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VOL 24 No. 11
November 8, 2023
Film celebrates Nyad’s historic swim from Cuba to Key West The world-record holder trained in the waters off Anna Maria Island for the swim alongside Voyager I, captained by former Anna Maria Island Sun sales assistant Dee Brady. BY CINDY LANE SUN EDITOR | clane@amisun.com
DEE BRADY | SUN
DIANANYAD.COM | SUBMITTED
Voyager I was captained by The Anna Maria Island Sun’s former sales assistant, Dee Brady, during Nyad’s training and successful Cuba-to-Key West swim. Inset, Long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad trained off Anna Maria Island for her swim from Cuba to Key West.
Bridge Street hotel prompts public opposition With no resolution reached by P&Z members, the hearing is set to be continued on Monday, Nov. 13. BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – A long-awaited public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Board on a proposed 106-room hotel at the intersection of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South brought an overflow crowd to city hall, many of whom were opposed to the hotel project. At the Nov. 1 meeting, WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski ensured the room’s 51-person capacity was adhered to. Audio of the meeting was streamed outside for those who were not allowed to enter due to over-capacity.
The Land Development Code application for the yet-unnamed Bridge Street hotel project includes the hotel, a 60-seat restaurant, 2,485 square feet of retail and 99 on-site parking spaces. Property owners Shawn Kaleta, a local developer, and Jacob Spooner, business owner and Bradenton Beach city commissioner, made the application on Dec. 2, 2022. The 4.5-hour meeting consisted of city staff recommendations, public comments and a presentation by applicant’s representatives. No resolution was reached, leading to a continuation of the discussion scheduled on Monday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. “We are meeting today for a public hearing to consider a major development consisting of a resort hotel, retail space, and parking along
SEE HOTEL, PAGE 20
SEE NYAD, PAGE 21
State orders immediate AMI consolidation study A state study to look into the possible consolidation of city services and governments on Anna Maria Island is slated to begin immediately. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Mayors in the three Island cities received a trick on Halloween in the form of a letter from the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA). The Oct. 31 letter states that the Florida Legislature has directed the organization to begin reviewing the potential consolidation of services and government entities on Anna Maria Island.
STEAK AU POIVRE, with a twist, in Food and Wine. 29 Page 31 Anna Maria Island, Florida
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Onward! That’s the motto that long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad had imprinted on her teammates’ T-shirts, and on her soul, as she made her fifth attempt to swim 110 miles from Cuba to Key West in 2013. The film, “Nyad,” with Annette Bening in the starring role, debuted Nov. 3 on Netflix, celebrating the victory, and the journey. “Our team lived by the credo onward! We failed. We got back up, learned from our experi-
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The OPPAGA study is expected to begin immediately. While Mayor Dan Murphy of Anna Maria declined to comment on the study and Mayor John Chappie of Bradenton Beach was unable to comment due to illness, Mayor Judy Titsworth of Holmes Beach spoke to The Sun concerning the pending study. “I’m feeling really threatened,” Titsworth said. “I’m not concerned about the city of Holmes Beach’s worthiness to be a city. I feel the city will show when audited that we have every right to be a city. We’re thriving. We didn’t ask for this study and neither did the residents. It’s not supposed to be government from the top down, it’s supposed to be a government for the people, by the
SEE STUDY, PAGE 24
AIRBNB USING AI to thwart party
house rentals. 8
FORMER WMFR FIREFIGHTER
arrested. 4
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2 THE SUN
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NOVEMBER 8, 2023
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
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FISH Preserve opens officially with ribbon-cutting Nearly 100 acres, the FISH Preserve is one of the only undeveloped properties on Sarasota Bay. BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – In the culmination of more than two decades of planning, fundraising and hard work, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the FISH Preserve on Nov. 3. At nearly 100 acres, the preserve is on the south side of Cortez Road, an oasis of natural beauty in stark contrast to the multiple construction projects nearby. The preservation and non-development of the preserve, adjacent to the Cortez fishing village and bordering the waters of Sarasota Bay, was precisely the goal of FISH members in 2000 when they began fundraising to purchase the property. “The FISH Preserve came close to getting paved over by developers, however, the community came together to purchase the property in the nick of time,” according to the FISH website.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
FISH board members and SBEP and EPA participants in the project cut a ceremonial ribbon at the FISH Preserve on Nov. 3. The invitation-only ribbon-cutting featured speakers Dr. Dave Tomasko, director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP); Dr. Jay Leverone, staff scientist with SBEP; FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann; EPA Region 4 Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle and Manatee County Commissioner and SBEP policy board member Kevin Van Ostenbridge.
A special guest at the ribbon cutting was Dr. Theresa Bert, the widow of John Stevely, who was instrumental in the planning and purchase of the preserve’s parcels, and of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival that funded it. Tomasko applauded what he said was the perseverance and resilience of the FISH board in making the preserve a reality.
“That’s what it takes to succeed,” he said. “This is the light at the end of the tunnel to keep what they had.” “This is a celebration,” Leverone said. “It’s really moving to have this actually done.” His participation with the project goes back 10 years. “We paid for the plans and the permits and we were shovel-ready,” he said. “We were just waiting for the money for the shovels to start. That was the last hurdle we had to overcome. I guess I was the conductor, but I had a great orchestra behind me.” Leverone said the Biden Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding of $700,000 was critical in the completion of Phase IV. “We talked about preserving this; what it looked like before I’m not sure we wanted to preserve it,” he said. “Over time, it really needed a facelift. The goals of what we wanted this property to look like have finally become realized.” Leverone said 10,000 native plants have been planted recently.
SEE FISH, PAGE 25
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4 THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there. NOVEMBER 8, 2023
More than $3.5 million approved for manatees, red tide research
IN BRIEF
U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan’s proposals for environmental initiatives for Florida passed the House of Representatives unanimously. BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
This year’s parade will feature four local high school bands.
Celebrate Veterans Day at Friday’s parade The city of Anna Maria’s 8th annual “Old Soldiers & Sailors” Veterans Day parade and veterans’ recognition ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 10. The parade will start at City Hall at 9 a.m. and travel down Pine Avenue to City Pier Park where the post-parade veterans’ recognition ceremony will be held under the shade sail structure. This year’s parade features four local high school bands, and the parade is earlier than usual to accommodate the bands’ plans to compete in the Florida Marching Band Championships in St. Petersburg on Saturday. The parade will also feature military and first responder vehicles, local organizations and businesses and more. Temporary road closures will take effect at 7:30 a.m. Friday morning. Pine Avenue will be closed from Gulf Drive to the City Pier. Gulf Drive will be closed from Magnolia Avenue to Pine Avenue. North and South Bay boulevards will be closed from Hibiscus Street to Spring Avenue and Spring Avenue will be closed from Gulf Drive to North Shore Drive. The impacted roads will reopen at approximately 11:30 a.m. Trolley service in the parade area will also be temporarily impacted. “I’m excited about the parade and the veterans’ recognition ceremony. These are significant events for our city,” mayor and military veteran Dan Murphy said.
WASHINGTON - Federal funding is coming to Florida to support two environmental initiatives critical to the state - the protection of manatees and harmful algal bloom research. A press release from Congressman Vern Buchanan’s office announced that the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed two of his amendments to the Interior and Environment government funding bill. The first proposal dedicates $1.15 million for the rescue and rehabilitation of manatees. In October, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began the process to consider reclassifying manatees from “threatened” to the more critical “endangered” status under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Buchanan introduced the Manatee Protection Act to officially uplist the marine mammal in 2021. According to the FWC, almost 2,400 manatees have died in Florida since 2021, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) estimates that there are approximately only 6,500 West Indian manatees in Southeastern U.S. waters. The ESA defines a threatened
The second proposal will provide $2.5 million to the National Water Quality Program to enhance research into harmful algal blooms, including red tide. “Over the last several years, the Gulf Coast has experienced severe levels of red tide,” Buchanan said. “Red tide is caused by toxin-producing algae that is extremely deadly to fish and other marine life and adversely affects tourism in the Suncoast region.” In 2022-23, Manatee County cleared nearly 5 tons of dead fish and debris from area beaches due to a red tide outbreak. “These commonsense proposals will help ensure the survival of the iconic Florida manatee and combat red tide, which for too long has wreaked havoc on marine life, our waters and the many businesses that rely on Florida’s tourism-based economy,” Buchanan said. “I am very pleased to see these measures pass with broad bipartisan support and look forward to working to see them enacted into law.” According to Buchanan’s office, he also introduced the Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act, which would amend the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a “major disaster.” This change would require the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to provide both technical and financial assistance to states suffering from outbreaks of harmful algal blooms like red tide.
Former firefighter arrested
Second public hearing on hotel set for Nov. 13 The continuation of a Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board public hearing on a proposed 106-room hotel project on Bridge Street and Gulf Drive South is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive S. The hearing will be open to the public, but because it is a continuation of a Nov. 1 meeting where public comment was closed, there will be no opportunity for members of the public to speak.
species as "any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Threatened species receive protection through separate regulations issued under Section 4(d) of the ESA. The ESA defines an endangered species as "any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Endangered species are automatically protected by prohibitions of several types of "take," including harming, harassing, collecting or killing, under Section 9 of the ESA. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a species must be listed if it is threatened or endangered due to any of the following five factors: 1. Present or threatened destruction, modification or curtailment of its habitat or range; 2. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific or educational purposes; 3. Disease or predation; 4. Inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; and 5. Other natural or human-made factors affecting its continued existence. In 2016, Buchanan objected to the FWS downgrading the manatee’s designation from endangered to threatened, saying the FWS may have been using outdated data to support the reduction in protection. The manatee had been listed as an endangered species since 1966.
A former WMFR firefighter was arrested two days after he resigned from the department. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
SARASOTA COUNTY – Former West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighter Ben Dillon faces child pornography charges in a neighboring county. Dillon, who had been with the fire district for 19 years, resigned on Oct.
24, Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said. According to Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office records, Dillon was arrested on Oct. 26 on charges of possession of obscene material and Dillon possession of material depicting child sex conduct. He was released on Oct. 28 on a $150,000 bond and with an ankle monitor. Dillon, 54, is a resident of Bradenton. In a statement on behalf of the
fire district to The Sun, Kwiatkowski said the department was contacted by law enforcement concerning the investigation into Dillon and that the district’s staff has been and will continue to cooperate fully with any law enforcement investigation. “His actions in no way represent the integrity and dedication of the district’s staff and firefighters who continue to serve the community faithfully,” Kwiatkowski said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his victims and their families.”
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
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Hunters Point prevails in canal hearing
The ongoing canal dispute pertains to the use of a man-made canal now owned by the Hunters Point developer. BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Nicholas denied motions to dissolve lis pendens claims last week that were filed against the owners of three properties located along the Hunters Point-owned canal in Cortez. A lis pendens claim notifies potential buyers and others of a pending lawsuit involving a property and its owners. If someone purchases a property with a lis pendens attached, the new owner inherits the lawsuit responsibilities. A lis pendens can impact the ability to sell a property, obtain financing or obtain title insurance. The lis pendens were filed as part of an ongoing lawsuit that
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Jonathan and Sheila Graham’s boat lift, dock and canal-side property are the subject of a lis pendens claim. A 2022 lawsuit alleges the Grahams’ boat lift and dock, left, extend too far into the canal. attorney Susan Martin filed in June 2022 on behalf of Hunters Point developer Marshall Gobuty and his Cortez Road Investments and Finance (CRIF) ownership group. Gobuty and CRIF are currently developing the Hunters Point community that includes 86 solar-powered-homes and 49 proposed boat slips. The lawsuit names Jonathan and Sheila Graham, George and Wendy Kokolis, Mark Ibasfalean, Mary Norman, Timothy Fitzpatrick and Jacquelyn
Shepard as defendants. The defendants’ properties are located across the canal from the Hunters Point property. In May, Martin filed a lis pendens on the dock and boat lift associated with the property at 4305 126th St. W. owned by the Grahams; she filed another against the boat lift the Kokolis’ installed in the west end of the canal in 2022 by their vacant lot at 4319 126th St. W. In June, Martin filed a lis pendens on the dock and lift associated with
Ibasfalean’s property at 4217 126th St. W. In early October, Martin filed amended lis pendens that assert that CRIF also owns the canal bulkheads (seawalls) and 5.7 to 3.3 feet of the uplands landward of the bulkheads used by the Graham, Kokolis and Ibasfalean families. The lawsuit alleges the defendants installed and maintain docks, lifts and other structures in the canal without authorization from the canal owner. Most of
the docks and lifts were installed before Gobuty purchased the Hunters Point property and man-made canal in 2016. The lawsuit alleges the defendants’ docks and lifts extend more than 25% into the canal, which, if true, would violate Manatee County dock regulations. The defendants deny their docks and lifts extend more than 25% into the canal – or did when installed with countyissued permits. Other canal-side properties are not named in the lawsuit and Gobuty has repeatedly stated he doesn’t want to deny canal access to the defendants and other canal-side homeowners. He said he wants all boats and lifts located completely within the 25% threshold. He also wants dock owners to obtain proper liability insurance and enter into use agreements with CRIF. CRIF filed the lawsuit days after filing a civil lawsuit against MHC Cortez Village LLC, the owners of the Cortez Village Marina east
SEE HUNTERS POINT, PAGE 19
6 THE SUN
OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Phone: 941-778-3986
email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com Like us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun NOVEMBER 8, 2023
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Owner/CEO Mike Field Editor Cindy Lane General Manager Bob Alexander Reporters/Photographers Joe Hendricks Leslie Lake Jason Schaffer Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Rusty Chinnis Contributors Steve Borggren Capt. Rick Grassett Isis Mavenyengwa Monica Simpson Tom Vaught Anne Yarbrough Layout Ricardo Fonseca Digital Editor Kristin Swain Advertising Director Shona Otto Advertising Assistant Pamela Lee Classifieds Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Distribution Bob Alexander Connor Field Tony McNulty Brian Smith Accounting Leslie Ketchum Co-founding publishers Mike Field Maggie McGinley Field Family-owned since 2000
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
‘Witch Sisters’ donate to food pantry What do you get when you combine 20+ friends dressed as Halloween witches, each with full baskets of candy and backup goodies and a sincere love of their community, and set them down at the Waterline Hotel lobby in the middle of AMI's Trail of Treats on Oct. 31?
Answer: A whole lot of fun, laughs and many happy trickor-treaters, not to mention their parents' enjoyment. My involvement? I'm the co-chair (with wife, Lynn) of the Roser Church Food Pantry, this year's chosen beneficiary of any donations the "Witch Sisters" generated for their efforts to serve their community on Halloween. Together the sisters donated over $750 on Halloween night, not counting promised online donations.
The purpose of the sisters' involvement? An extra smile, a helping hand and a shared love of community for as many people as they can reach. It doesn't matter if it's Halloween cheers, Valentine's cards for first responders or sand snowmen at Christmas. The sisters love making "magic" wherever they can. It's their way of giving back all year long. Pointy black hats off to all of them!
Jack Brennan Anna Maria
Drop us a line Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail
a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
EVENTS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8
Oyster shell drilling, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton 8 a.m. Creative Aging drawing series, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 10 a.m. One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 2-4 p.m. Turtle Watch Wednesday, Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 4 p.m. Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOV. 9
Wild Florida: Native American Heritage Tour, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 9:30 a.m. NASA Talk: Artemis Mission, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Tree Tots: Daytime Creatures, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. AMI Chamber luncheon, Pizzano’s, 5318 Marina Drive, 11:30 a.m., $22 for members or $30 for prospective members Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. 65th Anniversary Celebration, The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOV. 10
Old Soldiers and Sailors Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, Pine Avenue ending at City Pier Park, Anna Maria, 9 a.m.
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SATURDAY, NOV. 11
Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival, 4628 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Symphony on the Sand, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 4:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, NOV. 12
Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival, 4628 119th St. W., Cortez, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
MONDAY, NOV. 13
Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, NOV. 14
Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Fraud watch, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15
Creative Aging: Drawing Series, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Holocaust Speaker Series: Helga Melmed, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.
One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOV. 16
Island Morning Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10:15 a.m. Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m. AMI Chamber Business Card Exchange, Urgent Dental Care, 1906 59th St. W., Ste. C, Bradenton, 5 p.m., $5 for members or $10 for prospective members
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
AMI Garden Club Plant Sale, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. AMI Chamber Member Gala, Bradenton Country Club, 4646 Ninth Ave. W., Bradenton, 6 p.m., $65 per person or $570 per table
SATURDAY, NOV. 18
Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m. Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon
THE SUN
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ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Nov. 8, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Nov. 10, all day – City offices closed in honor of Veterans Day Nov. 16, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Nov. 23, all day – City offices closed, Thanksgiving Nov. 24, all day – City offices closed, Black Friday Nov. 24, 9 a.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www. cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Nov. 10, all day – City offices closed in honor of Veterans Day Nov. 13, 10 a.m. – Continued Planning and Zoning public hearing, hotel Nov. 15, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Nov. 16, noon – City Commission meeting Nov. 23, all day – City offices closed, Thanksgiving
Nov. 23, all day – City offices closed, Black Friday
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Nov. 8, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Adhoc committee meeting Nov. 10, all day – City offices closed in honor of Veterans Day Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m. – Police officers’ pension board meeting Nov. 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission organizational meeting with regular meeting and work session to follow Nov. 15, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Nov. 23, all day – City offices closed, Thanksgiving Nov. 24, all day – City offices closed, Black Friday Nov. 28, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing
ISLAND-WIDE
Nov. 14, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton Dec. 4, 9 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria
8 THE SUN
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NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Artificial intelligence cracking down on party houses Artificial intelligence is playing a big part in Airbnb’s efforts to prevent renters from throwing parties. BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT - jschaffer@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Vacation rental company Airbnb is employing artificial intelligence to help reduce the number of properties rented for the exclusive purpose of throwing a party. The purpose of the technology is to help owners of vacation rentals managed by Airbnb to avoid the hassle of dealing with renters whose primary purpose is to have a disruptive party. On Anna Maria Island, noise ordinances are in place in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Police in all three cities respond to multiple potential noise violations every week. “I think it’s a great idea,” Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said. Last week when The Sun spoke to Diaz, his department had three written reports regarding his officers responding to noise complaints. Those numbers climb significantly around holidays.
AIRBNB | SUBMITTED
Airbnb is using AI technology to deter parties at vacation rentals. Damage to homes is also a concern for owners, many of whom live outside Florida and can’t respond immediately to problems with renters. Airbnb’s AI and machine learning, which learns the patterns of renters who may be potential party risks, block some renters from procuring properties. One of the key components involves blocking one- and two-night rental reservations that are tagged as high-risk. In addition to the length of the trip, AI also looks at the distance from the destination and whether the booking is last minute. Airbnb has also instituted mandatory anti-party attestation that makes it clear that parties are banned and, if the rule is broken, suspension or removal from the platform could result.
September 2023 tourist tax collections
“While disruptive parties are rare, we want to try to reduce the risk of them even more,” said Naba Banerjee, head of trust and safety at Airbnb. “Our AI anti-party system is an important tool in helping us to do that.” The anti-party system was launched before Halloween last year in the U.S. and Canada and saw significant results. Airbnb says there was a decrease in reports of disruptive parties compared to previous years when the system was not in place. In Florida, 11,300 bookings were blocked during the initial launch in 2022. AI is unique and it learns more the longer it is in use, so the technology is expected to become exponentially more efficient. Numbers for Halloween 2023 are not yet available, but the company expects similar, if not better results than last year. Airbnb says it has also implemented a dedicated portal for law enforcement, as well as a neighborhood portal where neighbors of rental properties can report concerns, at www.airbnb.com/neighbors. Other steps the company is taking include a 24-hour safety line for hosts to contact Airbnb’s safety team, as well as a free noise sensor for hosts in the U.S. and Canada.
compared to September 2022
Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Manatee County Total*
*(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, unincorporated Manatee County, Palmetto) Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism marketing efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria piers. Amounts shown were collected in September and paid to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in October. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To anonymously report a rental owner who may not be paying the tax, call 941741-4809 or visit http://www.taxcollector.com/ tdt-evader.cfm. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
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NOVEMBER 8, 2023
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THE SUN
Holmes Beach officer assaulted by suspect A struggle while arresting a suspect from Sarasota left a Holmes Beach police officer injured.
Holmes Beach resident searching for stolen lighthouse A lighthouse that the owner says is a family heirloom was recently stolen from his Holmes Beach home while the owner was out of town.
BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH - A man was arrested for resisting an officer with violence and transported to the Manatee County Jail after injuring a city police officer at a shopping plaza, according to a police report. The incident occurred on Oct. 20 at around 2:05 a.m. While patrolling a shopping plaza in the 3300 block of East Bay Drive, Officer Andrew Adkins said he saw a man standing next to the door of Cheesecake Cutie and Cafe. “Upon sight of my marked patrol vehicle, he began walking away from the door,” Adkins said in his report. “I turned around and got out with the subject, later identified as Kevin McNamara, on the sidewalk of the restaurant. It should be noted I was in full police uniform. I asked him what he was doing, and he explained he was walking home from work and stopped to meet with a friend. I looked and did not see anyone else.” Adkins said he tried to explain to McNamara, 35, of Sarasota, that what he was doing was suspicious since all of the businesses in the plaza were closed and the area was private property. McNamara argued that it was public property, and he had a right to be there, becoming agitated, according to the report.
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BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
A Holmes Beach police officer was injured during an arrest. When asked for his ID, McNamara began searching through a bag but became more agitated and eventually threw the bag at Adkins and told him to find it. Adkins dumped the contents of the bag on a table and, while doing so, McNamara approached him, becoming more agitated as he was told to stand back. “I tried to get him to step back but he took a slightly bladed stance, clinched his fists, and got less than a foot away from me. Kevin was visibly angry and told me twice to 'do something, bro,' ” Adkins wrote in his report. “At this point, I felt that violence against me was about to take place, so I told him he was under arrest. Kevin turned around and I went to put his hands behind his back, but he quickly spun back around towards me and punched me on my left side. I grabbed ahold
of Kevin to try and gain control, but he also grabbed ahold of me. I struggled to get control of him because he was also trying to control me, and we fell to the ground.” McNamara refused to comply with orders to stop resisting arrest, according to the report. Another office arrived at the scene and the two officers were able to get McNamara in handcuffs. In McNamara’s bag, the officers found his ID along with two hypodermic syringes and two knives. Adkins sustained injuries including lacerations to his head and neck. McNamara requested medics for a high heart rate that he felt was getting worse, so Manatee County EMS was called. EMS came and cleared him, and he refused further treatment.
HOLMES BEACH - A local resident is asking for the public’s help after a decorative lighthouse that he calls a family heirloom was stolen from his yard. Wayne Giordano, a New York native, brought the lighthouse with him when his family bought their home on the corner of WAYNE GIORDANO | SUBMITTED 36th Street and Gulf From left, Vincent Napolitano, Drive. Wayne Giordano, Christopher “We don’t live Connell and Kevin Connell stand here full-time and with a lighthouse that has been in rent our house to the family for close to two decades tourists sometimes and was recently stolen. when we’re not here,” Giordano said. “When the lighthouse disappeared, we actually didn’t have anyone renting the house. It went missing the last week of September into the first week of October, but I have no way of knowing exactly what day.” Giordano says the lighthouse is about 4 feet tall, rotates and is electrically powered, shining a light
SEE LIGHTHOUSE, PAGE 34
10 THE SUN
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NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Dolphin Tours leads Egmont cleanup
This is the group’s first annual volunteer event to clean up Egmont Key. BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
EGMONT KEY - On a beautiful Saturday, 45 people in six boats headed from Anna Maria Island to Egmont Key with a single purpose in mind - to clean up the barrier island. Organized by Ben Webb of Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours, the cleanup took place on Oct. 28. “The inaugural cleanup event at Egmont Key was a resounding success, with participants ranging from local residents to dedicated eco-tourists,” Webb said. Once at Egmont Key, located at the entrance of Tampa Bay, volunteers divided into teams and were equipped with trash bags, gloves and a shared commitment to preserving the barrier island. “Participants scoured the island's beaches, collecting
ANNA MARIA ISLAND DOLPHIN TOURS | SUBMITTED
Volunteers display some of the trash they picked up at Egmont Key. an astonishing amount of trash, including plastic bottles, fishing gear and debris that had washed ashore,” Webb said. “The effort was not only about cleaning up but also about raising awareness regarding the importance of responsible waste disposal and its impact on the marine ecosystem.” Webb said the cleanup event fostered a strong sense of community.
“Families, friends and strangers bonded over their love for nature and their desire to safeguard it for future generations,” he said. The cleanup also served as an educational opportunity. “Participants learned about the fragile balance of marine ecosystems, the harmful effects of plastic pollution and the critical role they play in preserving these natural treasures,” Webb said. The initiative demon-
strated the company's established commitment to environmental stewardship. “Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours has been offering unforgettable dolphin-watching excursions for years,” Webb said. “The company has always felt a deep responsibility to protect the marine environment that is our livelihood.” The success of the inaugural event has set the stage for a tradition of
annual cleanups at Egmont Key and other local areas. “We hope that this initiative will inspire other businesses and communities to take similar steps towards protecting the environment,” Webb said. “This cleanup not only showcased the company's dedication to conservation but also highlighted the power of community engagement and the positive impact it can have on our natural world. As this event becomes an annual tradition, it is a beacon of hope for the future of Florida's pristine coastlines and the vibrant ecosystems they support.” Egmont Key has a unique blend of history and wildlife. It is home to nesting sea turtles, shorebirds and a thriving population of bottlenose dolphins. Historically, the island was used for military purposes and is dotted with ruins, a lighthouse and fortifications. It is accessible only by boat.
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Wilder’s Slice of AMI opens in Bradenton Beach
Wilder’s Slice of AMI offers pizza, subs, smashburgers, beer, wine and more. BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Wilder’s Slice of AMI pizzeria is now open at 103 Gulf Dr. N. in the space previously occupied by the Tahini Beach Café. The new business is coowned by Ryan Wilder, the owner of the Wilder’s Pizza in downtown Bradenton, and Bradenton Beach businessman Walter Loos. Loos also owns the Island Scoops and Island Donut Company businesses and is the new co-owner of the Island Rider shuttle service. “We finally got our Slice of AMI,” Wilder said. “We have a downtown location as well, Wilder’s Pizza, and we’ve been there three years.” Wilder’s is located across the street from a small, undeveloped, city-owned beachfront park and sits alongside a busy Gulf Drive South sidewalk heavily used by Bradenton Beach visitors. Wilder believes Slice of AMI’s lower prices will also appeal to Island locals. “We’re trying to offer the best product for a reasonable price out here on the Island. Slices are $3 and every day we have a two-slice special: two slices with a topping and
WILDER'S SLICE OF AMI | SUBMITTED
The Wilder’s Slice of AMI menu features a wide variety of food offerings, above. Right, co-owner Ryan Wilder is happy to be doing business in Bradenton Beach. a drink for $8. Two slices with a topping and a beer is $10,” he said. “We serve slices, small, medium and large pies. We have the best wings around and our Philly steak and cheese is the best on the Island,” he claimed. “We have meatball subs and fresh salads. We offer vegan items, including vegan pizza made with a cauliflowerbased crust and vegan cheese. We have some gluten-free pasta dishes as well.” The menu also includes smashburgers, Parmesan hoagies, fresh subs, gyros, a grouper sandwich, dessert, cappuccino, coffee and more. “In the next week or so, we’ll start offering brunch Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. We have a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on homemade focaccia bread and peaches and cream French toast on our homemade Italian bread,” Wilder said.
On non-brunch days, Wilder’s opens at 11 a.m. Wilder’s closes at 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closes at 9 p.m. on Sundays. As for why he chose Bradenton Beach, Wilder said, “We love it here. We have great beaches and great sunsets and our patio’s right across the street from the beach. We do sunset drink specials: $3 drafts, $5 house wines and $5 wine-based cocktails. We have a Wilder-Rita and Wilder Punch, a bloody Mary and spiked cappuccino.” He then said, “We are also tied in with Island Rider shuttle service. We’ll come pick you up and we’re also delivering with golf carts and electric bikes; and very soon, we’ll be serving the Drift In, the Sports Lounge and Tommy Knockers too.” Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online at www. WildersSliceofAMI.com or by phone at 941-900-1584.
Fire department brings the heat at annual open house
GAIL SWAIN | SUN
GAIL SWAIN | SUN
One little firefighter in training checks out the bounce house.
Some of the Privateers gather to celebrate community at WMFR’s Nov. 4 open house event.
GAIL SWAIN | SUN
SUBMITTED | HBPD
Community members climb aboard West Manatee Fire Rescue’s fire boat to take a tour during the district’s annual open house celebration on Nov. 4.
Holmes Beach police officers are joined by a couple of characters at West Manatee Fire Rescue’s open house event on Nov. 4.
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‘Later Life’ all about second chances The Island Players’ latest production, ‘Later Life,’ offers audiences plenty of laughs as a couple gets a second chance at love on a Boston rooftop. BY JASON SCHAFFER
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA - The Island Players are back with the second production of their historic 75th season. “Later Life” by A.R. Gurney, directed by Preston Boyd, is a romantic comedy about a couple that reunites decades after a brief encounter and gets a second chance at love. “Gurney wrote this play in 1993 and it is set in 1993,” Boyd said. “The purpose for him to write this story was to explore second chances in relationships. People can relate to the fact that we have one or two in our lives that we let get away.” The action takes place en-
tirely on the large balcony of a high-rise apartment building in the heart of downtown Boston. We meet the host, Sally, a middle-aged high society woman who brings her friend, Austin (Mark Shoemaker), a well-mannered Bostonian out onto the balcony while she finds her friend Ruth, (Valerie Lipscomb), who is in town visiting from Las Vegas after recently separating from her husband. It’s a set-up and what is quickly apparent is that Ruth has one over on Austin - she remembers a time they met decades earlier and he doesn’t. The encounter happened many years before while he was in the Navy on the Isle of Capri. Ruth is rather flirtatious towards the divorced Austin, but their attempts at rekindling turn into an evening of interrupted conversation as guests keep coming out onto the balcony, breaking in and disrupting
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
From left, Daphne Du Frane, Valerie Lipscomb, Mark Shoemaker and Joseph Smith take a bow after the Island Players’ Nov. 3 performance of ‘Later Life.’ Ruth and Austin’s growing connection. Although not integral to the core plot, the interrupting guests are the source of plenty of laughs and all are played by the same actors. Daphne Du Frane, whom we first meet as Sally, goes on to play at least half a dozen
women, with Joseph Smith performing as all the men. In a series of perfect wigs and costumes, they parade in and out, making it difficult for Ruth and Austin to have their meaningful “get to know you all over again” conversation. All four actors do a superb job and have a solid
understanding of their characters, making this one of the most polished performances in recent Island Players history. “Later Life” is not the traditional comedy that audiences who frequent the Island Playhouse may be used to, but this show is a nice departure from the norm and certainly memorable. “Later Life” runs through Sunday, Nov. 12, with performances Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for $28 at the box office or by calling 941-778-5755, or $30 online at www. theislandplayers.org. The theater is located at 10009 Gulf Drive on the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria.
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Chamber gala RSVP deadline Friday The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Annual Member Gala is Friday, Nov. 17 from 6-9:30 p.m., with a deadline to RSVP by Friday, Nov. 10. The gala will feature dinner at the Bradenton Country Club, cash bar and an awards presentations including Business of the Year awards, the Rotary Person of the Year award and installation of the 2024 Board of Directors. Tickets are $65 per person or $570 for a table of eight. For more information and to order tickets, call 941-778-1541.
AMI CHAMBER | SUBMITTED
AMI Chamber enjoys breakfast at Harry’s Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members started their day on Nov. 2 at Harry’s Grill in Anna Maria with menu selections of breakfast burritos or tacos, scrambled eggs with sides, blueberry pancakes and biscuits and gravy. From left at the back tables are Karen LaPensee (LaPensee Plumbing Pools Air), Andrew Vac (RE/MAX), John Renkawitz (Pampered Movers) and Liu Yang and Ruth Maloney (NY Foot & Body Massage). From left at the front table are Denise Korish (Hancock Whitney Bank), Ryan Pfahler (GI Bins), Pat Etheridge (Trustco Bank) Brian Sharkey (Compass Insurance Partners) and AMI Chamber President Terri Kinder.
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All treats, no tricks on AMI
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
Above, one family drew its group costume inspiration from Dr. Seuss’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’ Left, two little trick-ortreaters choose their treats at Roser Church’s Trunk or Treat event on Halloween. KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
A mother and child duo brings the scares as matching skeletons.
Dorothy Gale from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ joined Sarah Sanderson from ‘Hocus Pocus’ for a little trick or treating on the Trail of Treats on Halloween night.
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Bridge Tender Inn goes all-in on Halloween The Bridge Tender Inn’s annual Halloween party raised more than $1,000 for the Vintage Paws Sanctuary. BY JOE HENDRICKS
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – The Bridge Tender Inn threw a spectacular party on Halloween night. With that end of Bay Drive South closed for the occasion, the Halloween street party featured a pet costume contest, an adult costume contest, an afternoon trail of treats for youngsters, a multitude of larger-thanlife automatons, smoke-filled bubbles, a haunted house, palm readers, live music by Brigid’s Cross and more. And once again, the fun-filled party raised more than $1,000 for the Sarasota-based Vintage Paws Sanctuary that provides homes, medical treatment and assistance for senior dogs and terminally ill dogs, including some who’ve been orphaned by the deaths of their senior owners. While enjoying a cocktail, Bridge Tender Inn owner Fred Bartizal said, “We’ve been hosting our Halloween party for about eight years and it gets bigger and better
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Smoke-filled bubbles filled the air at the Bridge Tender Inn Halloween party. every year. The haunted house is in the dining room and it’s the best we’ve ever had... We do this to draw people to the area and some who’ve never been here before. People have a lot of fun and we raise a lot of money for Vintage Paws.” Paulie Baker, from Brigid’s Cross, served as the master of ceremonies and announcer for the pet costume contest that started around 5:15 p.m. He served in the same role for the adult costume contest that started around 8:30 p.m. “Abby the Halloween Witch” won the
pet costume contest that featured four decked-out dogs. “It was a knockdown drag-out decision by the judges between ‘Abby the Halloween Witch’ and ‘Molly the Racecar Champ,’ ” Baker announced. Abby’s win earned her a dog bowl and a Frisbee. Molly fiished a close second. Sunrise (dressed as Santa’s helper) and the stylish canine tandem of Ocean Lee and Lovey Lee tied for third place. After the contest, Bridge Tender Inn General Manager Sue Shinka said, “We put
everything into our party and it shows. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.” Shinka said she expected the party to attract 500 or more revelers, adding,“We had a bunch of kids here this afternoon for the trail of treats. We put the lights on and everything and some of them got a little scared." Assistant General Manager Shannon Dunnan said, “This is our best haunted house. It’s very creepy and scary.” Bridge Tender Inn employee Beth Murphy said, “I’ve been here six years and this is the best one yet, for kids and adults.” Dressed as Lieutenant Dan from the “Forrest Gump” movie, Frankie won the adult costume contest and took home a $100 Bridge Tender Inn gift certificate. Sporting canes and cocktails, a trio of women dressed as “Three Blind Mice” finished second. Adorned in green evening gowns and dressed as “Saturday Night & Sunday Morning” Lory and William claimed third place in the costume contest. When contacted the next day, Shinka said, “As we walked around, people told us it was the best Halloween party ever. We had people coming out of the haunted house laughing and smiling. Victor spent two and a half weeks working on the haunted house and he did a great job."
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Drift In celebrates Halloween
DEB SNEDDON | SUBMITTED
The ‘Witch Sisters’ go all out with their Halloween treat-sharing and fundraising.
‘Witch Sisters’ treat Roser Food Pantry
“The ‘Witch Sisters’ are a spell-casting, magic-making, spiritraising, big-hearted and ever-grateful sister coven on Anna Maria Island that has met for six glorious years to celebrate the AMI community and friendship with unmatched Halloween flair,” group member Deb Sneddon said. “This year, the coven teamed with The Chateau in giving out candy at the annual Trail of Treats (hosted by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce) and we treated the Roser Food Pantry with a contribution of more than $1,000. This is the magic of a community coming together.”
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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
These long-time Island visitors from Wisconsin celebrated Halloween at the Drift In and brought their own Brett Farve (former Green Bay Packers quarterback) blowup doll. Left, Mike Cunningham was the lion and Amy Cunningham was the lion tamer.
18 THE SUN
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ANNE YARBROUGH | SUN
A look at the future First-grade students at the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science at Anna Maria Elementary tried out virtual reality goggles for the first time recently in Bridget Querrard's class. As part of the STEM program, they'll be experiencing virtual field trips to observe marine life and learn about conservation. This particular journey was to Raja Ampat in Indonesia to learn how different species of animals use their behavior and body parts to survive in their habitats.
HUNTERS POINT: Prevails in canal hearing FROM PAGE 5
of the Hunters Point property. That still-pending lawsuit seeks to prohibit marina clients from using the CRIF-owned portion of the canal that provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway. CRIF filed that lawsuit in response to the marina owners’ 2021 challenge of the Southwest Florida Water Management District-issued permit that initially allowed the proposed Hunters Point docks. The marina owners alleged the docks would narrow the canal and significantly impact navigation for marina clients and others. In May, the water district’s governing board issued a final order in support of an administrative law judge’s recommended order that states the new docks would not significantly impact navigation and should be allowed. The marina owners appealed the final order and the dock construction remains on hold until the appeal is resolved. In September, Martin filed the amended lawsuit complaint that asserts that CRIF also owns the bulkheads and portions of the upland properties along the canal.
LIS PENDENS
Nicholas issued his ruling during a virtual hearing on Oct. 30 that pertained specifically to motions filed to dissolve the lis pendens. Attorneys Ivan Reich and Steve Conteaguero represented CRIF. Attorney Richard Green represented the Kokolis’ and attorney Fred Moore represented the Grahams. The attorneys spent most of the hearing debating the merits and legality of the lis pendens claims. There was also discussion, but no ruling, on CRIF’s bulkhead and upland ownership claims. “Cortez Road Investment and Finance is going after some landowners to bully them off a canal to make them remove boat
structures, boat lifts and watercraft under the idea that the landowners must come to CRIF and get permission to utilize the canal,” Green said. Green doesn’t dispute CRIF’s right to file lis pendens on the canal and items placed in it, but he disputes the notion that the lis pendens can include the uplands that CRIF claims to own landward of the bulkhead the Kokolis’ use. Moore agreed with Green’s assertions. He also said the lis pendens filed against the Grahams could cause substantial financial harm by impacting their ability to sell their home and property in a declining real estate market. Moore suggested that CRIF be required to secure a lis pendens bond that would protect the Grahams from a “wrongful lis pendens claim.” Reich said property deeds and a recently completed land survey serve as dulyrecorded instruments that support the lis pendens’ legality. When discussing the Florida Statutes applicable to the historic use of someone else’s land, Reich said, “What is the dispute here? It’s a trespass action. You’ve come into our property and you’ve built stuff. It’s an ejectment action and we’re seeking to kick you off that portion of the property on which you’ve infringed. I think the defendants are trying to assert squatters’ rights. It doesn’t work that way anymore.” When denying the motions to dissolve, Nicholas said, “While I’m sympathetic to the Grahams and the challenges that may result from the lis pendens, that’s largely the purpose - to not get into a circumstance where a third-party purchaser claims they weren’t aware of an issue of this nature. I reserve jurisdiction for determining what bond, if any, is appropriate. As to whether the lis pendens are appropriate, that’s not a particularly close call.”
20 THE SUN
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NOVEMBER 8, 2023
HOTEL: Prompts public opposition FROM PAGE 1
with an ordinance by the City of Bradenton Beach amending the zoning atlas of the city of Bradenton Beach, for 1.61 acres, more or less, of real property located at 101, 105 and 117 Bridge Street, and 106, 108, 110 and 112 Third Street South, establishing a Planned Development Overlay District within the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts, providing for findings and providing for an effective date,” P&Z Chair Bill Morrow said at the start of the Nov. 1 meeting. Planning and Zoning Board members were asked to confirm that they had no ex-parte communications concerning the project and that they had no conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, in the hotel project. Board members Morrow, Fred Bartizal, John Burns and Dan Morhaus replied that they did not. Ken McDonough was absent with excuse from the meeting. “There are two matters to be voted on,” attorney Robert Lincoln said, representing the Planning and Zoning Board in the
CITY PLANNER RECOMMENDS APPROVAL, WITH CONDITIONS
CITY OF BRADENTON BEACH | SUBMITTED
This architectural drawing included in the planning board meeting packet refers to the proposed resort hotel as ‘The Bridge Hotel.’ quasi-judicial hearing. “One will be the question of the proposed major development, the site plan, and it has to meet the enumerated criteria, I think it’s section 407 or 410 of the code. The other question before you today is whether or not to approve the planned development overlay rezoning. That involves a separate vote and motions, and a separate, different criteria. You have to apply the competent substantial evidence you hear today to the extent you hear it, to the various criteria.”
“The interpretation of the code, the legal questions, are generally up to you,” Lincoln said to P&Z members. “In interpreting the code, you can take the advice of your city planners.” The Planning and Zoning Board is a recommending body that will either recommend city commission approval or denial of the proposed hotel project. The city commission has its own public hearings scheduled on Thursday, Nov. 16 at noon and on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.
City planner Luis Serna AICP presented the staff report. “I will just summarize the important parts (of my report),” Serna said. “To summarize the project, the parcels total approximately 1.6 acres. They’re located in a mixed-use Bridge Street Commercial Land Use category and the Bridge Street Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district. The parcels currently contain commercial uses, including a hotel, two restaurants, previously developed vacant land and attached single-family dwellings… The applicants are proposing to develop this under the PD (planned development) regulations which are intended to provide flexible zoning overlays with the submission of a custom plan of development for the site.” Serna read from his Oct. 25, 2023 memorandum to the Planning and Zoning Board in which he cited the applicable land development code requirements: Sect. 211.4, Criteria for Zoning
Map Amendments; Section 307.13, PD Overlay District and Section 410.7, Review of Major Development Plans. In reading a section that provides for the review criteria for major developments, Serna said, “The project currently proposed 17 parking spaces that partially encroach into the right of way of Third Street South. This parking encroachment is similar to existing parking encroachments that occur along Bridge Street. This issue may be addressed as a component of the proposed PD review. “The use will not cause substantial injury to the character of the area, and the value of the other property in the neighborhood, if subject to the conditions recommended below,” he said. Those conditions are that the hotel will be furnished with blackout curtains and education about the protection of sea turtles and prevention of ambient lighting from rooms facing the
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SEE HOTEL, PAGE 28
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
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NYAD: Film celebrates historic swim FROM PAGE 1
ence and pressed ever onward!” Nyad said. In 1978, at age 28, she swam for 41 hours and 49 minutes through heavy weather, jellyfish stings and recurring vomiting in a shark cage that hindered her progress when three of its four engines died, falling short of her goal. The following year, she made history, accomplishing the longest continuous swim in history – 102.5 miles – from Bimini to Florida. Then for more than three decades, the woman who had broken the 50-year-old record for swimming around Manhattan Island gave up on her Cuba-to-Key West dream and just stopped swimming. Until she turned 60. The milestone transformed her swimmer’s burnout into a consuming fire, a drive to make the most of the rest of her life, and to inspire other 60-somethings who had given up on their dreams to dive back into life.
Once she got wet, it all came back to her, the metronomic activity, taking strokes in rhythm with favorite songs she sang in her head and the descent into an alpha state, where hallucinations sometimes arise; she thought she saw lizards in the bottom of her shark cage in 1978. Nyad began training and made two attempts in 2011 to swim the distance from Cuba to Key West. After those efforts and another in 2012 were cut short by box jellyfish stings and storms, Nyad finally reached her goal in 2013 at age 64, becoming the first person to swim from Cuba to the Keys without a shark cage. The film celebrates her dedication and what she learned leading up to and during that 52 hours and 54 minutes in the water. “One, we should never, ever give up. Two, we’re never too old to chase our dreams. Three, it looks like a solitary sport, but it takes a team,” Nyad told a cheering crowd in Key West after she set foot on the beach
NETFLIX |SUBMITTED
Jodie Foster and Annette Bening as Bonnie Stoll and Diana Nyad in ‘Nyad,’ now streaming on Netflix. in 2013, portrayed in the film by actors, followed by actual footage of the event. The team supporting her numbered more than 30 people, including experts on navigation, weather, sharks and nutrition, and her personal coach and friend, Bonnie Stoll, portrayed in
the film by Jodie Foster. Nyad’s search for a suitable boat to accompany her on her swim led to Coral Island Yachts, which built Voyager I and recommended it for the project. Team member Dee Brady, who captained Voyager I during Nyad’s training and final swim,
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is a former sales assistant with The Anna Maria Island Sun, which interviewed Nyad in 2010. Nyad began training in local Tampa Bay and Gulf of Mexico waters in 2010 for her first try for the swim in 33 years. During a long-distance swim, thoughts become as deep as the ocean below, she said. “You’re lucid,” she said, “but you drift off into deep philosophical places. ‘What is the meaning of life?’ ‘Is there a God?’ ‘What am I doing with my life?’ ” The Florida native said she chose to make the swim from Cuba to Key West because of the “magical history between Cuba and the U.S.” Relatively few Americans visit Cuba under U.S.-imposed travel restrictions, but the swim was personal, not political, she told The Sun. “I didn’t make it all those years ago,” Nyad said.
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Cleaning up the Sister Keys
Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
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uncoast Waterkeeper teamed up with Sarasota Bay Watch last weekend when they conducted their 2023 Annual Sister Keys Cleanup. The event was a collaboration of the two non-profit organizations, the Town of Longboat Key and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant. Close to 50 volunteers worked for four hours on the island and around the mangrove fringes collecting trash and recyclable items. This year’s harvest was especially large, fueled by the storm surge that hit the area during Hurricane Idalia. One of the most unusual items in the cleanup’s 15-year history was uncovered during the event, an 18-foot wooden “sharpie” sailing craft. John Hoover made another impressive find when he uncovered a blown glass
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Ronda Ryan of Sarasota Bay Watch and Abbey Tyrna of Suncoast Waterkeeper sort and record trash and recycling during Saturday's event. sphere. In all, volunteers collected over 1,000 pounds of trash from the islands. The Sister Keys were originally slated for development in the early 60s as the
Shangri Isle Club and were once again threatened in 1989 when they went up for sale at $1 million. That spurred a group of citizens to form the Sister Keys
Conservancy to buy and preserve the islands as a nature preserve. The Town of Longboat Key purchased the islands in 1994 with a stipulation that the keys would never be developed. The islands underwent a milliondollar mitigation in 2007 that removed all invasive species, planted native flora and created a 2-acre wetland. Today, mature mangroves dominate the waterways and are rich with crustaceans, minnows, juvenile finfish and wading birds. Native species planted on uplands, first created from the dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway in the late 1800s, have matured, making the islands one of the best examples of a thriving native marine environment in coastal Florida. The cleanup is part of a continuing two-pronged effort to clear the islands of trash and prevent the resurgence of invasive species. Kayakers and those without a boat were ferried to the island by volunteer boaters
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NOVEMBER 8, 2023
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THE SUN
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November fishing forecast good 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. 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.
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED
Fishing should be good in inshore waters during November. Marshall Dinerman, of Lido Key, with a pompano caught and released on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous November.
REEL TIME: Cleaning up the Sister Keys FROM PAGE 22
Benny Parrish, Mark McBride and Tim Thurman. Back at the Longboat Key Boat Ramp, event volunteers loaded the debris to be retrieved by the town’s public works employees. All plastics and cans were collected in separate green bags provided by SBW and recycled. The volunteers were treated to a box lunch and beverages
provided by the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and the Chiles Group, who have been supporters of the event from the beginning. The Sister Keys Clean Up is just one of many projects that SBW is involved in. In 2021, SBW planted clams in the bay in an ongoing restoration effort. Other cleanups are conducted at various locations throughout the bay, including an annual
monofilament cleanup and more. Suncoast Waterkeeper is a Sarasotabased advocacy non-profit committed to protecting and restoring Florida Suncoast’s waterways through enforcement, fieldwork, advocacy and environmental education for the benefit of the communities that rely upon these precious coastal resources. Their efforts have been responsible for major initiatives to hold municipalities
responsible for mandates established in the landmark 1982 Clean Water Act. SCWK also conducts bi-monthly water testing of inland coastal waters. For more information on the groups' missions and to become a member, visit their websites, www.sarasotabaywatch.org and www. suncoastwaterkeeper.org.
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AMI CHAMBER | SUBMITTED
Lucky woman wins eBike at AMI eBike grand opening Above, celebrating the grand opening of AMI eBikes from left are Susanne Arbanas (AMI Chamber board director from AMI Concierge Services), Wilfred Ortiz with Jana and Rob Fallon cutting the ribbon (AMI eBikes) and Wayne Gunter (AMI Chamber board director from Custom Mortgage). Right, Rob and Jana Fallon present the winner, Debra Miller, with the grand prize, a 2023 Pathfinder ebike at the grand opening of the Anna Maria Island eBikes at 5253 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach.
STUDY: State orders consolidation study FROM PAGE 1 people and that’s not what’s happening in this case. We didn’t ask for this.” The study into whether or not certain services among the three Island cities should be consolidated or the cities themselves merged into one came about as a result of a Manatee County legislative delegation meeting in January in which delegation members brought up consolidation without warning to the three Island governments. Legislators have since demanded that the three mayors work to consolidate services themselves. In the past, Titsworth said she’s hosted regular meetings of the three Island mayors and that some efforts to standardize services across the Island have been made. During an October legislative delegation meeting, neither consolidation nor the pending study was mentioned. As the study progresses, representatives from OPPAGA are expected to meet with city leaders and staff in each Island city. Items ranging from tax rates to expenses, staff numbers, services offered, utilities, infrastructure, number of voters and
number of residents are all expected to be analyzed during the study. While most OPPAGA studies are conducted at the request of a municipality’s residents or government leaders, this one was requested by state leaders. And though it’s not common, state leaders have the ability to present a bill to the Legislature for a vote to consolidate the three Island cities without the input of city leaders, property owners or voters. Typically a municipality is only dissolved at the state level when the city is insolvent or the level of residents has dropped to such a small number that it can’t sustain the city’s government. Titsworth said that Holmes Beach doesn’t suffer from either problem. She added that she also believes the cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach are still strong despite a recent lack of people running for office in those municipalities. “No one wants to lose their incorporation,” she said, adding that she plans to show her city’s strengths at every turn during the auditing process. “The best thing we can do right now is work harder to prove them (state leaders) wrong and show the strength of the community and city.”
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
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FISH: Preserve opens officially with ribbon-cutting FROM PAGE 3
“We have committed the estuary program to one year of maintenance of the plants,” Leverone said. “Finally, we’re not quite done. We have and we continue to look to foundation or public funding for bridges, trails, signage, kiosks,” he said. “We want to make this publicly friendly, publicly usable. We want people to come and enjoy this.” Gettle said that the preserve is “an inspiring story for us all.” Van Ostenbridge recalled his youth when the preserve land was a hangout for teens. “I never thought at the time we’d ultimately be turning this into a wetland mitigation project; it was essentially a dump site and a hangout site in what we all assumed was going to a subdivision - a waterfront subdivision,” Van Ostenbridge said. “It’s thanks to the foresight of (former Manatee County) Commissioner von Hahmann and the FISH board that we ended up
here and when EPA came up with the money, that we were shovelready.” Plaques were presented to Leverone and Bert in recognition of their contributions to the preserve. “In recognition of your outstanding dedication to the restoration of Sarasota Bay and the FISH Preserve and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage,” Tomasko read from Leverone’s plaque. “There’s one person that could not be with us today,” von Hahmann said. “This is a gentleman who was part of the original purchase of this program, who was part of the original board that was FISH in 1992, he was part of Sea Grants and sat on the board. And we lost him last year to a battle with cancer.” Von Hahmann then asked Theresa Bert to come to the podium to accept a plaque on behalf of her late husband. “In memory of John Stevely,
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Dr. Jay Leverone leads a tour of the FISH Preserve. without his dedication to, and passion for, the FISH Preserve and the village of Cortez, the FISH Preserve restoration project never would have been accomplished.
Gone but not forgotten,” von Hahmann read from the plaque. “This is indeed a momentous day, because our only son’s wife is at this moment in the hospital having our first grandchild,” Bert said. “I think I have a surprise for you guys perhaps,” Bert said. “In John’s and our will, we put $50,000 to be willed to the FISH Preserve. What I would like to do is donate that $50,000 to the FISH Preserve now, specifically for trails and bridges. So this will help build those.” The preserve is fully restored, but public recreation is currently limited to a few foot trails. “When you build things to make them more natural, you make the divisions. Water is so important,” von Hahmann said. “Because you can’t access the west side from the east side so now we have to do these bridges and connective trails, so people can use the entire property."
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Holmes Beach Night Market Friday The Holmes Beach Night Market is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 10 from 5-7:30 p.m. The event will repeat once a month through April 12, 2024 featuring the Island Shopping Center and the following merchants: the Artists’ Guild Gallery of Anna Maria Island (AGAMI), D Coy Ducks, Small Town Creamery, howluckyami, Pizzano’s Pizza, Irene’s Clothing Store, Sand Dollar, The Feast, Hurricane Hank’s, Freckled Fin and The
Doctor’s Office. Each business will stay open late, and there will be live music, demos, refreshments and more. The family-friendly event also wraps up The Guild’s “Paint the Town” exhibit, which runs from Nov. 7-10. Activities include sidewalk demos, a People's Choice Award and a Paint-A-Round with Artists' Guild member painters. Paint the Town is sponsored by Bradenton Area Arts and Culture.
Peelen returns to AMI with ‘Feisty’ Former Holmes Beach commissioner and author Jean Peelen came to the Island Branch Library on Nov. 4 for a book reading, talk and signing of her new memoir, ‘Feisty.’ KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN
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Symphony on the Sand returns Saturday World-class music and culinary delights set to the backdrop of a Gulf Coast sunset make Symphony on the Sand an evening not to miss. This year’s event includes the fine food and music that has made this an annual favorite for years, featuring the Island’s 45-piece Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO), directed under the accomplished baton of Maestro Alfred Gershfeld, a graduate of the Kishinev and Moscow Conservatories. In addition to international and American musical compositions, Broadway hits and movie favorites, this year’s program features patriotic classics as part of the salute to Veterans Day. The event will be on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Coquina Gulfside Park, 2650
Gulf Drive S. A variety of ticket options range from $30 for general admission to $250 for premier VIP seating at a table in the first two rows, a Beach Bistro gourmet meal, champagne, fine wine and select beers. All tickets provide access to a live auction, baton auction and dancing on the beach. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com by searching Symphony on the Sand. Parking will be on site and the free Beach Trolley makes regular stops.
FRESH BEACH DINING SINCE 1993 Scan to see our menu 200 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, FL beachhousedining.com
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HOTEL: Prompts public opposition FROM PAGE 20
the applicants will provide an easement for access to the trash receptacles at Daiquiri Deck at 107 Bridge St. “There is some encroachment into parking spaces on the right of way,” Serna said. “That could be handled as a part of the planned development process.” Following Serna’s presentation, P&Z members drilled down on parking, potential overload of water volume and usage, traffic impacts and turtle lighting. “There were two or three different times you said you were in agreement but requested additional information on some critical items to make a decision,” Morhaus said to Serna. “How can we evaluate this without the responses?” “That’s regarding concurrency management,” Serna said. “We have not received any information on that. Perhaps the applicant can address that.” Serna said the applicants did provide reports on water and
sewer usage as well as traffic impacts, and he is requesting additional information about adequate fire flow. “If you had 106 rooms with toilets, will our sewage system be able to handle that?” Morhaus asked. “We would have to have evidence from county utility companies,” Serna said. Morrow expressed concern about the hotel lighting and its impact on sea turtles. “The plans that were submitted were sea-turtle friendly fixtures with amber bulbs,” Building Official Steve Gilbert said. “How many parking spaces are required for a 106-room hotel?” Burns asked Serna. “According to the attorney (Lincoln), we’re looking at a major development. We can’t look at PD until we’re done with deciding which way we’re going with the major development and then they’re asking for a rezone to the PD.” “While you look at major development plan, you’re looking
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Meeting attendees filled the city hall commission chambers to the maximum allowed occupancy. at what’s proposed,” Lincoln said. “They’re allowed to ask for relief.” Lincoln referred to the process as a “chicken and egg thing.” “They go together,” he said. “Rezoning is contingent on the site plan. The site plan is the basis for asking for relief on the PD.” “We can’t see the degree of relief that is being asked for,” Burns said. “If we’re going to let them ask for it, we may as well know how much. We have a hotel of 106 rooms, how many spaces
are required?” “One space per unit and an additional 10%,” Gilbert said. “That’s 117 spaces and 15 for the restaurant.” Serna said 133 total spaces are required, and the applicants are proposing 99 spaces. Burns asked if that includes staff. “Right now, we’re looking at 117 for the hotel for patrons and staff,” Burns said. “Now we’re at 132? The restaurant is going to
require staff.” Serna said general standards for restaurants apply to patrons and staff. “We would need to ask the applicant what the intended operation was to get a number,” Burns said. “We have no indication of how many retail units there are.” “One space per 250 square foot gross floor area for retail,” Gilbert said. “So, 2,450, we’re looking at 10 parking spaces?” Burns said. “There’s 17 (spaces) on Third Street South,” Gilbert said. “There’s a number of existing spaces at the Daiquiri Deck that are shared. That is nine additional spaces and one or two handicapped spaces.” It was noted that approximately two-thirds of each of those proposed 17 street-side parking spaces would be located on city-owned right of way. “This would be the utilization of
SEE HOTEL, PAGE 31
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
FOOD & WINE
THE SUN
29
Steak au poivre, with a twist
Andrew Rawley
T
Bistecca al Vin Santo di Chianti Ingredients
ISOLA BELLA ITALIAN EATERY
his summer I was in Italy tasting wine with our restaurant staff and we had the luck to try some delicious Vin Santo, an Italian dessert wine. It struck me that it would be the perfect thing to use as a twist on an old classic, steak au poivre. My first experience with steak au poivre was somewhat unusual. I had grown up working part-time and summer jobs in kitchens but nothing more than making some salads, dropping chicken wings in a deep fryer and spinning a few pizzas. After some time in college, I was back home, just 19, and landed my first full-time kitchen job at a well-known steakhouse chain. I started off making salads and appetizers but was soon thrust into the daunting position of assisting the grill man. He was known by everyone in the building simply as “T-Bone,” and to this day I have no idea what the man’s actual name was. He was a gruff, short, portly man, usually quite disheveled, probably in his early 40s but it was hard to say for sure due to the hard-living nature of his character. He was consistently hung over or injured from a bizarre accident he suffered during the previous night of debauchery. He drank at least a dozen Bud Lights a shift, which he kept in his low boy cooler and when the mood would strike, seemingly for no reason, he would crush an empty can on his forehead like a flimsy accordion before tossing it into the trash.
Beef tenderloin (4 pieces) Salt and fresh cracked black pepper Green peppercorns (2 tablespoons) Minced shallots (1) Minced garlic (2 cloves) Sprig of fresh thyme (1) Veal demi-glace (½ cup) Vin Santo (¼ cup) Heavy cream (¼ cup)
Instructions SUBMITTED
Management looked the other way in regard to his egregious behavior. I assumed this was because he showed up on time every day no matter how rough the night before had been on his internal organs. That and he was truly a master of his position. No amount of tickets flowing from the printer could phase him. Not even the most absurd special request would rattle him. He was an absolute machine. After a week or two of assisting him, mostly staying out of his way, he had taken somewhat of a liking to me. He would grunt “thank you” when I flipped a steak as he chugged a beer or “nice work” when I pulled a steak off at just the right moment. After a particularly busy Friday night, he gave me a pat on the back and said to me, “Good job, now I’m going to show you how to eat like a real man.” At first I was slightly concerned by what that meant and became even more concerned when he pulled out a bottle of cognac from his tattered chef's pants.
I was relieved when he explained that he was going to show me how to make his favorite dish, steak au poivre. He said it was a dish usually reserved for “high-end steak houses, unlike this hell hole.” I chuckled awkwardly as he maintained a straight face. I watched closely as he took four pieces of filet mignon, sprinkled them with salt and a heavier than usual coating of fresh ground black pepper. He shooed a cook away from the sauté station and heated oil in a large skillet until it was almost smoking. He seared the steaks until they were perfectly brown on each side and set them to the side to rest. After lowering the heat of the pan, he added a healthy dose of cognac which ignited a beautiful flame. He explained that if we were in a finer establishment, he would have also included shallots, garlic, green peppercorns and veal demi-glace. After the flame from the cognac had worn off he added a few lugs of heavy cream and allowed it to reduce for a minute. He thinly sliced the now rested steaks, laid
Season filets with salt and pepper. Sear to desired temperature. Remove steak from pan to rest. Add shallots, garlic, thyme, peppercorns and Vin Santo to pan and cook for 2 minutes. Add veal demi-glace and heavy cream to pan and cook for 5 minutes on low heat. Spoon over rested steaks. them out on eight plates, spooned the reduced sauce over the top of the meat and handed one out to each of the cooks and dishwashers, who all rejoiced. It was that night that I realized I wanted to learn how to make food like that. I didn’t want to just flip meat and deep-fry onion rings. I wanted to learn to create food that required technique, knowledge, practice and patience. Even if it was simple, it was the kind of food that made the whole kitchen staff sit quietly for 15 minutes at the end of a hellish shift while they enjoyed something special before they went back to cleaning. I don’t know what ever happened to my friend T-Bone, but wherever he is, I know that he would love this dish and I hope you will too.
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NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Negotiating is coming back
O
nce upon a time, there was a great tradition in real estate where sellers listed their homes, buyers made an offer and eventually, both parties met in the middle and, like magic, you had a sound transaction. We haven’t seen much of that tradition recently, but don’t give up, you may start to see more of it. Sellers, if you can find one, are more receptive to certain requests than they had been previously. Despite hearing that homeowners don’t want to give up their ultra-low mortgages, there is always someone who needs to sell their home. Since the pool of buyers has dwindled recently because of higher interest rates and lack of inventory, motivated buyers need to find sellers out there who are also motivated and more flexible than they were two to three years ago. The obvious buyer strategy is to ask for money or something that costs money. With mortgage interest rates getting close to 8%, every penny in the hands
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER of a buyer is a valuable one. Offering or asking for help with closing costs isn’t a new concept. Buyers who may be short on cash but qualify for financing may ask sellers to provide a credit at closing to be used for closing costs unrelated to their mortgage rate. This amount can usually be rolled into the financing for qualified buyers and the seller could easily be netting the same. Sellers know or certainly should know what the flaws in their homes are. They may not want to take on a renovation project but are faced with buyers who may again be short on cash for repairs or adverse to doing renovations. Sellers can
agree to make specific improvements to the home before closing. This agreement can be negotiated between buyer and seller so that both feel they come out pretty much with what they want and can close the property. The next concept is a little more complicated but again includes money passing from the seller to the buyer. Sellers can agree to lower a buyer’s mortgage interest rate, known as a rate buy-down, by offering to pay closing costs in the form of points. If a buyer can reduce points, their mortgage rate can be lowered, resulting in a lower monthly payment. Points are typically 1% of the loan amount, so if a seller gives two points to the buyer on a $300,000 loan, that’s $6,000 the buyer doesn’t have to come up with. Finally, sellers need to consider capital gains in a conversation with their tax attorney or preparer. A seller
who is in a position where they may have large capital gains on the sale of their property needs to know exactly what those gains could be in real money. Entering a negotiation with this knowledge is important since the seller and the buyer may not be that far apart on their offers and counter offers if you calculate what it may cost the seller in additional capital gains. Knowing ahead of time how much flexibility you have between the sale price and capital gains could save the transaction and still net the seller almost what he wants. Holding out for an exact number embedded in your brain could kill the deal and keep you from moving on. Go out there and make magic. Beat the bushes to bring those sellers out from the scrub. An old high school friend of mine’s mother would say, “There’s a lid for every pot.” And even though she was talking about boyfriends, the principle is the same. Go find your pot.
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HOTEL: Prompts public opposition FROM PAGE 28
city right of way,” Burns said. “This being the shared land use on both Third and Second (Bridge Street) where the property owners own a piece and the city owns a larger piece.” “Those parking spaces, about two-thirds of each of those are owned by the city,” Burns said. “If those are removed, then we have a further reduction. The other issue is those parking spaces on Third have their access restricted to go through the hotel multi-use property. This is under the strict control of the facility, meaning the public has no access to public lands provided by the city. This is why I’m asking on the parking requirement.” The parking report provided by the applicants is too vague for actual use, Burns said. “When you add all these up, it comes up as more than 133. So, the applicant is asking for a reduction in parking? That issue concerns me,” Burns said. “They’re talking about using
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Planning and Zoning Board members Fred Bartizal, John Burns, Bill Morrow and Dan Morhaus reviewed the proposed hotel plans. shuttle services as a reason for reduction in parking,” he added. “We have taxpayer-supported parking spaces and we have taxpayer-supported conveyances that would be used for private enterprises.” Morhaus suggested reducing the number of hotel rooms to meet the city’s parking requirements.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Seminole, Florida-based attorney David Blum and land
planner Misty Servia were retained by Bradenton Beach property owners Bob Bolus, Christine Johnson and Hunter Jensen. Servia said they also were representing the neighborhood surrounding the hotel. In a departure from the three-minute time limit to speak for individuals and five minutes for those representing others, Blum and Servia requested 30 minutes to address the board. They were granted 15 minutes. “The applicant in this situation
HOLMES BEACH: 5201 Gulf Drive • ELLENTON: 945 25th Drive East, Suite 10
is seeking rezoning of a PD district, but the staff has not advertised or analyzed rezoning, which is a quasi-judicial matter,” Blum said. “The staff report indicates the applicant is adding the PD overlay administratively, which goes against statute.” Blum asked for public records, which he was told were voluminous and would be provided after the meeting, based on what he said were comments by Bradenton Beach City Attorney Ricinda Perry. “The comment is improper for a city attorney in a quasi-judicial hearing,” Blum said. “We shouldn’t have these conversations outside this hearing.” Blum presented a copy of a Facebook conversation in which Perry apparently “liked” a comment supporting the hotel project. “There is no mention of rezoning in the notice,” Blum said. “The notice is defective which renders this proceeding subject to challenge.” Servia, a former Manatee
County commissioner and a certified land use planner with 34 years of experience, spoke next. “I want to make sure Bradenton Beach does the right thing,” she said. “I want to make sure you follow your comprehensive plan and land development code. This redevelopment opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I want everyone to come together and get it right.” Servia read from the city’s comprehensive plan. “This policy states that hotel/ motel/transient units are limited to 18 units per gross acre,” Servia said. “That’s very important because that’s also transcribed in your zoning and land development code. The comp plan cannot be modified with the PUD zoning, and your comp plan limits the density to 18 hotel units per acre.” The proposed hotel with 106 rooms on 1.61 acres is clearly inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, she said.
SEE HOTEL, PAGE 33
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BEACH BEAT
him telling the officer he was unsure he wanted to press charges. No further action was taken.
to the officer’s report, the company didn’t get a good address, so the bikes couldn’t be tracked down.
BRADENTON BEACH
HOLMES BEACH
10/29, 3:35 p.m., disturbance, 103 Gulf Drive S. The officer responded to the Circle K parking lot in response to a fight in progress involving a gun. A male subject told the officers he had called 911 because he was talking to a male and female in the parking lot when the male pulled a gun out of his backpack and struck him in the face for no reason. The officer reported the victim was intoxicated and unable to write a statement. A follow-up call to the victim the next day resulted in
10/26, 12 p.m., information, 5358 Gulf Drive. The officer responded to Just 4 Fun Rentals in reference to missing bicycles. A Just 4 Fun employee told the officer a male, female and teenage boy rented the listed bikes along with helmets and locks for a one-day rental. The clerk only recorded the adult male’s name and a phone number that was from out of the country. The bikes were not returned and the renter had said they were leaving the next day. According
10/29, 8:47 a.m., found property, 4000 Gulf Drive N. The officer was dispatched in reference to a firearm found in the sand. When the officer made contact with the caller, she said she was walking out to the water when she saw the gun in the sand with the magazine next to it. The gun was an unloaded .40 caliber pistol. Eight rounds were in the magazine. The officer ran the serial number and it did not come back stolen. It was also dusted for fingerprints and the results were negative. The gun, which the officer said was fully functional, was taken to HBPD and placed securely in an evidence locker.
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NOVEMBER 8, 2023
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HOTEL: prompts public opposition FROM PAGE 31
“The number of units should be decreased to 28 hotel rooms,” Servia said. “And the height or usable stories be reduced to three to comply with the comp plan.” Servia also addressed what she said was a deficiency in parking for the hotel. “The parking study was provided by the applicants because they can’t meet the minimum standard in your land development code,” she said. After the meeting, Servia told The Sun that Bolus is prepared to file and fund a lawsuit if the project is approved by the city commission. Twelve people spoke in opposition to the hotel project, many citing traffic and noise concerns. Two speakers, Jim Hassett and Drift In owner Derek Williams, spoke in favor of the hotel project. Additionally, 13 emails opposing the project were read into the record by Deputy City Clerk Christine Watson.
APPLICANT’S PRESENTATION
Stephen Thompson, a land attorney with the Najmy Thompson law firm, represented the project applicants. The presentation also included land planner Susan Swift, traffic engineer Nathan Poole
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Architect Shaun Luttrell and attorney Stephen Thompson represent property owners and project applicants Shawn Kaleta and Jake Spooner. Kaleta and Spooner did not attend the public hearing. and project manager and architect Shaun Luttrell. “This may be the most important decision the city is going to be making about Bridge Street,” Thompson said. “I think the city has been planning for this type of development for many years.” The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, comp plan and land development codes identify Bridge Street as the commercial center, he said. “We felt the city had laid the groundwork for this type of development, because all your plans really encourage this type of
use,” Thompson said. “When you take this proposal and you match it against your CRA plan, this plan meets the goals of your plan.” Thompson said this is a superior plan and will set the standard for redevelopment in the Bridge Street area. “We’re not asking for any special waivers on height,” Luttrell said. “We’re 29 feet above the design flood elevation. I hope I can put that concern to rest.” In traffic and parking mitigation efforts, he said there will be shuttle service to and from the airport and a charge for onsite hotel parking to encourage the use of shuttle service. Luttrell showed a slide showing parking spaces on Third Street South. “I’m having an issue with the parking,” Morhaus said. “They’re asking for a variance and taking away 17 spaces from the city.” Luttrell said an option would be to integrate parallel parking on Third Street. “The fundamental issue appears to be parking,” Thompson said, suggesting that a revised parking plan be presented at the next meeting. Poole said, based on a traffic study, the hotel will generate a car every two minutes. “We’re not talking about a major traffic
generator here,” Poole said. Swift, an AICE-certified planner, disputed Servia’s claim that 18 units per acre apply to hotels. “That density is meant for residential,” Swift said. “We don’t use units per acre, we use Floor Area Ratio (FRA) for commercial use.” Swift also explained that the rooftop pool area is not to be considered a fourth floor. “The LDC explains that excludes opento-the-air areas,” she said. “This project does meet the height requirements.”
THE EXPERTS DISAGREE
“She’s wrong,” Servia said about Swift’s comments following the meeting. “They are grasping at straws. The comp plan states there are 18 units allowed per acre. If it only went by FAR, there would be hotels springing up all over.” “You can never waive the comp plan,” she said. “It’s the law.” The Nov. 13 meeting will be open to the public, but, as it is a continuation of the Nov. 1 meeting where public comment was closed, there will be no opportunity for members of the public to speak. - Sun reporter Joe Hendricks contributed to this story.
READY TO MOVE BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS?
Look No Further Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more
HOLMES BEACH 104 77th Street Shellie Young
$2,940,000 941.713.5458
MARINERS COVE 4142 Marina Court Kevin Milner
$1,500,000 941.539.3287
SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000 VENICE | 941.412.3323 LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541 LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500 RENTALS | 941.203.3433
HOLMES BEACH 4103 Gulf Drive Shellie Young
$2,500,000 941.713.5458
PALMA SOLA BAY
ANNA MARIA
2207 78th Street West $875,000 Liz Arme 941.266.4003
516 Kumquat Drive Shellie Young
$5,245,000 941.713.5458
BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT
PremierSIR.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.
34 THE SUN
LIGHTHOUSE: Holmes Beach resident searching for stolen heirloom FROM PAGE 9
as it rotates. He says due to the size and weight, the person who took it would have most likely needed a truck, as it would be difficult to fit it in an average car. “The lighthouse has been in the family for 15 to 20 years,” Giordano said. “I had it in my home in the Catskill Mountains and, when we bought here in 2016, I brought it down 2,000 miles. We have a lot of good family memories; it reminds us of good times. It’s not about the thousand dollars we paid for it; it’s all about the memories.” Giordano says when he put it on the corner, he didn’t want the light to bother anyone, including wildlife, so he put it on a timer to only run a few hours after sunset and changed the 40-watt bulb to a 15-watt. There were never any complaints from neighbors. A police report was filed with Holmes Beach police, but no suspect has been identified. Giordano is offering a $250 reward for the return of the lighthouse. He says no questions will be asked and no charges will be pressed if the lighthouse is returned. He just wants the lighthouse returned safely. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the lighthouse is asked to call 917-842-0670. Anonymous calls are welcome.
Museum needs docents, volunteers The Anna Maria Island Historical Museum seeks volunteers and docents to help preserve and share the history of Anna Maria Island. Located at 402 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with expanded hours coming during the peak tourist season. To volunteer, call 941-778-4315 or email amihs4315@gmail.com. Learn more about the museum and the AMI Historical Society at www.amihs.org.
www.amisun.com
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
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CENTER NOTES
is no pre-registration required.
Tech University Tuesday help desk
Optimum Hearing Care’s ear care day
Walk up and get tech assistance with Loretta Estabrooks who is offering free help with iPhones and iPads every Tuesday from 8-10:30 a.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.
Take the first step toward better hearing and healthy ears with ear wax removal service by Optimum Hearing Care on Friday, Nov. 10 from 9-11 a.m. The walkin services are available for $70 per ear.
Devs Bevs ice bath Wednesdays in November
Devs Bevs full moon yoga
Experience the benefits of ice baths with Devs Bevs’ ice baths on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. No pre-registration is required.
November’s terrific toddler time On Thursday, Nov. 9 from 9-10 a.m., drop in with your little one for a little terrific toddler time on the playground at The Center. The free community playtime gives a little fun and socialization for prekindergarteners and their caregivers. There
Join Dev for breath work and yoga under the stars with yogi Gayle Prebis on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 8:30-9:30 p.m. A donation of $10 is requested benefiting Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring in honor of Suzi Fox, beloved friend and family of the Island and The Center. Preregistration is requested. To register for Center programs or for more information, email Morgan Blackburn at customerservice@ centerami.org or call 941-778-1908. For questions, email Monica Simpson at culture@ centerami.org.
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Celebrate 65 years with The Center
ANNA MARIA – The Island’s community center celebrates serving Anna Maria Island residents and visitors for 65 years this year and everyone is invited to join the party. Opening its doors to those who have supported The Center over the years as a participant,
concertgoer, member, visitor or volunteer, Executive Director Christopher Culhane and Director of Development Jillian Ptak invite you to share in the celebration on Friday, Nov. 10 from 6-8 p.m. Share your memories, tell your stories and bring your
photographs to The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. Bring a friend and enjoy the free food and live music. For more information about the community celebration, contact Ptak at development@ centerami.org or call 941-7781908.
SUBMITTED
Where’s Suzi? In the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles race, which ended on Nov. 1, loggerhead sea turtle Suzi finished in fifth place in a field of 11 sea turtles, having traveled 1,355 miles. Sea turtle Bella took first with 1,534 miles. Suzi was released from Coquina Beach after nesting and being satellite-tagged on June 27. She soon headed to the Yucatan Peninsula, where she has remained for several weeks. Suzi swam in the race to bring attention to the cause of light pollution and how lighting near shore can negatively impact nesting turtles and their hatchlings. She was named in honor of Suzi Fox, the late executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, which sponsored her along with the Coastal Wildlife Club and Waterline Marina and Resort.
36 THE SUN
SPORTS
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Eighth-seed Slim’s outkicks top-ranked Moss BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
ANNA MARIA – With youth soccer taking the week off for fall festivities, the adult co-ed recreational soccer league was the only play on The Center’s pitches last week. Four exciting and competitive games last Thursday night were played by the eight teams whose members fought hard for seven weeks in the regular season. The teams that finished in the bottom half of the rankings did not make it easy on their opponents, leading to two shootouts in overtime. In a close match-up, Gulfview Windows & Doors, led by captain Keith Mahoney, battled it out against a worthy adversary, team Sato Real Estate. Josh Sato, captain for Sato Real Estate, worked with his friends and teammates for two halves of quarter-final soccer only to come up short in the end. The Sato squad finished the regular season in fourth place, just ahead of Gulfview. With nine saves in the game, keeper Ben Sato and the team’s defensive efforts let one too many in the goal. Giving B. Sato time to run on the field, J.D. Webb took over as goalie for a short stint. One Gulfview shot got by Webb, contributing to Mahoney’s team’s victory. Raul Loera saved nine shots as the goalie for Gulfview, while offensively Leo Gonzalez secured a goal and made an assist to Jesus Martinez. Martinez finished the game with a hat trick, pushing his team to the next level of playoff battle. Amy Ivin and James Noblett played tough offensively for Sato Real Estate, each scoring a goal to close out the season for the team. J. Sato was credited with an assist. Game two of the night was a defensive battle royale with a final score of 1-1 at the end of timed play. Between three goalies on two teams, 20 goals were saved in the 44 minutes of official regulation play. For Ross Built Custom Homes, keeper Max Gazzo made 13 recorded saves, while Chris Klotz and Nate Welch shared the goalie responsibilities with three and four saves, respectively, for team Pool America. Scoring goals was a struggle for both teams. Daniel Hampton scored Ross Built’s only goal during timed play off of team captain Greg Ross’ assist. Opponent Murat Akay scored the only goal for Pool America during the two halves of the game. Pool America’s team captain Eduardo Schlueter kept his team’s head in the game leading to the night’s first shootout in overtime. Out of five assigned penalty kick shooters for each team, there was only one winner.
Under the pressure of taking the PK shots, Ross Built shooters Ethan Hampton and Andrew Ross both made the first two shots for the team, and that was all that was needed to move their team forward to another week of soccer. Nate Welch was the first kicker for Pool America and the only shooter for the team to successfully make a PK attempt. The 8 p.m. game started a bit late but proved to be worth the wait. In the final seconds of the game, team captain Kevin Roman proved why he is a clutch player in the league, controlling the soccer ball and striking the game-winning shot. Roman’s much-needed goal gave him another hat trick in the season, finishing with three points in the game. Heilo Gomez’s single goal helped make the Gulf Drive victory possible, along with Javier Rivera’s assist and the team’s strong defense. Once again, goalkeeper Charles “Tuna” McCracken saved the day with nine huge stops. McCracken’s counterpart, Robb Marshall, had a strong season and game with eight saves for the Sandbar Seafood & Spirits team. Led by Jake Parsons, the Sandbar squad finished low in the rankings, but fought hard all season and made the quarter-final playoff game an exciting nailbiter. With the crowd cheering with every shot, John Cruz, Justin Fields and Alex Villanueva each got the Sandbar supporters roaring with their goals. Scoreless last Thursday, Sandbar’s Matt Staggs had two assists, contributing to the W. Those who stayed for the fourth and final round one playoff battle were happy they did. The action-packed game between first-place Moss Builders and last-place Slim’s Place did not disappoint and led to another shootout. Both team’s goalies, team captain Ryan Moss for Moss Builders and Steve Oelfke for Slim’s Place, finished regulation play with six saves. Coming off Gerardo Urbiola Bolanos’ pass, Moss Builder’s Erica Nielsen scored the only goal for her team, while Kris Yavalar put the only point on the scoreboard for Slim’s Place. At the final whistle, signaling the end of regulation time, Slim’s Place’s captain, Yuri Pereira, pulled his shooters together. Dean Hinterstoisser and Urbiola Bolanos were the first two shooters for Moss Builders. Both players made their shots, perceivably setting the tone for future PKs, especially after the missed shot by Steve Adair, shooting first for Slim’s. The three subsequent Moss Builders
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
Gliding to make his way past Lyn Clarke and Amy Ivin for Sato Real Estate, Keith Mahoney plants his foot for team Gulfview to make a move on the Island pitch in quarterfinal play. misses, along with goals made by Slim’s Place’s Thomas Mangotic and league founding players Damir Glavan and Yavalar sealed the deal for the underdog team’s rise to the semifinal bracket. To start the playoff action this week, Slim’s Place will face #5 Gulfview Windows & Doors on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. In the second semifinal game, third-ranked Ross Built Custom Homes matches up against the No. 2 regular season finishers, Gulf Drive Café. The final two that survive Thursday night’s battles on the Island soccer field will play to see who takes home the Hayward Cup honors on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. This week’s soccer play leads up to the “smiledeep” soccer tournament on Saturday, Nov. 11 at The Center, honoring Paul “Ace” Hayward, of the Hayward Cup. The tournament is a fundraiser benefitting the community center’s soccer programs.
The day’s soccer action will start at 9 a.m. with open play to watch with friends and family if you are not part of the action.
SUN SCOREBOARD NOV. 2 - ADULT CO-ED SOCCER QUARTER FINAL PLAYOFF GAMES
#5 Gulfview Windows & Doors #4 Sato Real Estate
4 2
#3 Ross Built Custom Homes 1 winner in overtime PKs (2-1) #6 Pool America 1 #2 Gulf Drive Café #7 Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
4 3
#8 Slim’s Place 1 winner in overtime PKs (3-2) #1 Moss Builders 1
Field of dreams Islander Jack Melancon, 9, a fourth grader at Anna Maria Elementary, took the field with Mark Melancon before Game 5 of the World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers. The Diamondbacks pitcher was sidelined with a shoulder injury for the games, but was on hand for the series. Jack missed a few days of school in exchange for some lifelong memories. MARY CATHERINE MELANCON | SUBMITTED
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Eucalyptus eater 6 "Oh, come on!" 11 Chutzpah 15 Baltimore's __ Harbor 16 Like baggy pants 17 Off-Broadway award 18 *Whisky with ice, say 21 Mailed 22 Molecule part 23 Wild West search parties 24 Ballpark fig. 26 Rubella spot, familiarly 28 *Course for a firstyear student, maybe 32 Sunny spot for a potted plant 36 Monopoly cube 37 P-like Greek letter 38 Sunblock letters 40 The Bee __: "Saturday Night Fever" Answers to 11-01-23 Crossword Puzzle
group 41 Fretting 43 Tastefully stylish 45 Pixar clownfish 46 Hi-__ monitor 48 Dot or rom follower 49 Untruth 50 Tiling job supply 52 *Decathlete who throws a metal ball 55 [Is this microphone working?] 57 Tire inflation abbr. 58 Vietnamese sandwich 61 Donburi grain 63 Black-eyed __ 67 Trivial distance, or what can be paired, in order, with the starts of the answers to the starred clues 70 Fiery volcanic output 71 Top-tier
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72 Educator Montessori 73 Caesar's "vidi" 74 Sport with clay targets 75 Nudges Down 1 Foil-wrapped Hershey's chocolate 2 __ and for all 3 Mystery writer, briefly? 4 Pen pal product 5 Curved shape 6 "The __ thickens!" 7 California wine valley 8 Chaotic yet appealing person 9 Blonde shade 10 Cries 11 Slangy zero 12 Pre-K basics 13 Take a shine to 14 __ is more 19 Actress Teri 20 Breadbasket item 25 Arrange by color, say 27 Characteristic 28 Naming names, briefly 29 Bay Area NFLer 30 Spanish "I love you" 31 Most shameful 33 Gave out, as cards 34 Wish-granter in Aladdin's lamp 35 Perfume compound 39 Went belly-up 42 Lefty
44 Kangaroo Island birds 47 Marker brand 51 Scottish hats 53 Morphine, for one 54 Container near a
cash register 56 Colorado's __ Peak 58 Indonesian island 59 "I got it!" cries 60 __ Scotia 62 Tech news site
64 Continental currency 65 Surrounded by 66 Mani-pedi spots 68 Category 69 Band's sound booster
38 THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS BOATS FOR SALE
EMPLOYMENT
HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE Bradenton Beach / Cortez. Great prizes. Free entry. Details www. boat-parade.com
2001 SAILFISH 188 CENTER CONSOLE with 115 Yamaha engine (runs good) Trailer with 2 new tires & new custom boat & motor cover. Excellent condition $15K OBO. 578368-5479
SALON LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED HAIR STYLIST. Please stop by for an interview. A Hair Day 9516 Cortez Rd. 941-7955227
CARE GIVER
CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
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.
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381.
Call us today! 941-778-3986
LICENSED CARE GIVER. We will take care of you and/ or your loved ones! Please call 941-725-4851.
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
FISHING CHARTERS
GARAGE SALES RUNAWAY BAY ANNUAL YARD SALE. Saturday, Nov. 11 from 8 am till noon. Lots of Treasures!!! 1801 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach
HOME IMPROVEMENTS RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073. KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941962-1194 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@ gmail.com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted. API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.
ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-3028759 isletileservices.com GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-2860607. 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 616-204-8822. BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
LOST & FOUND LOST WALLET AROUND Judy’s Restaurant. Please call 313-310-3290. REWARD LOST KEY FOB at Pickle ball courts in Holmes Beach. Please call 941778-2919.
AMISUN.COM
LOST GOLD RING High School Graduation with PA on Top. Please call 941243-1444
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 941705-7096 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. 18 + 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 941565-3931. T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured. Driveways/ sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fences, House (soft wash/ downstream). Call 813-638-7636. tandbpressurewashing @yahoo.com Family owned and operated.
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 TIRED OF HURRICANE SEASON & want to sell? Call Kelly The Kelly Gitt Team Proud Veteran Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PAINTING
REAL ESTATE
HOME SERVICES ROOFING
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE NEWLY-RENOVATED CONDO for sale, 2BR/2B, 1639 SF, 6904 10th Ave. W., Village Green on cul-de-sac. 1-car garage, large Florida room, dine-in kitchen plus dining room, large pantry, built-in china cabinet, walk-in closet, lots of storage, laundry room, lush landscaping, pool, walking/running track, 5 miles to AMI, near medical, shopping, preserves, $379,900. Lisa Varano, Wagner Realty, 941-730-9060.
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.
SUNNYSHORES/ SAGAMORE ESTATES AREA: Annual rental, home with 3BR/1.5BA. Includes washer, dryer, screened in patio, parking under carport, and access to boat ramp and park by Palma Sola Bay. $1,900 per month. Call 941-705-0532 ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA $2495/mo + utilities. Walk to beach. Please Call 860-922-3857. ANNUAL: GROUND LEVEL 1BR/1BA, 55+ community, $2100 per month. Call 941-778-4800 ISLAND FURNISHED STUDIO apartment for yearly rent. $1,750 monthly plus deposits. Utilities paid. Complete kitchen, bathroom, walk-in closet, laundry, yard. 941405-0126
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 AMI SEASONAL RENTAL 2024, Lovely fully furnished with water view 2 BR/2BA, 3 minute walk to beach. Email jamesk95@netzero. com
TRANSPORTATION ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095
40 THE SUN
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NOVEMBER 8, 2023