Anna Maria Island Sun May 31, 2023

Memorial Day, centennial celebrated

The annual Memorial Day Commemoration was held at City Pier Park on Monday. In a dual remembrance, the City of Anna Maria celebrated its centennial at the event.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – More than 500 people gathered Monday morning at City Pier Park for a Memorial Day remembrance of the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Navy veteran Carl Pearman and his wife, Irene, attend the Memorial Day commemoration each year.

“I’m a proud Navy veteran,” he said. “I served from the late 1950s between the Korean War and Vietnam. We come every year. It’s important to honor these people.”

The annual ceremony, replete with tradition and patriotic music, was coupled with a recognition of the centennial anniversary of the City of Anna Maria.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy welcomed the crowd and introduced officials from Anna Maria and Holmes Beach, including former Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and his wife, Denise, and former Manatee County Commissioner and Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore.

Commission discusses commercial activity in public spaces

Anna Maria commissioners seek additional insight from the city attorney.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – City Commission

Chair Mark Short doesn’t want Anna Maria’s parks, beaches and rights of way to be commercialized in a manner similar to what’s currently taking place

along the Palma Sola Causeway.

During the commission’s May 25 meeting, Short noted there are now multiple commercial entities offering horseback rides, personal watercraft rentals and more along the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue/ State Road 64. Short also expressed concerns about commercial activity occurring in city-owned rights of way.

“I don’t want this to become another Manatee Avenue,” he said.

Short said during his preliminary research of the city’s code of ordinances he didn’t find any prohibitions pertaining to commercial activities taking place in conservation zones, parks, beaches and other city-owned properties, and is not aware of any city regulation that prohibits such activity.

SEE COMMISSION, PAGE 16

CHARLIE TRYGG | SUBMITTED

Multiple companies offer horseback rides along the Palma Sola Causeway.

JASON GARGIULE/AMI AERIALS | SUBMITTED

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Hundreds of people gather at the Memorial Day commemoration at City Pier Park. A U.S. Marine Honor Guard (inset) presents the colors at the Memorial Day commemoration at City Pier Park. See more Memorial Day photos on Page 20.

Board rules in favor of Hunters Point docks

MHC Cortez Village LLC has 30 days to appeal the governing board’s final order.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) governing board has adopted a final order that allows 49 residential docks/boat slips to be built along the Hunters Point canal as part of the Hunters Point Resort & Marina development.

The final order issued on May 23 in favor of Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty and his Cortez Road Investments and Finance Inc. (CRIF) ownership group pertains to a 2021 permitting challenge filed by MHC Cortez Village LLC, which owns the nearby Cortez Village Marina.

The marina and its clients use the man-made canal built in the 1950s and purchased by Gobuty when he bought the Hunters Point property in 2016. The governing board’s ruling allows the water management district to issue the environmental resource permit CRIF first sought in 2021. The permit allows for the installation of 32 new boat slips in the canal and the replacement of 17 existing slips.

MHC Cortez Village has 30 days to appeal the final order. If filed, the appeal would be heard either by the district court of appeal in Hernando County where the water district headquarters is located or in Manatee County where the Hunters Point property is located.

When contacted by The Sun and asked

about the appeal process, the water district’s Public Information Officer Susanna Martinez-Tarokh provided the information she obtained from the water district’s office of general counsel.

“The court of appeal would review the record of the administrative proceeding and would make its decision based on

the evidence in the record,” she said. “An appeal would not necessarily prevent the dock construction from starting, unless the court of appeal enters an order requiring construction to cease. However, if the court of appeal overturns the final order, the dock construction may have to be stopped.”

Gobuty told The Sun he expects MHC Cortez Village LLC to appeal the board’s final order.

When challenging the original permit issuance in 2021, MHC Cortez Village LLC was granted an eight-day hearing by Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Bruce Culpepper. That hearing was conducted last fall on behalf of the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).

During the hearing, MHC Cortez Village LLC alleged the construction of the Hunters Point docks would impede navigation on the canal and negatively impact the marina clients’ ability to use the canal, which provides the only direct water access to the nearby Intracoastal Waterway. The canal provides similar access for several canal-side residential property owners who already had docks

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Several Hunters Point homes, including these on the right, are being built alongside the canal.

SEE BOARD, PAGE 14

CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED

City staff no longer proposes rezoning the residential properties located in the areas numbered 4 and 7.

Azure Shores discussions continue

The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board will meet on Wednesday, June 7 at 1 p.m. The board, the city building official and the city planner will resume discussion on previously-discussed text amendments to the city’s zoning and future land use maps. The proposed text amendments, if later approved by the city commission, would ensure the existing zoning and future land use designations for 23 residentially-zoned properties in the Azure Shores subdivision are consistent with one another.

Planning commission seeks members

The Holmes Beach Planning Commission has four positions coming up for appointment, three full-time and one alternate position, and city leaders are looking for applicants to volunteer to fill the slots. Members are currently working on updates to the Land Development Code and are reviewing new ordinances for consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan. Planning commissioners meet every month on the first Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive. To serve on the planning commission, applicants must be residents of Holmes Beach and have resided in the city for the past two years. Applications can be found online at www.holmesbeachfl.org or at the city clerk’s office and must be submitted no later than Friday, June 16. All planning commission members are appointed by the city commission. Appointments to the open positions are expected to be made at a June 27 meeting with all appointees serving a three-year term beginning July 1. For more information, or to request an application, email cityclerk@holmesbeachfl.org.

Woman’s death prompts changes at intersection

Five days after being struck by a truck while crossing the street in Holmes Beach, one of the victims died from her injuries.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – One woman has died and another was injured after being hit by a truck at the intersection of Marina Drive and Gulf Drive on May 12, leading to changes in the traffic light pattern.

Miriam Trotter, 86, suffered critical injuries during the crash and died on May 17. She was crossing Gulf Drive northbound in the marked crosswalk with her daughter, Deborah Trotter, 65, when Michael Ritchie, 43, of Bradenton, made a left turn on a green light from Marina onto Gulf in a 2018 GMC truck and struck both women, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report.

Both pedestrians were transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital with injuries. Deborah Trotter, of Holmes Beach, was released from the hospital the same day. Her mother was visiting the Island from Maryland.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said Ritchie was cited for failure to yield the right of way

to a pedestrian at an intersection with a traffic control device under Florida Statute 316.130(7) (A). He was not charged with a criminal offense since the investigation determined he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and he did not leave the scene.

“Drivers often don’t understand that even if they have a green light, they must still yield to pedestrians,” Tokajer said. “The only time the motorist has the right of way over a pedestrian is if there is a green arrow lit

up. This particular intersection doesn’t have a green arrow, so the driver must always look for people crossing the street.” The city has changed how the light works for pedestrians and drivers. Now, when the signal for pedestrians to cross says “walk,” the lights are red in all three directions at the unusual intersection. Tokajer says officials hope that this simple change will significantly increase the safety level of those crossing at the busy intersection.

Holmes Beach house fire extinguished

More than 15 emergency vehicles were on the scene as West Manatee Fire Rescue battled a structure fire in the rear of a home at 511 59th St. in Holmes Beach on May 25. According to first responders on the scene, no one was injured in the blaze. Details on the extent of the damage have yet to be released.

HBPD | SUBMITTED

The intersection of Marina Drive and Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach was crowded with first responders shortly after two women were struck by a truck while crossing the street.

Lane shift, road closure to make way for sewer project

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – As the installation of a gravity sewer system continues on Gulf Drive South, Manatee County has announced a temporary lane shift in the area between 10th and 12th Streets South as well as a temporary road closure of 11th Street South.

Beginning May 30 and continuing through late June, traffic in both the north and southbound lanes on Gulf Drive South between 10th and 12th Streets will be shifted west to route traffic around the construction of a new gravity sewer line crossing Gulf Drive South. In addition, 11th Street South will be closed to traffic through the late summer. The closure will allow the contractor to install the new gravity sewer pipe and lateral connections down that street. A

temporary parking area on the west side of Gulf Drive South will be available, with free shuttle service from the parking area to homes for residents, tenants and guests of properties on 11th Street South.

According to the Manatee County Capital Improvement Plan, the project will relocate countyowned gravity collection system components on private property - including portions through homeowner yards - to public rights of way.

The sewer project has an anticipated completion date of Fall 2024, according to Manatee County. The project will relocate a portion of the gravity collection system in South Bradenton Beach to new locations located within the public right-of-way, install approximately 2,400 linear feet of 10-inch and 2,628 linear feet of 8-inch gravity main and install approximately 21 manholes, among other work.

Bradenton Beach meetings scheduled

The Bradenton Beach City Commission will meet on Thursday, June 1 at 6 p.m. to discuss roof replacements at the Tingley Library and the Public Works building as well as roof repair at Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Also on the agenda is a discussion of the repaving of Sixth through 13th Streets South, approval of a quote from Friendly IT to re-wire Police Department Networking Cabling and a parking lot analysis. In attorney business, a contract extension with M.T. Causley LLC will be discussed.

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will meet on Tuesday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. Consent agenda items are the approval of a Coastal Engineering invoice for $2,444.16, approval of an Earth Tech Environmental invoice for $7,730 and cancellation of the July 5 CRA meeting. Attorney business will cover DEP dredge mitigation monitoring and dock improvements.

The Planning and Zoning Board will meet on Wednesday, June 7 at 1 p.m. to continue discussion regarding re-zoning and/or changes of land uses for the Azure Shores subdivision.

All meetings are held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Crews in the area of 10th Street South work on the Bradenton Beach sewer project.

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

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,

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.

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

June 8, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

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

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

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

June 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

June 7, 10 a.m. – Special Master variance hearing

June 7, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

June 15, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

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

June 7, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

June 13, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

June 14, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

June 14, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

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, JUNE 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.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

Summer Reading: STEM Show with Science Scope, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

AMI Chamber luncheon, Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 11:30 a.m., $22 for members or $30 for prospective members

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

OneBlood Bus blood drive, 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 10

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

Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 12

Sunset Tai Chi, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6:30 p.m., $10

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

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

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

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

Parking garage bill remains stalled

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

TALLAHASSEE – Florida House Bill

947, sponsored by Manatee County Rep. Will Robinson Jr. to build a parking garage at Manatee Beach, still hasn’t hit Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.

The bill would allow Manatee County commissioners to approve and issue permits for the planned three-story, 1,500-plus parking space structure at the county-owned beach against local regulations in Holmes Beach, where the beach is located.

The bill passed both the state House and Senate, but as of press time for The Sun, it had not yet been presented to the governor.

Once the bill goes to the governor’s desk, he can choose to veto, sign or

ignore it. If DeSantis signs the bill, it becomes law upon gaining his signature. If he chooses to ignore it, it automatically becomes law on July 1. If he vetoes it, the bill dies, and so do Manatee County commissioners’ immediate plans for the parking garage.

A veto from the governor would send the bill back to the House where it would be up for reconsideration in the next regular legislative session. It would require a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate to overturn a veto from DeSantis.

The bill must be presented to DeSantis for consideration, otherwise, it dies despite earning approvals from state legislators. Once presented with the bill, the governor has 15 days to take action, according to the Florida constitution.

Commissioner receives state award

CITY OF HOLMES BEACH | SUBMITTED

Holmes Beach Commissioner Terry Schaefer, left, received an award from the Florida League of Cities in recognition for his work to bring awareness to home rule issues discussed during the 2023 Florida Legislative session. The award was presented on May 23 by City Clerk Stacey Johnston.

Register now for evacuation assistance

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON – With hurricane season beginning on June 1, Manatee County Emergency Management officials remind residents who expect to need help to register in advance for evacuation assistance.

The program is designed to help Manatee County residents who will need transportation either to a general shelter or to a special needs shelter when they are notified to evacuate their homes because of a storm.

“You may need to evacuate your home from an impending hurricane

if you are power dependent, live in an evacuation zone or live in a mobile home. Residents are encouraged to use public sheltering only if no other options exist,” according to the Manatee County website. “You must register before any pending storm for transportation assistance to a general shelter.” Through Emergency Management's Everbridge system, special needs shelter registrants will be notified by a phone call, text or email of a pending evacuation and will be given specific instructions to follow when an evacuation is called.

Eligible conditions for the special

needs shelter include, but are not limited to, being dependent on supplemental oxygen, being dependent on electricity for survival or an official diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. All applications are reviewed by the Department of Health - Manatee for approval or denial.

Public school buildings are used for the special needs shelter. No hospital beds or doctors are provided.

“You must bring all your medicine, bedding and medical supplies with you. You must be able to use a cot, chair or floor mattress. Because shelter life can be very difficult, you should try to make plans to stay with family or

friends before applying for the medical special needs shelter,” according to the county website.

For evacuation transportation or sheltering assistance, registration must be by mail or online. Annual registration is required.

Return the completed application to Manatee County Emergency Management, P.O. Box 1000, Bradenton, Florida 34206-1000. Or visit https:// www.mymanatee.org/departments/ public_safety/emergency_management/ special_needs_registry

Hurricane season runs through the end of November.

Near-normal hurricane season predicted NOAA announces Atlantic tropical cyclone names

Predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the 2023 hurricane season are for a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season. The season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, is predicted to have 12-17 named storms, five to nine of which are expected to become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher. Only one to four storms are expected to develop into major category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher. NOAA forecasters say they have 70% confidence in their predictions.

SUBMITTED | NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released the names that will be used for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season for named tropical cyclones. To earn a name, a tropical cyclone or storm has to reach a speed of 39 mph as observed by the National Hurricane Center. Names are assigned in alphabetical order as storms occur. This year’s names are: Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harold, Idalia, Jose, Katia, Lee, Margo, Nigel, Ophelia, Philippe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince and Whitney.

NOAA GOES satellite captures Hurricane Ian as it made landfall on the barrier island of Cayo Costa in southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022.

AMI Chamber breakfast at Mademoiselle Paris

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its next breakfast event on Thursday, June 1 from 7:30-9 a.m. at Mademoiselle Paris, 9906 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. All chamber

members and anyone interested in becoming a member are welcome to attend. RSVP to becky@amichamber. org or call 941-778-1541.

Mayor debuts Kindness Award

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth presents Code Compliance Officer Nate Brown with the city’s inaugural Kindness Award. Titsworth said that the award would be named the Nate Brown Kindness Award in recognition of Brown’s “encouraging nature, willing spirit and the goodwill he brings to work to share with city employees every day.” She added, “Nate embodies the spirit of kindness and of this award.”

Turtle Watch discovers first green sea turtle nest of season

The more common loggerhead sea turtles are on track to lay 100 nests on Anna Maria Island by next week.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT |llake@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

– Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird

Monitoring volunteers have discovered the first green sea turtle nest of the 2023 season on the Island.

“We had our first green turtle nest,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella told The Sun on May 27. “Green turtles tend to nest on Anna Maria Island during odd years, so we’re hoping to get more in the coming weeks.”

Green turtle flipper tracks are parallel while flippers

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.

alternate in loggerhead tracks, she said.

The more common loggerhead sea turtles have laid more than 75 nests since shortly

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

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

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

before the official May 1 start of the season. Mazzarella said they are on track to break 100 nests in the next week. Last year, local loggerhead

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

• City of Bradenton Beach code enforcement — 941-7781005, ext. 280.

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

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

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

in September reached 453, edging out the 2018 record of 447, and a record 35,850

• 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 888404-FWCC (3922).

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid 75 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls 72 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched 0 (Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchlings 0 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Sea turtle nesting season ends Oct. 31.

TURTLE WATCH | SUBMITTED

Above, the first green sea turtle nest of the season was found on Anna Maria Island by Turtle Watch volunteers. Right, green turtle flipper tracks run parallel while loggerhead flipper tracks alternate.

Privateers entertain at Snooks Adams Kids Day

The Anna Maria Island Privateers, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the community, held their annual Snooks Adams Kids Day on Saturday at City Field in Holmes Beach. The event was founded by the late Holmes Beach Police Chief and

Privateer Snooks Adams when he began bringing children from Anna Maria Elementary School to the beach for a picnic and games. When Adams retired, he asked the Privateers to take over the event, and it became known as Snooks Adams Kids Day.

Graduates celebrate

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Above, children enjoy story time while blowing bubbles with members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers at Snooks Adams Kids Day. Right, this young buccaneer, Maverick, was a happy pirate as he enjoyed Snooks Adams Kids Day with the AMI Privateers.

SUBMITTED

The Anna Maria Elementary School 2023 graduating fifth grade class was treated to a graduation party at the Beach House Restaurant. Thanks to the Beach House and the AME PTO, students enjoyed music, food, custom coconut drinks from the Surfing Coconut and starfish cookies from Hometown Desserts. Next stop: Middle school!

New restaurant receives commission approval

A new restaurant, Bohemian, is slated to open in the former Island Grill location in Holmes Beach.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Plans for a new restaurant received unanimous approval from city commissioners despite criticism from a city resident and local business owner.

The new, ultra-modern Bohemian restaurant is slated to take the place of the closed Island Grill at 5910 Marina Drive. A concept by five-time James Beard semifinalist and Anna Maria Island native Chef Jeannie Pierola, the new restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor dining with the outdoor bar and seating area covered. The restaurant will undergo extensive renovations to feature about 100 seats when it’s complete.

Presenting the site plan to city commissioners for approval during a May 23 meeting, representatives from Halflants and Pichette said the plan with the new restaurant is to provide a fine dining experience for guests while also bringing the indoors outside with the new exterior seating area.

While commissioners were fully in support of the new restaurant plans, not everyone was as happy about the concept.

Speaking on behalf of her restaurant, Isola Bella Italian Eatery, owner Alessandra Salafia said that while she supports the addition of the new restaurant in the long-vacant space, she doesn’t like what it could do to her business. The building that Bohemian is planned to occupy is also shared with Isola Bella and an office space with the majority of parking for the tenants located in front of the planned Bohemian restaurant and accessed by Isola Bella patrons along a shared walkway. Plans for Bohemian show that the walkway will be partially used by a seating host for that restaurant with entrances to the outdoor and indoor

Plans for the new Bohemian restaurant include extensive indoor renovations and the addition of an outdoor seating area with 50 seats along with a bar under a covered space.

seating located on either side of the concrete path. Salafia said she doesn’t like the idea that Isola Bella’s guests would have to essentially walk through another restaurant to get to her eatery. She also said she feels that the outdoor seating area, which is planned to occupy an area that is now grass, and its accompanying 6-foot tall landscaping barriers would block the visibility of her restaurant.

“Our address is on Marina Drive, not 59th Street,” she said.

Holmes Beach resident Margie Motzer questioned the viability of adding a more intense use to the area. She said that while she’s pleased with the prestige Pierola would bring to the Island along with the aesthetic facelift to the aging building, she’s concerned that adding another 100-plus seat restaurant to the area will create a greater strain on local resources including water, drainage and other infrastructure.

Seating at Bohemian is planned to be a 53% increase over the seating that was allowed at the Island Grill.

Commissioners considered both women’s comments but proceeded to give the new restaurant their stamp of approval with a unanimous vote in favor of the presented design.

SUBMITTED | HALFLANTS AND PICHETTE

SUBMITTED | HALFLANTS AND PICHETTE

The owners of Isola Bella Italian Eatery object to plans to create an outdoor seating area for the planned Bohemian restaurant, which would have a host stand for the new restaurant occupying a common area walkway connecting the restaurant entrances to a shared parking lot.

BOARD: Rules in favor of Hunters Point docks

FROM PAGE 3 and boatlifts in place when Gobuty bought the canal.

The governing board’s monthly meeting took place at the water district’s Tampa office.

SWFWMD attorney Chris Tumminia told the board members they were engaging in a quasi-judicial process that did not allow for any new testimony or public input. Tumminia said the board’s ruling could only be based on the official records of the case they received before their meeting, including the recommended order Culpepper issued on March 7.

SWFWMD attorney Jennifer Soberal then reviewed for the board members the salient points of the DOAH hearing and Culpepper’s previous factual findings and conclusions of law, which were based on the evidence, testimony and legal arguments presented to him.

“The applicant (CRIF) and the district demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence the applicant’s entitlement to the ERP (environmental resource permit),” Soberal said. “The applicant provided the district with reasonable assurance in its permit application that constructing the dock is not contrary to the public interest. While the administrative law

judge concluded the dock project will impede boat traffic to a certain extent, competent substantial evidence and testimony further established that any impediment will not be significant. The challenger failed to carry its burden of ultimate persuasion that the ERP should not be issued to the applicant.”

Before the governing board made its ruling, the attorneys representing CRIF and MHC Cortez Village were

given three minutes to address the board. CRIF attorney Susan Martin noted the permit challenge pertained to a privately-owned canal and that the Hunters Point docks will not extend more than 9% into the canal.

“Your staff testified that this development was not contrary to the public interest and would not substantially impede navigation,” she said.

MHC Cortez Village attorney Matthew Chait said, “This is a very narrow and shallow canal and, when they add docks on one side it’s obviously going to make it narrower. The judge concluded in his proposed order that boats in this canal need at least 3.5 feet of depth to navigate, but the range of depths on the non-project side tops out at 3.2 feet. There is literally not enough depth for a boat to pull off on the non-project side, which is why we asked for the permit to be modified to remove some slips.”

With no further board discussion, the board approved the proposed final order and the issuance of the environmental resource permit that allows the Hunters Point docks to be built.

In 2022, in response to MHC Cortez Village’s permit challenge, CRIF filed a still pending civil lawsuit seeking a court order that would prevent Cortez Village Marina clients from using the privately-owned canal.

CRIF also filed a separate and still pending civil lawsuit against several canal-side residential property owners which alleges that their docks and boat lifts violate Manatee County code by extending more than 25% into the canal. Those property owners dispute those allegations.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Eighty-six energy-efficient homes are being built as part of the Hunters Point Resort & Marina development.

Anna Maria opts out of Gulf Drive study

The cities of Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach will participate in the statefunded study.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The cityowned portion of Gulf Drive will not be included in a corridor study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

On May 25, the Anna Maria City Commission unanimously agreed to opt out of the statefunded study of the Gulf Drive corridor and its coinciding rights of way.

The city owns the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria. The state owns the portions of Gulf Drive/State Road 789 located in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach.

FDOT engineer/design manager Craig Fox introduced the study to Island officials during the

May 8 Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO) meeting. During that meeting, it was noted that Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach requested and will participate in the FDOT study that’s scheduled to begin in August and be completed within two years at an estimated cost of $1.5 million.

The study will identify areas along Gulf Drive that could be improved in terms of safety and drainage. The improvements could include implementing complete street standards pertaining to sidewalks, multi-use trails, crosswalks and more.

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

During the Anna Maria City Commission’s May 11 meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy briefed the commissioners on the proposed FDOT study and asked them to review the study document before making a decision on May 25.

Murphy noted the state, in the 1970s, turned over to the city the ownership of the portion of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria. Since then, the city has maintained, studied and improved those rights of way and the cityowned street that extends from the Anna Maria/Holmes Beach border to the Coconut Avenue intersection.

During the May 25 meeting,

Murphy noted the 46-page study document includes language pertaining to drainage and land acquisition. Murphy said he needed to provide FDOT with the commission’s decision by the end of the month.

Commissioner Robert Kingan said he didn’t see the need for the city to participate in the study of an area that’s already been subjected to extensive drainage

engineering and improvements. He also noted the city is currently planning safety and drainage improvements along Pine Avenue and he doesn’t want the FDOT study to detract from those efforts. Kingan said the FDOT study could possibly be more detrimental than helpful.

Commission Chair Mark Short agreed and noted the study mentions drainage and complete streets. He pointed out that Gulf Drive gets wider at the entrance to Anna Maria and there’s already a wide multi-use trail alongside a portion of the city-owned road.

Short shared Kingan’s concerns that FDOT’s study recommendations may not be what’s right or best for the city.

“I’m not fond of this project either,” Short said.

Kingan made the motion to opt out of the study and the commission voted 4-0 in support of doing so, with Commissioner Deanie Sebring absent.

“I will notify FDOT tomorrow morning,” Murphy said.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The FDOT study will not include the stretch of Gulf Drive located in Anna Maria.

Blast off at Vacation Bible School

Roser Memorial Community Church is hosting a space-themed Vacation Bible School this summer for children entering kindergarten through those leaving fifth grade. The nightly VBS takes place Monday through Friday, June 5-9 from 5:30-

8:30 p.m. in the Roser Fellowship Hall at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. At Stellar VBS, kids will participate in sing-a-longs, team building games, learn to make yummy treats and test out science gizmos they can take home and play with all summer

long. All participants are invited to perform on Sunday, June 11 during the church’s 10 a.m. service in a musical number. For more information, or to register, visit www. roserchurch.com/vbs.

DOH-Manatee issues mosquito-borne illness advisory

The Florida Department of Health offices in Manatee County and Sarasota County are responding to one confirmed case of malaria in an individual who spent extensive time outdoors. The patient was promptly treated at a hospital and has recovered.

The health department is working closely with local partners and county mosquito control. Aerial and ground mosquito spraying is being conducted to mitigate the risk of further transmission.

This case has been identified as the P. vivax species of malaria, which is less fatal than some other species. Malaria is not transmitted from person to person. Only infected mosquitoes can transmit malaria to humans.

Effective treatment is readily available through hospitals and other healthcare providers. Individuals with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea/ vomiting, and headache should seek immediate medical attention.

To protect from any mosquitoborne illness, take the following prevention steps:

· Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (1030%), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.

· Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors.

· Check and repair screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.

COMMISSION: Discusses commercial activity in public spaces

FROM PAGE 1

Short said he doesn’t want the city to prohibit short-term right-of-way uses during city-permitted special events. He also said he doesn’t want to prohibit commercial activities at The Center of Anna Maria Island, which is owned by the city, or the commercial activities already approved by the city on the City Pier.

He recommended asking City Planner Ashely Austen and City Attorney Becky Vose to draft a city ordinance that would prohibit commercial activities in public spaces. He then sought input from other commissioners.

Commissioner Jon Crane agreed that the city’s rights of way should be protected, but he’s not sure a new ordinance is needed.

Commissioner Charlie Salem asked Short if there are currently any commercial activities taking place on city property that he’s concerned about. Short said there are, but he didn’t name any specific activities.

Commissioner Robert Kingan noted there are already businesses operating in Anna Maria that rent, deliver and retrieve beach cabanas, beach chairs and other beach supplies. Kingan said there are also restaurants that deliver to beach patrons.

Short said he wasn’t aware of the cabana rentals taking place in Anna Maria.

Salem noted the city already has an ordinance in place that prohibits beaching personal watercraft at Anna Maria’s public beaches and parks.

Crane said he’d like to see some

additional analysis from city staff but he didn’t share Short’s desire for a prohibitive ordinance.

Mayor Dan Murphy agreed that some staff analysis would be a good starting point and he asked what specifically the commission wants analyzed. Crane said he’d like to know whether the city has the right to prohibit commercial activities in public spaces.

Murphy said that’s a legal question to pose to the city attorney. Murphy said the city attorney could analyze what the city can and can’t regulate before requesting any additional analysis from the city planner.

“I like that approach. Find out what we can and can’t do,” Short said.

Murphy said he would ask the city attorney to provide her legal insights at a future meeting.

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

Tight-knit friends meet to quilt

BY ISIS MAVENYENGWA SUN CORRESPONDENT

It is another sizzling lovely morning on Anna Maria Island, and nestled in a small meeting room with its doors wide open at the Island Branch Library are the Seaside Quilters, huddling in for another meeting.

The room holds a welcoming atmosphere as the tables face each other in a square format. On one table are fabrics of various lengths, colors and textures donated by a club friend. Members will take some home and the rest of the donations will be available at a quilter's guild event.

At the other tables, members catch up with each other, including Dorothy Dorney, Denise Ingham, Mary Lewis, Julia Garland, Dianne Ice and Denise Saunders, who make up the core of the club and are local to the Island. The group gains members in the wintertime due to the influx of visitors. Before the meeting starts, the group welcomes Anne Hope, who is visiting the Island from Northern Ireland and loves making quilts.

As they settle in, each member takes a turn sharing their latest creations, techniques, purchased fabrics, deals and ideas for their upcoming projects. Some quilts they make are gifts to family and friends; some are for donations and sale. What makes this club so tightly knit is the comradeship among the members. Throughout the meeting, the group works collectively to share their tips to help others, discuss interesting techniques for others to incorporate into their future projects and talk about the best shops to get fabrics.

The Seaside Quilters gained its start from some members of the Sunshine Stitchers Knit & Crochet Club five years ago. During COVID-19, though the option of holding meetings over Zoom

was available, it simply couldn't compete with the coziness of the meeting room as stunning quilts and patchwork are passed around amid background conversations about the weather and road construction on the Island.

As the meeting draws to a close, the members wish each other luck and fun in the sun as they say their goodbyes.

If you're looking for a club or a new hobby to pick up this summer, call the library at 941-778-6341 for Seaside Quilters meeting dates and times. You'll be welcomed with open arms by a collective that appreciates the talents and ideas of its members, and soon, you'll find yourself as a patch in a quilt of new friends.

ISIS MAVENYENGWA | SUN

From left are Seaside Quilters Dorothy Dorney, Denise Ingham, Mary Lewis, Denise Saunders, Julia Garland, Dianne Ice and Anne Hope.

ISIS MAVENYENGWA | SUN

Dianne Ice, left, and another member hold up Mary Lewis' queen size quilt she made for herself.

ISIS MAVENYENGWA | SUN Denise Ingham created this gorgeous bag and passed it around at the meeting.

ISIS MAVENYENGWA | SUN Donated fabrics from a club friend are placed on the table for the members to get first pick of any materials they like.

OUTDOORS

Mentors: The permit whisperer

world and the fish that swim its waters that makes the fly fishing journey so special.

ly fishermen, and fishermen in general, are always seeking ways to improve our enjoyment of the sport. And while that ultimately boils down to learning ways to be more successful at catching fish, it’s not really numbers that drive a fly fisher’s passion. It’s more personal than that. If it were a numbers game, we would still be fishing with live bait and waiting for the fish to find us. Our path to success is paved with mentors and milestones that redefine our personal passage through a life of fly fishing. It’s experiencing and seeking to understand the natural

I first picked up a fly rod over 30 years ago and, over three decades, I’ve had many memorable days on the water. When I look back, some of my fondest memories are not about the fish that I’ve caught but the people I’ve met along the way, the personalities I’ve encountered and the friendships fostered. Fly fishers seem to possess a quality that attracts, entertains and enlightens us. No matter where you are in your evolution as a fly angler, I’m sure you’ve had or will have the same experiences. Over my years of fly fishing, one of the most charismatic individuals I’ve encountered in my time was a Belizean named Lincoln Westby.

I met Westby over a decade ago on a blustery morning in March outside my motel in Hopkins, Belize. Due to a strong cold front that had

blown through the day before, my transfer to his Blue Horizon Lodge had been delayed. When he asked if I was going to the lodge, I wasn’t sure if he was a guide, the owner or merely a taxi driver. Little did I know that this unassuming man would, in less than a week, teach me more about permit fishing than I had assimilated in over 10 years of stalking this “holy grail” of fly fishing.

Westby’s spry demeanor and sparkling eyes belied his six-plus decades. A Belizean by birth, he has fished the coastal waters of Belize since he was a child. He began his fishing career as a commercial diver and fisherman before following his brothers, Joel and David, as guides to American spin anglers in the late 60s. Except for a stint in the British Army from 1961-67 and two years working on a research ship in Bermuda, he has dedicated his life to learning

bonefish. After working as a guide and manager at nearly every lodge on the Belize coast, Westby had the passion to have his own lodge. With the help and counsel of Will

permit angler and former Belize lodge owner, the vision of the Blue Horizon Lodge was born.

RUSTY CHINNIS

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Lincoln Westby finessed this reluctant permit to eat his crab fly on his fifth presentation.

National Safe Boating Week raises awareness

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amsun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26, was an annual reminder for boaters to prioritize safety while enjoying Florida’s waterways.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the state leads the nation with over 1 million registered vessels.

“Unfortunately, each year FWC officers respond to far too many tragic boating accidents that could have been prevented. There were hundreds of accidents reported last year involving almost 2,000 individuals,” FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader Major Rob Beaton said in a recent FWC press release.

According to the organization, 54% of all vessel accidents in 2022 involved collisions, with the primary causes being improper lookout and operator inexperience. FWC encourages boaters to pay attention to their surroundings, always maintain 360-degree awareness and to take a boater safety course.

In 2022, 70% of operators involved in fatal boating accidents had no formal boater education.

“We know that an educated boater is safer on the water,” Beaton said. “Everyone can benefit from taking a boating safety course, it makes for a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone on board.”

FWC encourages boaters to always wear United States Coast Guard-approved life jackets while on the water, as well as to avoid impaired boating.

“FWC officers are always on the lookout for impaired operators and these operators will face arrest if found to be operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Beaton said.

To report dangerous boating activity, the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or call 888404-FWCC (3922).

For a summary of Florida’s boating regulations, available courses and boating safety tips, visit MyFWC.com/Boating.

CITY PROCLAMATION

During the May 25 Anna Maria City Commission meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy read aloud a city proclamation that said in part, “Safe boating begins with boating safety education and vessel preparation. The United States Coast Guard estimates human error or poor judgment accounts

REEL TIME: The permit whisperer

FROM PAGE 18 wife, Pearline, leased a small mangrove island from the government with an option to buy. The island was inundated with water on high tides and it took over six months and more than 10,000 boatloads of sawdust and sand to create enough upland to build the first building. Finally, in 1997, Bauer brought the first group of anglers to the lodge and Westby’s dream became a reality.

On my trip to the Blue Horizon, I had the good fortune to pick a week when Bauer was at the lodge and I was able to fish with Westby on six consecutive days. Each day I was immersed in an endless world of multi-

dimensional coral patch reefs that hosted school after school of permit. And while there were few spells of more than 45 minutes between fish, it was Westby’s intimate knowledge of the terrain and the permit that held me spellbound. I fished for four and a half days (and spent a day observing and photographing Bauer and Westby) and landed five permit. The number of opportunities was phenomenal and, while these permit were less pressured than in other locations I’ve fished, that didn’t change their basic nature.

Westby fished by the tides (high rising, high and high falling) and not by time.

The waters surrounding Anna Maria Island provide ample boating opportunities.

for most boating accidents. Basic safety precautions, such as taking a boating safety course, wearing life jackets, staying sober while boating, getting a free vessel safety check to confirm a vessel meets USCG safety requirements and carrying communication equipment can help ensure that boaters stay safe.”

MORE TIPS

Anna Maria resident David Haddox is the commander of the Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron, and he provided The Sun with some additional insights.

He said Florida led the nation last year with 457 boating injuries and 70 boating fatalities.

More than 70% of the boating fatalities involve boats that are 21 feet long or shorter. Drowning is the most common

Keen eyes allowed him to slow motor along the edge of flats looking for fish. A mentor takes you to a new level, reminds you of the complexity of the natural world and feeds your desire to learn.

On the day I photographed Westby, he left the boat to stalk a school of feeding permit and I was able to experience a master at work. He made a high looping cast that sent the fly softly to the water’s surface just two feet short of the feeding fish. Not once, but five times, the permit rushed the fly only to turn off at the last minute. Each time Westby waited (when I would have attempted to set the hook) until the fish had just turned off the fly and then gave a threeinch strip that teased the fish back to the fly. On the fifth look, the permit took the fly.

cause of boating fatalities (64%) and four of five boater drownings involve boaters not wearing life jackets. At 27%, trauma was the second most common cause of boater fatalities.

Haddox encourages boat operators to wear an engine cut-off switch lanyard so that if the operator falls overboard, the boat will stop instead of motoring away or circling and causing death or injury by propeller strike.

“At the beginning of every trip, brief everyone on board about safety issues –where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them; how to stop and restart the engine; how to make a VHF radio mayday call; where the first aid kit is and where the anchor is,” he advises.

Haddox recommends taking America’s Boating Course. The next one offered by the local squadron begins Monday, June 5 at 6 p.m. and pre-registration is required.

“A state-approved boating safety course like ours is required for any boat operator born on or after Jan. 1, 1988,” Haddox noted.

Visit the AMI squadron online at https://www.usps.org/annamaria/index. html or contact them at 941-477-7845 or at AMISailPowerSquadron@gmail. com. America’s Boating Course is also available online at https://www. americasboatingcourse.com/.

If I had to condense the knowledge I learned in my days with Westby into a short paragraph, it would be that permit are moody, and every presentation and opportunity will be influenced by many factors. The angler must judge the mood of the fish, know where the fly is at all times and take into account the tides, weather, availability of food, wind, structure of the bottom, sun angle and much more. Permit fishing is incredibly demanding, and therein lies its appeal.

Quantum leaps in fly fishing can be built up with years of experience or, on occasion, by having the good fortune to learn from a mentor. It keeps it fresh and vital and makes us keen for our next adventure.

The FWC encourages safe, sober and educated boating as a year-round practice.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Memorial Day busy on the Island

Above, boaters congregate at the Jewfish Key sandbar in the ICW off Longboat Key. Right, on Saturday, the line of cars to the Island was already backed up past 75th Street by 10:15 a.m. Below, Beachgoers enjoyed nearly perfect weather on Sunday at a very busy Manatee Beach.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

FDOT | SUBMITTED

OBITUARIES

Miriam Victoria Trotter

Suddenly on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Miriam Victoria Trotter (nee Lopez DeArmas), age 86, of Parkville, Maryland, passed away after a tragic accident while vacationing on Anna Maria Island, Florida. Beloved wife of the late Harry Bayard Trotter; devoted mother of Deborah Trotter and her wife, Michele Trotter; dear sister of Charlie Lopez and his wife, Donna, and the late John Lopez; loving sister-in-law of John Trotter and his wife, Rose; and devoted niece of Emma Tirador, Miriam is survived by a host of extended family, numerous friends and her beloved Oak Crest Community.

Miriam was born in Cuba and immigrated to her beloved United States with her parents and siblings in 1945. She attended college and later met Harry while living and working in Miami, Florida. They married in 1956 and soon relocated to Maryland to care for Harry’s younger brother, mother and grandmother, where Miriam resided until her death.

Miriam was a proud Civil Servant of 47 years with the Veteran’s Administration and the Department of Defense, where she received many outstanding service awards. Upon her retirement, she enjoyed long cruising vacations, her second home on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, social hours and Ambassador Activities at Oak Crest Village. She deeply loved her family and chosen family of friends and was always the first person to help another in need. Her untimely and tragic death leaves many broken hearts.

A visitation will be held at the Schimunek Funeral Home, 9705 Belair Road, Nottingham, Maryland 21236 on Friday, June 2 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated

at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 8420 Belair Road Nottingham, Maryland 21236 on Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. with entombment at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. If desired, contributions may be made in Miriam’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or to Oak Crest Benevolent Care Fund, c/o Office of Philanthropy, Oak Crest, 8800 Walther Boulevard, Parkville, Maryland 21234.

A Celebration of Miriam’s Life will be held at Oak Crest Chapel at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. schimunekfuneralhome-nottingham. com for the Trotter family.

Loretta Jo Tupin

Loretta Jo Tupin, a loving wife and our beautiful mother, was called home to rest on May 15, 2023. She was born Dec. 11, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri. Her family moved to Bra denton Beach in the early 60s. Loretta was the core of a big and extremely loving family. The love she had for her family was powerful and enduring. That love for people carried into her professional pursuits. She spent time as a nurse, but she was mostly known as a passionate restaurant owner, always cooking delicious meals and going out of her way to make people smile. She filled places like the Cortez Café and Loretta’s Kitchen with a contagious family spirit. Throughout her life, she always loved her furbabies, but she will be remembered most for her gardening. Every visit to mom’s was a must to stop and smell the varieties of flowers she enjoyed growing, flowers just as beautiful as her.

She is survived by her husband, David Tupin; her companion, Daisy Dog; her children, Stevie, Misty and Christy; her sisters, Anne, Vicki and Jeanie; her grandchildren, Amanda, SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE 23

Anna Maria

REAL ESTATE

Condominium insurance and assessments

Does the talk of insurance make your eyes glaze over? If it does, join the club. Insurance of all types is complex and difficult to understand but in the case of homeowner’s insurance, condominium insurance and flood insurance, it’s getting worse.

I recently learned that condominium insurance in coastal areas is skyrocketing by as much as double over last year’s renewal. This is primarily because 2022’s busy hurricane and storm season left the southwest coast of Florida with unimaginable damage. Insurance companies have left the state leaving very few options for coastal communities. This has compounded the existing problem of fraudulent lawsuits being brought against insurance companies that would not reimburse for overinflated home repairs. Now we’re also facing increases in flood insurance based on a 2021 FEMA decision calculating policy costs. FEMA’s

Castles in the Sand

new method is to equitably distribute premiums across all policyholders based on the value of their properties in addition to their location. The increases will give sticker shock to everyone in both singlefamily homes and condos. The good news is that readjustments will be phased in over a period of 10-15 years.

The challenge specifically to condominium associations is to come up with the unexpected premium payment. Most associations will need to special assess their owners which creates a potential problem for owners who are considering selling.

The Florida condominium rider requires a seller of a condominium to make the

following representation: “Seller represents that seller is not aware of any special or other assessment that has been levied by the association or that has been an item on the agenda or reported in the minutes of the association within 12 months prior to the effective date of a contract for sale.” This is a mouthful, but it’s pretty clear language. The problem is when does a “potential” assessment need to be disclosed?

Like any other disclosure when selling property, always err on the side of caution and disclose everything. For instance, possible disclosures could include if an improvement that could lead to a future assessment is in the minutes from a previous meeting or on an agenda for an upcoming meeting, if there is any indication that an improvement could lead to a future assessment included in any mailing to any unit owner or even if a conversation with a board member indicates the possibility of an assessment.

Anything that even has a hint of a

special assessment needs to be disclosed to a potential buyer to protect the seller from future liability. On the other hand, if a seller truly had no knowledge of the possibility of an assessment and it was never discussed at a meeting or was never an agenda item, the seller is likely protected from post-closing liability. As far as insurance increases, there is a glimmer of hope. The lawsuits against insurers have been somewhat addressed by the Florida Legislature putting in place tort reform starting next year. Hopefully, this will encourage insurers to return to Florida’s enormous marketplace, creating some competition with the benefit of leveling premium costs.

We live in litigious times in a state surrounded by water and prone to hurricanes. Sure, it’s the price we pay for living in what most of us feel is a little bit of paradise. Nevertheless, stay on top of all the insurance issues and what your obligation is for disclosure with a clear eye.

LOUISE BOLGER

OBITUARIES

FROM PAGE 21

Christy; her sisters, Anne, Vicki and Jeanie; her grandchildren, Amanda, Jeffrey, Crystal, Marissa and Sara; and her great-grandchildren, Kinley, Oliver, Ansley, Jhett, Theo and Prince. She was predeceased by her father, Omer “Robbie” Robinson; mother, Eugenia Haas; brother, Ronnie Robinson; and sisters, Stevie Deckard and Florence Campbell.

A graveside service was held on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Historic Palma Sola Cemetery, 8604 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton, Florida. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time and posted on Facebook. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for even the smallest of donations (https://gofund. me/0667df7c) to help with funeral expenses in our time of need. Condolences may be sent to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Dr. Robert A. Gryboski

Dr. Robert A. Gryboski of Holmes Beach, Florida, formerly of both New Britain and Farmington, Connecticut, died peacefully on May 17, 2023 following a long and valiant battle with ALS. The son of Boleslaw and Marie (Ostroski) Gryboski, he was born in New Britain in 1939 and attended local schools during his childhood. He eventually earned a scholarship to Avon Old Farms preparatory school by winning a Hartford County writing competition initiated by the school’s founder, Theodate Pope Riddle, and he credited his time at Avon Old Farms for giving him the education, values, and confidence which shaped the rest of his life.

Robert received his B.A. degree in English Literature from Yale University in 1961, and remained in New Haven to attend Yale Medical School, from which he graduated in 1965. After medical school, he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War as the Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Estes,

followed by 10 months as a Medical Officer at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, California. He moved to Boston in 1969 to complete his threeyear residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and in 1972 returned to his hometown of New Britain to practice Otolaryngology until his retirement in 2012. In his younger years, he was an avid runner, frequently embarking on 15-mile jogs around the Shuttle Meadow Reservoir in New Britain. He was a devoted Red Sox fan, rarely missing an opportunity to watch a game following his retirement. Shortly before his death, Robert’s passion for literature and writing led to the completion and publication of both his autobiography and also “Me and Shakespeare,” his personal interpretation of 12 plays. But most of all, he was a loving and devoted father, who loved nothing more than spending time with his kids and all of their friends, who were always welcomed at his Farmington house and affectionately referred to him as “The Doc.”

Robert is survived by his four children, Elena (David) Lasker,

of Atlanta, Georgia, Robert (ReRe Corcoran) Gryboski, Jr., of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Melanie (Jon) Marshall, of Natick, Massachusetts, and David (Heather Peterson) Gryboski, of Holmes Beach, Florida. He dearly loved his granddaughter, Charlie, and his two grandsons, Mick and Billy. Robert is additionally survived by his first wife and the mother of his children, Bonnie Meyer, of Oakland, California, as well as his three nephews and their wives and children, who all loved their “Uncle Bob.” He is also survived by Jack the Cat. Robert is predeceased by his aforementioned parents, his two older brothers, Dr. William Gryboski and Robert Gryboski, and his second wife, Donna Smith.

Celebration of Life ceremonies honoring Robert will occur in Holmes Beach, Florida and New Britain, Connecticut in the coming months. In lieu of sympathy flowers, please consider a donation to The ALS Association (als.org), to help fund research to combat the disease.

Fit for royalty

BEACH BEAT

BRADENTON BEACH

5/13, 2:34 a.m., noise complaint, 2300 Gulf Drive N. The officer responded to the listed address in response to a complaint of excessive noise and marijuana use. When the officer arrived, he encountered the subjects talking on the balcony but did not deem them to be in violation of the city’s noise ordinance and found no evidence of marijuana use. The occupants said they would voluntarily move inside and the officer took no further action. 5/21, 12:35 a.m., marijuana possession, 1900 block of Gulf Drive. The officer stopped a vehicle for not having a license plate light. When the officer approached the vehicle, he smelled the strong odor of burnt marijuana and noticed a marijuana “blunt” in the center consul of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded a small amount of marijuana, and the driver admitted to not having a medical prescription. The driver was issued a notice to appear in court for possession of marijuana under 20 grams and the driver was released from the scene.

HOLMES BEACH

5/20, 7:11 p.m., hit and run, 3901 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched to Skinny’s in reference to a hit-and-run. After a search of the area for the vehicle in question, the officer saw the vehicle and made a traffic stop on 36th Street. The driver stated he left his drivers license at a hamburger place and did not have it on him. Another officer arrived, and the subject said he had no knowledge of the incident. The subject was arrested, and his passenger was too intoxicated to drive the vehicle, so it was towed from the scene.

A sandcastle sparkles in front of Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on May 22.

All Island beaches now close at 10 p.m.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Beaches

and beach parking lots in the cities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach have closed at 10 p.m. for years, but when Manatee County changed the hours in Bradenton Beach to match, few seemed to notice.

Until now, Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach in the city of Bradenton Beach have remained open until midnight, even though the new hours went into effect on Jan. 22.

Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan said the county had the full support of the Bradenton Beach Police Department and Mayor John Chappie to make the change. Both Chappie and BBPD Lt. Lenard Diaz confirmed their offices support the decision, but both said there are a few details to iron out regarding the change.

One of the biggest issues yet to be addressed is Cortez Beach parking for Bradenton Beach restaurant

and retail workers. The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has been trying to solve the Bridge Street area employee parking problem for more than a year, and one of the solutions they’ve supported is for workers to park at the Cortez Beach parking lot and either walk or ride the Old Town Tram golf cart shuttle service to and from work. The Sun asked both Mayor Chappie and Lt. Diaz to comment on the fact that many workers are not finished by 10 p.m. Will they be getting tickets?

“We are going to discuss the employee parking issue at the next CRA meeting,” Chappie said. “We will talk about a possible exemption for the workers, I’m just not able to say exactly what that solution will be until we get together and talk about it.”

“Our department is holding off ticketing cars parked at Cortez Beach until the former closing time of midnight,” Lt. Diaz said. “We will ticket Coquina Beach, because workers aren’t going to park that far south, especially if they get off late after the shuttle stops running. We’re going to wait until city leaders meet and discuss how to proceed,

then our department will enforce whatever decision is made. It should be noted though, that we will currently ticket anyone parked at Cortez Beach after midnight.”

SAFETY CONCERNS

Logan said the reason for the change was the safety of not only beachgoers, but county workers who clean bathrooms, empty trash cans and do nightly maintenance in the area.

“I am told by our parks and grounds experts that there were reports of numerous after hours issues with drugs, homeless, vandalism etc. at Coquina Beach while midnight was the closing time,” Logan said. “Management decided that in order to stay consistent with all areas, the closing time on Manatee County beaches would go from midnight to 10 p.m. The earlier time also allows our staff to get a complete and safe cleaning of the beaches, park groves and restrooms without harassment from unruly, late beachgoers.”

While the signs at the beach reflect the new 10 p.m. closing time, there is still confusion online. Manatee County’s tourism website, www.bradentongulfislands.com, has a page dedicated to Coquina Beach that still lists the closing time as 12 a.m. The county’s website, www. mymanatee.org has the correct time of 10 p.m.

All Manatee County beaches and beach parking lots are now closed at 10 p.m.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

New signs have been posted at Coquina Beach informing beachgoers that both the beach and the parking lot now close at 10 p.m.

WEEKEND: Memorial Day, Centennial celebrated

FROM PAGE 1

Additional dignitaries introduced by Murphy were Commissioners

Mark Short, Robert Kingan, Jon Crane and Deanie Sebring, as well as Manatee County School Board Chair Dave “Watchdog” Miner and former Commissioner Dale Woodland, who Murphy said was instrumental in purchasing City Pier Park.

Bishop Michael Garrison of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida gave the invocation.

“We gather today to remember and give thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Garrison said. “This is not just the first day of the summer season, but a painful remembrance for those who lost family members.”

A U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard presented the colors in front of the stage and an Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCO) trumpeter played Taps followed by the orchestra playing the National Anthem.

Pearman was one of dozens of veterans who were called to the front of the stage by their branch of service and given flags and applause for their service.

Spouses and significant others who lost loved ones in the military service were presented with yellow roses by City of Anna Maria staff and volunteers.

Following a performance of patriotic music by AMICCO, who wrapped up with God Bless America, attendees were invited to sing along. The

orchestra and chorus were conducted by Maestro Leonard Murphy.

Originally referred to as Decoration Day, the holiday originated following the Civil War and became a federal holiday in 1971 in remembrance of all who died in service to their country.

100TH ANNIVERSARY

Murphy introduced the 100th An -

niversary celebration of Anna Maria at the close of the Memorial Day ceremony.

“One hundred years ago on what was a little sandspit, our city was founded,” Murphy said, noting the first mayor of the city was Mitch Davis.

“Resiliency is the legacy of this community. We should be protecting it,” Murphy said to applause.

A history of Anna Maria was presented by Master of Ceremonies Tom Aposporos.

Aposporos, a longtime Anna Maria resident, read anecdotes from 1923 newspaper articles.

“In 1923, the local paper said the citizens of Anna Maria felt things weren’t being done fast enough,” he said. “A committee of interested parties met at the next town meeting.”

Aposporos read part of a poem by two-time city commissioner Frances Livingston.

“Depending on where people are from, they pronounce the name of our city differently,” he said. “I’ve heard Anna Mariar and Anna Maria with a long ‘I’. So here is a poem about that.”

“ ‘The sunshine is hot, life is much freer, for all the tourists of Anna Maria’,” he quoted from the poem, adding, “No matter what you call it, we’re just lucky to be here.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Veterans are called up to the stage by branch of military service to be recognized at the Memorial Day commemoration at City Pier Park.

Coaches lead young teams to victory

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – The beauty of the Island as a community is the strong sense of volunteerism and giving back. Three young men who grew up in the Island community exemplified the best qualities that locals know and love, coaching 8- to 10-year-old team Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control to ultimate season victory last Tuesday night at The Center.

Head Coach Tyler Brewer, along with assistant coaches Charles “Tuna” McCracken and Javier Rivera, skillfully and compassionately coached 11 little soccer players, getting them through the regular season and first round of playoffs. The three coaches also helped their players in gaining confidence with each game.

With all skill levels on the team, the three graduates of Anna Maria Elementary School and lifelong friends found the strengths of each player and worked with them to hone their personal soccer skills. Ultimately, the individual players came together as a unified team by the end of the regular season.

After amazing semifinal action last Monday night with the top two teams being on the losing side of the stat sheet, teams Cheesecake Cutie and Sato Real Estate sat out during the big championship game last week.

Despite the shutout, the Island Real Estate team, led by the experienced soccer skills of Keith Mahoney, fought hard during all 40 minutes of regulation play. Miles Moss, goalkeeper for Island Real Estate, had 10 amazing stops in the game.

The determined Westfall squad was just too much for their opponent’s offense and defense. Throughout the season, Landon Chatt, Gabriel Foley, Preston LaPensee, Chandler LaPensee, Owen Mahoney, Kellan Oelfke, Asher Patel, Jordy Perez, Colton Sullivan and Julian WhippleAnderson, along with Moss, all fought hard and had an amazing season under their coach’s direction and leadership.

On the winning side of the field, Brewer’s players showed up for the game ready to win. Keeper Kason Price had 10 big stops to help secure his team’s victory.

Wesley Bekkerus and Callin Westfall put points on the scoreboard for team Westfall with their solid shots against the Island Real Estate defense. Scoring when it mattered while keeping calm heads under pressure became the key to success for the 8- to 10-year-old champs.

In teen soccer action, the number one seed Gulf Drive Café easily moved on to the

final round of the playoffs against Shady Lady Horticultural Services. Also going forward to the final game of the season, HSH Designs took their place by winning against Moss Builders in overtime penalty kicks.

Leaving it all on the field, team HSH Designs just could not make the shots to win the game against team Gulf Drive Café.

The hot foot of Luke Dellenger helped to secure the championship win for his team with a hat trick. Protecting the net, Gulf Drive’s goalkeeper Cyrus Ryan made five important stops. Teammate Kegan McGlade made an additional save. Opponent goalie Chase Castagna prevented seven goals for HSH Designs. Helping keep the team in pink in the game, Cecelia Kroth scored the lone goal for her team.

Teammates Braelyn Curtis, Sterling Holiday, Riley Karecki, Sophia Kerr, Krosby Lamison, Kirra Quimby, Briahna Robertson, Brittney Robertson and Brett Shortridge all did their part to get the HSH squad to the final game of the season.

In the final game of the spring soccer season at The Center, the adult co-eds played a thrilling game last Thursday night. The rain in the first half could not dampen the high emotions on the field and sidelines.

After two halves of play, team Pool America topped the Vintage Beach team by one goal.

Team captain Dean Hinterstoisser was prevented from scoring but is credited with an assist. Chris Klotz and Nate Welch made three total goals. Teammate Sam Parker sailed a beautiful shot over the head of the Vintage Beach keeper in the big game, raising the volume of the Pool America team’s and supporting spectators’ cheers.

Pool America’s goalie Robb Marshall did his part to secure the win with seven saves against a strong Vintage Beach offense.

Making the stops for team Vintage Beach, PJ Smargisso stopped eight shots from the team deemed the “Germans” in the season with strong representation from various parts of the country.

Danny Free had the hot foot for Vintage with a hat trick of his own, along with an assist by team captain Joey Hutchinson. The three goals just were not enough.

With the sound of the final whistle, team Pool America captured the Paul “Ace” Hayward Championship Cup to end another season of Center soccer on Anna Maria Island.

SUN SCOREBOARD

MAY 22

8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

Winning the big game, Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control earned the 8- to 10-year-old league soccer championship title. Top row, from left, are Jordan Tobey, Mia Ross, Assistant Coach Javier Rivera, Kason Price, Jordan Steele, Coach Tyler Brewer, Parker Svoboda, Assistant Coach Charles McCracken, Maggie Niedzwick and Madeline Kimmons. Bottom row, from left, are Callin Westfall, Ruby Kesten and Wesley Bekkerus. Polea Vacek is not pictured.

11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

Gulf Drive Café 6

#4 Shady Lady Horticultural Services 3

#2 Moss Builders 2

#3 HSH Designs 2 – Winner in PKs 6-3

MAY 23

8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Westfall’s Lawn Care & Pest Control 1

Island Real Estate 0

It was a big win at The Center for team Pool America, taking home the championship cup. Top row, from left, Eduardo Schlueter, Sam Parker, Lucas Wilson, Jamie Hutchison and Dean Hinterstoisser. Bottom row, from left, are Nate Welch, Chris Klotz, Maxim Panchenko and Robb Marshall. Not pictured are William Romberger and Juan Carlos Perez.

11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Gulf Drive Café 3

HSH Designs 1

MAY 25

ADULT CO-ED LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

#5 Pool America

#7 Vintage Beach

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN Gulf Drive Café ended the season as 11- to 14-year-old league champions. From left are Cyrus Ryan, Assistant Coach Greg Bednar, Gabriel Bodnar, Mckenna Darak, Jasmine Sparks, Theo Aupelle, Josiah MacDonald, Keegan McGlade, Luke Dellenger, Coach Matt Darak. Jayden Sparks is not pictured.

MONICA SIMPSON | 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

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

TIMBER CREEK

Condominiums and Golf Course is now accepting applications for a parttime handyman. Flexible hours. Occasional golf cart maintenance is part of the job. Free golf is a great perk with this position. Interested qualified applicants, please submit your resume to Jan Terpstra via email: janterp@gmail.com.

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, editor.

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 941-726-3077

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

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

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 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

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND total remodeled 2 BR/1.5BA in 55+ community BEACH across street, furnished, pool, library, parking next to this ground floor. Annual rental $3200/mo includes WiFi and all utilities, No pets, No smoking Call Tim 507-382-8880.

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

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