or used together at any time for a unified development or recognized as one lot under a single parcel ID, such combined lots shall not be utilized separately for use as individual lots for construction unless each individual lot is conforming as to minimum dimension and lot area at the time of requested development or redevelopment.”

When presenting the proposed ordinance amendment to the commission, City Planner Ashley Austin said it would provide consistency with the comprehensive plan which establishes a maximum density of six dwelling units per gross acre and a minimum lot size of 7,260 square feet.

Austin said the proposed amendment would only affect existing non-conforming lots that have been combined by a unified development, with the most common scenario being a singlefamily home built over two lots.

“Those lots would be deemed nonconforming,” Austin said. “Many of these lots in question are approximately 5,000 square feet.”

City Attorney Becky Vose addressed the legal concerns that would be created by SB 250 if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the proposed legislation into new state law.

Vose referenced the following language that she said was buried in the appropriations bill: “A county or municipality located entirely or partially within 100 miles of where either Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole made landfall shall not propose or adopt any moratorium on construction, reconstruction or redevelopment of any property damaged by Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole; propose or adopt more restrictive or burdensome amendments to its comprehensive plan or land development regulations; or propose or adopt more restrictive or burdensome procedures concerning

review, approval or issuance of a site plan, development permit or development order before Oct. 1, 2024. Any such moratorium or restrictive or burdensome comprehensive plan amendment, land development regulation or procedure shall be null and void. This subsection applies retroactively to Sept. 28, 2022.”

“Anna Maria is within 100 miles of that landfall. If this gets signed, jurisdictions within that distance on both the east coast and the west coast have to put a pause on changes to their comp plan and land development regulations if they result in something more restrictive or burdensome,” Vose said.

Mayor Dan Murphy said SB 250 contains $60 million in state appropriations for communities damaged by the two hurricanes and that makes it highly unlikely that DeSantis will veto the bill.

“Our chances of stopping this are slim and none,” he said, noting the city still needs to confirm whether Anna Maria is within the 100-mile range of Hurricane Ian’s landfall, as calculated by the state.

Commissioner Jon Crane asked Vose about the risk of Bert Harris claims being filed against the city if the proposed ordinance is adopted.

Enacted in Florida in 1995, the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Protection Act provides relief for property owners aggrieved or inordinately burdened by the actions of the state or a local or county government.

Vose said existing city code allows the owner of two or more existing split

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The proposed ordinance would impact 37 properties, including this one on North Bay Boulevard.

No shorebird nests on AMI

AMITW will monitor for potential nests throughout summer.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – There are currently no shorebird nests on Anna Maria Island, according to Kristen Mazzarella, executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

“We will continue to monitor for shorebird nesting on the Island throughout the summer,” she said on May 12.

According to the Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA), “Because of widespread coastal development, Florida’s shorebirds and seabirds have few places left to go. Native coastal habitat is now largely confined to public lands

where conservation is a high priority, but not the only one. Even within these remnants, shorebirds and seabirds must regularly contend with multiple human-related challenges (e.g. pollution, pets, foot traffic).”

Some birds that have been seen previously at Anna Maria Island beaches include terns, oystercatchers, skimmers and sandpipers, commonly seen resting during peak migration periods.

The 2022 Florida Shorebird Alliance Monitoring Data at Work annual report highlights trends and strategies to improve nesting outcomes and reduce human disturbance.

“Ever-increasing human populations mean continuing challenges in reducing human disturbance, managing predation and regulating coastal development that impacts beach-nesting birds,” the FSA report states.

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Children’s musical receives standing ovation

In their inaugural performance, the Roser Youth Performing Arts group received a standing ovation from the audience.

Family, friends and community members packed into the Roser Memorial Community Church sanctuary May 12 to see the one-night only performance of the musical “Martin and the Doors” starring Lilly-Kate Guth, Alex Serra, Penny Payne, Charlie Serra, Jackson Glasscock, Owen Serra and Benny Guth with Roser’s Associate Director of Music Ministries Brandon Kouri accompanying on piano. Director of Music Ministries Craig Ramberger led the cast from the director’s chair.

The musical story follows four friends who go on a hunt, led by Theo-Cacher 2000, to discover the five theological truths of Martin Luther. Their journey is accompanied by the work of three narrators.

Following the performance, the cast members gifted every woman in the audience with a rose in honor of Mother’s Day.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Left, ‘Martin and the Doors’ follows four friends on a hunt to find the five theological truths of Martin Luther. From left, Alex Serra, Lilly-Kate Guth, Penny Payne and Charlie Serra. Above, following their performance of ‘Martin and the Doors,’ the cast handed out roses to all of the ladies in attendance in honor of Mother’s Day.

Concert for Peace returns this June

The second annual Concert for Peace is scheduled for June 10.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

CORTEZ - Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, is once again gathering members of the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club and the community to raise money for the people of Ukraine with a Concert for Peace. The second annual event is being held to help those whose lives have been upended by the ongoing war with Russia.

This year's Concert for Peace is planned for Saturday, June 10 at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The concert is free and open to the public and feature musical acts the Eric

Von Band and Trevor Bystrom, with money being raised through sales of food, drinks, raffle items, t-shirts and sponsorships. The AMI Rotary Club works with their Rotary partner in Poland to purchase supplies and get them into the areas of Ukraine where they are most needed.

Slicker, who became passionate about helping the people of Ukraine after watching the war begin to unfold in 2022, vowed to do whatever he could to help get supplies to the people who needed them. The first Concert for Peace, held in June of 2022, raised more than $50,000, 100% of which went to supplies, such as medical needs and refrigerators.

“I went over there and saw first-hand how difficult these people have it due to the

war,” Slicker said. “These are just normal people who get up and go to work just like you and I, then one day their lives are upended. I went to apartment buildings where not only are multiple people sharing community refrigerators, but often multiple families have to share one shelf of a fridge.”

“The Rotary can be trusted to get the job done,” AMI Rotary President Jim McDaniel said. “There are only two seats in the United Nations that don’t belong to individual countries. One is the Red Cross and the other is Rotary.”

For information on becoming a sponsor, making a financial donation or the Concert for Peace, visit the Campaign for Ukraine Facebook page or email campaignforukraineami@gmail.com.

Humanitarian Effort.

AMI Rotary Club continue their Campaign for Ukraine

Alcohol consumption on pier clarified

AMOB plans to install a new to-go bar and takeout food kiosk in a pier space leased from the city.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Oyster Bar’s (AMOB) request to allow alcohol consumption on the Bradenton Beach Pier will not require the amendment of an existing city ordinance that prohibits alcohol consumption on the pier.

During the May 4 Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting, City Attorney Ricinda Perry shared her legal opinion that a city-issued conditional use permit would allow alcohol on the pier without amending the existing ordinance.

Perry said AMOB’s We’re Back ownership group will have to apply for the conditional use permit to be reviewed by Building Official Steve Gilbert and then presented to the city commission for final approval.

The conditional use permit would only allow the consumption of alcohol purchased from the Anna Maria Oyster Bar – either from the main restaurant building or the soon-to-be-opened

to-go bar and takeout food kiosk to be installed near the restaurant’s landside entrance. We’re Back/AMOB leases both pier spaces from the city and alcoholic beverages purchased elsewhere will not be allowed on the pier. Alcoholic beverages consumed on the pier will have to be served in containers bearing the AMOB logo. At the request of Police Chief John Cosby, customers will also be given a receipt that serves as further proof that their alcoholic beverage was purchased from AMOB.

Perry noted the city commission will reserve the right to suspend or revoke the conditional use permit if AMOB’s alcohol consumption on the pier proves problematic.

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Alcohol purchased in the AMOB restaurant will soon be allowed on the Bradenton Beach Historic Pier.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Alcohol will soon be served from a secondary bar located in the smaller, salmon-colored space leased from the city.

Old documents provide new Azure Shores solution

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Building Official Steve Gilbert’s review of the city’s 1989 comprehensive plan and 1990 land development code (LDC) may help resolve an existing land use concern.

The residential properties in the Azure Shores subdivision are located between Bridge Street and the Cortez Bridge, and Highland Avenue and Gulf Drive South. The properties carry R-3 (multiple family dwelling district) zoning designations and retail/office/ residential (ROR) future land use designations. Until recently, Gilbert and City Planner Luis Serna felt the R-3 zoning and the ROR future land use designations were not consistent with one another according to city code.

In 2019, the city commission directed Gilbert and then-City Planner Alan Garrett to resolve citywide inconsistencies that exist between the city’s zoning map and the city’s future land use map – and the zoning and land use designations that accompany those maps.

The inconsistencies date back to 2008, when the city commission amended the future land use map but didn’t amend the corresponding zoning map. Gilbert and City Attorney Ricinda Perry have stated the existing inconsistencies create conflicts that could expose the city to legal challenges from developers and/or neighboring property owners.

In 2021, Gilbert, Serna and the planning and zoning board began discussing the map inconsistencies that exist throughout the city. In 2022, they began focusing solely on the Azure Shores subdivision as the first of many areas to be addressed.

In October 2022, the city commission rejected Gilbert and Serna’s recommendation to apply a mixed-use district (MXD) zoning designation to the Azure Shores properties while maintaining the ROR land use designation. The mixed-used designation would have allowed ground-level retail and commercial activities to take place on those residentially-zoned properties and the commission rejected that idea.

During that same meeting, the commission also rejected the planning and zoning board’s contrasting recommendation to instead rezone those properties to R-2 (two family dwelling) and change the future land use map designation to medium density residential.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry told

the commission that downzoning those properties from R-3 to R-2 could subject the city to legal challenges from property owners.

NEW SOLUTION PROPOSED

On May 3, Gilbert and Serna presented the planning board with an alternative means of curing the Azure Shores map inconsistencies. The proposed solution was included in the staff memo the board members received before their May 3 meeting.

The memo included the following recommendation: “Revise the text of the comprehensive plan and land development code so the existing R-3 zoning district would be consistent within the existing ROR future land use category. This option would address the current inconsistency but would allow rezonings to R-3 in the ROR category. The advantage of this option is that it would not result in any changes to the character of Azure Shores by rezoning the property and would not expose the city to any potential takings claims.”

During the May 3 meeting, Gilbert said the Azure Shores map inconsistencies could be cured simply by amending the text in the land development code and the comprehensive plan in a manner that states the existing R-3 zoning designation can be implemented in the city’s only ROR zoning district.

“We don’t change future land use; we don’t change the zoning. We just add text in the comp plan and LDC so that R-3 is an implementing use in the ROR land use category,” Gilbert said. He said the city’s future land use and zoning summary table would also have to be modified in a corresponding manner by moving the R-3 implementing zoning out of the high density residential future land use category and into the ROR future land use category instead.

Gilbert said this potential solution emerged from his recent research of the 1989 comprehensive plan adopted in 1989 and the 1990 land development code.

“What I discovered is that what

we thought was a new land use assignment in 2008 on the future land use map indicating ROR for Azure Shores was not in fact a newly-designated land use. For Azure Shores, the land use did not change in 2008.” Gilbert told the planning board.

In response to questions posed by the planning board members, Gilbert and Serna said the proposed text amendments would maintain the current 35% lot coverage and 40% impervious surface requirements for those residential properties and would not allow the 90% lot coverage allowed in the nearby Bridge Street Commercial Overlay District. He also said the proposed change would still not allow a hotel or motel to be built or operated in the Azure Shores subdivision.

The planning board unanimously supports the proposed solution and asked Gilbert and Serna to draft the proposed text amendments to be discussed at the board’s June 7 meeting, or soon thereafter.

The Azure Shores subdivision is one of several areas in the city where the zoning and future land use designations are inconsistent with one another.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The building official’s review of the 1989 comprehensive plan and 1990 land development code inspired a newly-proposed solution. The areas highlighted in light purple/lavender represent the Azure Shores properties.

Stone crab harvesting season ends

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The short stone crab season is over for now and, according to one local fish house owner, it was a good harvest.

“We had a good year this year,” John Banyas, owner of Cortez Bait and Seafood Inc. said. “It was better than last year.”

In Florida, stone crabs are legal to harvest from October 15 through May 1.

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “In the commercial stone crab fishery, baited traps are put out in long lines of up to 100 traps where each individual trap is buoyed.”

Stone crabs are harvested both commercially and recreationally for their claws which are the only part of the crab harvested. Live stone crabs are returned to the water where they can grow new claws.

Help pups in Manatee County shelters

For anyone who has a little time on their hands, Manatee County Animal Services has an opportunity for you. Walkers are needed for the nearly 100 dogs in the county’s Palmetto shelter. In addition to walking dogs, volunteers are needed to help clean kennels, be play yard monitors and prepare treats for the pups. Volunteers are welcome any time during shelter hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, text Jan Gross at 941-807-3332.

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid 20 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls 12 (Record: 831 in 2010)

TURTLE TIPS

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

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

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

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

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

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

• City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 280.

• City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941778-0331, ext. 260.

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

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

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

Nests hatched 0 (Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchings 0 (Previous record 35,850 in 2022)

• 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).

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Stone crab traps lined up in September at A.P. Bell Fish Co. prior to beginning of season.

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Wildlife Inc. needs volunteers

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – On any given day, Wildlife Inc. co-founder Gail Straight, volunteer Krista Carpenter and one other volunteer are tending to dozens of injured, orphaned or sick animals with the ultimate goal of rehabilitation and release.

The Bradenton Beach-based nonprofit, volunteer-run wildlife rehabilitation organization has seen an increase of about 23% over this time last year in animals needing rehabilitative care.

“Since May 1, we have had 200 animals come in,” Carpenter said on May 11. “Eighty percent of those are still with us. We’re seeing a lot of babies impacted by the recent windstorm as well as a number having been hit by cars.”

Year-to-date, she said that they have had 1,125 animals come through their doors. As need increases, Carpenter said the number of volunteers has decreased, resulting in a need for new volunteers to help the animals. She said that new volunteers start off as transporters for injured and

sick animals. Funding for the wildlife rescue is also an ongoing concern as they rely primarily on donations from the public. The rescue also is in need of incubators to help care for baby animals.

Carpenter said donations can be submitted through www.wildlifeinc. org, Facebook.com/WildlifeInc/, Venmo or PayPal.

“Anything is greatly appreciated,” she said. “You can stop by, we have a donation box out front, or mail to us.” Wildlife Inc. began in 1987 at Gail and Ed Straight’s Bradenton Beach home and now serves as the primary rescue and rehab facility in Manatee County.

“Our entire mission is to rehab and release animals,” Carpenter said. “When we get to release an animal, it’s wonderful.”

Wildlife Inc. is located at 2207 Avenue B, Bradenton Beach. It is not open to the public, but a donation box is located on the fence in front of the property. If bringing an animal to the facility, ring doorbell in front of house.

Call 941-778-6324 to report an in jured animal.

SUBMITTED

Wildlife Inc. volunteer Krista Carpenter tends to two approximately week-old orphaned fawns.

Beachfront, award-winning rooms

As long as you’re getting married on the beach, why not stay on the beach?

Bungalow Beach Resort, 2000 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, has won the Top Romance award in the US by tripadvisor.com, and it is located right on the beach – the perfect place to escape between the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony and the reception. With the Gulf of Mexico just steps from your lushly landscaped cedar bungalow, it’s a great place for an extended stay after the bride and groom leave for their honeymoon.

If the bride and groom want to continue their stay, Bungalow Beach Resort, which also won the 2013 Excellence Award from tripadvisor.com, is a very popular honeymoon destination.

Originally a group of beachfront army barracks, each of the Bungalow Beach Resort units retains the old Florida charm that is Anna Maria Island, with modern conveniences inside. And you will stay in luxury with personal touches like baskets of embroidered towels, flowers and candy. Whether you’re getting married or part of the wedding party, pick award-winning Bungalow Beach Resort as your home base where you will cherish those moments when you’re not involved with the ceremony. You’ll want to return when there is nothing to distract you from your stay.

Call Bungalow Beach Resort at 1-800-779-3601 or log onto www.bungalowbeach.com.

DARA CAUDILL | WWW.ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY.ORG

Erika Church and Brian Gerity were married at the Sandbar restaurant on April 13, 2023. Chuck Caudill provided the music. Shawn Rhoton, of the Sandbar, coordinated the wedding and reception. The flowers were by Blooms by the Beach. Hair & makeup were by Body & Sol. The wedding cake was by Publix. Erika & Brian honeymooned on Anna Maria Island before returning home to Brooklyn, NY.

Tarpon tactics

arpon season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for local anglers. While it’s possible to encounter tarpon occasionally most every month of the year, May through July is the time savvy anglers turn their attention to pursuing them along area beaches. Their arrival in numbers is generally dependent on water temperature and the length of days. The magic number is debatable, but when water temperatures reach into the 70s ardent anglers take notice. When that number reaches the high 70s to low 80s, they mobilize.

For most anglers this isn’t a numbers game, it’s the pursuit, the surroundings and the spectacular fight that keeps

them pinned to the bow. Tackle should always match the size of the quarry and it’s particularly important when fishing for tarpon. Most anglers opt for a 20- to 30-pound spin and/or 11-12 weight fly outfits. A heavy bite tippet is required because of the tarpons rasp-like mouth. Fly anglers generally use 60- to 80-pound tippet while spin anglers choose 70- to 100-pound test. While it might seem like a difficult task to land a tarpon on the fly, or any tackle for that matter, anglers who know the limits of their gear can land a tarpon in a surprisingly short period of time. The key is to apply maximum pressure from the hookup and never let up. Too many anglers “baby” their fish in a misguided attempt to land them. The truth is that the longer the fight, the better chance you have of losing.

A properly (IGFA approved) tied tarpon leader used by fly fishers is tied and tapered to accurately deliver the fly. The leader includes a class tippet (the weakest link) from 16-20 pounds that is doubled at

both ends to soften the (shock) impact to the class tippet and bite tippet. Key to the whole equation is to have a very sharp hook as tarpon have extremely tough mouths. Conventional leaders vary from angler to angler, but a doubled standing line tied to a leader and then to the bite tippet with a blood knot or Albright Special is common.

Flies vary from the classic splayed feather Key’s style to more complex designs like the Toad, various baitfish imitations and Paolo worm flies. Some fly anglers are not concerned with landing a tarpon, preferring to just enjoy the hunt, the hookup and the jumps that usually follow the hook set. They use light bite tippets which allows the tarpon to work through the leader with their abrasive mouths. The key to landing tarpon on the fly is accuracy. The fly must be placed perfectly, moved in a precise direction relative to the fish and be at the tarpon’s depth, preferably right on their nose. Even when all these factors come together, there’s still about a 50% chance that the tarpon will reject the fly.

A key point is to be aware of your surroundings and courteous when tarpon fishing. Don’t try to run down a school of tarpon. If another boat is working a

school, find another or hopscotch wide around for a shot. Tarpon fishing is all catch and release unless you’ve purchased a special tarpon tag. It is also illegal to take tarpon over 40 inches out of the water. Try tarpon fishing on your own or, better yet, hire one of the many excellent local guides. That will be money well spent.

SUBMITTED | DREW RUSSELL tarpon landed recently off Longboat Key by angler Brian Neslund of Lakeland.

Curse of the first continues for Center soccer

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – The adult co-ed recreational soccer playoff games kicked off last Thursday night at the Island’s community center. After seven weeks of exciting soccer play, eight teams battled it out in four action-packed matches.

To start the night at The Center, first-seed Duncan Real Estate took the field as the team to beat, losing only one game in the regular season. Their opponent, the last-place Moss Builders team, had nothing to lose and a seat in the semifinals to gain with the win.

With friends and family cheering on both sides, the underdogs Moss Builders ended the first half of play with a two-goal lead against the Duncan squad.

The Duncan team struggled to click as a team in the game. Moving the ball down the field was an effort against a motivated Moss Builder defense.

After nearly two halves of play in the heat of the early evening, the game was tied with only minutes left in the game.

Duncan Real Estate goalkeeper, Charles “Tuna” McCracken, uncharacteristically let two soccer balls past him with an absent defense at the end of the game. McCracken finished with seven saves, letting five go.

McCracken’s Moss Builders’ counterpart David Moss had eight big stops to help his team to victory.

The hard strikes of Adam Bujarski and Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos, each with two goals in the quarter-

final game, helped the Moss team advance in the playoffs. Teammate Cemal Duzgun scored a solo goal in the match.

Duzgun and Pedro Gonzalez are credited with assists in the goal scoring for Moss Builders.

Despite the defeat, the Duncan Real Estate team put three points on the scoreboard. Team captain Kevin Roman scored his last two goals of the season and Erica Nielsen had a nice goal for Duncan. The offensive efforts, including assists by Tyler Brewer and Murat Akay, just were not enough to give their team a W. Moss Builders moves on in the playoffs, facing Pool America at on Thursday night, May 18, at 7 p.m. at The Center. Pool America beat Gulfview Windows & Doors after a tie in regulation play.

After eight PK shots, Pool America came out on top, with goals by Nate Welch, Eduardo Schlueter and Jamie

Hutchison. Dean Hinterstoisser, as the third shooter for Pool America, surprisingly missed his shot.

Keith Mahoney, shooting for Gulfview, was the only one of the four shooters for his team to make the shot.

Goalkeepers Mark Long, for Gulfview Windows & Doors, and Pool America’s Robb Marshall, both made critical stops for their teams with six and seven saves, respectively.

In other adult soccer semifinal playoff action, the Sandbar team faces the Vintage Beach squad in the semifinals at 8 p.m. this week. Vintage Beach defeated Sato Real Estate by one goal, while the Solid Rock Construction team lost to Sandbar Seafood & Spirits with a final score of 5-3.

This week in youth soccer, the 8- to 10-year-olds started league playoff action on the small pitch.

The 11- to 13-year-old league finished their regular season games on Tuesday and will start playoff play next week.

As the summer heat approaches, spring soccer at The Center starts coming to a close with championship play in the coming weeks.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Moss Builders’ Adam Bujarski moves the soccer ball down the field at The Center with Kevin Roman, for Duncan Real Estate, cutting off his angle, last Thursday night in the first quarterfinal game of the week.

NET CAMP: Case dismissed

FROM PAGE 1

DEP representatives did not respond to a request for comment.

The civil case was filed Feb. 6, 2018, to have Guthrie remove the 1,200 square-foot structure.

The DEP complaint claimed Guthrie built the structure without permission on sovereign state submerged lands. Guthrie contended that his family previously had a net camp in that spot and the structure was protected under the 1921 Butler Act.

In May of 2018, A.P. Bell Fish Co., north of the structure, filed suit against the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) asserting its ownership of both the net camp and the submerged lands.

Bell claimed the structure has existed since at least the early 1900s and, with the submerged lands, is protected by the Butler Act, which awards title of submerged lands to adjacent waterfront property owners who made permanent improvements on the submerged lands. The law was repealed in 1957 but continues to affect title to submerged lands improved prior to its repeal.

Guthrie was widely supported by Cortez residents and legislators, many of whom recalled net camps along the coast in years past.

The Manatee County Commission voted

keep the structure standing.

“Given historic photos documenting the presence of multiple net camp structures, the reconstruction of this single structure to recapture the essence of the historic Cortez fishing community should be supported with the appropriate state permits,” the commission wrote to Florida DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein.

An April 15, 2021 letter from the Manatee County Board of Commissioners to Valenstein and signed by chairperson

Vanessa Baugh, stated in part “The net camp has played an inseparable part of the gill and stop net fisheries with the historical village and is referenced in the National Register of Historic Places. Preservation of this structure will help preserve the essence of the Cortez fishing community and the understanding of the cultural context of the village.”

GARAGE: City leaders continue fight

FROM PAGE 1

If the bill becomes law, Augello said she thinks there are a few ways for the city to fight it in court, however, she didn’t want to give away any available strategies during a public meeting.

Plans for a parking garage were first discussed between county and city elected officials as far back as 2021. Multilevel parking structures were never an approved land use in the city but are allowed by special

exception, granted by city commissioners at a public hearing. When commissioners moved to pass an ordinance clarifying the land use restriction, Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge took the matter to county state legislative representatives, where the plan to construct the garage received unanimous support. The bill to bypass city regulations and allow the county to issue its own permits for the construc-

tion of a parking garage at the Manatee Beach property is sponsored by Rep. Will Robinson Jr., a Manatee County native.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Guthrie’s net camp off the coast of Cortez.

ORDINANCE: Non-conforming lot ordinance on hold

FROM PAGE 9 lots to build on those lots even if they’re smaller than the currently required minimum lot size.

Vose also said a recent change in state law now requires the losing party to pay all the winning party’s attorney fees associated with a Bert Harris claim, beginning with the filing of the claim.

“I would anticipate that we would get significant Bert Harris claims,” Vose said. “It would be a pretty expensive proposition to do this.”

PUBLIC INPUT

During the March planning and zoning board meeting, longtime Anna Maria resident and former city commission and planning board member Doug Copeland expressed his opposition to the proposed ordinance. He said he and many other property owners would file Bert Harris claims against the city if the proposed ordinance is adopted.

During Thursday’s meeting, Copeland said he and his wife, Pat, have owned their property since 1974 and their property contains a house on one lot and a garage on the second lot.

“We’ve always assumed that we would be able to sell or build on the second lot. My daughter expressed interest in building a second home on that property. I’m sure everyone who owns these properties always assumed there’s a certain value in that second, third or fourth lot,” Copeland told the commission.

Copeland said there are at least 500 lots in Anna Maria that are smaller than the currently required minimum lot size and imposing new restrictions on 37 property owners isn’t going to resolve that concern.

“This is a prime example of an inordinate burden. I spoke to a land use attorney. He said that ordinance reads like a textbook case for Bert Harris,” Copeland said.

Copeland urged the commission to discontinue further discussion on the proposed ordinance that would subject the city to significant attorney fees and potential settlement costs.

The commission reached consensus to continue the first reading of the ordinance and take no further action for at least a month.

Anna Maria

Fraud by any other name is still fraud

For many of us who hold Florida real estate licenses in the state, you will be renewing this year. Renewal is pretty easy, it’s a 14-hour open book test and a state fee. Every renewal pe riod addresses different aspects of real estate and this year one of the modules, as they’re called, addresses fraud in real estate transactions, specifically in real estate financing. So, I’m sharing some of what I’ve learned with you.

Mortgage fraud manifests in many ways, so many that it’s impossible to review every law-breaking scheme creative fraudsters come up with, however, mortgage fraud is at the top of the list. Any misstatement, misrepresentation or omission of information that lenders relied upon to fund the purchase of a property is considered fraud.

An outright lie by a homeowner or their broker relative to a structural defect for example, is fraud. Likewise, fraud can also be the omission of a material fact that involves the structure of a property, like not disclos-

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

ing that you have a leak in the bedroom from the roof and simply painted over the stain. This all goes back to the seller’s disclosure obligation as we discussed several weeks ago.

An anxious seller may also commit fraud by improving the financial position of a marginal buyer by offering them cash, enhancing their ability to qualify for a mortgage. Any money exchanged between a buyer and seller without the knowledge of a mortgage lender that affects the value of the property could be viewed as fraud. This isn’t to say that a buyer can’t offer their furniture for sale to a seller for a dollar amount separate from the purchase price.

Anyone who has applied for a mortgage since 2010 wonders why their lender is putting them through financial hoops and asking all kinds of questions, requiring a variety of documents to prove who you are and a signature on multiple disclosure forms. The answer is that in the wake of the financial crisis, The Dodd-Frank Act was enacted in 2010 and added a whole new level of regulations affecting the financial industry. Nevertheless, there is still room for fraud.

Probably the most frequent fraud by buyers is not being truthful about their income and/or their other financial obligations. Income that cannot be verified because of self-employment or being paid off the books is a red flag for lender underwriters. Likewise, not disclosing what your actual monthly debt obligation is and getting away with it is fraud and punishable by the law. Fortunately, lenders will pull a credit report and, most of the time, will know if you have more than one mortgage on your current

property, a car loan or credit cards you have not disclosed.

Also, lender applications will ask what the intended use of a property is. If the buyer is intending to set up the property as an income rental but does not disclose this to the lender, this too is fraud. Buyers who are intending fraud may also misrepresent the value of the property in order to qualify for a larger mortgage. This is where property appraisers come in. The majority are honest, but when a dishonest appraiser works with a dishonest buyer they can produce a fraudulent appraisal. This particular fraud was not uncommon in the run up of the financial crisis where loans were placed on properties because of fraudulent appraisals and/or misrepresentations of buyer qualifications.

Where there’s money there’s fraud and I’m saving a few other frauds for another week. Be careful out there. There’s always someone out to get your money. You need to outsmart them.

OBITUARIES

Hugh Grant Holmes

We are saddened to announce the passing of Hugh G. Holmes. Hugh passed peacefully on May 8 at home in Holmes Beach surrounded by family at the age of 96. Hugh was born on November 13, 1926, on Anna Maria Island to John E (Jack) and Catherine Holmes. Hugh graduated from Bradenton High School in 1944 and joined the U.S. Navy. He was accepted into the Officers Candidate Program and attended Georgia Tech, University of South Carolina and Howard College. He was honorably discharged from the Navy at the end of WWII. Hugh met the love of his life, Jean, at Foster Drugs in downtown Bradenton and they were married for 74 wonderful years.

First and foremost, Hugh was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great great-grandfather. Although he served many aspects of his country and community, his fam-

ily always came first. Hugh was an avid golfer and loved his time on the course with his wife and friends.

Some of his accomplishments and volunteer services include Civil Air Patrol; U.S. Power Squadron; Chief of the Anna Maria

Volunteer Fire Dept (where he brought the first fire truck to the Island); and Anna Maria Island Erosion Control Board. He was a founder and became CEO of the Island Bank. Hugh also owned and operated Holmes Construction Company, Inc. until the early 1970s. Many of the houses, motels, condominiums and commercial buildings on the Island were built by Hugh.

Hugh is preceded in death by his brother, John, and daughter and son-inlaw, Donna and Don Rowe. He is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Hugh, Jr (Chris); daughters, Deborah (Glenn) Hall; Cherri (Johnny) Rigney; Jean (Bill) Bystrom; Judy (Steve) Titsworth; 19 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

Services will be held at Roser Memorial Community Church, where Hugh was a lifelong member, on Wednesday, May 17 at 2 p.m. A short reception will follow in the church fellowship hall with a private family burial afterwards. Memorial contributions may be made in Hugh’s name to the Islanders 4 Clean Water (c/o Holmes Beach City Hall) and Roser Memorial Community Church.

HOLMES: Passing of a patriarch

FROM PAGE 1

“Condolences to the family at this most difficult time,” Susan Parks Jones said. “He made an impact throughout the community…thank you.”

“Hugh was a great citizen of Anna Maria and Cashiers, North Carolina, where he spent his summers,” Jim Zoller said. “I got to know him as he shopped in my store in Cashiers. He will be missed by all.”

Services for Holmes will be held Wednesday, May 17 at 2 p.m. at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. The service also will be streamed live on the church’s YouTube channel. The service is open to the public.

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

5/6, 9:40 a.m., trespassing, 100 Bridge St. While patrolling, an officer noticed a familiar man sleeping at the location after being trespassed on March 30. After making contact with the man, he told the officer it was hot outside and was looking for a cool place to sleep. Due to the previous trespass warning, he was issued a notice to appear in court for trespassing after warning.

HOLMES BEACH

5/2, 11:07 p.m., open container of alcohol, 4000 Gulf Drive. While on patrol, an officer saw a man near the restaurant seating at Manatee Beach after-hours with several open and unopened cans of beer. The officer informed the man that alcohol was not allowed in the area and that he was not permitted to be there after-hours. The man poured out the open cans and agreed to leave the area after being issued a notice to appear in court for possessing open containers of alcohol where not permitted.

5/2, 4:52 p.m., petit theft second degree, 3900 East Bay Drive. An officer responded to Publix in reference to a man who had loaded several items into a cart, including alcohol, and left the store without paying for them. The store manager said the man had only paid for ice through the self-checkout. By the time the officer arrived, the man was gone, but the manager provided a photo from video in the store. A search of the area yielded no results, but later that evening the man was found at Manatee Beach drinking the alcohol in question. He was charged with petit theft second degree, first offense.

music

2 Informal promises of repayment

3 Stubborn determination

4 "Look for the __": advice from Mr. Rogers 5 Dynamite letters 6 Bluegrass strings 7 Lexi Thompson's org. 8 World power in many spy-fi

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends.

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

BOAT SLIP WANTED

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

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

CARE GIVER

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

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

EMPLOYMENT

AM ISLAND ELECTRIC BIKE

COMPANY is looking for a Electric Bike Technician. Looking for a motivated Bike Tech to manage service electric bikes and store front sales. If you are seasoned bike tech without Electric Bike Service experience, Dealer will train you. $22-26 +Hour + Sales Incentives. Reach out to Rob Fallon, Owner contact 908.662.5213 or rfallo2424@amisland ebikes.com

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

FISHING CHARTERS

CAPT. MAC GREGORY

Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783

U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

GOLF CART

{2022 ADVANCED EV6

GOLF CART} $10,500, 6

Seater, Street Legal, Registered with Title, Warranty, 1,030 miles, Lots of Extras added. Call 469-667-3308

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

RENOVATION SPECALIST

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION

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

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995

Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

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

HOME SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

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

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

POOL SERVICES

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

Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

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

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

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

RENTALS: ANNUAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

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

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095