Anna Maria Island Sun November 29, 2023 by Anna Maria Island Sun

- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -

VOL 24 No. 14

November 29, 2023

Holmes Beach amending sign ordinance to protect free speech The amended sign ordinance addresses freedom of speech protections pertaining to sign content. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

Space is limited and tickets sell out quickly; visit www.annamariaprincess.com or www.seedolphins.com. The parade can also be viewed from the Longboat Pass Bridge from 6-6:45 p.m. Vessels in the parade will gather near the south end of Jewfish Key. The parade will head northwest along the Longboat Pass Bridge and then continue north in the Intracoastal Waterway, passing the Bradenton Beach City Pier and ending at the Bradenton Beach Marina.

HOLMES BEACH – The city is amending its sign ordinance to ensure compliance with a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that protects free speech, specifically, words on signs. The City Commission on first reading unanimously voted in favor of the amended sign ordinance drafted by City Attorney Erica Augello and presented by Development Services Director Chad Minor on Nov. 14. The sign ordinance, last amended in 2007, will be reviewed by the Planning Commission before being brought back to the City Commission for second reading and final adoption. During the Nov. 14 meeting, Minor said the amended ordinance presented that day represented the culmination of 15 to 20 commission workshops that occurred over the last year to a year and a half. He said the amended ordinance pertains in part to political signs placed on residential properties being treated similarly to residential “for sale” or “for rent” signs. In response to a question posed by The Sun, Augello provided a brief summary of the proposed sign ordinance amendments. “Several years ago, the Supreme Court of the United States made a decision (in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona) that had to do with free speech, commercial speech, political speech and regulating signs. The Supreme Court of the United States says you can’t regulate speech on signs, but you can regulate their size, you can regulate where they’re placed, you can regulate the material they’re made of, but you can’t regulate what’s located on them. Cities throughout the country have been amending their sign codes to make them enforceable and to make sure we are not regulating the content of the signs,” she said. She also noted commercial speech on signs is not as protected as the personal free speech of individuals. The 45-page ordinance also includes numerous definitions and regulations pertaining to different types of signs, sign allowances and sign prohibitions.

SEE BOAT PARADE, PAGE 10

SEE ORDINANCE, PAGE 12

Christmas on Bridge Street to spotlight holiday boat parade FILE PHOTO

A holiday-decorated boat joins the boat parade in a Christmas past.

A day full of family-friendly activities will include caroling, pictures with Santa and live music on the city pier. BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - The fifth annual Christmas on Bridge Street on Saturday, Dec. 2 will include a holiday boat parade, live music and family-friendly activities. Beginning at 3 p.m., the Strolling Crosley Carolers will sing,

Santa will be available to pose for pictures, and kids can get their faces painted and make ornaments. When the sun goes down, the annual decorated boat parade will begin. The best viewing location for the parade will be on the city pier, where Mike Sales will be hosting music from 6-8 p.m. The boats arrive between 6:30-7:30 p.m. For those who would like to see the parade from the water, two local businesses are accepting passengers on their vessels and donating the proceeds to charity.

CANDY CANE maker uses grandfather's tools to create Christmas magic. 23 Page 33 Anna Maria Island, Florida

The Island’s award-winning weekly newspaper

CHURCHES host Christmas Bethlehem

Walk, Santa visit, holiday shopping. 8 MANATEES head for warmer waters

during Manatee Awareness Month. 25

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2 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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THE SUN

Mayor proposes Reimagining Pine Avenue test corridor The prototype concept requires FDOT approval. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Mayor Dan Murphy proposes creating a one-block Reimagining Pine Avenue test corridor along Pine Avenue, between Gulf Drive and North Shore Drive. Murphy presented his one-block prototype idea to the City Commission on Nov. 16. He noted the city already has a set of previously approved plans for the Pine Avenue portion of the expanded Reimagining Pine Avenue safety improvement project that now includes Spring and Magnolia avenues. The mayor and City Commission recently had a preliminary discussion on the potential safety improvements that could be made along Spring and Magnolia avenues. Those discussions remain ongoing. The commission-approved Pine Avenue plans call for the installation of new brick paver sidewalks along the entire length of both sides of the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The proposed Reimagining Pine Avenue prototype area would extend from Gulf Drive to North Shore Drive. street, new and improved crosswalks and new streetlights. The city’s current 2023-24 fiscal year budget includes $3.3 million for the expanded Pine Avenue project, including $2.69 million in previously approved state appropriations and $283,412 in American Rescue Plan funds. To avoid being subjected to Florida Department of Transportation lighting standards, the city will self-fund the street light installation portion of the project.

When presenting his preliminary one-block prototype concept, Murphy said, “This is a much-needed improvement. Pine Avenue has got to be improved. It just can’t go on the way it is with dirt sidewalks and people in the street. We all know that, but we can at least get a start on Pine Avenue.” He said the proposed prototype area contains all the various nuances and potential challenges that exist at various points along Pine Avenue.

“It has meandering sidewalks. It has straight sidewalks. It has a lack of lighting and it has a lack of crosswalks. All of those things are improvements that we wanted to make,” he said of the proposed prototype area and the safety improvement project as a whole. Murphy said the prototype would serve as a “test drive” for the rest of the street and allow the public to share their likes and dislikes with the initial improvements made while disrupting a smaller portion of the street. “We fix that one block, and you can take a look at it and our constituents can take a look at it. Everybody can see the possibility for the rest of the street,” Murphy said. “The downside of doing what I just suggested is it’s going to cost us a little bit more. I’d have to get FDOT’s approval to do this because they control the pile of money the state has given us.” Murphy said he’d try to get FDOT approval before the commission’s Dec. 7 meeting. If the approval is granted, he’ll present his prototype plan. If

SEE PINE, PAGE 31

4 THE SUN

ISLAND NEWS

Visit our website, www.amisun.com. Scan this code with your smartphone to go there. NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Aquatic harvester purchase pending

IN BRIEF

Operated by city staff, the aquatic harvester would be used to remove floating algae and dead marine life from city waterways. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

AMI ROTARY | SUBMITTED

Rotary names Straights as Business Persons of the Year Ed and Gail Straight of Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Inc. in Bradenton Beach were named winners of the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island’s 2024 Business Persons of the Year. They were recognized for their long-time efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. Accepting on their behalf were, from left, Krista Carpenter and Gale Tedhams.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The building and property at 307 Pine Ave. will become the city’s new public safety headquarters.

City purchases $1 million property The city of Anna Maria has completed its $1 million purchase of the building and property at 307 Pine Ave. The sale closed on Nov. 13. For the past several years, the city has leased the building and used it to house the building department and the public works department office. The building department will return to city hall and the newly-purchased 2,021-square-foot building will become the new headquarters for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department Anna Maria Unit.

Commission to hold second hearing on hotel project Bradenton Beach city commissioners will hold a hearing on the hotel/restaurant/retail project proposed by owners Shawn Kaleta and Jacob Spooner for the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. This is the second hearing following a recommendation for approval by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board. The meeting will be at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

HOLMES BEACH – The city commission has delayed the previously authorized purchase of an aquatic harvester that would remove floating algae, seagrass and dead marine life from residential canals and Sarasota Bay. On Nov. 14, commissioners continued their previous discussion on the harvester purchase and agreed that more information and research are needed before the $137,000 purchase is finalized. During the Nov. 14 meeting, Commission Chair Terry Schaefer noted the harvester purchase has been included in the city budget for two years, but that a purchase order won’t be issued until the city knows for sure whether a permit or permission is needed from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to conduct the desired skimming and water cleaning activities. Public Works Superintendent Sage Kamiya hopes to provide clarity on the FDEP permitting requirements when the commission meets again on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Schaefer said the $137,000 price includes the trailer that would be used to transport the harvester to its launch points and to store the harvester on the public works department property when not in use. In September, the city’s Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee provided the mayor and commissioners with a comparison of two different makes and models of aquatic harvesters: the Aquamarine H5-200 and the Eco Harvester. The Committee, chaired by Ron Huibers, recommended the Aquamarine H5-200 over the Eco Harvester.

CITY OF HOLMES BEACH | SUBMITTED

The Clean Water Committee recommends the city purchase an Aquamarine H5-200 aquatic harvester. When addressing the commission on Nov. 14, Huibers referenced a more familiar construction vehicle and said an aquatic harvester is basically “a Bobcat that floats.” Huibers said the harvester would skim the top foot-and-ahalf of the water and would not disturb the submerged lands below. He said removing dead marine life from city waterways would reduce the harmful nitrogen and phosphorus that discharges into the water during decomposition. “With fish kills, the problem we’ve had in the past is when we leave it sit around, it starts to rot,” Huibers said. “We have to get that stuff collected before it gets in that rotting stage.” Commissioner Carol Soustek asked about the removal of dead marine life, algae, seagrass and other debris from the water. Schaefer said the city’s existing solid waste contractor, Waste Pro, could be contracted at an additional cost to haul away the debris removed by the aquatic harvester. Kamiya said public works personnel would operate the harvester, but a new full-time position would not be created to do so. Mayor Judy Titsworth wants assurance that there’s enough money in the budget to cover the ongoing operational, maintenance and debris removal costs. She requested a cost estimate on those projected expenses.

With fish kills, the problem we’ve had in the past is when we leave it sit around, it starts to rot.” Ron Huibers, Clean Water Committee chair Commissioner Dan Diggins compared the harvester’s ongoing operational and maintenance costs to a city-owned street sweeper. He doesn’t question the need for the harvester, but he feels there are still unanswered questions that need to be answered before the purchase is finalized. Schaefer said due to the cooler weather and cooling water, it’s unlikely there will be another significant algae bloom this fall and winter. He noted the first algae blooms of 2013 occurred in April and he’d like to have the harvester in place, if possible, before the first algae blooms and/or fish kills occur in 2024. The commission will continue the discussion this month.

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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THE SUN

Returning commissioners sworn in Each of the returning Holmes Beach commissioners has already served multiple terms in office. BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – After running unopposed for reelection, Holmes Beach City Commissioners Pat Morton, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek have been sworn in to their new terms in office. City Clerk Stacey Johnston performed the ceremony during the commission’s organizational meeting on Nov. 14. Before swearing the commissioners in for two terms, she said, “This is one of my favorite things to do and we’re so lucky this year because we have a great commission right now and we get to keep them.” Johnston noted that Morton first became a city commissioner in 2003, served until 2020, took a year off and was

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

From left, Holmes Beach Commissioners Terry Schaefer, Carol Soustek and Pat Morton are returning for additional two-year terms in office. reelected in 2021 and 2023. She said that Schaefer’s term will be his third in office and that Soustek was appointed to the commission in 2014 and since then has been elected to four more two-year terms. Soustek also served as the commission chair for the past two years. After the commissioners were sworn in, the board

elected Schaefer to serve as the commission chair, taking over for Soustek, the previous chair, who will now serve as vice-chair. “I accept this role with humility and appreciation. I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Carol for her past two years of leadership,” Schaefer said.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Bradenton Beach commissioners sworn in Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie (top) and Commissioner Janet Vosburgh (above) were sworn in by City Clerk Terri Sanclemente at Bradenton Beach City Hall on Nov. 17. Chappie and Vosburgh ran unopposed and will each serve twoyear terms. Commissioner Jacob Spooner also ran unopposed but did not attend the ceremony; Sanclemente said she would swear him in at a later date.

6 THE SUN

OPINION

The Anna Maria Island Sun 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Phone: 941-778-3986

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The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Owner/CEO Mike Field Editor Cindy Lane General Manager Bob Alexander Reporters/Photographers Joe Hendricks Leslie Lake Jason Schaffer Kristin Swain Columnists Louise Bolger Rusty Chinnis Contributors Steve Borggren Capt. Rick Grassett Isis Mavenyengwa Monica Simpson Tom Vaught Anne Yarbrough Layout Ricardo Fonseca Digital Editor Kristin Swain Advertising Director Shona Otto Advertising Assistant Pamela Lee Classifieds Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Distribution Bob Alexander Connor Field Tony McNulty Brian Smith Accounting Leslie Ketchum Co-founding publishers Mike Field Maggie McGinley Field Family-owned since 2000

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a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

EVENTS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29

Bird songs of the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Indigenous People of Florida: Unconquered to the Present Day, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Florida’s First People, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 2 p.m. Christmas in the Garden, a Celebration of Lights & Music, Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 5-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31

THURSDAY, NOV. 30

Green Explorers: Feathered Friends, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 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, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 1

Mistletoe Market, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Paper Crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House, AMI Chamber, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 5 p.m.

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SATURDAY, DEC. 2

Mistletoe Market, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon Holly Berry Market, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rummage sale, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. to noon Ask a Master Gardener, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Lester Family Fun Day, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, 11 a.m. Paper Crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Christmas on Bridge Street, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 2 p.m. Bradenton Beach Boat Parade, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 3

Rummage sale, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach, 9 a.m. to noon Bethlehem Walk, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 6 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 4

Marine Heritage of Manatee County, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 5

Farmer’s Market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

One-on-one tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 2-4 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 7

Creature Feature: Orb Weaver Spider, Neal Preserve, 12301 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m. to noon Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 8

Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Mah-jongg for experienced players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Santa Stops Here!, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 4-5:30 p.m. Holiday Walk of Treasures, Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 9

Mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon AMI Privateers Annual Holiday Parade, starts at Coquina Beach travelling north to Pine Avenue in Anna Maria along Gulf and Marina drives, 10 a.m. Party for children with Santa to follow at City Field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

THE SUN

ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Dec. 7, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Dec. 15, all day – Last day for City Commission candidate applications Dec. 22, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday

BRADENTON BEACH

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

Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Dec. 7, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Dec. 21, noon – City Commission meeting

HOLMES BEACH

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

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting Dec. 6, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Dec. 12, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Dec. 13, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

Dec. 4, 9 a.m. – Manatee County Tourist Development Council meeting, The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria

8 THE SUN

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HOLIDAY BRIEFS Journey to Bethlehem this holiday season Come to Roser Memorial Community Church on Sunday, Dec. 3 to join the annual Bethlehem Walk and discover the story of Jesus’s birth in a fun, interactive way. Everyone is invited to choose a costume in the fellowship hall before the event to dress as an angel, wise man/woman or even a shepherd to join Mary and Joseph as they journey through the streets of Anna Maria seeking a room for the night where the Christ child can be born. Attendees will be joined by live animals and carolers leading songs as the group makes the journey of about one block, ending back at Roser for cookies and cocoa to celebrate the season. Everyone is asked to bring a flashlight as it will be dusk when the walk begins at 6 p.m. Roser is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. Cancellations due to weather will be posted at www.roserchurch.com.

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Shop the Mistletoe Market

both days from 9 a.m. to noon to find a one-of-a-kind special treasure just in time for the holidays. Donations also are being accepted for the February rummage sales on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon at the rear of the Parish Center. Donations of furniture and large electronics are not accepted. For more information, contact Mary Ann at 941-545-7492 or Mary at 941-2126474.

Work on your holiday shopping on Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Mistletoe Market in the parking lot behind the Roser Church sanctuary from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market features arts, crafts and other artisans. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good to benefit the Roser Food Pantry to help the less fortunate this holiday season. There also will be an art raffle with tickets at $1 each. For more information, visit www. daniellesblueribbonevents.com.

Have pancakes with Santa Santa is taking a break from his duties at the North Pole to come down to Anna Maria Island for a very special pancake breakfast at St. Bernard Catholic Church. The event is open to the public and takes place on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at the church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. A donation of $10 per person is requested. Children under 5 eat free.

Shop the Holly Berry Bazaar CINDY LANE | SUN

Find treasure at St. Bernard The St. Bernard Women’s Guild is hosting a rummage sale the weekend of Dec. 2-3. Come out to the church at 248 S. Harbor Drive in Holmes Beach

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation is hosting its annual Holly Berry Bazaar just in time for the holidays. Have a pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m., get your photo taken with St. Nicholas, travel the popular cookie walk to get homemade treats and shop for one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find anywhere else. The bazaar is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with ample free parking onsite. There also will be unique gift boxes to be raffled. The fun takes place on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the church, 4408 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

VOTED BRADENTON'S BEST! Find your nearest location at OysterBar.net

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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THE SUN

Anna Maria welcomes new code enforcement manager David DeZutter is the city of Anna Maria’s new code enforcement manager. Mayor Dan Murphy introduced DeZutter to the city commission on Nov. 16. DeZutter succeeds former code enforcement manager Sandy Olson. JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Holmes Beach welcomes new public works foreman Jessie Camburn is the city of Holmes Beach’s new Public Works Department foreman. Public Works Superintendent Sage Kamiya introduced Camburn to the city commission on Nov. 14. Camburn and his wife, Caroline, recently relocated from Idaho.

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County increasing impact fees On Nov. 14, Manatee County commissioners unanimously voted to charge the full 100% of applicable impact fees levied on new construction in unincorporated areas of Manatee County - those not located within the boundaries of a chartered city or governed by a city government. Commissioner Mike Rahn made the motion directing county staff and the county attorney to begin increasing to 100% the impact fees previously levied at 90-100% of the total possible impact fee. According to a press release issued by the county, “Manatee County collects impact fees to pay for multimodal transportation (includ-

ing new roads), parks and natural resources, law enforcement and public safety equipment and libraries. Impact fees are restricted to funding growthrelated capital improvements and may not be used for replacing infrastructure, maintenance or operations. Demand for county infrastructure capacity is increased with construction, so impact fees ensure that new development pays its fair share of the capital cost incurred by the county to maintain adopted levels of service to accommodate population and job growth. This marks the first time that the impact fees have been at the 100% threshold in over a decade.”

BOAT PARADE: Christmas on Bridge Street FROM PAGE 1 For boaters who would like to join in the boat parade, entry is free and open to both powerboats and sailboats. The downloadable entry form is available at lovebradentonbeach.com. Parade participants must attend a mandatory captain’s meeting on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bridge Street Pier.

Judges will be randomly selected from the crowd at the city pier. Vessels can win a cash prize in one of two categories: Best Decorated Vessel or Most Enthusiastic Vessel. Christmas on Bridge Street attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item and help “Stuff the Truck” for the Manatee Food Bank.

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Roser Church

“...a beautiful place to explore your faith...”

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

IN PERSON • in the Sanctuary Nursery • Children’s Church ONLINE • Watch LIVE or LATER

RoserChurch.com

Sign up to receive the eBulletin at RoserChurch.com/contact-us The CHAPEL is open during office hours for prayer and meditation 941-778-0414 • 512 Pine Ave, Anna Maria • FOLLOW us on Facebook @RoserChurch

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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THE SUN

Paving, street marking contracts approved The street resurfacing is a continuation of previously completed work and the pavement markings have not been updated in many years.

PAVEMENT MARKING

BY JOE HENDRICKS

SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners recently approved a contract with Superior Asphalt to mill and resurface various streets and roads throughout the city. The total cost of the work approved on Nov. 14 is not to exceed $324,307. The commission also approved a contract with McShea Contracting for pavement marking services. The total cost of the pavement marking is not to exceed $203,281. The contract with Superior Asphalt doesn’t name the specific city streets to be milled and resurfaced, nor does the bid proposal that the company submitted in response to the invitation to bid that the city issued in September. Superior Asphalt’s bid proposal does include the estimated number of square yards to be milled and resurfaced. The proposal estimates 17,619 square yards of S-3 Friction Course asphalt will be laid down at a thickness of 1.5 inches and 375 yards of S-1 Structure Course asphalt will be laid down at a thickness of 3 inches. The Superior Asphalt bid proposal notes Turtle Infrastructure Partners will be subcontracted for the preresurfacing milling work that includes removing the top inch and a half of existing pavement and milling the pavement edges. The bid proposal estimates 2,500 square yards of existing pavement will be milled down

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

The pavement markings and striping along Marina Drive will be upgraded. at a depth of 1.5 inches and 3,788 square yards of edge milling will be performed.

STREET SELECTION

During the Nov. 14 meeting, Public Works Superintendent Sage Kamiya explained how the specific areas to be milled and resurfaced will be selected. Kamiya said the new contract is a continuation of previous street resurfacing done by Superior Asphalt. “We think we can probably do about 10 roads. We’re going to need to give them those specific locations. That’s why there’s not a specific list here. Some of that will depend on how the dollar goes. There is a limit in their contract, so we won’t exceed that. It’s a one-year contract. It could be extended up to two years. One of the things we run into with resurfacing is the cost of pavement is based on oil (prices) and that fluctuates a little

bit. In the good, we can do more. In the not-so-good, we do less. We did include a $20,000 adjustment to make sure we make the best use of this request for proposals,” he said. Kamiya said the city has used Superior Asphalt for the past two years and their working relationship dates back several years. “They’ve done good by us. It’s a great relationship. We’re looking forward to continuing it,” he said. Kamiya said the Superior Asphalt bid was the lowest in terms of price and the most appropriate overall. He said the milling and resurfacing work will be funded by half-cent sales tax revenues the city receives from the county. “You gave us the money to take care of the roads so we’re going to do it before it (the price) goes up,” Kamiya said.

According to the pavement marking bid proposal submitted by McShea Contracting, the pavement will be marked in the following areas: • Gulf Drive from East Bay Drive to White Avenue – approximately 2.8 miles; • Marina Drive from Palm Drive to 56th Street – approximately 0.5 miles; • Palm Drive from Gulf Drive to Marina Drive – approximately 0.7 miles. According to the invitation to bid issued by the city, “This contract intends to remove existing pavement markings and replace with thermoplastic paint striping, RPMs (raised pavement markers) and pavement markings for approximately 4 miles of public streets.” The pavement markings will include new center lines, edge markings, reflective markers down the center of the roads, bike lane striping and repainting the faded crosswalk markings. When discussing the pavement marking contract with the city commission, Kamiya said, “This is a little bit of a newer conversation. We’ve not specifically talked about putting markings on the roadway. There are national guidelines and some local requirements for us to make sure we maintain the pavement markings. Kamiya said he wasn’t sure when the pavement markers were last maintained, but it’s been a long time. “A lot of the reflectors in the middle of the road are gone,” he said. Kamiya noted that Gulf Drive and Marina Drive are the most traveled roads in the city and the thermoplastic striping material has an estimated life of three to seven years.

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Shop at Hurricane Liquors to earn discounts at Fifty Three Fifty and Hurricane Hanks

12 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Non-profit funding application period beginning The 2024-25 application period for non-profit agencies interested in applying for human resources grants to assist Manatee County residents will open on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements below: • Serve residents of Manatee County; • Be recognized as a Florida corporation; • Be tax-exempt per the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3); • Provide proof of sufficient insurance coverage;

• Provide financial audit or compilation by an independent auditor certified in Florida. Informational meetings on the application process will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Chamber of Commerce, 4215 Concept Court and on Friday, Dec. 8, at 9:30 a.m. at the Public Safety Center, 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton. RSVP by emailing healthservices@mymanatee.org. The deadline for applications is

Wednesday, Jan. 24. For children’s services applications, contact Kristi Hagen at 941-748-4501, ext. 3485. For adult services applications, contact Chris Handy-Honeycutt at 941-748-4501, ext. 3677. For healthcare services applications, contact Thu Le at 941-748-4501, ext. 8173. Children’s Services categories include: • Early Care and Education; • Food and Shelter;

• Mental and Physical Health; • Special Needs; • Stabilizing Families and Parent Education; • Youth Development and Success. Adult Services categories include: • Adult healthcare and public health; • Adult mental and behavioral health, including substance use disorder; • Adult homeless services.

ORDINANCE: Amended to protect free speech FROM PAGE 1 AMENDMENT SPECIFICS

The proposed sign ordinance includes several “whereas” clauses pertaining to free speech protections. One clause notes that one intent of the amended ordinance is to reaffirm that the city’s sign standards and regulations are not designed to censor speech or regulate the viewpoint of the sign’s message. Another clause notes that until 2015, federal court opinions were not clear

as to what constituted content-based sign regulations versus contentneutral sign regulations. That question was clarified in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona case in which the U.S. Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of a local sign ordinance that had different criteria for different types of temporary, noncommercial signs. “The city recognizes that in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, the Supreme Court held that content-based regulation is presumptively unconstitutional,”

one clause in the Holmes Beach sign ordinance states. Another clause notes that the case clarified that municipalities still have the authority to enact and enforce reasonable sign regulations that are not content-based, including the regulation of sign size, the locations in which signs may be placed, rules that distinguish between freestanding signs and those attached to buildings, between lighted and unlighted signs, between signs with fixed messages and electronic signs with messages

that change, between the placement of signs on private and public property, between the placement of signs on commercial and residential property, between on-premises and off-premises signs, rules restricting the total number of signs allowed per mile of roadway and rules imposing time restrictions on signs advertising a one-time event. Additional clauses reference several other examples of case law pertaining to sign regulations.

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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THE SUN

Roads to be closed for paving

As part of an ongoing sewer improvement project in Bradenton Beach, several roads will be closed for paving through Tuesday, Dec. 12. On 11th Street South, work will continue through Friday, Dec. 1 and from Monday, Dec. 11 through Tuesday, Dec. 12. On 12th Street South and 13th Street South, work will continue from Monday, Dec. 4 through Friday, Dec. 8 and from Monday, Dec. 11 through Tuesday, Dec. 12. During the street closures, vehicular traffic, including the use of golf carts, will be prohibited and residents should park in the reserved parking area on the west side of Gulf Drive South. Residents and renters may obtain parking hangtags from the Allied Security personnel in the reserved parking area.

Final decision on tram contract expected The Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss whether to renew the Old Town Tram contract after it expires next month. Also on the agenda is approval for two invoices from Coastal Engineering in the amounts of $9,618.75 and $33,683. The meeting will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

‛S Y WHERE

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14 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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THE SUN

Santa at Lester Family Fun Day

Santa Claus is coming to town for the 21st Lester Family Fun Day at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Chuck and Joey Lester once again are generously sponsoring the day of old-fashioned fun for kids and adults. The free family fun in-

cludes pony rides, face painting, crafts, inflatables and food. The Manatee High School drumline continues their traditional performance at the Fun Day. All of the music and fun leads up to the arrival of Santa at noon. Santa will be ready to hear the holiday wishes of Island kids,

big and small. With a helicopter overhead, golf balls will drop at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria, at 2 p.m. The 50/50 raffle golf ball drop closes out this year’s event. Balls for the drop are $50 each or three for $100.

Business card exchange brings bright smiles From left, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce members John Lappin (Concord Home Mortgage) and Debra Arrigall-Watkins (IMG Academy) were given a tour of Urgent Dental Care by General Manager Tabitha Hughes and Assistant Manager Rebecca Tindell at the chamber’s Nov. 16 business card exchange sponsored by Urgent Dental Care, 1906 59th St. W., in Bradenton.

Tree lighting, open house on Friday A Holmes Beach holiday tradition returns on Friday, Dec. 1 with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s annual Tree Lighting and Holmes Beach Open House from 5-8 p.m. The CrossPointe Fellowship Family will sing holiday tunes and revelers can visit with Santa on his sleigh in the Chamber’s parking lot, 5313 Gulf Drive. The tree lighting begins at 6 p.m., followed by the Holiday Open House, when Holmes Beach businesses in the area offer extended shopping hours until at least 8 p.m. Refreshments and music will be offered at many nearby shops, including the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island gallery, which will host a "Paint-a-Round." Artists will pass a painting around and add to it one by one. The painting will go to the winner of a raffle to benefit the Guild.

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Commission approves lot split request The Anna Maria City Commission unanimously approved a request on Nov. 16 to subdivide an existing residential property at 406 North Shore Drive. The property, owned by SWM Realty LLC, has a single-story duplex that will be demolished. The subdivision creates two buildable lots that can each accommodate a single-family residential structure. City staff and the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the code-compliant request. During public input, Anna Maria resident John Kolojeski said he knows the duplex’s previous owner and asked the commission if the duplex’s relatively new appliances and furnishings could

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This duplex on North Shore Drive will be demolished to make room for two single-family residential structures. be removed before demolition and be donated to a charitable organization. Representing the property owner, attorney Taylor Falkner said she would relay Kolojeski’s request.

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18 THE SUN

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Once moss, now art

SUN CORRESPONDENT

Taylor Robison, owner of Pilea Plants & Things, showed teen art club members at the Island Branch Library how to turn moss into works of art recently. The event was free thanks to the Friends of the Library sponsorship. Those in attendance got to create moss art and take it home in a frame. All the moss is edible, although Robison does not recommend it because the moss is dyed with vibrant colors of bright yellow and orange, since most moss found in nature is brown and green. Moss is a simple plant that doesn't need much maintenance compared to other plants. It is usually found in damp areas of land, soaking up rainfall and helping maintain moisture in the soil. For the activity, Taylor provided moss, edible flowers like forget-me-nots, rose petals and tacky glue. Attendees were free to glue the flowers on the moss as desired. Robison quit her job in marketing while working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. When she became pregnant with her daughter and the office reopened, she decided to take advice from her friends and family and start her own business. Last fall, she got her trailer, which became Florida's first mobile plant shop and bar. Robison’s next pop-up event will be at the Holiday Market at UTC on Friday, Dec. 1 from 4-9 p.m. Visit her Instagram at @pileaplantsandthings.

SUBMITTED

Taylor Robison, of Pilea Plants & Things, taught a class in moss art at the library. Right, finished pieces employed flower petals as decorations.

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20 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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Local musician in Manatee Community Concert Band TERRI EDMUND

SUN CORRESPONDENT

CORTEZ – When Osten Eschedor visited her grandparents in Cortez every Christmas as a child, she didn’t imagine playing flute with this season’s Manatee Community Concert Band (MCCB). She’s one of the youngest members of the band, moving here after COVID-19 hit her hard with forced online classes and a scary school shooting. But most devastating to her was a traumatic brain injury she incurred after hitting a deer on a rural Michigan road. “I felt taking time off was the best decision for me, so I moved here to help my dad with home repairs and spend time healing my head on the beach,” she said. Besides the band, Osten works at the Bridge Street Bazaar in Bradenton Beach, stitches with the Sunshine Stitchers in Holmes Beach and plays music on the porch at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. She also plays flute in Revolutionary War reenactments.

SUBMITTED

The Manatee Community Concert Band’s next performance will be Saturday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at Neel Auditorium in Bradenton. When State College of Florida (SCF) partnered with the band, another Michigan native, band director Lynn Cleary, was on board. “I was told to report for rehearsal in the band room at SCF, and I could not believe the board had worked it out,” Cleary said. “The SCF campus is the perfect central location to rehearse and perform, with endless possibilities of recruiting student musicians to join the ensemble.” Soon after cementing the partnership, COVID-19 hit. In-person

rehearsals and performances were off the table. Before the SCF campus reopened, Cleary learned to stage virtual ensembles and organized practices in Palmetto’s Sutton Park band shelter. “It really was fun, all the mosquitoes and the humidity,” she says of rebuilding the band during the pandemic. Now, about 70 strong, members range in age and skill level from junior high to lifelong professional musicians and educators - a combined 2,100 years of music experience.

Non-student members pay $50 dues per year. Students join for free. For information, email director.manateeconcertband@gmail.com. Buy $15 tickets at www.manateeconcertband.org. Upcoming performances are at SCF’s Neel Auditorium, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. • Holiday Gathering – Saturday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m.; • Music: The Language of Love – Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, 3 p.m.; • Let’s Set the Stage – Saturday, April 6, 2024, 7 p.m.

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Peter Vriner uses his grandfather’s 1898 recipe and equipment to make candy canes. BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – In his demonstration of a 125-year-old candy cane-making technique, it was hard to tell who was having more fun, the candy maker, Peter Vriner, or the delighted spectators. Vriner on Friday night at The Fudge Factory recreated the recipe and techniques created by his grandfather, Peter Vrinios, in 1898. Vrinios, who changed the family name to Vriner, owned Vriner’s Confectionary in Champaign, Illinois. “I started rolling canes when I was about 5 years old at my grandfather’s shop,” Vriner said. The shop closed in 1997, and when Vriner moved to Florida in 2004, he couldn’t bear to leave the candymaking equipment behind. “I didn’t know what I was going to do with a 1,000-pound marble table, copper kettles and gas burners, but I didn’t want to drop the tradition, so I brought it all with me,” he said. He approached Ben Kaminecki at the Fudge Factory in 2004 and asked if he would be interested in working as a team on the candy canes during the holiday season. “He said yes and we’ve been partners ever since,” Vriner said. On Friday, Vriner prepared the mixture in the same copper kettle used by his grandfather. When it had reached 400 degrees, it was time to pour the amber-colored molten liquid onto the marble slab, which cools the mixture. Assisted in the cane production by his wife, Tamela Behm-Vrinios, Ted Berg and Melissa Delaney, each had a role to play in a process that had the precision of a well-oiled machine. Vriner and Berg carefully lifted the kettle and slowly poured out the hot mixture, watching as it spread in a thin layer across the marble. “Who believes this is going to be candy canes?” a smiling Vriner asked the spectators. When it came time to add peppermint oil to the mixture, he warned spectators that the aroma would be strong. “I call this peppermint tear gas,” Vriner said, as his eyes watered from the fumes. With precise practiced motions, he then turned the amber mixture with a spatula until he had a partially firm ball of candy. He then gave a section of the candy to Delaney, who added green coloring, and

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Peter Vriner stirs the mixture to create his traditional candy canes.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Peter Vriner and Ted Berg pour the candy mixture onto a marble slab in preparation to create candy canes.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Peter Vriner turns the 400-degree candy cane mixture.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

From left, Ted Berg and Peter Vriner form and cut the candy cane mixture. LESLIE LAKE | SUN

Peter Vriner pulls the candy cane mixture on a hook. to Behm-Vrinios, who added red coloring. The remainder of the candy was hung on a hook to be pulled. “The oxygen from the pulling is what turns it white,” Behm-Vrinios said. Mixing the red and green sections into the white, Vriner turned and rolled the candy by hand. Spectators stopped at the Fudge Factory window to watch him energetically create thinly-rolled striped candy canes. The rolled pieces were cut by Behm-Vrinios and Delaney, bent into hook shapes, and then placed on trays to fully cool. “No two canes are alike,” Vriner said. Vriner said he will be making candy canes at the Fudge Factory, 117 Bridge St., every weekend evening until about a week before Christmas.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

From left, Peter Vriner, Tamela Behm-Vrinios, Melissa Delaney and Ted Berg show the finished product.

24 THE SUN

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NOVEMBER 29, 2023

The FWC reminds boaters to be careful around manatees.

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THE SUN

Go slow, look out below

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to watch out for manatees traveling to warmer waters. Manatees need to access water that is warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive the winter. As temperatures start to dip in the fall, manatees travel to Florida springs, power plant discharge areas and other warm-water sites to winter until temperatures rise again in the spring, according to the FWC. The manatee, previously on the endangered species list and now a threatened species, is under consideration for the endangered list again. The marine mammals can be challenging to see in the water, despite their size. “Boaters and watercraft operators can better spot manatees by wearing polarized glasses, going slow and abiding by all posted manatee protection zones,” according to the FWC website. “During colder months, seasonal manatee zones require boaters and personal watercraft users to reduce speed in or avoid certain areas to prevent collisions that can injure or kill manatees.” Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs; maps of these zones are available online at MyFWC.com/MPZ. “Boat strikes are a major threat to Florida manatees and FWC law enforcement

SAVE THE MANATEE | SUBMITTED

CINDY LANE | SUN

CONNOR FIELD | SUN

Manatees at the Manatee Viewing Center at the Tampa Electric power plant in Apollo Beach seek the warm water from the plant’s outflow during the winter months. Above left, a mom and calf; above right, a baby manatee; top right, a barnacled manatee. officers patrol state waters, educating boaters about seasonal manatee speed zones and taking appropriate enforcement actions when necessary,” according to the FWC website. “Boaters and personal watercraft users are reminded to comply with the regulatory signs on waterways.” Manatees are a protected species and it is illegal to harass, feed, disturb or harm them. Disturbing manatees at

warm-water sites can cause them to swim out of protected areas and into potentially life-threatening cold water. If you see an injured, distressed, sick or dead manatee, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) so that trained responders can assist. Do not try to physically handle an injured or sick manatee yourself, which can cause more harm to the animal and potentially put

you at risk of serious injury, according to the FWC.

MANATEE TIPS

• Obey posted signs for manatee slow-speed zones. • Wear polarized sunglasses. • If you observe a manatee mating herd - several manatees gathered as males vie to mate with a female - watch from at least 100 feet away. Coming any closer might disrupt the mating or endanger you; adult manatees

typically weigh more than 1,000 pounds. • Never feed or water manatees as they will become habituated to people, which could put them at risk of injury. • Stow trash and line when underway. Marine debris that blows overboard can become ingested by or entangled around manatees. • Report stranded or dead manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404FWCC (3922).

26 THE SUN

OUTDOORS

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Reel Time on The Road: Andros North Bight Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS

“S

trip, long strip, stop, short strip, stop, strip,” Harry Neymour called out as I watched the bonefish home in on my fly. Neymour had spotted three fish as they hunted a shoreline in the Dressing Room, a vast shallow mangrove-lined bay on Andros North Bight. The experience I’ve gained over the years combined with the coaching paid off as I lowered the tip of my rod to the water’s surface and set the hook with a short strip strike. The bonefish accelerated immediately, causing the fly line to create a rooster-tail of water as it headed for the perceived safety of deeper water. I instinctively took my eyes off the fish, separated my hands and concentrated on clearing the line

that lay at my feet on the deck. As the line disappeared through the guides, I guided it onto the reel and gave two more sharp jabs of the rod to make sure the barbless hook was secure. In what seemed like a split second, the fish was on the reel and deep into the backing on its first scorching run. After the first run of 100 yards, the bonefish turned and raced back towards the boat faster than I could recover line. I dipped the rod into the water so the tension would prevent the hook from coming loose and reeled as fast as I could. After catching up and having the fish on the reel again, I marveled as it made three more runs, each progressively shorter than the last but still strong and fast. Then I was able to work the fish back to the boat where my fishing partner Bill Partridge lifted it from the water for a quick picture and release. This was the fourth day of a six-day fishing trip that had an inauspicious beginning. We had departed the Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport on a

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Anna Maria’s Bill Partridge with an average Andros bonefish he caught fishing the Dressing Room with Harry Neymour. Makers Air flight as a disturbance approached that would generate one of the heaviest rainfall events in the last 11 years. The approaching weather made for a bumpy ride and landing, causing cloudy skies and high winds for the first two days of our trip. We

were staying at Frankie’s Two Boys Inn on the edge of North Andros’s legendary North Bight. It was here on Cargill Creek at Bering Point where some of the first anglers chased bonefish with a fly rod and where the Bahamian guide and inventor of the Crazy Charlie lived and fished. The Nemours are an extended family of guides that are regarded as some of the Bahamas’ best and my experience fishing with Frankie and his nephew, Harry, bore that out. We had planned on fishing for six days because, in my almost three decades of fishing in the Bahamas, it was routine to have at least two days of weather, clouds and/or wind that resulted in poor fishing. This trip was no different and I didn’t even make a cast for the first two days. That all changed on the third day when fishing with Frankie Neymour. As the conditions and the fish settled down and the skies cleared, we estimated

SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 27

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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THE SUN

REEL TIME: On the road Michigan visitor hooks first tripletail on fly

FROM PAGE 26

that Partridge and I each caught 15 bonefish, including several doubles. The next day we fished again with Frankie Neymour with similar results in places like Charlie Alley and Bight Landing. On that day I caught my largest bonefish (7 pounds) while wading a point as school after school of bones departed the adjacent bay in waves. On the last two days, we sight-fished with Harry Neymour, who put us on singles, doubles and trios of fish that required a well-placed fly and a nuanced presentation, my all-time favorite type of fishing. Harry is quickly surpassing the prowess of his father, Charlie, and Uncle Frankie with the energy of a new generation perfecting their style of angling. Andros, the largest and least populated of the Bahamian archipelago, boasts some of the largest bonefish (November-February) to be found anywhere. Frankie’s Two Boys Inn is quickly becoming one of my favorite bonefishing haunts. It’s one of the most reasonably priced lodges in the Bahamas, is a short run to fishing, and boasts one of the most expansive areas to explore. You must pay for your liquor, make your lunch and fish maybe one hour less a day, but at half the price of most lodges it’s the best deal and fishing I’ve found in almost three decades of pursuing the grey ghost. To book a trip, visit Frankie’s Two Boys Inn at http://twoboysinn.com. If you are a flyfisher and haven’t fished for bonefish, you have one of angling’s greatest adventures to look forward to!

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT

Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had good action with a variety of species in Sarasota recently. Gene Christie and Lynn Platt, of Sarasota, fished Sarasota Bay with me and had good action catching and releasing trout, bluefish and pompano on CAL jigs with shad tails. Dave Wahl, of Parrish, also got in on the action with a fly, catching and releasing trout and bluefish on Clouser flies. Barney Naylor and Scott Carpenter, of Michigan, also had good fly fishing action, catching and releasing trout and blues in Sarasota Bay and tripletail in the coastal Gulf of Mexico. Tripletail and false albacore may be a good option in the coastal Gulf depending on conditions. Look for reds in skinny water and snook around dock lights. Deep grass flats are usually a good option for action for trout and seasonal species such as pompano, blues and Spanish mackerel.

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

Barney Naylor, of Michigan, with his first tripletail on a fly caught and released in the coastal Gulf while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett recently. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides and other algae blooms fueled by residential, industrial and agricultural runoff, toxic spills

and intentional releases, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!

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SPORTS

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Wright coaches aces at The Center BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – Like many others, Cody Wright’s journey to Anna Maria Island started with a visit. Wright, originally from Lake Wales, moved to Bradenton in 2010 and fell in love with the Island with his first trip over the bridge. Wright said, “I told myself I would eventually move out here and I finally did in 2018.” Bringing with him his passion for tennis and developing players, Wright is co-developer of The Center of Anna Maria Island Drinks and Dinks pickleball program, as well as the new youth tennis program. Wright’s tennis career started at the ripe old age of four when he picked up a racket at the Grenelefe Golf and Tennis Resort in Haines City. There, Joy Macci, then wife of Rick Macci, became his first tennis coach. Having a natural gift for the sport, Wright’s father enjoyed playing tennis and wanted his son to play. His natural athletic ability and experience with tumbling and other sports helped the son of professional water skiers channel his skills to tennis. Tournament play started for Wright in elementary school. By 10 years old he was traveling the state playing tennis. Like many, Wright enjoyed watching and looked up to professional tennis

player Andre Agassi, and worked to improve his game to a professional level, taking the conventional development route of playing at the junior level, in college and eventually playing post-collegiate professional tennis. “I did play some pro tourneys and had some good wins,” Wright modestly states. Reaching the top 50 in singles and top 10 in doubles while playing in college, as well as a few good wins at professional tournaments, highlights his competitive tennis career. Wright said, “After that, I went into coaching immediately.” Finding his way to IMG Academy as an intern during the recession, Wright was offered a full-time instructor position, setting the stage for his career as a professional tennis coach. After a stint at Saddlebrook Academy in Tampa, where Wright was the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) program director, he needed a change. A fateful bike ride on the north end of Anna Maria Island brought Wright to The Center. Wright recalls thinking, "... how perfect the setup was with the courts, gym, soccer field, etc.” He contacted the former recreation director at The Center about bringing his coaching skills to the community center and he has been an asset ever since. WTA players, ranging from 300-

1,000 in the world, trained with Wright at The Center, along with a player that was ranked top 20 in the world in junior rankings. Most recently, his players include a male player ranked 250 on tour, as well as a top 30 nationally ranked 16 and under junior player. “I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by and coach some worldclass players and it’s cool to see them develop throughout the years,” Wright said. “Out of that group in Tampa, four of the girls have participated in Grand Slams around the world.” While he has no desire to play competitively any longer, he will hit in with the players he trains "... and play some points from time to time,” Wright said. Pivoting with his tennis coaching talents, Wright’s time with Center pickleball keeps Islanders active and social, a winning combination. He is also focusing on developing young tennis players on The Center’s hardcourts. The “Future Aces Youth Tennis Program” utilizes the coaching skills and experience of Wright for four weeks on the community center courts starting on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Filling a youth activity need that has not been readily available on the Island, Wright is offering 45-minute tennis lesson sessions from 5-5:45

p.m. Starting the program once a week, he said, “My idea is to offer (the program) up to three times per week, which we will build up to.” Wright’s main goal of the program is to give “… kids the opportunity to start playing tennis and see if they enjoy it.” His dream is to develop an Island athlete to the professional ranks. “I’ve traveled and lived abroad. I’ve traveled in the states. The island is the first place other than my hometown that has felt like home,” he said. With that, Wright has embraced the community that he describes as “epic.” Giving back and loyalty to the community are the Island attributes that made him call Anna Maria home. “I really couldn’t ask for a better setup as a coach,” Wright said about The Center. “When I tell other coaches about my setup, they almost don’t believe it.” As a tennis professional, he will continue to help players reach their goals and will continue to seek out projects with top players who hope to play at the Grand Slam level. His local goals involve building a tennis program at The Center for youth and adults of all ages and continuing to assist with the pickleball program. “I just hope to help the island flourish, in whatever capacity,” he said. “I love this place and I want it to remain one of the true gems of Florida.”

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

CENTER NOTES Lester Family Fun Day

Enjoy the 21st Annual Lester Family Fun Day on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. Join the holiday fun with pony rides, face painting, crafts, inflatables and more. Food will include Duffy’s burgers and hot dogs, and ice cream from Small Town Creamery. Santa will arrive at noon. At 2 p.m. the winner of the 50/50 raffle golf ball drop will be announced. Balls are $50 each or three for $100. The closest ball to the hole or the ball that lands in the hole first will win half of the pot.

Flower arranging Learn how to make your own stunning fresh flower arrangement from Sophie with Mindful Blooms Farm on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from

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6:30-8 p.m. The cost is $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Register by Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Youth Fundamentals in Photography Workshop Kids will have fun and learn how to take cool pictures with cameras or smartphones in this fun and informative workshop taught by Jim Rimi, Island resident and professional photographer, on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Open to 3rd to 9th grade students, the cost is $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Register by Wednesday, Dec. 6. To register for Center programs or for more information, email Morgan Blackburn at customerservice@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908. For questions, email Monica Simpson at culture@ centerami.org.

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Key Royale golfers score a cool fall NOV. 2 - (SCRAMBLE-SHAMBLE COMBO WITH A PAR OF 38)

First Place Team - Leigh Brattain, Dom Livedoti, Mike Riddick and Bill Shuman, 36, 2 under par

NOV. 6 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD

First Place - Nelson Eagle, +7 Second Place - John Kolojeski, +4 Third Place - Ron Buck, +3

NOV. 7 - LOW NET SCORE

Flight A First Place - Jana Samuels, 31 Second Place - Jenny Huibers and Margrit Layh tied, 32 Flight B First Place - Marilyn Niewik, 31 Second Place - Annette Hall, 33

NOV. 9 - SCRAMBLE

First Place Team - Leigh Brattain, Eric Lawson, Diane and Fred Miller, 29, 3 under par

NOV. 13 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD

First Place - Art McMillan, +5 Second Place - Herb Clauhs, +4

Third Place - Rod Hammos and Dave Richardson tied, +3

NOV. 14 - "LADIES PLAY WITH FRIES DAY" - BEST TEAM AVERAGE SCORE

First Place Team - Ann Hackinson, Jenny Huibers, Monica Lawson and Terry Taylor, 44.4 Second Place Team - Jean Holmes, Janet Razze and Jana Samuels, 46.33 Third Place Team - Margrit Layh, Terry Westby and Mary Wilkie, 46.66 Low putts won by Gloria LaDue and Sharon Tarras with 13. Sharon Tarras had a birdie on hole #3 while Terry Westby had a chip-in on hole #7 and Joyce Lathrup had the same on hole #4.

NOV. 16 - SCRAMBLE/SHAMBLE COMBO WITH A PAR OF 52

First Place Team - Jim Goff, Jenny and Ron Huibers, 48, 4 under par Second Place Team - Brian Comer, Mike Gillie and Bob Rowley, 50, 2 under par

NOV. 20 - MODIFIED STABLEFORD

First Place - Roger Rottschafer, +6 Second Place - Cliff Lanning, +5 Third Place - Marty Hicks, Art McMillan, Jim Menzies and Larry Pippel tied, +4

TUESDAY, NOV. 2 - LOW NET SCORE

Flight A First Place - Barb Rickey, 30 Second Place - Jenny Huibers, 32 Third Place - Lia Dorsey, Marcia Friesen and Mary Wilkie tied, 33 Flight B First Place - Roxanne Koche and Judy Menchek tied, 34 Second Place - Carol Patterson, 35 Third Place - Jana Samuels, 36 Lisa Edmos had a chip-in on Hole # 3 but the stat of the day was two birdies by Marcia Friesen on Holes #3 and #6.

FRESH BEACH DINING SINCE 1993 Scan to see our menu 200 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, FL beachhousedining.com

30 THE SUN

BEACH BEAT HOLMES BEACH 11/16, 7:32 a.m., trespass warning, 3007 Gulf Drive. The officer was dispatched to The Anchor Inn bar. Upon arrival, the officer met with the bartender, who pointed to a customer at the bar he wished to have trespassed. The officer told the male subject he was being trespassed and would need to leave the bar immediately. According to the officer’s report, the subject was respectful and cooperative, leaving the bar without incident.

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11/18, 12:55 a.m., trespassing, 4000 Gulf Drive. While on patrol at Manatee Beach, the officer observed a white vehicle parked in the public parking lot well after the closing time of 10 p.m. The vehicle was recognized by the officer from multiple interactions with officers in the past. The female subject driving the car was told to leave the area or be subject to a trespass warning, but she claimed her rights were being violated and requested a supervisor. This incident was less than one month since the same subject was found unresponsive in the same parking lot due to a medication overdose and was treated by EMS. Due to previous violations, she was trespassed from the beach for one year.

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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PINE: Mayor proposes Reimagining Pine Avenue test corridor FROM PAGE 3 approved by the commission, the city would then issue a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from construction companies interested in taking on the prototype project. If Murphy doesn’t obtain FDOT approval by Dec. 7, he’ll delay his prototype plan presentation. Commissioner Robert Kingan asked Murphy if his plan would include cost estimates. Murphy said it would. Commissioner Jon Crane said the Reimagining Pine Avenue project designed by contracted project engineer Gerry Traverso may not have been designed the same way a construction firm would design it. Crane said he’d like prototype project bidders to be given the flexibility to propose alternative design methods if so desired. “With this small block, we get an opportunity to see if their vision might be better than ours,” Crane said. Murphy agreed that some additional insight might be beneficial. Commissioner Charlie Salem suggested including language in the RFP that states bidders have some design flexibility. Salem noted the city

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Above left, Commissioners Mark Short and Jon Crane support the mayor's prototype approach. Right, Mayor Dan Murphy proposed his preliminary prototype concept to city commissioners on Nov. 16. only received one bid proposal from the same company for the first three RFPs previously issued for the Pine Avenue portion of the project. The commission rejected all three of those bid proposals before later deciding to expand the project to include Spring and Magnolia avenues in hopes of creating a larger, more lucrative project that garners more interest from construction companies.

Anna An nna Maria

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Salem asked Murphy if he was confident the city would receive an acceptable bid proposal for the prototype block only. “I don’t know,” Murphy replied. The mayor said some potential bidders may feel a one-block area is too small to garner their interest while other bidders may feel doing the entire street at one time is too large of a project for them.

Commission Chair Mark Short said, “I see a lot of advantages to heading down that path. It’s not as disruptive. It gives the city a chance to feel out the contractor.” Short said the biggest risks he sees with the prototype approach are the prototype project being too small to garner interest from construction companies and the prototype approach being more expensive.

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REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Enjoy life or keep waiting

hat would you do if you had a bunch of savings and the thing you were saving for is unavailable? A lot of first-time home buyers in the country are faced with that exact problem but they’re not all making the same decisions. The housing market nationally is not performing the way housing markets typically do. The price of housing ordinarily goes down when mortgage rates increase, but as we all know, housing values are still going up primarily because of a lack of inventory. According to the National Association of Realtors, the sale of existing homes was down 14.6% year-over-year in October with home prices still high. This is arguably one of the worst times to buy instead of rent and many first-time buyers are postponing their weekend house-hunting expeditions in favor of enjoying life. The worst part about this is that the deferment of house hunting is not just for a few months to see what happens with the mortgage rate or the number of homes on

Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER the market, but some buyers are talking years before they try again. So, what are these frustrated buyers doing with their inflated bank accounts? Being the Americans that we are, some of them are taking expensive vacations, others are renovating their existing homes and decorations and the more practical are increasing college funds or retirement funds. The “we want to buy a house but can’t” savers are turning into consumers, completely setting the economists - who a year ago predicted a recession - on their heads. With oodles of cash available and the likelihood of missing the boat on building equity, they are spending on enjoying themselves, keeping the economy

in positive territory. Who could blame them; fiddling with interest rates never has a good outcome. Time to look at October Manatee County sales statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee and see what’s going on locally: Single-family homes closed 6.5% more this year compared to last. The median sale price was $479,000, down 12.8%, and the average sale price was $658,503, down 7.4%. The median time to contract was 29 days compared to 24 days last year and new listings were up 24.5%, bringing the month’s supply of available properties to 3.3 months compared to 2.8 last year. Condos closed 7.5% more this year compared to last. The median sale price was $370,000, up 0.4%, and the average sale price was $415,591, up 7.1%. The median time to contract was 30 days compared to 22 days last year and new listings were up 28.3%, bringing the month’s supply of available properties to 3.8 months compared to 2.3 last year.

Lower sale prices for single-family properties may not look like a good thing, but since real estate numbers are always lagging, this could reflect the rapid increase in interest rates. The really good news aside from the increase in closings is the increase in inventory. Per the Association of Realtors, this is pointing to a more balanced future market, hopefully more like pre-pandemic activity. Those of you who are not first-time buyers but buyers who would like to move up but don’t want to give up your ultra-low mortgage rate should have a little more respect for your mortgage. It’s hard to think of money you owe as an asset but if you have a fixed-rate mortgage below or around 3% you are sitting on a valuable asset. You may not see the asset in the bank, but you are wealthier for having it. I’m of the school that you should always enjoy life but still find a way to balance that with improving your finances. All of this will return to normal someday, so don’t blow it all on a trip to Tibet to see the Dalai Lama.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2023

OBITUARIES Christine Horvát

Christine Horvát passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89 on Oct. 29, 2023, after living a very long and full life. Born Christina Maria Paauw on Sept. 27, 1934, she was very proud of her family and heritage and often shared stories of growing up in the town of Hoorn, Holland, during WWII. She told of being in bed at night, praying that the planes flying over wouldn't crash into her house, and of the darkness at night because of the blackouts. She shared fond stories of her family - of going to dances with her two older brothers, and of her three sisters. Her father owned a successful butcher shop in Hoorn, and a farm outside of town that allowed them to grow

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vegetables when food became scarce, even planting potatoes in the middle of pastures to keep the plants hidden. She was always adventurous, riding her bike as a girl on errands for her father and then, following the war, staying in hostels as she biked around Europe with friends. Against her parents’ wishes, Christine traveled to the U.S. as an au pair in the mid-50s. It was during this job she met and married her husband, Drago Horvát, who had left Slovenia with his family following WWII. Christine spoke many languages and worked for Rand McNally for several years before starting her own business. She was so proud of the business that she and her husband built. In 1963, they started Horvat's Flowers and Nursery in Northbrook, Illinois, by selling plants alongside their driveway, relying on a coffee can and the honor system. The business grew into one of the largest FTD locations in the U.S., with Christine running the floral shop and greenhouses and Dan

overseeing the landscaping portion of the business. Christine is remembered fondly for her distinct accent as well as her kindness, energy and bright smile that always made people feel special. She provided many memories for people with her beautiful and creative flowers, helping people to celebrate birthdays, weddings, funerals, proms and just about any other occasion - she always wanted it to be perfect. Their business adventures continued throughout their life together - trying their hands at orange groves in Florida, a vineyard in Slovenia, a motel in Anna Maria, as well as farms with grain and cattle in Illinois and Wisconsin. In her "retirement," Christine loved spending time on Anna Maria Island. She was in her element, hosting family and friends, biking around the island, swimming in the bay or at the Anna Maria Motel she owned with Drago (they really didn't ever fully retire). Christine made friends everywhere she

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went. As these activities became difficult, Christine still enjoyed watching people from the balcony of her island home. She was an avid pianist - music was something that resonated deeply with her. She frequently spoke of the importance of books and music on her life during the war. In her later years, she often forgot who had called her or stopped by but recalled music by Chopin or Pavarotti note by note. Christine is predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her four children, Paul (Dena) Horvat, Dan (Rhonda) Horvat, Maria Horvat and Alex (Laurie) Horvat; and 12 grandchildren. Christine touched many lives and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Christine's visitation was on Nov. 20, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake Forest, Illinois, with a Mass following. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Florida 34209, was in charge of arrangements.

34 THE SUN

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Sand sculpture A creative beachgoer left this sunning lady made of sand and seashells on the shore in Holmes Beach recently. KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Ăůů ƚŽĚĂǇ ŝĨ ǇŽƵ Ă Ăůů ƚŽĚĂǇ ŝĨ ǇŽ ŽƵ͛ƌĞ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ŽƵ ͛ƌĞ Ğ Ğ ůŽŽŬŝŶ Ő Ő ƚŽ ƵǇ Žƌ ^Ğůů ŽŶ ŶŶĂ DĂƌŝƐ /ƐůĂŶĚ Ǉ Žƌ ^Ğůů ŽŶ ŶŶĂ DĂƌŝƐ /ƐůĂ ƵǇ Žƌ ^Ğů ůů ŽŶ ů ŽŶ ŶŶĂ D ů ŽŶ DĂƌŝ DĂƌŝƐ Ě /

ǁǁǁ͘ ĚŐĞǁĂƚĞƌZĞĂů ƐƚĂƚĞ/ŶĐ͘ĐŽŵ Ě ƚ Z ů

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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HOLMES BEACH 515 Bayview Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths | 2,928 SF James Sauter & Randee Long 941-999-8901 A4569730 | $3,499,950

HOLMES BEACH 622 Emerald Lane 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,950 SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 | A4584812 | $2,795,000

HOLMES BEACH 303 68th Street 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 1,729 SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 | A4578683 | $2,500,000

HOLMES BEACH 101 66th Street 1 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 1,627 SF Ken Kavanaugh, Jr & Kathy Harman 941-799-1943 | A4574636 | $2,200,000

HOLMES BEACH 215 65th Street 3 Beds | 2/1 Baths | 2,184 SF Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 | A4562386 | $1,950,000

BRADENTON 283 Saint Lucia Drive 101 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,206 SF Betsy Hagen & Laura Rulon 941-216-0721 | A4585318 | $1,465,000

BRADENTON BEACH 1007 Gulf Drive N 208 2 Beds | 2/1 Baths | 1,349 SF Kathy Harman 941-900-9828 | A4588518 | $799,000

BRADENTON BEACH 300 23rd Street N | 5 Beds 4/1 Baths | 2,314 SF Anita Jones 724-989-4824 | A4575286 | $2,825,000

36 THE SUN

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Island Branch Library seeks jewelry donations Last spring, the Friends of the Island Library had their firstever jewelry sale and it was very successful in raising much-needed funds for Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach. Because of the success of the last event, the Friends have decided to make this an annual event. The next jewelry

sale is scheduled for March 14-16, 2024 at the library. The key to the success of the fundraiser is donations from members of the community. Items being collected include fine costume and vintage jewelry, bracelets, tie tacks, watches, earrings, cuff links, wallets, small purses, pins, rings,

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Bortell’s Lounge has new open-air vibe Bortell’s Lounge, 10002 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria now features two new garage door-style bay doors that can be opened to create an open-air atmosphere inside the popular drinking and dining establishment. Some of the windows facing Gulf Drive were also replaced with new windows that can also now be opened.

Students learning marine biology Anna Maria Elementary fifth graders took a deep dive into the world of biology last week as they dissected squid, part of the living organisms and adaptations portion of the curriculum. AME | SUBMITTED

scarves and any other small items suitable for resale. Donations can be dropped off at the library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, in a sealed plastic bag through January 2024. Tax receipts will be available for all donors. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the event can call 941-778-6341.

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

FUN IN THE SUN

Across 1 Otherwise occupied 5 "Checkmate!" 9 Concert gear 13 "__ upon a midnight dreary ... " 14 Origami bird 15 Henhouse 16 "¡__ mío!" 17 Rabbit kin 18 Color of unbleached linen 19 Dinner and drinks with a preacher? 22 Actor Jeong 23 "Quite so" 24 Move, roots and all 26 Thousands of years, for a megalith? 31 __ Diego 34 CNN anchor Burnett 35 Brain teaser aid 36 Bouillon cube maker 38 "Queen __": pop music

Answers to 11-22-23 Crossword Puzzle

nickname 40 Big fetes 41 Quechua speaker 42 Nonpayment risk, for short 44 Squalid digs 45 Exam for a certificate in mediation? 50 "Same!" 51 Titter 55 Golf ball position 57 Brief moment, or what three long answers in this puzzle have? 60 Gumbo pod 62 Miso soup base 63 Possess 64 Ray 65 Like some rural roads at night 66 Rid of wrinkles 67 "__ there, tiger" 68 Poems of praise 69 Ice cream brand with a

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birthday cake flavor Down 1 __ Tree: place of enlightenment in Buddhist tradition 2 Collective bargaining group 3 Give a good talking-to 4 "Okay, I get it" 5 Country where Farsi is spoken 6 New Orleans voting district 7 Like challenging pushups 8 Lipton rival 9 Royal flush card 10 Nojito and nada colada, for two 11 Sweat outlet 12 Like some silk or sugar 14 Garment similar to a hijab 20 Parking post 21 Short music releases 25 Job safety org. 27 Bit of cacao 28 Month before febrero 29 Little pest 30 Site with handmade crafts 31 Omit 32 Actress Hathaway 33 Sign at some museums 37 Sack __ 39 Thus far 40 "Check it out" 43 Watch the birdie?

46 UFO beings 47 Tegan and Sara, for one 48 "Independence Day" director Emmerich 49 Computer pro 52 Stockpile

53 Diplomat 54 Perfect places 55 Ear part 56 Store whose packages typically contain Allen keys 58 Archipelago part

59 __ end up 61 Sedaris of "The Mandalorian"

38 THE SUN

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT

HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE Bradenton Beach / Cortez. Great prizes. Free entry. Details www.boat-parade.com

SALON LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED HAIR STYLIST. Please stop by for an interview. A Hair Day 9516 Cortez Rd. 941-795-5227

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s. HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS WANTED to assist at our information desk, especially weekends. Great for teens needing volunteer hours (16yrs+). Other assignments available. Please call the Blake Volunteer Office at 941-798-6151.

BOATS FOR SALE 2001 SAILFISH 188 CENTER CONSOLE with 115 Yamaha engine (runs good) Trailer with 2 new tires & new custom boat & motor cover. Excellent condition $13K OBO. 518368-5479

CARE GIVER LICENSED CARE GIVER. We will take care of you and/ or your loved ones! Please call 941-725-4851.

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

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Call us today! 941-778-3986

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

FOR SALE HONDA 110 SCOOTER Great condition, 3062 mile dealer maintenance always Red, 2 passenger Price $1855.00 call: 440552-7196 Jim

HOME IMPROVEMENTS RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073. KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115 JSAN CORPORATION Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors. Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted. API’S DRYWALL REPAIR 15+ years experience. Free estimates. No job too small. Love to help you. Call 941-524-8067.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Michigan General Contractor 30+ yrs. experience. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable tradesman will complete your project start to finish: On Time/ On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

POOL SERVICES

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941 SHELL DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPE. Specializing in Old Florida Seashell and Lime rock driveways and scapes. Also River Rock, Sand, Mulch, & Soil. Call Shark Mark 941-301-6067 ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

CLEANING SERVICE

ISLE TILE specializing in Custom Bath/Shower & Backsplash installation. Pressure washing available. Call 941-302-8759 isletileservices.com

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

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

GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.

“WIZARD OF WALLS” Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893

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

T & B PRESSURE WASHING Licensed & Insured. Driveways/sidewalks, Roofs, Pool cages, Fences, House (soft wash/ downstream). Call 813638-7636. tandbpressurewashing@yahoo. com Family owned and operated.

REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589 TIRED OF HURRICANE SEASON & want to sell? Call Kelly The Kelly Gitt Team Proud Veteran Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299 NEWLY-RENOVATED CONDO for sale, 2BR/2B, 1639 SF, 6904 10th Ave. W., Village Green on cul-de-sac. 1-car garage, large Florida room, dine-in kitchen plus dining room, large pantry, built-in china cabinet, walk-in closet, lots of storage, laundry room, lush landscaping, pool, walking/running track, 5 miles to AMI, near medical, shopping, preserves, $379,900. Lisa Varano, Wagner Realty, 941-730-9060. FOR SALE BY OWNER- 313 Poinsettia Rd., Anna Maria. 3BR/3BA, canal front. 3 blocks to beach, walking distance to Pine Avenue. Asking $2.15 million. 941718-0784 Mobile Home, Double Wide, Waterfront, 2 BR/ 2 full BA, Turn Key Bradenton Beach (Next to Bridge Street) Price: $259,000 Call: 440-552-7196

DON'T MISS the rare opportunity to own a {3 bedroom, 2 bath, single family home} in the peaceful neighborhood of PERICO ISLAND. Newer roof and many other upgrades! Clubhouse, pool, tennis/ pickleball, sauna, fitness center. $749,900. Karen Parsons, Good Life Realty 407-233-7059.

RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-382-1992. ANNUAL: GROUND LEVEL 1BR/1BA, 55+ community, $1800 per month. Call 941-778-4800 ISLAND FURNISHED STUDIO apartment for yearly rent. $1,750 monthly plus deposits. Utilities paid. Complete kitchen, bathroom, walk-in closet, laundry, yard. 941-4050126

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REAL ESTATE

HOME SERVICES

ROOFING

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RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

FREE

HOME DELIVERY

TIFFANY PLACE Gulf Front Condo for Rent Incredible views from living room and master bedroom. 2BR/2BA Green Real Estate Call 941-778-0455 SEASONAL RENTAL in PALMA SOLA. 3BR/2BA weekly or monthly rates. Contact Barb Grace 941201-2190 ANNA MARIA ISLAND CONDOS Large pool, beach access, free WiFi, 1&2 Bedroom $900 to $1200 per week redekercondosonami.com Tim 941-704-7525 AMI SEASONAL RENTAL 2024, Lovely fully furnished with water view 2 BR/2BA, 3 minute walk to beach. Email jamesk95@netzero. com 941-226-4008

Call for Details

778-3986

BRADENTON BEACH CONDO 1BR/1BA available Jan-March $4500/mo + tax One block to beach in small complex within walking distance to shopping. Contact Peggy 941-5450208

HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA Bayside condo, POOL, Tennis, Pickleball, Beautifully updated. Call Julie 312835-3054 or email shellpointhaven@gmail.com for photos/info HOLMES BEACH 2BR/2BA Cozy Cottage, tastefully furnished, close to beach, tennis courts & boat ramp. Renting weekly/monthly March 2024 thru December 2024. Call 941-7782919.

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

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NOVEMBER 29, 2023