Anna Maria Island Sun May 20, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 32

May 20, 2020

TDC recommends opening vacation rentals

Two of the first steps on the TDC’s road to recovery include recommending county commissioners help reopen short-term vacation rentals and targeting visitors coming from a drivable distance to vacation in Manatee County.

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

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anna Maria Island’s stand-alone bars remain closed as the governor’s reopening plan expands. Vacation rental reopenings can now be addressed on a county-by-county basis.

DeSantis expands reopening plans for restaurants, retail, gyms Vacation rental reopenings can now be addressed on a county-bycounty basis.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

JACKSONVILLE – Florida restaurants were allowed to increase their indoor seating capacity from 25% to 50% on Monday.

Retail operations were allowed to increase their capacity from 25% to 50% on Monday and gyms and fitness centers were allowed to reopen at 50% capacity.

Bars, movie theaters, tattoo parlors and vacation rental operations remain prohibited statewide, but Gov. Ron DeSantis is now allowing individual counties to submit vacation rental reopening plans.

DeSantis announced these ad-

ditional phase one reopening steps during his Friday afternoon press conference in Jacksonville. He said Florida is now headed into a full-fledged phase one reopening as a continuation of the initial phase one reopening strategies that started on May 4.

DeSantis set forth these additional measures in Executive SEE REOPENING, PAGE 24

Drug arrests reveal vacation rental scam The guests at the vacation rental home where the arrests took place were not the guests the home was originally rented to.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – A police call about drug use at a vacation rental has developed into a probe

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION OUTDOORS

6 16

TURTLES 18 REAL ESTATE

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of a possible illegal sublease of the rental.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has not released any details regarding an investigation stemming from a party at a vacation rental home at 403 Alamanda Road.

“That incident is part of an ongoing investigation involving drugs. We can’t get into the deSEE ARRESTS, PAGE 17

SUBMITTED

MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) took the first step on Monday to reopen vacation rentals countywide, including on Anna Maria Island.

TDC Chair and Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia persuaded fellow TDC members to recommend that Manatee County commissioners remove the COVID-19 prohibition on short-term vacation rentals.

Under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan effective Monday, county commissioners can submit a plan to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for approval to allow short-term vacation rental properties to reopen to guests. The plan would likely require working with owners and managers of vacation rentals to come up with strategies to meet the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requirements for disinfecting and cleaning of units between guests.

Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), said that he’s been working with other west coast Florida county leaders to help develop a plan for vacation rentals that would provide some consistency for owners and visitors.

Servia added that coordination with the leaders of the three Anna Maria Island cities, where many of the county’s short-term rentals are located, would be a key component to success. Falcione said that no matter what plan is enacted, it will be up to the city leaders to oversee the operation of the vacation rental properties.

Local vacation rental owners who spoke during public comment said they are ready to reopen their units to visitors and are willing to abide by any necessary regulations to keep their properties safe for renters.

The recommendation passed in a unanimous vote. Members Ed Chiles, an Island restaurateur, and Wayne Poston, mayor of Bradenton, were absent from the meeting.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit assisted with the investigation.

SEE RENTALS, PAGE 24

OUR ‘ FISHING

AM PIER LEASE tenant says

future’s quality in Reel Time with Rusty Chinnis. 16

‘Not so fast.’ 5 EXPANDED OUTDOOR

dining, retail allowed. 8

CROSSWORD 25

Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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Mayor negotiating pier lease with Ugly Grouper Sean Murphy’s withdrawal left Ugly Grouper LLC as the lone remaining bidder.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria is moving forward with Mike Ross and Ugly Grouper LLC as its preferred pier lease tenant.

On Thursday, May 14, city commissioners voted 5-0 to authorize Mayor Dan Murphy to begin pier lease negotiations with Ross and the Ugly Grouper LLC – a group that includes Ugly Grouper restaurant co-owner Scott Rolen and General Manager Thad Treadwell.

The lease negotiations will pertain to the use of the city-owned restaurant and bait shop buildings on the new City Pier. The city will retain control of the fishing pier, boat landing and public restrooms.

On May 6, the commission voted 4-1 in support of Commissioner Jon Crane’s motion to authorize the mayor to negotiate a long-term pier lease with Island restaurateur

Sean Murphy, who offered to pay the city $14,000 per month in base rent. Ugly Grouper LLC offered $18,000.

Commission Chair Carol Carter opposed the May 6 decision. Two days later, Commissioner Amy Tripp submitted an agenda request seeking to rescind that decision.

On Sunday, May 10, Sean Murphy withdrew his offer, leaving Ugly Grouper LLC as the only remaining bidder.

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

The May 14 discussion began with Tripp saying, “I’m leaning toward waiting and putting out new RFPs mainly because of the COVID situation. I feel it’s the reason we only ended up with two bids.”

Crane then said, “I am very impressed that the Ugly Grouper is still interested in participating in negotiations. I favored Sean Murphy’s group the last time we spoke about this. Now I’m very impressed that they’ve got the fortitude to stick with it.”

Commissioner Joe Muscatello expressed similar sentiments,

that the mayor would walk away from any deal that’s not in the city’s best interest.

PUBLIC COMMENT

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Ugly Grouper restaurant in Holmes Beach been a profitable endeavor for co-owners Mike Ross and Scott Rolen. but then questioned whether the city-owned pier buildings could be used as an educational or public facility instead.

“We’ve gone three years without a restaurant. Do we really need another restaurant? Can we do something else out there?” Muscatello asked.

Commissioner Mark Short shared Tripp’s initial support for reissuing the RFP. Short noted approximately 20 people attended the RFP

pre-bid meeting in February and he expressed his belief that the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the number of bids received.

Commission Chair Carol Carter said Anna Maria’s residents, business owners and visitors have waited long enough for a new pier restaurant.

“Now is the time to give Mayor Murphy the mandate to negotiate with Mr. Ross and his partners,” she said, expressing confidence

Ross addressed the commission during public comment.

“It’s jaw-dropping to me that there’d be consideration to not go with us,” Ross said.

He mentioned the success the Ugly Grouper restaurant in Holmes Beach has had during its first four years in operation, including “making a lot of money at good margins.”

Ross said he owns several other businesses and restaurants and doesn’t need another, but he’s excited about trying to create something for the city.

“A lot of people I knew weren’t going to bid regardless of COVID,” Ross said. “We have earned an opportunity with our performance to at least speak about the process and see if it works for anyone.”

Bortell’s owner Steve Rose, Anna Maria residents Dennis Ellsworth, Christine Aaron and SEE PIER, PAGE 5

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MAY 20, 2020

IN BRIEF

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Barricades block the right of way along Second Avenue in Holmes Beach to prevent beachgoers from parking in front of homes.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Two children play in the bowl of the newly-reopened skate park.

HOLMES BEACH PARKS REOPEN TO PUBLIC

The city’s parks are now open to both residents and visitors alike.

Mayor Judy Titsworth made the announcement during the May 12 city commission meeting, held via teleconference, that all of the city’s parks were reopened to the public as long as groups in each area were kept to no more than 10 people at one time and everyone practices social distancing. If crowds at city parks become a problem, she added that she would consider closing them again.

In addition to the skate park, large dog park, basketball courts and tennis/pickleball courts, Titsworth said the new playground is finished and open for children to play. Commissioner Kim Rash is helping public works employees install a fence around the playground in the coming weeks.

Also newly completed are the shuffleboard courts, though Titsworth said they still need to have benches and a scoreboard installed.

“They are beautiful,” Titsworth said.

The remodeled small dog park is scheduled to open by the end of May. While the rest of the city’s park facilities are open to the public, the multi-use field at the city field complex remains temporarily closed due to re-sodding.

TRASH COLLECTION DELAYED FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Waste Pro and Waste Management customers on Anna Maria Island will experience a delay in trash, recycling and yard debris collection due to the May 25 Memorial Day holiday. Customers with regularly scheduled collections on Mondays will have their items picked up on Tuesday. The rest of the week will follow the regular schedule with no collections scheduled for Saturday or Sunday.

Parking still a problem in Holmes Beach Even with beaches open, parking problems continue to plague Holmes Beach city leaders.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Beachgoers beware. Right of way, street and beach access parking are still closed in Holmes Beach with most parking spaces planned to remain closed to drivers once the COVID-19 threat is over.

During a May 12 commission meeting, Police Chief Bill Tokajer updated commissioners on a plan to eliminate right of way and street parking on all streets in the city west of the Gulf, East Bay, Marina and Palm Drive main thoroughfare.

Tokajer said that “no parking” signs and poles had been ordered and were expected to arrive within the next few weeks with additional time needed for sign installation. With the current plan, he said it would be the end of the month before any street parking spaces are open to the public, including visitors and residents.

Until those signs are installed, all street, right of way and beach access parking remains closed to the public.

Violators may receive parking tickets or have their car towed at their own

expense. Banners proclaiming the parking regulations are on display throughout the city.

Once the new “no parking” signs are installed, only the beach access parking spaces and street parking on the east side of the city will reopen, eliminating about 2,000 parking spaces. If beach parking becomes a problem on the east side of the city, Tokajer said he would review the situation and come back to the mayor and city commission with a new plan.

CHURCH, BUSINESS LOT ISSUES

One problem that’s already made itself apparent now that Manatee Beach is reopened at full capacity to visitors is local churches lending their parking lots to beachgoers.

Because the parking lots are privately owned, the city can’t regulate parking in them, however, Mayor Judy Titsworth expressed concern that not only are the lots being used for beach parking, pushing beachgoers through neighborhoods to beach access points, there’s also no way to enforce social distancing. With the public beach parking lot also now opened to full capacity, Tokajer said enforcing social distancing in that lot is also a problem.

For owners of private lots, including parking lots at commercial busi-

nesses and shopping plazas, if no parking signs are present, business owners can call HBPD officers to ticket violators who are parking in the lots to go to the beach. However, while HBPD officers will have cars towed if they are parked at beach access points, on city streets and in the right of way, it’s up to the parking lot owners to have vehicles towed out of their spaces.

Titsworth said she would reach out to the churches and other private lot owners to follow up on how the lots are being used and let them know what services HBPD officers can offer for parking violators.

Currently, Tokajer said there are no plans to up the city’s parking violation fine from $50 though he added that the issue would be revisited if necessary in the future.

HBPD officers are taking over the enforcement of parking at the Manatee Beach lot, along with social distancing and monitoring of beachgoers. If police enforcement at the beach becomes an issue, Tokajer said he’d ask Manatee County leaders to step in and bring staff back to the beach to deal with issues. On the weekends, Friday through Monday when beach traffic is typically at its highest, Tokajer said his officers would have reinforcements from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

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MAY 20, 2020

PIER: lease negotiated FROM PAGE 1

Bob Carter and Holmes Beach resident Mike Deal also expressed support for the Ugly Grouper.

Rose said he considered submitting a bid to put a restaurant on the pier but decided to focus on another project instead.

Rose said he would not respond to the RFP if issued again and he didn’t think many others would either – in part due to the additional challenges associated with operating a restaurant elevated above water.

Rose said he thought Ross would do a great job.

“We need our gathering place back – our locals that used to go out there daily and enjoy fellowship and enjoy a beer.

Please negotiate with the Ugly Grouper,” Deal said.

“If you put out an RFP in good faith and you get responses in good faith those who are left standing deserve to be negotiated with,” Bob Carter said.

COMMISSION DECISION

“I was impressed by the outpouring of support from the people on the call today,” Crane said of the commission meeting conducted by conference call. “I think we’ve got somebody we ought to be talking to.”

Short said he was impressed with Ross’ comments and the public support offered by others, and the commission unanimously supported Muscatello’s motion to move forward with Ross’ group.

Because of ongoing COVID-19 concerns, an opening date for the fishing pier has not yet been announced. Once opened, the pier and restrooms will remain open while the interior buildouts of the restaurant and bait shop are completed.

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AM pier tenant: Not so fast Long-time pier tenant Mario Schoenfelder’s current lease expires in mid-December.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – As city officials negotiate with a potential new lessee for the City Pier, current leaseholder Mario Schoenfelder’s lawyer reminded them this week that his lease remains in effect through mid-December.

Schoenfelder entered into his lease for the old City Pier in 2000 and occupied the cityowned pier and operated the restaurant and bait shop until the pier was closed in September 2017 due to hurricane damage that further magnified existing structural concerns.

In early January, the city commission rejected Schoenfelder’s offer to lease the new pier for an initial base rent of $8,000

per month. Schoenfelder was paying approximately $12,000 per month when the old pier closed. He told the commission his $8,000 offer took into account the $865,000 he expected to spend to complete the interior buildouts of the new city-owned buildings.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy is currently negotiating a new pier lease with Ugly Grouper co-owner Mike Ross.

On March 27, attorney Lori Dorman sent Murphy and City Attorney Becky Vose a letter regarding Schoenfelder’s lease.

“I am writing on behalf of my client, T.C.P.R. Inc. and its principal, Mr. Mario Schoenfelder. As you know, TCPR is the current tenant of the pier pursuant to the Anna Maria City Pier agreement. Under the lease, TCPR’s tenancy ends on Dec. 15, 2020,” Dorman’s letter says.

“In entering into the lease with TCPR, the city retained specific duties regarding the pier and undertook additional

duties to maintain insurance and to restore the leased premises in the event of a casualty.

“Therefore, without waiving any of the TCPR’s rights to obtain recourse for the city’s breach of the lease, we would remind you that the city must restore the lease premises, including all of the improvements, to the condition they were in immediately prior to Hurricane Irma,” Dorman’s letter says.

“We hope that the city would like to resolve these issues now and avoid any future conflict regarding the pier. TCPR is amenable to exploring options with the city, including an early termination, provided it is compensated for its losses,” Dorman’s letter concludes.

When contacted recently via email, Schoenfelder said the city had not yet responded to Dorman’s letter.

When contacted last week, Murphy acknowledged receipt of the letter but declined further comment.

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OPINION

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MAY 20, 2020

COVID-19: Choose people, not money

A

s Anna Maria Island homes continue to be converted to vacation rentals, a rivalry – sometimes polite, sometimes not so much – continues to escalate between dwindling residents and increasing vacation rental owners.

Locals complain about “Yankee carpetbaggers” and ugly big box houses with 20 bedrooms and loud parties. Vacation rental owners counter that without them, Islanders could not survive economically.

But in the COVID-19 world we live in now, survival means far more than the economy.

Manatee County commissioners should give more weight to human health than economic health as they consider whether to approve Monday’s Tourist Development Council (TDC) recommendation that the county petition the state to reopen vacation rentals.

The Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 statistics show that three of the county’s target markets for tourism - Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the worst three counties in the state for COVID-19, with nearly 27,000 cases.

Manatee County has 867 cases as of Monday and continues to experience an increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

There were 23 more cases of COVID-19 reported here this weekend. Perhaps it would be prudent to reopen vacation rentals when there aren’t any new cases being recorded.

Otherwise, it’s like playing Russian roulette with the health of Manatee County residents, especially those who live on Anna Maria Island.

Let’s face it - vacationers come here to relax, and they’re only human. We all are.

We all want the same thing when we travel: a chance to unwind, to let go, to explore new things.

But "travel" has changed, hasn't it.

There is no reason to think that tourists will not let their guards down during the pandemic. They likely will forget about handwashing and social distancing and limiting themselves to groups of 10. Chatting in narrow hallways with new neighbors will be so much easier, as will using communal stair rails and touching elevator buttons, gate latches and garbage can lids, regardless of the consequences.

So what the heck are we supposed to do?

Yes, the economy is unquestionably important.

But isn't life, unquestionably, more important?

ON THE AGENDA

AME teacher says goodbye It is with sadness in my heart that I say goodbye to all my friends, students, parents, coworkers, volunteers and community members on Anna Maria Island. After 43 years of teaching, the time has come to retire and make way for some new teachers to begin their journey.

In 1977, Wayne and I were married in Lyons, N.Y., and soon ventured to Florida. We drove

by Anna Maria Elementary and I exclaimed, “Look at that cute little elementary school on the bay. It looks like a motel.”

The next day, I returned with my resume to inquire about substitut-

ing and Mr. Kronus hired me on the spot. I substituted on and off, taught for 10 years and taught preschool, visually handicapped children, special needs children, kindergarten and fourth grade, before coming back to AME in 1987. Wayne and I lived and raised our two children, Ryan and Kelsey, on Longboat Key, where Wayne worked as a manager for more than 30 years.

I feel blessed to have worked at Anna Maria Elementary School with such devoted friends and colleagues. To have my children attend school at AME was an added bonus.

I have taught in so many different grades and had the pleasure of teaching those students’ offspring as well. What a joy that has been!

The experiences I have had at this

school are too innumerable to even begin to describe; truly from birth to death, tragedies and miracles.

This community of generous and devoted human beings has gone above and beyond every time we asked for help and support. Anna Maria Elementary will always hold a special place in my heart.

So, as I celebrate my 43rd wedding anniversary and my last day of school, May 28, 2020, I say thank you, thank you to everyone.

Most of all, I thank my present and former students for making my career one that I can look back on with pride, happiness and joy in my heart.

Peace and love to all.

Toni Lashway

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MAY 20, 2020

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ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

For information, call 941-708-6130 City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 25, all day – City offices closed for Memorial Day May 28, 6 p.m. – City Commission regular meeting

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

For information, call 941-778-1005 City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 20, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting May 21, noon – City Commission regular meeting May 25, all day – City offices closed for Memorial Day

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

For more information, call 941-708-5800 City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 25, all day – City offices closed for Memorial Day May 26, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

MARK YOUR CALENDAR May 20-27 Area events are canceled.

All Anna Maria Island churches are closed; check their websites for virtual services.

The Island Branch Library and Tingley Memorial Library are closed.

All classes at area parks and recreation areas are canceled.

Local beaches are open.

The Holmes Beach Dog Park, skate park, basketball courts and tennis courts are open.

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s fitness center is open with limited capacity. Local preserves are open including Grassy Point Preserve, Neal Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

SUBMITTED | WEST MANATEE FIRE RESCUE

WMFR firefighters lend helping hands Two teams of firefighters from West Manatee Fire Rescue lent helping hands to their fellow firemen, journeying to Collier County to assist in containing a wildfire that had spread to more than 8,600 acres. Capt. Chad Brunner and firefighter Jeff Taylor went to help relieve local firefighters who’d been battling the blaze on May 13. Brunner and Taylor were relieved by the team of Capt.

James Leigh and firefighters Jerrod Apple, Nate Bergbom and Robert Haygood on the morning of May 14. They were also joined

by Battalion Chief Rich Jasinki, serving as strike team leader. All five returned home the evening of May 15, after the fire was 40% contained.

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MAY 20, 2020

Bradenton Beach allowing expanded outdoor dining and retail City Attorney Ricinda Perry expects the ordinance to remain in effect until restaurants and retail operations return to 100% capacity.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city of Bradenton Beach will allow restaurants and retail businesses to expand their outdoor and open-air dining and retail operations in time for Memorial Day weekend.

On Thursday, May 14, city commissioners unanimously supported Ordinance 20-516 as presented on first reading. The ordinance is scheduled for second reading and final adoption on Thursday, May 21.

Upon final adoption, the ordinance will create a temporary citywide allowance for additional outdoor dining and retail space during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) reopening and recovery process.

According to Ordinance 20-516, “To promote business operation and economic recovery while maintaining

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Island Time Bar & Grill (left) recently added a few extra tables to its main entry and waiting area. The Anna Maria Oyster Bar at the Bridge Street Pier (above)offers additional outdoor seating along the side of the building.

focus on core safety principles, the city of Bradenton Beach is providing a temporary waiver of strict adherence to outdoor dining and retail sales. This will be accomplished by temporarily granting the utilization of additional areas of private property and city rights-of-way for all local eating establishments for the duration of Governor DeSantis' Executive Order 20-112 and any subsequent executive orders that adversely impacts occupancy loads,

limits seating capacities or mandates social distancing requirements.”

The ordinance allows business owners to convert up to 50% of their onsite private parking spaces to additional dining or retail space.

“The converted use must be in conformance with all Florida fire codes.

No parking for disabled persons may be repurposed for restaurant or retail use,” the ordinance says.

“All public parking spaces on the south

side of Bridge Street from the westernmost side of the structure located at 119 Bridge Street shall be closed to all vehicular and golf cart parking and shall be temporarily converted to a pedestrian walkway. No tables may be placed by any businesses in said area. Additional public or public/private parking spaces may be closed upon a request to the city commission,” according to the ordinance.

SEE OUTDOOR, PAGE 11

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MAY 20, 2020

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CRA issues RFP for parking tram program The CRA would prefer an owner-operated parking shuttle program.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified company to operate a parking tram shuttle service.

“The CRA is looking to partner with a business that will help it assist the residents, day-trippers and tourists visiting the city by providing a predictable and fast-paced option for pedestrians to traverse the CRA district and connect the day-trippers from the beach to the business district,” the RFP says.

“There is currently no established tram program and the CRA will be evaluating the success or failure of the tram with the coordination of the successful bidder for a period of one year. The city has been developing a tram path that can bypass standstill traffic along Gulf Drive. A successful program will result in the winning bidder being granted an exclusive right

to renew the contract for services for up to five one-year terms. Preference will be given for a proposer with a turn-key operation that is financially advantageous to the CRA,” according to the RFP. Using electric, golf cart-like trams, a parking shuttle service in Bradenton Beach has been discussed off and on for more than a decade, using the county-owned parking spaces at Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach.

In December, a preliminary presentation was made to county commissioners who expressed a mix of preliminary support and preliminary opposition to the use of county-owned parking spaces.

For safety purposes, City Engineer Lynn Burnett has proposed converting the Cortez Beach parking spaces to diagonal parking spaces, but that would require county commission approval. The CRA members also envision a dedicated tram path that would run along the west side of Gulf Drive South – an idea that would also likely require county commission support.

As currently proposed, inbound trams would pick up passengers from the Cortez Beach and/or Coquina

Our building may be closed, but our MINISTRIES continue!

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

www.RoserChurch.com/worship

Every Sunday 10:00 AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beach parking areas, cross Gulf Drive at Fifth Street South, proceed east to Bay Drive South, turn north on Bay Drive South and eventually turn around near the small city-owned parking lot by the Bradenton Beach Marina.

Some Fifth Street South and Bay Drive South residents continue to express opposition to the proposed tram route and have requested the tram route utilize Bridge Street instead.

The CRA members anticipate Burnett providing a more detailed plan in June.

OPERATOR OPTIONS

The RFP provides for two options: an operator-owned tram service or a tram service utilizing trams leased or purchased by the CRA. Regarding both options, the RFP says, “During peak season and on holidays, proposer is expected to provide an ADA-compliant tram service designed for no less than 200 riders per hour on a pathway that travels through the CRA District and along Gulf Drive to the CRA designated trolley stop at Coquina Beach seven days a week from 11 a.m. through 10 p.m.

– Friday and Saturday hours will be

11 a.m. through 11 p.m. – and provide employee drop off from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.”

The RFP notes the proposed hours are subject to change depending on public demand.

Regarding an owner-operated tram service, the RFP says, “It is the desire of CRA that the operator provide the shuttles, maintenance, insurance and staff to operate the service. The CRA will also require metrics and data on total ridership, peak hours of use, input on routes for service, an assessment for overall issues and success of the tram service. The CRA reserves the right to exclusive advertising rights on the trams and proposer shall provide adequate advertisement space for same,” the RFP says.

Regarding trams owned or leased by the CRA, the RFP says the CRA will acquire the trams needed for the program while seeking the same maintenance, insurance, operating staff and ridership data provisions from the contracted operator.

A copy of the RFP can be obtained from the city clerk’s office. RFP responses are due by June 5, unless the response period is extended.

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Business owners won’t get break on fees Commissioners decided to do away with the idea of not charging business owners a fee this year with their BTR renewal in favor of potentially reducing property taxes.

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

HOLMES BEACH – After discussing eliminating the fees for business tax receipts in the 2020-21 fiscal year, commissioners are now leaving the fees intact and considering lowering property taxes instead.

During a May 12 work session, commissioners brought their previous decision to eliminate the BTR fees for commercial and home-based businesses back to the table and reversed it, reinstituting the fee.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said that if commissioners want to eliminate the fee for one year, it would still cost the same amount to operate the program,

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Holmes Beach business owners will still have to come to city hall to renew their business tax receipts and pay the associated fees in the fall. revenue that would need to be made up in a different way. She added that eliminating the BTR fee for a year wouldn’t financially help vacation rental owners.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said that she’d like to find a way to help more people than just business owners. She said that she doesn’t feel like

the city can ask for a tax increase in the coming fiscal year and that she’s concerned about giving away money when the city’s leadership isn’t sure that there will be enough funds to operate at current levels.

Commissioner Kim Rash said that eliminating the BTR fees only gives a minimal financial break to business owners and sets a wrong precedent for other people in the city.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said he was still in favor of eliminating the BTR fee for one year and wants to see the city’s leaders make up the lost revenue by cutting spending. His fellow commissioners agreed that cutting spending for the next fiscal year is a goal, but Commissioners Jim Kihm, Pat Morton and Soustek said they’d rather use the rollback rate for property taxes and reduce or keep taxes the same for property owners in the coming year rather than eliminate the BTR fees for one year.

“We need to come up with a reasonable budget and reasonable ad valorem rate that applies to everyone,” Kihm said.

OUTDOOR: expanded dining and retail FROM PAGE 8

Perry presented the proposed ordinance one day before Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order allowing restaurants and retail businesses to increase from 25% to 50% capacity beginning Monday.

When asked later if the governor’s latest executive order (EO 20-123) lessens the need for the city ordinance, Perry said she expects the city ordinance to remain in effect until restaurants and retail businesses are allowed

to return to 100% capacity.

It was noted during Thursday’s meeting that other cities have temporarily closed their main street areas to create more outdoor dining space, but there was no discussion about closing Bridge Street.

It was also noted that the ordinance will apply to the entire city, and Wicked Cantina and Sharky’s Seagrill were mentioned as two examples of non-Bridge Street establishments that could benefit from the additional outdoor space.

To receive this benefit, an application for temporary expansion of a retail or restaurant footprint must be completed and emailed to kaiken@cityofbradentonbeach.com. The application process requires a general site plan, proof of insurance and a few other documents.

City staff will review the submitted applications and Mayor John Chappie will sign off on those approved.

Perry said she would hand-deliver applications to the businesses on

Bridge Street and downloadable applications would be posted at the city website, www.cityofbradentonbeach. com. Applications can be submitted before Thursday’s meeting or anytime thereafter.

The commission also authorized Public Works Director Tom Woodard to spend up to $800 to purchase portable safety delineation devices as part of this endeavor.

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MAY 20, 2020

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13

Commissioners want more Adopt-A-Spot discussion

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

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners want to have more discussion before they move a new Adopt-ASpot agreement to a vote.

During a May 12 work session, commissioners discussed the proposed agreement with the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee Chair Mary Lange.

Lange said the proposed agreement was developed by the committee as a more user-friendly alternative to the one previously approved by commissioners. The new agreement also gives adopters a financial assist of $1,000 for the purchase of mulch, plants and other supplies for their spots.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said

the funds already budgeted for the use of the Parks and Beautification Committee would cover the proposed financial assistance for spot adopters.

The agreement did away with a liability waiver, which City Attorney Patricia Petruff said would most likely need to be added to the application packet.

One of the items that commissioners were concerned about was if the city’s current liability insurance would cover adopters who do work on the spots, which are city property, or if new insurance would need to be purchased to cover volunteers. The matter of a liability waiver also is still under consideration and discussion.

Lange said that out of the 20 eligible spots in the city, 12 had been

officially adopted, though no paperwork has been signed and turned into the city clerk’s office due to the ongoing discussions concerning the Adopt-A-Spot agreement. Three of the remaining spots, she said, have potential business sponsors which leaves five spots left for adoption by residents, businesses or other local organizations.

Petruff and Mayor Judy Titsworth both expressed concern that there is work being done on city property without proper agreements, liability forms or proof of insurance on the city’s behalf to protect itself.

Commissioners agreed to continue the discussion at their next work session. Members of the Parks and Beautification Committee won’t meet again until the fall.

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OUTDOORS

MAY 20, 2020

The quality of our fishing future Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

F

ishing and the outdoors experiences that my love for the sport have occasioned have played a pivotal role in my life for almost seven decades. This infatuation has also made me passionate about working to protect the natural world that provides me with sport, inspiration and a desire to see future generations have some of the same opportunities that I’ve had.

That’s why I keep coming back to what I think is a crucial responsibility, being aware of how elected officials voted when it comes to the quality of the air I breathe, the water I drink and the water that the fish I love to pursue swim in. It’s become painfully apparent to me that the politicians we elect all too often have a different agenda than what they present to us when they want our vote. That’s why I have decided that I’m not a Republican or a Democrat. I don’t vote red or blue, liberal or conservative. What I am is an environmental voter.

What does that mean? It means I research how a politician who wants my vote has voted on issues, not what they promise. In this day of the internet, there’s really no excuse for not getting information based on facts instead of innuendo.

A word of caution of course. All too often we make the mistake of looking for information that supports views we already hold rather than a search for the facts. Both are available in spades so be selective when choosing your sources and check to make sure they have no underlying (alternative) agenda. Here are a couple of resources you might want to explore.

Florida Conservation Voters, fcvoters.org, has a score card that tracks how politicians have voted on important issues like clean water and clean air. Their mission is to elect lawmakers who protect our environment and healthy communities for everyone. Their vision resonates with mine: “Our vision for Florida’s future is one where our environment is recognized as the irreplaceable foundation of our economy, culture, and quality of life. It’s a future where our economic development, energy innovation, and conservation goals align. We envision a government

that reflects the people it serves and lawmakers who vigorously fight for policies that protect our environment and create a healthy, sustainable future for all Floridians.”

There are also resources on the internet that, with a little research, will reveal how a senator or representative has voted on varying issues. Check them out at www. senate.gov and www.congress.gov.

Floridians, especially those who are blessed to live on a barrier island, can see firsthand the effects of poor policy and pollution on the waters that surround our homes. If you haven’t noticed, take a look at all the algae that is accumulating in our bays right now. Yes, some of that is a natural occurrence, but personally I’ve never seen so much so early in the season.

Bottom line, do a little homework going forward and see how those who claim to have your interests at heart actually voted and where their true allegiance lies. It’s a vital component of an informed electorate and will affect the quality of life and fishing we are leaving our children, grandchildren and future generations.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Algae clogs an inlet to Robinson Preserve.

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MAY 20, 2020

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17

ARRESTS: reveal rental scam FROM PAGE 1

CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

Captain David White of Anna Maria Charters, prepares to release a large bull shark. Caught by Zach Haley of Maryland.

Targeting silver kings takes patience, finesse CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

The Tarpon have moved in heavily around here.

We here at Anna Maria Charters really look forward to this time of year. May and June are probably our favorite months of the year. Targeting silver kings on the beach takes a level of patience and finesse that we enjoy honing. You’ll see lots of boats at Bean Point right now, cutting threadfin herring by the 25-pound box and chumming these fish that are holding up in the pass. We try to avoid this crowd and work the areas that aren’t quite so populated. Using live crabs and live threadfin as bait, we like to work schools of fish in the shallower depths. We expect to see more fish show up as we encroach on the new moon.

Also, inshore you will see very large bull, hammerhead, and the occasional tiger shark. These animals follow the tarpon on their annual migration north. It’s always a treat to put someone on a large shark when they’ve never even seen one in person yet.

Offshore, we’re still focused on African pompano, blackfin tuna, red grouper, yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper. The fishing everywhere is great right now. And we like taking advantage of every scenario depending on what our clients want to do.

Good luck and tight lines.

tails of the case right now,” MCSO Public Information Officer Randy Warren said in an email on Monday.

When contacted Friday afternoon, Sgt. Brett Getman from the MSCO Anna Maria Unit said he could not comment on a pending investigation.

He said more details would likely be available later this week.

The rental home is owned by a couple that lives in the New York/New Jersey area and Holmes Beach-based Beach House Real Estate manages their vacation rentals.

After receiving a phone call at 2:30 a.m. Friday morning, Beach House Real Estate co-owner Don Purvis arrived at the rental home at approximately 3 a.m. As the facts began to crystalize, Purvis and some of the responding law enforcement officers reached an unexpected conclusion.

“It was a scam of epic proportion. The people that were in that house were not who we rented the house to,” Purvis said on Monday.

“One of the police officers from Holmes Beach said, ‘I think I know what’s going on. We’ve seen this already and it’s starting to get more common – people trying to take advantage of this coronavirus situation we’re all dealing with.’ He told me the same thing just happened somewhere else.

The owners take a 31-night rental and are thrilled to have that, but then the people turn around and sublease it,” Purvis said.

“The people that rented the house from us called from St. Augustine. The lady said her family was supposed to go on a family cruise and the cruise got canceled so they were trying to find something else to do. We said the rental has to be over 30 days because that’s all that’s allowed right now. They said no problem, we’ll book it.

We coordinated with the owners and they were excited to have somebody rent for that long under these circumstances. Then it got put on Facebook and Airbnb for $400 a night and the people that showed up rented the house illegally. I hate that we got duped by it, but we’re not the only ones that have,” Purvis said.

SURREAL SCENE

“When I arrived, the police asked who was supposed to be in the house. I said it’s supposed to be a family of six from St. Augustine. They already had three people in three different police

SUBMITTED

This was the scene outside of 403 Alamanda Road Friday morning as the investigation continued. cars at that point – and according to the police, the people they arrested were locals. The police had gone to the door by time I got there and had already spoke to the point person staying in the house. They said they rented on Airbnb, paid their money and didn’t see what the big deal was.

They had just gotten there,” Purvis said.

“So, the police kept dealing with the people they had followed to the house and pulled over.

They hadn’t really addressed the house at that point. They were addressing the guys in the car that never made it into the house. The police searched their car and found things,” Purvis said.

“The people we rented the house to were not answering our calls. On behalf of the owners, I gave the police permission to evict the people we did not have an agreement with. The police did a great job. They got everybody out and told me I could leave because they were going to need time to search the house and interview people. All things considered, it was handled quickly and efficiently by the police and by us. I was so appreciative and impressed with the police officers from all three cities that were part of this,” Purvis said.

“At Beach House Real Estate, we live here too.

This is my backyard. I have a personal relationship with our clients and I don’t want this happening in our client’s home. We take this stuff seriously. The homeowner is a police officer in New York and he thanked me for being at his house at 3 o’clock in the morning making sure his home is OK,” Purvis said.

!

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MAY 20, 2020

Red tide study seeking volunteers

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

A new study aiming to determine the effects of Florida red tide on brain health is seeking volunteers from Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The Roskamp Institute is seeking 400 volunteers to participate in the study, funded by a $400,000 grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

The institute, which studies causes and potential cures for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, is focusing on red tide because it causes neurological symptoms, according to Executive Director Dr. Michael Mullan.

“Hopefully, our research will show that there is no link between the Florida red tide brevetoxin exposure and an increase of neurological disorder,” he said. “However, when you see metric tons of marine life being killed in a few

weeks you realize how powerful the toxin is, and knowing that some of the effects of exposure can be long-lasting in other species, it makes sense to make sure that something similar is not happening in the human population – particularly in vulnerable populations.”

Participants will have three assessments where blood and urine samples are taken to measure red tide brevetoxin and antibody levels. Volunteers will be seen during periods when no Florida red tide blooms are being observed and also during periods when they are.

Researchers expect that comparing the levels of brevetoxin and antibodies with the participants’ neurological complaints will shed light on whether Florida red tide exposure can trigger neurological conditions.

The study expands the previous work of team member Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick, formerly of Mote Marine Laboratory, which recorded an increase in emergency room admissions for neu-

High

(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)

(possible respiratory irritation)

Medium

Background

(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

stone crabbers pulled their traps from the water and did not reset them, she said.

In Florida’s $30 million stone crab industry, the annual catch has declined by 40% since 1998, according to Mote Marine Laboratory, which is investigating the possibility of farming stone crabs.

Very low

(no effects)

None

Low

(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

(no red tide present)

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rological complaints during the Florida red tide blooms between 2005-09.

Florida red tide is caused by an algae that blooms in the Gulf of Mexico under certain environmental conditions and releases a neurotoxin called brevetoxin. During a severe bloom, brevetoxin kills fish, birds that feed on fish

Stone crab season crawls to halt Local stone crab landings started strong but declined toward the end of the season, which ends this week, according to Karen Bell of A.P. Bell Fish Co. in Cortez.

With restaurants closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic during much of this year’s season, demand was low, and some Florida

RED TIDE REPORT

By collecting stone crabs under government permits, hatching their eggs and raising the larvae, Mote scientists are investigating which environmental challenges can affect stone crabs, including red tide, climate change, ocean acidification and low oxygen in water.

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 wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

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

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

BIRD TIPS

ANNA MARIA ISLAND TURTLE WATCH AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING | SUBMITTED

New state guidelines require that Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers relocate some turtle nests due to the upcoming beach renourishment on the Island, Director Suzi Fox said. Pictured from left are volunteers Bob and Deb Haynes relocating a nest in Holmes Beach.

and marine mammals such as dolphins and manatees.

Other types of algae in Florida and elsewhere have been implicated in brain disorders, according to the institute.

If you are interested in participating in the study, call 941-256-8019 ext.

3008 for more information.

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).

MAY 20, 2020

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19

Center opens to limited programming, capacity

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

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island’s doors have reopened to the community after having been closed since March due to COVID-19 precautions.

The Center reopened on May 18 with one program - the weekly day camp for children ages 5 to 12. For parents, there are three day camp programs to choose from – virtual school assistance, the Beyond the Classroom after school program and the all day camp.

The virtual school assistance camp takes place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $40 per week per child. Children are required to bring their own schoolwork and their own devices. If children need a device, please contact Ashley Friszman at ashley@centerami.org.

The Beyond the Classroom program takes place Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and costs $80 per week per child.

The all day camp takes place Monday

through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes both the virtual school assistance camp and the Beyond the Classroom program. Participating students are required to bring their schoolwork and a packed lunch. The cost is $120 per week per child.

Registration for each camp is required by the Thursday prior to attendance. A $25 registration fee is assessed for new campers. Daily and partial week rates are available as is a sliding fee opportunity for those who qualify.

For safety reasons, children will have daily temperature checks prior to camp check-in, hourly hygiene practices will be established and no groups larger than 10 will be permitted in each area to ensure social distancing.

For more information or to register, visit The Center online at www.centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

The Center’s fitness center will reopen with limited capacity on May 20.

New policies, hours, procedures and other information will be shared on The Center’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/thecenterofami.

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REAL ESTATE

MAY 20, 2020

When the real estate market sneezes, it infects everyone

T

he last thing anyone wants these days is for someone next to you in line at the market, the bank or in our slowly-opening restaurants to sneeze near you. But if the real estate market starts to get seriously infected from the effects of the coronavirus, it may start to sneeze all over related industries.

The American housing market is such a major influence on the country’s economy that even a slight downturn could have a very big effect on goods and services generated from buying, selling and building new homes. Right now, there are large portions of the country where the real estate market is at a total standstill because of lockdowns. Properties cannot be shown to prospective buyers, sellers are taking their homes off the market and construction of new homes and apartments has mostly stopped.

Obviously, there are hundreds of industries related to the real estate market that are losing money and jobs. The con-

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER struction industry is being particularly impacted per the Commerce Department which reported a 22% decrease in new home construction in March from February. The Northeast region is experiencing the most pronounced decrease in new home construction with a 42.5% decline during this period.

New construction generates a plethora of jobs - carpenters, plumbers and electricians in addition to support and office staff. The materials alone needed to build range from lumber to sheetrock to paint to concrete and roofing not to mention heating and air conditioning systems.

Sales of existing properties are also

down across the country as they are right here in Manatee County. If and when this will turn around as we in Florida start to open our economy, we just don’t know. But what we do know is that a slow real estate resale market touches so many other areas of the economy.

When someone purchases a home, they spend money preparing that home for the specifics they need and require for their family. Even the lack of simple renovations like new flooring, appliances, landscaping and paint will have an effect on the economy.

This is in addition to major renovations to existing homes that have been sold or aren’t even on the market yet. The fallout from homeowners holding up on renovations can’t be calculated but inevitably will be substantial.

And what about the financial part of all this? Job loss is now measured in the millions, impacting tax revenue at every level of national, state and local governments. Much of this loss will ultimately

be traced back to the real estate market, including the hard-working real estate professionals whose income and careers have been upended.

The one bright light for the real estate industry has been its ability to pivot to electronics to market and close properties. Agents all over the country are running virtual open houses and creating video tours for available properties. Video chats are taking the place of conference room meetings and available digital mortgage platforms can remotely verify employment and assets. A decade ago, the housing market would have been completely shut down during a situation like this; now at least everyone can move forward, even if at a slower pace.

So, no sneezing in public - we all have to do our part. As far as the real estate market, we don’t really know what the future is and neither does anyone else.

Stay safe and wear a mask.

MAY 20, 2020

www.amisun.com

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Clockwise above, one lane is closed May 15 at the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives due to the undergrounding of electrical and utility lines. A detour for drivers going southbound on Gulf Drive is expected to remain in place for the next several days due to directional boring work on the undergrounding of utility lines at the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives. Workers replace a broken seawall along Marina Drive at Waterline’s marina.

Work continues on Marina Drive

Work on Marina Drive is expected to continue over the next several weeks, according to Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth. Currently, there are two major projects taking place at the intersection of Marina and Gulf drives – the undergrounding of electrical lines and utilities and the replacement of an aging seawall at the Waterline marina. Drivers may continue to experience periodic delays and detours in the area.

THE SUN

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MAY 20, 2020

Parking restrictions, increased fines await Memorial Day visitors Parking fines have been temporarily increased to $100 in Anna Maria.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The county-controlled parking lot at Bayfront Park is now open, which means public parking is available again at the beach park in Anna Maria.

But those who park illegally elsewhere in the city will now be fined $100 if issued a parking citation. And, that citation can be reissued every two hours.

Illegally parking in a handicapped parking space will result in a $225 fine.

On Thursday, May 14, Anna Maria commissioners provided unanimous consensus support for Mayor Dan Murphy’s request to temporarily increase parking ticket fines from $35 to $100.

New signs have been posted around the city notifying motorists of the change and Murphy said the city will seek FEMA reimbursement for sign expenses associated with the city’s COVID-19 response.

Enacted by emergency order of the mayor, the $100 parking fine remains in effect for seven-day increments that must be renewed or revoked by the mayor on a weekly basis.

Murphy said parking in Anna Maria the day before Mother’s Day (Saturday, May

9) produced the most parking tickets ever issued in one day in Anna Maria.

Murphy attributed this to two factors: The county’s two-hour parking limit at Manatee Beach – which has since been eliminated – and the elimination of right of way and street parking in Holmes Beach.

“There’s not much we can do about Holmes Beach opting to close off all of their right of way parking – and by the way, they didn’t consult with our city when they did that. At this point we’re forced to react to it. The intent here is to prevent the spread of the virus,” Murphy said.

“I’m suggesting we raise the violation fine for illegal parking to a point where it’s not worth it to park illegally in this city.

Our parking enforcement officers have repeatedly told me that people yawn at the $35 parking ticket. $100 will get your attention,” Murphy said.

Murphy said he also planned to expand the no parking zones on the north side of the city and elsewhere around town.

In response to Murphy’s fine increase request, Commissioner Jon Crane said, “I have two thoughts. Everything the mayor proposed is appropriate under the circumstances. My other comment is we really ought to have a better line of communication with Holmes Beach. I know the mayor said he didn’t hear from Holmes Beach when they started their

That’s the frustration of it all, but we have to do what we can do.”

Commissioner Mark Short supported the temporary fine increase, but he suggested more signs be put in place to remind people that it’s illegal to park with any tires on the pavement.

HOLMES BEACH RESTRICTIONS

CHARLIE TRYGG | SUBMITTED

These new signs reference the new temporary $100 parking fine in Anna Maria. anti-parking campaign, but the phone lines go both ways. It really irks me that there’s no conversation.”

Commissioner Joe Muscatello said, “Last week we talked about this: how we were going to suffer from the Holmes Beach action, and we did. But we’re all missing the ball here. The whole purpose was to limit the number of people coming out. Once the beaches were opened, whatever we do we’re just swinging blindly.

On Monday, Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer was asked about the right of way and street-side parking restrictions in that city.

“We’ve eliminated every parking space temporarily. We will be reopening them when we have our signs that direct people where they can and can’t park. It is not our intent to impact the city of Anna Maria by restricting our parking. It is our intent to protect our citizens within the city of Holmes Beach and force social distancing at the beach areas in Holmes Beach – with the exception of the parking at the county beach which is open to 100 percent capacity and has way too many people in that two-block area. It was crazy last weekend.

The beach parking lot was filled by 9:30 and there were a tremendous amount of people in one small location,” Tokajer said.

When asked about the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Tokajer said, “We wrote 253 parking tickets Friday, Saturday and Sunday and we will have tow trucks on standby this weekend.”

www.amisun.com

MAY 20, 2020

THE SUN

23

Top real estate producers for April, 2020 A PARADISE

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LO C A L LY K N OW N . G LO B A L LY C O N N E C T E D.

W E L L S B AY H A R B O R 710 S Bay Boulevard Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4461640 $2,100,000

S H O R E AC R E S 867 N Shore Drive Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Margo Love Story 941-799-1943 A4454292 $1,850,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 107 66th Street 12 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452254 $875,000

K E Y R OYA L E 602 Baronet Lane Hannah Hillyard 941-744-7358 A4447974 $779,000

A N N A M A R I A B E AC H 109 Palm Avenue Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4461783 $2,495,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 103 66th Street 10 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452245 $572,125

PA L M A S O L A B AY C L U B 7710 34th Avenue W 302 Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4449791 $435,000

OSPREY LANDING 11516 11th Avenue E Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4463102 $414,900

N O RTH P O I NT H A R B O U R 609 N Point Drive Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4455659 $1,190,000

V I LL A S O F H O LM E S B E AC H 206 52nd Street 3 Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 A4464002 $989,000

B AY PA L M S 7802 Palm Drive A & B Laura Rulon 941-896-2757 A4462950 $625,000

M A I N S A I L B E AC H I N N 101 66th Street 6 Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4452260 $600,000

CAMBRIDGE LAKE 5916 13th Street Court E Kristi Berger & Deborah Capobianco 941-730-3801 A4462819 $210,000

PA L M A S O L A B AY C LU B 3412 79th Street Circle W 202 Brittany Clemen & Pamela Miller 941-761-7349 A4447474 $385,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

VILL AGE GREEN OF BR ADENTON 6607 12th Avenue W Deborah Capobianco & Kristi Berger 941-704-2394 A4462770 $225,000

8 8 8 . 552 . 52 2 8

www.michaelsaunders.com L I C E N S E D R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R

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www.amisun.com

MAY 20, 2020

REOPENING: DeSantis expands plans, opens door for vacation rentals FROM PAGE 1

Order 20-123. The order notes restaurants are no longer required to maintain a 6-foot distance between tables when expanding to 50% capacity.

“Bar counters are to remain closed to seating, and outdoor seating remains available with social distancing,” the order says.

VACATION RENTALS

During Friday’s press conference, DeSantis did not mention short-term vacation rentals until a member of the media asked about them. In response, DeSantis said he was not reopening short-term vacation rentals statewide, but individual counties can request short-term vacation rental openings.

According to EO 20-123, “Counties may seek approval to operate vacation rentals with a written request from the county administrator and the county’s safety plan for vacation rental operations submitted to the DBPR (Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation) secretary.”

A pending lawsuit against DeSantis seeks to lift the vacation rental ban entirely.

On Saturday, Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea addressed the governor’s announcement in an email she sent to county commissioners, Anna Maria Island mayors and others.

“I am sure you have been receiving emails and telephone calls asking you to reopen vacation rentals in Manatee County based on the governor’s county-by-county directive on Friday afternoon. Tourism remains the top industry in Manatee County and vacation

rentals are a critical part of the tourism industry network that runs so successfully in our county and your city,” Coryea wrote in her email.

“The governor’s directive gives local governments the ability to present a safety plan for vacation rental opening rules to the state for consideration.

Local standards are to be guidelines which are both acceptable to the local community and that align with the governor’s ‘Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step Plan for Reopening Florida.’ The governor’s Reopen Florida Plan is a set of benchmarks and guidelines under which we have already followed to craft our own return to work plan for county operations,” Coryea wrote.

“In the coming days we will apply the same Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step guidelines for the board to consider that allow vacation rentals to reopen safely for visitors, vacation rental owners and hospitality staff. Your observations and experience in your city are important in this endeavor and will be considered as a part of the plan. As with all our reopening strategies to the County Commission, public health and safety will be at the forefront of the deliberations to address the vacation rental sector in Manatee County,” Coryea wrote in conclusion.

Coryea also distributed copies of a DBPR document containing additional information and safety measures for vacation rentals pursuant to EO 20-123, effective May 18 for counties that decide to allow vacation rentals.

The DBPR document says, “Effective May 18, the following measures are recommended as minimum standards

for vacation rentals that are accepting reservations and guests for any length of stay: • “Maintain adequate time between the conclusion of a guest stay and the check-in of the next guest stay for appropriate cleaning and sanitation; • Clean and disinfect all frequentlytouched surfaces in the property between each guest stay; • Wash all linens, dishware, and other service items available for use by guests between each guest rental; • Provide sufficient soap and surface sanitation supplies for guests to utilize in the vacation rental property during the guest’s rental period; • Ensure adequate safety protocols are in place and publicly displayed, in line with CDC guidance, regarding shared or multi-residence amenities such as pools, gyms, and other communal spaces.”

Effective May 18, DBPR also recommends the following best practices for vacation rentals that are accepting reservations and guests for any length of stay: • “Use mobile platforms for customer service and communication with guests, including the acceptance of payments by mobile or electronic methods; • Minimize direct guest contact with property owners or managers through remote check-in and check-out procedures; • Post signage or other notices regarding the cleaning practices that are completed prior to each guest stay; • Display signage or notices to guests in the rental property to frequently

remind guests to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the wiping and sanitation of touched surfaces.”

The county commission met on Tuesday, May 19. The meeting agenda included discussion of ongoing issues relative to the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency.

BAR PROTEST PLANNED

Bar owners and members of the Association of Independent Bar Owners of Manatee met with an attorney Saturday who volunteered to draft a letter to send to DeSantis and state legislators requesting that Florida’s bars and nightclubs be allowed to reopen.

Via executive order that took effect on March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day), DeSantis closed all Florida bars and nightclubs that generate more than 50% of their revenue from alcohol sales.

In conjunction with the attorney’s letter, an organized protest was scheduled to take place on Tuesday afternoon at the Wade Thompson law office in Bradenton.

Organizers encouraged protest participants to wear masks and gloves and practice social distancing to display the industry’s willingness to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Several Anna Maria Island bar owners and bartenders indicated they would participate in the protest.

A petition to reopen Florida’s bars and nightclubs has been initiated at www.MoveOn.org.

RENTALS: TDC recommends opening vacation rentals FROM PAGE 1

MARKETING DURING COVID-19

The new short-term marketing recovery plan, debuted by Falcione and Dave DiMaggio, has two implementation phases. Phase one involves bringing visitors in from drivable markets, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties and Atlanta with plans to expand the advertising area up as far north as Memphis and Nashville and as far west as New Orleans.

Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties are the worst three counties in the state for COVID-19, with nearly 27,000 cases, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Manatee County has 867 cases as of Monday.

DiMaggio said that when deciding which markets to spend advertising dollars in, the overall health of the area and whether it’s a COVID-19 hotspot will be considered first along with how economically stable the target markets are.

The second phase involves bringing airline passengers back to the area. DiMaggio said that the success of phase two involves coordinating and sharing data with local airports, including Tampa International Airport and SarasotaBradenton International Airport.

For some of this data, he said he would be looking closely at the information provided by Anne Wittine of Research Data Services, the county’s tourism consultant, to see how comfortable people feel about travel and flying to their vacation destinations.

Wittine presented the results of a travel sentiment pulse poll which showed numbers trending upward over the past two weeks toward people being more comfortable with travel and ready to take a vacation. While 52% of the people polled are concerned about reopening the state too quickly, Wittine said that 15.9% of people say that travel is essential to them and they’re ready to get back out there.

Of the people who participated in the poll, Wittine said she’s seeing a trend toward people’s intent to travel increasing in the late summer months, specifically July. She added that of the people willing to travel, 78.2% of them feel most comfortable traveling by car, which lines up with the first phase of the TDC’s new marketing plan.

DiMaggio said the second phase

includes continuing to target drivers and targeting fliers from the Midwest and northeast of the United States.

He said he expects that some segments of the market will be slower to recover, including people who travel for sporting events, work conferences and travelers from the United Kingdom and Central Europe.

Falcione said that he would be utilizing a month-to-month budget approach, periodically re-evaluating how and where the CVB’s limited advertising budget is spent to determine where those funds will have the most impact to help get the local tourism economy back up and running.

The TDC next meets June 15 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

MAY 20, 2020

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Bowler's challenge 6 River in western Belgium 10 "Quite contrary" gardener 14 Dog guide 15 Paris currency 16 Singer Adams 17 Bert's Muppet roommate 18 Tiny bit of a min.

19 "Bob's Burgers" daughter 20 *Zero degrees, on a compass 22 Looks for 23 *Fiduciary entity whose holdings are unknown to its beneficiaries 26 Deli hanger 31 Rivière contents 32 Sun-dried brick 33 Campus housing 35 Ceremonial shoulder-tohip band

Answers to 05-13-20 Crossword Puzzle.

39 *Life insurance clause specifying twice the payment for certain situations 42 "¿Cómo __ usted?"

43 Pre-holiday nights 44 Helped 45 Exist 46 Opulent home 47 *Wet wooded region 53 Early stage 54 "I'm there!" ... and hint to the first part of the answers to starred clues 60 Lab vessel 61 Therefore 63 Radamès in 36-Down, e.g.

64 And others, in Lat. 65 Author Roald 66 Wild West film 67 Provocative 68 French "head" 69 Newspapers, collectively

Down 1 Snow glider 2 Lima is its capital 3 Fictional reporter Lois 4 "The doctor __" 5 "God" prefix 6 Film in which Streisand plays a yeshiva boy 7 Japanese rolls 8 Before, in verse 9 Mythical big bird 10 Usage measurer 11 French farewell 12 Ice show venues 13 Baker's dough raiser 21 Sac fly stat 22 "The Simpsons" disco guy 24 Geeky-sounding candy 25 Knight's lady 26 "Smooth Operator" singer 27 Kerfuffles 28 Lummox 29 __ The Museum: Stockholm exhibit honoring a pop group 30 Singer Tormé 33 Sunken ship explorer 34 __ of a kind 35 Peevish state 36 Verdi opera 37 Editor's "never mind that change" 38 Jekyll's alter ego 40 Gateway Arch designer Saarinen 41 More, for Miguel 45 Rearward at sea

46 Many "Star Trek" extras 47 Mars explorer 48 Friend of Maria in "West Side Story" 49 Author Asimov 50 Singer Furtado

THE SUN

51 Octet count 52 Swiped 55 Resting upon 56 Honey alternative 57 Pot starter

58 Ballerinas dance on them 59 Makes a mistake 61 NYC summer hrs.

62 Actress Charlotte

25

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THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

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

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

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570

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

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

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

Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message.

813-735-4373.

Call us today! 941-778-3986

JESSIE’S ISLAND STORE has immediate openings for full and part time cashiers for both day and night shifts.

Apply in person at 5424 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach or call 941-778-6903

LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500

THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or

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

MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571

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

HEALTH CARE HOME CARE PROVIDER with Dennis Church a nursing assistant. 7+ years of experience. Licensed in Florida. SAFER at HOME. Call 815-519-3993

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 941-725-0073.

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com

JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

COASTAL INTERIORS Trim, paint, repairs and more 27yrs experience Local 786-318-8585 ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

Licensed and insured.

References available.

Call Chris at 941-3028759 please visit website: isletileservices.com

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

MAY 20, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 CUSTOM PAINTING, Residential-Commercial, Interior/Exterior Professional quality work for over 40 years. Free estimates.

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

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

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE

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

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY May 24. 1pm-4pm. 7920 4th Ave W. Bradenton. Pine Bay Forest Condo. Gorgeous 1300 sq.ft. 2BR/2BA Condo.

Completely remodeled.

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

Brand New Kitchen.

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 509 PINE AVE ,ANNA MARIA. $1,690,000. 2 Cottage homes w/pool. Zoned nightly rentals/Retail/Commercial. Furnished w/rentals in place. Virtual Tour Avaliable. Christine Kourik Re/max 941-538-7414 RUNAWAY BAY CONDOBradenton Beach $335,000 water view 2BR/2BA furnished. Virtual Walk thru Tour Available. Christine Kourik Re/Max 941-5387414 LOCATED STEPS FROM SAND 1205 Gulf Drive $524,900 2BR/2BA income property, furnished, expanded views of the Gulf. Large open living area, under building parking, elevator.

Erlene Fitzpatrick REMAX ALLIANCE 941-224-6339

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

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com 2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 WARES CREEK AREA. 3BR/2BA on Wares Creek $1700/mo Available NOW. First, & 1 ½ security deposit. Credit check required.

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

Washer/Dryer hook ups, I Year lease. $1350/mo First, 1 &1/2 months security deposit. Available NOW. Credit check required. Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL 2BR/2BA duplex off Cortez, 3.5 mi to beach. Fenced yard, W/D hook ups, covered parking, non-smoking, pet friendly. $1,100/mo. 941-721-8480 M-F 9-5, or email mehall@ nclaimsadjusters.com ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL Big POOL, Small Complex. 1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Furnished, Water, Electric, Cable, Wifi included. $1550/mo. No pets. Call 941-704-7525

www.amisun.com

MAY 20, 2020

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

THE SUN

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

PAINTING

HOME SERVICES TRANSPORTATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable.

Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Mask & gloves provided. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600

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MAY 20, 2020

the Team Duncan Difference!

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Dee Munn Broker Associate

Katie Self Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate

Martha Jones Sales Associate

April Green Sales Associate

Pat Short Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Joey Hutchinson Sales Associate Sales Associate

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

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304