Anna Maria Island Sun May 22, 2024

Beach parking garage gets design funding

Manatee

County commissioners voted unanimously on May 14 to spend $1.125 million of taxpayer money on preliminary design services for a parking garage at Manatee Beach.

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

MANATEE COUNTY – Whether residents want it or not, the wheels are in motion for county taxpayers to foot the bill for a three-story parking garage at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach. County commissioners voted unanimously on May 14 to approve $1.125 million for a preliminary design criteria package for the parking structure. The item was listed as a budget amendment under the consent agenda

before Commissioner George Kruse pulled it for discussion; consent agenda items are voted on without discussion. The funds for a pre-design criteria package of the parking structure, along with $625,000 for a similar design package for a parking garage at the Bradenton Area Convention Center and $1,175,000 for a garage at the Premiere Sports complex, total $2,925,000. The budget amendment states that those funds are being transferred from the 2023 Revenue Improvement Bonds Capital Projects fund.

Kruse said he pulled the item from the consent agenda because he felt that the commission needed to have more discussion before committing taxpayer funds to come up with a plan for the garages during an RFP process

SEE PARKING, PAGE 35

Signed palm tree agreement remains elusive

If a tree falls on Bridge Street and causes damage, who is liable?

BY LESLIE LAKE AND JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENTS | llake@amisun.com, jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – A newly-planted coconut palm tree that fell over on Bridge Street last week has raised questions about whether the city obtained a signed indemnification agreement prior to planting it and 79 other trees.

At the April 3 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, members unanimously approved the installation of 80 coconut palm trees along Bridge Street in a city partnership with developer Shawn Kaleta.

The approval was based on assurances by City Attorney Ricinda Perry that a maintenance, indemnification and hold harmless agreement with Kaleta would be in place prior to planting

SEE PALM TREE, PAGE 37

Man drowns off Holmes Beach

HOLMES BEACH – A day at the beach ended in tragedy on May 18 when an unidentified 75-year-old man drowned in the Gulf of Mexico near the 77th Street beach access.

West Manatee Fire Rescue Fire

Marshall Rodney Kwiatkowski said that the man was visiting the beach with his wife when he went for a swim. Red flag warnings were posted at Manatee Beach about 25 blocks away, cautioning the public about unsafe water conditions.

Officials believe that the man fell victim to rip currents and high surf conditions. Kwiatkowski said he believes the victim was visiting Anna Maria Island from England and was not a local resident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends,” Kwiatkowski said. “West Manatee Fire Rescue cautions even the strongest of swimmers from entering the water during red flag hazard conditions.”

Beach conditions can be viewed daily online at www.safebeachday.com/ manatee-public-beach.

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay/Ruskin issued a rip current statement for coastal Manatee County, including Anna Maria Island, on May 18 at 7:41 a.m. The warning expired at 8 p.m. that evening, but red flags remained at Manatee Beach the next morning.

Swimmers caught in a rip current are advised not to fight the current to get back to shore. Instead, use the current to float out until you can safely swim parallel to shore to get out of the current, then swim back into shore.

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A May 15 Facebook post shows a newly-planted coconut palm lying on the ground on Bridge Street.

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Tips for a great Memorial Day weekend on AMI

Record crowds are expected to flock to AMI beaches this Memorial Day weekend. Here are some tips for getting the most out of a beach visit.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - With less than a week until the busy Memorial Day weekend, the Island is bracing for the good and the frustration that comes with major holidays. This year’s busy spring break season broke records and tourism officials expect nothing less for Memorial Day.

Regardless of how many people flock to the white sand beaches of AMI, with a little planning, it’s not difficult for both locals and visitors to enjoy the holiday with minimal stress.

Many local business owners and employees rely on busy holiday weekends to boost business. For locals, officials in all three Island cities say patience is the best stress reducer.

“My wife and I have a condo here in Holmes Beach, and we know what’s coming on weekends like Memorial

Beachgoers flocked to Manatee Beach for Memorial Day weekend 2023, and even larger crowds are expected this year.

Day and July Fourth,” Aaron Blessing said. “You just learn to not go certain places at certain times. Traffic is usually backed up in one direction or the other depending on the time of day; just go the opposite direction. We live in paradise, why stress it? People are going to want to be here, just embrace it. The world has a lot of places going through some horrific things right

now, I don’t believe we have any right to complain about a problem most of the planet would kill to have.”

One of the busiest places on the Island every Memorial Day is Coquina Beach. With the most available parking spaces anywhere on AMI, Coquina Beach is popular with day trippers from nearby areas to spend a day in the sun. Even though there are a lot

of free parking spaces, it is recommended to get to Coquina Beach very early to avoid being shut out.

“We are seeing Coquina Beach parking filling up by 10 or 11 a.m. on the weekends here in May, which is generally a slower time of year,” Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said. “I believe this is going to be a busy Memorial Day weekend, and our department is ready for it.”

Diaz said his advice is to follow the rules and have fun. These rules include no fires, grills, alcohol or pets on the beach. Beachgoers can be fined for all these offenses. Diaz says the biggest problems the department sees on Memorial Day weekend are parking related. In 2023, his department wrote more than 300 parking tickets for illegal parking and will be heavily active in the public beach parking area again this year. Extra officers will be on duty and will not hesitate to cite violators.

“The one thing we want people to know is there is absolutely no saving parking spaces for others,” Diaz said. “This is becoming more of a problem recently, and we want SEE MEMORIAL DAY, PAGE 31

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Anna Maria hosting Patriotic Symphony Salute

The city of Anna Maria will host its annual Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute at City Pier Park on Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. The free event will feature recognition ceremonies for military veterans and their spouses and patriotic music performed by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, with conductor Leonard Murphy providing brief explanations of each song performed. An honor guard consisting of local high school ROTC members will present the colors. While dogs are allowed in City Pier Park, they will not be allowed during this city-hosted special event. Between 9 a.m. and noon, the 500 block of Pine Avenue, the 100 block of South Bay Boulevard and the 100 block of North Bay Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic. While the trolley stop at the City Pier is also temporarily closed, the trolley will drop off passengers near the South Bay/ Magnolia Avenue intersection and pick up passengers up at the South Bay/Spring Avenue intersection.

Commissioners vote for BTR increase

Holmes Beach commissioners voted unanimously on May 14 to increase the city’s business tax receipt (BTR) by 5%. The ordinance will have a second and final public hearing and vote on Tuesday, May 28. City Clerk Stacey Johnston said the city is allowed by Florida Statutes to raise BTR rates by a maximum of 5% every two years. The BTR in Holmes Beach is the locally granted license and registration program for businesses to operate in the city.

CBD resolution, Pine Avenue on Thursday agenda

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet on Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m. After general public comment on non-agenda items, the mayor will issue a National Safe Boating Week proclamation. The commission will discuss a funding request from The Center of Anna Maria Island. The city attorney will present the first reading of an ordinance pertaining to proposed charter review amendments and a city resolution that details the CBD and hemp grandfathering exceptions being given to Anna Maria businesses. The commission will also be presented with a grant agreement for the use of state funds for the second phase of the yet-tobe-initiated Reimagining Pine Avenue project. The mayor will provide a vacation rental bill update and a preliminary plan for the initial phase of the Reimagining Pine Avenue project. To attend the meeting by phone, call 1-929-205-6099 and enter the meeting ID: 85392000280.

The

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

Bridge Street Merchants plans monthly street festival

merchants association is committed to holding monthly events to draw visitors to Bridge Street and asks for sponsorship to assist with funding.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bridge Street Merchants Association (BSMA) has big plans for the coming year, including monthly street parties on Bridge Street.

The new monthly event, billed as “Sun Down Get Down,” will be held on the third Thursday of each month beginning on July 18.

“Our plan is for Bridge Street to be closed to traffic and to allow open containers during the event like most small-town street festivals,”

BSMA President Derek Williams, owner of the Drift In, wrote in a press release to The Sun. “Each month will have a theme and there will be incentives to visit the merchants. You will see everything from pirates to classic cars, power boats to Spanish galleons, Privateers to conquistadors.

Of course each night at sundown, we are bringing back an old Bradenton Beach favorite, the Green Flash beverage.”

BSMA was founded 20 years ago by Angela Rodocker, owner of Bridge Walk Resort, and other local business owners, to bring awareness to the Bridge Street area. Participation in the organization has diminished over the years and came to a near-stop during COVID in 2020, according to Williams.

“Clearly the biggest challenge was lack of participation and engagement by merchants

and willingness to make ongoing investments of time and money while running their own businesses,” Williams wrote.

The group took a new approach by promoting specific businesses each week in radio ads and highlighting their participation in Christmas on Bridge Street and the Christmas Boat Parade events. As a result of that advertising, the 2023 schedule had some of the best-attended events seen in years.

“Heading into 2024 we used that momentum and decided to think bigger and year-round,” Williams wrote.

“Attracting customers during "season" was one challenge, but how could we get locals and tourists to enjoy and support the area during the slower months?”

City officials and merchants came together and held roundtable meetings and the result is a reorganized BSMA, according to Williams, with a commitment to monthly event schedules, the outsourcing of event management and the chance for outside sponsorship to help with funding.

“We expect over 25 new members to BSMA and hope to raise over $150,000 in annual sponsorship and support,” Williams wrote. “BSMA membership costs will remain reasonable and economical, allowing for businesses of all

sizes to participate thanks to our new model for raising funds and utilizing sponsorships to fund events.”

BSMA has received a $15,000 sponsorship from the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Williams hopes the city of Bradenton Beach will increase its sponsorship beyond the $40,000 the CRA spends annually on Christmas decorations and seasonal events.

"I'm confident the CRA can find an additional $25,000 annually to help the business community bring life to our little beach town," Williams wrote. "My goodness, if they can find money for palm trees and water trucks at the last minute, I'm confident they can get behind this new initiative,” Williams wrote.

With parking a challenge in the Bridge Street area, BSMA has created a transportation committee that is working with the City of Bradenton Beach and Manatee County to offer newly designated parking areas, trolley stops, ferry stops, bikes and golf carts.

The 2024 BSMA leadership team includes Williams, Vice President Angela Rodocker and Secretary/Treasurer Beth Vidmar of Paradise Boat Tours.

Two new websites have been launched to support the efforts - HistoricBridgeStreet.com and SunDownGetDown.com.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra will perform patriotic songs.

Boat ramp being renamed in Moore’s honor

Capt. Scott Moore has fished the local waters for more than 50 years.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY –

The Coquina North Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach will be renamed the Capt. Scott Moore Boat Ramp in honor of longtime Holmes Beach resident and wellknown fishing guide and charter captain Scott Moore.

During the May 14 Manatee County Commission meeting, Moore gave a short presentation about the condition of the area’s local fisheries and the importance of preserving mangroves as fish habitats and breeding grounds.

After the presentation, Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge surprised Moore by proposing the county attorney’s office draft a county resolution that, when adopted, will result in the Coquina North Boat Ramp being renamed in Moore’s honor. The nearby Coquina South Boat Ramp will be renamed as Coquina Boat Ramp.

MOORE PRESENTATION

When introducing Moore, Van Ostenbridge said, “He’s 50 years on the water and there’s no better expert.”

“He’s a legend,” Commission Chair Mike Rahm added.

As he began his presentation, Moore

said, “Despite recent challenges with red ride, Piney Point issues and freezes, I’m pleased to report that our fish populations are recovering. There are reasons for this recovery and I’d like to highlight the crucial role that the mangroves play in our area.

“Throughout the years, decisions made by past commissioners and present regard-

ing the preservation of mangrove areas such as Robinson Preserve and Emerson Preserve have significantly enhanced our fisheries. The leaf litter from the mangroves is essential for nurturing fish populations. The leaf litter that comes from them is so important, and it also affects our fishery inshore and offshore, both recreationally and commercially. Protecting these mangrove habitats is paramount to sustaining our fisheries. It’s the most important thing that we have,” Moore said.

“While we still face water quality issues – and those solutions I’ll leave up to the scientists – safeguarding our mangroves is a step in the right direction. One particular area I want to emphasize is Rattlesnake Key, a vital fish-producing region,” Moore said.

Moore noted that in the Tampa Bay area, the waters at Emerson Point have historically been a significant area for snook to spawn and preserving those mangroves has benefitted the area’s snook population and assisted in its recovery.

“Snooks really got hit. We had a freeze (in 2015) and it took out a lot of fish. It takes years. You have recruitment in these fish

DON’ T SWEAT THE HEAT.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Coquina North boat ramp will be renamed the Capt. Scott Moore Boat Ramp. SEE MOORE, PAGE

OPINION

EDITORIAL

Selling access to the sand

Manatee County commissioners are on a roll when it comes to disappointing their constituents.

Despite overwhelming protests from the community, commissioners have approved $2.9 million for three pre-design criteria packages for three parking garages, one at Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach.

Even Commissioner George Kruse, whom Island residents were starting to rally around, voted in favor of the budget amendment.

Commissioners’ intent with these packages is to seek a public-private partnership agreement for a private developer and builder to come in with a bid package to build and run these parking facilities. The reason a private company or investor would do such a thing, as was said on the county commission dais on May 14, is so they can profit from the paid parking facility.

There goes Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge’s supposed reason for going around Holmes Beach officials to build the parking garage at the beach, which was to give more people access to the beach. Instead, by this plan, only those willing to pay for the privilege of parking on Anna Maria Island will have access to the beach. Van Ostenbridge already stated that he has no intention of seeking a reduced or free rate for Manatee County residents. Now he and the other five members of the county commission are actively spending tax dollars to build a revenue stream for the developers - and possible campaign contributors - they select at the expense of taxpayers and Manatee County residents.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth is the only Anna Maria Island mayor who has taken a stand against paid parking and doesn’t allow it in her city. Holmes Beach has the only free and truly accessible beach access left on Anna Maria Island and county commissioners have gone all the way to the state Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis to make sure that it’s closed to only those willing to pay a premium to access the sand.

With the current slate of county commissioners, this is your tax dollars at work, something voters should remember at the ballot box in the Aug. 20 Republican primary, where many of our local elections are decided, and in the Nov. 5 general election.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

OneBlood mobile blood drive, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Kickstart your creative writing, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

One-on-one Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 23

Wildlife Spotlight: Butterflies, Perico Preserve pavilion, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9 a.m.

One-on-one Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon.

Tree Tots: Water Wonders, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange with AMI Turtle Watch and Timber Creek Golf Course, Timber Creek Golf Course, 4550 Timber Lane at the intersection of Cortez Road, Bradenton, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Rock garden rock painting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Tram tour, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

MONDAY, MAY 27

Memorial Day Symphony, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 28

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 30

Green Explorers: Searching with Snorkels, Neal Preserve pavilion, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to noon

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

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon

Whiskers and Words: A Kitten Adoption and Foster Event, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

May 23, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

May 27, all day – Memorial Day, city offices closed June 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

May 27, all day – Memorial Day, city offices closed

June 5, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

June 5, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting

June 6, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

May 27, all day – Memorial Day, city offices closed

May 28, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing

May 28, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

June 5, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

June 10, noon – Election qualifying begins for mayor and city commission seats, continuing through June 14 at noon

June 11, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow June 12, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

June 10, 9:30 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria

Bradenton Beach gets donation of life vests

Thanks to a generous donation from Sea Tow of Cortez, boaters who may be short on life vests can now borrow them.

BY JASON SCHAFFER

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - It’s an all-too-common problem for boaters to have a passenger load that exceeds the number of life vests onboard their craft, according to the Bradenton Beach Police Department (BBPD), which does regular checks of boats in waters around the city

Not only is this a serious safety hazard, it’s not legal. Florida law requires a life vest for every passenger on the craft regardless of age. Insufficient vests can result in a fine and even end the boater’s day on the water.

Thanks to a generous donation from Sea Tow of Cortez, this doesn’t have to be a problem anymore.

“Sea Tow, our corporation, has a nonprofit that’s called the Sea Tow Foundation,” Sea Tow’s Cortez

giving out tickets to boaters who were lacking in vests, it would be nice to be able to loan them one so they’re in compliance,” Joseph said.

franchise owner, Sam Joseph, said. “Through each franchise, we all pitch in to the foundation. We have life vest stands we set up at boat ramps and marinas, and we also supply those stands with life jackets.”

Joseph said a life vest company that went out of business last year donated about 15,000 life vests to the foundation, and his franchise was able to obtain about 200 of those vests.

“I was talking to Officer Eric Hill from BBPD, and he said instead of

Joseph said they have donated about 70 life vests to BBPD so far, which will keep some onboard their department’s boat to loan to boaters, leaving them to enjoy their day on the water safely and avoid costly fines from the department. There is also a rack of vests on the Bradenton Beach Pier dock for boaters to borrow and return based on the simple honor system, making it easy for boaters to solve a common problem hassle free. Sea Tow has boats in Cortez, Bradenton Beach and most surrounding areas. They assist stranded boaters by towing them to shore when there are mechanical issues with their personal watercraft. They can be reached at 941-756-3422 or at www.seatow. com. Anyone wishing to donate can use the social media link @ seatowfoundation on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms.

BBPD | SUBMITTED

From left, Bradenton Beach Police Officer Charles Marose, Sea Tow owner Sam Joseph and Officer Kyle Orms on the Bridge Street Pier on May 17 with life vests donated to Bradenton Beach that boaters can borrow and return.

Officers issuing citations for unregistered boats

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is hoping to have derelict boats removed before the start of hurricane season on June 1.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ - Marine law enforcement agencies have issued more than 20 citations recently for multiple unregistered and derelict vessels moored in the waters just south of the Cortez Bridge.

“The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Marine Unit is working closely with FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to get derelict boats removed before hurricane season,” MCSO Public Information Officer Randy Warren said on May 17. “Deputies are also patrolling the area and have been writing citations for unregistered vessels.”

Warren said the MCSO Marine Unit has issued four citations in the past several days for vessels with expired registration.

“The FWC works very closely with our partners, including the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, to ensure state waters are safe for boaters and wildlife alike and derelict vessels continue to be a priority,” FWC spokesperson Bradley Johnson wrote in a May 17 email to The Sun.

Johnson said there are currently four derelict vessels in the area that are being actively investigated, with two that are likely to be removed soon.

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means, stating that from an officer, and the vessel owner or operator is unable to provide a receipt, proof of purchase or other documentation of having ordered necessary parts for vessel repair.

“The Coast Guard has rules so they have to be moved every month to a different location and we just move them a little bit so we don’t get in trouble with the Coast Guard,” Grimes said.

Bull said the Coast Guard comes out to conduct boat safety checks.

The Coast Guard did not respond to a request for comment.

“There have also been 18 citations written to vessel owners in this area for various “At Risk” violations over the past two months alone,” Johnson wrote.

Local boat captains have expressed concern about the moored boats crowding the harbor, as well as at least four sunken boats that are hazardous to navigation.

Brittany Bull, who owns and rents six of the boats in the area, spoke to The Sun on May 18.

“The way I’ve gotten these boats is I’ll see a boat that is sunken and get hold of the owner and see if I can obtain ownership, and now we have them floating,” Bull said.

“They may not look great on the outside but the inside of the boats

have been refurbished.”

Bull’s boyfriend, Brian Grimes, said the six boats are rented with a portable air conditioner, generator, bottled water and portable shower. A dinghy is provided for some of the boats to allow renters to get to shore.

“The boats are stationary, they don’t have motors, and they’re anchored out there,” Grimes said.

One of the FWC criteria for an “at-risk” vessel being classified as derelict is that it does not have an effective means of propulsion for safe navigation within 72 hours after the vessel owner or operator receives telephone or written notice, which may be provided by fax, email or other electronic

Other ‘at risk’ criteria include a vessel taking on water without an effective way to dewater; spaces meant to be enclosed remaining open to the elements; the vessel listing due to water intrusion; the vessel has broken loose or may break loose from its anchor; and the vessel is tied to an unlawful or unpermitted structure or mooring.

“We prefer to have people remove them on their own. If they don’t remove them, the state will do it eventually,” Warren said. “People might not realize there’s a process to get them physically removed.”

A derelict vessel is any vessel that is left in a wrecked, junked or substantially dismantled condition upon waters of the state, according to Florida Statute 823.11.

The derelict vessel adjudication and removal process can include multiple court hearings and court

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers inspected and issued citations for multiple boats moored south of the Cortez Bridge.

Jammin’ for Duncan will celebrate drummer

John “Duncan” Edgar’s drumming talents and friendships will be celebrated during the “Jammin’ for Duncan” celebration taking place at the Drift In in Bradenton Beach on Saturday, May 25 from 2-6 p.m. Duncan was in his early 60s when he passed away on April 8. He drummed with several local bands including Tommy Balbo and The Collective, Goodbye Eddie, Dos-Macs and Rob Hamm & The Daily Specials. Many of his musician friends and former bandmates will participate in the jam session taking place in his honor. Attendees are invited to bring a covered dish to share.

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Privateers ready for annual Snooks Adams Kids Day

The Anna Maria Island Privateers, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the community, will hold its annual Snooks Adams Kids Day on Saturday, May 25 from 10 am. to 2 p.m. at City Field in Holmes Beach. The event was founded by the late Holmes Beach Police Chief and Privateer Snooks Adams when he

began bringing children from Anna Maria Elementary School to the beach for a picnic and games. When Adams retired, he asked the Privateers to take over the event. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy free hot dogs, pizza, drinks and plenty of fun, games, prizes and photo ops with pirates.

Annie Silver members to meet

The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N. in Bradenton Beach, will hold its next meeting on Thursday, May 23 at 3:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and new members are always welcome to join. New business includes possible uses for a $5,000 donation presented during the last meeting, discussion of adding a new board member, upcoming events including senior outings and events sponsored with The Center of Anna Maria Island and the possibility of forming a social committee. The Annie Silver Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

John “Duncan” Edgar was a well-known drummer in the Anna Maria Island/Bradenton area.

Fences, visibility triangles, parking discussed

Visibility triangles increase sightlines at street corners and driveway intersections.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Planning and Zoning Board is reviewing city regulations pertaining to fences located in street corner intersection visibility triangles and driveway intersection visibility triangles.

City Planner Ashley Austin and Building Department General Manager Dean Jones are assisting with these efforts.

VISIBILITY TRIANGLES

Section 90-2 of the city’s existing code of ordinances establishes street corner visibility triangles with the following language: “On a corner lot there shall be no parking or loading spaces, structure or planting, including trees, but not to include tree trunks where the tree branches are higher than 7 feet above the surrounding grade, which materially obstructs the vision of vehicular traffic within 20 feet of the two intersecting street right-of-way lines measured from the intersecting corner of the rights-ofway involved.”

Section 114-423 of the city code specifically addresses walls and fences, and the planning board recommends adding a text amendment to that section of city code that would allow solid fences up to 3 feet high, or 50% open, or transparent, fences 3-6 feet high, in visibility triangles. Transparent and partially transparent fences included rope and bollards, picket fences and split-rail fences.

Regarding street corner plantings, city code says plant masses or structures below 3 feet in height, and structures or tree foliage, not including tree trunks, 8 feet in height are not considered obstructions.

Board member Dusty Crane said the combination of vehicles parked within 20 feet of the intersection, foliage and fences at the corner of North Bay and Poinsettia make it difficult to pull onto North Bay.

“We’ve had an issue with that before. We’ve had to put up some bollards to try to mitigate that,” Jones said, noting that additional ropes and bollards could be installed where needed.

PASS-THROUGH LOTS

The board discussed fence heights on some of the ‘pass-through lots’ located along North Bay Boulevard. Pass-through lots, also known as through lots, are non-corner lots in which a property’s front and rear lot lines both abut streets.

Between Bayfront Park and the Rod & Reel Pier, 10 pass-through lots abut both North Bay Boulevard and North Shore Drive. Some of those homes have front entrances and front yards facing North Bay and others face North Shore. Austin said pass-through lots are not prevalent in Anna Maria, but there are some others elsewhere in the city.

Board member Dusty Crane noted at least one pass-through lot fence along North Bay Boulevard appears to be 6 feet high and she asked if that’s allowed. Board member Doug Copeland noted that 6-foot-high fences are allowed in the back yards, but Austin said the height limit is 4 feet on both the front and back yards for pass-through lots. Austin said she would look into that matter.

DRIVEWAY INTERSECTIONS

The board reviewed the existing code that addresses driveway intersec-

tions and says, “At the intersection of a driveway with a street right-of-way line, there shall be no structure or planting, including trees, which materially obstructs the vision of vehicular traffic within 10 feet of the intersecting street right-of-way line and the driveway pavement edge measured from both intersecting corners of the right-of-way and driveway involved.

Similar to corner lot landscaping, the code also says, “For purposes of this section, planting masses or structures below 3 feet in height, and structures or tree foliage, not to include tree trunks, 8 feet in height are not considered obstructions.”

Jones, who recently returned as a city employee, acknowledged he hasn’t studied that section of the city code in a couple of years but he believes street-side parking is prohibited within 10 feet of a driveway, and that would be a code enforcement issue.

Copeland said visitors and residents need to be made aware of the 10-foot parking prohibition because most people who visit Anna Maria don’t know about it. Jones said there are already approximately 798 signs in Anna Maria and the city doesn’t want to significantly increase that number by erecting additional signs that address the 10-foot parking rule. Jones said a sign could be placed at the entrance to the city and Copeland suggested ropes and bollards as a potential alternative to more signs. When the discussion ended, Austin said she would incorporate the board’s fence height and transparency suggestions in a proposed text amendment to be discussed at the board’s June 26 meeting.

9:00 a.m. TO 10:00 p.m. DAILY 5344 Gulf Drive Holmes Beac h (941) 779-BEER hurricaneliquors.com

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

See-through fences increase visibility at street corner intersections.

City considers algae harvester purchase

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders are considering a $308,000 algae harvester purchase to help combat the pollution in canals caused by blue-green algae and red tide incidents.

Commissioners agreed on May 14 to allow Mayor Judy Titsworth and Public Works Superintendent Sage Kamiya to begin finalizing a contract for the purchase between the city and Aquarius Systems. Commissioners also directed Kamiya to look at potential grants for funding and determine whether the harvester could be purchased by the city using reserve funds and then paid back

by grant funds, if awarded, or if the purchase must be made after grant funds are secured.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said city leaders had set aside about $150,000 in a previous fiscal year for the aquatic harvester purchase, but the funding had never been used.

Kamiya said that the vessel from Aquarius Systems is the only bid that city leaders received with a vessel that could stand up to the harsh effects of saltwater. He also said that it is small enough to easily be maneuvered by public works employees in the city’s canals to remove algae mats and

red tide fish kill debris.

Titsworth said she’s spoken to city leaders in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach who might be interested in using the harvester in their cities but that the apparatus would have to be purchased, maintained and operated by Holmes Beach city staff. She added that if the other cities want to use the harvester, interlocal agreements for the use could be drafted.

Kamiya and Titsworth were tasked with negotiating a contract to bring back before commissioners at a Tuesday, May 28 meeting.

Treehouse owners file appeal

HOLMES BEACH – Treehouse owners Lynn Tran and Richard Hazen aren’t giving up on the beachfront structure they built without permits.

The couple, owners of Angelinos Sea Lodge, where the treehouse is located, filed an appeal in the Second District Court of Appeal that was received on May 7, according to court records. The couple is appealing a Feb. 28 order from Manatee County 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas stating that as of the

New AME principal named

recording of his judgment in the case, Tran and Hazen have 90 days to apply for demolition permits and remove the treehouse. The judgment was recorded on April 2, giving them until Tuesday, July 1 to remove the structure, or else the city can remove it with 72 hours notice at the expense of the property owners.

A hearing is set for Wednesday, June 26 to assess Tran and Hazen’s compliance with the order in front of Nicholas.

As for the appeal to the

The new principal at Anna Maria Elementary beginning next school year will be Dr. Katie Fradley. She has more than 30 years of experience in the Manatee County School District and has served as an assistant principal at Willis Elementary since 2022. Prior to that, she was assistant principal at Ballard Elementary from 2020-22. Dr. Fradley has also served as an instructional specialist (2018-20), a reading coach (2011-14) and an elementary teacher (1990-11). She earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Florida.

district court, a letter was issued on May 7 that said if the couple does not pay the $300 filing fee by May 27, the case will be dismissed without being considered by the court. The treehouse was built in 2011.

Turtle, bird nesting seasons in full swing

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Director Kristen Mazzarella said the past week has been a strong one for local sea turtles and shorebirds.

“There was a great increase in the number of (turtle) crawls over last week,” she said, with the number of nests increasing from six to 48. A colony of least terns also is doing well, according to Mazzarella.

“The number of nests in the colony has increased to 12 this week” from four last week, she said of the imperiled shorebirds.

She reminded beachgoers to fill holes in the sand and level sandcastles before leaving the beach, so sea turtles do not get trapped, and steer clear of the posted bird nesting area.

On Tuesday, May 28, Turtle Watch will present a Turtle Tracks and Shorebird Facts presentation at noon at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

TURTLE TIPS

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

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

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

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

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

MANATEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE | SUBMITTED A nesting sea turtle was seen before dark on an AMI beach.

• City of Anna Maria code enforcement — 941-708-6130, ext. 111.

• City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-778-1005, ext. 227.

• City of Holmes Beach code enforcement — 941-778-0331, ext. 260.

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

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

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

• 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 888-404FWCC (3922).

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 48 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 39 (Record: 831 in 2010) Nests hatched: 0 (Record: 453 in 2022) Hatchlings hatched: 0 (Record: 35,850 in 2022) Hatchling disorientations: 0 Adult disorientations: 0

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Scenic WAVES to conduct surveys at Chappie Park

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Requirements for the Scenic WAVES committee’s receipt of a $5,000 grant for sign installation from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) was a topic of discussion at its May 15 meeting.

“We have to do a pre-survey and a post-survey,” Scenic WAVES Vice-Chairperson Ingrid McClellan said. “What we had said in our grant overview is that we will ask two questions of visitors onsite at John Chappie Park.”

Beginning in July, Scenic Waves committee members will be at the park at random times asking visi-

AMI Chamber of Commerce hosts Sunrise Breakfast

Enjoying the Gulf of Mexico at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe are, from left, Emily Chonay (Manatee Digital Marketing), Beth Bowman and John Sheerin (Coquina Concierge), Karen LaPensee (LaPensee Plumbing • Pools • Air), Cheryl Hindle and Brenda Contreras (Island Real Estate Vacations), and Joann Baker (United Community Bank).

tors the following questions: “Can you identify five animals found in Gulf or bay waters on Anna Maria Island?” and “Can you describe two reasons why our shorelines are important for our wildlife?”

The data and survey results will then be sent to TBEP.

“The pre-survey needs to be done before the wildlife signs go up,” McClellan said. “With the post-survey, we have to provide statistics of gained knowledge.”

From July through September, the pre-surveys will be conducted and from October through January, the post-surveys will take place.

McClellan said she will enlist the help of Anna Maria Island Turtle

Watch and Shorebird Monitoring Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella to tally the results.

John Chappie Park is located at 1400 Gulf Drive N. and has a public beach access.

Also in attendance at the meeting were Scenic WAVES Chair Terri Kinder, Bruce Butler, Jennifer Hoffman, Shawn Mayers, Lee Zerkel and Darryl Richard of the Florida Department of Transportation.

The next Scenic WAVES meeting will be on Wednesday, July 17 at 1 p.m. at Bradenton Beach City Hall at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

AMI CHAMBER | SUBMITTED

Cortezians enjoy dock picnic

CORTEZ- The annual Cortez Community Picnic on May 18 was a celebration of local foods, the waterfront and friends.

Organized by the Cortez Village Historical Society and held under the shade of the Miller Dock, the picnic featured local delicacies - fried fish, hushpuppies and homemade desserts - views of the waters off Cortez, and connections between old and new friends.

The Miller Dock is located at the end of 123rd Street West and is directly adjacent to Star Fish Co.

Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co., donated beverages and fried fish, with attendees bringing a side dish to share.

Longtime Cortezians aren’t quite sure when the first community picnic took place, but all agreed that it is a decades-long tradition in Cortez to bring friends together.

Music was provided by Tony Constantinos and a TV screen showed a video loop of old Cortez photos.

The annual Cortez Community Picnic, a gathering of friends at the Miller Dock on May 18, was organized by the Cortez Village Historical Society. Fried fish, donated by Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co., was a highlight of the menu at the Cortez Community Picnic.

CVHS seeking board members

The Cortez Cultural Center will be open only by appointment during the summer.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ - At the Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) monthly board meeting on May 14, it was decided the Cortez Cultural Center will be open by appointment only from June through August.

To make an appointment, leave a voicemail at 941840-0590 or email cvhs2016@gmail.com. Leave a telephone number, and give three days’ notice for appointment confirmation.

CVHS has put out a call for those who would be interested in serving on its board.

Anyone interested in supporting the non-profit CVHS should send a statement of interest and their resume to CVHS board selection, P.O. Box 663, Cortez, FL 34215. Please indicate any past board experience.

“The purpose of the society is to study and document the history of Cortez; provide for the collection and preservation of papers, books, records and artifacts of historical interest; provide Cortez with a cultural center; educate the public on the living history of Cortez; and advocate for the protection of the Cortez Historic District, fishing culture and the natural environment that supports Cortez’s resource-based way of life; or preserving the past and protecting the future of Cortez,” CVHS President Cindy Rodgers wrote in an email to The Sun.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

FISH board outlines successes, plans

The FISH Preserve will have trails and bridges installed.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ - It's been a year filled with successes and a few challenges for the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) as the board laid out plans for enhancements to the FISH Preserve at its annual membership meeting on May 13.

“We’ve been truly blessed from a financial standpoint,” FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann reported at the meeting.

Despite being rained out on the second day of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival in February, the non-profit netted $43,000, which supports the FISH Preserve. Von Hahmann also reported a $50,000 anonymous donation designated to help pay down the mortgage on Fisherman’s

Hall and a portion of the preserve.

“We have some big projects coming up,” she said.

With a $165,000 grant from the Barancik Foundation, the preserve will have trails, two bridges and a picnic area installed. The funds must be used within 18 months. FISH is contributing an additional $15,000 to that initiative.

A donation from Kiwanis of $16,000 will possibly be used toward the cost of a third bridge.

“Phase IV of the preserve is finished; that’s the last and final phase of digging dirt. Now we have the job of connecting everything up with walkable trails,” she said.

“Father and son Alan and Alex Garner have been doing work on planning improvements for the preserve for about a year, which includes signage at the preserve, an additional entrance sign and a kiosk where visitors can sign in and obtain educational materials.

We are discussing the grand plan with a tower and possibly a canopy walk. We have some big ideas.”

Von Hahmann also noted the November 2023 donation of $50,000 for trails and bridges at the preserve from Dr. Terry Bert, the wife of

the late John Stevely. Stevely was one of the original FISH board members.

FISH’s goal for the recent Giving Challenge of $15,000 was exceeded; the organization received nearly $20,000.

Board member Karen Bell gave a festival report.

“It was a good festival, as good as it could be considering the rains,” Bell said.

Bell said FISH donated $4,000 to the Organized Fisherman of Florida for their help in setting up the festival.

Bell also gave an update on the progress of the refurbishment of the old volunteer fire station.

“The fire station used to be Cortez’s only fire station,” she said. “I remember they used to have in the fall, maybe two or three or maybe four mullet fries. It was so cool, the ladies used to bring pies or cakes and big pots of coffee.”

The volunteer fire department had been owned by Anna Maria Fire District and in their deed the building had to go to another non-profit, according to Bell.

“It was deeded to the Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage,” Bell said. “By fall we should be ready to use it. It’s nice to see it come back to life.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann, left, presents a report at the annual FISH membership meeting.

BUSINESS

AUTO SERVICE

GROOMS AUTOMOTIVE

5608 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 896-7898

BAIT & TACKLE SHOP

ANNIE’S BAIT & TACKLE

4334 127th St. W. Cortez, 794-3580

BANK

HANCOCK WHITNEY BANK

5324 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-4900

BIKE RENTAL

BEACH BUMS RENTALS

427 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-3316

BOATING STORE

GALATI YACHT SALES

900 South Bay Blvd Anna Maria, 778-0755

CAR WASH

SUN & SUDS CAR WASH

6412 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 564-3072

CARPET CLEANER

FAT CAT CARPET CLEANING

3801 9th Ave W. Bradenton, 778-2882

CBD STORE

LIVE NATURALLY

5337 Gulf Dr #200 Holmes Beach, 567-5299

CLOTHING STORE

IRENE’S RESORT WEAR

5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605

CONVENIENCE STORE CIRCLE K

DRY CLEANER

COURTESY CLEANERS

7421 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5145

ELECTRICIAN

ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING 1614 20th St. E. Palmetto, 749-5307

FINE DINING THE WATERFRONT

111 S Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria, 778-1515

FITNESS

PROSPER BRADENTON

7449 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 313-207-8506

FLOOR COVERINGS

FLOORING AMERICA

3200 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton, 348-1859

FLORIST

BLOOMS BY THE BEACH

2501 Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach, 778-2555

GIFT SHOP (TIE)

BEACH BUMS

427 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 778-3316

IRENE’S

5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605

GOLF CART RENTAL

BEACH BUMS

427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316

GROCERY STORE

PUBLIX SUPERMARKET

3900 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-5422

HAIR SALON

SALT AND SCISSORS SALON

313C Pine Ave Holmes Beach, 961-4458

HARDWARE STORE

TRUE VALUE

5324 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-2811

HEAT & AIR

ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING 1614 20th St. E. Palmetto, 749-5307

HOME BUILDER

WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION

407 72nd St Holmes Beach, 941-725-0073

HOTEL/MOTEL

SILVER SURF RESORT 1301 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach, 778-6626

JEWELRY STORE

IRENE’S RESORT WEAR 5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605

LIQUOR STORE

HURRICANE HANKS LIQUOR

5344 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach, 779-2337

MANICURIST

TU AT ZEN NAILS

3224 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941-778-0700

READERS, PAGE 19

MARINA

KEYES MARINA

5501 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-1977

MEN’S APPAREL

BEACH BUMS

427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316

OUTDOOR SPORTS STORE

DICKS SPORTING GOODS

HOUSE CLEANER

LISA FIRESTINE

PAINTER

CRAIG STRAPP

CWS Handyman Services LLC Bradenton, 305-432-1065

PEST CONTROL

ANNA MARIA PEST CONTROL

11610 3rd Ave. E. Bradenton, 778-1630

PET GROOMING

THE PAW SPA

5343 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-0885

PET STORE

AMI BEACH & DOG SUPPLY CO.

313 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 713-8970

PHARMACIST

TODD CVS

611 Manatee Ave Holmes Beach,778-1411

PHARMACY

WALGREENS

3200 East Bay Drive Holmes Beach, 778-0451

PLUMBER

AIR & ENERGY

555 6th Ave. W. Bradenton, 778-0773

POOL CLEANER

STAND UP POOLS

POOL CONTRACTOR HURRICANE POOLS AND SPAS

REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE

JASON SATO

SATO REAL ESTATE INC.

519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

SATO REAL ESTATE INC.

519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

RENTAL COMPANY

SATO REAL ESTATE INC.

519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200

RESORT

ANNA MARIA RESORTS

Tortuga Inn 1325 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-6611

ROOFER

TRUST MIKE ROOFING

5300 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach 807-6507

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

SANDPIPER MOBILE HOME PARK

2601 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-1140

SERVICE STATION

SHELL STATION

5424 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 778-6903

SHOPPING CENTER

ISLAND SHOPPING PLAZA

5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach

SOUVENIR SHOP

ISLAND BAZAAR

3304 E Bay Dr Homes Beach 778-3443

SPA

ALUNA DAY SPA

2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-8400

WOMEN’S APPAREL

IRENE’S RESORT WEAR

5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605

PEOPLE & PLACES

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

CFK ARCHITECTS 807-7852

ARCHITECT

ERIC WATSON

SEE READERS, PAGE 21

ART GALLERY

ARTIST GUILD GALLERY

5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 778-6694

ARTIST

KRISTI MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY www.kristimariephotos.com

ATTORNEY

NICK SATO

2071 Ringling Blvd. #400 Sarasota, 861-4400

BAND PAM WARD

BAR & GRILL

HARRY’S GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

BARTENDER

KAYLA GRUB TROPICAL BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874

BEACH

COQUINA BEACH

BOAT CAPTAIN

CALEB O’CONNOR

Blue Magoo Excursions 518-5797 545-3121

BUSINESS PERSON

MIKE ZEPPI

ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING

1614 20th St. E. Palmetto, 749-5307

CATERER

BEN SATO

GRUB TOPICAL BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874

CHEF

BEN SATO

GRUB TOPICAL BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874

CHIROPRACTOR

HARBOR CHIROPRACTIC

6220 Manatee Ave W 761-1100

DENTIST

ISLAND DENTAL SPA

3909 E Bay Dr Ste #205 Holmes Beach, 778-2204

DOCTOR

STEPHEN PELHAM, M.D.

3909 East Bay Drive #100 Holmes Beach, 778-1007

EYE CARE

LENSCRAFTERS

6725 Mantee Ave W Bradenton 746-4300

FINANCIAL PLANNER

EDWARD JONES

JOHN CAMPORA

6400 Manatee Ave W Suite B 779-2499

BOAT TOURS/FISHING CHARTER

AMI SALTY DOLPHIN TOURS

5325 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 281-4458

INTERIOR DESIGN

ADRIAN GRIFFIN INTERIORS 501 Pine Ave

352-255-7359

INDIVIDUAL ENTERTAINER

KOKO RAY 538-8724

MASSAGE THERAPY

ALUNA WELLNESS 2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400

PERSONAL TRAINER

BREANNA NEWTON

HOME FITNESS BY BRE dnewton@airguaranteed.com

SCHOOL

ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY

4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 708-5525

SCHOOL TEACHER

VAN WORMER

ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY

4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 708-5525

VETERINARIAN DR BYSTROM

ISLAND ANIMAL CLINIC

5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach, 778-2445

VETERINARIAN CLINIC

ISLAND ANIMAL CLINIC

5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach, 778-2445

VIEW BEAN POINT

WAITER/WAITRESS

LINDA KISSELL

HARRY’S GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

Blooms by the Beach voted #1 florist

Stepping into Blooms by the Beach is like stepping into a fragrant garden in Bradenton Beach. The shop is the dream of owner and lead designer Felicia Goetz, who moved to Florida and opened the shop in 2019. The full-service flower shop is located at 2501 Gulf Drive N. #101 and provides daily deliveries of beautiful flowers, plants, gift baskets and more to all of Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and downtown Sarasota. Goetz and her staff create beautiful, fresh arrangements for every occasion from everyday orders to holiday arrangements and large events including weddings. Blooms by the Beach requests two weeks’ notice for special orders, specifically around holidays. For weddings and other large events, the staff offers in-person, virtual and phone consultations to make sure that every bloom meets their exact standards and lives up to their clients’ expectations and budget. Wedding and event consultations are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The company also offers event rentals including candles, lanterns, vases and other items. Blooms by the Beach is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gift certificates are also available. The store can be reached by calling 941778-2555. View some of their creations online at www.bloomsbythebeach.com.

Blooms by the Beach offers a full-service shop with options to fit your budget needs

Sample great seafood and fun at The Ugly Grouper

For anyone seeking seafood in a fun, eclectic setting with relaxed, beachy vibes, look no further than The Ugly Grouper. Nestled in the heart of Holmes Beach at 5704 Marina Drive, the family-friendly restaurant features 100% outdoor seating, though much of it is covered for the comfort of patrons seeking shelter from the Florida sun or the occasional rain shower. From the tiki-style bar to the sand, daily live music and outdoor games, The Ugly Grouper has something for everyone, including the restaurant’s trademark grouper sculpture. The restaurant features a full bar, local beer and daily food specials. The menu features everything from favorite tavern-style foods such as nachos and cheese logs, to soups, salads and an eclectic variety of sandwiches and the restaurant’s grouper tacos, a favorite among diners. With an entire grouper-based menu and a slate of mouthwatering entrees, The Ugly Grouper has something for everyone. Though the restaurant doesn’t have a beachfront view, it does maintain

the atmosphere of a beach vacation favorite. Stop by daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to enjoy lunch, dinner or an afternoon cocktail. Parking is available onsite. The restaurant does not take reservations.

SUBMITTED

The 3,180 lb. Ugly Grouper sculpture is a fun spot to take a picture during your visit to The Ugly Grouper.

Capt. Caleb O’Connor lands award for Favorite Captain

The waters around Anna Maria Island are some of the most beautiful in the world to fish. One of the people who knows that best is Capt. Caleb O’Connor, a young angler and fishing guide who runs Blue Magoo Excursions with his father, Capt. Mike O’Connor. Don’t let O’Connor’s age fool you. He was born in Manatee County and has been fishing since he was a child. His favorite fish to seek is snook because he said he enjoys the thrill of the fight. When not on the water, he spends his time hunting and playing sports. All of Blue Magoo Excursions’ services take place on a 1973 22-foot Aquasport christened the Blue Magoo. The boat was completely rehabbed in 2021 and has a maximum capacity of four guests. Current offerings include a trip to Egmont Key, an eco-tour, a sunset cruise and four- and six-hour fishing charters. The company also will work with customers to plan their own perfect, custom excursion. View

SUBMITTED

all of this father and son duo’s offerings and book online at www.bluemagooexcursions.com.

ite Mexican Food Fav ite Margaritas

Capt. Caleb O'Connor and his father, Capt. Mike O'Connor, are a father-son duo with 40+ years of experience on local waters.

YOGA STUDIO

ALUNA WELLNESS

2219 Gulf Dr N

Bradenton beach, 778-8400

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

ASIAN RESTAURANT

ISLAND OCEAN STAR

902 S Bay Blvd

Anna Maria, 251-6940

BAGEL SHOP

GINNY’S & JANE E’S

9807 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 778-3170

BAKERY

HOMETOWN DESSERTS

507 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 896-3167

BARBEQUE

GRUB TROPICAL BBQ

415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

BREAKFAST

GINNY’S & JANE E’S

9807 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 778-3170

BURGER

HARRY’S BAR & GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

CAFÉ

5350 POUR HOUSE

5350 Holmes Beach, 251-3681

CANDY STORE

DIPS ICE CREAM

503 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 778-1706

DELI

ANNA MARIA GENERAL STORE

503 Pine Ave

Anna Maria 779-9200

FESTIVAL 4TH OF JULY

GERMAN RESTAURANT

OLD HAMBURG SCHNITZELHAUS

3246 East Bay Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-1320

GOLF COURSE

PINEBROOK IRONWOOD GOLF

4260 Ironwood Cir

Bradenton, 792-3288

GROUPER SANDWICH

UGLY GROUPER

5704 Marina Drive

Holmes Beach, 896-8033

HEALTH FOOD STORE

LIVE NATURALLY

5337 Gulf Dr #200

Holmes Beach, 567-5299

ICE CREAM SHOP

TWO SCOOPS ICE CREAM

101 S. Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria, 779-2422

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

VINNY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

5337 Gulf Dr

Holmes Beach, 896-9754

KEY LIME PIE

HOMETOWN DESSERTS

507 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 896-3167

LIVE THEATER

ISLAND PLAYERS

10009 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 778-5755

MARGARITA

WICKED CANTINA

101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

WICKED CANTINA

101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

THE PORCH

9707 Gulf Dr

Anna Maria, 782-8683

NEW RESTAURANT

SALT BAR AND TABLE

2519 Gulf Drive N Bradenton Beach 896-9897

NIGHT SPOT

HARRY’S BAR & GRILL

9903 Gulf Drive

Anna Maria, 567-5999

PIER

ROD AND REEL PIER

875 North Shore Drive

Anna Maria, 778-1885

PIZZA

PIZZA SOCIAL

308 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 251-4070

RESTAURANT (OVERALL) THE WATERFRONT 111 S Bay Drive

Anna Maria, 778-1515

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

THE BLUE MARLIN

121 Bridge St

Bradenton Beach, 896-9737

SPECIALTY COCKTAIL

DR. OFFICE

5312 Holmes Blvd Holmes Beach, 213-9926

SPECIALTY GOURMET

THE FEAST

5406 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-5092

SUB/SANDWICH

SCOTT’S DELI

6000 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-3000

TAKEOUT

MINNIE’S

5360 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach, 778-4140

MEMORIAL DAY: Tips for a great weekend on AMI

source of frustration with visitors who want to get their cars parked and hit the water.

to make it clear that it won’t be tolerated. If you are caught trying to prevent someone from parking in an open space because you are saving it for a friend or family member, you can lose your day at the beach. Parking spaces are first-come, first-served with no exceptions.”

Another popular beach area is Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach, where thousands flock to soak up the sun in an area with concessions, shopping, a tiki bar and public bathrooms. This popular spot is also a

According to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer, there is plenty of free parking and everyone can have a great day at the beach by following a few simple rules.

“We are a family friendly atmosphere, so don’t bring any alcohol, pets or grills. If you want to grill, there are designated grilling areas near the beach you can use,” Tokajer said. “Also, please remember to always park facing the right direction and pay attention to all signage out there. We have a lot of parking throughout the city beyond

just the Manatee Beach lot. If you go to the city’s website, there’s a map that shows you all of the auxiliary parking beyond that of the public beach.”

Tokajer says many visitors think there is no parking available on these busy holiday weekends, but he makes daily patrols during these times and has never seen a day when there weren’t spaces available. Tokajer echoes what Diaz had to say about saving parking spaces, saying his department will not tolerate it and will remove problematic offenders from the beach parking areas if necessary.

CENTER NOTES

Book Club

The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, welcomes adults to a free book club held on the second Monday of each month at 2 p.m. The book to be discussed on Monday, June 10 is The Women by Kristin Hannah. Feel free to bring a book to swap. To register for Center programs or for more information, email The Center at customerservice@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

In Anna Maria, there is not as much public parking and it’s important to look for signs regarding illegal parking. Many streets only allow parking on one side of the street and most private residences will not tolerate parking on their property without prior permission. All rules regarding grills, pets and alcohol on the beach also apply in Anna Maria and are strictly enforced by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Most officials agree on the basics for a great holiday weekend on AMI – Get here early, follow the rules and enjoy the holiday.

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

5/6, 10:45 a.m., theft, 127 Bridge St. The officer responded to a theft call at The Island Creperie restaurant. He spoke to an employee who stated a woman ran out without paying her $18 bill. The employee chased the woman down Bridge Street, and saw her get into a Dodge Charger parked near Anna Maria Oyster Bar. The suspect then fled northbound on Bay Drive South. The suspect was described as a white female in her 50s with brown hair. No cameras captured the incident.

his handcuffs were taken off so he could sign the ticket, he tried to slap the second officer in the face. The subject was taken to the ground, handcuffed and arrested for assault on a law enforcement officer, then transported to Manatee County Jail.

HOLMES BEACH

5/9, 12:53 p.m., assault on a law enforcement officer, 403 Highland Ave. The officer responded to a report of a subject who attempted to walk into a home in the area. He was advised that the subject was sitting at a bus bench in the area with an open container of alcohol. When the officer arrived, he found the subject, who was known to him and other officers from prior interactions, asleep on the bench with an open beer can. The officer woke the subject, who threw away the beer in a nearby trash can, but then pulled out a small bottle of liquor. The officer told the subject not to open the bottle, but he opened it and drank it quickly in front of the officer, and a second officer who arrived at the scene. The subject was placed in handcuffs while the officer wrote a citation for the open alcohol container, but when

5/8, 2:23 a.m., Code Ordinance Violation camping, 505 Manatee Ave. The officer located a man sleeping on the ground near the multi-use path. He admitted to knowing he was not allowed to camp at the location, but stated he was homeless and waiting for his work shift to begin. The officer asked him if he was aware of local resources available to the homeless, but he stated he was not interested since they were too restrictive. The subject was issued a city ordinance violation for illegal camping.

5/8, 11 a.m., burglary, 400 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched to Manatee Beach in reference to a vehicle burglary. The victim said she and her daughter both had items stolen from her vehicle, including her purse containing cash, credit cards and her daughter’s Social Security card. The victim called and cancelled her credit cards, and while on the phone with her bank, there was an attempt to use one of her cards at Walgreens on East Bay Drive. After reviewing video footage from Walgreens, a suspect thought to have been involved in a similar crime was identified from the footage. The case remains under investigation.

Carpe diem

he sound wasn’t exactly deafening but it enveloped me as I stepped out of the car at the boat ramp. Located on the South Carolina side of Lake Russell, an impoundment of the Savannah River, the forest that surrounded the border between Georgia and South Carolina was humming with the sound of cicadas. These insects, known as Brood XIX, have a 13-year life cycle and provide a rare opportunity for fly anglers in the Southeast. Their numbers, truly biblical in proportion, have been estimated in the trillions

and when some inevitably fall into the water, carp rise to feed on them.

My wife, Chris, and I had just arrived in Sautee on a yearly vacation to northeast Georgia when I got the call from Unicoi Outfitters owner Jimmy Harris to join him and store manager Wes McElroy to fish for carp. While I was aware of fly anglers targeting carp, this was the first time I had ever had the opportunity and I jumped at the chance. Readers of this column will have heard of McElroy and Harris, both of whom have provided me with some unique opportunities over the years, including fishing for stripers in the Chattahoochee and Lake Lanier and shoal bass on several local rivers. This trip was going to be special.

The weather this spring has been particularly wet, and while

I was concerned about the forecast 80% chance of rain, I’ve learned never to cancel a trip based on the weather guessers. As it turned out, it never rained a drop while we were on the water, and we experienced one of the most beautiful days of the trip. McElroy is an excellent fly angler and fly tier and he extensively researches every species he pursues. For this trip, he had tied two dozen flies that almost perfectly matched the

brood that would litter the water and bring carp to the surface to feed. We began by slowly moving along the edges of the lake looking for cruising carp. During the first hour, the carp seemed concentrated in certain areas, and we only boated a couple of fish. As the day wore on and the forest warmed, the cacophony intensified, and carp began to rise at almost every cove we visited. The next challenge for me was to time the strike after

a carp had taken my fly, a task that proved a bit perplexing. I’m familiar with waiting a split second after a snook hits a top water fly but carp take this patience to a new level. The trick turned out to be to strike only after they had inhaled the fly and turned away. It was such a long wait that we joked about getting a hit, having lunch and then setting the hook. For the balance of the afternoon, we took turns throwing at carp and had some incredible action. In the end, we boated close to 20 fish ranging up to 10 pounds. We left the lake late that afternoon satiated with the action and relived the day on our way back to Clarksville. If you’re ever in the area, make a point of visiting one or both of Unicoi Outfitters' excellent shops and inquire about the fishing. There is excellent trout fishing nearby on their private water at Nacoochee Bend as well as other local rivers and lakes. Plan a trip by visiting their website at www. unicoioutfitters.com.

RUSTY CHINNIS

Safety the focus of National Safe Boating Week

Florida boat operators born after Jan. 1, 1988 must possess a Florida Boater Safety Education ID.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – From May 18-24, National Safe Boating Week is a reminder about the importance of being a safe boater.

Anna Maria resident David Haddox is a past commander of the Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron. At the national level, he serves as rear commander in charge of basic public education for the United States Power Squadrons, America’s Boating Club.

In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, Haddox shared some U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) annual boating statistics from 2022. The 2023 stats come out later this year.

According to the USCG, there were 4,040 boating accidents 636 deaths, 2,222 injuries, and property damage exceeding $63 million in 2022. Approximately 75% of the reported boating fatalities were the result of drowning and 85% of those victims were not wearing life jackets at the time. Three of every four boaters who

drowned were using boats less than 21 feet in length. Where the boater’s instruction history was known, 74% of the fatalities occurred in boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction. According to the USCG, alcohol use is the leading contributor to boating fatalities and was listed as the leading factor in 16% of boating fatalities. Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed and mechanical failure are also ranked as top contributing factors.

There were 173 accidents where at least one person was struck by a propeller, accounting for 182 injuries and 41 deaths.

Haddox shared some Florida-specific boating regulations:

• Children under age 6 must wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on a boat under 26 feet when it is underway.

• Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 who operates a power vessel of 10 horsepower or greater must have in their possession a Florida Boater Safety

Education ID card.

• Harassing manatees can lead to a $50,000 fine and up to one year in prison.

“Wearing life jackets saves lives. They are called life jackets for a reason. Take a boating safety course for you, your loved ones and the boating community. The next course starts June 8 and continues June 15,” Haddox said.

The Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron, America’s Boating Club for the Bradenton area, is offering the two-day boating safety course in June. The course is suitable for beginners through intermediate boaters. The cost is $55 per person or $85 for two boaters sharing instructional materials. To pre-register, call 941-447-7845. For more details, visit usps.org/annamaria/events.html.

“Graduates of our course are issued the card by FWC,” Haddox said. “Our club’s goals are to have fun on the water, to teach the public about boating safety, and to provide free vessel safety checks as a community service. We also provide free, voluntary vessel safety checks to ensure operators have the required equipment on board,” Haddox said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office monitors boating activities in local waters.

BOATS: Officers issuing citations for unregistered boats

FROM PAGE 9

orders to remove a vessel from state waters. Each derelict vessel owner must also be afforded the opportunity for an administrative hearing by the law enforcement agency investigating the case as well as potential criminal proceedings before the vessels may be authorized for removal, according to Johnson.

Johnson wrote, “FWC makes every effort to work with the vessel owners to have them either remove the vessel from state waters themselves or return it to non-derelict status to minimize the cost to taxpayers. There is a difference between a vessel that is derelict and a vessel that is at-risk of becoming derelict. It is much less expensive to remove an at-risk vessel than it is to remove one already rendered derelict.”

Derelict vessel removals typically cost between $400-$800 per foot to remove. A 30-foot boat, barring any extraordinary circumstances,

will cost between $12,000 and $24,000.

“Vessel removals can vary greatly in cost and new derelict vessel cases are constantly being added to the state’s inventory,” Johnson wrote. “On average, 600 new derelict vessels are added to the FWC’s DV database annually. Derelict vessels may be removed by owners, local government entities or the state.”

In an attempt to prevent vessels from becoming derelict on Florida’s waters, FWC initiated the Florida Vessel Turn in Program, a program in which vessel owners may apply to have their at-risk vessels removed from the waters of the state at no charge to them. Guidelines and applications are available at www.FloridaVTIP.com

Vessel owners who have received a citation or written warning for a vessel in at-risk condition by law enforcement may apply for this program if they meet the eligibility requirements.

PARKING: Garage gets design funding

for designing and building the structures. He noted that while other infrastructure projects have been delayed for two years or more due to a lack of funding, commissioners are willing to push the parking garage projects forward. He said he felt the commission should have gotten more information before spending money.

“We say we’re fiscally conservative up here,” Kruse said, noting that he has a lot of questions about why his fellow commissioners are willing to spend taxpayer funds without more information.

Speaking on behalf of county staff, Manatee County Director of Property Management Cary Knight said, “My understanding of the process that was put into place is that we’re bringing on an architecture firm to do a pre-design criteria package. That pre-design criteria package then gets included with RFQ for a three-P partner (public-private partnership) to come and make proposals for how they would build the building, how they would finance it, how they would make money

off of it, whether or not it would be a paid parking situation or maybe the county is a lease situation where the three-P becomes basically the bank for the county. That’s kind of the process that’s in place right now.”

“It seems like this is almost a cart before a horse,” Kruse said. He added that he feels the county staff could determine if paid parking is a viable option. He suggested looking at established paid parking in Bradenton Beach to see utilization, hourly rates and what the backlash from visitors and residents is. He said he feels he’d rather spend the money elsewhere.

Despite Kruse’s misgivings on the topic, he voted in favor of allocating the funds to design services for the three parking garages.

County Administrator Charlie Bishop said the county isn’t “an expert on building parking garages” and is relying on Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, to determine that public-private partnerships are viable at the three proposed parking garage locations.

SWAIN | SUN

The Anna Maria Island Beach Café, a popular restaurant and bar located at Manatee Beach, would be a casualty of the wrecking ball if Manatee County commissioners move forward with plans for a parking garage on the property.

The downtown Bradenton parking garage, which has been deemed structurally poor and needs to be replaced as soon as possible, was not on the list of proposed garages discussed at the May 14 meeting.

The beach parking garage is a pet project for Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who represents the residents of Anna Maria Island and west Bradenton, many

of whom have spoken out publicly against a parking garage at the county-owned beach in Holmes Beach. Van Ostenbridge has disregarded protests from residents and visitors, along with other county commissioners, stating that the parking garage would allow for more inclusive beach access for county residents, despite the fact that he plans for the garage to have paid parking instead of the free parking currently allowed in Holmes Beach.

While Holmes Beach city leaders have staunchly defended their city against the encroachment of paid parking, which has sprung up to the north and south in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach, Mayor Judy Titsworth has stated that if county commissioners build the garage with paid parking, the city may have to rethink its stance on paid parking.

SIDESTEPPING HOLMES BEACH

Currently both multi-level parking garages and paid parking are against the city’s land development code and

KRISTIN

MOORE: Boat ramp being renamed in his honor

populations and it takes time for this to happen,” he said, also noting the past impacts of red tide.

He said the fish population would not have recovered as well without the mangroves and fish habitats available at Emerson Point Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve.

“Robinson Preserve is a big producer of redfish because of the inner shore area we have now,” he said, noting that Robinson Preserve serves as an important fish habitat and breeding area in addition to being a great place to bicycle, hike and enjoy other recreational activities.

Moore has long been a proponent of the state and/or county buying Rattlesnake Key and designating it as a park and preservation area.

In 2022, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis earmarked $23 million to purchase the 671-acre island known as Rattlesnake Key and designate the property as a state park, with Manatee County contributing an additional $3 million to purchase the land. To date, that sale has not materialized and the earmarked state funds are scheduled to expire

While we still face water quality issues – and those solutions I’ll leave up to the scientists – safeguarding our mangroves is a step in the right direction.”

Scott Moore, charter captain and fishing guide

in June. In April, the corporate owners of the Rattlesnake Key property and several surrounding properties collectively listed those properties for sale for $75 million.

Despite the decreasing likelihood that the state will buy Rattlesnake Key, Moore remains hopeful.

“Rattlesnake Point is a huge area that produces fish commercially and recreationally,” he said. “As you drive south across the (Sunshine) Skyway entering Manatee County, what are you going to see? You’re going to see Rattlesnake Key. Consider the legacy we leave for generations to come. We need to preserve that.”

After noting that he’s a “little disappointed” with the state regarding the Rattlesnake Key purchase, Moore said, “Use our money wisely, but we want that done if you can do it.”

RENAMING BOAT RAMP

After Moore’s presentation, Van Ostenbridge noted that in addition to being a legendary fishing guide, Moore serves on fishery committees, has formed partnerships with scientists and other fishermen, has spent many hours educating local students about the importance of conservation and has “enlightened countless individuals on the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the delicate balance of marine life.”

Van Ostenbridge noted Moore founded the Coastal Conservation Association in the 1980s and still sits on that board. He also said he’s earned many awards and honors in recognition of his work – including a $3 million donation that philanthropists Carol and Barney Barnett made to the

Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory in Moore’s name.

“We could go on and on and on for all the things that he has done for this county and the local waters around here. If there’s ever a person that was going to be memorialized or remembered for their contributions in their specific field and specific industry, I think Capt. Moore is somebody who deserves that kind of recognition,” Van Ostenbridge said.

“Out at Coquina, we have two boat ramps; one’s called Coquina North and one’s called Coquina South. I always thought that was kind of silly, so I move that we direct the county attorney’s office to draft a resolution for this board to name the Coquina North Boat Ramp the Capt. Scott Moore Boat Ramp and the Coquina South Boat Ramp the Coquina Boat Ramp, Van Ostenbridge said.

In response, the surprised Moore said, “Wow. Thank you so much.”

Rahm seconded Van Ostenbridge’s motion and the commission voted unanimously in favor of having a resolution drafted that sets the renaming efforts in motion.

In closing Rahm said, “Thank you so much for what you do for our community.”

PALM TREE: Signed agreement remains elusive

the trees, with Kaleta taking responsibility for tree maintenance and indemnifying the city against liability for any damage caused by the trees.

The palm trees were planted the week of April 24. On May 15, a Facebook post showed that one tree had fallen over from unknown reasons, causing no known damage. Bridge Street workers have reported seeing people picking coconuts from the newly-planted trees.

As of May 19, after multiple Sunshine Law requests to the city from The Sun, no signed and fully executed agreement had been produced by the city. That document is a public record and subject to the Florida Sunshine Law.

In the absence of a signed contract between the city and Kaleta, liability for damage that could be caused by the trees is in question.

A May 15 Facebook post shows one of the new palms near 120 Bridge St. laying on the ground, apparently having been uprooted. By May 17, the fallen tree had been replanted and was being supported by a string tied to a metal stake.

AGREEMENT ELUSIVE

On April 25, One of Kaleta’s attorneys, Sean Kelly, sent Perry and Kaleta an email that said, “Shawn asked me to finalize this agreement for the coconut palms on Bridge Street. Will you please send me the Exhibit A site plan and the dollar amount for the CRA’s contribution? Then I can update the document and have Shawn sign.”

This email exchange occurred the same week the trees were being planted.

On May 6, The Sun emailed the city clerk asking for a copy of the contract between the city and Shawn Kaleta (or his business entity) showing the maintenance and indemnification agreement for the newly-planted palms on Bridge Street. The email was sent to city clerk Terri Sanclemente, Perry and Mayor John Chappie. No response was received.

On May 7, a Sun reporter went to city hall to obtain a copy of the contract and was told by the city

clerk that it was not there and she had been told it was still being worked on. Another email was sent to Perry that day requesting a copy of the agreement and no response was received.

On May 9, Perry sent an email to Kaleta and attorney Sean Kelly that said, “It took me a bit to find a way to document in a ‘site plan’ the palms and to make sure we knew exactly where Miguel was planting everything.” Kelly responded that day to Perry in an email that said, “Do you have the dollar amounts to insert for contributions from the city and from Shawn?”

Perry wrote that the CRA was contributing $40,000 toward the tree planting project and Kaleta

was to contribute $10,000.

On May 14, another Kaleta attorney, Rainier Altiere sent Perry an email that said, “Here is the completed maintenance agreement. The only thing missing is the start date. Please provide me with that and let me know if this is OK for us to have Shawn sign.”

On May 15, Perry sent Kaleta, Kelly and Altiere an email in which she wrote, “This corp (corporation) named in the document was set up at the end of last month. Is it just a ‘shell company’ with no assets or insurance to cover the harm/damage caused by a falling coconut? At a minimum, the company will need an insurance policy naming the city that actually covers damage caused by

the coconuts. I can’t just have a piece of open (missing word) with no actual protection for the public. Ideas?”

A May 15 email request to the city clerk for a copy of the signed agreement received an “out of office” reply. The same day, The Sun emailed Perry requesting a copy of the signed and fully executed agreement.

Sanclemente, Chappie and Police Chief/Interim Public Works Director John Cosby were among those copied on The Sun’s email request. In her response, Perry wrote, “I’ll see if the deputy clerks can access the signed agreement. If not, we’ll have to wait until Terri gets back.”

Perry did, however, provide a copy of a blank draft version of the agreement, which did not identify the other party involved with the project and did not include any details regarding the cost of the project or the manner in which the material, installation and maintenance costs would be shared. The agreement is for 30 years. She also provided copies of some of the emails referenced in this story. When asked by The Sun that day for a signed and fully executed copy of the agreement, Perry wrote, “There is a signed agreement. The clerk is out of the office and can provide further documents upon her return.”

On May 17, a Sun reporter attempted to obtain the document in person from the city clerk’s office and was told the contract was not there. That day, The Sun emailed Perry, Kaleta and Kelly asking Kaleta or Kelly to provide The Sun and/or Perry a copy of the signed agreement. As of May 20, The Sun had not received a response to that request.

The email exchanges indicate there was no signed agreement in place when the trees were planted in late April. As of May 20, the city and Perry had not provided any documents that confirmed that a signed and fully executed agreement existed that day.

In order for the agreement to be fully executed it must be signed and dated by Chappie, who was out of town for the Governor’s Hurricane Conference taking place in Palm Beach County May 12-17, according to the clerk’s office.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

A newly-planted coconut palm tree on Bridge Street that fell on May 15 and was subsequently replanted is being supported by string tied to a piece of metal.

REAL ESTATE

Lower your mortgage rate - it’s possible

Last week the big news was the escalation of mortgage rates and the prediction by the mortgage “experts” that we’re not seeing them being lowered anytime soon. This week we’ll touch on ways to maybe achieve a lower rate and help buyers get their foot in the door. There are a few strategies that could help buyers secure a lower mortgage rate now and revisit the loan down the road, but it may not be for everyone.

Castles in the Sand

for home buyers instead of reducing their price.

The first one is a temporary buydown in which a seller, or more frequently a builder, pays an upfront fee to reduce a buyer’s mortgage rate for a specified period of time. It can give a buyer, especially first-time buyers, time to ease into higher payments if they expect their personal incomes will rise in the future or if traditional mortgage rates decline. There are lenders that offer it, but typically builders use it as an incentive

There are a variety of temporary buydowns out there with terms that involve number of years and percentage of rate drops. However, all of the temporary buydown arrangements are based on the buyer qualifying for a mortgage based on the current mortgage rate as well as having a high credit score. If you qualify, it’s still worth it, especially in the early years of home ownership, which are always the most expensive. Another strategy is buying discount points. Essentially what you’re doing is buying the prepaid interest at clos-

ing to reduce the size of the mortgage in return for a lower rate. The lower rate is for the life of the mortgage, which can be a substantial savings if you’re planning on living in the home for a long time.

The difficult part of buying discount points and the additional fees that are assessed is that you will require a large down payment. If you have the cash to do this, you need to determine the break-even point, which is the level you save more money than you spend. If this makes financial sense, it could be a good option.

Finally, assumable mortgages can help keep rates down if you can find one. This loan allows a seller to transfer his or her mortgage to a buyer who in turn picks up the remaining loan balance, the repayment period and other terms of the seller’s existing mortgage. All of this sounds great if the seller’s rate is considerably lower than

what the buyer can secure at this time.

Buyers still need quite a bit of cash to cover the difference between the loan balance and the selling price and they also need to qualify for the loan just like any other mortgage product.

There certainly are a lot of assumable mortgages out there, however, they are generally not conventional mortgages. Most if not all of these loans are government-backed or insured loans by the FHA or VA. It’s also not a simple process for either the buyer or seller and may require some legal advice for the novice.

Getting a lower mortgage interest rate in this financial environment is difficult, but if you have the means, the nerve and a little bit of luck, it could happen. In the meantime, sit tight and see what develops between now and the end of the year. The country is going through many changes and so are the mortgage markets.

LOUISE BOLGER

Adkins named Officer of the Year

Holmes Beach Police Department Officer Andrew Adkins was honored as the department’s Officer of the Year at the Manatee Hundred Club banquet on May 16. HBPD Chief Bill Tokajer, right, presented the award to Adkins.

First grade students at Anna Maria Elementary enjoyed a fun field day on May 17 as they approached the last week of school before summer break. Clockwise above, Juliette Sato competes in the potato sack race. First graders participate in the balloon toss at Field Day. First grader Aria Casciani competes in the potato sack race.

HBPD | SUBMITTED

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUBMITTED Field day at AME

Culhane, Love named JVZ Scholarship recipients

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Each year an Island graduating senior is given a gift toward their future through the John van Zandt (JVZ) Scholarship fund. This year, two deserving students, Mikaela Culhane and Jack Love, were selected to receive the scholarship honoring the life and passion of John van Zandt.

The scholarship has been awarded for a number of years to students moving on to careers in construction trades, marine technology, culinary arts, cosmetology, medical technology and first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and law enforcement. The 2024 recipients are continuing the tradition.

Culhane plans to work in the medical field as an MRI technologist. Her history of hard work, dedication and determination starting at Anna Maria Elementary School led the way to academic achievements, making an aspiring career in the field of healthcare a possibility.

In an act of selflessness, Jack Love demonstrated exceptional generosity by choosing to donate

his scholarship back to the JVZ fund. His hope is to help ensure the scholarship fund can provide the same financial opportunities to Island students in the future.

Recent past recipients of the scholarship include Travis Bates, currently in school, and his older cousin, Tyler Brewer. Brewer completed his education at Manatee Technical College and is working in the construction industry.

The annual scholarship program typically begins accepting applications through The Center of Anna Maria Island in April of each year leading to National Trades Day in May. For more information about the JVZ Scholarship, please contact Jillian Ptak, Director of Development, development@centerami.org.

SUBMITTED

2024 John van Zandt Scholarship fund recipient, Mikaela Culhane, with the check that will help with her training as an MRI tech. Pictured from left are Sophia Cross, Will Cross, Christine van Zandt, Mikaela Culhane and Dr. Ana Shaw.

Dahlquist lived wonderful life

Fritz Dahlquist was the manager of the Nautilus condominium complex since 1981.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Longtime Holmes Beach resident and Nautilus condominium complex manager Fritz Dahlquist passed away after a brief and sudden illness on May 8. He was 70.

He’s survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Dena, and their two adult daughters, Abby Dahlquist and Lenna Dahlquist. Fritz also leaves behind many dear friends on Anna Maria Island and beyond, including some he knew for decades.

A celebration of life will be held at the Nautilus beachfront on Sunday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. Fritz’s friends are encouraged to join the family for a sunset toast to his memory. Please bring a beach chair and a story to share. The Nautilus is located at 7100 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

“This was where so many of our family memories happened and where we watched so many sunsets together,” Lenna said.

A WELL-LIVED LIFE

Fritz passed away in the Nautilus condo he and Dena and their family have long called home. Lenna now lives in the greater Orlando area and Abby lives in Los Angeles. They, their husbands and Lenna’s son returned to Holmes Beach when Fritz got sick.

“Fritz’s family vacationed on Anna Maria Island in the 1960s,” said Dena, who works as a nurse practitioner at Dr. Stephen Pelham’s office in Holmes Beach. “Every summer, they stayed at Gulf Drive Apartments in Holmes Beach. In the early 1970s, his father bought an apartment at Martinique and they moved into Martinique North when Fritz was a junior in high school.”

Fritz and Dena met in 1974 while attending Manatee Junior College (now State College of Florida). They married in 1977 and moved to the Nautilus in 1981 when Fritz became the manager.

“We lived here and we raised our two daughters here,” Dena said.

“We had a really unique childhood,” Lenna said. “My sister and I grew up at the Nautilus and were fortunate to know the families that came here year after year. They were like our extended family. My dad

fostered these beautiful relationships with all these people and our family really benefitted from his kindness and welcoming nature.”

“He was open to people and created this welcoming environment for the people who came here,” Abby said. “He was their friend. He knew the details of their lives and asked about them. As a kid, I only experienced that with the families I knew, but he experienced it with pretty much every person that came through this place.

Making them feel special was a gift he had.”

“We’re on our third generation of families. The children who came here are now having children,” Dena added.

“Our family has banded together and we are running the Nautilus now,” Lenna said of the 34-unit complex. “We’re not sure what the future will bring, but right now we’re running it in his honor to continue what he created here. We feel his presence in all the things we do. He loved this place and he took care of every detail here.”

“The response from the community has been overwhelming,” Lenna said. “The kindness and love we’re being shown is incredible. He touched everybody he knew and connected with everyone he met and people are now sharing their beautiful stories about my dad.”

“Our community in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island has just been wonderful. We have a strong village here,” Dena said. Fritz was a man of many interests.

“He loved surfing. He was a cyclist and he loved riding his bike with friends. He was a great carpenter and loved to make things,” Dena said.

“The Nautilus is an in to all of this,” Abby SEE DAHLQUIST, PAGE 42

DAHLQUIST FAMILY | SUBMITTED Fritz Dahlquist will be missed in the Anna Maria community.

PARKING: Garage gets design funding

ordinances. County commissioners opted to circumvent the city by going to the Manatee County state legislative delegation. The five-member delegation pushed a bill through the state Legislature in 2023 allowing the county to build the parking garage at Manatee Beach without approval or permits from the city.

During a 2023 county commission work session, Van Ostenbridge presented his ideas to his fellow board members. He said the garage would have three stories with a fourth parking level on the roof and span the entirety of the buildable space at the public beach park. The current historic concession stand, retail space, bar, restroom and shower facilities would be demolished with new facilities built into the parking garage. At the time, he estimated the parking garage could be built for about $45 million.

Van Ostenbridge said the garage would have around 900 parking spaces, about 450 more than what currently exists on the Manatee Beach property, and paid parking of at least $2 per hour would be necessary to

pay for the construction of the garage and the estimated $200,000 annual maintenance costs.

During demolition and construction, the current parking spaces and facilities would be unavailable to beachgoers, meaning that the only beach on Anna Maria Island with restroom, shower and changing facilities would be Coquina Beach on the southern tip of the Island.

Island residents, visitors and elected officials alike all protested strongly prior to the bill being filed during the legislative session and continue to do so.

The latest protest action against the parking garage occurred earlier this month at a rally hosted by residents’ group Save Florida Home Rule, where several people spoke out against the building of a parking garage at Manatee Beach. None of the county commissioners attended, though a contender for Van Ostenbridge’s seat on the county commission, Diana Shoemaker, did speak and said she was committed to hearing the voices of the residents in District 3, not dismissing them as she said some others have done and continue to do.

DAHLQUIST: Lived wonderful life

FROM PAGE 41

said. “He was here so long and it afforded him such a good life. He could put the sign up in the office and go surfing down at White Avenue. He took me surfing and introduced me to the community of surfers here. He took kids from my high school on surf trips to Central America. He took me on surf trips and sent me to surf camp. I worked at the surf shop because of my dad and now I live in California, where I can surf.”

“He always had something wise to say because he spent so much time quietly studying Buddhism and Taoism,” Abby said. “He looked inward and lived a subtle, quiet life and didn’t feel the need to impress it on anyone else. He just lived it, and that’s what made all this other stuff possible. He loved music too.”

Regarding music, Lenna

said, “He always embraced what my sister and I were interested in and accompanied us to shows. He was open-minded, fun-loving, creative, curious and wanted to be a part of our world.”

“He was a wonderful husband who took care of me and nurtured me and encouraged me with anything I ever wanted to do. He was always there for me,” Dena said.

“He was a great father. He loved his family. He was a great friend to a group of friends we met in college and we all stayed close. He was just so special. I will always remember him as being kind, thoughtful and caring. We would have been married 45 years in May,” Dena said.

“He was one of five children and we have a large family in Bradenton that meant a lot to him,” Lenna added.

Abby said, “A long time

ago, my dad told me he believed only God can draw a straight line. He knew he didn’t have to be perfect. He just had to be good and kind, and it showed. Hundreds of people held intimate connections with him that were dear to their hearts. I hope I can live a life with a fraction of the divine love he lived his.”

Lenna said, “He supported me no matter which direction I wanted to take. He always listened and gave such thoughtful advice. And then I became a mom and watched him become a grandfather, which has been such a joy. His playful, kind spirit with my son has been beautiful to see. I hope that I can live a life like my dad –to show kindness and grace and not sweat the small stuff. He was a wonderful person and we were all so lucky that we got to be in his world. We miss him dearly.”

OBITUARIES

David “Fritz” Frederick Dahlquist

David “Fritz” Frederick Dahlquist, aged 70, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024 after a brief illness, surrounded by family at home. He was born on Jan. 27, 1954, in Birmingham, Michigan, to Henry and Winifred Dahlquist. He was a proud resident of Holmes Beach and was a graduate of Manatee High School. He married Dena Dahlquist on May 27, 1978, in Bradley, Florida. He worked as the manager of Nautilus Condominiums for 42 years. Fritz was a kind man who was loved by many. He always wore a smile. Fritz is survived by his wife, Dena; daughter, Lenna (Peter); grandson, Oliver; daughter, Abby (Alex); older brother, Hank (Marcia) Dahlquist; older sister, Diane (partner Bill) Dahlquist; younger sister, Kristin (Steve) Dahlquist; younger brother, Doug (Theresa) Dahlquist; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will host a Celebration of Life at sunset on Sunday, May 26, 2024 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Nautilus Beachfront, 7100 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Family and friends are invited to share stories and toast to Fritz.

Wayne Hazen Clark

Wayne Hazen Clark, 92, passed away peacefully at his Bradenton, Florida, home on May 13.

Clark was born on May 20, 1931 in Burlington, Vermont.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tanya Clark, in 2016, and his wife of 64 years, Nancy, in 2018. He was also preceded in death by his two siblings, Doug Clark and Sandy Morton.

He is survived by daughters Jacquelyn Christine (Richard) Lau and Toni Clark (Windle) McQuaig; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews and many dear friends.

Clark graduated from Manatee County High School in Bradenton in 1949 and from the University of Vermont in Burlington in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. For one year, he was captain of the University of Vermont rifle team and throughout life remained an expert shot and an avid hunter, fisherman and boatman. Before graduating high school, Clark enlisted in the Vermont Army National Guard.

Upon graduating from college, as a corporal, he was

immediately commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1953. He was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina with the 101st Airborne 506th Infantry Division, Transporta tion Unit, where he was assigned as the operations officer. He was instrumental in starting a driver’s education course for Army personnel.

After meeting the love of his life in Vermont, Wayne married Nancy at the Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, on July 20, 1954. Clark was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant, infantry, U.S. Army Reserve on July 11, 1961. The couple raised their family and lived in Essex Junction, Vermont, and Wayne had a long and successful career as a plastics sales manager for the Burlington-based E.B. & A.C. Whiting Co. Wayne and Nancy moved to Bradenton when he retired in 1986.

At the time of his passing, he was a lifetime member of Bradenton Elks Lodge 1511 (dating back to 1956) and was also a longtime member of the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 in Bradenton and the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge 2188 in Bradenton Beach.

Clark will be laid to rest alongside his loving wife in North Hero, Vermont, in June, and a celebration of life will be held in Bradenton later this year.

Cablish Gentile wins Chamber tournament

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament winners are, from left, Val Cablish, Kathy Cablish, Homer Cablish and Jake Cablish, of Cablish and Gentile. Second place winners are the Florida Fishing Fleet team, with members Jordan Miller, Lance Plowman, Ryan Young and Donny Johnson. Taking third was CG&B Printing, with Matthew Berube, David Berube and Perry Schlinz. The putting contest winner was the Florida Fishing Fleet team. Proceeds from the tournament will go to fund this year’s Chamber scholarships and other chamber projects.

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Team Pool America on top

ANNA MARIA – The weather is heating up and so is the adult soccer action at The Center of Anna Maria Island. With one game left in the regular season to be played by each team this Thursday night, week eight action left three teams with five wins and team Pool America on top.

Pool America’s 4-2 win over Beach House Waterfront Restaurant earned the team its fifth win. The 5-1-2 record puts them one win over the Progressive Cabinetry.

Losing by two goals, the Beach House team put two points on the scoreboard with eluding strikes by James Rodrigues and Marco Ruiz. Their teammate and keeper Aaron Frech made 11 stops.

Cody Wright put a hat trick to his season statistics. Adding to Wright’s three goals, Brandon Rolland not only saved seven shots but he is also credited with a goal in the third game of the night.

Closing out the soccer action for the night, second-seed Progressive Cabinetry narrowly lost to the Diamond Turf squad. The loss placed the team solidly one win under the league’s leader.

Progressive Cabinetry’s goalie, Tyler Bekkerus, was kept busy by the Diamond Turf offense. Bekkerus had 12 nice saves, but the Progressive defense could not stop McKenna Ainger and Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos.

Solid Rock Construction’s Evelyn Long moves in front of Sato Real Estate defender Ryan Hogan. Hogan’s teammate Damir Glavan moves to cut off Long and take possession of the soccer ball last Thursday night at The Center.

Bolanos had two goals to help his team earn the win, while Ainger is also credited with an assist.

The third team to end week eight with five wins was Salty Printing after winning against team Ross Built. In his usual place at goal, Charles “Tuna” McCracken is credited with 10 stops against the shooting of the Ross Built Custom Home squad.

Only the foot of Ted Hurst could get by the Salty Printing defense and past McCracken.

The Ross Built team fought and

Horseshoer earns bragging rights

On May 18 at AMI Horseshoes, two walkers met in the final and Bob Hawks earned the day’s bragging rights after a 21-15 win over Gary Howcroft - and stayed perfect for the day! On May 15, two teams advanced from pool play after each went 3-0. Howcroft and Steve Doyle won the day’s championship after a 22-7 victory over Hawks and Tom Farrington.

held Salty Printing to just three goals. Goalie Tim Holly made 12 saves and earned himself a yellow card.

Nate Talucci took his place in the goal for a short time while Holly sat out. Talucci earned another veteran stripe with a save, helping to keep his team in the battle.

Scoring for the Salty squad were Kevin Roman with a solo goal and Tyler Brewer hitting two.

With Mark Long in the goal for the Solid Rock team, Sato Real Estate’s Damir Glavan started the scoring in the first half of play. Teammates Zacharieah Anabtawi and Alex Landy added three points to the scoreboard for the win.

Landy shot for two points as the Sato Real Estate offense moved the soccer ball smoothly down the field.

Long’s counterpart, Paul Jennison for the Sato team had nine saves in the game, besting Long by one.

Holding a place in the middle of the pack, team Sato Real Estate should see the playoffs. Their 4-4-0 record is not as strong as the squad would like, but nice wins come at the best times in the season.

With three teams earning only two wins going into the final regular season game, Solid Rock Construction can work itself off the bottom of the rankings before going into the post-season action.

The last regularly scheduled games will be played on Thursday, May 23.

The spring adult flag football season playoff bracket with 10 teams, as opposed to the usual eight, makes it so that the old league adage of “everyone makes the playoffs” is not true this season.

The outcome of the five games of this week’s action is crucial to decide which eight teams will move on to the quarter-final round of the playoffs.

The last teams in the four seeds will play two head-to-head games, resulting in the eighth and final playoff position. These games will be played on Wednesday, May 29. The playoffs start next Thursday night. At the end of the single-elimination playoff games, the championship title will be earned on Thursday, June 13.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

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HISTORICAL COTTAGE

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FOR SALE: $325K 4410

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