Anna Maria Island Sun May 24, 2023

In order to make way for a 1,500-space parking garage to be built at Manatee Beach, the existing concession building would be removed.

BY SUN STAFF HOLMES

BEACH – Florida House Bill 947 has just one more stoplight to pass before it becomes law - being signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

If the bill is signed, Manatee County has the green light to build a three-story, 1500-plus space parking garage spanning the width and breadth of the county-owned parking lot at Manatee Beach. All existing facilities at the beach, including the concession stand, retail and restrooms, would be demolished, with new facilities located in the parking garage.

Some locals and visitors are not happy about what would be the end of an era on Anna Maria Island, and there’s a petition drive to stop it.

Manatee Beach: End of an era?

Anna Maria hosting two events on Memorial Day

Both city-sponsored events will take place at City Pier Park.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute and the city’s Centennial Symphony celebration will take place back-to-back at City Pier Park on Memorial Day.

The city-sponsored festivities on Monday, May 29 will begin with the Patriotic Symphony Salute at 10 a.m. followed by the Centennial Symphony celebration at approximately 10:45 p.m.

Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the Memorial Day Salute will honor

those who gave their lives in service to their country, as well as the spouses and significant others who also made their own sacrifices. The Memorial Day ceremony will feature the Anna Maria

SEE MEMORIAL DAY, PAGE 16

The concession building has been at the public beach for more than half a century, with the roof once functioning as a community dance floor. And while some people don’t mind the potential changes, others don’t want to see the current parking area and concession building demolished. The place is important to former Holmes Beach mayor, former county commissioner and longtime Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore.

Get ready for Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend is almost here. Prepare for traffic delays, parking issues and fun in the sun.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – It’s almost here – the unofficial start of the summer season, when crowds visit the Island to soak up the sun and play in the sand.

Unlike the busy winter/spring season when people come from all over the world by airplane, Memorial Day brings people from closer to the Island who arrive by car. This means long wait times to get on and off the Island at peak beach arrival and departure times as traffic can back up for miles

waiting to cross the three bridges, the only ways on and off the Island. Parking will also fill up fast, so city officials recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid the heaviest

SEE WEEKEND, PAGE 14

TROY MORGAN/PHOTOSFROMTHEAIR.COM | SUBMITTED

If Gov. Ron DeSantis signs HB 947, the Manatee Beach concession stand will be demolished to make way for a three-story parking garage covering the entire parking lot.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Prepare for a busy beach weekend. Memorial Day is one of the three busiest weekends of the year on the Island.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Memorial Day and the city’s Anna Maria’s 100th anniversary will be celebrated at City Pier Park.

Commission approves review of roof estimates

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – A step forward was made at the May 18 Bradenton Beach Commission meeting on the subject of replacing the roof at the Tingley Library and the Public Works building, along with roof repair at the city-owned Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) building.

“We need a new roof for the library, public works building and also the repair work that needs to be done over at the AMOB restaurant, the section over the front,” Mayor John Chappie said. “At this time, we’ve only received bids from Sutter Roof.”

The one price received for the library is for the standing seam-style roof, he said.

“Two other bids are going to be coming,” Chappie said. “We have a couple of ways we can go with this. I can call a special meeting next week as soon as we have everything in, or we can approve not to exceed what Sutter Roof has presented.”

“You had a ballpark idea of what it would cost for the roof,” City Attorney Ricinda Perry said. “It

would allow staff to meet with the mayor after you receive all the bids at a cost most advantageous to the city at a cost not to exceed.”

Steve Gilbert, Bradenton Beach building official, weighed in on the difference between standing seam and crimped roofs.

“Each are fine in and of themselves. Standing seam costs more and it supposedly lasts longer. If you’re 28 miles inland, definitely the standing seam will last longer. Out here the salt air gets in every night and it gets inside and under roof panels,” Gilbert said. “From my perspective, it’s a wash either way.”

Commissioner Jake Spooner expressed approval for the less expensive option.

Chappie noted that the library is a good building and would be a go-to place for city business in the event of a storm.

“It’s elevated,” he said. “And hopefully we’re going to be discussing the elevation of that building and relocation for a paid public parking spot underneath everything over there.”

The library, 111 Second St. N., is located directly behind Bradenton Beach City Hall.

Three motions were approved unanimously by Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole and Spooner. Two motions required three bids to be reviewed by Chappie, Tom Woodard, of public works, and Gilbert, not to exceed $51,000, and found to be most advantageous to the city. The third motion pertained to three bids for the repair of the AMOB roof at a cost not to exceed $4,000, and reviewed by Chappie, Woodard and Gilbert.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The Center Executive Director Christopher Culhane and board member David Zaccagnino address the Bradenton Beach commission.

IN BRIEF

Pines Trailer Park purchase offer accepted

The purchase offer appears to give current Pines residents five to seven more years to remain in the park.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The approved purchase offer for the waterfront Pines Trailer Park appears to give residents at least five to seven years to remain in their mobile homes and make plans for the future.

A May 8 letter that Largo-based attorney David Luczak sent to the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association board members addresses the pending sale, which follows the residents’ unsuccessful efforts to form a co-op and raise enough money to purchase the mobile home park owned by Richard and William Jackson’s Jackson Partnership LLLP.

of the execution and delivery of the purchase and sale agreement.

• Due diligence: The due diligence period shall run for 15 days from the date of the execution of the purchase and sale agreement.

two-year extension on financing with interest-only monthly payments and the same terms as the original fiveyear mortgage.”

The Anna Maria City Commission will meet on Thursday, May 25 at 6 p.m. After general public comment on non-agenda items, Mayor Dan Murphy and lobbyist Matthew Blair will provide an update and recap of the Florida Legislature’s 2023 session and the city attorney will provide an update on Senate Bill 250 and its potential impact on future comp plan and land development code amendments. The mayor will present a National Safe Boating Week proclamation. The mayor and commission will discuss FDOT’s proposed Gulf Drive corridor study. The commission chair will lead a discussion on right of way activity and the mayor will provide an update on the May 29 Memorial Day ceremony and Centennial celebration. Thursday’s meeting can also

Luczak’s letter begins by saying, “As you know, this office represents the owners and management of the Pines Trailer Park. In accordance with the provisions of Florida Statutes 723.071(2), we hereby notify you that we have received a bona fide offer to purchase Pines Trailer Park. We intend to consider and accept this offer.”

Luczak’s letter does not identify the person or entity purchasing the park.

The stated terms of the sale are:

• “Purchase Price: $16.25 million, which includes all park-owned mobile homes, recreational vehicles, equipment, materials, vehicles, buildings, etc.

• Initial deposit: $1 million nonrefundable deposit within three days

• Additional deposit: At the end of the due diligence period, the buyer shall deposit an additional $1 million. At that time, the entire $2 million deposit shall be non-refundable.

• Closing: Forty-five days from the successful completion of the due diligence period this transaction shall close unless extended by agreement of the buyer and seller.”

The final term of the offer appears to allow the current Pines residents and mobile homeowners five to seven more years to remain in the park.

• “Seller financing: Seller to hold a purchase money mortgage on the subject property in the amount of $8.125 million at 4.5% interest payable with interest-only payments for five years and no right of pre-payment. Buyer may not seek a land use change during the period of the mortgage financing. Seller may agree to a

While attempting to raise the money needed to buy the park, Pines residents and homeowners participated in several community meetings that were held in the Pines clubhouse building. The minutes of the April 18 meeting address the rezoning that would be required in order to redevelop the Pines property as something other than a mobile home park.

“The new purchaser of the park will have to get the property rezoned in order to change the land use from a resident park to something else. It is hard to guess how long that process would take,” according to the minutes. Rezoning the Pines’ property from its current M-1 Mobile Home Park District zoning designation would require the approval of the Bradenton Beach City Commission after the proposed rezoning is first reviewed by city staff and the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.

Final order expected for Hunters Point dock challenge

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s attorney recommends a final order that would allow for the construction of the Hunters Point docks.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

Finger dock installation begins

The first of 13 premanufactured finger docks have been affixed to the existing and recently expanded floating dock near the Bradenton Beach Pier. The finger docks will provide additional short-term dockage to the public free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

CORTEZ – The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board is expected to issue a final order approving proposed dockage at Hunters Point Resort & Marina.

The final order pertains to a permit challenge initiated by the owners of the Cortez Village Marina in 2021.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Pines Trailer Park is home to permanent and seasonal residents.

diagram illustrates where the 49 Hunters Point docks would be located.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

FDOT plans Gulf Drive corridor study

The city of Anna Maria may opt out of the proposed FDOT study.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The city commission will decide whether the Anna Maria-owned portion of Gulf Drive will be included in a $1.5 million Islandwide Gulf Drive corridor study. The commission is expected to make its decision on Thursday, May 25.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Engineer/Design Manager Craig Fox presented the proposed study during the May 8 Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) meeting held at Anna Maria City Hall.

FDOT will fund the Gulf Drive corridor study, which is expected to begin in November and take a maximum of two years to complete. Fox said the study area will extend along the entire portion of Gulf Drive/State Road

789 in Bradenton Beach, from the Longboat Pass Bridge to the Bradenton Beach/Holmes Beach border.

In Holmes Beach, the study will continue along East Bay Drive to the Manatee Avenue intersection. The study area continues from the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection and along Gulf Drive through Holmes Beach to the Gulf Drive/Palm Drive intersection. The study then continues along Gulf Drive to the Holmes Beach/ Anna Maria border. The study area in Holmes Beach will not include Marina Drive or the portion of Gulf Drive between Walgreens and the West Coast Surf Shop. The Anna Maria commission is to decide if the study continues along Gulf Drive to Pine Avenue.

Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Executive Director David Hutchinson said the cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach requested the study and FDOT decided to include the Anna Maria portion of Gulf Drive as well.

Fox said the cities can use the study results to pursue state and federal funds to implement the potential street and right-of-way improvements identified in the study.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy reminded Cox that the city, not the state, owns the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria and has owned it since the state turned over ownership and maintenance of that road in the early 1970s. Murphy said the city has already studied and improved the city’s portion of the road.

Murphy asked Cox if the city

can opt out of the study. Cox said the city can.

Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said the goal is to come up with a consistent design that meets FDOT’s basic complete street standards which include sidewalks, multi-use trails, crosswalks and more.

“This complete streets study is clearly about safety and mobility, and having this information so funding can hopefully follow to move forward and do something,” Chappie said.

Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins asked why Marina

Drive is not included in the study area. He was told safety and drainage improvements have already been made there.

COMMISSION BRIEFED

During the May 15 city commission meeting, Murphy briefed the commissioners about the proposed study. He said he received the latest version of FDOT’s 46-page scope of services document the previous evening and would send it to them. Murphy asked the commissioners to review the proposed study for further discussion and decisionmaking on Thursday, May 25.

The FDOT document is titled “Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Studies Barrier Island Complete Streets Improvements.” It lists two main project objectives – implementing recommendations made in the previously completed Barrier Island Traffic Study and reducing flooding along the Gulf Drive/SR 789 corridor.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria is owned and maintained by the city.

SEE FDOT, PAGE 32

The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff

Owner/CEO

Mike Field Editor

Cindy Lane

General Manager

Bob Alexander

Reporters/Photographers

Joe Hendricks

Leslie Lake

Jason Schaffer

Kristin Swain

Columnists

Louise Bolger

Rusty Chinnis

Contributors

Joe Becht

Steve Borggren

Capt. Rick Grassett

Monica Simpson

Tom Vaught

Capt. Kevin Wessel

Capt. David White

Anne Yarbrough

Layout Ricardo Fonseca

Digital Editor

Kristin Swain

Advertising Director

Shona Otto

Advertising Assistant

Pamela Lee

Classifieds

Bob Alexander

Graphics

Elaine Stroili

Ricardo Fonseca

Distribution

Bob Alexander

Connor Field

Tony McNulty

Brian Smith

Accounting

Leslie Ketchum

Co-founding publishers

Mike Field

Maggie McGinley Field

Family-owned since 2000

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Chamber thanks golf tournament participants

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank everyone who participated in our 2023 Golf Tournament for Scholarships at IMG Academy Golf Club. We wish to acknowledge our Presenting Sponsor, Tom Sanger Pool & Spa, our Apparel Sponsor, Jay Pros, and our Gold Sponsor, LaPensee Plumbing/Pools/Air. To our golfers, volunteers, food and beverage sponsors and the many businesses who donated raffle

prizes, our heartfelt thanks for making this another successful great day on the links. The Chamber of Commerce weather provided everyone involved with an outstanding day of golf and fellowship. We appreciate all of the support and hope you can participate again for 2024!

Terri

Kinder

Sign petition opposing parking garage

President,

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

Drop us a line

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun,

Manatee County citizens can take action by signing a petition to request that Gov. Ron DeSantis veto CS/ HB 947 allowing Manatee County to permit a parking garage without meeting the Land Development Codes and Comprehensive Plans approved by the City of Holmes Beach. Sign the petition here: https:// manateecitizenstakingaction.com/ Thanks for helping!

Joe McClash Bradenton

P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

ON THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

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

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

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 29, all day – City offices closed, Memorial Day

June 1, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

June 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency 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 24, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

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

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

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

THURSDAY, MAY 25

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

Green Explorers, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

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

AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange hosted by Starwheel Websites, AMI Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5-7 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members

FRIDAY, MAY 26

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

SATURDAY, MAY 27

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

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

Snooks Adams Kids Day, city field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Starry Night Astronomy, Robinson Preserve expansion parking lot, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8:30-10:30 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 29

Memorial Day

Memorial Day Ceremony, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. Anna Maria Centennial Celebration, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 10:45 a.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 30

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

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

AMI Chamber breakfast, Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 7:30-9 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for prospective members

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

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

Forty Carrots, 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.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

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

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

“DC League of Super-Pets” family movie, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Paper crafting for adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 6

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.

Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m.

ARP funds used for Pine Avenue streetlights

The city commission approved earmarking $183,000 in federal funds for future streetlight improvements.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amsun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city commission will use $183,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to help pay for the future installation of new streetlights along Pine Avenue.

On May 11, Mayor Dan Murphy presented the city commission with his proposed use of the remaining federal funds. The commission unanimously approved the mayor’s request.

The city previously received $882,500 in ARP funds as part of the federal government’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. A significant portion of those funds was earmarked and used for drainage improvements and maintenance of the city’s drainage system, including the recent maintenance work along North Bay Boulevard.

ARP funds also were used to fund the $50,000 Reimagining Pine Avenue study and some were earmarked for future use

for Pine Avenue safety improvements that will include new sidewalks, new streetlights and new and improved crosswalks.

Murphy said the city has approximately $183,000 in ARP funds left to spend.

He said he expects it will cost more than $200,000 to replace the existing Pine Avenue streetlights with the more decorative and aesthetically pleasing light poles and fixtures desired by city officials.

Commission Chair Mark Short said the $288,000 originally earmarked for the Reimagining Pine Avenue Project plus the additional $183,000 being proposed by Murphy would total approximately $460,000 in ARP funds dedicated to the Pine Avenue project.

Murphy noted that last year the city received a $1.6 million state appropriation for the Reimagining Pine Avenue project and this year they expect to receive an additional $1.4 million state appropriation that’s currently awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. The additional $1.4 million would allow the project to be expanded to include Magnolia Avenue, Spring Avenue and portions of Gulf Drive. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) oversees the city’s expenditure of the state funds.

On April 27, the city commission voted

The existing streetlights along Pine Avenue will eventually be replaced with more aesthetically pleasing lighting components.

4-1 to reject the lone bid received in response to the city’s most recent request for proposals (RFP) to install brick paver sidewalks along both sides of Pine Avenue. For the third time, the Sarasota-based C-Squared construction firm was the only firm to bid on the project, with their latest bid being $1.38 million.

During the May 11 meeting, Murphy said streetlights weren’t included in the latest RFP because FDOT standards require

streetlights that are larger and taller than what the mayor and commission envision for Pine Avenue. State funds can’t be used for non-FDOT-approved streetlights and an alternative funding source had not yet been identified when the RFP was issued. Using ARP funds resolves that problem.

Murphy said the next RFP will include sidewalks and streetlights and will specify the specific funding sources for each of those elements. The city’s public works department will tackle the crosswalk improvements.

Commissioner Charlie Salem asked Murphy if including streetlights in the next RFP would attract more bidders.

“I do believe that. I feel pretty confident or I wouldn’t make this proposal,” Murphy replied.

Regarding the use of ARP funds, Commissioner Deanie Sebring said, “I think it’s a great idea. I think the citizens and the visitors would appreciate that, especially since it’s quasi-free money.”

In April, Commissioner Jon Crane opposed rejecting C-Squared’s latest bid. During Thursday’s meeting, he said he remained skeptical that increasing the project scope would attract more bidders but he supported the mayor’s funding proposal.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Loggerheads released after recovering from red tide

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

LIDO BEACH – After recovering for several months from red tide toxins at Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, two loggerhead sea turtles have been released, including one rescued from Holmes Beach.

The two turtles, nicknamed “Lilly” and “Farmer,” were released into the water at Lido Beach on May 16 by Mote Marine staff.

Farmer, an approximately 140-pound subadult, was found washed ashore in Holmes Beach and transferred to Mote on Feb. 21. Farmer suffered from extreme lethargy and received subcutaneous fluids daily to help flush out toxins until the rehab team noticed an improvement in behavior and appetite.

When brought into the rehabilitation hospital, both turtles were displaying symptoms of red tide toxicity, such as extreme lethargy and lack of appetite.

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.

Lilly was found floating on the south end of Naples Bay and transported on March 30. Lilly began receiving injectable antibiotics and subcutaneous fluids until symptoms improved.

The releases drew throngs of beachgoers who took photos and watched as each turtle was wheeled on a cart from the beach parking lot to the water’s edge. The patients were placed on the sand where they crawled into the water and quickly swam off.

“We are super excited to see them go," said Lynne Byrd, Mote’s Rehabilitation and Medical Care Manager. "Without the help and intervention of a facility like Mote, these animals wouldn’t be alive and we wouldn’t be enjoying this happy experience.”

Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital has admitted more than 650 sick and injured sea turtles since 1995.

“Our goal is to help all our turtle patients return to the wild and contribute to their

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

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

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

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

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

populations for years to come,” according to the Mote website. “This matters greatly: All sea turtle species are threatened or endangered.”

The five species of sea turtles found in Florida are loggerhead, green, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley and hawksbill. Locally,

• 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 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

the loggerhead is the most common, fol lowed by the green.

waters, if you see a stranded or dead sea turtle, dolphin or whale, please call Mote's Stranding Investigations Program, a 24hour response service, at 941-988-0212.

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid

(Record: 544 in 2019)

crawls

831 in 2010)

453 in 2022)

35,850 in 2022)

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

SUBMITTED

Farmer, a loggerhead turtle found with red tide toxicity in Holmes Beach in February, is released by Mote Marine staff at Lido Beach.

Cheesecake Cutie raises funds for child welfare agencies

As part of National Foster Care Month, a fundraising event on March 21 raised more than $5,000 for All Star Children’s Foundation and the Safe Children’s Coalition courtesy of Cheesecake Cutie and Cafe in Holmes Beach. Owners

Jennifer and Kane Geils have served as foster parents at All Star’s Sarasota campus since 2019. The event was supported by more than 60 people and dozens of area businesses. SUBMITTED

Roser Church

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SUNDAY WORSHIP

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IN PE RSON • in the Sanctuar y Nurser y • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LI VE or LATER RoserChurch.com

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Man arrested for setting fire at FISH Preserve

The restoration of the FISH Preserve in Cortez continues after a brush fire that law enforcement officials say was set intentionally.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

CORTEZ – A fire that Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies said was intentionally set at the 98-acre FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve has not slowed work on the final phase of a longstanding restoration project.

The May 10 fire at the west end of the preserve, 11655 Cortez Road W., was extinguished quickly by first-responding West Manatee Fire Rescue crews and had minimal impact on the ongoing restoration efforts there, which are nearing completion.

As of May 20, the man accused of setting the fire, Jody D. Young, 40, of Bradenton, was being held on $1,500 bond on a felony charge of malicious burning.

According to MCSO reports, the

fire, which burned wooded brush approximately 10 feet south of the sidewalk and 30-40 feet back into the brush, was extinguished quickly. WMFR determined the fire appeared to have been set intentionally, according to MCSO reports.

Young was reportedly identified by a witness as having been at the scene of the fire as it rapidly grew out of control before he left on foot. He was apprehended at the intersection of 101st Street West and Cortez Road.

Young initially told deputies he tossed a cigarette in the wooded area while walking by and then changed his story to say he was inside the wooded area exercising while smoking a cigarette. The MCSO report noted, “The defendant walked approximately 14 blocks east of the scene without flagging a passerby or summoning assistance from a nearby open business, allowing the fire to grow.”

Through their investigation, deputies developed probable cause to arrest Young for intentionally setting the fire. Conviction on a charge of malicious burning

could result in a $5,000 fine and five years in prison.

PRESERVE RESTORATION CONTINUES

The FISH Preserve is the only undisturbed parcel of land on north Sarasota Bay and was conceived as a barrier between encroaching development and the historic commercial fishing village of Cortez.

“We have owned the property since 2000 but we’ve been working on this project since

2009-2010,” FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann told The Sun last month.

In 2000, the organization and community members came together to raise the money to purchase the land, immediately east of the village. The first $60,000 mortgage payment was raised from donations made by citizens and conservation-minded companies.

“This parcel of land is one of the only untouched waterfront properties on Sarasota Bay and

Fire assessment rates to increase

MANATEE COUNTY – If you live in the West Manatee Fire Rescue district, prepare for a 4% increase on this fall’s TRIM notice.

Commissioners met on May 16 and voted unanimously to pass the first reading of an ordinance increasing the district’s non-ad valorem assessment

rate by 4% for the coming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. A follow-up public hearing and vote is scheduled to take place on Aug. 15.

In addition to the 4% increase, another change to the district’s tax base this year is that short-term vacation rental properties will be charged as commer-

cial properties rather than residential ones. While the change does not affect the zoning or use of the property, it does reflect the additions to WMFR’s staff and responsibilities to include inspections of these properties by the fire department for life safety. Those inspections are slated to begin in October and be

one of the last true working waterfronts in the state of Florida. The preserve came close to getting paved over by developers, however, the community came together to purchase the property just in the nick of time,” according to the FISH website. “This initial land purchase has been paid off. Since 2005, FISH has been able to purchase several additional parcels of land within the FISH Preserve’s boundaries that remained in private hands.”

As in 2016, when the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) completed the restoration of nearly half of the preserve through a cooperative funding agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and FISH, the Phase IV funds are being managed by SBEP.

The final phase should be complete by late June, according to von Hahmann, estimating the final phase of the restoration comes at a cost of more than $300,000.

“We are committed to finish Phase IV with trails and bridges for connectivity,” she said last month.

repeated annually. Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said he’d be working with local municipalities, particularly on Anna Maria Island where each city has its own way of regulating vacation rental properties, to make sure that inspection efforts are not duplicated and that owners are inconvenienced as little as possible.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies say a brush fire was intentionally set at the west end of the FISH Preserve, leaving this aftermath.

First responders take plunge for clean water

BRADENTON BEACH – Area

first responders showed their commitment to help keep the water clean in the area they serve by participating in the Islanders 4 Clean Water plunge challenge.

The group gathered at Manatee County’s Marine One station in Bradenton Beach on May 16, along with other local officials and Anna Maria Island elected officials, to take the plunge into Anna Maria Sound. After taking the jump into the water off West Manatee Fire Rescue’s fire response boat, the group gathered around Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, who thanked them for bringing awareness to the campaign, which began in her city as an effort to draw attention to easy ways everyone can change their habits to help reduce runoff and pollution in local waters.

Participants in the plunge included first responders from West Manatee Fire Rescue, Manatee County Marine Rescue, North River Fire Rescue, Longboat Key Fire Rescue, Manatee County Search and Rescue, Sarasota County Fire Rescue and the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office.

To sign up to take the plunge or learn how to help reduce water pollution, visit www.islanders4cleanwater.com.

First responders from West Manatee Fire Rescue, Manatee County Marine Rescue, North River Fire Rescue, Longboat Key Fire Rescue, Manatee County Search and Rescue, Sarasota County Fire Rescue and the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office gathered May 16 at Marine Rescue One in Bradenton Beach to take the Islanders 4 Clean Water pledge to help preserve local bodies of water and take a plunge into Anna Maria Sound.

After jumping into Anna Maria Sound, first responders take turns climbing back aboard West Manatee Fire Rescue’s boat.

Fire department welcomes new recruits

The board members and staff welcomed two new hires to their ranks during a May 16 meeting. Nicholas Riffe and Page Larson were both introduced and took their oaths of office before being individually welcomed by the board of commissioners.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Turning Tides opens

Turning Tides held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting on May 11. Those in attendance met the staff and checked out the BioCharger IV lounge, infrared sauna and salt room. Turning Tides is a functional medicine whole-body wellness sanctuary focused on root-cause resolution. To learn more, visit www. turningtides.us.

Business card exchange at Chamber

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a business card exchange at its office, 5313 Gulf Drive N. in Holmes Beach on Thursday, May 25 from 5-7 p.m. The exchange, sponsored by Starwheel Websites, will feature light bites and beverages. Any Chamber member is welcome, as well as anyone considering becoming a member. Bring business cards to share with other area business owners and managers. All are encouraged to bring a raffle prize to be given away. RSVP to becky@amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541.

Annie Silver Center to hold book sale, potluck

The Annie Silver Community Center, 103 23rd St. N. in Bradenton Beach, will hold its next book sale and potluck lunch on Saturday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Dianne at 724-787-1418. The center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves Bradenton Beach and surrounding communities.

CME hopes to curb causeway advertising

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON – In light of the vendors, banners and sandwich signs on the Palma Sola Scenic Highway, Ingrid McClellan has reached out to code and law enforcement officials to curb advertising prohibited on scenic highways.

“What we are observing on the Palma Sola Causeway is the broken window theory,” said McClellan, vice-chair of the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity (CME). “When there is one broken window, before long there are broken windows in

the entire building. We started off in January with one Jet Ski vendor and nobody addressed it. Now we have Jet Ski rentals, jungle floats, kayaks and multiple other vendors.”

The Palma Sola Scenic Highway is a 4.5-mile segment of State Road 64 (Manatee Avenue West) that connects the mainland to Perico Island. The scenic highway adjoins Palma Sola Bay, Perico Bayou and Anna Maria Sound, extending from 75th Street in Bradenton on the east to East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach on the west. It is designated as a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) right-of-way.

Writing on behalf of the CME,

McClellan sent an email on May 10 to representatives from FDOT, Manatee County code enforcement and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. In the email, she said asked for help to ensure compliance along the causeway with sign and land use regulations. She noted that as of the writing, eight companies were observed in violation of regulations concerning the use of signs and advertising along the scenic highway and land use regulations on a state right-of-way. McClellan was advised that the causeway comes under the jurisdiction of the Bradenton Police Department, which she intends to contact next.

WEEKEND: Memorial Day weekend

FROM PAGE 1 traffic and being patient when searching for the often elusive and highly coveted parking spot.

“I have three important reminders for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said. “First, you are vacationing in a residential area, so please keep noise to a minimum. Second, be respectful of your surroundings and leave it cleaner than you found it. Third, always park with all tires off the road. Parallel parking is parking with the flow of traffic. Saying you didn’t see the sign or were not aware will not get a ticket voided.”

Holmes Beach police, along with Bradenton Beach police and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which patrols the City of Anna Maria, all remind the public that no fires, grills, alcohol or pets are permitted on Island beaches. These laws are strictly enforced, and all three departments plan to increase the number of officers on patrol for the busy holiday weekend.

And don’t leave common sense at home.

“Remember to not put yourself in a position to be a victim of a crime of opportunity,” Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said. “Lock your car and don’t

leave valuables in plain sight on car seats or places that entice criminals. Also, don’t bring valuables to the beach. Just bring what you need so you can relax and enjoy yourself.”

Source: Florida Department of Health

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

Hurricane Expo stresses preparedness

The Manatee County Government Hurricane Expo offered members of the community vital lifesaving information.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

PALMETTO - Even though Anna Maria Island and most of Manatee County dodged the worst of Hurricane Ian last year, there were still plenty of lessons learned, and the community was reminded of how much of a threat a major hurricane is to the area, especially those living on the barrier islands like AMI. Even with the storm turning in its final hours of approach to the Island, many still went close to a week without power and there was significant wind damage. To help the community be better prepared for future hurricanes,

Manatee County hosted the Third Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on May 18 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

The expo featured more than 50 booths with valuable information about how to survive a storm. There was plenty to take away from the event, but the theme echoed

by most experts was to be prepared, take watches and warnings seriously, and when told to evacuate, to do so as quickly as possible.

There were rescue vehicles from multiple agencies that do search and rescue in the county, law enforcement was on hand to answer questions and dozens of vendors

were on hand to answer questions about everything from stormproof doors and windows to how to take care of pets during a disaster.

“We begin to mobilize long before a major storm hits the area,” said Gary Weinstein, of the Red Cross Manatee County. “Getting food, water, medical supplies and other

anticipated post-disaster necessities is vital to help those in need after the storm.”

Carolyn Nielson of the Manatee County Salvation Army echoed the Red Cross regarding being prepared and being ready to step in when needed. The Red Cross had its relief truck on hand at the event.

“We come out and not only get food and water to people in the community that need us, but we also serve first responders and those helping in the effort after a storm who work long hours to serve others,” Nielson said.

Sun Coast Blood Center was on hand as well, and stressed the need to give blood before a disaster hits.

“It takes a bit of time for blood donated to be processed, so waiting until after a disaster isn’t the best option,” Sun Coast Blood Center’s Whitlie Turner said. “Now, before hurricane season, is when we really encourage people to come out and give blood.”

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

More than 50 vendors and community agencies gathered for the 2023 Manatee County Government Hurricane Expo at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto on May 18.

Anna Maria at 100: A look back

The City of Anna Maria is 100 years old, and many things have changed since it was chartered. But the fundamentals never change - sun, sand and saltwater still charm visitors to the city, and locals too.

MEMORIAL DAY: Anna Maria hosting two events

FROM PAGE 1 Island Concert Orchestra performing patriotic music and the theme songs for each branch of the United States military. The Centennial Symphony celebration will pay tribute to Anna Maria’s 100th year as an officially chartered Florida city. Longtime Island resident Tom Aposporos will serve as the centennial celebration’s master of ceremonies. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society is providing him with historical information to share about the official founding of the city and the city’s first mayor, Mitch Davis.

The orchestra will

The centennial celebration will pay tribute to Anna Maria’s first mayor, Mitch Davis.

perform some of the songs that were popular in 1923 when the city was chartered.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Veterans will be honored according to the military branch they served in.

MANATEE COUNTY HISTORICAL RECORDS LIBRARY | SUBMITTED The Anna Maria city office in 1963.

MANATEE COUNTY HISTORICAL RECORDS LIBRARY | SUBMITTED The Manatee riverboat served passengers at the Anna Maria City Pier circa 1911.

MANATEE COUNTY HISTORICAL RECORDS LIBRARY | SUBMITTED The Anna Maria Island Center, circa 1980, was the precursor to The Center of Anna Maria Island.

MANATEE COUNTY HISTORICAL RECORDS LIBRARY | SUBMITTED Above, a circa 1915 beach cottage. Left, The Anna Maria Post Office, date unknown.

MANATEE COUNTY HISTORICAL RECORDS LIBRARY | SUBMITTED

Above, the Anna Maria City Pier in 1924. Left, a couple strolls the beach with a shotgun and umbrella circa 1910-1915.

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

ANNA MARIA GENERAL STORE AND DELI

503 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 779-9200

DRY CLEANER COURTESY CLEANERS

7421 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5145

ELECTRICIAN AIR & ENERGY

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

FINE DINING THE WATERFRONT 111 S Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 778-1515

FITNESS

THE CENTER OF ANNA MARIA

407 Magnolia Ave

Anna Maria, 778-1908

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

BEACH BUMS

427 Pine Ave

Anna Maria 778-3316

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

AIR & ENERGY

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

HOME BUILDER

WASH FAMILY CONSTRUCTION

407 72nd St

Holmes Beach, 941-725-0073

HOTEL/MOTEL

ANNA MARIA ISLAND RESORTS

THE TORTUGA INN

1325 Gulf Drive

Bradenton Beach, 778-6611

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

SALT AND SCISSORS SALON

313C Pine Ave

Holmes Beach, 961-4458

SEE READERS, PAGE 19

MARINA

KEYES MARINA

5501 Marina Dr

Holmes Beach, 778-1977

MEN’S APPAREL

TURTLE SHACK

314 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 726-3163

OUTDOOR SPORTS STORE

AMI OUTFITTERS COASTAL GEAR & APPAREL

401 Pine Ave.

Anna Maria, 254-4996

PACK & SHIP ISLAND MAIL & MORE

3230 East Bay Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-1911

PAINTER

CRAIG STAPP

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

PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES

6757 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 792-1295

PHARMACIST

JOE – WALGREENS

3200 East Bay Drive. Holmes Beach, 778-0451

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

AGNELLI POOLS

7411 Manatee Ave W. Ste.200

Bradenton, 778-4333

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

RESORT SIXTY-SIX

6600 Gulf Dr

Holmes Beach, 778-2238

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

FREEDOM VILLAGE

6406 21st Ave W. Bradenton, 210-6153

SERVICE STATION

HOLMES BEACH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

5333 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 779-0487

SHOPPING CENTER

ISLAND SHOPPING PLAZA

5414 Marina Dr

Holmes Beach

SOUVENIR SHOP BRIDGE ST BAZAAR

107 Bridge St Bradenton Beach, 778-3443

SPA

SALON SALON

3612 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach, 778-0400

WINDOW REPAIR

MANATEE GLASS AND MIRROR

2406 Manatee Ave E. Bradenton, 747-9100

WOMEN’S APPAREL

IRENE’S RESORT WEAR

5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-7605

PEOPLE & PLACES

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

EMILY ANNE SMITH LLC

527 74th St. Holmes Beach, 778-3113

SEE READERS, PAGE 20

ART GALLERY

ISLAND GALLERY WEST

5368 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach, 778-6648

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

JOEY SWEET

SWEET SUNSETS & DOLPHIN

TOURS

Anna Maria Island, 661-3681

BUSINESS PERSON

MIKE ZEPPI

ANTHONY’S HEATING & COOLING

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

CATERER

MOLLY O’CONNOR

Traveling Gourmet Anna Maria, 405-7627

CHEF

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

CHIROPRACTOR

DR. STEPHANIE MURPHREE, D.C.

HARBORSIDE CHIROPRACTIC 5422 Lockridge Rd

Bradenton, 702-2822

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

EYE CENTER

5106 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 941-795-2020

FINANCIAL PLANNER

EDWARD JONES

JOHN CAMPORA

3226 East Bay Dr. Holmes Beach, 779-2499

FISHING CHARTER

SWEET SUNSETS & DOLPHIN

TOURS

Anna Maria Island, 661-3681

INTERIOR DESIGN

EMILY MOSS DESIGNS

Anna Maria, 212-0361

INDIVIDUAL ENTERTAINER

STEVE ARVEY stevearvey@aol.com

MASSAGE THERAPY

ALUNA WELLNESS

2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400

PERSONAL TRAINER

BREANNA NEWTON

Home Fitness by Bre

SCHOOL

ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY

4700 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach, 708-5525

SCHOOL TEACHER

STEPHANIE DAVIS

ANNA MARIA ELEMENTARY

4700 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beach, 708-5525

VETERINARIAN CONNOR BYSTROM

PALMA SOLA ANIMAL CLINIC

6116 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 794-3275

VETERINARIAN CLINIC

DESOTO ANIMAL CLINIC

2910 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 748-2637

VIEW

BEAN POINT

WAITER/WAITRESS

LESLIE HOFFMAN

HARRY’S GRILL 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999

YOGA STUDIO

ALUNA WELLNESS

2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400

SEE READERS, PAGE 28

Award Winner Spotlight: gRub

There’s no shortage of seafood on Anna Maria Island, so when Ben Sato decided to open a new restaurant on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, he wanted to go in a different direction. With many establishments having long wait times to dine, he wanted to offer a healthy, high-quality menu that could be ordered and eaten more quickly than at many other restaurants, without sacrificing quality. The result is gRub, a fast, casual tropical barbecue restaurant with a menu inspired by Sato’s travels to tropical locales.

Sato has a background in fine dining, but realized that not every family, especially those with young children, had the time to wait to get a table. Ticket times average only 15 minutes, so the kids won’t get restless and mom and dad still get to enjoy quality dining.

gRub opened its doors to the public on Feb. 22, 2022, and has gotten a warm reception and rave reviews from both locals and visitors. While Sato wanted to do barbecue, he didn’t want to be confined to one style, such as Texas, Memphis, Carolina or Kansas City. He has always appreciated the flavors of the tropics all around the world, so it made sense to do a fusion of those tropical flavors. Taking home Reader’s Choice Awards for Best BBQ, Best Restaurant, Best Bartender and

Best Chef, the public seems to be on board with his choices. gRub is located at 415 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, and is open Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SUBMITTED

Ben Sato offers several styles of barbecue at gRub on Pine Avenue.

Award Winner Spotlight: Hometown Desserts

What started as a hobby making treats for friends and family has turned into a Reader’s Choice award-winning pair of sweets shops. With locations in Bradenton and Anna Maria, owner Cindy Tutterow is getting to live her dream of putting smiles on people’s faces by offering just about every kind of tasty indulgence imaginable.

After celebrating

Hometown Desserts’ 10th anniversary in October 2022, the future looks “sweet” for Tutterow, as well as locals and visitors alike who can’t get enough of what she is serving up.

Hometown won in two categories this year - favorite Key lime pie and favorite bakery. Tutterow says her Key lime coconut cake is a fan favorite among

customers who come to enjoy brownies, scones, pies, cakes and just about any other baked good.

Hometown Desserts also caters weddings, graduations or any other special occasion, as well as supplying a dozen wholesale clients.

Hometown Desserts’

Bradenton location is

at 5120 Manatee Ave. W., currently closed for repairs. The Island location is 507 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit www.hometowndesserts. com to view a menu and a list of establishments on the Island that serve their products.

Award Winner Spotlight: The Feast

Since 2009, The Feast in Holmes Beach has been a favorite dining spot on the Island, which is why it’s no surprise they took the 2023 Reader’s Choice Award for Specialty Gourmet. Well known for its gourmet pizza made with the highest quality ingredients, as well as a seafood-heavy menu and specialty items like escargot not found at many restaurants on AMI, the unique menu has kept people coming back for more than a decade.

Feast owner Chris Dale says one of the big reasons for the restaurant’s success is the variety they offer.

“The kids may want pizza, but the parents are looking for something a little more elevated,” Dale said. “Not many places on the Island offer this in one establishment. It usually means a trip to the pizza place, then another restaurant to get a seafood dish or some great pasta. At The Feast,

A family can order from a variety of foods to satisfy everyone's tastes at The Feast.

everybody can get what they want in one place.” The Feast also offers a large variety of craft beers and a relaxed atmosphere that is warm, inviting and family friendly. Take-out is a big part of The Feast’s business. Whether it’s a pizza or the Lafayette (pictured), which is shrimp and lobster with roasted red peppers and button

mushrooms in a spicy Cajun cream sauce, there is always something for everyone. If the menu isn’t enough, check out the specials list posted outside the restaurant.

The Feast is located at 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, and is open seven days a week from 3:30-9 p.m. Call 941-778-5092 for carryout.

SUBMITTED

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

ASIAN RESTAURANT

ISLAND OCEAN STAR

902 S Bay Blvd

Anna Maria, 251-6940

BAGEL SHOP

PARADISE BAGELS & CAFÉ

3220 E. Bay Drive

Holmes Beach, 779-1212

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

CHEESECAKE CUTIE

3324 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach, 779-2253

CANDY STORE DIPS ICE CREAM 503 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 778-1706

DELI

SCOTT’S DELI 6000 Marina Dr. unit D

Holmes Beach, 778-3000

FESTIVAL CORTEZ FISHING FESTIVAL

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

ROD & REEL PIER

875 N Shore Dr

Anna Maria, 778-1885

HEALTH FOOD STORE

RICHARD’S FOODPORIUM

2601-B Manatee Ave W Bradenton, 749-0892

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

BLUE MARLIN

121 Bridge St

Bradenton Beach, 896-9737

NEW RESTAURANT

GRUB TROPICAL BBQ

415 Pine Ave

Anna Maria, 900-2874

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

PLACE TO SEE SUNSET

SANDBAR RESTAURANT

100 Spring Ave W

Anna Maria, 778-0444

RESTAURANT (OVERALL)

THE PORCH

9707 Gulf Dr

Anna Maria, 782-8683

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR

200 Bridge St

Bradenton Beach, 778-2662

SPECIALTY COCKTAIL

DR. OFFICE

5312 Holmes Blvd

Holmes Beach, 213-9926

SPECIALTY GOURMET

THE FEAST

5406 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-5092

SUB/SANDWICH

CHEESECAKE CUTIE

3324 E Bay Dr

Holmes Beach, 779-2253

TAKEOUT

HURRICANE HANKS

5346 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach, 778-5788

Boat among first to be dismantled

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

PALMA SOLA – The remnants of an abandoned burned-out cabin cruiser found aground on the south side of Palma Sola Bay has been dismantled and put into a dumpster.

Under a contract with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), marine recovery company EM>RG has been retained to start removing abandoned boats from local waters.

“The boat was up against the mangroves on the south end of the bay and I towed it and tied it up here,” said an EM>RG employee who declined to give his name at the Palma Sola Boat Ramp last week. “FWC contracted with us to remove some of these boats. It’s a process; the boat has to be tagged first.”

A backhoe operator dismantled the cabin cruiser “Our Dream” and placed the broken pieces into a dumpster in the parking lot of the boat ramp.

The FWC did not respond to a request for comment as to how many

other boats in local waters are going to be removed.

The boats can cause the destruction of seagrass and endanger marine life. As they block navigable waterways, they pose a navigational hazard to the boating public, according to the FWC.

A derelict vessel is defined by state statutes as “… a vessel left in a wrecked, junked, or substantially dismantled condition.”

“A vessel is wrecked if it is sunken or sinking; aground without the ability to be removed absent mechanical assistance; or remaining after a marine casualty including but not limited to a boating accident, extreme weather or a fire,” according to the FWC.

To help boat owners dispose of unwanted at-risk vessels before they become derelict, the FWC is accepting applications for a Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP). Upon approval of an application, VTIP will take a surrendered vessel and dispose of it at no cost to the boat owner.

“Removing the vessel before it deteriorates into a derelict condition will prevent legal ramifications for

the vessel owner and will protect Florida’s valuable seagrass resources, marine life, and human life, safety, and property,” according to the FWC.

To apply for or view program

guidelines, visit MyFWC.com/VTIP or call the FWC Boating and Waterways Division at 850-488-5600 for more information.

Several laws govern abandoned vessels. Removing parts from an abandoned boat, for example, is a crime, among other things.

“It is a crime in Florida to take an abandoned vessel without first getting title to it,” according to the FWC. “Failure to comply could result in fines or even jail time. The first required step is to report a suspected abandoned vessel to a law enforcement agency. To determine the owner of the vessel, the law enforcement agency will collect a fee and begin an investigation. If the vessel is not claimed during the process of the investigation, the law enforcement agency may allow the transfer to the finder with evidence of the investigation and a copy of the Lost or Abandoned Property Certificate FWCDLE-003. The finder would then apply to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to have the title put into their name.”

HUNTERS POINT: Final order expected for dock challenge

FROM PAGE 4

The governing board will meet Tuesday, May 23, at 9 a.m. at the water district’s service office at 7601 U.S. Highway 301 N. in Tampa. The Hunters Point action item is listed as item 7.2 on the meeting agenda.

The meeting will be livestreamed at the water district website, https://www. swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/newsroom/ videos/live-video, and the meeting video will later be archived there as well.

The meeting-related general counsel’s report prepared by senior attorney Jennifer Soberal notes that administrative law Judge Bruce Culpepper presided over the multi-day hearing conducted on behalf of the Division of Administrative Hearings last June, August and September.

On March 7, Culpepper entered his recommended order that the water management district enter a final order to issue the environmental resource permit needed to construct 49 docks along the man-made Hunters Pointowned canal that surrounds the development property on three sides. The docks would serve some of the 86 homes currently being built on the Cortez property.

The privately-owned canal is also used by Cortez Village Marina clients, several residential property owners and guests at two canal-side RV resorts in Cortez.

Soberal’s report notes that Culpepper found that the preponderance of the evidence demonstrated by the attorneys and witnesses representing Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty’s Cortez Road Investments and Finance ownership group provided reasonable assurances that constructing the docks would not be contrary to the public interest.

“The administrative law judge further concluded that there are no reasonably anticipated significant adverse impacts on safe navigation from the construction of the dock; and the marina (Cortez Village Marina) did not meet the burden of the

preponderance of competent substantial evidence proving the dock is contrary to the public interest,” Soberal’s report says. “During its review of the entire record, and based in part upon the marina’s first exception, district staff found that one sentence in paragraph 42 of the administrative law judge’s recommended order was not based on competent substantial evidence and should be stricken. Otherwise, the rest of the marina’s exceptions were denied for the reasons stated in the proposed final order after thorough review of the entire record.”

Paragraph 42 in Culpepper’s recommended order pertains to

Jennifer Soberal, senior attorney

bathymetric surveys and the depths of the canal.

“Because the administrative law judge’s findings of fact were based on competent and substantial evidence in the record, with the exception of the stricken sentence in Paragraph 42, and the administrative law judge’s conclusions of law were reasonable, the recommended order should be adopted as the district’s final order,” Soberal’s report concludes.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

A burned-out cabin cruiser is tied up at the Palma Sola Boat Ramp on May 12 in anticipation of demolition.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Several residential docks are already located along the other side of the man-made canal.

The administrative law judge further concluded that there are no reasonably anticipated significant adverse impacts on safe navigation from the construction of the dock …”

OUTDOORS

Suncoast Aqua Ventures holds underwater cleanup

n May 19, Suncoast Aqua Ventures conducted the first-ever underwater cleanup of the Manatee River’s downtown bridges. Partners for the event included Keep Manatee Beautiful, Force Blue Special Ops Veterans, Reef Innovations, Dive, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s dive team and the Ocean Conservancy. A total of 40 divers, 35 kayakers, three personal watercraft and numerous other landside volunteers were on hand to assist in the cleanup.

As one would expect, there was lots of fishing debris found around the Green Bridge fishing pier. The take included fishing nets, tackle and fishing poles.

The railroad and DeSoto Bridge yielded a variety of debris, including the remnants of a boat that sank at the Bradenton Boat Docks. Other items included a stove, sink, refrigerator and AC unit. In addition, what appeared to be the contents of a kitchen were removed from the bottom, including a coffee pot, cookware, dishes and a fire extinguisher as well as four ladders, bicycles, traffic cones, a trolling motor and numerous car and boat batteries.

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown was on hand helping with the effort and provided six City of Bradenton public works helpers to assist with trash removal from the dock staging area.

Also on hand providing support was the city of Bradenton and Palmetto police and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Bryant.

Event sponsors included Waste Pro, Marriott International, Chris Craft Boat Builders and Mila’s on the Manatee.

Suncoast Aqua Ventures was founded in 2017 by scuba divers and friends Troy Brown and Cheryl Huntsinger.

The duo was motivated to take action after witnessing the plethora of human trash littering the underwater environment they love.

From its humble beginnings, the passion spread to other divers which resulted in their annual competitive

“Reef and Beach Cleanup,” formerly held every year at the Bradenton Yacht Club. In 2023 it will be held at a new location, SeaBreeze Park, 55 Horseshoe Loop Road in Terra Ceia. Over the past six years, dedicated volunteers have removed over 50 tons of trash from coastal waters. The group has formed successful alliances with other organizations that share their vision of the responsible stewardship of our coastal ecosystem. School service organizations, corporations and municipalities throughout the area have come together to support their cause. Now the organization has expanded to doing monthly targeted cleanups and post-hurricane events. Over time, they have motivated hundreds of volunteers to make a difference in restoring the beauty of our fragile ecosystem. You can join their efforts and learn about upcoming events at www.suncoastaquaventures.com.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A volunteer retrieves a ladder from the Manatee River near the DeSoto Bridge.

RUSTY CHINNIS

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

MANATEE COUNTY – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has yet to be presented with Florida House Bill 947 and concerned community members are

Parking garage bill stalls

taking advantage of the time to push a petition asking him to veto the bill.

The petition on Change.org was launched by Morgan Bryant on May 15. As of press time for The Sun, it had gained more than 3,900 signatures. The petition urges DeSantis to veto the parking garage bill once it reaches his desk, saying that the proposed threestory parking garage at Manatee Beach would take away from the charm of Anna Maria Island.

It also states that the bill is an attack on home rule since multi-level

MANATEE BEACH: End of an era?

FROM PAGE 1

“I have fond memories of the concession area since 1969,” she said. “That was the beach of choice for the islanders to gather. I used to go in the cold months and lay where the patio is currently behind the wall so I was protected from the cold weather. When they had steps leading to the rest, but it was cut off, my daughter and I used to sit at the top being protected by the cold weather to get sun. At one point I lived on top of West Coast Surf Shop with my daughter and I will never forget the public beach and the concession stand area.”

“I have a lot of memories of the public beach,” Holmes Beach resident and charter fishing Capt. Scott Moore said. “Years ago, we actually used to be able to dance on top of the concession building. There were stairs going up to the top and you could see all over and see the sunsets. My biggest memories are of the fishing pier that was in front of the public beach. We miss that. It also made for great surfing. A lot of people would like to have it back so they could fish off it. I know people don’t like changes, but I don’t care about the parking garage. Give my pier back.”

The owners of the West Coast Surf Shop, Florida’s oldest surf shop at

the edge of the parking lot where the proposed parking garage would be built, are not happy about the prospect of a three-story structure at the beach.

Ronee and Jim Brady have owned the surf shop at 3902 Gulf Drive for 59 years.

“We don’t need any more concrete,” Ronee said, adding, “We have miles of parking at Coquina Beach that’s been under construction for two years. What about that parking?”

Jim expressed concern about the additional traffic and infrastructure.

“We don’t have the infrastructure for more cars,” he said. “The beach holds 500 cars, at the intersection going to the beach there are 35,000 to 40,000 cars a day and it’s congested. At another 1,000 cars with three people per car, there just isn’t enough room.”

Ronee recalls the dances on the concession roof in the 1960s and 70s.

“They used to have steps going up to the top and they had dances up there,” she said. “That building has a lot of history and that’s a shame to lose it.”

Tanner Enoch, whose family has owned the Manatee Beach concession for the past 12 years, is taking a wait-and-see approach.

“We have a good partnership with Manatee County. We work with the county and we appreciate their ongoing

parking garages are not an allowable use in any of the three Island cities. In Holmes Beach, where Manatee County leaders plan to build the structure to accommodate 1,500-plus vehicles, multi-level parking garages are allowed only through a special exception granted by the city’s commissioners. To circumvent that process, the issue was taken to state legislators who thus far have approved the bill to allow the county to build the garage without any input or permits from the city.

The petition can be viewed online at

https://chng.it/6mRkDZTGxQ.

When DeSantis is presented with the bill, he has three options – sign it into law, veto it or take no action, automatically making it law. As of Monday afternoon, the bill had not been presented to the governor by the state Legislature.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said she’s committed to fighting the parking garage being built in the city and is discussing legal options with City Attorney Erica Augello to pursue if DeSantis allows the bill to pass.

effort to make improvements,” Enoch said. “Right now, my understanding is they’re seeing if they’re able to do this. I’m not super concerned.”

Enoch said his family’s beach concessions at Manatee and Coquina Beaches employ around 70 people.

“We’re happy with what we have here and we hope it doesn’t change anytime soon,” he said.

While too young to see it personally, Enoch said he has seen old pictures of the beach concession building when it

had a rooftop dance floor.

More than 200 people took to The Sun’s Facebook page to have their voices heard.

“We’ve been vacationing there for years and plan to buy a home eventually,” Kensy Carter said. “If the parking garage happens, we will have to find a new spot. I can’t imagine how crowded the beaches would be. The quaint vibe we love so much would be ruined.”

It passed the Florida House and Senate, but the bill to build a parking garage at the beach hasn’t found its way to the governor’s desk just yet.

MANATEE COUNTY HISTORICAL RECORDS LIBRARY | SUBMITTED

This vintage postcard photo of the concession building at Manatee Beach shows the railing around the roof when it served as a dance floor and sightseeing spot.

FDOT: Plans Gulf Drive corridor study

FROM PAGE 5

Murphy told the commission he’s not a big fan of these types of studies and he’s seen three or four studies done on the Island in the past that have not yet resulted in any significant follow-up action.

In 2014-15, the three Island cities and Manatee County partnered on a $125,000 Island-wide Urban Land Institute study which to date has not produced any significant study-related actions.

Murphy referenced the Sarasota-Manatee Barrier Island Traffic Study initiated in 2016 and completed in 2020 that recommends extending the Manatee Avenue right turn lane near the Manatee Avenue/Gulf Drive intersection, which has not happened yet.

According to the traffic study-related phase 2 report dated 2018 and posted at the MPO website, FDOT plans to include the Manatee Avenue right turn lane extension as part of the future Anna Maria Bridge replacement project that currently has no announced start date.

When contacted after he reviewed the FDOT plans, Murphy said, “It’s up to our city commission to decide if the city wants this to go forward. I have thought all along that it was odd for FDOT to come into a city and do a study without first at least discussing what is being studied and why. I am comfortable that we now have it under control and the commission will make that decision Thursday night.”

Engler, the man behind The Center concert series

BY JOE BECHT SUN CORRESPONDENT

ANNA MARIA - The Center of Anna Maria Island’s concert series continues to bring great quality entertainment to AMI, thanks to a collaboration with promoter Rich Engler.

Engler grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania. After seeing the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, he decided to make rock music his path in life. The book, Behind the Stage Door, and the subsequent documentary of the same name, tells the story of how Engler became Pittsburgh’s top promoter, working with a series of famous performers

and bands including former Beatle Paul McCartney.

So how did a man who knows former Beatles, Madonna, David Bowie, KISS, Rush, Eric Clapton, U2, Metallica and Aerosmith happen to start bringing name acts to Anna Maria Island?

“I knew someone at The Center who was also from Pittsburgh. Through this person and the great sponsors such as The Sandbar and Cedar Cove, I was able to make these shows happen,” Engler explained. “My wife and I love Anna Maria, so this is a labor of love. We can’t

wait to get back there for the upcoming concert series.”

The limited crowd size at The Center is a challenge for Engler, but he is happy to see the people who come to the shows.

“It’s great for people in this area to see quality entertainment without having to drive all the way to Tampa or Clearwater,” he said.

Last season saw Beatlemania, The Orchestra, Tommy De Carlo and Grand Funk Railroad play The Center. Engler gave a couple of hints on who is coming in 2023-24.

“We are bringing the top Queen tribute band to Anna Maria as well as Jim Messina. We have more name acts coming but we need to keep these as a surprise.”

The Center hires new development director

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - The Center of Anna Maria Island has a new director of development, Jillian Ptak. The position was opened following the recent retirement of Jim McDaniel, who served in the role for the past two years.

CENTER NOTES

The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria, is offering several youth specialty camps with registration required by June 1. Youth Tennis Fundamentals is June 5-9 from 10 a.m. to noon and is open to

“We offer our greatest thanks to Jim for all he brought to The Center and look forward to Jillian stepping in to continue his amazing work,” according to a press release from The Center.

Ptak has been The Center’s director of customer service for more than two years.

“Jillian believes in The Center’s mission and wants to have a bigger part in where it’s going,” according to the release. “She’s excited to use her expertise in cultivating relationships

kids from K-5th grade. $175/member and $200/non-members.

Jim Rimi: Fundamentals in Photography is open to grades 3-5 on Monday, June 5 from 9-10:30 a.m. and Tuesday, June 6 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For 6th-9th graders, the dates are Tuesday, June 6 from 9-10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, June 7 from 9-10:15 a.m. $85/members and $95/ non-members.

to help grow the organization’s development efforts.”

Ptak, her husband, Jimmy, and her daughter, Jade, are active members of The Center. She graduated from Manatee High School and attended State College of Florida, majoring in business, and has more than 20 years of experience in retail management and customer service.

“We are optimistic about this new chapter for our organization and are excited to see all that Jillian brings to

Pour Painting workshop for teens in 6th to 9th grades will be held on Wednesday, June 7 from 1-4 p.m. $90/ members and $100/non-members.

Dev’s Bevs Juice Party is open to kids K-5th grade on Wednesday, June 7 from 1-3 p.m. and for those in 6th-9th grade, on Wednesday, June 21 from 1-3 p.m. $35/members and $45/nonmembers.

Tumbling and Dance workshops:

her new position,” according to the release.

On The Center’s Facebook page, the following tribute was paid to McDaniel: “The Center of Anna Maria Island community wants to send a huge thank you to Jim McDaniel for his hard work, dedication and contributions over the last four years as the director of development. We wish Jim the best of luck in his retirement. Jim is looking forward to spending time with his wife Susan, visiting his children and grandchild. He will truly be missed!”

K-2nd grade on Thursday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to noon; 3rd -5th grade on Tuesday, June 13 from 9:30 a.m. to noon; and 6th-9th grade on Thursday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. $35/ members and $65/non-members.

Bimini Bay Youth Sailing Camp for kids 10-16 years old, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Sessions are June 12-16; June 19-23 and June 26-30. $200/members and $225/non-members.

Ptak

Center soccer kicking toward championships

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – With all three soccer leagues winding down at The Center, the championship games are in sight for the youth and adult Island ballers.

Last Tuesday night the number one and two seed teams in the 8- to 10-year-old league had a bye week as their reward for finishing the regular season on top. The Cheesecake Cutie team finished number one with 15 points in the season and a 5-1-0 record.

The Sato Real Estate squad came in a close second with 12 points and four wins in the six-game regular season.

Four scorers put up the points for team Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control last week to put the team into the next round of playoffs.

Wesley Bekkerus, Madeline Kimmons, Maggie Niedzwick and Callin Westfall each made a goal against AMI Coconuts goalkeeper Andre Harwood.

The Westfall offense kept Harwood on his toes during the first round playoff game, making 10 saves in the match. In the opposite goal, Westfall is credited with a save, along with teammate Kason Price’s seven stops.

Scoring the lone goal for AMI Coconuts, TJ Hagey and his teammates could not get past their opponents’ defense and find the net.

Westfall’s Lawn Care took on Sato Real Estate Monday in the first youth semifinal game. In the second game this past Monday, Cheesecake Cutie played team Island Real Estate, the winner of the second quarterfinal game last week.

In post-regulation time penalty kicks, Island Real Estate secured the second semifinal slot, winning against Solid Rock Construction.

Before the PKs, each team scored a single goal. Solid Rock’s Matthew Darak and Island Real Estate’s Preston LaPensee took the teams to a kickoff to determine who played the Cheesecake squad.

With seven and eight saves respectively, goalies Isaac Roadman, for Solid Rock

Construction, and Miles Moss, for Island Real Estate, helped secure the overtime play.

Solid Rock Construction’s Elijah Roadman made the only PK for his team. Under the pressure of overtime play, Owen Mahoney and Jordy Perez each made their penalty kicks, helping to secure Island Real Estate’s place in the semifinals.

The winners of the league go head-to-head on May 23 at 6 p.m. in the final game of the season.

The 11- to 13-year-old teams finished their regular season games last week with Gulf Drive Café defeating Shady Lady Horticultural Services 4-3 and HSH Designs winning over Moss Builders 5-2.

Monday night the Gulf Drive team was scheduled to play team Shady Lady in the semifinals. The other semifinal matchup put HSH Designs against Moss Builders to

determine the championship game scheduled for May 23 at 7 p.m.

Adult co-ed soccer semifinal play last Thursday night saw the second seed Pool America winning by one goal against the eighth seed Moss Builders.

In the second game of the night, Vintage Beach, ranked seventh, beat the third seed Sandbar Seafood & Spirits 6-3.

The Paul “Ace” Hayward championship game is scheduled for Thursday night at The Center to end another season of soccer on the Island.

In 5- to 7-year-old league action last Monday night, Blenker Boatworks’ Titus Moss goes to make the defensive attack against Ugly Grouper’s Ruthie Ball on The Center’s small pitch in developmental play.

According to Lawrence Yen, whom I quote frequently, “It’s a unique market condition.”

Coming from the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, this is saying something considering all of the other unique markets we’ve lived through. This particular unique market is the continuation of a lack of inventory even though sales are down in most areas of the country including many parts of Florida, as well as ours.

The problem is that a large portion of homeowners in the country don’t want to sell. This group may actually want to sell and move on to a larger family home or retire to a smaller home, but they feel they are locked into very low-rate mortgages. The “golden handcuffs” homeowners find themselves locked into are keeping the supply of homes for sale unusually low.

The lack of properties is not the first time this has happened. The sub-prime mortgage crisis slowed things down, as did COVID-19 when buyers rushed to snap up larger homes when remote work and

Too good to give up Castles in the

Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

school necessitated more family space. So, what happens when supplies go down or at least don’t go significantly up? Supply and demand kicks in and prices go up. A healthy housing market is traditionally described as having four to six months’ supply of homes. Right now, Manatee County is at 2.7 months for singlefamily homes.

However, builders are getting a boost from the lack of resales and are starting to build again now that the supply chain is improving. And home improvement contractors are also benefiting since those homeowners who are staying put are expanding and remodeling.

According to the mortgage data firm

Black Knight, as of March 31, nearly two-thirds of primary mortgages had an interest rate below 4%. In addition, about 73% of primary mortgages have fixed rates for 30 years; these mortgages are “golden” and something homeowners won’t easily give up. Current mortgage rates are approximately in the mid-6% range and have fortunately been steady for a while.

The April sales statistics for Manatee County were released at the end of last week so it’s time to report what the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee published.

Single-family homes in Manatee County hit a record median sale price of $570,000, 10.7% more than in April last year. This surpasses the previous record for median home prices, meaning so far, our local market continues to be strong relative to the country as a whole. Here’s the rest of the story.

Single-family homes closed with 4.3% fewer properties from April of last year. The median sales price was $570,000, up 10.7%

from last April, and the average sale price was $735,779, up 0.9%. The median time to contract was 28 days versus five days last year. New pending sales were up 30.2% and the month’s supply of properties was 2.7 months.

Condos closed 15.8% fewer properties from April of last year. The median sales price was $380,795, up 8.8%, and the average sale price was $452,160, up 12.9%. The median time to contract was 27 days versus five days last year. New pending sales were up 4% and the month’s supply of properties was 3.5 months.

One of the advantageous side effects of this unique market is the fact that in spite of inflation and job layoffs, the housing market and housing prices may stay strong nationally. Not great news for marginal buyers or first-time buyers, but buyers with equity from a previous home and income to cover the additional mortgage rates will keep things afloat.

Unique can be a good or a bad thing; either way, we’re still struggling with a lack of inventory.

4+ CAR GARAGE

OBITUARIES

Robert George Becker

Robert George Becker, 77, passed away on May 6, 2023 at HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Aug. 24, 1945 to parents Robert Ernest Becker and Mary Jane

(Muckerman)

Becker. The family moved to Manatee County in 1951.

Bob served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965-71 with the rank of sergeant and attended the University of South Florida in Tampa upon his return from the Air Force. After a brief career as an insurance adjuster, he joined the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, serving 22 years from 1982 to 2004.

Among Bob’s many interests, he was passionate about rare fruits, serving on the board of the Rare Fruit Council, and was involved in the founding of Palma Sola Botanical Park. Bob was an avid car enthusiast and possessed a brilliant mind and curiosity on

many topics. Although he was housebound in recent years, he was always researching and reading on his computer until the week of his passing.

Bob was married to the late Shelby Nelson Becker from 1984 to 2007. Bob is survived by his daughter, Kristina Price, of Texas; granddaughters, Christian Ragoonanansingh, Isabella Armenta and Kora Armenta; siblings, Larry Becker of North Carolina, and Ruth Lawler, Linda Becker and Eric Becker of Manatee County; stepchildren, Cheryl Richeson, Suzanne Nelson, Michael Nelson and Melissa Bradow; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Over the last several years Bob received much love and assistance from his sister, Linda Becker, niece, Maryann Lawler and friend, Annette Kinship. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel with graveside services with military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

BEACH BEAT

HOLMES BEACH

5/7, 7:27 a.m., petty theft, 3900 E. Bay Drive. The officer was dispatched to Publix in reference to a shoplifter. The manager told the officer an employee advised him the suspect had been taking items from the store for the past two days. After reviewing video footage, the suspect was observed shoplifting multiple bottles of alcohol, grapes and salmon. Officers later located the suspect at Manatee Beach wearing the same clothes he was wearing in the video footage. The suspect was trespassed from the beach and Publix, then released.

5/10, 12:14 a.m., camping violation, 4000 Gulf Drive. While conducting foot patrol at Manatee Beach, officers saw a man sleeping on a bench after hours. The man was notified that nobody was permitted in the park between 10 p.m. and dawn. The man said he was just napping, but didn’t seem to understand the park hours. He was issued a notice to appear in court for violating the Holmes Beach camping ordinance. He was also trespassed for a period of one year.

Surf lesson

CINDY LANE | SUN

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer season, and a good time to take boogie boarding lessons from a friend.

COMMISSION: Approves review of roof estimates

FROM PAGE 3

Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Marilyn Maro had excused absences from the meeting.

In other business, Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella introduced herself to commissioners and thanked them for adopting May 1 as Suzi Fox Day.

“I’m trying to continue Suzi Fox’s legacy,” Mazzarella said. “I hope to keep up the conservation efforts, the educational efforts that Suzi had done.”

“You have some big shoes to fill and I’m sure you can do it,” Chappie said. “We appreciate all the work Turtle Watch has done.”

The Center of Anna Maria Island and the Annie Silver Community Center also made a presentation.

Center Executive Director

Christopher Culhane gave a rundown of financials at The Center.

“Looking at financials, you can see program revenue is up significantly this year-18%,” Culhane said.

“That’s a total of $691,000. Where we’re falling behind this year is contributions and grants.”

Culhane said the COVID money has stopped.

“Direct costs are up,” Culhane said. “We added benefits this year. In this job market it’s a needed asset.”

“Most of our deficit at this moment is in capital repairs,” he said. “So far, we’ve added showers, we’ve remodeled the foyer, we have painted and patched just about the entire facility inside and out. Capital outlay this year so far is $151,000

to date. We will spend another $120,000 in the near term on air conditioning.”

Culhane said Annie Silver has received help from The Center.

“We’ve tried to give more time from our staff to help them,” he said.

Spooner expressed appreciation to Culhane for all that they’ve done for the community.

“I’d like to thank you guys for doing what you do down there,” he said. “You’ve really upped the level.”

Chappie noted that the city is in the early stages of its budgetary process.

“This is something we need to look at seriously - our municipal contributions,” Chappie said. “Things are looking good for us financially so we’ll see.”

MANATEE BEACH: End of an era?

FROM PAGE 31

“Ever since moving to the Island in 1999, we have enjoyed eating at the Manatee Beach café,” Suzanne Lansing Moderhak said. “Our kids/grands call it ‘pancakes on the beach.’ We have met our Canadian friends every Wednesday night for years during season for dinner to eat and listen to the music. We are very disappointed in the decision to tear it down for 2 years while an unnecessary parking garage is built.”

“This cafe and beach area is an iconic part of AMI, with decades of memories for so many!” Laura Lynch said, adding that she feels having a concrete parking garage as the first impression of Anna Maria Island for visitors is “a travesty,” a sentiment echoed by many others, including Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, who led opposition to the garage.

Multi-level parking garages are not an allowable use within the city of Holmes Beach, where Manatee Beach is located, unless commissioners approve a special exception.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge took his plan to build a parking garage at the county-owned beach to the local state legislative delegation when he concluded that Holmes Beach commissioners would not approve the use. Legislators gave his plan their unanimous approval, translating the request into a

A crowd gathers well before sunset on May 11 to listen to live music, eat dinner and enjoy the view at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café at Manatee Beach. The beach café building, along with restrooms and a retail shop, is planned to be demolished as part of a plan to build a parking garage at the site.

bill that passed both the state House and Senate. DeSantis can choose to sign, veto or ignore the bill, which would put it into law automatically.

If the bill becomes law, Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse said he estimates it would take about a year to get shovels in the ground to start construction of the parking garage if it’s approved by a majority of county commissioners. Estimated to cost around $45 million with at least a two-year construction time, the garage would have to have paid parking to pay for construction and upkeep, estimated at $2 per hour per vehicle, Van Ostenbridge said.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

BOAT SLIP WANTED

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

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

CARE GIVER

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT

&

LEASE

HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

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

EMPLOYMENT

AM ISLAND ELECTRIC BIKE COMPANY is looking for a Electric Bike Technician. Looking for a motivated Bike Tech to manage service electric bikes and store front sales. If you are seasoned bike tech without Electric Bike Service experience, Dealer will train you.

$22-26 +Hour + Sales Incentives. Reach out to Rob Fallon, Owner contact 908.662.5213 or rfallo2424@ amislandebikes.com

HVAC OPEN POSITIONS

Service Tech, Installer, Apprentice. Apply at West Coast Air Conditioning, 5437 Gulf Dr #4 or call 941-778-9622

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

FISHING CHARTERS

CAPT. MAC GREGORY

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

U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941726-3077

RENOVATION SPECALIST

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION

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

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-962-1194

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations

Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995

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

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

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

HOME SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941778-4823 or Veronik 941526-7941

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING

YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-7940455

DONALD PERKINS

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

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

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home?

Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941725-1589

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

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTAL NICE Furnished 2BR/2BA at Perico Bay Club. Resort living at its best just off the Island. $3,300/ monthly. Duncan Real Estate call Paige Rogers 513-382-1992.

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

ANNUAL, UNFURNISHED RENTAL 3 miles from AMI in Village Green of Bradenton. 2BR/2BA, large great room and yard. Contact Sato Real Estate at 941-778-7200 for showings and more information.

ANNUAL 2BR/1BA coming available 1st of June $1550/mo plus utilities, 1st, last & Sec dep call 941 778-4800 for details

ANNUAL: 1BR/1BA Guest apartment Holmes Beach. Renovated, beautifully furnished. Available June 1. Small fenced yard, pets considered, washer/dryer. $2000/mo. Call 305-7938980. 5/17 NEW Arthur

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

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

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

SARASOTA CITY 1 Or 2 Bedroom Cozy Getaway. Quaint Sarasota Apartment. Walk To City. Five Minutes From The Beach. 2 Night Minimum Stay 1 Bedroom $250 Per Night And 2 Bedroom $290 Per Night. Please Call Joe 908-507-4146

TRANSPORTATION

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

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