Anna Maria Island Sun May 27, 2020

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 33

May 27, 2020

Clouds, rain produce smaller Memorial Day beach crowds

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Fewer people on Coquina Beach late Monday morning made for easier social distancing. See story and more photos Page 3.

Short-term vacation rentals reopen for holiday weekend Vacation rental companies said their phones were ringing off the hook after the announcement was made.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Anna Maria Island’s short-term vacation rentals were allowed to reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend, with some restrictions.

On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) approved the Manatee

INSIDE NEWS 4 OPINION OUTDOORS

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REAL ESTATE

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FOOD AND WINE

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County short-term vacation rental reopening plan submitted by County Administrator Cheri Coryea. The state approval took effect immediately.

While local municipalities can still ban vacation rentals, all three Anna Maria Island cities are allowing rentals to reopen.

“Vacation rental check-ins are now allowed in Anna Maria,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said Thursday afternoon after reading the approved plan.

Murphy then issued a local emergency order rescinding a previously issued order that prohibited new vacation rental reservations in that city.

SEE RENTALS, PAGE 18

Outdoor dining expands in Bradenton Beach Applications for expanded outdoor business space can be downloaded at the city website.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORREPSONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Four Bradenton Beach restaurants now have approval to expand their outdoor dining areas into parking spaces under to a new city ordinance assisting businesses with their COVID-19 economic recovery efforts.

The Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Bridge Tender Inn, Daiquiri Deck and Wick-

ed Cantina are approved as of Friday, May 22 to use additional outdoor dining space as provided by the city commission’s adoption of Ordinance 20-516 on Thursday, May 21.

The ordinance creates a temporary citywide allowance for additional outdoor dining, retail and business space for those whose applications are approved by city staff and Mayor John Chappie.

As part of these efforts, several streetside parking spaces along the east end of Bridge Street have been cordoned off to provide businesses additional outdoor space to operate within.

SEE DINING, PAGE 18

MAKE ‘ BACON

MOOSE LODGE FEEDS first

BOURBON

responders in appreciation 4

deviled eggs for Dad’s Day. 24

THE CENTER GYM

opens on a limited basis 9

CROSSWORD 25

Anna Maria Island, Florida

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Weather reduces Memorial Day crowds Parking spaces could still be found at Anna Maria Island’s beaches on Memorial Day.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Celebrated in the shadow of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Memorial Day drew lighter than usual crowds to Anna Maria Island’s beaches due to cloudy weather and a rainy forecast on Monday.

Still, it was a “very busy weekend,” Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said. “The weather helped keep the crowds light on Monday, and our parking rules did well to help social distancing for areas other than the public beach throughout the weekend.”

“Our parking lots were at full capacity by 9:30 on Saturday and Sunday,” Manatee County Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman said. “Having our Code Enforcement division as well as extra law enforcement presence helped with parking, alcohol and many other violations that curbed later in the day issues.”

Lifeguards had their typical weekend incidents of lost and found children, minor first aids and a few water rescues, he said,

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Left, Bradenton Beach resident and ICU nurse Tracy Eckert spent Memorial Day on the beach with retired Air Force Colonel Roy McMacken. Above, The jetty near the Anna Maria City Pier provided space for grilling, gathering, walking and fishing. Below right, Grady, Tenley and Josie Chancey from Palmetto enjoyed the Bayfront Park playground in Anna Maria Monday afternoon.

TRACY ECKERT | SUBMITTED

adding, “We did respond with the Sheriff’s marine unit to the north end of the Island for a water emergency on Saturday that was transported to the Rod and Reel Pier,” but no further information was available.

“Friday, Saturday and Sunday parking lots were insane; people just kept coming but had nowhere to park because the beaches were full and stayed that way all day,” he said.

Under cloudy but pleasant skies on

Monday, beachgoers had plenty of room to social distance while enjoying their beach of choice with family members and friends.

And with the concession stands now open at Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach, beachgoers could again enjoy a meal, snack, soft drink or an adult beverage as part of their beach experience.

A handful of well-spaced boats gathered offshore of Jewfish Key, including a private party boat that featured a waterslide and diving platforms. Monday’s choppier seas also produced less holiday action than usual at the Coquina North, Coquina South and Kingfish boat ramps.

Shortly after 11 a.m. on Memorial Day, light and intermittent rain sprinkles fell briefly in Holmes Beach but quickly dissipated. Shortly after 1 p.m., a harder rain began to fall and that chased some beachgoers to drier ground or back to their mainland homes.

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MAY 27, 2020

Island bar owners, bartenders protest continued closures Bars and nightclubs are among the few Florida businesses that have not been allowed to reopen.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Members of Anna Maria Island’s bar industry joined their peers in protesting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to keep Florida’s bars and nightclubs closed.

The Tuesday, May 19 protest took place in front of the Wade Thompson law office on Manatee Avenue West, near downtown Bradenton. Protestors wore masks to demonstrate their willingness to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, DeSantis issued Executive Order 2068, an order that suspended the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption at bars and nightclubs that generate more than 50% of their revenue from alcohol sales.

DeSantis’ order currently impacts six stand-alone bars on the Island: The Drift In, the Sports Lounge and Tommyknockers Saloon AMI in Bra-

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Drift In owner Angie Cuervo shared her message with passing motorists. denton Beach and the Anchor Inn, D Coy Ducks and The Doctor’s Office in Holmes Beach. Bortell’s Lounge in Anna Maria is currently closed for renovations. DeSantis’ order also prevents the Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach from reopening.

DeSantis’ initial phase one reopening plan took effect May 4 and was expanded on May 18. As of Saturday,

the full phase one reopening plan still excluded bars and nightclubs.

Tuesday’s protest coincided with a petition letter Thompson sent to DeSantis and other state and local officials on behalf of The Association of Independent Bars of Manatee.

The association was founded by Papa Joe’s Sports Bar and Scalawags Pub owners Joe and Amy Harris and Gators

Lounge & Package owner Brent Cohenour and his wife Kelly. According to the petition letter, Thompson is part owner of Gators Lounge & Package.

The association includes Anchor Inn owners Darla and Bob Tingler, Drift In owners Joe and Angie Cuervo and Tommyknockers Saloon AMI owners Frank and Sheila Commendatore.

During the protest, Joe Cuervo said, “In the middle of March, I got five hours’ notice that I was going to be shut down. We want Governor DeSantis to know that we want to open our businesses. We’ve got families to feed and bills to pay. What difference is there getting a Coke or a drink or a beer at a bar versus going into a restaurant? Those licenses are only about $1,800 a year. Our liquor license cost us over $350,000. We need to get back to work. I’m paying my employees, but I’m about out of money. I need to get some relief and open this up.”

Standing beside Cuervo, Darla Tingler said, “We can’t open our doors just because we don’t serve $25 grouper sandwiches. We could probably social distance better in our bars than they can in many restaurants. I want to be SEE BARS, PAGE 10

Moose Lodge feeds first responders As of Sunday, the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge remained closed according to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order regarding bars and nightclubs.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge provided free steak and lobster dinners to nearly 100 first responders last week, despite being closed for regular business as part of the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdowns.

First responders stopped by the Moose Lodge Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to grab free takeout meals for themselves and their co-workers.

On Friday afternoon, 58 to-go meals were shared with members of the Bradenton Beach Police Department, Manatee County Marine Rescue and West Manatee Fire Rescue battalions in Holmes Beach and Cortez.

The first responders who dropped by the Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach Friday afternoon were greeted by Lodge administrator Byron Dalton and several lodge officers and volunteers.

“We, along with the board of officers at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, decided to thank our police officers, firemen and beach rescue folks for all the hard work they’ve done keeping people safe and secure as we deal with the COVID-19 virus,” Dalton said.

Lt. John Cosby from the Bradenton Beach Police Department said, “It’s a nice gesture and it’s really appreciated.”

Accompanied by Lt. Marshall Greene, Manatee County Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman said, “I’d like to thank

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Clockwise above, members of the Bradenton Beach Police Department and Manatee County Marine Rescue received free steak and lobster dinners Friday afternoon. West Manatee Fire Rescue personnel were warmly greeted and treated to a free meal courtesy of the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge.

Joey Darden, Zack Machlit and Kyle Oler prepared the meals distributed Friday afternoon. the members of the Moose Lodge here in Bradenton Beach for all they’ve done for our community, and for providing our staff with a lovely meal today. The outpour from our community for the help we give on a day-to-day basis is greatly appreciated.”

After arriving by fire truck with Trevor Sturn, Adam Baggett and Jeff Taylor, WMFR Battalion Chief Chris Kiernan said, “It’s fantastic. It’s very nice of them to think of us, especially with all that’s going on with the coronavirus. We greatly appreciate it.”

The quartet departed with several dinners to distribute to their fellow firefighters.

Moose Lodge culinary team members Zack Machlit, Joey Darden and Kyle Oler prepared the steak and lobster tail dinners distributed Friday afternoon.

The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge is one of many fraternal lodges in Florida that remain closed due to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision not to reopen Florida bars, nightclubs and other establishments that generate more than 50% of their revenues from alcohol sales under his phase one reopening plans.

MAY 27, 2020

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Funds committed for more undergrounding plans City officials want to underground the utility lines along Gulf Drive.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach City Commissioners have agreed to spend up to $7,000 to pursue the potential undergrounding of utility lines along Gulf Drive.

The project would be in addition to the undergrounding project currently taking place along Bridge Street. The Bridge Street project is being funded by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which already plans to underground a short stretch of power lines along Gulf Drive between Bridge Street and the Cortez Bridge.

The additional citywide undergrounding efforts are contingent on the city receiving a $2 million state appropriation approved by the state Legislature earlier this year.

On Thursday, May 21, City Attorney Ricinda Perry told commissioners that Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet signed the proposed state budget due to lingering concerns about the financial impacts

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

If pursued, the proposed undergrounding project would likely begin at the north end of the city. the state might experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Perry said there’s a chance DeSantis might veto funds currently appropriated for municipal projects.

With the governor’s budgetary decisions still looming, the commission discussed committing up to $42,000 in city funds for the preliminary planning

needed to get the proposed undergrounding project placed in the queue of future Florida Power & Light projects.

Perry said the intent is to “get the ball rolling” so preliminary plans are in place if DeSantis does not veto the appropriations request.

Commissioners Jake Spooner and Jan Vosburgh expressed concerns about

committing city funds at this time, rather than waiting a month or so for DeSantis to finalize the state budget. Vosburgh also expressed concerns about the potential impact the pandemic may have on the city’s anticipated tax revenues.

When discussing where to start with a potential three-phase Gulf Drive undergrounding project, Commissioner Ralph Cole and Mayor John Chappie said they wanted to start at the northern city limit and work south, rather than starting near Coquina Beach and working north.

Cole and Chappie said starting on the north end of the city would benefit more residents than starting at the southernmost end of the city occupied by the county-owned beach and boat ramps before the residential structures begin at 13th Street South.

The commission discussed committing $18,000 for the project but eventually decided to commit no more than $7,000 for now.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the governor’s pending budget decisions, Spooner said he was still concerned about committing $7,000, but he joined the rest of the commission in supporting Cole’s motion to move forward with the planning process.

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Pat Copeland Steve Borggren Monica Simpson

ON THE AGENDA

Where is the friendliness?

I have been very disturbed about what is happening on the Island when it comes to visitors driving to the beaches to enjoy it after 10 weeks of lockdown due to this pandemic. In my five decades living on the island, I have never seen a concerted effort to let others know they are not welcome. I have never seen the White Avenue parking lot, owned by the church, have all parking blocked off when there were no projects or it was being used as a staging area. I drove to the grocery store this weekend and saw the school parking lot taped off, the abandoned bank next to CVS and other businesses. Many tow trucks on the Island were towing cars away due to illegal parking this weekend. The funny thing was before the emergency declaration, these cars would never gotten a ticket. My city prohibited all side

street parking and from what I am told will take away approximately 1,500 parking spaces that the cities have allowed beachgoers to use since I was in office in 1991 and involved with the first beach renourishment. Anna Maria had to limit parking a few weeks ago when my city banned all side street parking per a news story I read where the mayor was interviewed. My city raised parking tickets from $30 to $100 since the pandemic.

I read on social media daily that many new Island residents do not like all the tourists. Most complaining have not lived here very long. Tourists pay for your Island businesses to stay open; the local dog groomer, construction businesses, hardware, restaurants, rental stores, Artists Guild, theater, coffee shops, drug stores, Duffy's, Skinny's, Surf Shop, ice cream businesses, etc. The tourists pay for beach renourishment (in 1991, the Gulf of Mexico was lapping

along Gulf Drive CafĂŠ, Martinique condos and Sandbar Restaurant) that protects our homes. The state and feds contribute millions for our beach renourishment. Your county worked with the cities to receive beach concession stand profits over a certain amount paid to the county and give back to the cities. The county is very restricted on tourist tax and this was a way to give back to the Island. A few years ago, the county gave a total of $1 million for the cities to use as they saw fit. It is building a reserve again. Tourist tax contributed monies for the Anna Maria Pier, Bridge Street Pier and the tearing down of Public Beach Pier. We were committed to replace the Holmes Beach pier but the city did not want it replaced.

What happened to the Island I grew up on where we welcomed those to our Island as we have been fortunate enough to actually live here?

Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach

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ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

For information, call 941-7086130 City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

May 28, 6 p.m. – City Commission regular meeting June 1, noon – Election qualifying

period begins June 11, 10 a.m. – City Commission special meeting June 12, noon – Election qualifying period ends

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

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

June 3, 9 a.m. – Capital Improvement

Plan meeting June 3, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting June 3, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting June 4, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting June 11, 1 p.m. – Department Head meeting

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

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City hall is currently closed to the public. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

June 3, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting June 8, noon – Election qualifying period begins June 9, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting followed by work session June 12, noon – Election qualifying period ends

For more information, call 941-7085800

MARK YOUR CALENDAR May 27 June 9 Area events are canceled.

The Island Branch Library is closed.

Tingley Memorial Library is closed.

All classes at area parks and recreation areas are canceled.

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s fitness center is open with limited capacity.

The Holmes Beach dog park, Scentral Park, skate park, basketball courts and tennis courts are open to the public.

Local preserves are open to the public including Grassy Point Preserve, Perico Preserve, Neal Preserve and Robinson Preserve. Local beaches are open to the public.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

City hall turns a shade of blue Bradenton Beach City Hall was recently painted and the exterior is now blue instead of yellow. As of Friday, city hall remained closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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MAY 27, 2020

IN BRIEF LBK bike accident results in fatality A bicyclist lost his life Saturday in a bicycle accident that occurred along the 6700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive near the north end of Longboat Key. “This involved bicycles and no vehicles. Four adult men were all riding bicycles when two of the four crashed. The two who crashed were taken to area hospitals as trauma alerts. The crash remains under investigation,” Sarasota Police Department Public Information Officer Genevieve Judge said on Saturday.

Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming confirmed that there was a fatality on Saturday and said he was unable to provide further comment due to the ongoing investigation.

Correction:

BY JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Gulf Drive South travel lanes restored The Manatee County force main replacement project work taking place on Gulf Drive South near Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach was completed Friday afternoon and that stretch of road just south of Bridge Street was fully reopened in time for Memorial Day weekend. The ongoing project now shifts to Fifth Street South.

Regarding indoor dining, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-123 says, “The requirement for a minimum of six feet between parties is superseded to the extent appropriate partitioning is in place.”

A story in last week’s Sun stated otherwise.

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MAY 27, 2020

Center reopens with limited access

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

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s fitness center reopened May 20 with limited access and new safety procedures in place.

The fitness center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the hours of 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. reserved for active adults age 65 and older. The fitness

center is closed on Saturday and Sunday for the time being.

Limited group fitness classes begin in the gymnasium on June 1. Organized sports including pickleball and basketball will be allowed later. Personal training is currently available. Equipment has been moved to allow for physical and social distancing while working out. To schedule an appointment, contact Brenda Can-

ning at The Center.

New health and safety checks include temperature checks at the front desk prior to checking in, new liability waivers, wiping down equipment before and after your workout, maintaining social distancing of at least six feet from others and encouraging anyone who feels sick to stay at home. For more information, visit www.centerami.org or call 941-778-1908.

Volunteers needed for weekly food drive event Volunteers are needed for a weekly food pantry event. Feeding Tampa Bay is working with the Manatee County Government Feeding Work Group to put on a weekly drive-thru food pantry event where each family will receive about 50 pounds of food.

Currently, 20-25 volunteers are

needed for each event to assist with food distribution and traffic management. Events take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through June at State College of Florida, lot one, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. Volunteers need to arrive one hour before the event to receive instructions

and should plan to stay for at least 30 minutes after the event to help clean up the site. For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, visit https://volunteer. volunteerflorida.org/opportunity/ a0Cf400000UZihnEAD?layoutVie wMode=tablet.

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Sunday -Thursday 11:30 am - 9:00 pm Friday/Saturday 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

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Center opens for summer camp

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

ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island is opening its doors for the Summer My Way camp beginning June 1.

Campers will be welcomed back to The Center this summer for 10 weeks of summer camp running weekly through July 31 with drop off at 8 a.m. and pick up at 6 p.m. daily Monday through Friday.

Each week, the camp will feature a new theme, beginning with Nature Explorers on June 1 and continuing with Summer Spectacular, Florida Fact Week, Lost in Space, Team USA, Celebration of Nations, LEGO Mania, Shark Week and Back to School Bonanza. Each week features a different sport, starting with P.E. Games and continuing throughout the summer with soccer, quidditch, dodgeball, flag football, wiffleball, kickball, relay races, basketball, hockey, soccer and pickleball.

Every Friday will have extra activities, treats and field trips as they can be arranged.

To attend, campers are required to have a new registration packet for the 2020-21 school year and must register prior to attending. The registration fee is $25.

The cost per week is $165 per child for non-members and $145 per child for Center members.

Details for only one specialty camp have been released. This year’s drama camp will take place from 9 a.m. to noon July 13-24. The cost is $240 to attend with aftercare offered at an additional cost.

The Center’s staff also plans to bring back the teen camp, though no details have been released.

For more information or to register, visit www. centerami.org, call 941-778-1908 or visit The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. To inquire about additional specialty camps, ask questions or express interest in teen camp, contact Ashley Friszman at ashley@centerami.org.

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MAY 27, 2020

BARS: Bartenders protest continued closures FROM PAGE 4

treated equal to those that already have their doors open. We’ve missed St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve missed Easter weekend, we’re going to miss Memorial Day weekend and we missed season.”

Anna Maria Island Beach Café bar manager Jason Benn, Sports Lounge bartender Courtney McGough, Drift In bartender Dan Cleary and Drift In patron Donald White also participated in the protest.

“I just want my barstool back,” White said.

“We want to get the bars back open again so everybody can get back to work and make money,” Joe Harris said.

Similar protests have occurred in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Daytona Beach and elsewhere in Florida.

On May 19, David Marshlack, owner of JWags Saloon in St. Petersburg, filed a lawsuit against DeSantis.

“We are going to have our day in court. This should be fun. Now they have opened movie theatres, massage parlors, breweries and the casinos, but bars can’t open still. Guess we are going to find out how they came up with this set of rules,” says the JWags St. Pete Facebook page.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Anchor Inn owner Darla Tingler and Drift In owner Joe Cuervo want to reopen their bars.

PETITION LETTER

Thompson’s May 19 petition letter said, “The Association of Independent Bars of Manatee would like to remind the governor, state and local governmental officials that our staff and employees are loyal, hard-working people with families that rely on them, who pay taxes and are proud members of our community. Many of them work long hours, have limited resources, and live paycheck-to-paycheck without a safety net or other support to help them.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bar owner Joe Harris, left, helped organize the peaceful protest.

“Our businesses offer our community an essential place for citizens to congregate, network and socialize.

These businesses have been mistreated and discriminated against without due consideration or scientific analysis by the government’s unilateral decision to keep us closed without the opportunity to offer alternative and mitigating, operating procedures which would adequately protect our customers, employees and their families. The resulting hardship on our business, staff

and employees is unfair and avoidable.

We would hereby demand immediate consideration by the governor, state and local authorities of lifting the ban on the continued closing of bars and lounges,” the letter said.

The letter also addressed modified business practices that include hand sanitizing stations for patrons and employees, compliance with social distancing and CDC guidelines, single-use cups and masks worn by bar employees.

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MAY 27, 2020

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Alternate administration building plan rejected A majority of fire commissioners rejected the option to purchase an existing shell building for the district’s new administration offices.

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

BRADENTON – The majority of West Manatee Fire Rescue’s commissioners agreed to continue moving forward with the construction of their own administration building rather than purchase suites in a shell building near Blake Medical Center.

Commissioner Al Robinson brought the idea back to the table during a May 19 meeting, asking realtor J. Daniel Douglass to provide information on a shell building

on 21st Avenue West in Bradenton.

Out of the four units in the building, Douglass said there are three units available with a total of 6,140 square feet. The building, designed to serve as medical offices, currently holds one medical office and is a shell building with sprinklers, a ceiling and air conditioning already installed. Located across the street from the Bishop Animal Shelter, the property features a total of 29 parking spaces and does not meet the hardened hurricane force wind load that commissioners previously said is wanted for the district’s new administration building.

Robinson urged his fellow commissioners to carefully consider purchasing all three units and selling one if the district finds it doesn’t need that much space for administrative staff.

Douglass said that the three units could be purchased for $549,000 and would cost about $614,000 to build out as office space, ending with a total purchase price of $1.2 million, not including condominium fees associated with the property. He added that the building is an as-is purchase.

Commissioner Randy Cooper said he was concerned with the lack of ability to store or stage equipment at the site as it has much less space for parking than the currently planned administration building.

Commissioners Larry Jennis and George Harris both said they have concerns about the building. Some of those concerns voiced by Jennis include that the building isn’t hardened and doesn’t have adequate parking space.

Harris added that the location also is problematic, being well outside of WMFR’s district.

Chief Ben Rigney said he’s been working with representatives from Hall Darling Design Studio and expects to have a not-to-exceed price for construction of the district’s new administration building for commissioner consideration in August.

In April, Rigney presented a potential design for the new administration building that features office space, storage and a hardened conference room that could be used as a westside emergency operations center in the event of a hurricane. The building is currently planned for construction on a lot purchased by the district in 2019 and located off Manatee Avenue behind the Fountain Court Shopping Center.

“I think we’re making good progress,” Jennis said of the potential construction project.

WMFR commissioners vote to increase assessment Commissioners voted to approve a 2.6% assessment rate increase for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

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

BRADENTON – Property owners in the West Manatee Fire Rescue district will see an increase in their assessment rate when TRIM notices are mailed in the fall.

During a May 19 meeting, commissioners voted 3-1, with Commissioner Al Robinson dissenting, to raise the assessment rate 2.6% over the current year’s rates. Commissioner David Bishop was absent.

At the 2.6% increase, the district’s revenue will increase by $189,436,

eliminating the need for district leaders to draw from reserves to meet anticipated needs including capital projects and projected increases in insurance, pension fund contributions and a potential increase in employee compensation. Commissioner Larry Jennis reminded his fellow board members that the coming year is a bargaining year with the firefighters’ union. For the 2020-21 fiscal year, WMFR’s staff projects bring in $7,475,424 in revenue from assessments.

With the increase, the base rate for a residential property increases to $195.53 from $190.57 with the square foot rate increasing from $0.1124 to $0.1153. The total assessment rate for a 2,000-square-foot residential building will increase from $302.97 to $310.85.

For commercial buildings, the base rate will increase from $473.62 to $485.94 with the square foot rate increasing from $0.2051 to $0.2104.

The total assessment rate for a 2,000-square-foot commercial building will increase from $678.72 to $696.37.

Before the vote was taken, Commissioner Al Robinson expressed concern about raising the assessment rate in a year that has produced financial hardship for many property owners.

“I’m not in favor of raising anything,” Robinson said. “We have plenty of money.”

Chief Ben Rigney said that the district’s staff typically spends about 95% of the funds budgeted each year. Any rollover amounts are put into savings for future capital expenses, equipment purchases or emergency savings in case of a natural disaster.

“I think it’s very evident that our staff has been frugal in spending taxpayer dollars,” Commissioner George Harris said, adding that he believes the board makes a sound decision each year concerning assessment rates.

Each year, the amount that commissioners can increase the assessment rate is based on a rolling five-year personal income growth number or PIG. This year, the maximum amount allowed for an increase is 5.46%.

Because he expects the next year’s PIG to be much lower, Rigney asked commissioners to consider a 4% increase, which was rejected by board members.

“I know it was a tough decision but we have to do what’s best for the district,” Commissioner Randy Cooper said after the vote had been taken.

Offering the largest selection of spirits, wine & beer on AMI.

5344 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941.779.2337 Shop & earn discounts at Hurricane Hanks!

Delivery service now available!

12

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MAY 27, 2020

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MAY 27, 2020

THE SUN

13

Parts of Robinson Preserve to close

‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE? WHERE

Work is set to resume on the final construction phases at the 135-acre Robinson Preserve Expansion.

Public access will be closed to the construction area but all other trails into Robinson Preserve will remain open to the public, including the Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology (the NEST).

The $2.8 million restoration project will begin May 26 and last about seven months.

During the project, heavy equipment will be used to enhance fisheries habitat and install native plants.

Crews will also use the closure time to construct new pavilions, restrooms, kayak storage tubes, benches and trailside shade structures.

The habitat restoration project, designed to improve local fish-

High

CINDY LANE | SUN

eries and restore native habitats, is funded through a combination of grants including a $1.5 million contribution from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration as a result of the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill. The remaining $500,000 comes from the Southwest Florida

RED TIDE REPORT

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

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

now seating inside and on our tiki deck we're following all social distancing guidelines... and at then some!AM Open 11:00

reservations requested make yours at swordfishgrill.com or (941)798-2035

LIVE MUSIC

open daily 12-9 pm

curbside pickup available marker 49 by boat - 4628 119th st cortez

Very low

(possible respiratory irritation)

Background

Medium

Low

Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department will oversee the project.

The Robinson Preserve Expansion was started in 2012 with a

(no effects)

None

(no red tide present)

(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills) Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

donation of the 150acre expansion parcel to Manatee County from the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, which acquired the land at a discounted rate from the Robinson family using a monetary pledge from the Mosaic Company Foundation of $3.2 million.

Robinson Preserve first opened to the public in 2007 after habitat improvements were made to the original 482 acres. With the expansion in 2012 and the addition of the Winston Tract in 2016, the total area of Robinson Preserve now exceeds 684 acres.

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OUTDOORS

MAY 27, 2020

Orange Hammock Ranch needs our help

I

first heard of Orange Hammock Ranch from Jon Thaxton, a former Sarasota Commissioner and a longtime champion of conservation efforts in southwest Florida. I remember him saying that if this almost 6,000-acre property is preserved, it will represent a crowning achievement in his lifelong efforts. That got my attention as I respect Thaxton, now the Senior Vice President for Investment at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, for his decades of service to the environment. I was heartened when I learned that in early February, the Florida Cabinet had approved the purchase.

Under the terms of the agreement, the state agreed to pay $19.5 million through the Florida Forever program and the Sarasota County-based Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast committed to $1.5 million for a total of $21 million.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been designated as the managing agency for the property. According to Foundation President Christine Johnson, “Saving Orange

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS Hammock Ranch has been a conservation priority for our community for decades! This property is a breathtaking slice of old Florida and holds the trifecta of land conservation benefits - protecting drinking water, preserving wildlife habitat, and providing exceptional public access.”

Orange Hammock Ranch is located north of Interstate 75 in the city of North Port. Besides the inherent ecological value of the property itself, it is important because It connects RV Griffin Preserve with the Longino Preserve through approximately 6 miles of shared boundaries, and bolsters the 120,000acre buffer along the Myakka River and the connection between the Myakka and

Peace rivers. An estimated 60-75% of the property is wetlands or within a 100-year floodplain. The rainfall that collects on the property feeds Snover Waterway and the Myakkahatchee Creek, both of which are critical sources of North Port’s drinking water. On this property there are hundreds of acres of wetlands intermixed with pine flatwoods, globallyimperiled dry prairie as well as other native habitats. The property is home to quail, indigo snake, the Florida black bear and will be a viable habitat for the Florida panthers that are being bred in the nearby Babcock-Webb Wildlife Management Area.

The importance of purchases like this really hit home when I read a letter written by a 12-year-old neighbor, Brice Claypoole. Brice’s mom, Ali, had read an op-ed on Orange Hammock in a local newspaper by New College Professor Jono Miller and knew Brice would be interested. Brice loves all things nature and is a familiar face at every Sarasota Bay Watch event. At a recent Sister

Keys Invasive Clean-Up, he met Manatee County’s Environmental Programs Manager, Damon Moore. Moore was so impressed with Brice’s enthusiasm that he enlisted him to help with a county restoration project at Coquina Beach. While I correctly view projects like this for the value they represent in the here and now, I was suddenly struck by the importance of these wild places to future generations of Floridians like Brice. Protecting the wild areas of Florida like Orange Hammock Ranch, critically endangered by rampant development, should be a top priority for all Floridians. if we are to assure that children like Brice (and future generations) have the opportunities we’ve had, we need to contribute our time and money to their protection and make sure our legislators know that projects like this are a priority to us.

And let us not forget the importance to the water that surrounds us and the fish we pursue! Lend your support at www. conservationfoundation.com.

www.amisun.com

MAY 27, 2020

Red snapper coming soon CAPTAIN DAVE WHITE

We here at Anna Maria Charters have been focused solely on tarpon this last week. These fish can be hard to figure out. I remember when first getting started how frustrating it can be when the fish are rolling right in front of you and you can’t get a hookup. Luckily, I’ve figured out a little bit here and there to fool them into a bite.

Live crabs are always our go-to bait of choice, with threadfin herring CAPTAIN DAVID WHITE | SUBMITTED coming in at a close Captain David White of Anna second. Depending on Maria Charters wrangles a how the fish are acting tarpon to the boat. and moving is when we select which bait and how to present it.

Next week is the opening of American red snapper for all federally-permitted charter boats. It opens for recreational anglers on the 11th. We’re booked up solid for the first few weeks, as these are one of the best-tasting fish in our area. Bottom fishing is the ticket for these guys.

Using pinfish and dead sardines will get you the most hookups. We hope you all get out and enjoy this next week of stellar weather!

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15

Orange Hammock Ranch - a very rare conservation opportunity

BY BRICE CLAYPOOLE

Last Friday my mom came in the door with a newspaper - she wanted to read an article in it to me. It was about a place right here in Sarasota County called Orange Hammock Ranch. It was a 5,777-acre wild property, mostly wetlands near the city of North Port. It is not heavily invaded by invasive plants, undeveloped and unprotected, very rare in Florida.

Being as into conservation as I am, this sounded really cool.

She kept reading. The state would pay $19.5 million through the Florida Forever Fund to preserve it.

“This is from April Fool’s Day, isn’t it?” I asked, amazed. My mom didn’t answer. “It’s from April Fool’s Day, right?” I asked again.

She continued reading. So, the state would pay all that money but they were $1.5 million short. The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast would have to raise the rest of the money for the property.

They now only needed $300,000 in donations but they had to get it before June 1st.

“So, is it real?” I asked. My mom

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Longbeach Village resident Brice Claypoole hopes you can help him protect Orange Hammock Ranch. said yes, it was real. She showed me the Conservation Foundation’s web page on Orange Hammock where you could donate to help save it. My mom and grandmother were already planning to donate.

There were more articles on it, too. It had even come on the radio and the Community Foundation and other groups we trusted were supporting it; it was clearly real!

Orange Hammock includes a habitat called dry prairie which is unique to Florida, many animals including the burrowing owl live in this sort of habitat. And 5,777 acres of land - that is a rare, and I mean rare, conservation opportunity. Just this was enough for me; I rushed into my room and found a $10 bill to donate. The next day I did more research on the positive impacts preserving it would have and it turns out that it’s also important because large amounts of rainwater collect on the property and feed the Snover Waterway and Myakkahatchee Creek, which are both critical sources for North Port’s drinking water. So, preserving this land wouldn’t just help the environment, but also everyone in the area by providing clean water to drink. It’s also a suitable habitat for the endangered Florida panther! I decided since I didn’t have much money to give, I would try to spread the word about a very important place. A place that not only provides for wild animals, but also provides us with the clean SEE ORANGE HAMMOCK, PAGE 19

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TURTLE TIPS During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also attract hatchlings away from the water.

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

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

• Fill in the holes you dig in the sand before leaving the beach; they can trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which

cannot live long out of the water.

• Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf.

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

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

NESTING NEWS Turtle nests laid: 41 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 47 Nests hatched: 0 Hatchlings hatched: 0 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 0 (City of Anna Maria nests are not being counted due to the 2020 beach renourishment)

Fertilizer ban in effect The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program reminds everyone that Manatee County and Sarasota County ordinances prohibit nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer application from June 1 through Sept. 30.

You can use “summer-safe” yard products like iron, zinc, manganese or fertilizers with “0” as the first two

numbers on the label (as in 0-0-6), which do not contain nitrogen or phosphorous.

Summer rains wash fertilizer into Sarasota Bay, the Manatee River and the Gulf of Mexico; too much can cause algae blooms - including red tide - and fish kills.

Our building may be closed, but our MINISTRIES continue!

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

www.RoserChurch.com/worship

Every SundayCall10:00 AM the office if you need assistance.

Watch LIVE (interactive) or LATER! Call the church text ROSER to 22828 to receive the weekly eBulletin.

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

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

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

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

Call the church office if you would like to talk to a PASTOR.

A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria [near Pier]

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

MAY 27, 2020

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MAY 27, 2020

THE SUN

17

Be aware of nesting birds on beaches As beaches closed by the COVID-19 pandemic begin to reopen, Audubon asks beachgoers to help make beaches safer for birds by avoiding their nesting areas.

“After a generally successful nesting season in 2019, we are reaching out to local beachgoers to respect posted areas around nesting birds so that 2020 will be another banner season. If we share the shore, we can all enjoy the sand together,” said Marianne Korosy, Ph.D., director of bird conservation for Audubon Florida.

On the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Audubon’s Coastal Bird Stewardship Program engages local communities to protect beach-nesting birds from predators and disturbance, like off-leash dogs or fireworks.

Here are some tips to keep birds safe: During bird nesting season, March through August, please follow these tips: • Never touch a shorebird chick, even if it’s wandering outside a staked nesting area.

• Teach kids not to chase birds – bird parents may abandon nests if they’re disturbed.

• Don’t feed birds – it encourages them to fly at people aggressively and is not good for their health.

• If birds are screeching and flying at you, you’re too close.

• Avoid posted bird nesting areas and use designated walkways to the beach.

• Keep pets away from bird nesting areas.

• Keep the beach clean; food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beach, and litter can entangle birds and other wildlife.

• If you see people disturbing nesting birds, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

PETE GROSS | SUBMITTED

Black skimmers (above) and Snowy plovers (left) are among the threatened birds that nest on Anna Maria Island.

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MAY 27, 2020

RENTALS: Reopen for holiday weekend FROM PAGE 1

The city of Holmes Beach recently allowed its local emergency orders banning short-term vacation rentals to lapse.

“I do not plan on a Holmes Beach directive extending the rental ban at this time,” Mayor Judy Titsworth said Thursday afternoon.

The city of Bradenton Beach never issued any COVID-19-related local emergency orders that further restricted vacation rental activity beyond the prohibitions set forth in DeSantis’ executive orders.

“Under the plan, vacation rental agencies may now accept bookings from residents of U.S. states with an overall COVID-19 case rate within the state of less than 700 cases per 100,000 residents as of May 15. Reservations from COVID-19 hot spots identified by the governor are to be avoided for the next 30-45 days. Reservations from international travelers will not be accepted,” according to the press release Manatee County issued Thursday afternoon. “Other guidelines spell out protocols vacation rental owners must follow to implement social distancing and still others that address the cleanliness standards of the property.”

The press release noted the shortterm rental guidelines would be mostly self-policed and enforcement would be complaint-driven.

“We’re asking that vacation rental managers take extra precautions to make sure their renters have access to and follow the guidelines in the approved plan. Owners should ensure that their renters are aware and abide

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This vacation rental in Bradenton Beach is among those on Anna Maria Island that are open to short-term rental guests again. by the approved plan, but also any municipal restrictions in the city where the rental is located,” Coryea said in the press release.

When discussing the plan on Tuesday, May 19, county commissioners initially proposed a 24-hour turnaround time for cleaning and sanitizing vacation rentals between guest departures and new guest arrivals.

During public comment, several vacation rental owners said a minimum 24-hour turnaround time would prohibit back-to-back seven-day rentals and result in numerous cancellations.

The commission then decided to simply require “ample time” for cleaning and sanitizing and the approved five-page plan includes an entire page of cleaning and sanitation guidelines.

“Extra time must be allowed for enhanced cleaning procedures to take place between stays based upon the use of appropriate cleaning and sanitation according to CDC procedures and in accordance with this plan,” the plan says.

LOCAL REACTION

On Friday, Sato Real Estate co-owner Barbara Sato said via email, “We are very relieved that vacation rentals are open. It has been so frustrating answering the numerous daily phone calls asking when the governor will open rentals again – and why hotels, motels, and resorts are open and not being able to give them a reasonable answer. Needless to say, the word is out and our phone has been ringing non-

stop. We think the approved plan is very good. I personally emailed Elliott Falcione, from the Visitors Bureau, and County Administrator Cheri Coryea to thank them for their teams’ hard work in getting it approved so quickly.”

When contacted Friday via email, Murphy said, “It is too soon to tell the impact this policy might have on the city, but we are grateful that the county has incorporated a bi-weekly review process to make adjustments to the plan. Our two areas of concern are: • Enforcement: Some of the requirements would appear to require an extensive enforcement effort. If these turn out to be an issue, we are not equipped to enforce some aspects of the order.

• Remote check-in: Although seemingly in everyone’s best health interests, this policy presents serious issues of potential fraud and possibly criminal activity. The policy needs to be revisited,” Murphy wrote.

“We look forward to partnering with the county to improve the plan going forward,” he added.

On Saturday afternoon, Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan said via text message, “We opened Friday morning to the sound of phones ringing off the hook with guests ready to book for the summer. We have all our compliance requirements in place and we were ready for guest check-ins Saturday morning. We are thrilled and looking forward to increased bookings due to pent-up demand.”

DINING: Expands outdoors FROM PAGE 1

“To promote business operation and economic recovery while maintaining focus on core safety principles, the city of Bradenton Beach is providing a temporary waiver of strict adherence to outdoor dining and retail sales. This will be accomplished by temporarily granting the utilization of additional areas of private property and city rights-of-way for all local eating establishments for the duration of Governor DeSantis' Executive Order 20-112 and any subsequent executive orders that adversely impacts occupancy loads, limits seating capacities or mandates social distancing requirements,” the adopted ordinance says.

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

Parking spaces for the disabled must remain accessible and unencumbered.

Approved allowances will remain in effect until Florida businesses are allowed to operate at 100% capacity. Cost-free application forms can be downloaded at the city website, www.cityofbradentonbeach.com, using the COVID-19 news feed link at the top of the homepage.

RICINDA PERRY | SUBMITTED

The Bridge Tender Inn set this tent up on Saturday as part of its expanded outdoor dining operations.

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MAY 27, 2020

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Bad news from NOAA The federal government is predicting more cyclonic activity for the upcoming tropical storm season.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN CONTRIBUTOR

An above-normal 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is expected, according to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service.

This prediction mirrors the forecast released earlier this month by the Colorado State University team of meteorologists that first created them.

The NOAA outlook predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season,

a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a likely range of 13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which six to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including three to six major hurricanes (category three, four or five with winds of 111 mph or higher).

NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

The combination of several climate factors is driving the strong likelihood

for above-normal activity in the Atlantic this year. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are expected to either remain neutral or to trend toward La Nina, meaning there will not be an El Nino present to suppress hurricane activity. Also, warmer-thanaverage sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, coupled with reduced vertical wind shear, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon all increase the likelihood for an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Similar conditions have been producing more active seasons since the current highactivity era began in 1995, according to the forecast.

ORANGE HAMMOCK: Conservation opportunity FROM PAGE 15

water we need. A place that needs our help if it is to be around for years to come.

Please help by following the link below and donating to help save Orange Hammock Ranch. This is an extremely rare chance to ensure a brighter future for ourselves and beautiful wild Florida, but

we only have till June 1st before we lose this amazing chance. Can you imagine the sun setting over live oak hammocks surrounded by seas of grass and wildflowers, herons walking gracefully along rivers that reflect the orange of the setting sun, an eagle perched in a lone pine tree overlooking a field of wildflowers where burrowing

owls are coming out of their burrows and butterflies are dancing among the coreopsis, gaillardia and verbena blooms. The thought of all of that destroyed, paved over with concrete is heartbreaking, at least for me. Please help protect this beautiful scene.

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J

THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

MAY 27, 2020

Does anyone have a clue what’s going on?

ust like the coronavirus predictions about numbers of infections and deaths have been off the mark, so too are the predictions about the future real estate market. There are a whole range of conflicting opinions out there, all from reputable sources saying exactly the opposite things; what’s a girl to do?

So far, in spite of the shrinking economy and evaporating jobs, in the housing market values are stabilized and, in some regions, even higher. This of course has to do with the classic supply and demand dynamic that we’ve been experiencing for a long time, only now supply is contracting even faster.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that the March median home price nationally rose 8% from March of 2019. Manatee County’s March median sale price was also up by 2.4%. They also reported that buyer demand fell 8.5% nationally for March compared to last year but at the same time, supply is at a fiveyear low.

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER The NAR says homeowners are waiting to list their homes either because they have decided not to move, or they are worried about letting buyers into their homes during the pandemic. Many homeowners say that until the lockdowns are lifted, they will just take a “wait and see” attitude to selling. In addition, homes that are currently on the market are not cutting prices.

According to Realtor.com, by the end of last month, only 4% of sellers cut their prices, indicating buyers haven’t viewed their homes in person. Nevertheless, buyers are out there still looking for a bargain and could possibly trip on a situation where homeowners absolutely need to sell because of coronavirus fallout.

Mortgage applications were also down by 20% at the end of April compared to a year earlier. The fear here is that down the road, values could drop when the forbearance period ends, and homeowners cannot keep up with the payments.

The way it stands now is some economists expect home sales to crash this year while some say prices and sales will climb slightly or hold flat. Fannie May said in April that it expects the median existing home price to tick up to $275,000 this year from $272,000 last year while CoreLogic calls for a nationwide home price increase of 0.5%. Zillow says home prices are likely to drop 2% to 3% compared to last year.

The more you read about these predictions the more you realize no one really knows.

Let’s look at the April sales numbers in Manatee County reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee comparing April of this year to April of last year.

Single-family closings for this April compared to last year were down 21.2%. Median sale price was $340,000, up 7.9%, and

average sale price was $406,699, up 4.1%.

New pending sales were down 36.7% and months supply of available properties was 3.3 months, down 17.5%.

Condo closings were down 30.9%. Median sale price was $212,000, up 7.9%, and average sale price was $236,764, up 0.3%.

New pending sales were down 53.3% and months supply of available properties was 4.4 months, down 6.4%.

All of the negative figures are no surprise relative to what we have been living through. However, the average and median sale prices are up, much like the trend around the country. Keep in mind that sales statistics are a lagging number frequently based on negotiated contracts that may have been in the pipeline prior to the shutdown.

All we can do is keep watching the numbers and hope that as businesses open more sales will be booked. At this point it’s anyone’s guess what’s going to happen with the virus or with the real estate market. Stay tuned and stay well.

MAY 27, 2020

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THE SUN

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Green named 2020 MHS Outstanding Alumna CORTEZ – Dr. Mary Frances Fulford Green, valedictorian of the Bradenton High School Class of 1942, has been selected as Manatee High School’s 2020 Outstanding Alumna.

Bradenton High is one of the former names of Manatee High.

Among her accomplishments, Green has been instrumental in preserving the historic fishing village of Cortez, where she was born. She was a driving force in creating the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) that purchased 100 acres on Sarasota Bay to protect and enhance the habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife, and she wrote the application and lobbied successfully to have Cortez put on the National Register of Historic Places.

She also is among the founders of the Cortez Village Historical Society.

Green helped to create the career counseling program at

CINDY LANE | SUN

Mary Fulford Green State College of Florida and was one of the founders of HOPE Family Services. She was a licensed mental health counselor and served as a full-

time volunteer with the Manatee Mental Health Association, volunteering with the Manatee County Drug Court and several Florida prisons to mentor those incarcerated.

When class reunions became too difficult for aging classmates to attend, Green began calling all her 1942 classmates and still sends a newsletter to keep them informed about each other.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Outstanding Alumni Banquet has been postponed, but organizers hope to honor Green later this year.

The Manatee High Alumni Association has recognized and honored outstanding MHS alumnus/alumna with achievement awards since 1994.

To see all the MHS Outstanding Alumni from 1994-20, visit https://www.manateehighalumni.com/outstanding-alumniaward.

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BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH

5/13, burglary to a vehicle, 100 block of 52nd Street. A handgun with two loaded magazines was stolen overnight from an unlocked vehicle.

5/13, burglary to a vehicle, 100 block of 52nd Street. A skateboard worth $230 was stolen from an unlocked vehicle.

5/13, burglary to a vehicle, 3200 block of Sixth Avenue. A small amount of change was stolen overnight from an unlocked vehicle.

5/13, information, 3400 block of Sixth Avenue. The party reported somebody entered his unlocked car and rummaged around the interior. Nothing was taken.

5/13, burglary to a vehicle, 3400 block of Sixth Avenue. The victim said a $60 bottle of perfume and $30 in change were stolen from his car.

5/13, burglary to a vehicle, 3100 block of Sixth Avenue. Cash and other items were taken.

5/13, driving with a suspended license, 500 Manatee Ave. The license plate reader alerted the officer to the suspect, who

received a criminal notice to appear in court.

5/13, in public, 3700 Sixth Ave. The officer on patrol saw the suspect drinking in the park. She was given a city ordinance violation.

5/14, information, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive. Complainants said a backpack with four iPhones and an Apple Watch was missing.

5/14, trespass warning, Manatee Public Beach picnic area, 4000 Gulf Drive.

A well-known-to-authorities homeless man was trespassed after police received complaints of him passing out from too much alcohol.

5/15, assist Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, 401 Alamanda Road. Holmes Beach officers assisted deputies in handling a house party with reports of a car running into a house and the smell of marijuana at the house. Officers spotted an assault rifle with a large capacity magazine inside the house. The officers helped the deputies order all occupants out of the house.

5/15, disobeying the governor’s ban on vacation rentals, 419 Clark Drive. The code enforcement officer found a woman who was staying at a rental house for free because she knew the owner.

5/15, disobeying the governor’s ban on vacation rentals, 507 72nd St. 5/15, theft, 200 block of Sunset Lane.

The complainant ordered $56 worth of postage stamps but never received them.

5/16, criminal mischief, Publix parking lot, 3900 East Bay Drive. A female kicked the victim’s car, damaging it, because it had a Trump sticker on it. The victim got the aggressor’s license number and Bradenton Beach police stopped her.

5/17, disturbance, Waterline Resort, 5325 Marina Drive. Police were called when a verbal disagreement turned too loud.

Things quieted and the officers left.

5/19, driving with a suspended license, 500 Manatee Ave. The license plate reader alerted the officer to the subject and he was ticketed and had to find a ride home.

5/19, trespass warning, 3226 East Bay Drive.

The officer on patrol found a homeless male asleep in a rental golf cart.

The cart’s owner was notified and the subject moved on.

5/19, violation of the beverage law, West Bay Point Moorings pool, 6200 Flotilla Drive. The officer responded to a call of non-residents using the pool. The subjects were underage and failed to cooperate until threatened with jail.

MAY 27, 2020

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MAY 27, 2020

 ����  �� ­  �€€ … ‚ ­ „ ‡ †

THE SUN

OBITUARIES Dr. Thomas “Tom� F. Warda

‚ƒ � � „ … †

 ��

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Dr. Thomas “Tom� F. Warda, age 89, passed away on May 16, 2020, in his home on Anna Maria Island surrounded by love. Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eunice; his son, David (Jane) Warda; his daughter, Suzette (Torey) DeGrazia; his grandchildren, Leslie (Matthew) Kwilas, Lindsey (David) Young, Mark Warda, Alan Warda, Jared DeGrazia, Veronica (Dr. Sean) Scott and Dr. Taryn DeGrazia and his great-grandchildren, Mila, Alex, Ronin and Ryan. He is preceded in death by his son, Lance. Tom was born on April 20, 1931. He received his doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Illinois in 1955. For 38 years, he worked as a dentist in Chicago, Illinois at his privately owned practice.

He was a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society and Chicago Dental Society. He also served as a captain in the Air Force. Tom was a loving husband and father who cherished his family. He married Eunice Kotowicz in 1958 and they loved to travel the world. Some of their favorite trips were to the Caribbean for dental conferences, Germany for

23

their 40th anniversary with family, and Poland to explore their ancestry. He was a commercial private pilot and boat captain. He spent many enjoyable years flying, sailing, golfing, playing tennis, swimming at the beach and cheering on the Illini in football and basketball. He loved making money in the stock market, and enthusiastically shared his investing strategies with others. Tom was a lover of dogs and was particularly fond of his furry buddy, Misty.

His family and friends will always remember him as a fun person who liked to toe the line with his humor.

Tom will have military honors when the VA Cemetery in Sarasota is scheduling appointments again. All will be notified when the ceremony is scheduled. In the meantime, there was a private, virtual memorial for family held on Memorial Day, May 25, 2020. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. The family would like to thank Tidewell Hospice for their care and efforts to bring Tom home in his final days. Donations may be sent in Tom’s honor to the Roser Food Pantry, serving families across Anna Maria Island where he was a resident for 37 years at https://roserchurch.com/give/ or the Florida Veterans Foundation COVID-19 support fund at https://helpflvets.org/covid19-support/. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

941.780.8000 CindyQuinnRealtor.com

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THE SUN

FOOD & WINE

MAY 27, 2020

Running a restaurant in a pandemic takes commitment Brian Mathae

N

Bourbon Bacon Deviled Eggs 6 Servings

HURRICANE HANKS

o one ever said the restaurant business was easy, but operating one in the “new normal” is challenging to say the least. The changing legislative requirements and the safety of our staff and customers is enough to question whether we should even be open right now. To complicate matters the food supply has been turned upside down.

We typically order from various suppliers and receive about 10 to 12 shipments a week. It has become more and more difficult to secure our usual supplies. Just today, our largest supplier wasn’t able to provide us mayonnaise, tortillas, potatoes, cod or ground beef. In previous orders we’ve struggled to secure salmon, pork ribs, chicken breasts and wings, beef tenderloin, bacon, Sprite and a handful of other items. Just when I think I have figured out what the short supply items are and reserve them days in advance, we find out that there are other products no longer available.

Ordering used to be a relatively easy process but now I spend hours on the phone with at least twice as many suppliers. I have to compare their products and prices (some of which have nearly doubled) in order to find those items suitable for our menu requirements. Over the years, we’ve spent a considerable effort selecting our ingredients with

Ingredients

12 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled 5 slices thick bacon 3/4 cup mayonnaise 4 tsp. maple syrup 4 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tbs. brown sugar 2 tsp. bourbon salt, pepper to taste Chopped fresh chives

Directions SUBMITTED

an eye to quality and freshness.

We have a great customer following and our regulars know our food incredibly well. Simply substituting one product for another is not going to fly!

We also have new requirements for take-out containers, single-use condiments, sanitation supplies, gloves, masks and many other items. These items are no easier for us to secure through wholesalers than what one can find in a retail setting. Even normally nonessential items like printer toner cartridges have become important components of our business and we need to ensure we have an adequate supply. We print singleuse menus daily, so if we run out of toner we run out of menus.

www.TheFeastRestaurantAMI.com

I tell you this because I’ve been struggling with what recipe to share with you this week. Father’s Day is just around the corner so I initially thought I would share with you one of my father’s favorite dinners, BBQ ribs. But I worried you would experience similar issues sourcing the ribs right now. So instead, I’m suggesting you make dad a Father’s Day brunch to remember featuring deviled eggs. This tasty recipe incorporates a few items traditionally associated with a man’s palate, namely bourbon and bacon!

You shouldn’t have a problem finding all the ingredients and you can just add to the brunch with whatever you find in the store. Fresh breads, deli meats and cheeses would round out the brunch nicely.

While oven preheats to 350 F, mix brown sugar, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1 tsp. maple syrup, 2 tsp. bourbon and a pinch of salt.

Coat strips of bacon with mixture and bake in the oven 25-30 minutes until crisp. Remove and cool completely. Once cooled, chop into small pieces.

Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and place in a bowl.

Add mayonnaise, 3 tsp. maple syrup, 3 tsp. Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt. Mix in 1/2 of the chopped bacon. Carefully spoon the mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle with remaining chopped bacon and chopped chives and refrigerate until served.

And don’t forget some fun accompaniments to dress up those Bloody Marys!

From all of us at Hurricane Hanks and Hurricane Liquors, we hope you enjoy!

MAY 27, 2020

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Octopus octet 5 Read electronically 9 Stand in for 14 Painful joint inflammation 15 "What'll ya __?"

16 Legendary crooner Mel 17 Prefix meaning "all" 18 From the start 19 Utter nonsense 20 Seeking an Olympic victory 23 Beach toy for a windy day 24 Information technology giant 25 "Norwegian Dances" composer 28 Road curves 30 More than a few 31 Come into view 33 Hosp. diagnostic Answers to 05-20-20 Crossword Puzzle.

procedure 36 Hardly ever 39 Jamaican music 40 "Big Little Lies" actress Meryl 41 Frenzied way to run 42 Smelting waste 43 Like good pie crusts 44 Field & __ Magazine 47 Beach toy 49 Zwieback, e.g.

55 Celebrate boisterously 56 Urge on 57 220-by-198-foot plot of land, e.g.

58 Farsi speaker 59 To be, in Tours 60 Not that 61 Animal skins 62 Auctioneer's cry after the starts of 20-, 36- and 49-Across 63 Enjoy some tub time

Down 1 Visibly awed 2 CBS Sports NFL analyst Tony 3 Tax-free govt. bond 4 Disapproving look 5 Elevator passage 6 Kayak-like boat 7 State unequivocally 8 Former House leader Gingrich 9 Conference-goer 10 Welsh herding dogs 11 Small music ensembles 12 In a plentiful way 13 Plants-to-be 21 Booking on a band's tour 22 Stuck (on) 25 Scientifically engineered crops, e.g., briefly 26 __ and file 27 Ancient Cuzco dweller 28 Spanish newborns 29 Author __ Stanley Gardner 31 Bury 32 "Veronica __": teen drama starring Kristen Bell 33 NYC cultural center 34 Chess piece involved in castling 35 Like many a stained shirt pocket

37 Tel Aviv residents 38 Ones habitually hanging out in retail complexes 42 A step above "meh" 43 White lie

THE SUN

44 Remove paint from 45 Shakespearean contraction 46 Primary competitor 47 Oyster gem 48 Tacked on

25

50 Brings to maturity 51 Zither-like Japanese instrument 52 Canyon feedback 53 Opera song for one 54 Newsroom station

26

THE SUN

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

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

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

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

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

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

Must speak English. If no Answer, leave message.

813-735-4373.

Call us today! 941-778-3986

JESSIE’S ISLAND STORE has immediate openings for full and part time cashiers for both day and night shifts. Apply in person at 5424 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach or call 941778-6903 THE AWARD-WINNING ANNA MARIA ISLAND SUN, a weekly newspaper on Florida’s Gulf Coast, (https://amisun. com; www.facebook. com/AnnaMariaIslandSun), is looking for a freelance reporter/ photographer to cover events on this tourismdriven island. The ideal candidate will have reporting and photography experience at a community newspaper and have some experience writing for a news website. Local residents or those with previous local knowledge and willing to relocate here a plus. Resumes and cover letters may be emailed to news@amisun.com or

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

FISHING CHARTERS

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 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.

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

COASTAL INTERIORS Trim, paint, repairs and more 27yrs experience Local 786-318-8585 2/26 NEW until George

HEALTH CARE

ISLE TILE EXPERT INSTALLATION of floors, custom showers, backsplash, deck/lanai.

Licensed and insured.

References available.

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates.

Neil 941-726-3077 RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-7250073.

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

MAY 27, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

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

Call Larry at 941-400-8754.

References available.

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

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 509 PINE AVE ,ANNA MARIA. $1,690,000. 2 Cottage homes w/pool. Zoned nightly rentals/Retail/Commercial. Furnished w/rentals in place. Virtual Tour Avaliable. Christine Kourik Re/max 941-538-7414

AMISUN.COM

RUNAWAY BAY CONDOBradenton Beach $335,000 water view 2BR/2BA furnished. Virtual Walk thru Tour Available. Christine Kourik Re/Max 941-5387414 LOCATED STEPS FROM SAND 1205 Gulf Drive $524,900 2BR/2BA income property, furnished, expanded views of the Gulf. Large open living area, under building parking, elevator.

Erlene Fitzpatrick REMAX ALLIANCE 941-224-6339 COZY COTTAGE SANDPIPER RESORT Bradenton Beach. Perfect for a 55+.

Newly remodled, great deck. Close to Beach, Pool & Bay. 1BR washer/dryer.

Turn key fully furnished $115,000. May do yearly rental. Call 941-251-4767.

Leave # on machine.

REAL ESTATE: OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY May 31. 1pm-4pm. 7920 4th Ave W. Bradenton. Pine Bay Forest Condo. Gorgeous 1300 sq.ft. 2BR/2BA Condo.

Completely remodeled.

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

Brand New Kitchen.

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

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

Call today for details.

Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-7790304 www.teamduncan. com 2BR/1BA GROUND LEVEL condo in Bradenton Beach. $1400/mo. 1st, last, and security. $150 application fee which requires HOA approval. 2BR/2BA FURNISHED gulf-front 8 month lease starting May 1, 2020 $2750/mo. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 until

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MAY 27, 2020

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

PAINTING

HOME SERVICES TRANSPORTATION

RENTALS: ANNUAL WARES CREEK AREA. 3BR/2BA on Wares Creek $1700/mo Available NOW. First, & 1 ½ security deposit. Credit check required.

Call 941-809-2488 ANNUAL 2BR/2BA duplex off Cortez, 3.5 mi to beach.

Fenced yard, W/D hook ups, covered parking, non-smoking, pet friendly. $1,100/mo. 941-721-8480 M-F 9-5, or email mehall@ nclaimsadjusters.com ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL Big POOL, Small Complex. 1BR Condo. One block to Beach. Furnished, Water, Electric, Cable, Wifi included. $1550/mo. No pets. Call 941-704-7525

1BR/1BA -ANNUAL RENTAL available mid June, 1 block from the beach, ground level, Holmes Beach, no dogs, no washer/dryer hookups, $950/month. 1st, last & sec. $45 application fee. Call Dolores Baker Real Estate 941-778-7500 for more details.

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 HOLMES BEACH MONTHLY 2BR/2BA second floor condo. 6400 Flotilla Dr (Westbay Point Mooring).

Furnished. Beautiful view of Anna Maria Sound.

Available June, July, August. $2100/mo. + $1000 security. Credit check required.

Requires HOA approval.

Call 443-421-3381.

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

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

Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable.

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

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MAY 27, 2020

the Team Duncan Difference!

Darcie Duncan Broker - Owner

Cindy Jones Sales Associate

Michelle Laade Sales Associate

Dee Munn Broker Associate

Katie Self Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate

Martha Jones Sales Associate

April Green Sales Associate

Pat Short Sales Associate

Robyn Hawk Joey Hutchinson Sales Associate Sales Associate

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

310 Pine Avenue Anna Maria, FL 34216

TeamDuncan.com

941.779.0304