NEWS

4THE SUN ISLAND NEWS

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IN BRIEF

Commission to discuss expanded outdoor seating

The Bradenton Beach City Commission will meet on Thursday, May 19 at noon. Colliers Engineering will present its 60%-completed stormwater project plans for state permitting submittal.

The commission also will discuss: • a special event permit for the AMI Privateers’ Fourth of July parade, • the anticipated expiration of a city ordinance that currently allows expanded outdoor seating areas for restaurants and bars, • the city’s employee pension plans and the renewal of the city’s employee insurance policies, • a requested bench engraving, and • the purchase of a DART weapons training system and the replacement of police department tasers.

After the monthly department head updates, the city attorney also will present the charter review committee’s recommendations and discuss risk assessment and resiliency.

Memorial Day weekend parking at AME

The city of Holmes Beach will offer some relief from Memorial Day weekend parking woes by allowing beachgoers to park at the normally restricted Anna Maria Elementary School parking lot May 28-30. The overflow parking will only be available dawn to dusk, and all rules that apply to public beach parking apply at the school. AME is located at 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Lane closures planned on Anna Maria Bridge

Intermittent overnight lane closures are planned for the Anna Maria Bridge. Crews will be conducting maintenance work on the drawbridge Monday, May 23 through Thursday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 31 through Thursday, June 2 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists should expect some delays, lane closures and flagging operations when traveling east and westbound on Manatee Avenue through the area.

Police warn of ‘fresh towel’ scam

Police warn of a possible scam involving a woman offering to provide fresh towels in order to enter vacation rental units.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Police are warning unsuspecting visitors of a possible scam.

A group visiting from Illinois was staying at a rental unit on Avenue A in Bradenton Beach when a tan-colored, late-1990s or early-2000s sedan pulled into the driveway and a Hispanic woman in her mid-30s to early 40s got out of the car and approached the renters, according to a report filed by Officer John Tsakiri on May 5.

She asked in broken English if they were owners or renters. The group confirmed that they were renting, and the woman asked if they had enough clean towels. She walked into the house through the garage, then walked out of the house and said “OK, I’m leaving.” The woman got into her car and left the rental unit.

The renters contacted the rental company and told them about the woman, who was not authorized to be there. Police believe this may be a scam to allow the woman to enter the home and search for valuables to steal if no one follows her.

Police urge you to report suspicious activity and not allow anyone in your rental unit unless you are aware in advance they will be coming. If you observe suspicious activity, call police immediately at 941778-6311 and report the incident.

SUBMITTED Bradenton Beach police say a woman is posing as a housekeeper at vacation rentals.

Stone crab season closes

Stone crab season ended May 1, and according to A.P. Bell Fish Co. Manager Karen Bell, crabbers came out on top. “It was a good year, prices were high and demand was high,” Bell said, adding, “The yield was medium to low compared to past years.” Stone crab season runs from Oct. 15 to May 1.

Concert for Peace highlights local Campaign for Ukraine

The Anna Maria Island Rotary Club is working in unison with the Rotary Club Czestochowa in Poland.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island, The Center of Anna Maria Island, Slicker’s Eatery, A Paradise Realty, Painting with a Twist and others are joining forces to assist the war-torn people of Ukraine.

The local Campaign for Ukraine fundraising efforts will culminate with a Concert for Peace fundraising event at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., on Sunday, June 12 from 4-8 p.m.

Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio will headline the free Concert for Peace, with The Billy Rice Band also performing as part of the musical roster still being finalized.

A preliminary We Can for Ukraine fundraising happy hour is set for Wednesday, June 8 from 4-6 p.m. at Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Cortez.

Co-hosted by A Paradise Realty, this event will include a raffle featuring as its grand prize a Yeti cooler filled with cheer and valued at $550. A Paradise Realty donated the cooler, the spirits and other goodies contained within. The company is also providing a free drink ticket to the first 80 attendees of the happy hour. Raffle tickets are now on sale at Slicker’s Eatery and can also be purchased during the event that will feature live entertainment by Tanya McCormick, “The Singing Realtor.”

Painting with a Twist is partnering with Slicker’s Eatery for the Painting with a Purpose: Painting for Ukraine event at the restaurant on Sunday, June 5 from 3-5 p.m. Some of the paintings created during this event will be raffled off during the Concert for Peace.

“We have a Rotary president in Czestochowa, Poland who bi-weekly meets and assesses the needs," AMI Rotary Club President-Elect Jim McDaniel said. "In addition to helping the refugees who relocated to Poland, he has drivers that have been taking supplies into Ukraine. The funds raised here will be held by the AMI Rotary Foundation and distributed in small amounts, probably $5,000 to $10,000 at a time, for specific purposes identified by the Rotary Club Czestochowa and their club president on the ground in Poland.”

The fundraising event organizers are still seeking additional sponsors for the June 12 Concert for Peace. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $5,000. For more information about sponsorship, email jim@centerami. org or call 941-778-1908, ext. 201.

“We need as much community support as possible in order to make a tangible impact for our friends from the Rotary in Czestochowa," Slicker stated in an email seeking support. "These volunteers are serving tirelessly and bravely. They are helping to house and care for Ukrainian refugees in Poland and transport specific medical supplies, goods and food for those still maintaining the defense of their country. It is a brave and necessary endeavor that offers hope in a dark time. We are so humbled at the opportunity to help support them. No matter what your involvement, your willingness to help is greatly appreciated. We are grateful for your partnership in this meaningful work.”

BOB SLICKER | SUBMITTED Restaurant owner and AMI Rotary Club member Bob Slicker is actively involved in the fundraising efforts.