Anna Maria Island Sun November 2, 2022

A boo-tiful Halloween

City leaders recognize commissioners’ contributions

Holmes Beach leaders said goodbye to two commissioners during their final official city meeting.

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

HOLMES BEACH – With two commissioners’ terms up and an uncontested election scheduled for Nov. 8, city leaders recognized Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash as they officially stepped down from the dais.

Mayor Judy Titsworth recognized the two for their hard work over the years for the city and its residents while City

FWC warns boaters to watch out for manatees

Boat strikes are the leading cause of death of Florida manatees.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND –

Manatees are on the move this time of year, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to keep an eye out for the slow-moving marine mammals, especially during NovemberManatee Awareness Month.

As water temperatures cool, manatees are migrating to warmer waters. Manatees depend on water warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive the winter, so in the fall

they travel to springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites.

FWC urges boaters to follow all posted manatee protection zones, look out while boating, wear polarized glasses and always give them space. Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs. Maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.org by clicking on “Data and Maps.”

Collisions with boats remain the leading cause of human-related death for manatees, according to oceanconservancy.org.

“Manatees live in coastal waters, estuaries and rivers, which happens to be where there is a lot of boat traffic. They also feed on seagrasses that

JASON SCHAFFER

SUN

Anna Maria

SUBMITTED | JAYNE CHRISTENSON

City Clerk Stacey Johnston presents Commissioners Kim Rash and Jayne Christenson with a plaque honoring their service to the city of Holmes Beach.

The Doctor’s Office plans to expand

Doctor-in-residence

Sean Murphy is hoping to expand The Doctor’s Office to include a 66-seat restaurant.

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

HOLMES BEACH – The doctor is in at The Doctor’s Office, a local cocktail bar, and he may soon be serving up an expanded menu in a larger space.

Commissioners voted 4-1, with Commissioner Kim Rash dissenting, to approve the first public hearing of a proposed site plan amendment to turn the local bar into a restaurant.

Owner Sean Murphy, formerly of the Beach Bistro, presented a plan to Holmes Beach commissioners during an Oct. 11 work session asking for consideration to add a full-service restaurant to The Doctor’s Office operation in the adjacent event space known as The Doctor’s Garden. If approved by commissioners at a final public hearing, the new restaurant will have 66 seats, 50 inside and 16 outside, serving dinner nightly after 5 p.m. with lunch service available on Saturdays

Plans are underway to expand The Doctor’s Office to a full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

and Sundays.

Police Chief Bill Tokajer said during the Oct. 25 initial public hearing on the proposed site plan amendment that he’s spoken with representatives at West Manatee Fire Rescue who have given their approval of the requested number of seats for indoor and outdoor dining at the proposed restaurant space.

Rash was absent from the work session discussion but was present for

the first public hearing on the site plan amendment.

Margie Motzer, a resident who lives near the bar, said she’s concerned about the impact on the neighborhood if the bar is allowed to expand into a restaurant. She said the increased indoor and outdoor seating added to the other nearby restaurants, bars and vacation rental properties could increase the noise and traffic through adjacent residential

neighborhoods. Citing a section of the city’s comprehensive plan, she noted that city leaders are tasked with preventing the encroachment of commercial businesses in residential neighborhoods and she fears the restaurant could negatively impact nearby property values.

Resident Barbara Hines, a former member of the city’s planning commission, also spoke against allowing the bar to transition to a restaurant, noting the possibility of increases in traffic and noise.

Nancy Deal said she was concerned about parking for the restaurant, noting that she’s observed patrons and employees of the bar parking in inappropriate areas, such as across the street at a nearby laundromat.

Commissioner Jayne Christenson also expressed concern about parking because of the Doctor’s Office need for off-site parking contracts due to there not being enough dedicated parking onsite. She said that city leaders allowed off-site parking with the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club at the adjacent former

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

IN BRIEF

Fall back this Sunday

It’s that time again, when clocks are adjusted for Daylight Saving Time. Set your clock back one hour on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 a.m. For those who aren’t night owls, make sure to set the clock back before bedtime.

The last straw is served

In Holmes Beach, no business is allowed to distribute any plastic straws or stirrers with food or drink items. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the final reading of the ordinance, which became effective Nov. 1. All straws and stirrers are now required to be paper, made of marine biodegradable material, wood or other environmentally friendly materials in an effort to reduce plastic pollution in the water and on beaches. Straws are the only single-use plastic item that Florida statutes allow local governments to regulate.

Final Mote Marine plans expected this week

Anna Maria Building Official David Gilson has relayed to Mote Marine representative Kevin Cooper the comments and concerns expressed by city staff and the city commission regarding the recently received plans for the installation of an educational outreach center on the City Pier. On Oct. 27, Gilson told the commission he expects to receive the final revised plans by Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the earliest, or by Friday, Nov. 4 at the latest. The completed plans will allow the city-issued permitting process to begin. Gilson said Mote Marine fully expects to meet the city’s March 2023 completion and facility opening deadline.

Clarification

The Sea Hagg consulting and design business has closed its brick-and-mortar store in Cortez but the owner will continue to operate from her home in the village of Cortez.

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Anna Maria implementing new notification system

The GOGov cell phone application will allow citizens to track their requests and complaints in real time.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city has purchased a GOGov software subscription that will provide citizens with a new request, notification and alert system.

On Oct. 27, the city commission approved the $6,720 purchase of a one-year software subscription for GOGov’s Citizen Request Management and Citizen Notifications and Alerts programs.

GOGov’s cell phone-based software applications are currently being used by several other Florida cities and counties. City Clerk LeAnne Addy will help implement and monitor the new system. Addy said the notifications and event notices issued with the GOGov software will also automatically be posted at the city website, www.cityofannamaria. com. Commissioner Robert Kingan praised Addy for taking on these additional duties.

Mayor Dan Murphy expects the GOGov system to be fully operational by late November. At that time, a link to the free phone app will be posted at the city website. The app will be available for cell phones using iOS and Android operating systems.

Users with the free cell phone app will be able to receive city

notifications, view city information and report complaints and concerns in one easy-to-access location.

The notification and alerts program will allow the city to notify residents, business owners and others regarding emergency storm warnings, utility outages, boil water alerts, road closures, special event notifications, event reminders and more.

The system will allow users to notify the city’s public works department regarding potholes, damaged road conditions, fallen trees and things of that nature. The GOGov system will also allow users to inform the city’s code enforcement department regarding certain code enforcement issues to be specified by the city.

GOGov’s Citizen Request Management software will serve

as a virtual help desk and citizen engagement platform that allows citizen users to track the status of their complaints or requests. It will also allow the city to issue real-time notifications and status updates regarding the complaint or issue being resolved.

Resident Alan Ward asked if the new system would apply to the city’s building department and the city’s planning and zoning efforts. Addy said it would not.

Ward also inquired about the city’s recent hurricane-related Facebook posts. Murphy said during Hurricane Ian the city posted notices on Facebook that simply said accurate and up-todate hurricane-related information could be found at the city website. Murphy said the city does not use Facebook to distribute official city information.

DOCTOR’S OFFICE: Practice is expanding

FROM PAGE 3

Wells Fargo site and, when the bank closed, the resort lost the ability to use that parking area.

Murphy said that the off-site parking contracts have a 90day cancellation notice clause that would give him time to find additional parking for patrons.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer said that he could see parking being a problem at the site.

Rash said he hasn’t had one resident call and tell him that they favored approval of the site plan amendment but that he’s had several calls from people who don’t want the bar to turn into a restaurant. He added that he feels it would create too much of an impact on an already congested area.

Murphy said his intent with the restaurant is to keep it as a small, intimate venue for patrons to

enjoy a meal.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said that the site plan amendment application met every requirement laid out in the comprehensive plan. “I see nothing wrong with approving this site plan,” she said, noting that Murphy had met every requirement set out by the city.

The site plan will be scheduled for a final public hearing by commissioners.

CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED

The city of Anna Maria will soon utilize the GOGov phone app.

Bomb threat causes evacuation at Holmes Beach resort

A great deal of time and police resources were wasted when someone called in a false bomb threat to White Sands Resort in Holmes Beach.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Police aren’t sure whether Bobby Entrekin is a disgruntled former guest, employee or even the name of a real person, but a man going by this name called in a bomb threat Saturday, Oct. 22 that resulted in the evacuation of everyone at the White Sands Beach Resort.

It began when Police Communications Officer Christopher Liotti received a call from a male subject who identified himself as Bobby Entrekin. The subject said he had planted explosive devices in planters near the pool area of the White Sands Resort, and additional explosive devices around other areas of the property that would detonate 30 minutes after his call to police. He also said police would not be able to find the devices.

Liotti said the man sounded agitated and said he was upset with “Cubans” in the area. According to the police report, the phone number came from an area code in California, and the caller said he currently lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, but that could not be verified.

At 1:47 a.m., Holmes Beach Officer Ryan Welch and Sgt. Mike Walker responded to White Sands, but parked their patrol cars in the 200 block of 66th Street, out of view of the resort. Protocol for bomb threat-related incidents requires officers responding to the area to turn off their radios, so

the officers did and then checked the perimeter of the area for suspicious items, none of which were found. The decision was then made to evacuate the property for the safety of the guests.

“Once the guests were evacuated, they were led to 65th Street near the intersection of Holmes Boulevard,” Welch said in his report. “Officer Bennett remained with the guests for the duration of the call. The Monkey Bus was called and asked to respond to provide the guests with a place to sit and stay warm. The Monkey Bus staff accepted and arrived on scene with two buses near the intersection of Holmes Boulevard and 65th Street.

After guests were safely evacuated, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) brought in their K-9 lieutenant and two other members of the bomb squad, who did a search of the property and declared it “all clear.” There were no signs of explosives detected, and it was determined the incident was a false threat. Security cameras located around the property also yielded nothing suspicious. Police have no suspect at this time, and no arrest has been made or charges filed against any individual.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

A bomb threat was called in, causing an evacuation at White Sands Resort in Holmes Beach.

3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217

Phone: (941) 778-3986

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TO THE EDITOR

County leaders should support Holmes Beach

As a descendant of the Holmes family who built Holmes Beach, Mayor Judy Holmes Titsworth exudes the same passion and love for this city as her father, mother and grandparents. Her family’s aim was to offer a true paradise for every resident and visitor, evidenced by all streets ending with public access to our city’s treasured sandy beaches. Mayor Titsworth is currently working diligently to ensure that her fam ily’s vision is carried on, respect ing the delicate balance between residents’ quality of life and our visitors' recreational pleasure.

Sadly, Manatee County commissioners, especially those strongly tied to developers, are fighting Mayor Titsworth at every perceived opportunity. In deference to developers, county commissioners proposed the construction of a multi-level garage in our city, hoping to lure

in as many visitors as possible. Knowing our city’s infrastructure limits as well as our city charter code, the idea was denied unanimously by the entire Holmes Beach city commission. This set off a petty stalemate by county commissioners to shun or refuse this city’s requests at every opportunity. Funds and grants are now denied by the county, and the necessary collaboration between city and county commissioners (such as the emergency actions taken during the recent hurricane) is misreported by county commissioners to imply poor city leadership. There is nothing further from the truth; such behavior by the county commissioners is sheer destructive pettiness.

Our mayor, Judy Titsworth, dedicates over 60 hours of her weekly life analyzing how our city optimally operates and imple ments programs to ensure that it does. She has a dedicated interest in our environment, its land, wa

ters and wildlife, and is currently focused on restoring our island’s pristine water quality. And, as an enormous bonus to all of us, she just happens to be a kind, honest person and a genuine good soul.

Our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Titsworth for caring so deeply for our island, its residents, and its tourists. Aided by the united support and cooperation among our city commissioners and our police force, Holmes Beach is very fortunate to have an entire group of dedicated, good people direct ing our city. Thank you, Mayor, city commissioners, and our entire police and code enforcement team. We very much appreciate all you do for our little paradise.

Please, Manatee County commissioners, start giving our city your support and assistance, not your back.

Jeannie and Gary Hudkins Holmes Beach

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

Nov. 10, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Nov. 11, all day – Veterans Day, city offices closed

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

Nov. 2, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

Nov. 3, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Nov. 11, all day – Veterans Day, city offices closed

Nov. 16, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting

Nov. 17, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

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

Nov. 2, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification committee meeting

Nov. 2, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Nov. 9, 8 a.m. – City Commission swearing in and organizational meeting Nov. 9, 10 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting Nov. 11, all day – Veterans Day, city offices closed Nov. 15, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Nov. 15, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

ISLAND-WIDE

Nov. 15, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2

Science by the Sea, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOV. 3

Manatee Literacy Council, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

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

Teen yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 4

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg Club – Experienced Players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 5

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.

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

Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

Code your own video game, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 7

Manatee Audubon birding tour, Bean Point, meet at Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 6:30 a.m.

Creative aging drawing series, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Climate Smart Series: Energy, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOV. 8

Election Day. Make your vote count!

Commissioners consider artificial turf regulations

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners are talking about enacting a new set of restrictions on the use of artificial turf in the city.

A previously launched discussion continued during an Oct. 25 work session with commissioners considering the potential impacts and benefits of using artificial turf in the city instead of natural grass. Some of the potentially negative impacts they discussed include environmental issues due to water not draining through the turf, further limiting space and food sources for wildlife and plastic from the grass polluting

local waterways. Commissioners also discussed what happens to the artificial turf surface when it needs to be replaced or disposed of.

Positive impacts discussed would be if the artificial turf product is permeable, allowing stormwater to drain through, or recyclable. Commissioners also broached the subject of the use of artificial turf lessening the amount of pesticides and other chemicals used to treat natural lawns washing into local waterways.

The artificial turf discussion is expected to continue at a future work session.

AMI Chamber luncheon at Discovery Village

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its next luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay. This is a great opportunity to mingle with Chamber members and enjoy a meal. There is a fee of $18 for members and $30 for

guests. A buffet with salad, soup, three hot entrees, dessert and beverages will be served. RSVP is requested no later than Tuesday, Nov. 8 by emailing becky@amichamber.org or calling 941-778-1541. Don’t forget to bring business cards, and consider bringing a raffle prize to add to the fun.

AMI Halloween Fun

Even

Anna Maria Island.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

These two Grady twins from The Shining stopped traffic in front of the Bradenton Beach Moose Lodge.

SUBMITTED

Students at Anna Maria Elementary participated in making a Pumpkin Book character for the AME Media Center. Many well-known book characters can be seen on display in the media center.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN

A committee of vultures waits for dark in a craggy tree at Neal Preserve on Halloween.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Catalina Bennett (Snow White), Viviana Bennett (Sleeping Beauty), Julia Spence (“diner girl”), Thiago Bennett (T-Rex) and Jaxson Spence (“dino hunter”) enjoyed the Halloween party at Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Cruze and Lincoln Ransom came as skeleton pirates, accompanied by their dad, Austin Ransom.

Pine Avenue sidewalk plans still under review

Maria Mayor Dan

the city commission with

Reimagining Pine Avenue project

27. The city’s plans

paver

both sides of Pine Avenue are still being evaluated by FDOT, the state agency

the use of a $1.28 state appropriation secured earlier this year. Murphy said FDOT won’t

the state funds to be used for

the lights are

32-foot-tall poles – a height that exceeds the mayor and commission’s desired height along Pine Avenue. FDOT also expressed concerns about the current width of the street, the lack of curbs and no additional right-of-way acquisition. Project engineer Gerry Traverso prepared a follow-up report intended to address FDOT’s concerns. Murphy anticipates FDOT’s response to the report in December. If/when FDOT approves the plans, the city and FDOT will enter into an interlocal agreement that gives the city two years to use the funds to

The Reimagining Pine Avenue project is addressing the street’s multi-modal transportation issues.

help complete those plans. The city will then issue a new request for proposals seeking for the third time a contractor to install the brick paver sidewalks at a suitable cost. Murphy anticipates the city receiving lower-priced bid proposals the next time around. He expects to select a contractor in March, with the sidewalk installation to begin in April.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Turtle Watch continues legacy of Suzi Fox

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The death of Suzi Fox, longtime executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, has left the non-profit with very big shoes to fill.

“We are still in a state of mourning,” Turtle Watch board member Diane McCausey wrote in an Oct. 25 press release to The Sun. “Several volunteers have been instrumental in carrying out the duties of the AMITW during Suzi’s absence and we are so grateful for their dedication.”

Fox died on Sept. 30 following complications from a fall, her family said.

Plans for the organization will be determined in the coming weeks with direction from the Turtle Watch board of directors and the Florida Fish and

NESTING

Turtle nests laid 531 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls 490 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched 466 (Previous record: 447 in 2018)

Hatchlings 37,081 (Previous record: 35,788 in

Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which issues permits to turtle conservation groups, according to McCausey.

The sea turtle nesting/hatching season officially ended Oct. 31 and a team of volunteers and board members have mobilized to complete end-ofseason activities, including managing the Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraiser scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 4-6 p.m. at Hurricane Hank’s, 5346 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

Several volunteers who have been involved in maintaining records are compiling reports required by FWC, including completing the nesting data for this season, McCausey said.

“We have really big shoes to fill,” McCausey said. “We will be working to ensure Suzi’s legacy with AMITW moves forward with the same care and dedication she gave the program for more than 30 years.”

Where’s Esther?

Megan Thee Turtle has won first place in the Tour de Turtles, swimming 1,176 miles from Costa Rica all the way to Cuba. Hometown girl Esther, a loggerhead sea turtle satellite-tagged on Coquina Beach on June 20, wasn’t quite as interested in the long haul. Having traveled 562 miles since the start of the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 13th Annual Tour de Turtles race that began Aug. 1, she finished in eighth place, choosing to spend the majority of the race off the coast of Boca Grande and Englewood. Esther is one of 15 turtles who competed in the event, which awarded the title to the turtle that traveled the most distance between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31, the end of sea turtle season. Esther competed to raise awareness of light pollution, and was sponsored by Waterline Villas & Marinas and Mainsail Vacation Rentals. Congratulations on your effort, Esther, and on becoming a mom when your nest hatched on Anna Maria Island in August!

5344 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beac h (941) 779-BEER

5350 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beac h (941) 251-3681

5346 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beac h (941) 778-5788

CINDY LANE | SUN

A loggerhead hatchling makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico from Anna Maria Island.

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Wind sculptures approved for City Pier Park

Renowned artist

Lyman Whitaker designed the Star Dancer wind sculptures to be installed at City Pier Park.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Anna Maria Island Garden Club and the city are partnering on an $18,000 wind sculpture project for City Pier Park.

The garden club will contribute $6,000 to the project and the city will contribute $12,000.

Garden Club member Pat Short – Commissioner Mark Short’s wife – presented the wind sculpture concept and funding request to the city commission on Oct. 20. After discussing the request, the commission voted 4-1 in support of the project. Commissioner Robert Kingan opposed using city funds for the project.

Made of copper and created by Utah-based sculpture artist Lyman Whitaker and his Whitaker Studio, two rotating Star Dancer vertical wind sculptures will be installed alongside the City Pier Park flagpole. No timetable was given as to when the installation will occur.

Short said this will be the club’s most significant project to date, adding that the project supports the beautification aspect of the club’s overall mission. The club would like to be recognized with a plaque placed near the wind sculptures.

“We believe these wind sculptures will create a new point of interest at Manatee County’s number one tourist attraction, the City Pier,” she said, noting that the sculptures, when lit up at night, will look beautiful when viewed from the pier.

Short said Whitaker’s sculptures have been installed

at SeaWorld and Walt Disney World and have been commissioned by several cities and coastal communities. Short said each pole-mounted sculpture will be nearly 17 feet tall and will hold up to Anna Maria’s salt air environment. She said the sculptures can sustain 70 mph winds and 90 mph wind gusts and can be removed if Anna Maria is in the cone of probability for an approaching hurricane.

Short said the garden club would also like to spruce up the flagpole area with some additional landscaping.

COMMISSION FEEDBACK

Kingan asked Short why the club chose Whitaker Studios. Short said she first saw Whitaker’s work while visiting an art gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico and she later purchased a smaller Whitaker sculpture while in California.

AMI GARDEN CLUB | SUBMITTED

This photo of a Star Dancer wind sculpture was presented to the city commission.

SCULPTURES, PAGE 24

WHERE‛S

CENTER NOTES

Learn to use your iPhone at Tech University

The staff at The Center of Anna Maria Island is working to help everyone in the community become more technologically savvy with the launch of Tech University. For anyone with questions about how to operate their iPhone, Loretta Estabrooks is hosting a Tech University: iPhone Basic Training course on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The cost to attend is $10 for Center members or $15 for nonmembers. Estabrooks is also holding a Tech Tuesday Help Desk session every Tuesday through Dec. 6 from 8-10:30 a.m. in The Center’s lobby. Stop by for free to ask questions about the use of your iPhone or iPad. For more information, contact The Center at 941-778-1908.

Tap into wellness at The Center

Dev’s Bevs is coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island for a unique workshop intended to help participants discover the benefits of holistic health. The workshop takes place on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will cover several topics including the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle on overall health, sound healing and breath work. Mary Bode, a certified breath therapist, sound vibrational healer and clinical hypnotist will be leading the talk. Locally sourced juice and a vegan lunch will be provided for each attendee. The cost is $60 for members or $65 for non-members. Registration is requested by Thursday, Nov. 4. To register, or for more information, contact The Center at 941-7781908.

Make your own seed bombs

Youth in grades second through ninth are invited to learn how to make seed bombs at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The class takes place on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 6-7 p.m. During the class, created in partnership with the Manatee County Public Library System, students will learn how to create beautiful, functional seed bombs to brighten up their outdoor space and also create a food source for pollinating insects and birds. The cost to attend is $20 for Center members or $25 for non-members. All supplies will be provided. The class takes place at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. To register, call 941-778-1908.

Outdoor dining expansion requires clarification

The Wicked Cantina is among the Bradenton Beach establishments still using a COVID-related expanded outdoor dining area allowance.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Wicked Cantina’s efforts to make its temporarily expanded outdoor seating area permanent have been delayed.

After a lengthy discussion on Oct. 19, the Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board agreed to continue until Wednesday, Nov. 16 its review of the special use permit sought by Wicked Cantina owner Michael Dolan for the permanently expanded outdoor seating.

In June 2021, the Bradenton Beach City Commission extended indefinitely an ordinance originally adopted in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 and 2021 ordinances allowed restaurants and other establishments to expand their outdoor seating areas and reduce their existing parking areas. The Wicked Cantina, the Bridge Tender Inn and the

Drift In are among the establishments that continue to use the temporary seating allowance.

When extending the outdoor seating allowances, the commission agreed that the temporary allowance would eventually end, but no such end date has recently been discussed.

Restaurant and business owners were encouraged then to begin taking the steps necessary to make their expanded seating areas compliant with city code on a permanent basis.

PLANNING BOARD DISCUSSION

During the Oct. 19 meeting, the

planning board led that day by vicechair John Burns identified some unanswered questions regarding the required and available number of parking spaces, potentially shared parking spaces, setback requirements, an existing access easement and more. The board also identified inconsistencies within the city code that caused them concern.

This left Burns unwilling to make a permitting recommendation to the city commission that did not comply with city code. Board members Dan Morhaus, Bill Morrow and Fred Bartizal agreed to continue the discussion until November. Burns requested the board be provided with additional insight and information from the city attorney, city staff and/ or the applicant when the discussion continues.

Morrow said he’s not aware of the city having any plans to end the ongoing COVID-related seating allowances, so continuing the discussion until November would not adversely impact Wicked Cantina’s business operations.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Wicked Cantina wants to make permanent the temporary outdoor dining area currently surrounded by white fencing.

Island Players take on Neil Simon

The Island Players are days away from opening night of the second production of the 2022-23 season.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA - The Island Players 202223 season kicked off Sept. 15 with a solid production of James Yaffe’s “Cliffhanger,” and they look to keep the momentum going with the next play.

Neil Simon’s “I Ought to be in Pictures,” directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland and starring Mark Shoemaker, Tahlia Chinault and Diana Shoemaker debuts Friday, Nov. 4 at the Island Playhouse in Anna Maria.

“Unlike some Neil

Simon plays, this is much more charactercentered, and kind of quietly and sweetly emotional,” Wynn Woodland said. “It features a lot of what you’d expect from a Neil Simon play with comedy and characters.”

The play is the story of Libby Tucker, who travels across the country from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in the hope of starting a film career with the help of her estranged father, whom she hasn’t seen in more than a decade, but who is in the movie business. However, her father, Herb Tucker, has a case of writer’s block and is dealing with plenty of problems of his own, including with his relationship with his girlfriend, Steffy.

This is the second of five plays the Island Players will present in

the 2022-23 season, and will run from Nov. 4-14 at the Island Players theater.

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling 941-778-5755 or visiting the box office located at the theater at 10009 Gulf Drive, which opens 10 days prior to the start of each produc

tion and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Performances are Tuesday through Satur day at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.islandplayers.org.

EXPANSION: requires clarification

FROM PAGE 15

PLANNER’S MEMO

The Oct. 19 meeting packet included a memo from City Planner Luis Serna. The memo noted that in 2021, Wicked Cantina received commission approval to temporarily convert four parking spaces into additional outdoor seating as part of the city’s ongoing COVID-19 allowances.

“It is anticipated that Ordinance 21-533 will eventually sunset and all such (temporary) open-air dining and outdoor sales will no longer be permitted in the city,” Serna stated in his memo.

Citing city code, Serna’s memo says open-air dining area seats and tables shall comply with the city’s required 25-foot front yard setbacks, with the exception of the uncovered open-air dining areas located on properties that abut Bridge Street. The Wicked Cantina is located at 107 Seventh St. N., about a half-mile north of Bridge Street.

Serna’s memo said a literal interpretation of the city code would require Wicked Cantina’s open-air seats and tables to meet the minimum 25-foot front yard setback requirement but notes the temporary seating area approved in 2021 was approved without a 25-foot setback.

“Therefore, an alternate interpretation could be that the setback requirement for open-air seating is intended to only apply to open-air dining areas that are under a roof or awning or are fixed in place; and not to non-fixed chairs and tables that are covered with umbrellas, all of which can be easily moved,” Serna’s memo says.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

From left, Diana Shoemaker, Mark Shoemaker and Tahlia Chinault rehearse for the Nov. 4 debut of Neil Simon’s “I Ought to be in Pictures,” presented by the Island Players.

Keep an eye out for cobia

s the waters cool in the Tampa Bay region, savvy anglers know it’s time to start looking for cobia

These feisty game fish can grow to over 100 pounds, and 50- to 60-pound fish are common during the fall. While most anglers target cobia in the Gulf, the species ranges widely throughout local bays as well. Years ago, I was introduced to a cobia fishery I never knew about in upper Tampa Bay by Capt. Bryon Chamberlin of Land o’ Lakes.

That first day we launched near Apollo Beach and motored towards the Big Bend power plant, its twin stacks emitting plumes of steam silhouetted

against a brilliant orange sky. That cold morning, the warm water discharge created steam that wafted over the chilly waters of Tampa Bay. The hope was that these warm waters would attract rays, jack crevalle, snook and our target, cobia. The strategy was to look for large eagle rays. Chamberlin knew that cobia “ride” their wings, looking for prey.

We had barely set up near the warm water when the wing tips of a large ray broke the surface about 100 feet away. Chamberlin dropped his trolling motor and quietly closed within casting distance. When the ray was 50 feet away, I made a cast and stripped the fly in the path of the ray as three large cobia came into view. A fish we estimated at 50-60 pounds attacked the black and purple bunny with a vengeance that surprised me, causing me to hold on too long and breaking

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Capt. Bryon Chamberlin with a big cobia circa 2011.

Gulf, bay fishing both good choices this month

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

You may find blues, Spanish mackerel and pompano mixed with trout on deep grass flats this month. You should also find larger trout in skinny water along with reds. Snook will stage around bars and on shallow flats as they make their move towards winter areas. Action in the coastal Gulf with false albacore, tripletail, Spanish mackerel, blues and more should explode!

Spotted seatrout has reopened to harvest in southwest Florida with a three-fish-per-person bag limit and a six- fish boat limit. Trout must be from 15”-19” with one allowed per vessel over 19”. I feel that it’s important to protect these larger trout, which are usually female breeders. Snook remains closed to harvest in the Charlotte Harbor area. Full regulations and details can be viewed at https:// myfwc.com/.

You should find snook staging around docks and bridges in the ICW and along sandbars and in potholes on shallow flats. They may be along mangrove shorelines when the tide is high. I like CAL jigs with 3” and 4” shad tails and surface walking top water lures like the DOA “PT” in shallow water for snook. CAL jigs with shad tails or jerk worms, DOA TerrorEyz, DOA Shrimp

and small white flies, like my Grassett Snook Minnow, will work well around dock and bridge fender lights. Fish the strongest tides for the best action.

Reds will spread out on shallow grass flats in November. You should find them along bars, in potholes or around docks. Look for them along mangrove shorelines when the tide is

high, but they are just as likely to be roaming with mullet schools in shallow water. CAL jigs with shad tails, grubs or jerk worms and gold spoons should work well for reds in shallow water. Fly anglers may score with lightly weighted flies, such as Clousers, spoon flies or my Grassett Flats Minnow fly. You may also find big trout along

REEL TIME: Keep an eye out for cobia

FROM PAGE 22

my 16-pound tippet. I barely had time to recover and tie on a new fly before Chamberlin was moving towards another disturbance on the water. This one didn’t have a cobia in attendance, but in the next half hour, I had shots and refusals from four fish.

Chamberlin suggested a different pattern and I started to cut off the fly. For some reason, I waited a split second. Suddenly, a large brown shape

morphed near the boat. Making a roll cast, I placed the fly 2 feet in front and watched as a large cobia inhaled the offering. This time I made a hard strip strike and relaxed my grip on the line as the fish bolted for the horizon. The cobia fought hard, making frequent head-shaking appearances at the surface followed by long runs into the backing. Thirty minutes later, Chamberlin lifted the 40-pound-plus fish for a few photos before we revived

it and released it.

Unlike most fish, cobia are often easier to find and feed on a slack tide. When the tide is running hard, the rays feed on the bottom. When the tide starts to slow, the rays come back up to the surface and bring the cobia with them. Bright sunny days with light winds make for optimal conditions and could yield multiple shots.

This is definitely a hit-or-miss fishery, but it’s totally worth the effort when

with reds in shallow water this month. The same lures and flies that you use for snook and reds in shallow water will also work for trout. You’ll also find trout on deep grass flats in water from 3’ to 7’ deep. I like to drift and cast quartering ahead of my drift with CAL jigs, DOA Deadly Combos or weighted flies on sink tip fly lines to locate trout. In addition to making a series of drifts to find fish, look for baitfish on the surface or birds to find them.

You may also find blues, Spanish mackerel, flounder or pompano on deep grass flats this month. The techniques to find them are the same as for trout, although blues and Spanish mackerel may feed on the surface, making them easier to find. Likewise with pompano, that may skip on the surface when you run or drift past them. When that happens, circle back upwind and drift back through the area, casting ahead of your drift. I like a 1/16 or 1/8-ounce chartreuse CAL jig head with a gold grub for pompano. You’ll need to add wire or heavy fluorocarbon when toothy fish are around to keep them from biting you off. You may find flounder on a mixture of grass and sand, particularly on the edges of bars or in potholes.

you have a chance at a 50-pound fish on a fly in Tampa Bay. Cobia can also be found along the beaches and over structure offshore in the fall. It’s a good idea to have a 10-weight outfit rigged and in the rod rack even if you’re not targeting cobia. They have a way of showing up suddenly and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED Marshall Dinerman, from Lido, with a big pompano caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous November.

SCULPTURES: Approved for City Pier Park

FROM PAGE 12

After noting the city recently incurred approximately $200,000 in Hurricane Ianrelated expenses, Kingan said, “This is a big ask.”

Kingan said he supports public art projects but he doesn’t support the city funding this project at this time.

“It seems to me it could very easily be sourced from private donations. I don’t see why we should be paying for it,” Kingan said, noting that his wife is a garden club member. He suggested delaying a decision until more public input could be sought.

Mayor Dan Murphy said he’s

partially responsible for the funding request.

“I recommend this. I think we have an obligation as a city to address aesthetics and add beauty to the city. It’s more than just functionality. Is it functional? No, it’s not. It’s not like a paved road. It’s not like a drainage ditch. It’s not like a crosswalk or a sidewalk. This is something over and above that,” Murphy said.

Murphy said he expects FEMA to reimburse the city for its recent hurricane-related expenses.

Garden club member and City Commissioner Deanie Sebring said, “I think it’s wonderful that the garden club and others want to work in

conjunction with the city. It’s great chance for the garden club, which resides in Anna Maria, to assist the city with beautification.”

Commission Chair Carol Carter said she’s been a member of several ad hoc committees that were unable to garner the community’s financial support for their desired projects.

“I think this would be a good thing for the city to do,” she said.

Commissioner Jon Crane’s wife, Dusty, is a garden club member. During public input, she said, “The garden club thought long and hard about this. One of the things our city has is wind and it’s a wonder

ful reflection of how we could celebrate that.”

Speaking as vice president of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the mayor’s wife, Barbara Murphy, said, “This would be modern. This

is new and innovative. It would be a beautiful addition to our Island. People could visit the pier, enjoy the wind sculptures and then walk down to the museum.”

AMI GARDEN CLUB | SUBMITTED

This not-to-scale mockup illustrates what the wind sculptures will look like when installed alongside the City Pier Park flagpole.

The death of old Florida

Florida’s changed a lot in the over 20 years I’ve lived on the Gulf coast, and it’s changed even more as a result of COVID-19. But the biggest change to southwest Florida and the entire coastline south of Tampa may come as a result of Hurricane Ian.

Now that the flood waters are receding and everyone is assessing the damage from the storm, we’re starting to get a feel for the damage to real estate values. Feedback from brokers is that the investors and buyers are now out in force looking for properties to buy in as-is condition. One broker from Englewood predicts that home prices will increase for at least another 12 to 18 months because of the additional demand.

Buyers from out of state have not changed their minds and are motivated to buy before prices increase further because of the anticipated additional shortage of properties to buy in the aftermath of the storm. In addition, they have not been discouraged by the increased costs

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

associated with fortifying homes against wind and flooding.

The fallout from the insurance companies is still unknown, but anyone purchasing a coastal home now is calculating that additional cost into their affordability factor.

Of course, Anna Maria Island and other barrier islands on the coast that did not have major damage will be looked at by buyers and seasonal renters. This could prove to be an even busier rental season for Anna Maria Island with higher price tags for rentals and purchases alike.

Assuming all of the above, where does that leave the average buyer who wants to live on the coast? Unfortunately, many

will be forever priced out of coastal living because of a combination of building codes and the increased costs of flood and homeowners’ insurance.

The most recent update to Florida building codes from 2020 includes provisions to seal roof decks, as well as longer standing requirements to install impact resistant windows or shutters and an update to stronger connections between the roof, walls and foundation.

As previously stated, homeowner’s insurance companies are requiring condos and single-family homes to install new roofs before they will provide an insurance policy. This is happening even if there are currently no leaks or damage to existing roofs, if they are over a certain age.

According to a recent report by CoreLogic, there are nearly 33 million homes at risk of hurricane force wind damage along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in Florida, so the amount of property updating required is substantial.

When Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle town of Mexico Beach, it didn’t take long for the area to recover with high-end homes, gated communities and beach front condos supplanting the original old Florida cottage nature of the area. This is certainly going to happen in parts of southwest Florida where many homeowners do not have flood and/or homeowner’s insurance and are planning not to return. Just to prove that “deep pocket” money isn’t afraid of storms, The Ritz Carlton Residences on Estero Bay, located just south of Fort Myers Beach, is breaking ground next year with units starting at $2.8 million.

I still have my crystal ball handy from Halloween and it’s telling me Florida’s real estate values are strong and may actually get stronger because of Hurricane Ian. The downside is will “old Florida” be gone forever? The crystal ball is saying, “Why are you asking that question? You know the answer.” Unfortunately, I do.

OBITUARIES BEACH BEAT

David Larkin Osborn

David Osborn, 75, long-time resident of Dallas, Texas and Anna Maria Island, Florida, passed away on Oct. 23, 2022. Born May 2, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to H. Larkin Osborn and Marion M. Osborn, both of whom preceded him in death.

David grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, and after earning his BA at Northwestern University, served four years as an officer in the Navy. David had been coming to the Island with his family for over 60 years, and it was one of his favorite places in the world - he was so happy to have spent his final years living here.

David’s love of the ocean, fishing, sports, cigars and cocktail making was superseded only by the love for his only daughter, Kristin. In addition to Kristin, David is survived by his son-in-law, Jordi Rovira; his sister, Rochelle Cain; brother-in-law, Louis Cain; niece, Lauren Cain; brother, Robert Osborn; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Osborn; nephew, Christopher Osborn; and former wife, Linda Osborn. A kind and generous man, David will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

In his memory, donations can be made to the American Kidney Foundation or the Ocean Conservancy.

BRADENTON BEACH

10/21, 10:38 p.m., noise complaint, 2318 Ave. B. The officer responded to a loud noise complaint. The complain ant said noise had been an ongoing issue. When he arrived, he heard faint music coming through the back door and told the renter that there had been complaints. The renter agreed to turn the volume down. No further action was taken.

10/22, 5:25 p.m., attempted burglary, 2100 block of Avenue C. The officer was dispatched in reference to a suspect trying to enter an occupied vehicle. When the officer arrived, the victim had tracked the suspect

and detained him. The officer handcuffed the suspect as multiple units from Holmes Beach arrived to assist. The victim said the suspect had two accomplices last seen running south on Avenue C, but police were unable to find them. The victim said he was certain the man detained was the same who had opened his driver’s door while he was sitting in the car. The suspect denied any wrongdoing, but was arrested for attempted burglary of an occupied vehicle.

HOLMES BEACH

10/18, 3:11 a.m., Baker Act, 500 Manatee Ave. Two officers located a man lying on a bench next to a sidewalk. The officers identified the subject as a person who became agitated when they asked him to leave Manatee Beach earlier in the

night. The subject stated he wanted to be taken to Centerstone and that he wanted to harm himself. After talking to the officers, he again said he had been thinking of taking his own life for the past two weeks. The officers handcuffed the man and took him to Centerstone Behavioral Hospital under the Baker Act.

10/21, 3:33 a.m., camping, 4000 Gulf Drive. While on patrol, the officer saw a man sleeping in a sleeping bag in the bushes, which is a violation of a city ordinance that does not allow camping. The officer woke the man, who said he was just waiting for a ride and was not aware of the ordinance. He was issued a notice to appear in court for illegal camping, then gathered his belongings and left the area.

COMMISSIONERS: Recognized MANATEES: Watch out

FROM PAGE 1

Clerk Stacey Johnston presented them with plaques. Rash served two two-year terms as commissioner while this was Christenson’s first term.

Rash said that while he chose not to run for re-election this year due to familial commitments, he added “there’s always next year.”

Christenson said she wished she could have continued on as a city commissioner but with a demanding full-time job she didn’t feel that she could give the residents the time and attention they deserved. During public comment, resident Nancy Deal stepped up to the podium to express her sadness that the two were leaving elected office.

“I am sad because Holmes Beach is soon to lose two commissioners who not only sacrificed their time and energies to serve Holmes Beach residents as all commissioners are supposed to do, but these two commissioners were also

forced to sacrifice their honor and their reputations,” Deal said, referencing the scrutiny that Rash and Christenson both faced over their tenures as commissioners.

Resident Barbara Hines also spoke, complimenting Christenson on her work as a commissioner and how prepared she always was for discussions during meetings. “I just think she’s so special,” Hines said. “When I heard she was leaving the commission, I was devastated.”

The Oct. 25 commission meeting and work session were the last official meetings for the two whose terms expire with the November election. Rash announced over the summer that he would not be seeking re-election and Christenson removed her self from the race in October, leaving new comers Dan Diggins and Greg Kerchner running uncontested races for their first terms on the city commission. A swearingin ceremony and organizational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 8 a.m. at Holmes Beach City Hall.

FROM PAGE 1

grow in sunny, shallow waters, meaning they spend a lot of time close to the surface, putting them more at risk for boat strikes,” according to the Ocean Conservancy website.

Disturbing manatees at warmwater sites can cause them to swim out of those protected areas and into potentially life-threatening cold water.

Manatees are sometimes difficult to see on the water and you may see a swirl on the surface caused by the manatee when it dives, or see an animal’s back, snout, tail or flipper break the surface of the water. You may only hear the manatee when it surfaces to breathe. In any instance, keep your distance and observe passively, according to the FWC.

FWC law enforcement officers are on patrol in state waters to inform boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take appropriate enforcement

actions, according to the FWC website.

The manatee is protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal. The manatee is also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, which states: “It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee.”

Do not attempt to handle manatees but instead report injured, distressed, sick or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or by dialing #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone so responders can assist.

Resources for boaters, educators and other interested members of the public are available MyFWC.com/Manatee.

AME students fight trash

The fourth-grade classes at Anna Maria Elementary pick up trash from the beach entrances near the school as part of the Guy Harvey curriculum. They will inventory their findings and create art with their collection. Students, from left, are Andre Harwood, Kason Davis, Beau Canup, TJ Hagey and Julian Anderson with teachers Becky Demo, front, Nicole O'Neill, back right, and a parent.

ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN

Cortez Village Historical Society seeks board members

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

CORTEZ – The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS) is putting out a call for new board members interested in helping preserve the rich history of the commercial fishing village.

The group will meet Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., when a nominating committee will present a slate of candidates who have expressed interest in serving on the board or as an officer.

“If someone would like to be considered, they can let us know about any special qualifications they have. Maybe they’re good with children or have past board experience,” CVHS President Kaye Bell said. “This is open to the public and we welcome anyone to apply.”

Those interested are asked to email resumes prior to the meeting to: cvhs2016@aol.com

“The board acts in an advisory capacity,” Bell said. “Board members will oversee projects and give advice. It would be helpful if someone has been involved in a board in the past.

“We also have openings for volunteers who are willing to spend a few hours telling people about the history of Cortez,”

she said. “The only requirement is a smile.”

Board member J.B. Crawford said that board members meet with the officers to consider a variety of important issues.

“These issues range from facilities, finances, meetings, activities, continuity of leadership and other matters as they arise,” Crawford said. “Prior to the pandemic, we met monthly to attend to business, but recently we have followed the social distancing rules and have communicated more by email and telephone.”

Social distancing is the reason that the Nov. 8 meeting will be held outside at the pavilion behind the Center, he said. The rain date is Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Cortez is one of the last remaining fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf coast, according to CVHS. Its fishing history goes back to the Native

Americans and Spanish who first lived in and explored the area.

“The Cultural Center focuses on preserving ‘old Florida’ history and stories of founding families in Cortez. Starting with the Guthrie and Fulford families in 1880, visitors can travel through war times with Cortez women who went to work while their husbands were at war, and read about boats bringing visitors to the Albion Inn. The timeline stops at the 1980s, but eventually, the center will document the village’s history to present day,” according to the CVHS website.

The Cultural Center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To book tours or groups by appointment, call 941540-0590. For more information, call Bell at 941-538-0945.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The Cortez Cultural Center is the Cortez Village Historical Society’s chief project.

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Wash Family Construction, Slim’s Place top soccer rankings

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – With one game left in the regular season, three adult soccer games were played Oct. 27 at The Center of Anna Maria Island. After six games, Wash Family Construction and Slim’s Place are at the top of the rankings with 4-1-1 records.

In what would have been the fourth game of the night, team Wash Family took the win by forfeit against Slim’s Place.

In the first game, team Sato Real Estate, currently ranked third, played team Ross Built Construction. With the loss, Ross Built fell to last place with a 1-5-0 record.

Despite the loss, the Ross Built squad put up impressive statistics and stayed in the game until the final whistle blew.

Both teams produced double hat tricks. Lindsey Styka and Jacek Czajkowski scored six points for Sato Real Estate, with three goals each.

On the other side of the field, Dean Hinterstoisser and Greg Ross each scored three points for Ross Built Construction. Hinterstoisser and Ross made the only goals for their team in the 6-8 loss.

Adding to the Sato Real Estate scoring were team captain Josh Sato and Danny Anderson, each with singles. In the goal, Steve Oelfke was credited with three saves, while Adam Mott’s incredible saves helped Sato Real Estate capture the W. Ross Built faces Wash Family Construction Thursday, Nov. 3 in the first game, scheduled to start at 6 p.m. The Sato Real Estate team faces Slim’s Place in game three.

ServisFirst Bank met their match against Pool America in the second game of the night with a four-point loss.

Pool America’s Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos scored four goals of his own in the victory,

with additional goals by Kris Yavalar and Jana Whitehead. Matt Staggs contributed to his team’s win with two goals of his own.

Selena Gonzalez-Salinas struck with two goals for ServisFirst Bank, along with solo goals by Ugur “Lucky” Durmaz and Joseph Keogh.

In the 8-4 game, Pool America’s goalkeepers helped with the big win. Chris Klotz led the charge with five saves, while Nate Welch stepped in to make two stops.

Welch’s time in goal allowed Klotz to play the field, earning an assist.

ServisFirst also put two players in the goal. Team captain Yuri Pereira was credited with one stop and Joseph Keogh made two big stops.

In week seven action, Pool America will face Moss Builders. Moss finished the week with a 2-2-2 record after losing to Gulfview Windows & Doors.

Gulfview, who handily beat Moss Builders, plays ServisFirst Bank in the last regular season week of adult soccer action in the 7 p.m. game.

Holding Moss Builders to four goals, Gulfview’s goalie Tuna McCracken made nine huge stops. On offense, McCracken’s teammates Raul Loera and team captain Keith Mahoney earned their own hat tricks. Asli Gunsel had two goals and Zach Long had a single in the 9-4 triumph.

Moss Builders’ scoring came off the boots of Damir Glavan and Jessica Williams, each with two goals. Olaf Krause, team captain for Moss Builders, supported his defense with four saves as keeper.

With the season’s schedule pushed a week due to Hurricane Ian, the muchanticipated Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup championship game is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

SUN SCOREBOARD

ADULT KICKBALL – WEEK 2

The Salty Dolphins (2-0-0) 17 Paddy Wagon (1-1-0) 16

Captain Ron’s Crew (1-1-0) 18 General Bums (0-2-0) 13

YOUTH SOCCER – WEEK 6

Solid Rock Construction (2-3-1) 2 Cloud Pest Control (0-6-0) 0

LaPensee Plumbing (5-0-1) 4 AMI Coconuts (1-2-3) 0

Sato Real Estate (4-0-2) 1

Island Real Estate (3-2-1) 0

U14 Progressive Cabinetry (1-2-1) 2 Mac Parkman (0-3-2) 2

HSH (3-0-1) Bye Week

OCT. 27

ADULT SOCCER – WEEK 6

Sato Real Estate (3-2-1) 8 Ross Built Construction (1-5-0) 6

Pool America (3-3-0) 8 ServisFirst Bank (1-4-1) 4

Gulfview Windows and Doors (3-3-0) 9 Moss Builders (2-2-2) 4

Wash Family Construction (4-1-1) Win by Forfeit Slim’s Place (4-1-1)

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Left, Lindsey Styka, for Sato Real Estate, steps in against Ross Built’s James Lynch last Tuesday night at The Center.

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. Classes on Tuesdays & Fridays at 8:30 at 100 Broadway St. on LBK. www.thriveyogafit.com

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

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

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

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

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

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

EMPLOYMENT

WANTED LICENSED REALTOR! Seeking real estate agent with island expertise to join our highly productive sales team! Contact us at 941-900-4974. All calls confidential

WE ARE HIRING Part Time & Full Time. The White Egret & The Egret’s Nest in City of Anna Maria’ Please contact Pam at 941-7783782

ISLAND RESORT LOOKING for Resort Assistant. 32 to 36 hours per week. Experience a plus, will train. Resumes or Letters of intent can be sent to islands58@aol.com

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

FISHING CHARTERS

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

FOR SALE

TOPPER FOR F150 Long bed. $100 or Best Offer. Call 941-705-7560.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION

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

JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@ gmail.com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616204-8822.

HOME SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-7940455

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

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

POOL SERVICES

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

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216

LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941725-1589

REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.

HOUSE FOR SALE 4BR/3BA. 2274 s.f. 329 30th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205. $699,000. MLS # A4545595 Boyd Realty. Call 941-730-8589 broker@boydrealty.com

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS

WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992.

ANNUAL RENTAL-3BR/2BA, pool, canal w/ boat lift home on key Royale. 1700 sq.ft. $8500/mo. Call 941-713-1586

ANNUAL RENTALS – AVAILABLE NOW. 1BR/1.5BA, fully furnished. $3,000/month. 2BR/1BA, furnished. $4,500/month. 3BR/2BA, unfurnished. $5,000/month.1ST, Last, and Security Deposit required. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc 941-7787200 or Email monica@ satorealestate.com

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-4478376. amitaxi4u@gmail. com, www.amitaxi.com

ANYTIME

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

AIRPORT RIDES Sarasota, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/Text Vita 941-376-7555.