Anna Maria Island Sun May 4, 2016

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VOL 16 No. 27

May 4, 2016

City Pier Park refinancing proposed Refinancing the loan on the former six lots property would save the city nearly half a million dollars.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

joe hendricks | sun

Joern and Kathrin Stock are seeking $305,000 in compensation or an occupancy limit of 14 persons for their property at 205 Palm Ave.

City hit with 25 Bert Harris claims Negotiations could result in higher occupancy limits rather than financial compensation.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Last week, the city of Anna Maria was presented with 25 Bert Harris claims seeking more than $7.5 million in compensation to account for lost revenues

INSIDE NEWS OPINION Sun survey TURTLES OUTDOORS CROSSWORD REAL ESTATE SPORTS

4 6 7 22 26-27 31 34-41 42

created by vacation rental occupancy limits.

Florida Statutes allow Bert Harris claims to be filed by property owners who feel a government action has placed inordinate burdens on the use and value of a property. The Bert Harris Act entitles property owners to relief that may include compensation for the actual loss to a property’s fair market value.

On Wednesday, April 27, attorney Scott Rudacille presented the city with eight Bert Harris claims

After 45 years, Manatee County lifeguard Lt. Rex Beach is retiring. 14

Anna Maria Island, Florida

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy and volunteer financial consultant John Chambers have suggested refinancing the City Pier Park property as a cost-saving measure for the city.

The 20-year, $2.84 million loan taken out in 2011 to purchase the six lots property was secured at an interest rate of 3.94 percent. Now known as City Pier Park, the property is located at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard.

Chambers and Murphy recently met with a representative from Hancock Bank who indicated a better interest rate was available. These findings were presented to the City Commission on Thursday, April 28. see park, page 44

alleging $2.95 million in lost future rental revenues or property value.

On Thursday, April 28, attorney Kevin Hennessey presented the city with 11 Bert Harris claims alleging $2.87 million in lost future revenues or value.

On Friday, April 29, Hennessey presented the city with six additional Bert Harris claims, seeking $1.74 million in alleged lost revenues or value. see claims, page 44

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN

City Pier Park has continued to evolve since the city purchased the property in 2011

AMI CITIES HOPE TO CATCH $17.8 MILLION TIGER BY THE TAIL. 8

Jessie’s Island Store holds a celebration and a fundraiser. 23

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

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Center board critiques Affaire The mobile bidding was successful in the silent auction, but not so successful in the live auction.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Center board members learned that this year’s Grand Affaire fell short of its goal, but are using lessons learned to improve the fund-raiser in the future.

“The fund-raising goals we set were not achieved,” Executive Director Kristen Lessig reported.

“There’s two main causes for that.

We walked into the event with $20,000 less in sponsorships, and we had a few big-ticket items during the live auction that brought in a lot more in prior years. Those two things alone were $50,000.”

The event’s net was $61,896, the lowest since 1995. Last year’s net was $128,456. The highest was $776,368 in 2005.

She said the silent auction did better than previous years, and one factor was the online bidding before and during the event.

However, mobile bidding on the live auction was not as successful because people like the excitement and competitive engagement of using the paddles. There also was an issue with cell phone reception.

“In my opinion the auctioneer in the live auction lost us money that night because he was not educated about the items,” she said. “We need someone who knows the audience and can be more engaged with the crowd.”

“We need a serious post mortem on this,” board member Ed Chiles added. “Sixty thousand dollars for the effort you put into it? We need a date (for next year) now.

“The reason it worked so well for so long was it had somebody driving it, and that person was Trudy Moon. You need someone who lives and breathes it and cares about it and is invested in the community.”

Board members agreed that planning should begin next month for next year’s event.

Financial report

Treasurer Jim Froeschle reported that there was a positive net in-

come of $73,000 in March, and said, “That brings our net loss for the year to date down to $37,000 and greatly improves our outlook for the year.”

He said that was due to three factors – paying off the mortgage with a monthly interest savings of $5,000, strong donations from Rex Hagen’s $50,000 matching challenge and special event revenue. He said he estimates the budget will be near or break even by the end of the fiscal year.

He said there are five financial strategies to diversify revenue and develop a sustainable financial model: • Payoff debt to reduce annual overhead costs; • Expand community engagement, sponsor base, and donor base to new Island residents and more businesses; • Develop ongoing revenue source from tourism segment; • Expand long-term financial support from Island cities and county; • Explore and secure public/private partnerships.

Director’s report

Lessig told the board: • L. Gifford Kessler and Mary Martha Kessler have bequeathed $266,000 from their estate to The Center. The money will be placed in the endowment fund. She said a lawyer would offer a presentation on planned giving to the public in the future.

• The Center received a $2,500 grant for the after school program from the Manatee Community Foundation.

• Badcock Furniture plans to renovate the teen and soiree rooms.

• The new rack cards are color coded under the following categories – sports, culture and arts, fitness, family, kids and seniors. They are displayed on a rack by the elevator in the lobby.

• There will be a “honey do” list at the front desk for handymen/handywomen volunteers to learn about projects because there no longer is a staff member to do them.

• Anna Maria resident Bob Carter has volunteered to help create a development plan.

In other business, board members approved Patty McBean as vice chair and Lindsay Sauls as secretary.

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ISLAND NEWS

in brief Ticket bikes or cars?

When Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton complained about bicyclists riding in the wrong direction, Police Chief Bill Tokajer said officers are trying to educate people by issuing flyers rather than tickets and talking to vendors.

He said his officer could “easily start issuing citations” and he would ask his officers to “pay closer attention.”

Resident Nancy Deal told the board, “If you want to ride a bike, you have to bike defensively and assume that you’re going to get hit. If you’re going to ticket people, ticket the drivers that go over into the bike lane.”

Center partners with Bradenton Gym Ratz The Center is partnering with Bradenton Gym Ratz, a semi-pro basketball team, which will be having all its home games at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria. Concessions will be available, and admission is $6 for those 10 and older and free for those under 10.

The home game schedule is as follows: Music City at Gym Ratz, Saturday, May 7, 3 p.m.

Music City at Gym Ratz, Sunday, May 8, 3 p.m.

Atlanta at Gym Ratz, Saturday, May 28, 6 p.m.

Atlanta at Gym Ratz, Sunday, May 29, 2 p.m.

Dallas AT Gym Ratz, Saturday, June 4, 3 p.m.

Savannah at Gym Ratz, Saturday, June 11, 1 p.m.

Savannah at Gym Ratz, Sunday, June 12, 1 p.m.

Gym Ratz provides a platform of exposure for young men to get to the next level. It is a part of the North American Basketball League.

For more information, contact Will Schenerlein, recreation director, at Will@centerami.org or 941778-1908, ext. 9205.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

MAY 4, 2016

Food and Wine on Pine set for Saturday

The event’s rain date is Sunday, May 8.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Food, wine, beer, music, art and actors – does it get any better?

OK – a beautiful sunny day on the Island, and that about rounds out what to expect on Saturday, May 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Food and Wine on Pine on Pine Avenue.

Experience a delicious variety of food from more than 20 of the area’s best restaurants, 30 upscale wines, craft and domestic beers, 32 juried artists as well as national chalk artists, actors portraying Anna Maria’s historical characters, a Kentucky Derby tent, an art tent featuring artwork by local school children and an activity area for kids with old school games and activities.

Admission is $5 and includes an armband, a wine glass and food tray. Kids 12 years old and under are admitted free. Food and beverage tickets are $1 each at ticket booths along the street, and ATM access is available.

SUN file photo

The Waterfront booth was a popular one at last year’s event. This year visitors have more than 20 food booths to choose from and a selection of 30 wines and beers.

Wine and beer are available as a tasting for one ticket or by the glass with a 6-ounce glass of wine for five tickets and a 12-ounce glass of beer for three to five tickets.

Free parking is offered at The Center of Anna Maria Island, two blocks away at 407 Magnolia Ave. Free parking and a free trolley are available at CrossPointe Fellowship at the entrance to the city at 8605 Gulf Drive.

Proceeds will benefit the following arts and culture groups – Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, The Anna Maria Island Preservation Trust, Cultural Connections, The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island, The Anna Maria Island Historical Society, The Center of Anna Maria Island and the American Cancer Society.

For more information, visit: http:// www.foodandwineonpine.com or call (941) 778-8705.

Chamber breakfast on the beach The Anna Maria Island Beach Café, at 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, will host the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Sunrise Breakfast on Wednesday, May 11, from 7:45 to 9 a.m. Network at the beach as you enjoy breakfast. The cost is $8 for members or $16 for prospective members. You must reserve a spot. Call 778-1541 to do so.

New FISH board members Mark Coarsey and Herman Kruegle have been elected to the board of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) in Cortez. Board members re-elected are Karen Bell and Rick Stewart.

Officers re-elected are Debbie Ibasfalean, vice president, and Mike Northfield, treasurer.

Other board members are Kaye Bell, Doug Calhoun, Rose Lipke, Kim McVey (president), Bill Miller, Linda Molto, John Stevely, Plum Taylor and Jane Von Hahmann.

FISH is in charge of the 95-acre FISH Preserve in Cortez.

Area restaurants participating in Food and Wine on Pine: • Anna Maria Oyster Bar: chipolte oysters; • Blue Marlin: square grouper sliders, lobster corn dogs, grouper tacos; • EnRich, A Bistro: tomatillo cazpacho, tuna poke, mini carrot cake cupcakes; • Gamble Creek Farm: squash blossoms stuffed with Sandbar house made ricotta cheese, goat cheese lightly breaded and flash fried and served with Romesco sauce; • Harry's Grill and Bistro: cheese balls, chili, bacon wrapped shrimp; Island Spice: chicken tikka Marsala, lamb curry tandoori chicken

combo, samosa mangolassi mint cooler; • Polpo Pizza Company: artisanal charcuterie plate, wood-fired pizza, limoncello-misu, assorted San Pellegrino beverages; • Fratello’s Chicago Pizzeria: Chicago Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago dogs; • Sage Biscuit Cafe: beer cheese soup, mini crab omletes, brisket sliders; • Southern Slush: wine slushies; • Sugar Cubed: coffee and tea bar, Key Lime pie with raspberry coulis; Beach House: hushpuppies with honey butter, braised Joe Island

middle neck clams and Cortez bottarga; • The Feast: Key West coconut shrimp with orange ginger sauce, Bohemian conch fritters; • The White Horse Pub: cottage pie, smoked pork with Sriracha; • Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub: tater tots, pork sliders made with local wild boar; • Sandbar: smoked Mt. Hood king salmon with black opal caviar, cornbread muffins with bacon jam; • Seafood Shack: shrimp and see FWP, page 5

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fwp: Participating restaurants FROM PAGE 4 grits, blackened fresh fish sandwiches; • The Drunken Poet Cafe: pad Thai vegetable, laab (spicy Thai chicken salad); • Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill: Waikiki roll, double J roll, stuffed shrimp, gyoza, lotus rangoons; • Southeast High School: cheddar bacon grilled cheese sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies; • Traveling Gourmet: skirt steak skewers with chimichurri sauce, watermelon crab salad with mango and balsamic drizzle, red wine infused chocolate cake; • Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor: mini sundae with crumbled chocolate chip cookies and sea salt caramel, mini ice cream cones with toasted coconut ice cream, mini ice cream sandwiches, big Tex grilled cheese, mini burger sliders with pickles

on fresh baked potato roll; • Vinny’s Italian Kitchen: porchetta on focaccia bread, eggplant rollatini, house salad with balsamic glaze, cannolis and sfogliatelle; • Marilyn’s Toffee and More: homemade toffees In addition Covadonga Cigars will offer authentic Cuban cigars and Sea Salt Florida will offer a variety of sea salts.

Wines will be offered by Southern, Stacole, Breakthru/Noble, Republic-National, Johnson Brothers, Masciarelli, Opici, Buonafide, McNeisse, PRP and South Africa Tourist Grown.

Beer sponsor JJTaylor will provide five beer tents. Each brewery will have about four different beers to sample, plus one draft. Yuengling and Miller Lite also will be available.

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Experience the Kentucky Derby at FWP The Kentucky Derby tent, Pine Avenue Downs, will be located in the vacant lot at the corner of North Shore Drive and Pine Avenue during the Food and Wine on Pine festival this Saturday, May 7.

For the hat contest, contestants can come anytime after 11:30 a.m. wearing their Kentucky Derby hat for a photo, and visitors will vote all day for the winner. Hat contestants will return at 5:30 p.m., and the winner will be announced at 6 p.m.

The first place winner will receive a $100 Beach Bistro gift card and the second place winner will receive a $50 Waterfront restaurant gift card. There is no charge to enter or to vote.

There will be seven chance drawing baskets – All Around B’Town, Island Stay and Getaway, Pine Avenue Downs Derby, Stoll and Shop Pine Avenue, The Center of Anna Maria Island Membership and More, Chiles Group and Sip, Sail and Spa. Visitors will place their tickets in the containers for the basket/ baskets they would like to win. The drawing will be after the race at the

submitted

The Sail, Sun and Sip basket is one of seven that will be raffled.

Kentucky Derby Tent.

There also will be a 50/50 drawing. There will be a box for each horse in the race, and visitors will put their 50/50 tickets in the box or boxes of the horses they want to win.

Tickets for the baskets and the drawing are one for $2, three for $5, eight for $10 or an arms length for $20 All proceeds from the baskets will go to the Manatee County Unit of

the American Cancer Society (ACS) . In the 50/50 drawing, 50 percent will go to the ACS, 25 percent to a ticket out of the box of the horse that won the Kentucky Derby, 15 percent to show and 10 percent to place. You do not need to be present to win.

There will be 2 large screen TVs to watch the Kentucky Derby and high top and low top tables to relax at anytime of the day. Mint juleps and Kentucky mules will be served.

Happy Mother’s Day! From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy this special day!

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OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive P.O. Box 1189 Anna Maria, FL 34216-1189 Phone: (941) 778-3986 e-mail: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com

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MAY 4, 2016

EDITORIAL Helping turtles survive

P

aula Van Sant Clark won this week’s Travelin’ Turtle contest, but sea turtles are the real winners.

The contest spotlights and celebrates the start of sea turtle nesting season, which opened last Sunday, and continues through Oct. 31.

During these six months, mother sea turtles come ashore on Anna Maria Island’s beaches to nest – the only time they ever leave the water.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring has protected turtles for decades, reminding people to turn their lights off and close their blinds and drapes during sea turtle season to avoid disorienting the nesting mothers and hatchlings.

There’s another way to keep turtles safe without leaving people in the dark, Turtle Watch Director Suzi Fox says, and with grant funding, it may not be as expensive as you think.

T

urtle-friendly lighting technology means you can leave your lights on, even during turtle season, like Queen’s Gate does at 101 Gulf Drive N. in Bradenton Beach, she says.

“We’re so proud that they’re doing it,” Fox says, adding that Turtle Watch is looking for more funding for lighting fixtures that protect turtles and people alike.

For more information on how to get turtle-friendly lighting fixtures, call Turtle Watch at 941-778-5638 or visit www.islandturtlewatch. com.

And check out Turtle Tips in The Sun and on our Facebook page for things you can do and avoid doing for the next six months to help our little green friends survive and thrive on our popular and beautiful beaches.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Tidy up the beaches

I visit Anna Maria Island twice a year for long vacations from the UK and have been coming here for over 25 years. I am very disappointed in the state of the beach area at Bayfront Park on my last two visits.

I was there today and found a lot of seaweed, which had obviously been there for some time, alongside litter such as a discarded rubber float and several cans. It is such a shame that money has been wasted putting up new wooden fencing in front of the parking areas, which is quite unnecessary, and yet the actual beach area has been neglected.

Heather Simpson United Kingdom

Expand use of tourist tax In last week’s editorial (The Sun, April 20), it was mentioned to ask Manatee County officials to push to expand the population limits on the new state law passed so other counties can take advantage of the tourist tax for public safety needs rather than what is Florida law now.

During the 2016 session, during our visit to Tallahassee in March and in two county commission meetings since the session closed and also in the month of April, county commissioners have asked to put this on our legislative plat-

form for next year. Our lobbyist met with each commissioner two weeks ago. This issue was put on the list of items that we want revisited at next session.

Make no mistake, the door has been cracked to allow new uses for the tax, and we will take advantage of this and hopefully our legislators will agree.

It makes no sense to anyone who collects the tax that it can be used for tourist-related events and advertising, but cannot be used for public safety during these events.

I am sure we will ask all the barrier island officials for support in this endeavor at the next session.

Carol Whitmore Manatee county commissioner, at-large

Beach signs help Cheers to writer Tom Scygiel for his wonderful letter of praise (The Sun, April 20) for the newly installed street marking posts. For those of us beach walkers who are not yet addicted to the GPS systems on our smart phones to find out where we are on the Island, they are a great assist. The posts are clearly visible from the water's edge, so don't waste money by moving them.

Bill Henn Holmes Beach

Take The Sun Survey on Page 7.

Rental guests unfairly blamed

Once again we see evidence of a vendetta over vacation rentals from our commission. This time they are blaming parking at the beach on vacation rental guests.

“Where are all these cars coming from? The only conclusion I can come to is the vacation rentals.”

(The Sun, April 20.)

Most of us know that the rental guests mostly walk, rent bikes or golf carts and rarely drive to the beach. Let’s vote for fair-minded commissioners that have no sinister agenda next time.

Mike Thrasher Anna Maria I am shocked at the way the city of Holmes Beach treats its visitors.

I have been renting on Holmes Beach for 10 years and now I am a resident of Bradenton. Today I visited the beach on 38th Street to enjoy an afternoon on the beach.

What I discovered when I returned to my car was a traffic ticket for $35 for parking in the wrong direction. I had taken a lot of care to ensure I was parked off the roadway when I parked. I even got back in my car to move closer as I saw that my wheels were on the pavement about two inces. So much for being a law-abiding citizen.

SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7

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the sun survey

on the agenda

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Which idea do you think will help with the area's seasonal traffic congestion problems?

Anna Maria

65%

A third bridge connecting Longboat Key to the mainland.

9%

Free water taxis or ferries linking Manatee-Sarasota with the barrier Islands.

10005 Gulf Drive

None scheduled For information, call 7086130.

Bradenton Beach 107 Gulf Drive N.

5/4: Capital Improvement Committee, 10 a.m.

5/4: Community Redevelopment Agency, 10:30 a.m.

5/4: Pier Team, 11 a.m.

5/5: City commission meeting, 6 p.m.

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For information, call 7781005.

Holmes Beach 5801 Marina Drive

5/4: Parks and Beautification Advisory Board, 10 a.m.

5/4: Special magistrate hearing on tree house, 10 a.m.

5/10: City Commission meeting, 7 p.m.

For information, call 7085800.

mark your calendar Note: Events are free unless indicated.

16%

Wednesday May 4

Parking garages on the mainland with free trolleys to the Island.

0%

A high speed rail system linking the Island to Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.

9%

All choices listed

THIS WEEK’S SURVEY

• I think they are great and will ultimately save lives in emergency situations.

• I don't like them at all. We have too What do you think of the many signs already. These are completely new signs on the beach out of place, visually disruptive and should indicating the access be removed. streets?

• I don' really care about the signs. What we really need are more restrooms.

To vote, go to www.amisun.com or scan this code to vote by smartphone.

LIKE us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun View The Sun’s online edition at www.issuu.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM PAGE 6

The point is that the signs allowing parking on that side of the street were facing me when I parked. If I parked the other way, I would not have been able to read the signs. So how was I to know

that I was facing the wrong direction?

If Holmes Beach wants its visitors to have an enjoyable visit I suggest that they enjoy the businesses and rental taxes that they bring to the community and stop nickel-diming them with superflu-

ous traffick tickets. The annoyance may just chase away some once-happy visitors.

I'm sending the city a check for $35. I hope they spend it wisely.

Anthony Accatatta Bradenton

Gulf Coast Writers group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:45 p.m.

Lifelong Learning Academy will discuss whether fluoride should be added to drinking water, how to stop the flood of frivolous lawsuits and if are lobbyists running the country, The Center of AMI, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Chair yoga, Anna Maria Island Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, noon to 12:45 p.m. $10.

Register to ArtLeagueAMI@ gmail.com or 941-778-2099.

AMI Turtle Watch presentation for ages 8 through 12, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

Thursday May 5

Zumba with Suzy for beginners, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, second floor, 10 to 11 a.m., $10 per class.

Aerobics for seniors, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m.

Knitting/crochet group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Jam in the Sand open jam, AMI Beach Cafe, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 p.m.

Friday May 6

Forty Carrots program for

babies and children to age 5, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning lecture series via DVD, Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 2nd Floor, Longboat Key, 10:30 a.m. $8 per lecture, tickets at the door.

Saturday May 7

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

Comic Book Day and family craft program, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

Sunday May 8

Beach Market, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday May 9

Social bridge games, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, noon.

Tuesday May 10

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

Duplicate bridge, Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:30 p.m.

Main Hatch Motley Sea Shanty Singers, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., in Cortez, 2 p.m.

Computer basics, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

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MAY 4, 2016

TIGER grant application submitted The county may know in August or September if the grant has been awarded.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Island and County officials are hoping to catch a tiger by the tail; as in a $17.8 million federal TIGER grant.

According to Manatee County Director of Property Management Charlie Bishop, the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant application was submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday, April 27.

If awarded, the Anna Maria Island Multimodal Connections grant would provide federal funding for numerous Island projects.

The grant application includes parking and stormwater improvements at the North Coquina boat ramp, including space for Bridge Street-area employees and visitors to park and catch a trolley or shutttle; a water taxi dock at the north ramp; American Disablities Act en-

SUBMITTED

This illustrated map included in the grant application details some of the projects proposed for the south end of the Island hancements, restrooms, showers, landcaping, park benches, trash receptacles and more.

Of particular importance to the three Island cities would be funding for a bike and pedstrian trail that would run the length of the Island

and include signage and lighting.

Manatee County is the lead applicant and the grant narrative provided by Bishop says, “The municipalities of Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria will be partners in supporting the

project through permitting and securing necessary approvals to construct the project elements.

All three Island cities will also be providing proportionate funding to the project.”

The Sarasota-Manatee Metro-

politan Planning Organization and the Florida Department of Transportation are also listed as partners, with FDOT looking to develop sidewalks and other safety improvements along Gulf Drive.

The grant narrative says, “A system of high-quality multimodal facilities that allow people to walk, bike and use transit comfortably and safely is part of the future vision in Florida. A largely built-out roadway system has been stretched to capacity in Florida and in Manatee County. While more and more people want to enjoy the beaches, the waterfront is a limited public resource that needs transportation investments to efficiently provide access for current and future generations. The mobility and access to these public beaches is of vital importance toward rebuilding the growing tourism based economy and the jobs it supports. Part of the solution is to better develop safe and attractive alternatives to driving.

“This project proposes to impleSEE GRANT, PAGE 30

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Commission discusses two ordinances The ordinance on vacation rental signage will come to the May 12 work session.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

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HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners last week discussed changes to the ordinance governing vacation rental advertising, including the following amendments: • No more than one sign shall be placed on the property; • The maximum size of the sign shall be four square feet and the sign shall be oriented parallel to the street and located no further than 10 feet from the main structure on the lot or parcel. Information boxes are prohibited; • The sign shall be freestanding and securely anchored into the ground; • There shall be no fluorescent sign colors; • All signage at vacation rental properties must be brought into compliance within 120 days of the enactment of this ordinance.

The ordinance was modeled

after Anna Maria’s. There will be further discussion at the May 12 work session.

Commissioners also discussed revisions to the ordinance regarding corner lots. Revisions included definitions of through lot, front yard, secondary front yard and rear yard.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff said she returned to the ordinance the following exception for dead end streets that was removed in a previous ordinance: “If the property owner chooses to have the address on the dead end street, the yard facing the dead end street shall be the designated front yard and subject to the minimum front yard requirement. Otherwise, the setback from the dead end street shall be the minimum side yard setback required in the district in which the property is located.�

Petruff said commissioners could move forward with first reading of the ordinance, which would give them time to decide if they want to allow any encroachments in the secondary front yard, as recently proposed by a property owner.

Pat Copeland | Sun

Rental sign regulations in Anna Maria state that the maximum size of a sign shall be four square feet (single surface) and the sign body shall be oriented parallel to the street and located no further than 10 feet from the main structure on the lot or parcel. The maximum height of the sign shall be three feet from the surrounding grade. Fixed attachments or information boxes are not allowed.

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6th L A U N AN

Food and Wine on Pine May 7, 11:30am - 6:30pm

SHOWCASING OUR AREA’S BEST FOOD, WINE, ART & MUSIC HISTORIC PINE AVENUE, ANNA MARIA $5 ENTRY FEE Park & Ride Free Trolley

Parking available at Anna Maria Island Community Center & CrossPointe Fellowship Church

20+ Local Restaurants 30 Wineries • Craft Beers 30+ Artists Character Performances 30+ Musical Performances Children’s Activity Area

A Kentucky Derby Experience At Pine Avenue Downs!

Hat Contest! Races Televised! ATMs on site SPONSORED BY

Island Coffee ®

Haus 5350 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach,FL

www.islandcoffeehaus.com

Distinctive Homes for Coastal Lifestyles

Roser Community Church | The Vita, Vining, Hermann, Denton Group at Morgan Stanley

FoodAndWineOnPine.com • For info call 941.778.8705 • Rain Date: May 8th

Proceeds benefit local art and culture charities helping local youth realize their dreams in the arts.

MAY 4, 2016

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Boil water notice Manatee County Utilities Department has issued a precautionary boil water notice for users on Sunrise Lane, 52nd Street from Gulf Drive to the Intracoastal Waterway including Tidemark Plaza.

Replacement of water valves is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3. The water was to be shut off from 9 a.m. to noon. Once service is restored, all water used for drinking or cooking should be boiled as a precaution. A rolling boil of one

minute is sufficient. As an alternative, bottled water may be used.

This precautionary notice will remain in effect until a bacteriological survey has shown the water to be safe, normally 24-48 hours. A rescission notice will be issued when lifted. If residents have any questions they may call 941792-8811, ext. 5268, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. or 941-747-HELP, 941-7474357 after 5 p.m. or on weekends.

Open everyday 7:30AM to 5:00PM 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria • 941-778-3170 www.ginnysandjanees.com

12

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GRAND OPENING • 3 NEW MODEL HOMES

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MAY 4, 2016

THE SUN

13

Report twin manatee sightings

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

You can help Mote Marine Laboratory keep track of rare newborn twin manatees and continue a 23-year history of cataloguing information on their mother, TomoBella.

The calves were born on April 15 off Siesta Key in the Grand Canal, where she had been rescued in 2012 with a wound on her head and a previous calf. They were rehabilitated at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, where Tomo-Bella was found to have red tide toxins in her blood, and released later that year in Sarasota Bay. Mote scientists first observed Tomo-Bella in 1993 near Lido Key, and subsequently in Sarasota Bay. Most recently, she was seen on Jan. 25 this year in the Orange River in Fort Myers. She has had eight calves since 1995.

Twin manatees are rare; Florida manatees only give birth to twins between 1.4 percent and 4 percent of the time, according to Mote.

If you see a manatee with twin calves in Sarasota Bay or surrounding waters, e-mail info@mote.org with “manatee twins” in the subject line. Include a photo or video, the date and time of the sighting and

an address or GPS coordinates.

Florida manatees are being considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for downlisting from endangered to threatened status. A decision is expected in 2017.

Manatee Tips

• Obey posted signs for manatee slow-speed zones.

• Wear polarized sunglasses to see manatees in your path.

• If you observe a manatee mating herd – several manatees gathered as males vie to mate with a female – watch from at least 100 feet away.

Coming any closer might disrupt the mating or endanger you; adult manatees typically weigh more than 1,000 pounds.

• Never feed or water manatees as they will become habituated to people, which could put them at risk of injury.

• Stow trash and line when underway. Marine debris that blows overboard can become ingested by or entangled around manatees.

• Report stranded or dead manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404FWCC (3922).

SUBMITTED | Karl Nelson

Tomo-Bella and her two calves were spotted on their birthday last month in the Grand Canal along Siesta Key.

Sunday Jazz Brunch Food Music Waterfront Views Now Sundays couldn’t be better. Enjoy the best in waterfront dining combined with the sophisticated and inspiring sounds of the area’s top musicians.

Our Brunch features locally sourced farm to fork produce and gulf to table seafood. Start with a refreshing Mimosa made with Lola Sapere Aude Rosé. Enjoy a Brunch classic or one of the unique items that makes our Brunch the Best on the Beach.

The Al Hixon Jazz Quartet Featuring: Matt Bokulic, keys Bruce Wallace, bass

Rodney Rojas, reeds & Al on drums

Sunday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Anna Maria, FL 941.778.0444

IslandDining.com

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MAY 4, 2016

Painting class at Center The Center has partnered with Painting with Twist to bring a fun art class to the Island on May 12 at 6 p.m. The painting will be the Rod, Reel & Pier.

All art supplies are included. Bring your favorite snacks and beverages.

Pre-registration is required by com-

ing into The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, calling 941-778-1908 or going online to Centerami.org. The cost is $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Fifty percent of all proceeds will go back to The Center.

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MAY 4, 2016

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15

Queen of Hearts pushed to Thursday Due to rain concerns, the weekly Queen of Hearts drawing scheduled to take place at the Anna Maria Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach on Wednesday, May 4 has been pushed back a day to Thursday, May 5. Thursday’s 7 p.m. drawing will be preceded by outdoor

COTA Friends in Music presents:

A JAZZ JOURNEY

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 3:30 PM

CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION 4408 GULF DR., HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217

TKTS $12 In advance or at the door 941-778-1638

ticket sales in the lodge parking lot.

Tickets are also available daily inside the lodge. The jackpot is currently over $70,000 and 24 door prizes will also be given away. You must be a Moose member in order to purchase Queen of Hearts tickets.

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MAY 4, 2016

Alternative investments – worth a look

T

he term alternative investment has been used a lot in the last five to six years, but I find it almost too ambiguous to really communicate the concept that alternatives are intended for. In its broadest sense, alternative investments are vehicles other than the traditional big three of investing – stocks, bonds and cash. But, that leaves quite a lot to be included in this one descriptive term.

So, for example, an investment in a real estate investment trust would be considered an alternative investment, even though this vehicle has been known to act much like the stock market at times. Commodities are another asset class that would fall into the alternative category, as well as the limitless world of investment strategies put together to try to create investment nirvana – reasonable returns with low risk.

Unfortunately, most of the funds created to accomplish this goal have succeeded on the risk control portion, but not done very well at actually generating returns of any signifi-

Investment Corner TOM BREITER cance. Certainly a few have succeeded, and selecting the right fund manager is the key to success in alternatives, even more so than selecting a stock or bond manager.

One of the drivers behind the alternative investing push is that some of the most successful pension funds and university endowments have way more money in alternative investments than they do in traditional investment. The most successful of the last 20 years is the Yale University Endowment, which presently has well over 50 percent of the portfolio investing in vehicles other than stocks and bonds.

Endowments have different needs and priorities than individual investors though.

Primarily the need for greater liquidity and a shorter investment time horizon than a fund which will still be around 100 years from now. It is unreasonable for most individual investors to put the majority of their capital in illiquid or less-liquid investments, but a smaller portion, say 10 to 20 percent, may be OK. Fortunately, there are some alternative investments that are more liquid in nature, meaning they can be bought or sold daily.

There also are some in the middle ground, where the ability to sell your position exists once per quarter. Almost all of the larger mutual fund firms have some alternative strategies that are easy to access, but as mentioned above, manager selection is key.

The dispersion of manager performance between the best and the worst is much wider in the realm of alternative strategies than in the world of more traditional stock and bond strategies.

Another important distinction when selecting alternative investments is the

priority of growth over income, or vice versa. Most alternative strategies tend to be good for one, but not as good at the other, although some may accomplish both goals.

Having the help of an adviser is important when constructing a portfolio to include alternative investments to make sure the chosen strategies complement one another, rather than mimic each other, and to also align them with the more mainstream positions, which are already in your portfolio.

You don’t need to change your entire investment plan to include alternatives, but it is probably a good time to review your personal investment objectives and your portfolio to see if they are aligned considering the current investment environment.

Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. www.breitercapital.com

WWW.AMISUN.COM - CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

MAY 4, 2016

PY HA P R H OU ay !

Ev e r

yD

Saturday ~ May 7th

Saddle Up to the O-Bar and sip Mint Juleps for the Kentucky Derby!

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PIER 941.778.AMOB (2662) s 200 Bridge Street (Historic Bridge Street Pier)

THE SUN

17

EVERYONE IS WELCOME Adult Bible Study 8:45 AM

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM in the Memorial Chapel 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary Church School (K-5th) after Children’s Sermon • Nursery A NON DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Rev. Dr. Bob O’Keef

941-778-0414 • www.RoserChurch.com • www.facebook.com/RoserChurch

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THE SUN

MAY 4, 2016

Beach bash deflated Saturday was just another day at the beach.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Coquina Beach was busy Saturday afternoon, but the anticipated Floatopia-like beach bash never materialized.

Having been informed that a large, informal gathering of flotation device-toting beachgoers had been promoted on Facebook, members of the Bradenton Beach Police Department were on hand and ready just in case.

In recent weeks, online chatter caught the attention of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, who in turn alerted Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale of a possible beach bash taking place Saturday at Coquina Beach.

Speciale voiced concerns the beach bash might resemble the Floatopia Miami event that took place in Miami Beach on April 16 and resulted in a trashed beach and the Miami Beach Mayor proclaiming it would never happen again.

Speciale’s main concerns were public safety, traffic, trash and debris left on the beach, illegal drinking and underage drinking. Alcohol is

We are Floatopia MIAMI. We are not involved with anything in Bradenton Beach.”

Floatopia Miami spokesperson

joe hendricks | sun

Most of the inflatables seen at Coquina Beach Saturday belonged to youngsters. prohibited at the beach except for in the concession area.

None of these concerns come to fruition Saturday afternoon and most of the flotation devices in use belonged to youngsters.

When contacted last Thursday, a Floatopia Miami spokesperson said via e-mail, “We

are Floatopia MIAMI. We are not involved with anything in Bradenton Beach. If you take a look at our Facebook page, I think you will realize that it would be senseless, irresponsible and completely contradictory to post what we did and then carelessly turn around a plan another event in another

city in less than two weeks.”

The only police action required at the beach on Saturday afternoon pertained to a complaint that a drone struck a lifeguard tower. Officers Mike Bazell and Josh Betts located the drone pilot and told him he needed a license to fly over a public space. The

pilot said he had a license, but did not have it with him. Bazell also cautioned the pilot about the liability concerns associated with striking a public structure and flying over a heavily populated area. The pilot said he learned a lesson and left the beach without receiving a citation.

Standing near the concession stand later in the afternoon, Officer John Tsakiri said he thought the beach was quite busy despite the fact that the beach bash was not happening.

Special thanks to Captain Sherman Baldwin and AMIWaterTaxi.com for providing Sun staff with boat transport to and from the South Coquina boat ramp.

MAY 4, 2016

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19

Park improvements begin As part of the pending park improvements, one of the shelter structures at Herb Dolan Park has been partially painted using the green and brown color scheme used in national parks. The test color scheme will be reviewed by the Scenic Waves Committee before the rest of the structure and the remaining structures are fully painted.

The mangroves have been trimmed to allow for greater visibility of the water. In May, the Australian pines will be trimmed, and three will be removed.

The mangrove trimming was budgeted at $1,200, and the tree trimming and removal was budgeted at $8,000.

Bradenton Beach city commissioners have authorized staff to spend $19,715 on new fencing for the park and adjacent playground to be installed after the trees are trimmed and removed. The park improvements are being funded by BP oil spill settlement money received last year. There has been no additional discussion on installing portable restrooms at the park and no funding to do so has been approved.

20

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MAY 4, 2016

BEST CHAMPAGNE PRICES AROUND!

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MAY 4, 2016

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21

Commissioners: Keep us in the loop Commissioners said they are not receiving information in a timely fashion.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

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HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Jean Peelen expressed concerns at last week’s City Commission meeting about not receiving information in a timely fashion.

“I’ve learned in the past few months a number of things from the newspaper,” she said and cited the following issues: • Changing in the speed limit on Gulf Drive between the public beach and the library from 35 to 25 mph; • Changing the policy on noise complaints so a caller must give his/her name and information, sign an affidavit on a founded violation and be willing to testify in court if required; • Processing a request by Mike Hynds to add three residential units above the AMI Plaza at 5304 Holmes Blvd.; • Proceeding with the vacation rental ordinance process without updating the commission; • Proceeding with a grant proposal that could cost the city money without commission discussion; • Directing the city attorney to draft an ordinance without a commission request or discussion.

“I’m bothered that I have to learn what my city is doing by reading the newspaper or attending a tourist development council meeting,” she said. “I’m troubled that we are not regularly receiving meaningful reports from the city departments.

I’m troubled that we seem to be heading toward getting information on a need to know basis without discussion.”

Commissioner Carol Soustek agreed and said, “People ask me questions, and

I’m bothered that I have to learn what my city is doing by reading the newspaper or attending a tourist development council meeting.”

Jean Peelen City commissioner I don’t know the answers. I haven’t been told. I know somebody’s working on it, but that doesn’t satisfy me. If there were periodic updates so when people ask us.”

“If it needs to be a commission discussion, it will be,” Mayor Bob Johnson replied. “I understand what you are saying.”

Chair Judy Titsworth suggested that site plans for new projects could be presented at work sessions, and that policy changes should come to the commission.

She also asked for regular department staff reports at commission meeting and said, “Give us a heads up so we don’t have to read it in the paper.”

Building Official Jim McGuinness said with the city’s new software commissioners would be able to log on to the system and see all the department’s documents.

“Commercial business is discovering Holmes Beach, and following the increase in vacation rental activity,” he said. “We have lot of proposals. Be prepared for that.”

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MAY 4, 2016

Birds, cats active

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

Black skimmers, least terns and snowy plovers – all imperiled birds – have begun nesting on Anna Maria Island, and imperiled loggerhead sea turtles are expected to come ashore any day and lay nests.

Snowy plovers have laid five nests, including one that hatched, and three least terns are preparing to nest in Bradenton Beach, while a flock of black skimmers has taken up residence in front of the BeachHouse restaurant, she said.

This year, both bird and turtle nests are threatened by cats, said Suzi Fox, of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

Cats on the beach could undo 33 years of conservation of sea turtles and shorebirds, she said.

Whether feral (wild) cats or someone’s pets, they don’t belong on the beach – by law – Fox said, adding that people who feed feral cats are adding to the problem of cats preying on bird and turtle nests.

Fox has spotted at least 10 cats without collars on the beach in Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria, and hopes code enforcement and law enforcement officers will be vigilant in noticing and citing people feeding stray cats.

Spaying and releasing feral cats does not solve the problem, as the cats continue to roam the beach, she said.

If you know of someone allowing their cat to roam on the beach, or feeding a stray cat, she suggests telling them to stop and calling city and county commissioners to report it.

Manatee County does not pick up strays, but has a program in which residents can pick up a humane cage, trap a feral cat and return it to the county animal services department.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Top, black skimmers are beginning to nest in front of the BeachHouse in Bradenton Beach; the nesting area will be staked off soon to protect the birds. Above, a least tern feeds along the shoreline in Bradenton Beach.

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 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 sky 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 888404-FWCC (3922).

submitted

Turtle contest winner Melissa Bechler, was this week's winner of the Travelin' Turtle contest - she found the turtle at Island Coffee Haus, 5350 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. She received prizes from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and The Sun. The grand prize winner, who will take home Turtle Watch gear, gift certificates from Island businesses and Sun souvenirs, will be announced next week. The Travelin’ Turtle is hidden at a different Anna Maria Island business each week. You can find a clue to where the business is somewhere in this newspaper and on the Turtle Watch Facebook page. The first person to find the turtle and make a comment on the Turtle Watch Facebook page will win the weekly contest.

For more information contact Laurie Crawford at 1-941-746-3611.

MAY 4, 2016

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23

A fundraiser and celebration planned at Jessie’s The event to celebrate Jessie’s Island Store’s 20th anniversary will be a fundraiser for deli attendant April Gonzalez who has cancer.

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amsun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Everyone is invited to Jessie’s Island Store, 5424 Marina Drive, on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate 20 years of Jessie’s and to help an employee who is battling cancer.

April Gonzalez, who runs the deli at Jessie’s, was rushed to the hospital recently and diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer.

She needs chemo treatments and lots of time to recover from her illness. Jessie’s will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers from Boar’s Head, sodas from Coca Cola and chips from Frito Lay for a donation and store manager Jimmy Lachapelle asks that the donations be generous.

As for the celebration, Jessie’s began on May 15, 1996. It was formerly a gas station owned by longtime residents the Huffine family. Then McCauley Oil bought it and sold it to Hank and Jessie Belval, who also opened Hurricane Hank’s restaurant and

*Free earrings must be of EQUAL or LESSER VALUE to the highest priced item purchased.

Limited to stock on hand. Charm jewelry excluded. Necklace & Bracelet must be purchased in the same transaction. (Prior purchases excluded.) At participating retailers only.

sun file photo

The staff at Jessie's Island Store at last year's LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air Bowling Challenge: Craig McKinney, April Gonzalez, Michelle McCray and Jimmy Lachapelle. liquor store.

The expanded it from a gas station with a convenience store to a deli that is busy every day around lunchtime. It sells sandwiches with Boar’s Head meat, bread from St. Armand’s Bakery, and so far, it’s working.

“Consistency is the key to our success,” said Lachapelle. “All of our sandwiches are made with the same amount of ingredients and we use the same recipes, so the quality is always there.”

Timesaver owner Mondher Kobrosly bought Jessie’s few years ago, but there were no big

changes.

“I was manager when Mondher bought it, and he told me to continue,” Lachapelle said. “He said as long as it makes money, you’ll be the manager.”

Lachapelle said the store has a niche in the Island business scene, and it will continue to fill that niche.

“There are gas stations, convenience stores and delis on the Island, but we’re the only one who are all three,” he said. “If we don’t have it, you probably don’t need it.”

24

MAY 4, 2016

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MAY 4, 2016

25

26

THE SUN

OUTDOORS

FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Tarpon time T

he signs are in the air and out over the Gulf. As the water clears and temperatures warm into the high 70s to low 80s bait fish schools dimple the surface, signaling savvy anglers that the “man in the silver suit” won’t be far behind. Tarpon, the prehistoric fish with scales that form a shield of silver armor, make their way to the Gulf beaches, creating one of angling’s apex opportunities for local fishermen.

The word on what is known as the tarpon telegraph is that tarpon are already being spotted and caught by patient anglers. These distinctive fish generally appear in dependable numbers after the middle of May, but time of the year combined with water temperatures signal that it’s time to start the hunt for these noble warriors.

Tarpon are seasonal visitors to the Gulf beaches and Tampa Bay on their annual spawning ritual, but there is also a resident population that becomes active when conditions are favorable.

This is a wonderful opportunity for anglers of all types to do battle with one of the most aggressive and impressive gamefish that swim our shores.

Tarpon aren’t picky when it comes to a fisherman’s choice of tackle and bait, readily taking lures, flies and bait,

Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS either dead or live. While small blue crabs and pass crabs are preferred, pilchards, threadfin herring and pinfish catch their fair share of fish.

Anglers who fly fish favor flies like toads, bunnies and traditional Keys style flies. While some anglers swear by dark colors like black and purple, others prefer a neutral color like tan.

Most experienced fly anglers have a favorite color, but will experiment if a particular pattern or color gets refused.

In truth it’s hard to say, as many times an impeccably tied fly of any color can be perfectly presented and refused.

Therefore experimentation and experience generally rule the day.

The best way to experience this amazing fishery is to engage the services of one of the many excellent guides that call local Gulf waters their office. You don't have to hire a professional to catch a tarpon, but a guided trip will be the best investment you've ever made.

rusty chinnis | sun

The sight of tarpon rolling in the Gulf will quicken your heart rate If you decide to try it on your own, a quick primer can get you up to speed.

Hooking a tarpon isn’t essentially difficult. In fact, it can be quite easy.

Catching one is another story. First and foremost, realize that you'll be angling for one of the most powerful gamefish that swim coastal waters. It’s important to match tackle to the challenge. Not being prepared or aware of what you're doing can be dangerous to you and the tarpon.

Spin anglers can start with a quality 30-pound outfit spooled to capacity

with the same or heavier line. Double the standing line using a Spider Hitch or a Bimini Twist and tie on a two foot section of 78-pound fluorocarbon leader. A favorite lure is the DOA red and white Baitbuster (deep runner trolling model). If you’re fishing live bait, tie on a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook using a nonslip mono loop.

Tarpon are occasionally hooked by anglers that do everything wrong, but that's the exception and not the rule. see reel time, page 27

tide chart for anna maria city pier-May 4-11 A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Day Date

Wed 5/4

10:02a 2.18

3:59a 0.50

10:56p 1.82

4:49p 0.10

6:48-8:06

Thu 5/5

10:30a 2.37

4:36a 0.69

11:57p 1.74

5:40p -0.17

6:48-8:07

Fri 5/6

11:01a 2.54

5:09a 0.87

Sat 5/7

12:59a 1.64

5:41a 1.03

Day Date

6:29p -0.37 11:35a 2.66

7:20p -0.46

6:47-8:07 6:46-8:08

A.M. High Time Feet

A.M. Low Time Feet

P.M. High Time Feet

P.M. Low Time Feet

Sun Rise Set

Sun 5/8

2:04a 1.53

6:12a 1.14

12:13p 2.70

8:11p -0.46

6:46-8:08

Mon 5/9

3:13a 1.45

6:44a 1.23

12:55p 2.67

Tue 5/10

4:23a 1.41

7:21a 1.29

1:43p 2.56

10:00p -0.25

Wed 5/11

5:32a 1.41

8:09a 1.34

2:37p 2.39

10:58p -0.09

9:05p -0.38

6:45-8:09 6:44-8:10 6:44-8:10

MAY 4, 2016

reel time: Tarpon time FROM PAGE 26

When you spot schools of moving fish, get well ahead of them, establish their track and cut your outboard at least 50 yards ahead. If you're casting a lure or a fly, the presentation has to be nearly perfect, moving away from or across their path. Another important factor is getting the presentation down to the tarpon's level. They will seldom go even a foot or two out of their way to take live baits or lures.

When you go tarpon fishing, it’s OK to mimic more experienced anglers, but never encroach on a boat that's stalking a school.

Circle wide of other anglers and go farther down the beach and line up for a cast. It's rude and ruins the fishing for everyone when someone runs up on a school of fish after anglers have positioned themselves to intercept them.

Tarpon fishing should be fun. If someone ruins your fishing try explaining the rules to them. In most cases, they don't even know what they're doing. Someone who just doesn't care isn't worth the effort, so just go find fish somewhere else. I try to show them the courtesy they don't show me.

Tarpon are one of angling’s greatest challenges and a test of your mettle. Try your hand either on your own or with a guide.

Don't forget to show a little respect; this can and should be fun for everyone.

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Snook season ends; tarpon take off Captain Rick Grassett

Tarpon fishing will take off during May as migratory fish arrive along our beaches. Also look for Spanish mackerel, tripletail, cobia and false albacore (little tunny) in the coastal Gulf. Snook will move into passes and the surf and reds and trout should feed heavily on shallow flats as baitfish become more plentiful. Trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and more should be good options on deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay. Resident tarpon are usually the first to show up as they make their way out of rivers and creeks. As migratory tarpon start to arrive this month, we should have schools of tarpon moving both north and south along our beaches. Early arriving tarpon may be more aggressive due to less fishing pressure early in the season.

Set up in their line of travel and wait for tarpon schools to move past and cast a DOA Baitbuster, a 4-inch CAL Shad, a live crab or pinfish to them. Once you’ve seen the first school of fish, you can concentrate your efforts in that lane, since other schools should be following the same route.

When they aren’t showing well on the surface, a live bait under a float in their travel lane may score. I’ve also done well blind casting a DOA Baitbuster or Swimming Mullet when there wasn’t much showing on the surface. Be quiet, using

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT | submitted

Although tarpon will be the focus of many anglers in May, there will still be good action on the flats. Bill Moore, from Libertyville, Ill., had good action catching and releasing blues and reds in Sarasota Bay on CAL jigs with shad tails on a couple of trips with Capt.

Rick Grassett in a previous May. your electric trolling motor sparingly, especially in shallow water. Even though your four-stroke outboard sounds quiet, it is no substitute for an electric trolling motor.

Fly anglers should do well with a variety of baitfish or crab fly patterns fished on floating or intermediate sink tip fly lines. Staking out or anchoring in shallow water on their travel route should result in some shots at fish.

The best angle is a head on shot, followed by a quartering shot.

A perpendicular shot may

work if it’s timed perfectly, although casting too far beyond their line of travel will usually spook them. I use a push pole with an occasional assist from a trolling motor if I need to adjust my position to make a cast.

Snook season is closed on the west coast of Florida this month. Since they will be spawning, use tackle heavy enough to catch and release them in a timely manner and handle them gently.

Larger snook will mostly be females and should always be supported horizontally rather than hung vertically by the jaw.

You’ll find them in passes and in the surf. They will also stage around docks and bridges close to passes. Casting CAL jigs with shad tails and jerk worms or DOA shrimp around docks and bridges close to passes should be effective. Small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, work well at night. One of the most fun ways to target snook is to walk the beach and cast CAL jigs, DOA shrimp or flies to them in the surf.

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MAY 4, 2016

joe hendricks | sun

Coquina Beach was the site of a EVP Tour professional volleyball tournament on Saturday.

Pro volleyballers dig Coquina Beach The pro league allows players to live out their volleyball dreams while pursuing other careers.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Making its first-ever stop on Anna Maria Island, the EVP Tour kicked off its professional beach volleyball season Saturday at Coquina Beach.

The courts were set up in front of the main concession stand and 22 two-person professional teams and 12 amateur teams competed in the one-day event that offered $4,000 in prize money, with $1,000 going to winners of the men’s and women’s divisions.

Professional competitors traveled from St. Petersburg, Miami, Chicago, Savannah, Texas, Louisiana and beyond to compete in the tournament.

Competing in a best two out of three match format, Maryna Samoday and Kim Hildred defeated Chara Harris and Megan Wallin by 21-19 and 21-18 margins to claim the women’s title.

Justin Phipps and Jhonny Salvador defeated Kibbee Jelks and Sage Newguard by 21-18 and 21-18 margins en route to winning the men’s title.

Saturday’s competition was preceded by a corporate challenge and other beach activity competitions that took place Friday.

“The beach is gorgeous; it’s a great venue for us,” National Tour Director Craig Lenniger said as

joe hendricks | sun

Former Eckerd College star Tjasa Kotnik, center, puts up a shot and Kelly Schumacher, right, and Alison Kalish prepare to defend it. the preliminary matches unfolded Saturday afternoon.

“I have the best office in the world, a different beach each week,” he added.

Lenniger said the EVP tour’s one-day format allows players to live out their volleyball dreams on a budget while still pursuing other careers.

Many of the pro players competed at the collegiate level. One competitor, Kelly Schumacher, played college basketball at the University of Connecticut and played professionally in the WNBA and the Israeli and Russian professional basketball leagues. Now focused on volleyball, she also works as a model and as a color commentator for the University of Miami.

Schumacher and Alison Kalish competed in a semifinals match against Kimi Hohl and Tjasa Kotnik. Kotnik played college volleyball at Eckerd College in St. Petersburgh.

Lenniger said two of the pro players missed the Coquina Beach stop because they were graduating from doctorate programs.

The 18-city tour moves to Savannah this weekend, with future Florida stops in Fort Lauderdale and Panama City. The tour championships take place in Hampton, Va. in August.

The EVP Tour also provides youth academies and classes for youngsters.

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MAY 4, 2016

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Rex Beach: off guard

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

BRADENTON BEACH – When Lt. Rex Beach started lifeguarding on Anna Maria Island 40 years ago, the first aid kit had a dime taped inside it so lifeguards could call an ambulance from a pay phone. The rescue board was an old surfboard from the 1960s.

Lifeguards had to walk down to the next tower to talk to each other.

Now, lifeguards train as EMTs and use defibrillators, stabilization boards, ATVs, Jet Skis and cell phones.

And – not that the public safety professionals couldn’t handle the heat – lifeguard stands at Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach are enclosed and air conditioned.

Combine that with being paid to look at the view that millions of visitors come here on vacation to see, and you might think that being a lifeguard has become a day at the beach.

Not so, said Beach, who is retiring after a 45-year career in lifeguarding that started at a swimming pool in Kokomo, Ind. There are limb-wrenching rip currents.

Sand-blasting winds. Eye-tearing glare.

Hair-raising lightning. Sunscreen-melting heat. Man-eating bugs. Constant surveillance for signs of exhausted weekend warriors who swam too far from shore; jellyfish, stingrays or sharks approaching bathers; or conflicts brewing on the beach. And the all-time favorite, the human ladder scenario, when a panicking swimmer tries to climb up you.

But the compensations are priceless.

I

f ever a lifeguard had a great name for that job, the man high up in Tower 5 at Coquina Beach owns it.

Rex Beach? C'mon.

"Not a week goes by I don't hear about it," said Lt. Rex Leon Beach Jr., surveying a wide horizon hugged by mountainous clouds. "When I started work here, Ron Moore the head guard asked me, 'Are you sure that's your real name? And you're from Indiana?' ” That was 40 years ago. It was sum-

Watching a manatee sneak up on an unsuspecting swimmer and waiting with a mischievous grin for the inevitable screams.

Having a bird’s eye view of the free, daily dolphin Beach show.

Basking in the admiration of pretty girls.

And, best of all, saving lives.

Like the rescue of a family, including an infant, from a boat that had become entangled on an abandoned anchor line in Longboat Pass. Or the discovery, with another lifeguard, of a woman who couldn’t swim and had fallen off a boat two miles from shore with only a seat cushion and a floating child’s toy keeping her afloat.

When he arrived here on a motorcycle trip from Indiana in 1976, Beach never dreamed lifeguarding would be his lifelong career, he said Friday at his retirement party, which drew lifeguard legends from decades past on Anna Maria Island to toast the county’s senior public safety staff member.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of great guys and girls,” he said.

And after 40 years on the beach, he’s still not tired of it. He and his wife, Lisa, plan to travel out West, stopping to enjoy lakes, rivers, any water they come across.

And if any swimmers find themselves in distress within his purview, it’s certain that Beach won’t let retirement stop him from jumping in to help.

mer 1976 when Beach, then a 21-yearold pool lifeguard in Kokomo, decided to take a road trip on his motorcycle and visit family here.

"I was at the beach every day and eventually needed some money, so I figured I'd do lifeguarding for a while," he said. "It turned out to be for quite a while.”

And how. Beach met his future wife, Lisa, on the beach, raised two daughters, Chelsea and Brianna, and won a respected reputation for his professionalism, not to mention his endurance. Beach is the longest-serving lifeguard on the west coast of Florida.

Whether it's saving people or finding lost children, when someone of his caliber responds, you're getting a consummate professional. He handles scenes with care and concern, something that can only be built over time. see life lines, page 30

CINDY LANE | SUN

Above, Rex Beach drives the Jet Ski during a training exercise in 2012 in Bradenton Beach. Below, lifeguard legends from beach days gone gathered Friday night in Bradenton Beach to wish Rex Beach a happy retirement.

CHELSEA BEACH | SUBMITTED

submitted

Do the stingray shuffle May is the start of stingray season, so if you’re wading in the Gulf of Mexico, be on the lookout for the mild-mannered fish gliding in shallow water or partially buried in the sand. Do the stingray shuffle and shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on their barbed tails. And if you see what looks like two small shark fins breaking the surface of the water a foot or so apart, don’t panic – they’re probably just the two wing tips of a stingray, the nicest part the shark family.

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MAY 4, 2016

Local author to be featured on Investigation Discovery

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

CORTEZ – Author Daniel L. Murphy will be featured on the Investigation Discovery channel later this year on the subject of his 2015 book, “Missing Mom.” The program, "Killer Confession," will investigate the 2003 kidnapping and murder of Murphy’s mother, Dorothy L. Murphy, who, at age 80, was abducted by a woman at a Walgreens store in Flint, Mich.

Earlier this month, Murphy and his siblings met with program producers in Michigan, which requested court transcripts and law enforcement reports in a Freedom of Information Act request, he said.

“She was going to a doctor’s appointment and disappeared,” Murphy said. “We didn’t know what happened for five days, then her vehicle was found.”

Three months later, her remains were discovered, and six months into the case a person of interest to law enforcement authorities confessed that she killed Murphy for her car. She received multiple life sentences, he said.

The worst part of the ordeal was not knowing what had happened for so long.

“There are things in life that shift the course of it, and that was one of them for me,” said Murphy, an artist and friend of longtime Cortez artist Linda Molto who retired here three years ago.

A medical illustrator and sign and decorative painter, Murphy wrote the book after a heart attack.

“I was stuck at home, and it was something creative I can do,” he said, adding that he is working on a second book.

“Missing Mom” is available at the Island Branch Library, on Amazon and on Kindle.

CINDY LANE | SUN

Cortezian Danny Murphy’s book, “Missing Mom,” will be featured on the Investigation Discovery channel.

life lines: Lifeguard remembers GRANT: Would help fund FROM PAGE 29

Lifeguards must maintain a vigil on the area for people in the water, situations on the beach, the weather, and anything that looks or seems out of the ordinary, and they respond to specific 911 calls, as well. When there are rip currents or heavy surf conditions, it can mean 20 rescue trips a day into rough Gulf surf for Beach and his team.

"Our responsibility is 100 yards offshore, but we've gone three miles out, too," he said. "If we see people in trouble out there, we don't say, 'They’re somebody else's problem.’ We go."

Beach is one of the 14 fulltime Marine Rescue staff members creating a safe environment for tourists and locals to feel safe knowing that someone is watching over them should the need for assistance arise.

Looking back, Beach recalled the light moments as much as the dramatic. Like the time he and ex-colleague Joe Rossi assisted the Coast Guard on a distress call. A couple had been partying aboard their boat and, unbeknownst to the driver, the woman had fallen overboard on the way home.

Beach and Rossi found her, unharmed and wearing nothing but a kiddie float.

Then there have been surprise visits by manatees. "It's funny to watch them swim up to bathers without the people being aware," he said. "The manatees, who measure up to 10-12 feet long, will nudge them, and the people just come unglued.”

“Going into the water when the seas are angry and you're pulling people out of the water is like a firefighter pulling

people out of a burning building. You've got to battle the elements, and be physically strong enough to pull yourself out and somebody else, who's totally panicked at the time. After you've expended your energy going after that person, you've got to bring them back and be ready to do it again and again.”

Yet Beach has few regrets.

"I love the job, love the beach, love being able to make a difference in someone’s life. After 40 years on the job, I still get that lump in the back of my throat that makes it hard to swallow, knowing I just saved a life and provided a service to somebody in need. The family thanks you with tears in their eyes, and the victim thanks you with tears in their eyes knowing that I put myself in harm’s way to prolong their life. That emotion is thanks enough! You can’t put a price on a life, and you also can’t do this job if you don’t care for people. That lump in the back of your throat goes away, and you get ready for the next rescue.

"It’s priceless being able to come to work every day relaxed because you're not in an office environment, a closed space," he said. "You're in open, fresh air, you work where people want to come and spend their vacation. It's a great place to come and start off your day. It’s the best office view I could have asked for."

The staff at Marine Rescue wish Rex this farewell: May the wind be at your back with following seas, and the sun shine down on you as you enjoy your long-awaited and very deserving days off! God speed.

AMI SUNTrail FROM PAGE 8

ment several elements of an improved multimodal transportation system along coastal Manatee County. One element of the project is the improvement and extension of a piece of the statewide SUNTrails system, a shareduse, non-motorized trail network planned to span from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle. Regionally connected trails are becoming the expectation in Florida’s future, and this project seeks to implement a high-priority segment of the Anna Maria Island SUNTrail. The project also proposes to implement a future water taxi service to better connect the beaches and the mainland.”

The application packet included several letters of support from interested parties, including all three Island mayors, whose sometimes identical remarks suggests they worked from the same letter template.

In his letter, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “The complete AMI SUNTrail will create incredible recreational opportunities.”

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson’s letter said, “The new trail systems will give residents and visitors a healthy and hassle-free alternative to vehicle travel.

Many people will also use the new path to get to and from work.”

Echoing statements made by the other mayors, Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon’s letter concluded by saying, “The AMI SUNTrail project offers wide-

The AMI SUNTrail project offers wideranging benefits to the residents, business owners and visitors of Manatee and Sarasota counties. I believe it deserves serious consideration.”

Bill Shearon Bradenton Beach mayor ranging benefits to the residents, business owners and visitors of Manatee and Sarasota counties. I believe it deserves serious consideration.”

Letters of support were also submitted

by AMI Chamber of Commerce President Debra Wing, Realtor Mike Norman and Don Meilner & Son Construction.

Bishop said the county may learn in August or September if the grant has been awarded, but applicants are given no definite response date.

MAY 4, 2016

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Vehicles with meters 5 Give the heave-ho 10 Fishhook point 14 Fabled monster 15 South Pacific island studied by Margaret Mead 16 Olympic sword 17 1987 Cher film 19 Refuses to 20 Plain text 21 Sophocles character for whom a Freudian complex is named 23 Lack of variety 27 Trail mix tidbit 28 Gradually become narrower 30 Group of eight 34 Time co-founder Henry 38 Track events 40 Put on the payroll

Answers to 04-27-16 Crossword Puzzle.

41 Tehran's country 42 Armistice 43 Ireland, to an Irish poet 44 Painter Chagall 45 New Testament king 46 Monopoly card with mortgage values 47 __-Bits: letter-shaped cereal 49 Leaf under a petal 51 Escort's offering 53 Great energy 58 Capital of Lithuania 62 Latest craze 63 Tinker with text 64 1945 Ingrid Bergman film 68 "What __ could I do?"

69 Spine-tingling 70 Latvian capital 71 Collecting Soc. Sec., maybe

THE SUN

72 Threaded fastener 73 Tabloid twosome Down 1 Free tickets, say 2 Marketplace of ancient Greece 3 Dustpan go-with 4 Good judgment 5 Fla. clock setting 6 Cookie container 7 Outback bird 8 Chanel of fashion 9 Spoken for 10 2005 Nicole Kidman film 11 For each one 12 Eye care brand 13 "All __ are off" 18 Telegraphed 22 Batman and Robin, e.g.

24 Word before or after "mother" 25 Shows mercy 26 Assured payment of, as a loan 29 Duplicate again 31 Michelin product 32 New York border lake 33 Watch over, as sheep 34 Peru's capital 35 River to the Caspian 36 Bellyache 37 2007 Amy Adams film 39 Family car 48 Tycoon Onassis

50 Sheepish youngster?

52 Inspiration sources 54 New Zealand native 55 Arctic dweller 56 Burn slightly

57 Respectful address 58 Zig or zag 59 On a break 60 Enumerate 61 On __: without a con-

tract 65 Flub a line, say 66 Golf ball position 67 __ Alcindor: Kareem, formerly

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THE SUN

Natives in Bloom Now blooming on Anna Maria Island, Indian Hawthorn has nothing to do with American Indians, but is named for its origins in India. The shrub is a member of the rose family and is cold and salt tolerant.

CINDY LANE | SUN

MAY 4, 2016

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MAY 4, 2016

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Station 4 to be done

by June 1 An agreement between the district and Holmes Beach for the boat dock at 63rd Street is in the works.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

BRADENTON – Capt. Chris Kiernan reported to fire commissioners April 21 that West Manatee Fire Rescue Station 4 in Bradenton is slated for completion by June 1.

“This week we have stucco going up, window frames and interior wall framing. Interior doorframes are there, and the air conditioning system has been put in. Next week, we’ll have drywall installed, the driveway pads poured, more painting and electrical wiring.”

Groundbreaking for the rebuilding of the station was Dec. 17, and the design build team includes NDC Construction, Wannemacher Jensen Architects and Allison-Gause Engineering.

Dock agreement

Chief Tom Sousa reported that the interlocal agreement between the district and Holmes Beach for the shared boat dock at 63rd

Street is being reviewed by attorneys. It will come to the board for approval in May. The agreement states that • The district will be responsible for construction, permitting and funding; • The city will assist in securing permits; • The district shall provide funding not to exceed $60,000; • The district and city shall share the costs of utilities and maintenance; • The title shall be in the city but the district has the right to use the dock for 99 years.

Legislation

Sousa reported that the district’s legislation has become law. He said it cost $24,000 to hire a lobbyist to shepherd it through the state Legislature.

The legislation includes revisions to the commission’s election schedule to reflect the current practice of how terms are staggered and clarifies the procedure for establishing the annual assessment rate.

Sousa said according to the election schedule, Chair Randy Cooper and Commissioner Larry Jennis would be up for election in November.

Pat Copeland | Sun

Fire clerk retires Above, from left, Sherry Vetter, retiring secretary to operations, training and fire prevention, was recognized by West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Tom Sousa and fire commissioners at the April 21 fire commission meeting. Vetter began her career at the Anna Maria Fire District in 1988 working at Station 1 in Holmes Beach. She remained with the district when it merged with the West Side Fire District to form West Manatee and moved to Station 4 in Bradenton.

New finance clerk Ana Reyes, the new administrative finance clerk for West Manatee Fire Rescue, was introduced to fire commissioners April 21. Reyes has degrees in business administration and finance. Reyes and her husband, Daniel, and two daughters, Megan, 7, and Valentina, 2, live in Ellenton.

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

MAY 4, 2016

March – in like a lion, out like a lamb M

arch is typically the beginning of the end of the strong Florida selling season – in like a lion out like a lamb.

Potential buyers have either made a decision, an offer and are getting ready to close on a property for next season or they are leaving with their real estate hand empty.

However, the real estate lamb has been more aggressive in recent years, encouraging buyers to make property decisions before prices go up again and before they encounter more buyer competition in the fall. Accordingly, the March sales and listing statistics for Manatee County are starting to lean in the direction of buyers, which may result in the lamb buyers sticking around a little longer.

The big news resulting from the March statistics compiled by the Manatee Association of Realtors is that inventory of available properties has increased. For a very long time, inventories were way down putting pressure on the marketplace and increasing prices, but we may be seeing a slight change

Castles in the Sand Louise Bolger in that dynamic.

Active single family home listings increased 5 percent from March last year and active condo listings have increased 21.5 percent from March last year. This results in a 4.8 month supply of single-family properties and a 5.2 month supply of condo properties. Generally a 6-month supply of available properties is considered balanced.

Similarly, active listings for both single family and condo also have increased in Sarasota County 5.6 percent and 22.1 percent, respectively. That said, we could be seeing a change based purely on inventory and price changes that do normally happen this time of year.

What about selling prices? March sales still reflect what was sold earlier during the busy winter season and for single family homes are up 3.6 percent for the average sale price of $342,722 for March this year. The condo average sale price is actually down 3.0 percent at $199,816 in March this year.

The number of closed sales for single family homes was also down 5.4 percent at 522, as were pending sales down 16.1 percent ending at 444 in March of this year. Closed sales for condos were up 11 percent at 273 for March this year and pending sales ended down in March by 4 percent at 242.

There are two other set of numbers that sometimes play a very import part when you analyze real estate sales, and that’s the percentage of original list price compared to the price they actually sell for and the number of days it took to achieve that sale. For singlefamily homes, the median list to sale price in March was up slightly at .5 percent to a very substantial 95.6 percent, and the median time

to sale was down slightly by 4 percent to 96 days for March. Condo median list to sale price was up 4 percent to another respectable number of 95.1 percent with the median time to sell down 11.6 percent to 76 days.

The good news obviously is fewer days on the market benefits sellers, and getting within 5 percent of asking price is also a very desirable position for sellers to be in. The other good news is the slight uptick in inventory, which really points to a healthy real estate market and more opportunity for first time buyers to get in.

Anna Maria is always a real estate market unto itself, but it’s still important to track what is going on in the county as a whole since there is definitely a trickle down affect.

If you see any of those March lambs around, tell them it looks like the time to jump in is upon them. Check back next month for the April numbers.

MAY 4, 2016

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Home Sweet Home finding its niche

BY TOM VAUGHT SUN STAFF WRITER | tvaught@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – They’re a Welcome Wagon waiting for someone to welcome.

The group known as Home Sweet Home has spread its wings and members are manning information booths at festivals and other gatherings.

Holmes Beach City Commissioner and former Tourist Development Council member Jean Peelen spearheaded the group, and she wants members to spread the word that despite the trend toward demolishing older homes and building vacation rentals, Anna Maria Island is still the ideal location to raise a family or to live in retirement.

At the group’s meeting on Thursday, April 28, members talked about their website,

www.ourannamaria.com. They want to link to the Anna Maria Island Chamber website and Chamber President Deb Wing said the Chamber site would have relocation information soon to attract the attention of executives being relocated to the area.

The also talked about instituting an AMI Value Card to give new residents discounts on merchandise and services.

“We talked with businesses about that, and we found out they weren’t interested,” Peelen said. “They said people who live on the Island don’t shop with them.”

They also talked about increasing long-term rentals to provide housing for people who work on the Island. They suggested purchasing properties to build annual rentals, although it would be expensive.

“If we could get a building or some land donated, we could build rentals,” said Jack Brennan. “Then we could borrow money on that to do more.”

Brennan said he wants the cities to become certified to receive grants for historic properties. Peelen sad she wants Home Sweet Home to become a 501c3 not for profit agency.

She said it costs about $450, and she’s ready to do it. The rest of the attendees agreed.

Peelen also wants to get a list of homes in the cities that are 50 years old or older. Jen Bowman, of Keller Williams Realty, said she could get that information.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 26, at 1 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation.

THE SUN

2015 Manatee County tourism Visitation

Overnight and day-trip visitation up 3.4 percent to 3 million Length of stay down <1 percent to 5.8 nights Size of party up <1 percent to 2.9 people Car travelers down <1 percent to 46.8 percent Air travelers up <1 percent to 51.9 percent Couples down <1 percent to 52.4 percent Families up <1 percent to 37.7 percent Singles up <1 percent to 11.2 percent Satisfaction down <1 percent to 97.3 percent Plan to return up <1 percent to 94.9 percent Average age of head of household up <1 percent to 49.5 Median annual household income up 1 percent to $112,245

Lodging

Occupancy up 3.3 percent to 73 percent Average daily rate up 7.4 percent to $161.90

Economic Impact

Direct visitor expenditures up 10.6 percent to $696.6 million Resort tax collections up 12.9 percent to $11.9 million Tourism-related employment up 13.8 percent to 24,700 Source: Research Data Services, consultant for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

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MAY 4, 2016

Mosquito director gives Zika update Mark Latham, director of the Manatee County Mosquito Control District, has issued the following update on the Zika virus in Florida and Manatee County: There have been 93 confirmed cases of Zika in In Florida, all imported by residents having traveled to a Zika endemic country and having acquired it through a mosquito bite there.

There have been no cases of Zika transmitted by a local mosquito in Florida or anywhere else in the U.S. In Manatee County, we have yet to see our first case of Zika, imported or otherwise. Should we receive notification of an imported Zika case in Manatee County we will immediately focus our efforts on eliminating mosquitoes from the area where the person lives and also potentially their workplace in order to prevent a local mosquito from picking up and transmitting the virus to another person.

This is possible because the mosquito species that transmits Zika only flies a few hundred feet in its lifetime, allowing us to focus our efforts on an area no bigger than 10 city blocks.

We do have the species of mosquito capable of transmitting Zika (scientific name, Aedes aegypti; common name, the Yellow Fever mosquito). It is quite different from our many other pest mosquitoes that breed in swamps, bite aggressively at dusk and dawn and fly many miles. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is only found in urban areas in close association with man.

It uses man-made containers such as buckets, tires, flower pots, etc. and is a weak flyer, staying close to the area where it originated. It is active in daylight hours, not the heat of the midday, but for several hours in the morning after sunrise and several hours in the late afternoon before the sunsets.

Because of this, it is more difficult to control as our fog trucks or helicopter sprays are most effective when the mosquito is active, and we can't be routinely spraying neighborhoods during daylight hours for a whole host of reasons such as outdoor human activity, beneficial insects such as bees are active at this time, thermal activity off the hot ground carries the sprays up and away from where they are trying to treat.

The best, most appropriate and long lasting control method is premise sanitation, cleaning up of water-holding containers and junk in people's yards. But we can't achieve this without the help and cooperation of the public. While inspectors can visit complainants' properties and show them where their mosquito problems may be coming from, they cannot get into neighbors yards without permission. Often there is no one home and the gates are locked, and we don't have the

manpower to cover more than a very small portion of the thousands of properties in Manatee County.

We do our best to educate the residents of Manatee County through public education resources (brochures, talks to community associations, appearances at public events, etc.), but can only reach a small fraction, and can't enforce them to follow our recommendations.

The mosquito problems we have been seeing/experiencing

this winter/spring season it is mostly due to a very aggressive species that bites at dusk and dawn and not the Aedes aegypti species capable of transmitting Zika virus. It is a species that is found associated with aquatic plants (cattails, water lettuce, water hyacinth, etc.) and, like ponds with aquatic vegetation, is ubiquitous throughout the county, although more predominant in the suburban to rural areas like Parrish.

MAY 4, 2016

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37

Property vacation denial challenged The decision involved a portion of Second Avenue between 38th and 39th streets and adjacent to Manatee Public Beach.

BY PAT COPELAND SUN STAFF WRITER | pcopeland@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Attorneys for AMI LLC have filed a petition with the court asking that it nullify the City Commission’s decision to deny a request at a public hearing in March to vacate a portion of Second Avenue between 38th and 39th streets and adjacent to Manatee Public Beach.

In the petition, seeking a declaratory judgment, attorney Randolph Smith, of Najamy Thompson, maintained that the commission’s decision was quasi judicial and not legislative.

His maintained that: • His clients were not afforded due process, which would have occurred if the hearing was quasi judicial, and commissioners had already made up their minds because they “openly expressed

their desire to deny the request.”

Additionally, the client’s attorneys were not afforded the opportunity to review court documents provided by the city attorney at the public hearing and “the city attorney in presenting the two documents noted above, misled the commission as to their true nature and content.”

• The commission did not consider the six criteria in the city’s code that are to be used for the vacation of streets, alleys, easements and rights of way.

At the public hearing, the city planner said the policy is that commissioners are to consider vacations “based primarily but not exclusively” on the six criteria.

• The commission decision was not based on competent substantial evidence because “the only evidence the city could have relied on to make their decision to deny the application was the staff report prepared by the city planner and the input from the two attorneys representing abutting property owners.”

The petition claims the city commission's decision was quasijudicial and not legislative.

In addition, “the fact that the county would receive 25 feet of the vacated right of way was ignored throughout his (the county attorney) argument.”

Thirdly, the planner was uncertain as to whether the application for vacation would violate the comprehensive plan.

• The section of the city code containing the six criteria that are to be used for the vacation of streets, alleys, easements and rights of way is “unconstitutionally vague” and should be declared void.

SUBMITTED

Bartenders tie the knot Well-known local bartenders Courtney McGough and Mike Nation were married Sunday evening in a ceremony that took place at near Bridge Street beach access, followed by a reception at the BeachHouse restaurant. The party continued at the Sports Lounge, where McGough has tended bar for the past two years. Nation tended bar at the Gulf Drive Café for many years before joining his future bride at the Sports Lounge two months ago. He was also one of the original Island Time bartenders.

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THE SUN

MAY 4, 2016

Occupancy rehearing request delayed Procedural requirements must be met before the motion for rehearing can be filed.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – As of Monday morning, Anna Maria Vacations’ request for a rehearing on the city of Anna Maria’s vacation rental occupancy restrictions had not yet been formally filed.

On April 1, 12th Circuit Court Judge GilMedia pool photo. bert Smith Jr. ruled that the city could impose Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. will determine if an occupancy restriction rehearing is granted. occupancy limits on vacation rentals, and doing so did not, in his opinion, constitute a rentals because it does not ban them in their the motion for rehearing, Vose’s response violation of the state law that prevents a city entirety,” Randolph Smith’s motion states. states, “Plaintiff asserts that this honorable from prohibiting vacation rentals or limiting court did not address claim that the term During the hearing, the plaintiffs’ attorney the duration or frequency of rentals. ‘prohibit,’ as used in Florida Statutes, is argued that occupancy limits do serve as a On April 25, attorney Randolph Smith ambiguous, and plaintiff’s claim that a limitaprohibition on rentals, which state law does attempted to file a request to have the case tion on occupancy of a vacation rental over not allow.

Judge Smith did not share this reheard. The motion for rehearing was eight constitutes a prohibition on vacation view. based on the attorney Smith’s belief that rentals. However, implicit in the court’s ruling On April 27, City Attorney Becky Vose filed Judge Smith failed to consider the argument is the finding that the term ‘prohibit’ is not a response to the rehearing request.

In her that the term “prohibit vacation rentals” is ambiguous, and the limitation on occupancy response, Vose noted that the judge’s final ambiguous. does not constitute a prohibition of vacation order had not yet been signed, and therefore “It appears the court’s upholding of the rentals.” the request for a rehearing was premature. ordinance is founded on its conclusion that Based on this argument, which her son the ordinance does not prohibit vacation In regard to the arguments presented in

Wade Vose made on the city’s behalf during the April 1 hearing, Vose asked the court to deny the motion for rehearing and enter final judgement in favor of the city.

When contacted last Friday, Vose said, “Their motion for a rehearing was premature because they hadn’t gotten a final order before they filed it. They said they were going to take the final order to the judge and get the judge to sign it. They told me they would then file the motion for a rehearing.”

Vose said Judge Smith would determine if he wishes to rehear the case he recently ruled on. If so, he would call for a rehearing and preside over it.

“It’s not an appeal. It’s just in case the judge thinks he made a mistake,” Vose said of the rehearing process.

When asked if rehearing requests are often granted, Vose said, “No, they are not.”

If the motion for rehearing is denied, or takes place and results in another ruling favorable to the city, the plaintiffs could then file an appeal with Second District Court of Appeal in Lakeland.

The city’s vacation rental occupancy restrictions are also being challenged in a separate set of actions by numerous vacation rental property owners who recently filed Bert Harris claims against the city.

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39

Michael Saunders & Company Arrives on Anna Maria Island

SUBMITTED

Karpay featured at gallery May featured artist Joanna Karpay’s oil paintings will be spotlighted in the exhibit, “Old Florida Splendor,” during May at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.islandgallerywest.com, Facebook, or call 941-778-6648.

NEW OFFICE NOW OPEN AT 6000 MARINA DRIVE

A

s Michael Saunders & Company celebrates its 4Oth year in business, we are delighted to introduce our debut sales office right here on Anna Maria Island. Now, whether you are looking to buy, sell or rent, you will be able to enjoy the company’s complete range of real estate services from the convenience of our Holmes Beach location.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new Anna Maria Island office, and working with you to achieve exceptional real estate results.

6000 MARINA DR #105 • HOLMES BEACH, FL 34217

michaelsaunders.com

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MAY 4, 2016

TOWN CRIER

Beach Café, at Manatee Public Beach, 5000 Marina Drive. Breakfast is available for purchase before the meeting.

What bugs you?

The chess master teaches

The Lifelong Learning Academy meets at the Center of Anna Maria, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for people to openly exchange ideas on a variety of topics. On May 4, they will discuss whether fluoride should be added to our drinking water, how can we stop the flood of frivolous lawsuits and are lobbyists running the country?

The sessions are free and no registration is required. For more information, call 941-359-4296 or visit www.lla-sm. org.

Learn how to play, or how to better play chess at a class in the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, May 7, at 10 a.m. The classes are free, and you can bring your own chess set or use one supplied by the library. Call 7786341 for more details.

Comic book day at library It’s free comic book day at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, on Saturday, May 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. Kid are invited to get a free comic book and stay for a family craft program. Call the library at 7786341 for more information.

Writers club meets The Gulf Coast Writers will meet on Wednesday, May 4, in the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, at 12:45 p.m. Members are urge to bring their writing with a few extra copies, if possible. Call Alice Moerk, at 778-7923, for any questions.

Gentle yoga exercise The Anna Maria Island Art League presents Gentle Chair Yoga with instructor Cindy Phillips, Wednesdays from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Art League, 5312 Holmes Blvd. Holmes Beach. The cost is $10 per class.

Spaces are limited.

Gentle Chair Yoga combines breathing with postures to help improve strength, flexibility, balance and tranquility. Enjoy all the benefits of a regular yoga practice, without having to get down on the floor by using a traditional yoga mat, which makes it suitable for all levels and abilities.

The Art League is looking for a yoga instructor for the summer. Contact Fran at 778-2099 if interested.

Sea turtle presentation Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch will give a presentation on helping sea turtles during mating season on Wednesday, May 4, at 6 p.m. at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. This program is for tweens, early teenagers. Call the 778-6341 for more information.

Off Stage Ladies to meet The final Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players meeting for this season will be on Wednesday, May 11, at 11:30 a.m. at IMG Academy Golf Club, 3450 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton. The program will be Community Theater in Saudi Arabia, presented by Sue Belvo. Visitors are welcome. RSVP due

by May 5. Contact Nancy Ambrose 941-518-4431 for information

Tickets to Jazz Journey available

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, hosts A Jazz Journey on Saturday, May 14, at 3:30 p.m. Soprano Carole Cornman and jazz pianist Tom Benjamin will perform jazz favorites covering life’s journey. The concert is part of the church’s Friends in Music series. Proceeds from these concerts pays for soloists and instrumentalists for Easter, Christmas and other special church services throughout the year. This is the 11th annual Friends in Music Concert. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at the door.

Everyone loves a story Trudy Hill, the children’s librarian, reads stories on Tuesday, May 10, at 10 a.m. Kids between toddler and five years of age are welcome as are their parents at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, call 778-6341.

Back to computer basics

Needlework for fun

Zoo trip for seniors

If you’re good with needles or want to be, there is a monthly meeting at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, for people who like to knit and crochet. The next one is scheduled for Thursday, May 5, at 2 p.m. Bring your latest project and enjoy. Call 778-6341 for more information.

Senior Adventures, the group for seniors who want to explore and have fun, is going to Lowry Park Zoo on Friday, May 6. Members should meet up at The Center at 407 Magnolia in Anna Maria by 10 a.m. The cost is $20, plus gas. For more information, call Peg Miller at 778-3106.

Computer expert Danielle Wallace covers the basics of computers and answers questions at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10.

This free session is for those just beginning or having trouble with computers and their programming. Call the library at 778-6341 for more information.

Jam at the beach

Bridge class on Longboat

Relax with coloring

Musicians and music lovers are invited to Jam in the Sand on Thursdays at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s free and it’s fun.

A beginner’s/refresher class in bridge takes place Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Aging in Paradise Resource Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, second floor, Longboat Key. The cost is $10 per class with coffee and cookies provided. RSVP to maryannbrady@ aginginparadise.org or by phone, 941383-6493

Coloring isn’t just for kids. Thousands of adults nationwide have taken up the childhood practice of filling in the pictures and the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is holding a session on Wednesday, May 11, at noon. For more information, call the library at 778-6341.

Drum circle at beach

Detect problems in time

Enjoy the sounds of drums keeping the beat at the Sunset Drum Circle at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. There’s no charge to listen, and dinner is available at the café.

Prevention Plus Stroke and Vascular Screening is offered Wednesday, May 11, at The Center, 407 Magnolia, Anna Maria. The screenings are being offered at reduced prices. They include stroke/carotid ultrasound for $40, abdominal aortic aneurysm for $40, arterial disease test for $40, thyroid ultrasound for $40, abdominal ultrasound for $95 and heart scan-echocardiogram for $95 or all six tests for only $179. Blood tests, liver, cholesterol, PSA and TSH tests are also available.

To register, call 888-667-7587.

Beat binge eating Overeaters Anonymous meets at the Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, every Thursday at 7 p.m. For more information, call 813-494-6518.

Forty Carrots fun The Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, hosts Forty Carrots, a parenting program on Friday, May 6, at 10 a.m. The program is free, and tickets are available at the library desk. Space is limited to 12 families. For more information, call 778-6341.

Boy Scout speaker Rod Urban, Manatee County district chairman of the Boy Scouts of America, speaks at the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island weekly meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7. at Manatee

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Ordinance to clarify mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powers

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The ordinance stems from the commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to interpret the city charter.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An ordinance clarifying the roles and powers of the Bradenton Beach mayor and city commissioners will be presented for the first of two public hearings on Thursday, May 5.

The commission meeting will begin at 6 p.m., and public comment will be accepted on proposed Ordinance 16-467.

If adopted on second reading later this month, the ordinance would create new city law that defines the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form of government and provides commissionapproved interpretations of the mayor and commissionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; powers and responsibilities.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry drafted the ordinance based on commission consensus provided during three work meetings that took place in February and March at the request of Commissioner Ralph Cole. As a new commissioner, Cole wanted a clear understanding of the mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position and how it pertained to the supervision of city staff.

Under the heading â&#x20AC;&#x153;City Commission Generally,â&#x20AC;? the proposed ordinance recaps the philosophical consensus reached during those work meetings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important to note that the commission acts as a body and speaks with one corporate voice.

No member has any extraordinary powers beyond those of other members. While the mayor has some additional ceremonial and presiding officer responsibilities, when it comes to establishing policies, voting, and in other significant areas, all members are equal. It is also important to note that policy is established by at least a majority vote of the commission. While

Neither the mayor, nor any commissioner, may direct or supervise the department heads or their staff members.â&#x20AC;?

Proposed Ordinance 16-467 individual members may disagree with decisions of the majority, a decision of the majority does bind the commission to a course of action. Commission members should respect adopted commission policy.

In turn, it is the mayor and staffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility to ensure the policies of the commission are upheld.â&#x20AC;?

The proposed ordinance addresses the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form of government and states: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The city of Bradenton Beach operates on a weak mayor/ commission system of government. The commission collectively governs; supervises departmental directors; approves budgets, expenditures and audits; and plans for the municipality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each commission member has the same powers, duties and responsibilities, although the mayor may have signatory authority related to fiscal matters. There is no central administrative position. Staff report to departmental directors who report directly to the commission.â&#x20AC;?

The city charter states the mayor serves as the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive head and provides administrative oversight. The commission wanted these two terms more clearly defined.

The resulting ordinance states the mayor as executive head: â&#x20AC;˘ Chairs all city commission meetings; â&#x20AC;˘ Appoints commissioners as liaisons; â&#x20AC;˘ Calls for special sessions of the city commission; â&#x20AC;˘ Creates boards, panels or committees to advise on matters of interest to the city; â&#x20AC;˘ Serves as the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary representative for ceremonial functions.

The proposed ordinance clarifies the mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administrative oversight powers: â&#x20AC;˘ Primary responsibility is to ensure the city operates in accordance with the policy mandates of the commission; â&#x20AC;˘ Ensures compliance with emergency preparedness and emergency management programs and requirements; â&#x20AC;˘ Makes recommendations to the commission on personnel issues; â&#x20AC;˘ Prepares, or causes to be prepared, an annual budget document, operating budget and capital spending plan to be submitted to the commission for review and action; â&#x20AC;˘ Submits to the commission and makes available to the public a complete state of the city report.

The proposed ordinance addresses the mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supervision of city staff, which has been a concern expressed by commissioners and department heads during Shearonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two partial terms as mayor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the weak mayor/commission form of government, the dayto-day management and supervision of city staff is conferred on to the department heads over each of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departments. Neither the mayor, nor any commissioner, may direct or supervise the department heads or their staff members. Commission has the authority to adopt policies and the mayor has the authority to insure that staff operates in accordance with said policies, or to make personnel recommendations to the city commission directly,â&#x20AC;? the ordinance states.

If adopted, a violation of the ordinance would be a violation of city law.

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THE SUN

SPORTS

MAY 4, 2016

The Center soccer kicks off another successful season

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Instead of the competition on the inside at the Center, as usually seen in the spring season with basketball, the kids hit the pitch once again for some more soccer fun.

With over 100 players, the play began last week for all of the youth teams.

A new round of instructional league players, playing most of their games on Monday nights, hit the small field. The four teams in the 3- to 5-year-old league and the four teams in the older age group for 6 and 7 year olds are learning their skills with volunteer coaches.

Meanwhile, the older kids, many of whom have been playing at the Center since they were 5 years old, have transitioned themselves to club soccer and school team soccer in town. Playing for the Manatee Magic, Braden River Rage and Sarasota Chargers or for their middle and high school teams is the natural progression for many of the kids who kicked the ball around at the community center.

The participation in the 11- to 13-year-old and 14- to 17-year-old leagues often diminishes as a result and this season is no different. Many of these players who grew up at the center returned in April after growing their soccer skills off the island to comprise a total of fun but competitive five teams.

The 17 players in the 14- to 17-yearold age group played their first game on Wednesday night. The two teams sponsored by Sugar Beach Digital and Beach Bums will go head-to-head every week, but to keep it interesting the players that comprise each team will be mixed up periodically.

Longtime Island players Jaclyn Schlossberg, Savannah Higgins, Angelina Sculco, Leo Tilelli, Katie Krokroskia, Lila Naeher, Anna Pears, Ava Zink, Joe Peery, Cortni Wash, Hannah McCracken, Adra Dupuis, Sela Zaccagnino, Lukin Heffernan and Lindsey Smith, laced up their boots and played 40 minutes of soccer.

The first goal of the game was made by Schlossberg, who came off of the sideline to assist the Beach Bums team on offense after seven minutes of play.

Tilelli and Michael Thompson supported their teams in goal for the majority of the game. Both boys came out of goal to play offense for their respective teams. Smith, for Sugar Beach Digital, took over in goal for the moment and saved an early goal attempt.

Beach Bum’s Naeher played strong defense in the backfield along with Krokroskia, Pears and Sculco. Heffernan scored a

monica simpson | SUN

Kieran Cloutier, playing for Team LUX, settles the ball at his feet while Elek Brisson and Dante Tilelli move to take the ball away for The Feast. goal with six minutes left in the first half for Sugar Beach Digital tying the game 1-1.

Two minutes later, Schlossberg answered back with her second goal of the game.

Wash attacked the ball and stopped the shot by Zink after moving the ball down the field 20 yards.

Not to be denied, Zink got her second goal with less than three minutes on the clock. With a two point lead, Naeher nearly scored on a corner kick ending the first half 3-1.

After another Beach Bums score, Paighton Hall scored Sugar Beach Digital’s second and last goal of the game. Schlossberg hit her third goal of the game for Beach Bums.

Despite a 5-2 lead by Beach Bums, Smith made a strong defensive stop of Zink’s shot. McCracken, playing for Sugar Beach Digital, using her speed, nearly took the game to within three points. Time ran off the clock before Sugar Beach Digital could score another goal.

Zink, playing both teen leagues this season, had a hat trick in the game helping her team for the week, Beach Bums, to capture the win with the final score of 6-2.

Facing off for the first time in the season, the 11-to 13-year old Beach Bums team and

Team Coldwell Banker will play Wednesday, May 4 at 8 p.m. This league finds six Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School middle school soccer players on two different

Sports briefs The heat is on No more moderate temperatures. The golfers at Key Royale Club are dealing with summer weather and a lot of the winter residents are gone. Here’s what happened in tournament play last week.

The teams of Dave Kruger/Jim Lathrop and Jim Auch/Chet Hutton tied for first place in Monday morning’s low net of partners competition with scores of 57. Second place was a tie too between Jack Roe/Wade LaDue and Fred Myers/Tom Bode with scores of 61.

Five players tied with in Monday afternoon’s, modified Stapleford individual competition with a score of +3.

They were Herb Claus, John Estok, Tom McDonnell, Ken Rickett and Bob Soos. In the team play, the team of

teams, along with many long-time friends meeting on the field for a friendly game of soccer at the Center.

Greg Burke, John Estok, Barry Izzard and Larry Solberg came in first a score of +7.

In Thursday’s scramble, the team of Larry Pippel, Dick Mills, Chuck Patrick and Dan Richardson won it with a score of 27, 5 under par.

For more information, call Key Royale Club at 778-3055.

Horseshoe play On April 27 two teams rolled through pool play with 3 and 0 records and met in the final. Bob Lee and Neil Hennessey came from behind to take out Dom Livedoti and Bob Rowley 25 to 20 on a game ending double ringer by Hennessey and earn the days bragging rights. On April 30, Tim Sofran and Steve Doyle were crowned champs for the day after posting the only 3 and 0 record during pool play.

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MAY 4, 2016

BEACH BEAT Anna Maria

4/19, lost item, 100 block of Mangrove Avenue. The complainant’s trash can was missing.

4/19, runaway found, 100 block of Tern Drive. The teenager returned to his grandmother’s house after she reported him missing.

4/22, battery, 500 block of South Drive.

The couple had been living together when she said he was intoxicated, and they got into an argument. It got physical, and he picked up his possessions and left, walking on her car as he left.

He was later arrested.

4/22, unattended death, 200 block of Lakeview Drive. The deputy was called to check up on a resident and found he was dead.

4/22, domestic battery, 500 block of South Drive. The complainant said she got into an argument with her male partner, and there was violence. The male left before the deputy arrived. So the deputy issued a capias request for the state attorney’s office to investigate.

Bradenton Beach

4/23, trespass warning, Bridge Street Pier.

Two officers on patrol found a man sleeping on a bench on the pier. They issued him a trespass warning and told him to move on.

4/24, resisting a law enforcement officer without violence, 135 Bridge St., Bridge Tender Inn. The officer was dispatched to the restaurant in reference to a road rage incident. As he arrived, the defendant passed him going the other way. Witnesses informed the officer about the man who was fleeing in his car. The officer caught up with him at the Bradenton Beach Marina. The

defendant was acting belligerent and aggressive, and the officer decided to handcuff him, which he resisted. The officer pepper sprayed him and was able to secure him.

4/26, domestic battery, 100 block of Seventh Street. The male was arrested after a witness said he hit the female.

Cortez

4/18, warrant arrest, 10100 block of Cortez Road West. The couple had lived together in a relationship until they recently broke up. The female came to the apartment to get a toothbrush, and when she found she could not get in, she broke out a window to unlock the door, cutting herself. When the deputy interviewed the couple, he decided there had been no battering. He did find out that the woman had a violation of parole warrant, so she was transported to the hospital for the laceration on her hand and then to jail.

4/28, burglary, 4400 block of 124th Street West. The occupants of the house were upstairs, and they heard a commotion downstairs. The male went down and saw an arm coming from the doorway trying to untie a rope holding the door shut. He yelled and the arm retreated.

He went outside and chased down the suspect who claimed he had a gun.

The male stood up, and the suspect ran away.

Holmes Beach

4/17, DUI, possession of drugs, 4000 Gulf Drive. While on patrol in the county beach parking lot after hours, the officer noticed a car pull in and stop. He went over to the car and noticed the driver’ eyes to be watery and his eyelids droopy. He asked for the driver’s license and registration and got them.

He also noticed the passenger in the front seat was falling asleep. He smelled alcohol coming from the car.

He had the driver perform a field sobriety test, which he failed. The officer found some prescription medicine that was not in a prescription bottle. The driver went to jail.

4/18, DUI, 6000 Marina Drive. The officer stopped the suspect car because it was going 51 mph in a 35 mph zone. The officer noticed the driver’s eye were red and watery and his eyelid droopy.

He smelled alcohol, and when he asked how much the suspect had consumed he said two beers. He had the driver

Obituaries Charles “Chuck” Gregory Charles “Chuck” Gregory, 73, of Mayer Drive, Holyoke, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2016, in Lancaster, Penn,, while visiting his daughter on his way back from Florida.

Born Aug. 31, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, he was the son of the late Charles Edward and Marguerite (Russell) Gregory. He graduated from Valley High School in 1960 and from Iowa State in 1964.

He began his career in Painted Post, N. Y., as an engineer with Ingersoll Rand. While there, he met his beautiful bride, Betty Jane Harwood, and continued to work for the corporation, landing great opportunities in New Jersey, Manhattan, and Pennsylvania.

In 1979, after a three-year stint in San Francisco, the Gregory family moved to Leeds, where Chuck and his wife built their dream home in the country and raised their family. He worked and made positive differences in human resources with the Kollmorgen Corporation and Northeast Utilities until he

THE SUN

43

perform a field sobriety test and based on the results, arrested him.

4/19, theft of vehicle, 200 block of 84th Street. The victim said his SUV disappeared overnight, and he might have left the spare key in the ignition. Later, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office found the vehicle abandoned on I-275 and the persons in it abandoned it locked. The owner had to come to open the SUV so investigators could process the interior for fingerprints.

retired.

Chuck enjoyed spending his summers at the family’s residence on the island of Islesboro, Maine. More recently, Chuck enjoyed his winters in Bradenton, Fla., where he could be seen throwing horseshoes and playing shuffleboard, going to the beach or visiting with friends at the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188. His favorite hobby though was going to his grandchildren’s many sporting events and watching their activities. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” Jane (Harwood) Gregory in 2012, and by his brother Donald Gregory.

Chuck leaves his three children, Douglas Gregory and his wife Heidi, of Rochester, N. Y., Stephen Gregory, of Milford, Conn., and Joellyn Warren and her husband Nathaniel, of Lancaster; Penn.; his six grandchildren, from whom he derived great pride and joy, Johanna, Meghan, Daniel, Mason, Dylan and Emily; his sisters Phyllis Hayes and Mary Jo Schlecht; and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in Chuck’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 59 Bobala Road, #2 Holyoke, MA 01040, or the charity of your choosing.

Code Enforcement on the move to new digs The Anna Maria Code Enforcement Department is getting a new home. Last week, city commissioners authorized Mayor Dan Murphy to finalize lease terms with property owner Lizzie Vann that would result in the department moving into the space at 307 Pine Ave. that was previously occupied by the Anna Maria General Store.

Tentative terms call for the city to pay $3,000 a month in rent and an additional $1,335 per month for taxes and insurance.

The city would also incur some initial build-out fees.

The move will give the city 1,920 square feet of additional space, which is slightly more than needed for three full-time

employees and the part-timers that assist with code enforcement and parking. Murphy said this would leave room to move a second department into that location, or the city could sublease the extra space to a third party.

“I think it would behoove the city to make that move,” he said.

“It’s a very nice space,” Vann told the commission.

She said the floors and ceilings were redone after the general store moved out and she offered to give the commissioners a tour if they wished to see it for themselves.

Murphy said he would bring the final lease terms back for commission approval and he hopes to make the move in June. This building on Pine Avenue will soon house the city’s Code Enforcement Department

MAGGIE FIELD | SUN

44

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THE SUN

joe hendricks | sun

Green Sea Turtle Real Estate LLLP is seeking $893,000 in vacation rental-related compensation for this property at 807 North Shore Drive.

claims: City hit with 25 FROM PAGE 1

As an alternative to monetary compensation, those who filed claims have indicated they are amenable to relief from the eight-person occupancy limits established in the vacation rental ordinance that took effect April 1.

A grandfathering provision grants five years of additional occupancy, in the form of two guests per bedroom, for existing vacation rental properties whose owners requested the provision

requested is for the 306 Poinsettia Road property owned by Joern and Kathrin Stock, who are seeking an occupancy allowance of 16 persons or $305,000 in compensation.

Many other property owners requested maximum occupancy allowances for 12 to 15 people.

Claim filers included Seven Emeralds LLC, Salouh Florida LLC and Rysal Enterprises LLC, all of whom were joined by the Anna Maria Island Vacation Property Association (AMIVPA) as plaintiffs in the first legal challenge to the vacation rental ordinance. The AMIVPA is not named in any of the Bert Harris claims, nor is developer Shawn Kaleta.

The process

when registering their property.

The smallest claim received last week, $140,000, was filed by Michelle and Jeffery Laade for a duplex at 93 North Shore Drive that lists a pre-ordinance maximum occupancy of 11.

The largest claim, $893,000, was filed

by Green Sea Turtle Real Estate LLLP for a vacation rental located at 807 North Shore Drive that lists a maximum occupancy of 12.

The largest occupancy modification

When contacted, City Attorney Becky Vose explained the Bert Harris claim process.

She said claims presented to the city were accompanied by professional appraisals that estimated the potential loss of property value due to diminished vacation rental revenues allegedly created by the occupancy limits.

The city and the claimants attorneys have 150 days to negotiate before any lawsuits can be filed.

Vose said the city would begin by having its own appraisals conducted as

park: Refinancing proposed for City Pier Park FROM PAGE 1

He said Hancock Bank offered the city an interest rate of 2.07 percent, which could fluctuate if the refinancing efforts drag on too long. Chambers also said Hancock Bank has no objections to future loan prepayments that further reduce the city’s debt.

Chambers said the monthly loan payments of $18,438 would remain the same, but the reduced interest rate would produce a significant reduction in interest paid, which, in turn, would result in increasingly higher principal payments and the debt being paid off sooner.

“We’d knock off another two years of debt payments,” Chambers said.

He said at 2.07 percent, the interest payments would be reduced by an additional $430,000. When combined with the $80,000 saved by the recent prepayment, the city would save $511,000 on interest payments.

Chambers pointed out that the city incurred about $50,000 in expenses when the original loan was taken out, but he expects those costs to be lower this time around.

Chambers told the commission these interest savings would not be reflected in the city’s monthly or

“Your grandkids may not thank you, but the people that are going to be sitting in these chairs 10 or 12 years from now will thank you.”

John Chambers Volunteer financial assistant

periodic financial statements until 2028, and additional pre-payments made at a lower interest rate would produce lower savings than the recent prepayment made against a loan with a higher interest rate.

“It’s not a free lunch, but it’s a no-brainer because that’s a lot of money,” he said of the potential savings.

Chambers said he hopes the city can get this done in the next two to three months.

After expressing support for continued future pre-payments, Commissioner Dale Woodland suggested the city budget $100,000 in 2016-2017 fiscal year for this purpose.

Murphy agreed.

MAY 4, 2016

“I think it has to be a way of life while we’re in the shape we’re in.

If you took this out to the maturity date, these savings would probably amount to funding the city’s expenses for a year. Our grandchildren are going to thank us for this,” the mayor said.

“Your grandkids may not thank you, but the people that are going to be sitting in these chairs 10 or 12 years from now will thank you; that’s a fact,” Chambers added.

Commission Chair Doug Copeland thanked Chambers for the “great work” he did on the city’s behalf and asked him and Murphy to get this wrapped up as soon as possible.

a point of comparison for use during the negotiations.

She said occupancy restrictions could also be negotiated, which would require final approval from the City Commission.

“It could be a dollar figure or we give them X number of years at X amount of occupancy or a combination of the two,” Vose said of the potential outcomes.

Occupancy increases given to specific claim filers would not be extended across the board to all vacation rental property owners.

Vose said the city could also determine that no action is warranted by the city. If, after 150 days, the negotiations have not produced suitable resolutions, claimants can file individual lawsuits.

Because each property and each claim is unique, each would require a separate hearing before the 12th Circuit Court in Bradenton.

When asked about previous Bert Harris negotiations she participated in before taking the Anna Maria job, Vose said she’s always managed to resolve the claims through negotiation.

The city holds an insurance policy through the Florida League of Cities that would help offset compensation paid to property owners.

Holmes Beach construction report Holmes Beach Building Official Jim McGuinness reported that during 2015 and to date in 2016, the department has issued the following permits: 2015 major construction • Single family, 23; • Duplex, 10; • Forty-nine percent, 25; • Commercial, 1.

2015 repairs/maintenance • Additions, 4; • Demolition, 25 • Pool/spa/cage, 72; • Remodel/renovate, 76; • Roof, 81; • Other 755.

2016 major construction • Single family, 12; • Duplex, 10; • Forty-nine percent, 3; • Commercial, 5.

2016 repairs/maintenance • Additions, 7; • Demolition, 8; • Pool/spa/cage, 38; • Remodel/renovate, 12; • Roof, 41; • Other, 405.

MAY 4, 2016

classified

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLEANING: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & RENTALS. "Have it done your way, we care about our work" Call 941-7564570

THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Dusty at 941779-7688.

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, Walgreen's and The Anna Maria Island Sun Newspaper (corner of Gulf and Palm).

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE GOT A CAR You Wanna Sell.

The Good, The Bad or The Ugly.

Call Now 727-400-1910

BABY SITTER ISLAND BABYSITTERS and House sitters: Educated, Experienced, Reliable, CPR, Friendly, Chef. Call Jennie 860-617-2004 RED CROSS CERTIFIED baby sitter. Honor student.

Call or text Isabel 941-5457995

BICYCLE REPAIR ISLAND MOBILE BICYCLE Repair. "I will come to you." Reasonable Prices.

Please Call Rick 941-5459683.

BOATS: PARTS & SERVICES & SALES ISLAND BOAT SALES. Selling Your Boat? 16 Years, Hundreds Of Boats Sold. "Business On A Hand Shake." www.Islandboatsales. net Call Dave- 941228-3489

CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning.

Island's favorite cleaner.

Manatee Chamber Member.

Great price/free estimates.

Call 941-756-1082

CLEANING SERVICE C & T HOUSEKEEPING. For all your cleaning needs. Free Estimates.

Reasonable rates. Senior discount. References available. Call 941-962-2512

Call us today! 941-778-3986

PRESSURE CLEANING and WINDOW WASHING residential, commercial & resorts. Roofs, buildings, houses, driveways.

Paver Sealing & Cleaning etc. Call 941-565-3935

COMMERCIAL SALES/ LEASES/RENTALS

PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION (2 Lots) 12,840 sq. ft. Located on Gulf Dr. in the City of Anna Maria, close to the beach and surrounded by shopping.

Business on a tropical island! Island Real Estate Ask Al 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

PART TIME RETAIL Sales clerk is available at Bradenton Beach gift shop.

Flexible hours including days, weekends, evenings.

Retirees Welcome. Call Shirley 941-580-1535 PART TIME at AMI Gift Shop. Must be able to work, nights & weekends.

Retiree's Welcome Call 813 -409-7540 LAWN & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE. Full Time 40 Hour Week. Island Condo. Full benefits. Good pay. Drug Free Workplace.

Call 941-778-5915 SEASONAL DAY TIME Help Needed for Scott's Deli. Apply 5337 Gulf Dr Suite 300, Holmes Beach.

JEWELRY and GIFT STORE on Anna Maria Island is seeking 2 part time salespeople, who are friendly, outgoing, quick learners, and dependable. Needed 2-3 days a week, beginning ASAP. Living on the island a plus. Please contact Diana at 941-896-7867

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES PRE-DEMOLITION SALE: Full bed, sheets, comforter, dresser, nightstand, computer desk, file cabinet, appliances, hurricane shutters, lounge chairs, yard tools, plants, misc. May 7, 8AM, 112 79th St. ROSER THRIFT SHOP and Annex: Open 9:30 a.m.2p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 10a.m.-1pm.Saturday. Donations accepted 9-11a.m. on Wednesday.

511 Pine Ave. Anna Maria.

941-779-2733.

THE SUN

JOE UNGVARSY CONSTRUCTION Concept to Permit. State License CRC 035261. "Like No Other."

Call 941-779-4630 or email juremodel1@aol.com BESPOKE SERVICES ISLAND repair & maintenance. Professional carpenter. Decking, Dock repairs & treatments.

Household repairs and decorating, Power washing/cleaning, decks patios, docks, drives, pool areas. Island Resident for Island work. Keep it Local Call Richard 941448-3571

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

Neil 941-726-3077

STRAIGHT SHOT LANDSCAPING. Save water, gas, maintenance fees and the environment! Shell your yard. $50/yd installed. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067

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 # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-5042222 www.kernconstructioninc.com “HONEY DO" HOME Repairs & Handyman Services.

35 yrs experience. Painting, drywall, tile, woodwork. All tasks. Call 941-896-5256 or 941-807-5256 www.honeydohomerepairinc.com HANDYMAN. RETIRED ENGINEER. Free estimates.

“No job too Small”. Repairs, replacements, improvements, wall TV’s, shelves, cabinets, calking etc. Call Jim 941-448-7806

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194.

GARAGE FLOOR COATING Standard 2 car garage, starting at $450.

Please call 786-3188585. We accept all major credit card.

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

Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DELIVERED AND spread $50/yd. Hauling all kinds of gravel, mulch, top soil with free estimates. Call Larry at 941-795-7775, "shell phone" 941-720-0770

LOST & FOUND LOST 2/9/16 - GOLD CHOKER Necklace w/old Spanish coin pendant. Bradenton Beach - Gulf Drive/Bay Drive area between 1st St N and 12th St N. Sentimental value.

Reward! Please call 404545-1943.

FOUND KEY RING with Subaru Car key fob & multiple keys attached.

Found at Bradenton Beach.

Turned into Bradenton Beach Police Department MISSING BLACK AND WHITE male cat. Lucky is deaf and 15 years old.

He was last seen on 2nd St in Bradenton Beach where he has lived outdoors for 4 years.

Reward. Heartbroken.

941-730-7052

AMISUN.COM

LOST CAT “FIDO” He adopted us 16 years ago. His turf is in the area of 5392 Gulf Dr. near Time Saver and Niki’s . Has collar with a bell, chipped by Animal Clinic. If found please call 941-518-6329.

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

TWO MEN and a TRUCK. Movers who care. Local and Long distance. www. twomen.com Call 941-3591904. We sell boxes!

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 WALY PRECISION PAINTING custom painting, pressure washing, commercial/residential, interior/exterior, drywall/stucco, Licensed & insured. Call 941-448-1928 or 941-580-4005 www.

WalyPrecisionPainting.com “WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service.

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell 941794-0455

PETS ARE YOU WANTING to vacation and not worry if your pet is lonely. I will overnight in your home, so your animal can stay in his own environment. Home Sitting is also available.

Great References. Call Mary 941-405-2496

POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE. AMI & West Bradenton. Certified Pool Operator. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-737-5657

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE DISCOVER THE OTHER ISLAND! Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay. Beautiful Townhouse w/direct bay views! 3BR/2.5 BA/ 2 CG with private swimming pool. Open plan.

Pet friendly. $699,000 Katharine Pepper RoseBay Intl 941-792-9459 W. BRADENTON CONDO 4000sq.ft. Canal front Bay view 3+BR/3.5BA Bonus room dock lift 2 car Island Real Estate Call AL Galletto 941-2322216 NEW HOMES at MIRABELLA FLORIDA. Starting from the mid 200’s Only minutes from the beaches, this new active adult community is perfectly located just south of Manatee Ave, off Village Green Pkwy.

Perfectly designed, open floor plans, 2BR/2BA plus den and 2CG. Luxurious amenities, pool, spa, gym, pickle ball, pet friendly community. HOA only $190/month. Models open daily. Contact us 941-254-3330 www.

MirabellaFlorida.com NEW LISTING BEST Value in Harbour Isle 1994 sf 2BR + Den. Loaded with upgrades, End unit.

Open plan, Overlooking Reserve. $492,500 Karen Fineout Wagner Realty Call 941-518-3682 BEACH BEAUTIFUL SETTING-Mobile Home $29,900 in Bradenton Beach Pines Mobile Home Park; walk to Bridge Street shopping and the beaches!

Call 941-746-1167 229 CHILSON 3BR/3BA. New, pool, canal with no bridges to Bay. Walk to Beach. $1,250,000. Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086

46 THE SUN

classified

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE 215 CHILSON AVE. Upscale 4BR/4.5BA elevated canal-front with salt pool. Freshly painted blue exterior and alabaster interior.

Not on MLS but realtors welcome. Call Jon 941567-6600.

INVESTOR ALERT: GULF VIEWS, fully furnished updated 2BR/2BA condo, with sunsets from the front lanai, and master bedroom: unit may be rented 52 times a year offered @ $595,000. Please contact Erlene Fitzpatrick RE/ MAX Alliance Group 941224-6339

RENTALS: ANNUAL 2BR/2BA LAKEFRONT HOME in Bay Lake Estates. Nice spacious lanai with water view.

Inside laundry, 2 car garage. Water, Lawn care included. Some vehicle restrictions apply. Background check required. $1500/mo. 1st & last month, $1000. security dep. Available 4/1. WATER FRONT PROPERTY Available June 1. 2BR/2BA water view with dock on Anna Maria Sound. Open floor plan, new rear deck pavers being installed. Waiting list for applicants. $1850, first and security.

Background & credit required for all occupants over 18 years old. Ask for Ed. DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 941-779-0304 www.teamduncan.com ANNUAL RENTAL and CONDOMINIUM Association management serviced by (2) offices open 7 days a week! Contact junew@ islandreal.com – 941-3451295 - Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc. HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1BA Duplex. 214-A N Harbor Dr. 900+ sq.ft. Nice & Clean.

W/D hookups. $1100/ mo + utilities. First, Last & one month security. Credit check. 1 year lease. Call 941-809-2488

Call us today! 941-778-3986

3BR/2BA FURNISHED ELEVATED duplex w/garage $2500/mo. 3BR/2BA furnished condo direct Bayfront $2500/mo. Gulffront furnished studio $1000. Call A Paradise 941778-4800.

ANNUAL RENTAL Bradenton Beach, 3BR/2BA home, view of Intracoastal. Unfurnished. $2,100/mo First, last, and security required.

Call Sato Real Estate, Inc. at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate.com 2BR/2BA ANNUAL RENTAL Summer Sands, Bradenton Beach.

View of Gulf of Mexico.

Beautiful sunsets, private beach, pool, upgraded with Cherry Cabinet & Granite. Furnished or unfurnished negotiable.

No Smoking/No Pets. $2500/mo. Call 941518-8714 NORTHWEST BRADENTON single family home in Village Green. 2BR/2BA w/ 2 car garage, small pet with approval. $1400/mo. First, last and security required. Available May 1st. Call June at Island Real Estate 941-345-1295 ANNA MARIA ISLAND Long Term Available 2BR/2BA. Steps to Beach, Shops, Restaurants & Trolley. No smoking/No pets. Very Clean $1600/mo First, last & security. Call 860-9223857 WEST BRADENTON HOUSE Cute 2BR/2BA plus family room. W/D hookups, car port, large yard. $1300/mo.

First, Last, Security. Credit check Available May 1. Call 941-809-2488 text for info tyxq to 26971 3BR/2BA TOP FLOOR condo in Bradenton Beach. Washer/ Dryer, Private Elevator, 3 Car Garage. Partial Gulf Views! 1 block to beach. Furnished or Unfurnished. Small pet considered. $3,000/ mo. First/Last/Security.

Gulf-Bay Realty 941-7787244

HOLMES BEACH 1BR/1BA Spacious Non-smoking duplex. Laminate floors, screened lanai. Steps to Beach. Small pet considered. $860 + utilities. Call 941-920-3665 or 705-2453006

3BR/2BA CONDO in Pine Bay Forest. Close to Beach. $1400/mo. Call 941-7054186 HOLMES BEACH 2BR/1BA. Steps to beach & shopping.

Carport, balcony. Small pet considered. $995 plus Utilities. First, Last, security 705-2453006 or 941-932-0828.

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 2BR/2BA HOLMES BEACH Furnished.

Block to Beach,1500sf, Dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer. central A/C, Pool. $1100/mo plus utilities. June 1 thru December. First & last month plus security deposit. Call 847-769-6175

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk Redekercondos.com 941-704-7525 or 941-7781915

MAY 4, 2016

WILLKOMMEN AUF AMI! Besuchen Sie Island Real Estate in einem unserer Inselbüros (6101 Marina Drive oder 419 Pine Ave) mit unserem deutschsprachigen Reservierungsservice und erhalten ein freies Island Real Estate Baseball Cap! Wir geben Ihnen gerne mehr Auskunft über unsere 250 ausgewählte Feriendomizile für Ihren nächsten Urlaub!

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $85, Sarasota $35, Clearwater $75, Fort Meyers $150, Orlando $150.

Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www. amitaxi.com ROGER'S AIRPORT SERVICE. Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater, Sarasota/ Bradenton. Call Roger 941773-1469 ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all airports, appointments, casino, cruises, etc. Tampa $60. Sarasota $30. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 1

ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

Credit cards accepted. Phil 941-320-1120 admiraltowncar@gmail.com, Licensed & Insured

www.amisun.com

MAY 4, 2016

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MAY 4, 2016