Anna Maria Island Sun November 27, 2019

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 20 No. 7

November 27, 2019

Rod & Reel Pier closes but quickly reopens The privately-owned pier walkway required some emergency repairs.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amsun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria reopened Saturday morning after being closed for two days to make repairs to the pier walkway.

The Rod & Reel Pier was closed on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 20, due to a portion of the pier walkway slowly collapsing and sagging toward the southeastern edge of the pier due to a broken piling.

The impacted section of the pier was cordoned off with safety tape Wednesday morning, but the pier and the pier restaurant remained open. Rod & Reel Pier manager Dave Cochran said the repairs would include replacing the broken piling which would require a barge that wasn’t available until later in the week.

Wednesday night, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “The Rod & Reel Pier agreed JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This side view of the Rod & Reel pier shows where it was sagging as of last Wednesday morning.

Scott Moore inducted into Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction into the Agricultural Hall of Fame is the latest in a long line of honors bestowed on Captain Scott Moore.

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

PALMETTO – Holmes Beach resident and charter fishing guide Scott Moore is the newest member of the Manatee County Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Family and friends, some of whom date back to Moore’s childhood, joined the 2019 inductee at the Hall of Fame luncheon at the Woman’s Club of Palmetto Thursday afternoon Nov. 21 as part of the county’s Farm-City Week celebrations.

INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OUTDOORS 22-23 ENTERTAINMENT 26 REAL ESTATE 30-33 SPORTS 34 CROSSWORD 36

Moore’s wife, Karen, joined him at the head table, with the couple’s daughters, Katie and Kelly, and son, Justin, with sons-in-laws Ben Guth and Courtland Hunt also in attendance.

Moore Before the luncheon began, Moore’s life-long friend Lindsey Hopewell recalled how they grew up together in west Bradenton.

“We lived on a dead-end dirt road. For miles it was nothing but lakes and ponds and we fished them all. He’s the best fisherman I’ve ever known,” Hopewell said.

While Farm-City week presentations SEE MOORE, PAGE 35

SEE PIER, PAGE 31

Bell named Agriculturalist of the Year

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

CORTEZ - Karen Bell, manager of A.P. Bell Fish Co., is Manatee County’s Agriculturalist of the Year.

The Manatee County native was surprised with the honor at the county’s Farm-City Week Kiwanis luncheon on Nov. 19 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

“I was invited to give a presentation on the mullet fishing industry,” Bell said, adding that she expected Scott Moore to receive the honor. The local charter boat captain was instead named to the Agriculture Hall of Fame.

“I was shocked,” Bell said. “They told my family and nobody told me.”

Bell was recognized for her lifelong community service protecting coastal and native

JOHNSON PHOTOIMAGING | SUBMITTED

From left, Byron Shinn, Manatee County Agriculturalist of the Year, Karen Bell and Brenda Rogers. habitat and spearheading historic preservation in the fishing village of Cortez.

SEE BELL, PAGE 31

MOM’S cheesecake is

EXPERT will explain sea level rise in

the perfect dessert for a holiday dinner. 28

practical terms. 5

Anna Maria Island, Florida

WMFR celebrates promotions and

awards. 11 The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper www.amisun.com

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

Thanksgiving holiday closures and waste pickup Thanksgiving is upon us and with it comes holiday closures and changes to trash, yard waste and recycling pickups.

For both Waste Pro and Waste Management customers, no pickups will happen on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. Any normally scheduled Thursday pickups will occur on Friday, Nov. 29. The pickup schedule will return to the normal schedule on Monday, Dec. 2.

All city offices in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Tingley Memorial Library also will be closed Nov. 28-29.

The Island Branch Library and all other Manatee County libraries will be closed Nov. 28-30. The Center of Anna Maria Island also will be closed Nov. 28-30, resuming normal hours on Dec. 2. The Florida Maritime Museum will be closed Nov. 28-30, resuming normal hours on Dec. 3.

Thanks-Living taking place at City Pier Park Anna Maria Island residents of all ages are invited to the Thanks-Living community gathering taking place from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, under the shade sail at City Pier Park in Anna Maria. City Pier Park is located at the corner of Pine Avenue and North Bay Boulevard.

Attendees are encouraged to bring finger foods, appetizers, hors d’oeuvres and a bottle of wine, adult beverages or soft drinks to share with others. Attendees are also encouraged bring non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products for the Roser Food Pantry and/or cash and checks for the All Island Denominations collective of churches that assists needy Island residents and employees.

Celebrate the holidays with AMICCO Come out to Palma Sola Presbyterian Church Dec. 8 to celebrate the holiday season with the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. AMICCO members will be presenting a special Christmas show, “A Glorious Hallelujah!” featuring selections from “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi and “Messiah” by George F. Handel. The concert begins at 2 p.m. at the church, 6510 Third Ave. W. in Bradenton. Tickets are available for $25 each. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.amicco.org.

Visit our website, www.amisun.com.

Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Freddy Gilliland severely injured in vehicular incident

David Nichols allegedly ran Freddy Gilliland over after the two men argued.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – As of Saturday, west Bradenton resident David Nichols remained incarcerated at the Manatee County Jail after being arrested on Tuesday, Nichols Nov. 19, on a felony charge of attempted murder, not premeditated, involving fellow west Bradenton resident Fred “Freddy” Gilliland.

On Monday, Nov. 18, at approximately 10:22 p.m., Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded to a call pertaining to a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic crash near the intersection of 46th Avenue West and 102nd Street West – east of the Paradise Bay Estates mobile home community.

“Upon MCSO’s arrival, the victim (Gilliland) was located along the north side of 46th Avenue West with multiple traumatic injuries which included but were not limited to extensive skin abrasions, a nearly severed right arm, a left hand exposed to the bone, compound rib fractures and massive facial injuries,” according to the probable cause affidavit (PCA) filed by Deputy Britton Couch.

“The victim was transported to Blake Medical Center in critical condition and underwent emergency trauma surgery. When medical per-

KIM MCVEY | SUBMITTED

Freddy Gilliland is a popular and well-liked figure in the Cortez fishing community. According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place on 46th Avenue West, between 101st and 102nd streets west. sonnel and MCSO deputies initially arrived, the defendant (Nichols) and his vehicle were no longer on scene and not located in the immediate vicinity,” according to the PCA. “The defendant was identified as a person of interest based on the vehicle description, provided suspect name of ‘Dave’ and the area where he lived in the Sunny Shores subdivision. Deputies responded to the defendant’s residence and located a Chevrolet pickup with front end damage and body fluids and human matter,” according to the PCA. “During the initial investigation, Melissa Gleydura approached deputies and advised that she was with the defendant and the victim just moments before the incident

occurred. Melissa advised that she went to the store with the victim and went inside the house moments before the defendant came over. Melissa advised that she went outside shortly after the defendant arrived to ask him to put his dog away out of concern for her own dog’s potential behavior. Melissa stated she was ignored and the defendant became involved in a heated verbal argument with the victim over a previous incident. Melissa attempted to quell the argument, which ultimately led to the victim walking away southbound on 101st Street West towards 46th Avenue West,” according to the PCA.

Give the gift of life

Parks committee needs volunteers

Holmes Beach trash collection issues

There will be a blood drive at Roser Memorial Community Church at 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m.to 1 p.m.

All donors receive a free blanket, $10 e-gift card and wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended.

Make an appointment online at www.oneblooddonor. org and use sponsor code #37502, sponsor name “Roser Memorial Community Church”, call the church office at 941-778-0414 or stop by the Big Red Bus in the parking lot across from the chapel. Photo identification required.

Members of the Holmes Beach Parks and Beautification Committee need a few good men and women or businesses to step up and volunteer for the newly relaunched Adopt-A-Spot program. There are several spots for adopters to choose from and, once an application is accepted by the city, adopters are responsible for the cleanup and care of their spot until either they or the city terminates the agreement. Interested residents or business owners can contact the city clerk’s office at 941-708-5800.

Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton wants the property owners in his city to know that he has their back when it comes to trying to resolve collection and other issues with Waste Pro. During the Nov. 19 commission meeting, Morton invited anyone in Holmes Beach experiencing issues with Waste Pro to contact him at 941-920-4061 to assist in resolving the problem.

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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Sea level rise expert to speak in Anna Maria John Englander will give an afternoon presentation to government leaders and an evening presentation to the general public.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the city of Anna Maria will host two presentations given by sea level rise expert John Englander, a worldrecognized expert on the critical topic of sea level rise and its impact on coastal communities.

According to the email invitation distributed by Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, “The intent of his presentation is to explain sea level rise in practical terms, without bias and technical jargon, giving us access to the science of sea level rise as well as potential solutions. His eye-opening presentation is a ‘must see’ for all local elected officials and all those involved in the purchasing, planning or maintaining of coastal property.”

Both presentations will take place at The Center of Anna Maria Island,

407 Magnolia Avenue in Anna Maria.

The 2 p.m. session is designed for government officials, board members and administrators. Elected officials from all three Island cities, Longboat Key and Manatee County are among those who received invitations.

The 6 p.m. session is tailored to the general public and will offer practical information for property owners regarding sea level rise impact, solutions and the mitigation of sea level rise.

“We look forward to seeing you there for this important and vital presentation,” the invitation said.

Admission to both sessions is free, but those who plan to attend are asked to confirm their attendance no later than Friday, Dec. 6, by calling Deputy Clerk Debbie Haynes at 941-708-6130 ext. 141. or by emailing depclerk@cityofannamaria.com.

The sea level rise presentations are sponsored by the generosity of Anna Maria residents Bob and Carol Carter, who are paying for Englander’s time and expenses.

Learn more about Englander’s work at www.johnenglander.net.

WWW.JOHNENGLANDER.NET | SUBMITTED

Sea level rising expert John Englander will address government officials and the public at The Center.

CARTER’S CONCERNS

“I got to know John when I served as the chairman of the National Aquarium Board,” Bob Carter said on Friday.

“We think it’s important for the Island governments to understand the reality of sea level rise and to begin the dialogue on what possibly can be done to prolong the life of the Island. Anna Maria Island will be unusable at some point 75 or 100 years down the road.

In the meantime, we can prepare to extend the life of the Island,” Carter said.

“I’m on the board at Mote Marine. I was at a dinner last night and one of the issues was that people of a certain

age kick the can down the road and say I’m not going to be around so it’s not their problem,” Carter said.

“But there are things you can do in advance for the next generation of people on the Island that will help them out immensely, whether it’s raising roads or doing things along the shoreline. John is working with Puerto Rico, the city of Annapolis, Shang-Hai and in other parts of the world where they’re beginning to recognize these issues.”

“John wants Anna Maria and Longboat Key to be featured as the first barrier islands in the USA to begin taking this issue seriously and doing things that will prevent the Island from going into disuse earlier,” Carter said.

“We are encouraging leaders from all three Island cities and Longboat Key to attend. We’re also inviting the county commissioners, scientists from Mote Marine and others too,” Carter said.

“I think it’s important that these presentations are free because everybody has the right to understand this issue and we don’t want anybody left out,” Carter said.

For more details, contact Debbie Haynes using the information above or contact Jim McDaniel at jim@centerami.org.

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OPINION

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

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Congrats and thanks Congratulations to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce on a successful 70 years and for the success of their Annual Member Gala. Congrats to this year's award winners Diane Phinney for Island Players, Susan and Mark Clark from Flowers by Edie, Adriane and Eric Cairn from Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages, and Johnny Banyas and Bob Slicker from Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar. I am humbled and honored to be named this year’s Rotary Business Person of the Year by Laurie Beppler and the AMI Rotary. Thank you to the AMI Chamber, their board, the AMI Rotary and to Janae Rudacille for such a flawless event.

In all honesty, the real honor needs to go to my

team, my board of directors and our volunteers. More so, we are all only as successful as the community that supports us, so thank you to our entire Anna Maria Island community for your continual support giving us all the recent success that we have had.

With just over a year and a half at my new position as executive director, we have had a bit of success here at The Center of Anna Maria. Truthfully, I have not accomplished much in comparison to many of our long-standing Island business leaders, but I promise to keep serving this community in hopes of someday saying that I have. Here at The Center we are excited about the future and we hope that if you have not, you will stop by to learn how bright our future looks.

Christopher Culhane Executive Director

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA 10005 GULF DRIVE

For information, call 941-7086130 Dec. 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission organizational meeting followed by regular meeting Dec. 10, 4 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

BRADENTON BEACH 107 GULF DRIVE N.

For information, call 941-778-1005 Dec. 4, 9 a.m. – Capital Improvement Project meeting

Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Dec. 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – City Commission work meeting

HOLMES BEACH 5801 MARINA DRIVE

Dec. 4, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting Dec. 4, 6 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Dec. 10, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOTE: EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS INDICATED.

WEDNESDAY NOV. 27

Coloring Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, noon.

Ukulele class for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m.

Thanks-Living community dinner, City Pier Park, 100 N. Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria, 5 p.m. Bring a dish to share.

THURSDAY NOV. 28

Happy Thanksgiving!

FRIDAY NOV. 29

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY NOV. 30

Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon.

SUNDAY DEC. 1

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga,

THE SUN

Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m., $10.

TUESDAY DEC. 3

Farmers Market, City Pier Park, 100 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

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

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:15 p.m.

Holiday shadow box crafts, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY DEC. 4

Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

Ukulele class for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3 p.m.

THURSDAY DEC. 5

Veteran services information, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

Seaside Quilters, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

FRIDAY DEC. 6

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

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Sunset drum circle, Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Holmes Beach Holiday Open House, intersection of Gulf and Marina Drives, Holmes Beach, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting, AMI Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY DEC. 7

Saturday at the NEST, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. to noon.

Ask a master gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All-ages holiday craft program,

Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 10 a.m. to noon.

Lester Family Fun Day, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SUNDAY DEC. 8

Beach market, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve, Mosaic NEST, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10:30 a.m., $10 cash only.

Walk to Bethlehem, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 6:40 p.m.

TUESDAY DEC. 10

Farmers Market, City Pier Park, 100 N. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Roser-Robics chair-based exercise class, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m.

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

Duplicate bridge, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 12:15 p.m.

Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m.

Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m.

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Stormwater fees on the rise in Holmes Beach Holmes Beach property owners can expect to see their stormwater fees increase to $4.40 per 100 square feet of property for the 2020-21 tax year.

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

HOLMES BEACH – At the urging of City Engineer Lynn Burnett, commissioners have opted to move forward with raising the city’s stormwater fee from $1.50 to $4.40 per 100 square feet of property owned for the 2020-21 tax year.

The increase comes on the heels of a previous increase for the current 201920 tax year that saw the stormwater fee amount double from $0.75 to $1.50.

The increase was the highest amount recommended by Burnett who said that the additional funds are needed for resiliency and stormwater retention projects to reduce flooding during king tide and storm events. She said that commissioners could gradually increase the stormwater fee amount over a fiveyear period to get it to the needed $4.40 and face a deficit over the next several years. However, she recommended

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The stormwater fees paid by Holmes Beach property owners pay for projects to reduce flooding including the infiltration trenches being installed throughout the city. jumping now to the $4.40 fee to “put the city in a position of strength” with regard to resiliency projects. Burnett said that even with increase in stormwater fees she would still be working toward securing grant and appropriations funds to further the city’s stormwater and resiliency projects.

Commissioner Terry Schaefer asked his fellow commissioners to consider offering an exception to the higher rate for property owners who could prove they’ve engineered their property to absorb stormwater runoff, such as the Key Royale Golf Club which he said is working toward that goal. Burnett said

that if any exceptions are offered, the fee would have to go up for the remaining property owners to make up the difference. Currently, an exemption is offered for government property, submerged property and Anna Maria Elementary School.

Commissioner Kim Rash said he feels that places of worship also should be exempt from paying stormwater fees and that he was not in favor of asking the city’s property owners to pay such a high increase in fees.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said that due to rising costs to prevent flood waters from taking over the Island she felt that it’s better to raise the stormwater fee now and reduce it later, if possible.

The matter will go before commissioners for a vote during their Dec. 10 meeting. If it passes commission vote, property owners will see the increase in August 2020 on their trim notices.

Burnett said there is an appeals process for property owners that can be used on an annual basis and requires a written request to appeal within 30 days after the ordinance is adopted.

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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Lester Family Fun Day rings in holidays Come out and play at The Center of Anna Maria Island for the 18th annual Lester Family Fun Day Dec. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fun day is sponsored annually by Chuck and Joey Lester and features a host of fun activities for the whole family, food and performances.

This year’s festivities feature a performance by the Diane Partington Studio of Classic Ballet and the Manatee High School Drum

Line will escort Santa in with a performance at noon. There will be Duffy’s burgers, hot dogs and sodas all available at old fashioned prices.

Tickets to purchase food and for games are $0.25 each and can be purchased at the door. There will be pony rides, balloon animals, a dunk tank, crafts, cookie decorating, a bounce house and more for the kids.

Raffle tickets also will be available for purchase to win either a turkey

or a poinsettia plant.

Balls also are available for the 50/50 raffle golf ball drop for $50 each or $100 for three. The golf ball drop will take place at 1:45 p.m. and the closest ball to the hole will win half of the raffle pot with the other half going to benefit The Center.

For more information, contact The Center at 941-778-1908 or visit www. centerami.org. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

Join Roser’s Bethlehem Walk Roser Memorial Community Church’s annual Bethlehem Walk is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8, at 6:40 p.m. at the front of the church at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

The walk, which reenacts the mystery and joy of Christmas Eve, is open to all ages. Participants will take the journey to Bethlehem (one block in Anna Maria) with Mary, Joseph and the animals (llamas, donkeys and goats) in search of shelter. While traveling from “inn” to “inn,” Christmas carols will be sung. Returning to the church, the birth of Jesus will be celebrated.

Sandwiches, cookies and hot chocolate will be

FILE PHOTOS

Mary (Maggie Carter) and Joseph (Mark Morris) walk the streets searching for a room. Right, Constance Kreft holding a baby goat at last year’s Bethlehem Walk. served afterwards.

Costumes are available in the fellowship hall to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis, or you can create your own or

come as you are. Please bring your own flashlight.

The event begins after the 5:30 p.m. SoulJourn music and teaching service concludes.

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Construction moves forward at city field Construction is moving forward, but some residents are concerned about the flow of information from city officials.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Projects at the city field complex are underway and showing signs of significant progress, however, some residents are concerned about what the finished product will look like.

City Engineer Lynn Burnett presented plans for the expanded large dog park, multi-use field, walking track and skate park during the Nov. 19 city commission meeting.

Work is already underway in both the skate park and the dog park, with drainage work completed in the dog park and elements already being installed at the site of the new skate park.

The dog park is currently planned for a December or January grand

opening while the skate park is planned to open to the public shortly after. Other openings, including for the multi-use field and tot lot playground are expected later in the new year. Rather than having a single grand opening for the park complex, each area is now expected to have its own public opening.

Though the construction is visibly moving forward now, there are some residents who are still concerned about what final product will be unveiled to the public, particularly in the dog park.

Though Burnett presented plans for the dog park, including the fencing, two double gates, a water fountain, seating area for patrons and a fire hydrant-style splash pad for dogs, several dog park users present at the meeting still had questions about what will be included in the park.

Resident Mary Miller said that she feels the overall message coming from city hall concerning the dog park is fear for users that decisions will be made without public knowledge. She said she doesn’t mind seating being moved

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Workers break up the concrete pad that once housed the city’s tot lot playground equipment in preparation for the installation of the new skate park. from the old pavilion, which Development Services Director Eran Wasserman says is in no condition to be moved from the current dog park location, but that she wants to know about the alignment of the benches before they’re installed.

“We just want input,” she said.

Parks and Beautification Committee member Carol Hatz said she feels that using the old dugout area as seating is too far removed from the majority of the dog park and fears that people will not use

it. Wasserman said that the intention is to put in U-shaped seating areas where park patrons can visit and can still have a good view of their pets.

Mayor Judy Titsworth said that her door is always open to residents concerned about the dog park or any other elements of city field. She invited the community to reach out and call either herself or Wasserman with any questions.

For the majority of the elements of the dog park, including ground cover, Titsworth said that Burnett

and her team are deferring to suggestions made previously by members of the city’s Parks and Beautification Committee. The suggestions were formed over a period of a year with input from dog park users. She said that fencing in the dog park is expected to go up within the first 10 days of December with construction on the dugouts, turning them into welcoming pavilions for patrons, beginning soon as well.

Commissioner Carol Soustek said that while the plans for what will be taking place in the dog park are done for now, it doesn’t mean that they’re set in stone. She said she envisions the dog park as an evolving element of the city field complex and that changes and additional upgrades will be made as needed over time.

“I think the parks and beautification committee did a tremendous job,” she said.

Titsworth reemphasized how important she feels the dog park is to the city as a whole.

“It’s an important features for our community, and I want the dogs to love it,” she said.

shopping * lively music * tasty treats * santa's sleigh

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting & Holmes Beach Holiday Open House

CrossPointe Fellowship Family singing holiday tunes.

Holmes Beach businesses open for holiday shopping.

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

THE SUN

WMFR celebrates promotions, awards WMFR commissioners recognized three promotions, two Phoenix Awards and two new firefighters during their Nov. 19 meeting.

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue’s commissioners and staff had a lot to celebrate during the board’s Nov. 19 meeting with two new firefighters sworn in, three promotions and two Phoenix Awards handed out.

First on the agenda was the oath which was given to new hires firefighters Aaron Reese and David Stark.

Reese is working to finish paramedic school in December while Stark comes to WMFR from Manatee County Emergency Management Services.

Firefighter Tyler MacDonald was promoted for the rank of lieutenant but was absent from the meeting. He will officially be promoted during the district’s January board meeting.

Also promoted was Firefighter Clayton Lease who was promoted to the rank of firefighter third class.

More than a month after he started the job, firefighter Jay Johnson was officially promoted to the position of administrative battalion chief, serving

as the right hand of new Chief Ben Rigney. Johnson’s family was on-hand to help celebrate the promotion, and his father had the honor of pinning his son with his new badge.

Two Phoenix Awards also were handed out to firefighter/paramedics Zachary Benshoff and Cameron Frazier.

WMFR gives Phoenix Awards to first responders who respond to a cardiac arrest call where the patient is brought back from the brink of death and is able to leave the hospital under his/her own power. Johnson and Rigney presented the awards.

Benshoff and Frazier earned this Phoenix Award after responding to a drowning call on Sept. 21 with two of their fellow firefighters, Corey Hill and Capt. Buddy Leigh.

Johnson said that when the WMFR team arrived, CPR was already being conducted by marine rescue personnel and a bystander. The WMFR paramedics took over patient care using their medic training and the district’s nontransport advanced lifesaving equipment and were able to keep the patient alive until an EMS transport unit arrive four minutes later. The patient was able to leave the hospital on Sept. 30.

For a patient who needs CPR, Johnson said their chances of survival drop 10% every minute without patient care.

By WMFR’s paramedic trained firefighters arriving on-scene four minutes

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Above, Chief Ben Rigney congratulates Firefighters Cameron Frazier and Zachary Benshoff on earning the district’s Phoenix Award. Right, Battalion Chief Jay Johnson addresses commissioners just moments after being officially promoted to administrative battalion chief. ahead of EMS, he said it increased the drowning victim’s survival rate by 40%.

“That’s huge,” Johnson said of the rescue efforts. “That’s why we’re here and we’re just so proud of you.”

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Ancient artifacts moved to museum Artifacts from an ancient civilization discovered at the Harbour Isle development are now at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton where researchers will be able to study them, according to Remi Gonzalez, the museum’s director of communications.

The artifacts, which date from 550 B.C. to A.D. 425, include shell tools, animal bones and well-preserved pieces of wood from an architectural site built by indigenous people, she said.

The artifacts, which are not on public display, were discovered underwater during the construction of the One Particular Harbour Marina at 12340 Manatee Ave W. “It was a known archeological site,” she said, adding that the museum did not accept human remains discovered at the site related to Neal Preserve, located across Manatee Avenue from the marina site at Harbour Isle, which contained two Native American burial mounds that were excavated in the 1930s.

Tiffany Birakis, curator at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton, with artifacts found at the Harbour Isle site.

THE BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE | SUBMITTED

Pervious pavement permeating Coquina Beach parking lot Several sections of pervious pavement have been installed at the south end of the Coquina Beach parking lot as part of Manatee County’s drainage improvement project. The gaps and crevices in the pervious pavement allow rainwater to drain through it and into the drainage system below.

The county project required the removal of more than 100 Australian pine trees.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

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After-hours parking now allowed at post office

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BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – After-hours and weekend parking is now allowed at the Bradenton Beach Post Office.

After-hours parking is allowed from 4:30 p.m. until 8 a.m. on weekdays and around the clock on weekends.

Non-post office parking is not allowed during regular post office hours.

Rules and limitations apply, so those who use the parking lot for non-post office-related activities are cautioned to pay close attention to the new signs that detail the allowed parking hours and locations.

Three parking spaces are reserved for the post office at all times. Those spaces are marked with new green and white signs. Non-post office-related parking is never allowed in those three spaces.

In early October, with the support of the city commission, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment

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JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

After-hours and weekend parking is now allowed at the Bradenton Beach Post Office as noted on this new sign.

Agency (CRA) entered into a joint parking lot use agreement with the United States Postal Service for the post office property at 116 Bridge St. The post office property is owned by the Miami Beach-based Fryd Family Partnership.

The previously agreed to after-hours parking allowances did not take effect until the new signs were erected last week.

Prior to the parking agreement taking effect, after-hours and weekend parking was not allowed. This resulted SEE PARKING, PAGE 25

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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Lawsuit filed against fire district New owner of the Bali Hai Beach Resort Shawn Kaleta is not only appealing a decision by the fire marshal to install a sprinkler system at the resort, he’s also filed a lawsuit against the fire district.

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

BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners had a couple of legal decisions to make when the board met Nov. 19, first to select new legal council and second to decide how to move forward with a pending lawsuit.

In a unanimous vote, commissioners appointed attorney Maggie Mooney as the district’s legal council, replacing the retiring Jim Dye. Mooney also represents four other Manatee County fire districts.

In her first act as the attorney for WMFR, Mooney informed commissioners that a lawsuit had been filed against them in Manatee County Circuit Court, and an administrative appeal in the same case also had been

set for a hearing on Nov. 25 with the Manatee County Fire Code Appeals Board.

The appeals board is a seven-member volunteer board made up of local professionals. This will be the first appeals case that has gone before the board.

Mooney said that local builder and real estate investor Shawn Kaleta had filed both the lawsuit and the administrative appeal on Nov. 18, appealing a decision made by Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski to require a sprinkler system installed at the Bali Hai Beach Resort. The resort is owned and being remodeled by Kaleta. Mooney said that the administrative appeal should technically have been ruled on before a lawsuit was filed but that in this case, both had been done at the same time. Until the administrative hearing is held, she said the lawsuit cannot be heard in court.

The appeals hearing was held at Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue District’s administration building Nov. 25 after press time for The Sun. On behalf of Kaleta’s Bali Hai JV LLC, attorney Jason Miller filed an

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

On her first night as WMFR’s legal council, attorney Maggie Mooney informed fire commissioners that a lawsuit had been filed against the district. emergency motion for permanent injunction, arguing that Kwiatkowski’s interpretation of the Florida Fire Code requiring a sprinkler system was delaying the completion of the remodel of the property at 6900 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. In the motion, he alleges that as a result of the requirement for fire sprinklers, Kaleta will suffer irreparable financial harm that would likely be unrecoverable.

In the lawsuit, Miller asks for declaratory relief and preliminary and

permanent injunctions due to the alleged halting of construction and stopping of the permitting process related to the requirement for fire sprinklers.

The Life Safety Code, a provision of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, says that only one and two-family dwelling structures are exempt from a requirement for sprinkler systems. The Bali Hai has 48 suite and hotel room units.

The lawsuit claims that the resort can be booked for $795 per night during season and that Kaleta could suffer monetary damages in excess of $15,000 not including attorney costs.

Mooney said that if WMFR were to win the administrative appeal and have Kwiatkowski’s ruling upheld, it doesn’t mean that the lawsuit won’t go forward. She recommended commissioners authorize Chief Ben Rigney to enter into a contract for specialist litigation attorneys to fight the case.

On Nov. 20, attorneys Martin Garcia and Josh Dell, of The Law Firm of Matthews Eastmoore out of Sarasota, were entered into the court record as attorneys for WMFR. The case has been assigned to Judge Charles Sniffen.

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Board recommends alternative for hot dog cart Drift In owner Joe Cuervo will seek a city commission approved special event permit for a late night food cart.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Planning and Zoning Board recommends Drift In bar owner Joe Cuervo seek a special event permit in order to operate a late night hot dog cart in the Drift In parking lot.

Cuervo seeks city approval for Chef Stephen Ascencious to sell hot dogs and brats from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The city’s land development code (LDC) prohibits food cart and food truck operations. Based on previous discussion with the city commission, Cuervo sought a text amendment to the code that would allow food carts

on any property that fronts Bridge Street and require an additional city commission approved special use permit for each proposed food cart.

Cuervo’s request was included with four other proposed LDC text amendments presented to the planning board on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

When addressing the board, Cuervo mentioned the lack of late-night dining options on Bridge Street. He said the hot dog cart would provide food to people who might want to sober up a bit after drinking at Bridge Street establishments.

Cuervo said the Drift In does not have a kitchen because he wants to retain the ability for his customers to smoke inside.

The board members expressed concerns that amending the code could theoretically result in food carts being operated along the rear property lines of Bridge Street properties, which might negatively impact the residential

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Drift In owner Joe Cuervo wants Chef Stephen Ascencious to operate a late-night food cart outside of his establishment. properties on Third Street South.

The board members also expressed concerns about Bridge Street becoming overcrowded with food carts, including the beachfront street end by the Moose Lodge.

When it appeared Cuervo’s request was going to be denied or continued to a future meeting, board member John Burns proposed an alternative. Based

on his previous discussions with City Planner Alan Garrett and Building Official Steve Gilbert, Burns suggested Cuervo seek a city commission approved special event permit instead.

Gilbert said the Bridge Street Merchants used to operate their weekly market using a special permit that required renewal every so many months. Burns said a special event permit issued for a specific number of months would provide a trial period to evaluate the hot dog cart operations and would not require a change to the city code.

Gilbert said special event permits do not require Planning and Zoning Board review, and the applicants would work directly with the building department and the city commission.

Cuervo and Ascencious said they were happy with the board’s recommendation, and they intend to pursue it as quickly as possible.

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Noise problems for 68th St. residents Commissioners reluctantly agreed to a waiver to the city’s noise ordinance for overnight beach renourishment work.

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

HOLMES BEACH – Under advice from the city attorney, commissioners reluctantly agreed to adding a provision to the noise ordinance allowing a waiver for necessary projects, primarily beach renourishment.

The issue came up during a Nov 19 work session when commissioners were discussing making changes to the city’s noise ordinance. Attorney Patricia Petruff informed commissioners that she had been approached by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker to obtain a waiver for the noise ordinance requirements for work due to beach renourishment.

Petruff said that equipment would need to take up the city’s 50-foot-wide right of way at the 68th Street beach access and that work would need to take place 24 hours a day for however long the

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

The city’s right of way and beach access at 68th Street in Holmes Beach will be used 24 hours a day for beach renourishment staging and work. project takes. She added that if a waiver or exception to the noise ordinance was not provided by the city that it was inferred that beach renourishment activities would skip that area.

Commissioners agreed to add the provision to changes already underway in the noise ordinance but said that they want more information on the project and exactly what residents in the area will have to deal with from

construction noise and how long it will take. They agreed to ask Hunsicker to attend their Dec. 10 meeting to provide a presentation on the planned beach renourishment activities and answer questions from commissioners and the public.

Commissioners also said they want to make sure that residents along the 68th Street access are properly notified before any work begins.

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Boaters wanted for Holiday Boat Parade The Holiday Boat Parade is free to enter and prizes will be awarded.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Boat owners are invited to show off their holiday spirit and beautifully lit vessels by setting sail in the second annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade.

Hosted by the Bradenton Beach Marina, the boat parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Holiday Boat Parade will begin at 7 p.m. near the south end of Jewfish Key and then travel along the Longboat Pass Bridge, north through the Intracoastal Waterway, past the historic Bridge Street Pier and end at the Bradenton Beach Marina. The boat parade will last between 60 and 90 minutes.

Entry is free and the parade is open to powerboats and sailboats. Cash prizes will be awarded in multiple

BRADENTON BEACH MARINA | SUBMITTED

The Holiday Boat Parade will feature beautifully lit boats. categories including Best Lighting and Most Holiday Spirit. Entry forms can be downloaded from the boat parade website, www.boat-parade.com.

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The Holiday Boat Parade will coincide with the Christmas on Bridge Street celebrations taking place earlier that afternoon and evening. Folks are

invited to come to Bradenton Beach for Christmas on Bridge Street and stay for the Holiday Boat Parade.

The parade can best be viewed from the Bridge Street Pier between 7:30 and 8 p.m. or from the Longboat Pass Bridge as the parade gets started.

Those without a boat can still be in the parade by catching a ride aboard the Bradenton Beach Marina’s oldfashioned paddle wheeler, the Anna Maria Princess. Space on the Anna Maria Princess is limited, so call 941778-2288 for more details regarding that opportunity.

The Holiday Boat Parade is sponsored by the Bradenton Beach Marina, the city of Bradenton Beach, the Bridge Street Bazaar, the Bridge Tender Inn, the BridgeWalk Resort, Paradise Boat Tours, Yolo Parasail and the Anna Maria Island Sun. For more information, visit www. boat-parade.com, call John or Mike at 941-778-2288, or email dockmaster@ bradentonbeachmarina.com.

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Christmas on Bridge Street planning is underway Christmas on Bridge Street will take place on Saturday. Dec. 14.

tournament and free children’s Christmas ornament making activities using supplies donated by participating businesses. We’ll also have some limited food tastings,� Baldwin said. “Last year, everybody went out to the Bridge Street Pier to watch the Holiday Boat Parade go by. These two events are a collaboration between the merchants’ group and board member Mike Bazzy at the Bradenton Beach Marina,�

Baldwin said.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The Bradenton Beach Area Merchants will host the annual Christmas on Bridge Street holiday celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The Bradenton Beach Area Merchants are a recently reconfigured and expanded version of the Bridge Street Merchants group that has hosted Christmas on Bridge in past years.

Last week, the Bradenton Beach Area Merchants elected Paradise Boat Tours General Manager Sherman Baldwin to serve as the group’s new president. Yolo Parasailing & Adventures owner Ryan Davis is the new vice president and Anna Maria Oyster Bar managing partner Lynn Horne is the new secretary and treasurer.

The Bradenton Beach Area Merchants board also includes BridgeWalk and Silver Surf resorts owner Angela Rodocker, Bradenton Beach Marina president Mike Bazzy, Bridge Tender Inn owner Fred Bartizal and Cove Gallery & Boutique owner Kelly Headley.

SHERMAN BALDWIN | SUBMITTED

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Sherman Baldwin is the new president of the Bradenton Beach Area Merchants group and Lynn Horne is the new secretary and treasurer. The Bradenton Beach Area Merchants Christmas Tree was decorated by business owner Deb Myers.

“Our new group is more inclusive and more representative of the merchants in Bradenton Beach, not just those on Bridge Street,� Baldwin said.

CHRISTMAS ON BRIDGE STREET

Christmas on Bridge Street is now at the top of the Bradenton Beach Area Merchants to-do list.

“We have received permitting from the city to close the street down for our event, and we’re getting a variance on the open container law so people can bring their drinks into the closed off areas of Bridge Street,� Baldwin said. “We’re going to have live bands, the local chapter of the Sweet Adelines International Singers, a cornhole

On Saturday, Nov. 30, the Bradenton Beach Area Merchants will host the annual lighting of the public Christmas tree.

This year’s tree was again decorated

by Bridge Street Interiors and Mermaid Haven owner Deb Myers. The Christmas Tree has already been placed in the Bridge Street roundabout, near the clock tower and the Bridge Street Pier.

The tree lighting ceremony will begin at the roundabout at approximately 5 p.m., and Mayor John Chappie and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh will throw the switch at sunset, which is expected between 5:30 and 5:40 p.m.

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OUTDOORS

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Task force addresses blue-green algae The Blue-Green Algae Task Force has approved its first recommendations to address harmful algal blooms.

Appointed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to assist the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the group provides science-based rec-

ommendations to expedite the restoration of Florida’s water bodies adversely affected by blue-green algae blooms.

Recommendations for DEP include: • Develop a comprehensive regulatory program for septic systems to ensure that onsite sewage treatment and

disposal systems protect human health and the environment against nutrient pollution; • Develop a stormwater system inspection and monitoring program; • Develop a communication plan between the DEP and the Florida Depart-

Buchanan urges Congressional action on red tide With red tide resurfacing, Congressman Vern Buchanan has called on U.S. Senate leaders to pass his measure to study the threat posed to human health.

In a letter sent Oct. 21 to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby, Buchanan wrote: “We need to know how much of a threat red tide is to human health. We know of the

temporary physical discomfort it causes but we don’t know much beyond that. Now we need to find out if exposure presents a longterm threat to human health.”

In June, the U.S. House passed Buchanan's amendment to instruct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to designate $6.25 million to research the long-term health effects of red tide and other harmful algal blooms as

part of a government funding bill.

The Senate is still working on its version of the bill.

In 2018, Buchanan’s proposal to increase funding for red tide research by $8 million was signed into law. He also backed a proposal that was signed by President Donald Trump to provide more than $100 million to combat harmful algal blooms such as red tide.

ment of Health to inform the public about water conditions and potential health impacts; • Develop a statewide comprehensive water quality monitoring strategy; • Require farmers to use agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs).

County funds START grant Manatee County commissioners voted on Tuesday, Nov. 19 to approve $9,500 in funding for Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START) for red tide education outreach and public information materials, including revised beach signs, revised fact charts, START brochures, public service announcements, presentations to government officials, special events and DVD production.

START is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 on Longboat Key by retired Gen. Jim Patterson and other concerned citizens in response to a devastating 10-month long red tide bloom that ravaged a wide area along the west coast of Florida. Its mission is to reduce excess nutrients in waterways that feed red tide.

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CVB offers red tide strategies

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

The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is helping tourism business operators field questions from visitors about red tide.

Red tide is not present in Manatee County waters, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s latest report on Friday, Nov. 22, however, it is present in Pinellas and Sarasota counties immediately to the north and south of Manatee County

and is also in high concentrations in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties to the south.

During a bloom of Florida red tide, called Karenia brevis, toxins are released into the air, causing respiratory irritation, especially in people with asthma, emphysema or COPD. It also contaminates shellfish, making it unfit to consume and kills marine life, impacting tourism.

“It is important that we begin to come together as an industry to prepare as best we can for potential adversity,” CVB Director Elliott Falcione emailed

tourism operators recently with suggested talking points and best practices.

Visitors should know that Manatee County has alternatives to the beach if red tide impacts are severe, he wrote, including inland activities at a dairy farm, a citrus grove and a winery.

They also should be informed that depending on the concentrations of the algae in area waters, red tide’s presence does not necessarily mean that respiratory symptoms will affect people, he wrote.

During the 2018 red tide bloom that

Lovely light caustic

Water quality report Bayfront Park North Bradenton Beach Coquina Beach North Coquina Beach South Manatee Beach North Palma Sola Bay South

lasted several months, the county increased its cleanup efforts on beaches and waterways and will do so again if necessary, Falcione advised.

Business owners should not post beach reports on social media, he wrote, and should refer visitors to the FWC at www.myfwc.com/redtidestatus for the most current information.

“Regardless of the severity of this year’s bloom, I am confident that, together, we can get through anything,” Falcione wrote. “Let’s just be sure we are all doing our part from the start.”

Good Good Good Good Good Good

It’s seldom that the Gulf of Mexico is crystal clear, but when it is, the stage is set for a light show usually reserved to swimming pools. It’s called caustic light, not a very pretty name for a very pretty phenomenon. Scientists define it as patterns formed when light rays reflected from or transmitted through specular surfaces strike a diffuse surface. We define it as sunlight dancing in wavy patterns on underwater sand and it’s more relaxing than watching your relaxation app.

Source: Florida Department of Heath

CINDY LANE | SUN

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Cortez Bridge petition rejected and refiled Opponents of the proposed 65-foot-high fixed span bridge continue their quest for a formal administrative hearing.

Committee ranks proposals

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

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

CORTEZ – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has dismissed a request for a formal administrative hearing regarding the recently approved Cortez Bridge replacement plans.

On Oct. 29, several opponents of FDOT’s plans to someday day replace the existing Cortez Bridge drawbridge with a 65-foot-high fixed span bridge filed a petition seeking a formal administrative hearing before an administrative law judge with the State of Florida’s Division of Administrative Hearings.

The petitioners include former county commissioners Joe McClash and Jane von Hahmann, Cortez residents Joe Kane and Linda Molto, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage and ManaSota-88.

The petitioners question and oppose FDOT’s recent Location and Design Concept Acceptance (LDCA) that allows the bridge replacement project to move forward into the design stage.

On Nov 13, FDOT clerk of administrative hearings Amber Greene sent McClash an order of dismissal without prejudice denying the pe-

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The Florida Department of Transportation plans to replace the Cortez Bridge drawbridge with a higher fixed-span bridge. titioners’ original request for a formal administrative hearing. The dismissal order states the LDCA was granted by FDOT in accordance with a memorandum of understanding executed by the Federal Highway Administration.

The dismal order says FDOT’s approval of the environmental study and the subsequent Location and Design Concept Acceptance were taken within the authority of FDOT acting as the Federal Highway Administration per the memorandum of understanding.

The dismissal order claims the Location and Design Concept Acceptance taken while acting SEE BRIDGE, PAGE 25

HOLMES BEACH – A committee made up of Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth, Development Services Director Eran Wasserman, Treasurer Lori Hill, Commissioner Carol Soustek and Planning Commissioner Scott Boyd met Oct. 30 for the final time to rank five proposals from companies vying for the opportunity to help rewrite the city’s comprehensive plan.

Boyd was absent at the meeting but submitted his scores for the proposals.

After all of the scores were tabulated, LaRue Planning came out on top in the first position with 717.5 points, followed by Calvin Giordano and Associates with 705 points.

S&ME came in third with 632 points with KCI Technologies Inc. in fourth place with 599 points and

CH Planning in fifth place with 333 points. With the scoring complete, review of the proposals moved to the members of the planning commission during a Nov. 6 meeting. They’re expected to bring their recommendations to their Dec. 4 meeting for discussion.

Boyd appeared Nov. 19 before city commissioners to discuss the progress made by the review committee and planning commission. After some discussion, commissioners agreed that planning commissioners should determine their top two firms for the comprehensive plan review, host a meeting where representatives from those two companies are to give a presentation and then present a recommendation to city commissioners for the contract to be awarded.

Planning commissioners next meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 4.

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

PARKING: After hours allowed FROM PAGE 14

in many vehicles being towed, much to the chagrin of their owners.

The parking agreement requires the CRA to repair and maintain the parking lot and the CRA is responsible for any damages.

The parking agreement also requires the Bradenton Beach Police Department to police the parking lot and enforce the new parking allowances.

According to City Attorney Ricinda Perry, after-hours parking is not intended for employee parking or overnight vacation rental guests. The parking agreement is subject to a trial period and can be terminated if after-hours parking proves problematic.

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BRIDGE: Petition rejected, refiled FROM PAGE 24

as the Federal Highway Administration does not constitute an action taken by FDOT as a state agency.

Therefore, a challenge to those actions falls under the jurisdiction of the federal Administrative Procedures Act. The dismissal order states FDOT conducted the environmental study required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

“Petitioners seek to challenge the department’s (FDOT) approval of the NEPA document and allege the department has not adequately satisfied the requirements of NEPA,” the dismissal order says.

The dismissal order says the environmental study FDOT conducted was done under authority of the memorandum of understanding with the Florida Highway Administration and therefore does not qualify as an “agency action,” as alleged in the original petition.

The dismissal order provided the petitioners 10 days to file an amended petition.

“Upon review of the responsive pleading, and evidence submitted, the department will determine whether petitioners have met the statutory requirements of Florida Statutes, and whether this matter should be referred to the Division of Administrative Hearings for a formal hearing,” the dismissal order says regarding an amended petition.

PETITIONERS’ RESPONSE

In response to FDOT’s dismissal order, the petitioners’ first amended petition for formal administrative hearing says, “The order to dismiss the petition is without cause and creates an absurd interpretation of Chapter 120 for challenging actions of a state agency.”

The amended petition claims the memorandum of understanding specifically provides FDOT the authority to take action on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration.

“There are no exemptions provided under chapter 120 that would exclude an administrative appeal for an agency action whereby the agency action is taking such action in a dual role, acting on behalf of a federal agency and acting with authority as the state agency on behalf of the federal government,” the amended petition says.

“Petitioners recognize that the federal process has a separate process for a complaint, however there is nothing in the memorandum of understanding that exempts a Chapter 120 challenge, and none of the case laws cited within the order of dismissal give rise and cause to refuse an administrative challenge provided by Florida law for the broad actions of a state agency for which a decision was perfected for a 65 foot fixed bridge by the Florida Department of Transportation, not the federal government,” the amended petition says.

26

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ENTERTAINMENT Family Fun At the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach: • Wednesday, Nov. 27, Coloring Club, noon to 1 p.m.; Ukulele Class for Beginners, 3 to 4 p.m.

• The library will close Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. and will remain closed until Tuesday, Dec. 3.

• Tuesday, Dec. 3, preschool story time, 10 to 11 a.m.; Mahjong Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Holiday Shadow Box Crafts, 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, call the library at 941-778-6341.

Singers on Bridge Street Get your Christmas holidays off to a great start with the Christmas Tree lighting on Bridge Street the evening of Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. Several members of the Magic of Manatee Sweet Adeline Chorus, including Island residents Jeanette Rothberg and Judy McClarren, will be singing a few songs then asking everyone to join in singing some wellknown songs of the season.

Christmas concert Peter Mayer’s Stars and Promises concert tour is coming to Bradenton on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 603 11th St W, Bradenton.

With its mix of traditional and original carols, excellent musicianship, beautiful set and sound, Mayer’s dynamic ensemble uses a wide variety of folk, world music, rock and jazz styling to accompany his virtuosic voice and guitar work, creating a musical journey of stories and songs.

Always designed to benefit a charity, proceeds for this concert will be used to help the Bahamas recover from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

For tickets and information, go to www.petermayer.com or for a direct link to tickets for this event visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/4423959.

For further information, contact Ken Settlemyer at 845-494-1133 or starspromises-bradenton@breve-sound. com.

Holly Berry Bazaar Right on the heels of Black Friday the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, presents its annual Holly Berry Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Favorite offerings include the homemade pickles, pot pies and ready to heat meals. There will be gently used items for sale such as clothing, jewelry and Christmas decorations, suitable to wear, use or give.

Another favorite is the Cookie Walk.

Get a plate, stroll along the table and take your choice of decadent delicacies.

For more information, call 941-7781638.

IGW features Maria Sine Island Gallery West has named Maria Sine as its December Featured Artist.

An opening reception will be held for Sine on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Island Gallery West, 5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. There will be music by Chip Ragsdale, appetizers and wine and many of the artist members will be there ensuring a wonderful start to the holiday season.

Although considered a wildlife artist, Sine focuses on sea turtles, sand and tropical birds in her new show, “Blue and Beyond,” which also speaks to other creative pursuits including Mediterranean scenes, the Florida landscape and some abstract work.

Sine spent more than 35 years in public education as an art teacher and in retirement is bringing out the artist in herself, creating vibrant, colorful

ISLAND GALLERY WEST | SUBMITTED

watercolor and acrylic paintings.

For more information, call 941-7786648.

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

AROUND THE ISLAND

THE SUN

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KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Getting a green thumb at garden sale Above, large plants and hanging baskets filled the back of the fellowship hall during the garden club’s plant sale. Right, former Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson picks out a few plants. Below, volunteers at a bake sale table greet visitors as they enter the Anna Maria Island Garden Club plant sale at Roser Church.

KAREN BEACH | SUBMITTED

Happy birthday From left Midge Pippel, Joyce Karp, Joan Voyles and Voyles’ son, Eric Abrahamson, were among friends and family that helped Voyles celebrate her 80th birthday.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

Students perform in musical Fourth graders at Anna Maria Elementary School worked hard on their musical, “American Voices,” featuring music from America’s past. The performance was held after the November monthly PTO dinner, sponsored by the Waterfront restaurant.

Giving back Volunteers at Roser Church spent Sunday, Nov. 17, getting 136 shoe boxes ready for distribution

by Samaritan’s Purse. Christmas gifts and needed items are packed in the shoe boxes to be sent to needy children around the world. The items are donated from parishioners and the community.

TOM VAUGHT | SUN

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THE SUN

FOOD & WINE

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Old school simple Brian Mathae

Deluxe Cheesecake Servings: 20 People

Ingredients:

HURRICANE HANKS

3/4 c. butter, softened All-purpose flour Sugar 3 egg yolks Grated peel of 2 lemons 5 - 8 oz. packages of cream cheese, softened 5 eggs 1/4 c. milk

T

he upcoming holidays are a perfect time to dust off some old family favorites. Without a doubt this is one of my all time family celebration dinner musthaves. It’s simple yet rich with a light flavor. The fresh lemon rind in both the dough and the filling is perfectly balanced against the sweetness. My mom started making this cheesecake for special occasions when we were small. I have always preferred a baked cheesecake over an unbaked one and love the smell and taste of citrus. Needless to say, as often as I could, I would try to convince her to include this for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

In preparation for this article I did a bit of research on cheesecake. For one, its not a cake despite cake being in the name. It is more likely to fit the definition of a flan or a tart because the crust is separately prepared and baked. While not relevant to your enjoyment of this incredible dish, you can use it as rationale for having two distinct desserts at dinner!

Cheesecake can be traced back to ancient Greek times. Anthropologists have found what they believe to be cheesecake molds dating all the way back to 2000 B.C. on the Greek Island of Samos. Constructed from only four basic ingredients, flour, wheat, honey and cheese, they were formed using molds and then baked in wood-fired ovens. Cheesecakes were commonly served at Greek weddings and may in fact be the start of the wedding cake tradition that lives on to this day.

Since those early days the recipe has been modified by various cultures. When

Directions: SUBMITTED

Enjoy a rick New York style cheesecake with your family dinner this holiday season. the Romans conquered the Greek Empire they incorpo-rated the cheesecake into their own recipe but made some changes, including incorporating eggs into the cheese mixture. In the 1500s, the recipe was further adapted to include milk soaked cheese, butter and sugar. The invention of cream cheese by William Lawrence of Chester, New York in 1872 made the cheesecake far denser and creamier than ever before. It became wildly popular and became known as “New York style cheesecake.” One must practice flavor restraint when preparing a true New York style cheesecake. The flavor should be simple, pure and minimalist, yet sweet and tangy and of course rich.

And that brings us back to this recipe.

My mother was a great cook. She did things the traditional way and wouldn’t get too complicated with a multitude of flavors and accompaniments. Presentation was basic and straightforward.

When the food is good, it doesn’t have

to hide behind anything. This is a large recipe that produces more servings that our family could ever eat on a single night or even two, so she preferred to serve the cheesecake individually and we would each add our own toppings of fruit compote and whipped cream. It is simpler to store the leftovers in the fridge that way too. If you are preparing this for a big crowd and really want to make a grand presentation, then by all means consider adding a beautiful topping to the cheesecake. Remember its a tart, not a cake so I recommend covering the top with sliced strawberries or blueberries or any combination of fruit. The fruit will shine and sparkle like jewels if you cover them with a clear glaze. And a side of whipped cream is a must. The whipped cream, even if lightly sweetened, will help balance the richness.

We hope you enjoy!

Early in the day or day ahead: 1. In a small bowl beat butter, 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1/2 of the grated lemon peel with a mixer at low speed until well blended. Shape dough into a ball and wrap with plastic. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Press almost 1/2 of dough into bottom of greased 10” x 21/2” spring-form pan. Bake 8 minutes and cool completely.

3. Turn oven to 475 degrees. In a large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat cream cheese just until smooth, then slowly beat in 1 3/4 cups sugar. With mixer at low speed, beat in 5 eggs, milk, 3 tablespoons flour, remaining 2 egg yolks and remaining lemon peel. With the mixer at medium speed, beat mixture 5 minutes.

4. Press remaining dough around the side of the pan to within 3/4 inch from the top. Pour cream cheese mixture into pan and bake 12 minutes on middle rack. Turn oven temperature down to 325 degrees and bake an additional 35-40 minutes until the top is browned and dry. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake in the oven for another 30 minutes.

5. Remove and cool completely on wire rack. Refrigerate cheesecake at least 4 hours until well chilled.

6. To serve, carefully remove cake from the pan, slice, top with your favorite topping and serve.

www.TheFeastRestaurantAMI.com

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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THE SUN

BEACH BEAT ANNA MARIA No new Reports

BRADENTON BEACH No new Reports

CORTEZ

No new Reports

HOLMES BEACH

11/15, theft, larceny, Bali Hai Resort, 6900 Gulf Drive.

The complainants had two gold rings stolen. Each was worth more than $10,000.

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The detective checked with pawnshops and found them. The detective is investigating.

11/19., fraud, Westbay Cove Condos, 600 Manatee Ave. The complainant purchased gift cards and an aunt emailed them to send them to her. They checked and found the aunt’s account was hacked and they lost their money.

11/19, lost property, The Feast, 5406 Marina Drive. The victim either lost a clutch purse with money in it or it was stolen.

11/20, vehicle theft recovery, 2800 Gulf Drive North. The officer got word of a stolen car from the license plate reader. He traveled south in search of the car and a Bradenton Beach officer found it at Coquina Boat Ramp South. The officers found out the driver was a female who stole her boyfriend’s vehicle to leave him. Police found marijuana and pipes in the vehicle. The driver was arrested.

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THE SUN

REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Today’s challenge for buyers

here’s a big predicament out there all over the country for home buyers, especially first-time buyers.

There’s nothing to buy and, apparently, it’s my generation’s fault.

United States homeowners are staying in their homes much longer than ever. Nationwide, homeowners are remaining in their homes typically 13 years ,which is five years longer than they did in 2010, according to Redfin. This fact is keeping the housing inventory low resulting in low sales statistics month after month. Except for the early part of this year, the inventory of homes for sale is now near the lowest level in 37 years of record-keeping, according to the housing data firm CoreLogic, Inc. You don’t have to be an economist and expert in the housing market to understand that when owners don’t trade up to a larger home for a growing family or downsize when children leave it there are availability consequences. When this happens, which is rapidly becoming a fact, it

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER puts a cap on the number of homes available for buyers either looking to upgrade or just coming into the market.

The baby boomer generation who are now entering their seventies are partly to blame for the lack of inventory since many of them are staying healthier later in life, are more active and don’t see any reason to downsize.

Some states make it easier for seniors to stay in their homes with generous tax benefits but in most states once you move, you lose that benefit which encourages senior homeowners to stay put.

In Manatee County, however, there is a program for homesteaded residents that allows homeowners to move to a new home

and retain some of the tax benefits of the original home. This is called portability and it gives you the ability to transfer the “Save Our Homes” cap to a new home. The “Save Our Homes” cap is the difference between your market value and assessed value. For example, if the just value of your new homestead property is more than the just value of your old homestead, you will be able to transfer your cap up to the $500,000 limit.

This went into effect January 1, 2008 and allows homeowners two years to make the application for portability. In addition, there is no limit on the number of times you can move and apply for portability.

October sales statistics from the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee are showing a similar trend in inventory. Here are the numbers.

Both Manatee and Sarasota Counties continue the upward drift in sales prices with Manatee doing a little better. The number of closed single family homes in Manatee County increased 5% compared to last

October. The median sale price for single family homes is $325,000, up 9.1% from last year and the average is $396,342, up 7.4%.

Sarasota’s single-family median sale prices increased 5.6% to $285,000 and the average increased 12.5% to $385,131.

Condos in Manatee County closed 0.5% fewer sales, however, the median sale price increased 0.9% from last October to $192,999 and the average sale price increased 20.2% to $262,724. Sarasota’s condo median sale price decreased 5.7% to $220,352 and the average sale price also decreased by 0.9% to $297,501.

Inventory of available properties continues to drop in Manatee County to 3.4 months supply for single-family and 3.7 months for condos, putting additional pressure on the market. Who knows what the inventory future holds and the affect it will have on the upcoming selling season? In the meantime, buyers are just waiting and waiting and blaming their parents and grandparents.

Happy Thanksgiving!

www.amisun.com

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

THE SUN

PIER: Closed briefly for repairs

BELL: Agriculturalist of the Year

FROM PAGE 1

to a voluntary shutdown this evening due to the public safety hazard. The pier walkway stringer and support collapsed on the walkway. An emergency permit to repair the pier will be issued in the morning.”

On Thursday, Murphy said the city’s primary concern was public safety. He said he was pleased that the Rod & Reel management took it upon themselves to close their pier while making the repairs.

Late Friday afternoon, Building Official Luke Curtis provided Murphy with a status update via email.

“I have given the OK for the Rod & Reel Pier to open. An inspection was performed earlier and the structure is safe. They may still be putting the final touches on the work, but it is structurally sound.

David, the Rod & Reel Pier manager, said he would be opening back up in the morning,” Curtis said in his email to the mayor.

PRIVATELY-OWNED PIER

Mario Schoenfelder owns the Rod & Reel Pier and the restaurant and bar at the end of it. The city is not responsible for the maintenance and repair of that pier or its structures, but a city-issued permit was needed for the repairs, as was the post-repair inspection by Curtis.

Schoenfelder has also long served as the pier tenant of the nearby city-owned Anna Maria City Pier.

The already-aging city pier was closed in 2017 due

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FROM PAGE 1

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This section of Rod & Reel Pier was cordoned off on Wednesday, Nov. 20. to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma.

Schoenfelder has until Dec. 13 to submit to the city his final offer for a new long-term lease that would allow him to continue as the city pier's tenant for the foreseeable future. Schoenfelder’s current lease expires in Dec. 2020.

The new city pier currently under construction is expected to open in Feb. 2020. The interior buildout of the new restaurant and bait shop buildings is expected to take place after the public is allowed to return to the main pier walkway and the T-end decking.

She was a founding member of FISH, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, and the lead negotiator on the purchase of the 100-acre FISH Preserve east of the village. Bell also has served as chair of the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, which raises funds to support the FISH Preserve.

Bell serves on local and national boards representing the fishing industry and gives tours of the packing house founded by her grandfather, A.P. Bell.

After gill nets were banned 20 years ago in Florida, mullet landings fell by at least half, according to the narrative provided by the committee that elected Bell.

“Through her creative thinking, sheer determination and willingness to take risks, she was ultimately able to grow her business interests through diversification. Her business leadership and example instilled others with courage to take similar risks as the community was weathered each challenge,” the narrative said.

Bell said her father discouraged her from coming back home to Cortez after completing college and serving an internship with IBM, warning her about increasing regulations and tough fishermen. She eventually took over the business from him.

“Dad would be proud,” she said. “I think he’d be proud I stuck it out here.”

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THE SUN

Sign of activity?

A large dumpster was recently placed alongside the Sign of the Mermaid restaurant building in Anna Maria. The dumpster contents included discarded furnishings. Last week, Building Official Luke Curtis said no building, renovation or demolition permit applications had been filed with the city. The restaurant has been closed for several months.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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THE SUN

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THE SUN

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Gulfview Windows dominante the court

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

As the adult basketball season at The Center approaches the end of the regular season, Ugly Grouper remains undefeated with a 6-0 record, but Gulfview Windows is a close second with a single loss so far in the season.

Last Wednesday night Nov. 20, Team Gulfview showed Gnarly Mangrove why it’s top-ranked with a 60-35 win.

Starting the game off right, Gnarly Mangrove scored a three-pointer.

Gulfview’s Jon Moss followed with points of his own, as did teammate Jordan DeMers, giving the team the lead at a score of 6-7.

Team high scorer J.B. Shuck for Gulfview took it to the hoop for a layup and another follow-up shot to put his first four points on the scoreboard.

On a scoring streak, Moss made his layup and Shuck hit his first threepointer of the game.

Down by 10 points, Gnarly Mangrove fight to come back with a two point shot by Tim Holly that flowed through the net, pushing the score to 8-16.

Both teams found the net with a three point score by Gnarly and a single basket by Gulfview before Moss went to the line after being fouled. Moss hit both free throws, giving his team a nine-point lead.

Gnarly Mangrove’s newest player, Octavious Cole, put points up on the board, moving the score to 14-20.

Moss’ next bucket was followed by a three-point shot by Gnarly’s Chase Richardson. After points put up by DeMers, Gulfview added more to their lead thanks to a three pointer by Ray Gardner.

The first half of play ended with Gulfview with a 16-point lead.

Gnarly Mangrove started the second

half much like they started the first, with a basket, but Gulfview went on another scoring run, scoring 11 points before Gnarly found the net again with a Holly three-pointer.

With the score at 25-47, Holly made his third and final basket of the game.

Despite the efforts by the Gnarly squad, Gulfview continued to control the court both on offense and defense.

Holding Gnarly to only an additional eight points in the last minutes of the match-up, Gulfview finished the game 25 points over their opponents with a final score of 35-60.

SUN SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20 ADULT BASKETBALL

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Beach Bums Moss Builders

60 64

Gulfview Windows Gnarly Mangrove

60 35

Ugly Grouper Progressive Cabinetry

60 57

THURSDAY, NOV. 21 ADULT SOCCER Blalock Walters Flynn Law

3 2

Sato Real Estate Vacasa

4 2

MuniPlan Moss Builders

5 2

Vintage Beach Lancaster Designs

5 1

Gulfview Windows’ Shawn Hollman takes the ball on offense from teammate JB Shuck in the win last Wednesday night.

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

JB Shuck, Gulfview Windows’ high scorer, took the outside shot against Team Gnarly Mangrove.

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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THE SUN

35

MOORE: Inducted into Agricultural Hall of Fame FROM PAGE 1

were made and awards were given to local students. Attendees enjoyed pork barbeque and other southern dishes catered by the Hickory Hollow restaurant.

When introducing Moore, Florida Sea Grant agent Angela Collins said he moved to Manatee County when he was three months old, graduated from Manatee High School and since then has spent decades living and raising a family in Holmes Beach.

Collins said Moore set a world record in 1983 for the largest snook caught on 2 lb. test fishing line. That record was later broken, but Moore also guided the Tampa woman, Debbie Miller, who still holds the record for catching a 22-pound snook on 4 lb. test line.

“There’s no doubt Captain Scott is an excellent fisherman and an accomplished guide. For these things alone he deserves a ton of recognition, but we’re not here to talk about that. We’re here to recognize Captain Moore for his contributions to aquaculture,” Collins said.

She mentioned the economic importance of Florida’s fisheries and water resources and Moore’s intimate knowledge of them.

“His experience on the water and his passion for fish and our marine ecosystem is rivaled by probably no one. His concern for the health of our fisheries and the conservation of these resources led him down the path of advocating for good science, effective management and cooperation across the docks to reach a common goal, which is healthy, sustainable fish populations for future generations,” Collins said.

Collins said Moore spent the past four decades sharing his wisdom and concerns about the local ecosystems and environment with scientists, managers, commercial fishermen, fishing guides, his own charter patrons and anyone else who would listen.

Moore founded the Florida Guides

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Captain Scott Moore receives his hall of fame plaque from Florida Sea Grant agent Angela Collins.

Association and was later its first hall of fame inductee. He helped found the Coastal Conservation Association and still serves on that board.

He’s been recognized by the Florida Wildlife Federation, received the William R. Mote Award, received the Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Award, the Don Hansen Conservationist of the Year award and was involved with Frank Sargeant Outdoor Expo for more than 25 years.

“Sarasota philanthropists Carol and Barney Barnett donated $3 million to Mote Marine Lab for their fisheries conservation and enhancement initiative. As part of the deal, the Barnetts established the Captain Scott Moore senior research scientist position,” Collins said.

Moore has appeared on TV and radio shows and is the subject of the book, “Captain Scott Moore’s Snook Fishing Secrets,” written by his close friend,

the late G.B. Knowles. The book notes Moore was the first fishing guide in America to guarantee snook catches.

“It’s people like Scott Moore that bridge the gap between science, management and our angling public. And it’s passion like his that really moves the needle for conservation of these resources that are so precious to us and to our children. Thank you, Scotty, for all the work you do,” Collins said when presenting him with a plaque commemorating his hall of fame induction.

MOORE’S COMMENTS

After receiving a standing ovation, Moore expressed thanks and appreciation for his family and friends.

“Being a professional fishing guide, a commercial fisherman or a recreational fisherman – if you’re harvesting fish, you’re still in the same boat. People need to understand that,” Moore said of the need for fishermen to work

together.

Moore said the world record snook Collins mentioned was the first fish ever submitted to the International Angling Association after being certified and released as a live fish.

“That’s what made that so special,” he said.

Moore said his introduction to the aquaculture concept took place during a fishing excursion with shrimp packaging and processor Phil Alessi one day in the 1980s, when Alessi was expecting an important phone call.

“You know what he was buying? A million pounds of shrimp to process.

And guess what? Some of that shrimp was farm-raised. He said down the road there’s no way we can keep up with wild-caught,” Moore said.

He also said he took Mote Marine founder William Mote fishing for many years.

“He promoted the commercial fishing industry. He saw the picture: you’ve got to take, you’ve got to give,” Moore said.

“It’s not just raising reds and snooks and trout, but commercially-raised fish too. You want to support the wildcaught, there’s nothing better, but they can only produce so much,” Moore said of Mote Marine’s ongoing aquaculture efforts.

“If you put oysters in the water, if you put clams in the water, it helps Cortez because you’re cleaning the waters and your promoting conservation which brings the fish populations up,” he added.

In the early 1970’s, Moore worked as a hook and line fisherman in Cortez.

In 1979, he started his Moore Fishing charter service at the Cortez Fishing Center, which is now the Tide Tables restaurant.

Moore still captains his boat, the Primadonna, and remains very active in the fishing community.

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THE SUN

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Karate match exchanges 5 Nickname for Chicago's Ernie Banks 10 Gradually decrease 14 Chamber phenomenon 15 Campaign suspensions 17 Biting 18 Gadgets with small rotary blades 19 Pub nibbles 20 Corrida shout 21 Christmas hymn start 22 Vent opening?

23 One in a gun show?

25 Ax wielder, at times 26 Lover of Euridice, in a Gluck opera 28 Anaheim stadium nickname 30 1843 story narrated by a murderer, with "The" 35 Finger in the dike, so to speak 37 Out until tomorrow 39 Essential nutrient 40 Split for a union 41 Gush 44 Meteorological line 48 Units for many staples: Abbr.

49 Blowup sound 51 Bumped into 52 Didn't make it through committee, as

a bill 53 Beyond reason 55 Land in a lake 56 Heavy burdens 57 Wonder Woman gal pal __ Candy 58 Pompano kin 59 Black-necked shorebird 60 World power initials until 1991 Down 1 Slow cooker associated with Boston 2 Went down, in a way 3 Yield sign?

4 Puts down roots 5 "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer" doctor 6 King's domain 7 Worker with rattan 8 "For the Boys" org.

9 Advice for the itchy 10 Port vessel 11 "You __ lucky!"

12 "Fiddlesticks!"

Answers to 11-20-19 Crossword Puzzle.

13 Pair of shoes?

16 Ness, for one 23 Was a whiz on a quiz 24 Can't stand 27 "Sesame Street" segment 29 Round up 31 Certain eligibility rules 32 Ali hooks, at times 33 "The Name of the Rose" author 34 Work plans 36 Safety features that have evolved since their inception 38 Spousal consent 41 Works on pools 42 __ attack 43 Target of a new vaccine 45 Spender of rials 46 Stimulating nut 47 '50s headline event 50 Takes in too much, for short 52 Spirit of Notre-Dame 54 "__ my problem"

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

NOVEMBER 27, 2019

CLASSIFIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMPUTER SERVICES

BEACH YOGA ON Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www.thriveyogafit.com

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

FACE PAINTER/PORTRAIT ARTIST Island student artist, reasonable price for parties, events, and special portraits. Call/text Lillian 210-380-9691 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Lynn at 813758-3234 or lbrennan47@ gmail.com ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

Join the team at the FLORIDA MARITIME MUSEUM to preserve Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage. Assist with collections, school tours and more! Contact 941-708-6120

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

Island's favorite cleaner.

Manatee Chamber Member.

Great price/free estimates.

Call 941-756-1082

CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial & Rentals. Professional and Reliable. Call 941756-4570 KATHY’S CLEANING SERVICE: Professional, responsible, and friendly. I clean residential, and commercial homes, and offices.

Please call me for a free estimate: 941-447-4660.

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

EMPLOYMENT SOLO’S PIZZA LOOKING for part time evening cook.

Call 941-778-8118 TWO SIDES of NATURE – Anna Maria Island’s Largest Little Beach Shoppes... is now hiring part-time associates. Varied shifts available must be able to days, nights and weekends.

Retail Experience Preferred.

Great personalities a plus!

Apply today Two Sides of Nature 101 S. Bay Blvd.

Unit A-1, Anna Maria. Two Sides of Nature, Two Sides of Nature Too, Two Scoops – having a little fun every day!

TWO SCOOPS – Anna Maria Island’s Favorite Ice-Cream... is now hiring part-time associates.

Varied shifts available must be able to work nights and weekends. A great place to work and have a little fun…looking for a few friendly people to join our team. Food prep. or server experience preferred. Great pay! Apply today…Two Scoops 101 S. Bay Blvd.

Anna Maria.

NAIL TECH NEEDED ASAP for AMI North End. No acrylics, no odor. License required Call 941-8962222

FISHING CHARTERS

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

GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP & ANNEX open 9:30-2p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Donations preferred 9a.m.-11a.m. Wednesdays.

511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria.

Phone 941-779-2733 FLEA MARKET RADERS REEF parking lot Sunday December 1. 8am-4pm 5508 Marina Dr. Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, misc. items

WILDLIFE INC. ANNUAL GARAGE SALE! December 6 & 7, 8:00-2:00, 508 65th St., Holmes Beach. Great stuff, great cause! Donations welcome. Claudia 248-982-5600

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

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

KERN CONSTRUCTION NEW Homes & Remodel.

Design/Build. Since 1968.

License # CRC1327296.

Call Jerry Kern 941-7781115 www.kernconstructioninc.com GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194 LIGHTHOUSE PROPERTY INNOVATIONS LLC State Certified General Contractor (Lic. #CGC 1515821) New Construction, Renovations & Additions. Call 941-266-7500 MASTER CARPENTER. Decks-Docks-FencingStairs & Railing. Free Estimates. Handyman Work. Call Richard 941448-3571 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors.

Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.

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.

THE SUN

HOME MAINTENANCE Kitchen and Bath Remodeling. Tile and Laminate installation. Popcorn ceiling removal, Drywall repair, texturing and painting. Call 941-725-9876

HOME SERVICES THE HARDWOOD STOP Flooring installation services; Laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tile. Bathroom and shower. Virtually dustless FLOOR REMOVAL License and insured FREE ESTIMATES 941-227-0041 www.thehardwoodstop. com

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE THE CITY OF ANNA MARIA is accepting sealed bids for the following items beginning on December 4, 2019: 2001 Ford F-150 VIN: FTZF17241NA92351 Mileage: 54,327 2001 Ford F-150 VIN: FTZF17251NA92388 Mileage: 53,000 2003 Chevrolet Truck VIN: 1GCEK14V73Z270029 Mileage: 103,818 2003 Honda 4-Wheeler SERIAL/VIN: 478TE240934205360 2008 Kawasaki Prairie 360 ATV SERIAL/VIN: JKBVFHB178B516242 The sealed bids must be submitted to the City Clerk no later than December 11, 2019 to the following address: City of Anna Maria Attn: City Clerk 10005 Gulf Drive PO Box 779 Anna Maria, FL 34216. All sealed bids are due no later than December 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. The award will go to the highest bidder. Any questions, please contact the Anna Maria City Clerk at 941-705-6130.

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LOST & FOUND FOUND KAYAK. FOUND near Key Royale Bridge Call or text 248 765-5207 LOST ON BEACH Beige Women’s Eye Glasses. $50 REWARD Call John 941705-6068 LOST DIAMOND STONE on Trolley or shops on Anna Maria Island. $500 REWARD. Call 314-324-5921

MASSAGE THERAPY MASSAGE THERAPY / ACUPUNCTURE Caring treatments for pain or relaxation. Soothing office environment or in home sessions. Patricia has over 20 years experience. Call 941-504-2030 AP2787, MA84699, MM40063

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

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

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

Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident.

Quality Workmanship.

Interior/Exterior. Also minor repairs & carpentry. Free written detailed estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315 DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096

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CLASSIFIED

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience.

Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

PRINTING CUSTOM DIGITAL PRINTING "Your printing dream to reality" Specializing in Dye sublimation Printing.

Graphic Design. Performance Active ware. Logo Design. Call Rhonda 330-550-4847

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE

CANAL FRONT HOMES Holmes Beach – GULF FRONT CONDOS Gulf Place, L’Plage, Vista Grande, SPW, 5400 – DUPLEXES & MORE Island Real Estate ASK Alan Galletto 941232-2216 IMMACULATE WATERFRONT HOME 520 Kumquat Dr. 4BD/5BA 3928sf Coastal Beauty! Prime location on AMI. $2,750,000 Call Charles Buky Coldwell Banker 941-228-6086 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 28 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 ADORABLE POOL HOME 2BR/2BA newer pool. New windows and doors. Great wonderful porch for additional sleeping! Two blocks to beach. $549,000 Call Scott May 941-228-8377 or Brenda Boyd May 941-7308589 Boyd Realty

RENTALS: ANNUAL

BAY HOLLOW CONDO Beautiful 2BR/2BA canal front condo just off the Island with views of the water, boat dock can be available for use, updated gourmet kitchen. HOA approval required, $1950/mo.

Call Paige 513-382-1992 www.teamduncan.com Duncan Real Estate

ANNUALS AVAILABLE: 1BR/1BA duplex on Island. $1200. 2BR/2BA furnished gulf front $2650 First, last and security-Available immediately. Call A Paradise 941-778-4800 ANNUAL RENTALHOLMES BEACH 2BR/1.5BA elevated duplex steps to beach, covered parking, W/D, Dish Washer. $1,850/ mo. Fran Maxon Real Estate 941-778-2307 LARGE EXECUTIVE HOME Perico, close to beach, 3BR/3BA, Available Now $2400/month 1st, last, and security deposit req'd..

Call Sato Real Estate, Inc at 941-778-7200 or email monica@satorealestate.com

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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 ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fl Condos. Pool beach access, fully equipped $650-$800/ wk REDEKERCONDOSonAMI.com 941-704-7525 GREAT RATES! Weekly, Monthly. 3BR/2BA NW Bradenton. Call Grace 941-201-2190 2BR/2BA UPDATED new cabinets granite counters available immediately through the 2020 season.

Call 551-427-0248 or cibcocorp@optonline.net for details and pictures 2 blocks to beach GULF PLACE ON THE BEACH 2-3 bedrooms, pool/tennis, private/ quiet, $2000 wk/$5500 month, see pics on suncoastinc.com Call 941-720-1411

MY HOME AVAILABLE in Anna Maria 20192020 Season. Beautiful 2BR/2BA ground level home with carport. 1 1/2 blocks to Gulf. Updated 2010, new kitchen w/granite counter tops, patio w/ outdoor furniture, plantation shutters, Flat screen TV's in every room. Call 941-5652373 VINTAGE PET FRIENDLY COTTAGE 2BR/1BA cottage steps to beach, quiet residential area, washer/dryer, unique rental, $1000 week/$3000 month. Call 941-720-1411 GULF PLACE Gulf Beach Front beautiful 3BR/2BA condo for rent weekly or monthly, fully equipped, gorgeous views, heated pool, tennis court. Call Gayle, Simpson South Realty, 941-812-6489.

TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $165. Call 800-301-4816. amitaxi4u@gmail.com, www.amitaxi.com

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne.

941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600 ADMIRAL TOWN CAR Professional chauffeur, taxi prices! Airports (1@ $75, 10 $150 to Tampa), Appointments anywhere.

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

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NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 PAINTING

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