Anna Maria Island Sun November 30, 2022

Family affair

Farm-City Week honors local farmers, ranchers

The Farm-City Week celebrations preceded the Thanksgiving holiday.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Thanksgiv ing meals recently enjoyed and holiday meals yet to come this season wouldn’t be possible without the farmers and ranchers that provide our food.

Each year, Farm-City Week is cel ebrated in recognition and appreciation of the farmers, ranchers and support personnel that are the backbone of Manatee County’s agricultural industry.

Celebrated this year from Nov. 7-19, Manatee County Farm-City Week 2022 honored the Bradenton Kiwanis Club in celebration of that organization’s 100th anniversary.

The Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach city commissions each issued their annual Farm-City Week proclamations. According to those proclamations, the first Farm-

Please, don’t feed shorebirds

Human disturbance is seen as the top hazard for local shorebirds.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Humans disturbing birds is one of the key hazards to threatened shorebird and seabird populations, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserva tion Commission Florida Shorebird Alliance (FSA).

When attempting to nest and raise chicks on local beaches, breeding birds spend energy avoiding human threats, leaving chicks and eggs vulnerable to the elements and predators, according to the FSA’s annual report.

“Research has demonstrated that chronic disturbance from human activities at a site can negatively affect reproductive outcomes, local abun dance, and ultimately statewide popu

lations,” according to the FSA report.

Kathy Doddridge, a volunteer with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, offered some tips on reducing human interaction and dis ruption to the local shorebird population.

“Walk around bird colonies so as not to disturb them, prevent children (and adults) from running through a resting colony in order to get that perfect selfie or video,” she said.

“Feeding gulls bread is equivalent to feeding your children styrofoam peanuts. When the gulls become reli ant on beach scraps, they are more inclined to stay around and then prey on chicks and eggs. One of the pri mary predators of nesting birds is the local cat population. Keep your cats inside and your dogs off the beach.” Manatee County law prohibits dogs on beaches.

FSA, a statewide network of local

CINDY LANE | SUN

A squirrel family gets together on Thanksgiving weekend at Perico Preserve.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Mayor John Chappie, left, presented Ralph Garrison with a framed copy of Bradenton Beach’s Farm-City Week proclamation.

Anna Maria Island loses a beloved Renaissance man

Dr. André Renard was a well-respected plastic surgeon and a talented artist too.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN COPRRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH – Resident

Dr. André Renard passed away on Nov. 22 at the age of 82.

Renard, a plastic surgeon, was married to former Manatee County Commissioner and former Holmes Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore. He passed away at the couple’s home in Holmes Beach, where they were married and lived together for 29 years.

“He died of complications due to Parkinson’s disease,” Whitmore said.

Renard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 and he retired from his medical practice in 2014.

Whitmore is a registered nurse and she helped care for Renard when his health began to fail.

“He was bedridden for the past month and a half or so and re quired total care. I promised him he would never get a bedsore and he didn’t,” she said.

A LOVE STORY

Renard and Whitmore got mar ried in 1994.

“We met at a party in Holmes Beach and my girlfriend that I went with met her future husband that same night,” Whitmore said.

“André loved art and polo. He was a self-trained artist who never had an art lesson. He played polo all over the world before I met him. He was born and raised in Belgium. He was a general prac titioner in Belgium for five years. He then came to America and did a residency in plastic surgery in Jacksonville. Polo is what brought him to this area. He drove down from Jacksonville because he heard there was a polo field in Sarasota. I met him about seven months after he started practic ing medicine in St. Petersburg, but he wanted to be closer to the polo field in Sarasota. When we first met, he was offered a job in Brussels, Belgium, but he didn’t want to leave me or this area,” Whitmore said.

“Our marriage worked well. He worked a lot and I was busy being a nurse, a mayor and a county com missioner. I’m a type-A personality.

I’m not always easy to get along with and he could always bring me back down to Earth. We had a good relationship because we understood each other,” Whitmore said.

Whitmore has a daughter, Janae Rudacille, from a previous mar riage.

When asked about Renard, Ru dacille said, “He was an incredible stepfather. He was supportive and helpful in anything I did. He was kind and passionate and funny. He gave back to people who were less fortunate and he would treat

patients who didn’t have money or insurance.”

Renard is also survived by two daughters and a son from a previ ous marriage.

MEDICAL PRACTICE

Renard practiced medicine in Manatee County and Sarasota County and performed surgeries at Blake Medical Center, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and other local hospitals.

“On Oct. 30, the Manatee County Medical Society recog

nized André during their annual gathering and Janae and I went on his behalf,” Whitmore said. “He was among the first surgeons in Florida doing micro-surgery thumb transplants in Jacksonville in the 1980s. He also spearheaded the transgender surgery team in Jacksonville. He helped convince Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s radiology department to start doing sentinel node biopsies for breast cancer patients back when you used to have to go to Moffett Cancer Center in Tampa for that.”

“He was fierce supporter of CO VID precautions and totally believed in infection control. He had tubercu losis when he was 8 years old. They isolated him and his parents sent him to a castle in Switzerland. The castle was full of kids who had been exposed to TB and he stayed there for a year. He said it was wonderful. He went to school and skied all the time,” Whitmore said.

RENAISSANCE MAN

“André was a respected physi cian. He was nice to everyone. He

CAROL WHITMORE | SUBMITTED For three decades, Carol Whitmore and André Renard shared a love story on and around Anna Maria Island.

ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF

From left, the Manatee County Commission consists of Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, James Satcher, Kevin Van Osten bridge, Jason Bearden, Vanessa Baugh and George Kruse.

New county commissioners take office

On Nov. 22, Amanda Ballard, Mike Rahn and Jason Bearden were sworn into office as Manatee County’s new county commissioners. Bearden as sumed the At-Large District 6 commission seat long held by Holmes Beach resident Carol Whitmore. Rahn assumed the District 4 seat previously held by Misty Servia. Ballard assumed the District 2 seat formerly held by Reggie Bellamy. The commission also includes incumbent commissioners Vanessa Baugh, George Kruse, James Satcher and Kevin Van Ostenbridge. The newly configured commission held its first regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 29.

Candy cane-making demonstrations planned

The Fudge Factory will be doing its part to kick off the holiday season with the return of its candy canemaking demonstrations. Visitors will see the process of making candy canes from scratch from beginning to end, a process dating back more than 100 years. The demonstrations will be held on Friday, Dec. 2, Saturday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 10 and Friday, Dec. 16 at the Fudge Factory, 117 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach. Shows start at 6:30 p.m., but due to limited viewing space, it is a good idea to arrive early.

Lester Family Fun Day comes to Center

The 20th Annual Lester Family Fun Day returns to The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a lineup of fun activities and performances including the Manatee High School Drum Line and DJ Freeze. There will be food, poinsettias to buy, pony rides, face painting, crafts, a train and more. Santa will arrive at noon to greet visitors and see who’s been naughty and nice. Food includes Duffy’s burgers, hot dogs, and Small Town Creamery Ice Cream. Enter a chance to win a turkey or other prizes. There will also be a 50/50 golf ball drop from a helicopter at 2 p.m. Balls are $50 for one or $100 for three. The first ball in the hole wins. The event is sponsored each year by Chuck and Joey Lester of Holmes Beach.

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

Past actions could impact Azure Shores land use designations

City officials are trying to ensure that the city’s zoning and future land use designations are consistent with one another.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORREPSONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The city’s efforts to rezone and/or amend the future land use map designations for several residen tial properties in the Azure Shores subdivision may not be needed after all.

The Azure Shores subdivision includes 23 properties located north of Bridge Street, south of the Cortez Bridge and east of Gulf Drive South.

During the Nov. 16 Planning and Zoning Board meeting, Building Official Steve Gilbert shared some recent discoveries he made when reviewing past city commission actions from the 1980s and the 2000s.

Gilbert’s discoveries may impact how the commission proceeds with its efforts to make the Azure Shores zoning designations and future land use map designations consistent with one another.

The Azure Shores discussions are part of the city’s ongoing ef forts to address numerous incon sistencies that exist between the various zoning designations and future land use map designations that apply to numerous properties throughout the city. If left unad dressed, the existing inconsisten cies could potentially subject the city to permitting challenges and/ or legal action.

The zoning and future land use map designations determine what kind of development is allowed on a specific property. Changes to those designations could negative ly or positively impact the ability to develop a property and/or the value of a property.

PAST ACTIONS

On Oct. 20, the city commission rejected the proposed rezoning ordinance that contained Gilbert and City Planner Luis Serna’s rec ommendation to rezone the Azure

Shores properties from their cur rent Multiple Family Dwelling Dis trict (R-3) zoning designation to a Mixed-Use District (MXD) zoning designation, while maintaining the Retail/Office/Residential (ROR) future land use map designation adopted by a previous city com mission in 2008.

City staff’s proposed rezoning would have allowed groundlevel retail and office space with residential units above, but the commission has demonstrated its desire to protect that area’s exist ing residential character.

The commission also rejected the Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendation to instead rezone those properties to R-2 (two-family dwelling) and change the future land use map designation to Me dium Density Residential.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry advised the commission that downzoning those properties from R-3 to R-2 could negatively impact allowed uses and property values for those properties.

The commission directed Gilbert and Serna to continue working with the Planning and Zoning Board and the potentially impacted property owners to find a way to cure the existing inconsistencies.

During the Oct. 20 meeting, Chiles Hospitality Facilities Direc tor Brooks O’Hara mentioned the BeachHouse restaurant ownership group’s desire to create a desig nated parking lot on the Chiles Hospitality-owned vacant lot at the corner of Third Street North and Highland Avenue.

Depending on how the existing zoning and land use designations are interpreted, the R-3 zoning designation may not allow for a

standalone parking lot on a resi dentially zoned property that’s not physically contiguous to the other Chiles Hospitality-owned proper ties in that vicinity.

RECENT DISCOVERIES

During the Nov. 16 Planning and Zoning Board meeting, Gilbert said he reviewed a copy of the city’s 1989 comprehensive plan. At that time, the Azure Shores sub division had the ROR future land use map designation with the R-3 zoning designation that remains in effect today. Going back farther, Gilbert said the zoning code that existed in 1983 allowed hotels, motels, coffee shops and restau rants in R-3 zoned districts.

“Somebody, in 1989, intention ally said ROR and R-3 high-density residential are consistent. At least from ‘83 to ‘89, the argument would be reasonably consistent,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert said the ROR future land use designation does not have an assigned dwelling unit density limit, whereas the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zoning designations do have density limits.

“You could make the argument today that R-3 zoning on top of ROR land use could be considered consistent. At the end of the day, it comes down to what the city com mission wants,” Gilbert said.

“It’s 2022. The 2020 comprehen sive plan was adopted in 2008 and

MANATEE COUNTY | SUBMITTED

You could make the

argument today that R-3 zoning on top of ROR land use could be considered consistent.”

Steve Gilbert, Bradenton Beach building official

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Building Official Steve Gilbert recently shared his latest discoveries with Plan ning and Zoning Board members.

Ambrose prepares to open new market

As customers await news of the Coquina Beach Market’s reopening, its former director prepares to open a new market off Anna Maria Island.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Fol lowers of the “Where is the Mar ket?” Facebook page are anxiously awaiting what appears to be an imminent announcement of a new venue.

“I will be thankful at Thanksgiv ing that our market family will be together soon. However, because of the holiday I cannot get the needed paperwork until the 29th as people are on vacation,” Nancy Ambrose wrote on the page Nov. 18. “So the Sunday market will not start on Dec. 4 as there would not be enough time to market it. I am planning on Dec. 11. Cannot wait to see everyone.”

Ambrose, who was the director

of the Coquina Beach Market for the past decade, was ousted by Manatee County officials who an nounced in August that the county was taking over operations of the beach market.

The Aug. 2 press release from Manatee County Information Director Bill Logan stated in part, “Artisans and other vendors will be back along the Coquina Beach South promenade, once again, when the 2022-23 season opens in November as oversight for the market shifts to Manatee County.”

Logan declined to give a reason for Ambrose’s termination and said by email on Aug. 5, “I do not have any further information why the contract was terminated.”

In October, county officials an nounced a delay to the projected Nov. 1 opening of the county-run market due to Hurricane Ian hav ing impacted preparations.

“As crews have been deployed around the county to clean up and repair other parks proper ties, the site prep and rehab work to get the new site (further

south on Coquina Beach) ready have been put on hold tempo rarily,” according to the county website. “The official opening date has been delayed from the originally planned Nov. 1.”

The county has not estimated its beach market opening date.

Ambrose indicated that her new Sunday market will not be on Anna Maria Island and that she would not be making any further announcements until arrangements are finalized. She also wrote that she is looking in another county for a possible Wednesday market.

Her Facebook page, “Where is the Market?” has over 2,000 members, some of whom are vendors who have worked with her and who are hopeful that they will soon have a new venue to sell their products.

Vendor Venita Clark wrote, “I think Nancy needs to have her own booth set up so everyone could stop by and give her the big hug she deserves for working so hard for all of us!”

Please look for nests before you trim a tree; you could knock a baby bird out of its home.

Anna Maria Island Sun

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Eastern screech owl

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

Phone: (941) 778-3986

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A bone for every dog

I would like to thank The Sun for placing two articles in their paper for donations of Nylabones for the dogs at the county shelter.

We have gotten some wonderful donations from residents all over Manatee County. Their donations have made it possible to supply every dog with a bone.

I will continue to work with Chewy and some other vendors to get much-needed supplies – beds, bones and high-value training treats. We can never have enough because we keep getting new dogs.

The shelters are full and could use help walking the dogs. If anyone has time and would like to take a pup for a stroll around

Drop us a line

Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun,

the facility it would be greatly appreciated. They need to get out to exercise and volunteers are in short supply.

I’ll keep updating everyone on what we are buying and show pic tures of the very grateful pups.

Renee Ferguson Holmes Beach

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.

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

Dec. 15, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Dec. 23, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, 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. 1, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevel opment Agency meeting Dec. 7, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Dec. 15, noon – City Commission meeting Dec. 21, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Dec. 23, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautifica tion Committee meeting

Dec. 7, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Dec. 13, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Dec. 14, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting Dec. 23, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday Dec. 26, all day – City offices closed, Christmas holiday

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30

Aging Series: Caregiving, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Mah-jongg for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

Importance of Local Fisheries and Seafood Production, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

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

Mah-jongg Club – Experienced Players, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Paper crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Holmes Beach Holiday Open House, Marina and Gulf drives, Holmes Beach, 5-7 p.m.

AMI Chamber tree lighting, 5325 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Rob inson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon.

Looking for Ithaca, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

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

Saturday storytime, 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, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa arrives at noon.

Mistletoe Market, city field, 5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Holly Berry Market, Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 4408 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hike with a librarian, Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Privateers Christmas Parade returns to AMI

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The holi days are here and the Island’s Christ mas parade is getting ready to roll.

The parade is scheduled to begin Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, traveling north to City Pier Park in Anna Maria where Santa will give out gifts, take photos and hear those last-minute wish list items from children.

Typically, the parade travels along Gulf Drive to East Bay Drive before turning west on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach and continuing north along Gulf, Marina and Palm drives to Anna Maria, ending on Pine Avenue. Due to road construction in Holmes Beach, this year’s parade may take a detour. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer said whether or not the parade route will change won’t be decided until about two days before the event.

The intersection at Marina and Gulf drives in Holmes Beach’s city center is currently undergoing improvements which have the turn to Marina Drive shut down with traffic detouring along Holmes Boulevard and Gulf Drive.

Tokajer said that city leaders are work

ing with the contractors to be able to reopen the intersection in time to accom modate the parade, though a final decision won’t be made until closer to event time.

The parade, sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Privateers, is open to anyone who wants to decorate a float or vehicle and join in on the fun. All parade participants are required to sign up in advance of the event. To sign up, register online at https://amiprivateers. wildapricot.org/.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Staff from the Holmes Beach Public Works Department drive decorated construction equipment during the 2021 AMI Privateers Christmas Parade.

Display your Bright Holiday Lights

The city of Anna Maria seeks residential and busi ness entries for the annual Bright Holiday Lights light ing and decorating contest. The free contest is open to all Anna Maria residents and businesses. Those who wish to participate are asked to complete the registration form posted at the city web site, www.cityofannamaria. com. Completed entry forms are to be returned by email to amsradmin@cityofanna maria.com by Friday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m.

Residential and business category winners will be an nounced at the city’s Santa Stops event at City Pier Park on Friday, Dec. 9 from 4-5:30 p.m. The Santa Stops event will feature holiday music and Santa Claus will have gifts for all the children who come to visit him.

The Santa Stops event will be followed that evening by the annual Holiday of Treasures Open House from 5-8 p.m. at the many partici pating businesses along Pine Avenue and beyond.

Join the Holiday Boat Parade

Boaters are invited to participate in the fourth annual Holiday Boat Parade in Braden ton Beach on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Parade vessels will gather near the south end of Jewfish Key at 6 p.m. and head northwest along the Longboat Pass Bridge and north up the Intracoastal Waterway. At approximately 6:30 p.m., the boat parade will pass by the Bridge Street Pier in route to its conclusion at the Bradenton Beach Marina. There is no entry fee to join and interested power and sail boaters can download the entry form at bra dentonbeachmarina.com. Those without boats can participate in the boat parade aboard the marina’s Anna Maria Princess paddle wheeler. All ticket proceeds generated by the Anna Maria Princess ticket sales will be donated to fighting children’s cancer. For more informa tion call John or Mike at 941-778-2288.

SUBMITTED

Above, the boat parade will pass by the Bridge Street Pier. Right, The Anna Maria Princess paddle wheeler will carry passengers along the boat parade route.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Above, Gladiolus Street residents Carol and Larry Craft have won the residential category for the past three years. Left, the Anna Maria General Store won last year’s business category.

FARM CITY: Local farmers, ranchers honored

FROM PAGE 1

City Week celebrations were established by Kiwanis Inter national and Manatee County Farm-City Week was first sponsored by the Bradenton Kiwanis Club in 1955.

The Bradenton Kiwanis Club began recognizing its local Outstanding Agricultur alist of the Year in 1967 and was instrumental in estab lishing the 4-H Education Center, the Manatee County Agricultural Museum and the Master Gardeners Horti culture Learning Center. The Bradenton Kiwanis Club also sponsors 4-H, Future Farmers of America and Farm Bu reau programs for Manatee County youth.

“Farm-City Week and the agriculture community are thankful for the 100 years of service and support provided by the Bradenton Kiwanis Club and urges the public to celebrate agriculture in Manatee County while appre ciating the contributions the Bradenton Kiwanis Club has made to agriculture educa tion in our community,” the proclamations read.

The countywide Farm-City Week celebrations included approximately 1,000 third grade students participating in the AgVenture program conducted by the University of Florida IFAS extension staff at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto on Nov. 17. The AgVenture pro gram provided local students

with up close and personal learning experiences that included bee keeping, grow ing vegetables, milking cows, making orange juice, protect ing local water resources and more.

ISLAND PRESENTATIONS

In recognition of Farm-City Week, Manatee County native and Suncoast Nursery owner Ralph Garrison visited the Bradenton Beach City Com mission on Nov. 17.

“This is something I always look forward to because it’s important to remember that Manatee County is a big agri cultural community,” Mayor John Chappie said before Garrison spoke.

After noting this was the 67th year that Manatee County has celebrated FarmCity Week, Garrison said, “It brings awareness between the city folk and the farm ers and ranchers of Manatee County. There’s no unity in the community that doesn’t know its past.”

Garrison said past gen erations of Manatee County farmers used to grow their crops in west Bradenton and load them onto boats on the Manatee River that then traveled north on the Gulf of Mexico to Cedar Key to be shipped further up north.

“Why Cedar Key? That’s where the railroad stopped at the time. It hadn’t made its way down to Tampa yet,” Garrison explained.

Garrison said Manatee County’s sandy, loamy soil base is conducive to the farm ing that helps make agricul ture one of Manatee County’s primary economic engines, along with tourism and con struction.

“Manatee County still farms, even though we get pushed farther and farther to the east,” Garrison said in reference to the increased development in east Manatee County.

He said multiple gen erations of Manatee County farmers, ranchers and fisher men have provided local citi zens with food, employment, a love of the land and the raw materials needed to make clothing, housing, medicine, fuel and other products, and they’ve been assisted by the processors, brokers, truckers,

shippers, wholesalers and retailers that are also crucial to the agricultural industry.

Regarding the Thanksgiv ing holiday, Garrison said, “As we gather with friends and families, we want to count our blessings and give thanks for the bountiful amount of food that we have. Safe, simple food that’s avail able to us.”

Garrison presented each commission member with a commemorative coffee mug containing an heirloom rad ish plant, which he encour aged them to replant.

“They’re a purple radish and they taste wonderful,” he said.

Garrison addressed the impacts that Hurricane Ian had on Manatee County farm ers, including his own plant nursery.

“It was a difficult end to a year for Manatee County farmers and ranchers. Hur ricane Ian tore up crops and blew down sheds. Packing houses got blown down and ripped up. Cattle were drown ing because of the flood of the Myakka River. But farm ers have always found a way to work through these adver sities. We’ve been through recessions, hurricanes, a pandemic and market loss. Farmers are resilient and bounce back,” he said.

In closing, Garrison said, “I’ll leave you with one state ment Benjamin Franklin made: ‘Unstable is the future of a country which has lost its taste for agriculture.’ ”

He then offered this final piece of advice: “Don’t speak poorly about the farmer if your mouth is full of food.”

The Anna Maria City Com mission issued its Farm-City Week proclamation on Nov. 10, joined by John Hamilton, who in 2018 was named the Kiwanis Club’s Outstand ing Agriculturist of the Year. Hamilton made some brief remarks and presented the mayor and commissioners with commemorative coffee cups, pencils and agricultural fact sheets.

In response, Mayor Dan Murphy said, “You’re always welcome here in the city of Anna Maria. You’re doing a great job. You contribute a lot to our community.”

5344 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beac h (941) 779-BEER

5350 Gulf Drive

Holmes Beac h (941) 251-3681

5346 Gulf Drive Holmes Beac h (941) 778-5788

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Ralph Garrison gave commemorative coffee cups containing heirloom rad ish plants to Bradenton Beach commission members.

AMI Chamber to hold breakfast

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will be holding a networking breakfast on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the AMI Beach Café, 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The cost is $10 for members and $18 for non-members. Bring business cards to network with local business owners and managers, and consider bringing a raffle prize with your com pany name on it for more exposure. Contact becky@ amichamber.org or call 941-778-1541 to RSVP.

AMI Chamber tree lighting Friday

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its tree lighting and Holmes Beach Open House on Friday, Dec. 2 in the parking lot of the Chamber office, 5313 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. CrossPointe Fellowship will return this year to sing holiday tunes, and the Anna Maria Island Privateers will bring Santa and his sleigh for plenty of great photo op portunities. In addition to live music, tasty treats and Santa, local businesses will stay open later to allow for some festive holiday shopping. For more details or questions, call the chamber at 941-778-1541.

Harry’s Grill closes for renovations

A local burger hotspot is closed, but only for a few weeks to allow for renovations and deep cleaning. Harry’s Grill in Anna Maria closed temporarily on Nov. 28 and remains closed through Dec. 21, reopening just in time for the holidays. Harry’s is at 9903 Gulf Drive.

Boat parade expected to pack Bridge Street

The City of Bradenton Beach is expecting big crowds for the annual Holiday Festival and Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3. Enjoy a day of shopping on Historic Bridge Street, with the street closed from noon to 10 p.m. and open alco hol containers allowed for one day only. City officials stress that this is a family-friendly event and that visitors must consume beverages responsibly in a way that does not disturb the public. There will be photo opportunities with Santa, plenty of holiday arts and crafts and unique gifts only found on the Island. The culmination of the day will be the boat parade, which will pass by the pier starting around 6 p.m. Get to the pier early for the best viewing positions.

Closure work continues at Piney Point

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

PALMETTO - Closure work contin ues at the former phosphate plant at Piney Point, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protec tion (FDEP)’s Nov. 18 update.

Contractors are grading the area so that it will no longer accumulate rainwater under the supervision of a court-appointed receiver.

“FDEP will continue performing its stringent regulatory oversight of the facility to ensure this is the last chap ter in the long history of Piney Point. FDEP is committed to working with the receiver to ensure that progress toward closure is done as expeditiously as pos sible,” according to the update.

Piney Point has received approximate ly 54.37 inches of rain since Jan. 1.

“In response to rain events, clean, non-contact stormwater is conveyed

as needed through the site's permitted outfall along Buckeye Road. Samples are collected at the permitted outfall during runoff events to confirm the stormwater meets the requirements of its permit,” according to FDEP.

The current storage capacity for additional rainfall at the site is approxi mately 23.9 inches.

To date, 40,264,071 gallons have been piped out of water storage ponds built into phosphogypsum waste stacks at the site. About 264 million gallons remain.

FDEP inspectors are onsite daily to oversee water management activities, as well as their required inspections for monitoring the integrity of the phos phogypsum stack system, according to FDEP.

For the latest information on the sta tus of the site, response activities and water quality, visit ProtectingFloridaTo gether.gov/PineyPointUpdate.

CENTER NOTES

Learn iPhone skills at The Center

Tech University with Loretta Es tabrooks is coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island with an iPhone training class just in time for the holidays. On Thursday, Dec. 8 at 10:30

a.m. participants can learn the basic functions of their iPhone, what the latest changes are and how to manage security and privacy with iOS 16. There also will be a question-and-answer session with the instructor. The cost is $10 for Center members or $15 for non-members. Sign-up is available by visiting the front desk at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria or calling 941-7781908.

Learn about holistic health

The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting a wellness workshop with a focus on holistic health. The workshop, led by Sophia Wettstein from Mindful Blooms Farm, teaches the benefits of eating organically while Jim Hardwood will discuss the healing powers of the hemp plant. All participants will receive a vegan lunch and locally-sourced fresh juice.

The workshop is scheduled for Sat urday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. The cost to participate is $60 for Center members or $65 for non-members. Register online at www.centerami.org or call 941778-1908. Registration is required by Dec. 2.

Guild women provide holiday gifts

SUBMITTED | PEGGY NASH

From left, Roser Guild members Peggy Nash, Dawne Scott, Marian Valentine, Irene Degenhardt, Frieda Jaworske, Margo Kingsley, Diane Woodrow, Terri Flail and Mary Baldovini present toys, clothes, quilts, knit caps, shoes and other gifts for migrant families in Manatee County to be given out during the holidays.

OUTDOORS

RUSTY CHINNIS

elieve it or not, winter is here. While air tempera tures would have us think otherwise, bay and Gulf waters have chilled, if only a little, put ting fish into an atypical winter time pattern. Anglers consider ing their options on a sunny day should think about getting out of the boat and taking a walk. Although the water isn’t as cold as normal this time of year, the shorter days can produce some great results for anglers willing to “step outside the boat.”

Like any time of the year, wading provides some distinct

Wade in the water

advantages over fishing from a boat. Wading puts you in the fish’s realm, giving you the advantage of a low profile and a silent approach. This can be particularly important during the winter months when the water can be gin clear, making gamefish extremely wary. The key to comfortable win ter wading is being prepared. A good pair of waders, wading boots, long pants and comfort able socks will do the trick on the coldest day. On warm days, wet wading is still an option. Add a pair of polarized glasses, a hat with a dark un der-brim, a wade vest or pack and you’re in business. You won’t need heavy tackle unless you’re fishing docks or other structure. Under most condi tions, 8-pound test tackle will be sufficient. You can go even

lighter if conditions permit. Fly anglers generally opt for 7- or 8-weight outfits unless wind or other conditions warrant otherwise. Thirty-pound bite tippets should be constructed of fluorocarbon and be ap proximately 18 inches long.

If the visibility isn’t great, or you’re fishing early or late, target the edges where grass and sand meet. These sandy areas (the seams) and potholes are perfect ambush spots for the predators you’re targeting. Start with presentations about 2 feet outside the area work ing towards, in and past your target. Make sure you include any deep grass at the ends of the potholes. These areas can be very productive and always warrant a couple of extra casts.

Reel Time

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Andy Grosso, of Sarasota, caught his first redfish on fly while wading Sara sota Bay last December.

SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 23

REEL TIME: Wade in the water

FROM PAGE 22

After working the edges of the holes and the seams, begin cast ing into the sandy areas. Work the nearside of the hole and cast progressively longer until you reach the other side. When fly fishing, try a clear sink tip line with a relatively (8- to 10-foot) short leader over deep grass.

During the winters, anglers who wade fish find big trout on the flats on cold, low-tide morn ings. The fish will come into some extremely shallow water to feed, so start shallow and work your way towards the deeper edges, al ways staying vigilant for surface action, wakes or feeding birds.

If fish are particularly spooky or hard to see, try standing still and waiting for them to come to you. Try this approach if fish see you just before you see them. An chor well away from the area you intend to fish, get out of the boat and stake out a pothole or sandy area where you have visibility. By staying a long cast away, you can easily see the fish when they en ter a hole or pass across a patch of sand. Position yourself off to the side in the grass where you’re less visible, keep a low profile and be still. Just waiting them out gives you a big advantage when targeting reds, trout, snook and other game fish as they wander the flat. When you make a pre sentation, don’t make any quick moves and make your casts low and slow. It takes patience but can be productive when all else fails. When you “get in” you’ll discover some excellent angling opportunities and, as a bonus, get some exercise.

Grassett leads Bahamas fishing trip

I hosted a group of friends and clients at Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge in South Andros, Bahamas on my annual trip there recently. Stewart Lavelle, Mike Perez and Ed Hurst, of Sarasota, Kirk Grassett, of Middletown, Delaware, Rick Happle, of St. Petersburg, drove with me from Sarasota to Fort Lauder dale Executive Airport. There we met up with other group members, John and DJ, of New York, and Tracy and Cullen Baker, of North Carolina, and traveled to Congotown, South Andros on Mak ers Air.

Conditions were good most of the time, with good sunlight and not a lot of wind. We waded vast sand flats and also fished from flats skiffs for everything from large cruising or tailing single

and double bonefish to large schools of fish. We had good action most days and there were also a couple of slower days. There were numerous bonefish in the 4- to 6-pound class and several 8-to 9-pound fish caught and released. Top producing flies during the week were Peterson’s Spawning Shrimp, Mars Bay Special, Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas and Gotcha variations. A great trip to a great lodge!

Bill Howard, the resident owner/op erator, does a great job making things run smoothly at the lodge. We dined on a variety of excellent authentic Baha mian dishes including fresh fish, lobster and conch. One of the best things about Mars Bay Lodge, the southernmost lodge on South Andros, is fishing the

vast sand flats and scattered mangrove keys to the south. Being the southern most lodge on South Andros also means about a 10-mile shorter boat run each way and more fishing! South Andros has got to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This trip, as well as my Montana trip, are annual trips so if you have an interest in any future trips, con tact me or go to the Destination Trips page of my websites.

Back home in Sarasota, deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay have been produc ing trout, blues, Spanish mackerel and pompano on Clouser flies and CAL jigs with shad tails. Tripletail have also been a good option depending on conditions.

- Capt. Rick Grassett

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

South Andros, Bahamas offers sand flats and clear waters for good fishing.

SHOREBIRDS: Don't feed them

FROM PAGE 1 partnerships committed to advancing shorebird and seabird conservation in Flori da, focuses on beach-nesting birds that are state-listed as threatened - the American oystercatcher, black skim mer, least tern and snowy plover. The Wilson’s plover is listed as a species of greatest conservation need.

Doddridge conducts a twice-monthly shorebird survey of Anna Maria Is land and last week said she saw thousands of laughing gulls as well as migrating red knots, American oys tercatchers, ring-billed and lesser black-backed gulls and smaller sandpipers.

“This past Sunday it was cold, windy and far fewer numbers of birds. So cold fronts play a big part in what we see on the beach,” she said. “In the summer months, we have black skimmers, least terns and American oystercatchers frequent the Island. This past year we did not have any nesting seabirds or shore birds. However, other barrier islands had very large colo nies. Gulls nest on Egmont Key, Passage Key and the spoil islands of Hillsborough Bay. Why do they prefer one area over another? People and predators.”

Gulls, terns, oystercatch ers, skimmers and sand pipers use AMI beaches to rest during peak migration periods. Skimmers and least terns nest in colonies and rely on the group to protect them from people, crows and laughing gulls, she said.

“Skimmers gather near

the water to cool off during the heat of the summer.

Imagine wearing a black coat as you sit on the sand in the middle of July,” Dod dridge said.

The 2022 Florida Shore bird Alliance Monitoring Data at Work annual report is now available at flshorebirdalliance.org. The report highlights trends and strategies to improve nest ing outcomes and reduce human disturbance.

“Ever-increasing human populations mean continu ing challenges in reduc ing human disturbance, managing predation and regulating coastal develop ment that impacts beachnesting birds,” according to the FSA report.

Posting signs and roping off areas around nesting habitat are tools routinely used by FSA partners.

Posted Designated Criti cal Wildlife Area signs are disturbance reduction tools for birds.

FWC law enforcement patrol efforts have grown from 629 patrols in 2018 to up to 1,500 proactive patrols statewide each year. Law enforcement is an important

aspect of species protection, according to the FSA site.

In another method of monitoring the local bird population, for the past 123 years, from Dec. 15 through Jan. 5, the Audubon Christ mas Bird Count has been conducted.

“Teams of people count individual birds to estab lish a snapshot of what is happening within their circle. A circle is a 15-mile diameter circle,” Doddridge said. “There are two circles that cover Manatee County. I am the compiler for the Bradenton Circle which goes only as far as the Intracoastal (Waterway). AMI is covered by the Fort DeSoto circle, with only the northern end of AMI (north of Anna Maria Elementary) covered in the circle.”

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

This sign at Manatee Beach identifies local shorebirds with warnings not to disturb them.

RENARD: AMI loses beloved Renaissance man

FROM PAGE 3 was well-educated and spoke four or five different languages,” Whitmore said. “He was a Renaissance man. He was into the art of the old masters and he was also into pop art. He was 14 years older than me. Unlike me, he was very worldly in terms of traveling. He opened up a whole new world for me. His art was really wild and people were surprised that it came from someone his age. He was also the cover editor for the Florida Medical Journal for a few years. He drew the magazine covers.”

Renard’s art was featured in a New York art expo in August 2014. In December 2014, Renard’s “cuts and brushes” exhibit was featured at The Studio at Gulf and Pine in Anna Maria, which at the time was owned by the late Rhea Chiles.

The gallery is now owned by Rhea’s son, Ed Chiles, who said, “André was a unique person – a great doctor, a very talented artist and someone you loved being around. He was one of the individuals that makes our Island and our community a special place. It was difficult to watch him go through the

health challenges he faced in his last years and Carol was selfless in her sup port of him.”

Renard’s art can be viewed on Face book at André Renard Art.

On Monday, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott called Whitmore and offered his condo lences.

That same day, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said, “André was a super guy. He was such a kind man and an amazing artist and surgeon. Carol and André were a perfect match. They complimented each other and they both gave back to the commu nity. André was one of those amazing people that you’re lucky to run into in your lifetime.”

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said, “Not only was André a talented physi cian, but he was also an incredible artist. My prayers are with Carol. Her dedica tion to André over the years serves as an inspiration to all married couples.”

The family hopes to host a celebra tion of life at the polo grounds in Lake wood Ranch but those plans are still being finalized.

REAL ESTATE

Are there any houses without flaws?

“Amark, fault or other imperfec tion that mars a substance or object.” That, my friends, is the definition of a flaw. If you think you can find a house that doesn’t fit this description, you’re probably dreaming.

Every home built or lived in has flaws; it’s up to the buyer and seller to decide if the flaw is serious enough to repair or serious enough to not buy the home. Here are some things to think about on both sides of the transaction.

Buyers need to be aware of many things when first viewing a home. If you have young children, or are just sensitive to noise, be aware of traffic or boat noise at various times of the day. Sometimes homes on main roads are priced better but may not work for your family.

Naturally, obvious structural issues like sloping floors or cracks in the walls should raise a red flag.

Water is a problem if leaks get out of

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

control in a home. Question water stains, mold, peeling paint or blisters on the paint and an overall musty odor. Look under sinks for water dripping and run faucets to see if they leak.

Check to see if the floors are main tained. Scratches on hardwood, cracks on tile and worn carpeting could be an indication of an overall maintenance issue in the home.

Look carefully at the appliances and see if they’re rusty or have dents and look worn out. It’s perfectly legitimate to ask if the appliances are in working order and ask their age. Any hanging wires or

broken fixtures could indicate a worse electrical problem and should be ques tioned.

Finally, landscaping and the entire exterior of the home will give you an im mediate negative or positive impression the minute you step out of the car. First impressions do count.

If you’re selling, sometimes rather than take on a major renovation of a kitchen or bathroom it’s just as productive to use a little elbow grease. Even though there is still a shortage of inventory in most mar kets, buyers are frequently turned off by little things. Any type of odor, whether it’s musty, pet, gym shorts or baby, needs to be corrected. When you’re putting your house up for sale, the best favor you can do it is investing in a deep cleaning. The secondbest thing you can do is enhance your curb appeal. Remove the bikes, toys and halfdead plants. Paint peeling on outdoor trim and dirty windows are a no-no.

If your home needs more than a good clean-up, fresh paint may not be as dra matic as a new bathroom, but it will do that first impression a lot of good. Refin ishing hardwood floors or putting down an inexpensive piece of carpeting in the kids’ rooms will more than pay for itself. Other small fixes that buyers love are new doors and custom closets, many of which you can do yourself. Think about what appeals to you when you look at Realtor pictures of homes for sale. It could be as simple as new throw pillows and bed quilts. I once bought a $300 new sofa for my family room after my dog made the old one his home. It worked perfectly. The buyers even wanted to buy it from us.

Homes aren’t the only things that have flaws. Most of us can look in the mirror and see a long list of things that need fix ing. Just remember, there are no perfect homes and no perfect people. A good lesson to keep in mind.

BRADENTON BEACH

11/15, 3 p.m., grand theft, 1801 Gulf Drive N. The victim told police he owns his condo and rents it out throughout the year. He said he stores some power and other tools in a locked clos et in the unit. Upon arriving in November, he noticed the lock had been broken and multiple tools had been stolen. There was no sign the condo had been broken into, so the owner believes a renter most likely took the tools. The lock was changed, a report was made for insurance purposes and no further action was taken.

11/19 10:10 a.m., disturbance/ verbal, 104 Gulf Drive N. The officer responded to Bay View Condos in reference to a complaint of stalking. The female complainant said she has been in a breakup with her boyfriend, who she said was walking around her car after she arrived at the condo. When asked why the man was

on the property, he said he was dropping off something that belonged to the woman. The officer warned the man that if he continued to harass the woman, further action could be taken. The man voluntarily left the property and said he would not return.

HOLMES BEACH

11/17, 10:46 p.m., informa tion, 2907 Ave. E. The male complainant stated his wife took an iPhone 12, $400 in gift cards and a sentimental Kennedy coin from inside his house. The man said they are still legally married but going through a divorce. The man also said the gift card was the property of The Center of Anna Maria Island. Police advised the man that this is a civil matter since they are still married, and he should contact his attorney. No further action was taken by police.

11/20, 7:50 p.m., trespass warn ing, 5346 Gulf Drive. The officer responded to a call to Hurricane Hanks regarding a man that was harassing pa

trons and begging for money. Upon arrival, the officer found the man sitting in a chair by the hostess station. He told the officer he was waiting on his brother and did not know where he was. The owner of Hurricane Hanks arrived shortly after to file a trespass warning for the man, who then gathered his belongings and left the area after being issued a trespass warning by the officer.

OBITUARIES

Dr. Andre J. Renard

Dr. Andre J. Re nard, 82, of Holmes Beach, Florida, passed away Nov. 22, 2022. A Celebra tion of Life will be planned for a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral. com.

AZURE: Past actions could impact land use designations

FROM PAGE 4

directed to run to 2020. The city’s differ ent now than it was in 2008. Maybe there is no longer any intention to build up this area as mixed-use development. Realisti cally what we’re seeing is a single-family house with 10 bedrooms. It’s all about rental income. Maybe we don’t need mixed-use at all. Maybe we don’t need ROR land use at all,” Gilbert said.

“We’ll talk to the residents and find out what their feelings are. If that translates into a change to the future

land use map and/or changing the zoning designation then so be it. The property belongs to the people that live here. If we’ve got stuff that was adopted 18 years ago that’s no longer relevant, then why are we still trying to do something?” Gilbert said.

Gilbert said he needs to confer with Perry as to how to move forward with the efforts that may require some revi sions as to what is and isn’t allowed in a R-3 zone district or the ROR future land use designation.

Regarding the Chiles Hospitality group’s desired parking lot, Gilbert said it’s possible that an R-3 zoned property with an ROR future land use map designation could possibly be used as a parking lot.

Gilbert said he would ask the city commission to schedule some town hall meetings that provide potentially impacted property owners with ad ditional opportunities to share their opinions on any potential zoning or future land use map revisions.

Center launches fundraising campaign

The Center of Anna Maria Island’s staff is kicking off the holidays and season of giving with the nonprofit’s annual fundraising campaign.

The fundraiser, dubbed the Cam paign to Sustain 1.0, launched Nov. 21 and continues through Jan. 13 with a goal of raising $100,000 or more to help fund Beyond the Class room after-school care for scholar ships, staff salaries and benefits for Center employees in 2023. The cam paign launched with $19,342 already donated toward its $100,000 goal.

All donations to the fundraising campaign are matched dollar-fordollar up to $50,000 through do nations by Bob and Carol Carter, Caroline and Brian Leibfried, The Silver Lining Foundation, Paul and Amy Gordon, Elizabeth Moore and an anonymous donor.

Donations can be hand delivered to The Center at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria, mailed to P.O. Box 253, Anna Maria, FL 34216 or made online at www.centerami.org/support.

Movies in the Park continue

Weekly Classic Movies in the Park continue at City Pier Park in Anna Maria every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Bring a blanket, chair and refreshments and enjoy a classic film next to the bay. This week’s Dec. 6 presen tation will be “The Greatest Showman.” All showings are free and subject to cancellation due to adverse weather.

Team Salty Dolphins remains undefeated

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – With youth recreational soccer finished for the season and adult soccer on pause due to the Thanksgiving holiday, The Center’s adult kick ball league was the only action on the fields last week.

Monday night’s games were close and action-packed with friends and family lining the sidelines to watch the fun on the diamond.

Single-armed catches added an extra challenge for the four squads in this lighthearted recre ational league.

In the first game of the night, team Captain Ron’s narrowly lost their matchup against the Salty Dolphins with the final score of 10-9.

With three runs each, James Roadman and Scott Eason led the pack for Captain Ron’s and Salty Dolphins, respectively.

Additional scoring for team Captain Ron’s were brought in by Mike Svoboda, Matt Darak, Aaron Guess and Keith Mahoney.

The other seven runs for Salty Dolphins came from JD Webb, Chris Bailey, Tristn Bailey, Benja min Webb, Ian Wenzel and Jana Wilder.

Salty’s win keeps them unde feated in the season and at the top of the league’s ranking.

Looking for their first win of the season, team General Bums narrowly missed their chance against Paddy Wagon in the sec ond game of the night.

Losing by three runs, General Bums go into week six without a win. Their loss did not come with out great plays and runs by Brian Seymour, Tom Powers, Hagan Powers, Nicole Coleman, Chris Gates, Elijah Baron, Cole Carter, Julie Snyder and Chris Powers.

The win by Paddy Wagon was their second in the season. Top scorers Karlee Bailey and Timo Vecchio each put three points on the scoreboard, while their team mates provided scoring support.

In addition to Bailey’s runs,

Luca Vecchio, Marissa Barfield, Justin Grifton, Isaiah Lambert, Justin Cox, Dhaval Patel and Mavro Vecchio each put points on the board.

With teams filled with friends and family, the league of laughs, smiles and good old-fashioned competition has made kickball a hit again at The Center.

SUN SCOREBOARD NOV. 21

ADULT KICKBALL – WEEK 5

The Salty Dolphins (5-0-0) 10 Captain Ron’s Crew (3-2-0) 9

Paddy Wagon (2-3-0) 16 General Bums (0-5-0) 13

Key Royale welcomes back snowbirds

Fifty-two Key Royale Club members played in the annual "Welcome Back Scramble" on Nov. 18. All tees were relo cated to change the course into a par 27, all par 3s.

Two teams tied for first place with a score of 24, 3 under par: Laurie and Marty Hicks and Sharon and Terry Tarras tied the team of Jim Hill, Peter Lund, Blake Ress and Greg Shorten. Finishing one stroke back at 25 were Jenny and Ron Huibers, Lori Waggoner and Debi Wohlers.

For the men, Jim Hill won the chipping contest while Laurie Hicks won for the ladies. Janelle Clements bested the field for closest to the pin on hole #8 for the ladies. Nelson Eagle won the event for the men on hole #3.

NOV. 14 STABLEFORD

First Place - Jeff Jump +6

Second Place (tie) - John Cassese, Gary Duncan, Nelson Eagle, Rod Hammonds and Bill MacMillan +3

NOV. 15 TEAM BEST BALL

First Place (tie) - Remi Drigan, Lisa Edmonds, Jenny Huibers and Terry Taylor 37

Laurie Hicks, Janet Razze, Sharon Tarras and Lori Waggoner 37

Linda Dorsey had a birdie on hole 8.

Marty Clark and Sue Wheeler had chip-ins on hole 4.

NOV. 17 SHAMBLE

First Place - Gary Domaski, Marty Hicks, Ken Nagengast and Tom Solosky 63

Second Place - Peter Lund, Quentin Talbert and Joe Tynan 65

NOV. 21 STABLEFORD

First Place - Nelson Eagle with a score of +4

Second Place - Jim Hitchen and Debi Wohlers with a score of +3

NOV. 22 - LOW NET SCORE

Flight A

Linda Dorsey 32

Roxanne Koche 33 Helen Pollock 35 Brenda Solleved 35

Flight B

Terry Westby 31

Marti Clark 32

Peggy Clauhs 32 Gloria LaDue 35

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Captain Ron’s Keith Mahoney prepares for the big kick in The Center’s adult kick ball league against the Salty Dolphins last Monday night.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSON

AL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Wal green’s.

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

CARE GIVER

CAREGIVER LOOKING TO provide help for that special someone. Cook ing, shopping, cleaning, Dr. appts. etc. Local on island. 30+ yrs. experience. Refer ences. Call 941-374-1227.

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

HAVE YOU BEEN think ing 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

COMMERCIAL LEASE - 419 pine, Anna Maria - Island Real Estate - Larry Chatt 941-345-1288

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES

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

ENDLESS SUMMER HOME SERVICES Cleaning & Maintenance. Call Angela for your home needs. 941577-3823

EMPLOYMENT

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

RESORT ASSISTANT MAN AGER needed for island resort and vacation rentals. 32 to 36 hours per week. Experience a plus but will train. Weekends are included in schedule. In terested candidates please email islands58@aol.com to schedule an interview.

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

FISHING CHARTERS

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

FOR SALE

TOPPER FOR F150 Long bed. $50 or Best Offer. Call 941-705-7560.

HEALTH CARE

HOME CARE PROVIDER with Dennis Church a nursing assistant. 8+ years of experience. Licensed in Florida. SAFER at HOME. Call 815-519-3993

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

TILE! TILE! TILE! All varia tions of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island ref erences. 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 # CBC 1261150. Call Mike Kern 941-7781115

JSAN CORPORATION

Renovations Construc tion & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bath rooms, 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 Con tractor 30+ yrs. experi ence. Large or small projects. Budget minded knowledgeable trades man will complete your project start to finish: On Time/On Budget. Call Mike 616-204-8822.

HOME SERVICES

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, pa tios, pool decks. Free esti mates. 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, weed ing. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

LAWN SERVICES. Local Island resident. Free Estimates. Call Danny 941-374-0352.

LOST & FOUND

FOUND: BICYCLE KEY on 52nd St. Call 941-778-9622 to claim.

MOVING & STORAGE

MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Of fering dependable, com petitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

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

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reli able. Island Resident. Qual ity Workmanship. Interior/ Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMI CAL SERVICES. Certi fied Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commer cial. 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, Construc tion, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.

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 custom ers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589

ATTN REALTORS: Are you thinking about leaving the business to get a salaried job? If you love being a Realtor & need help navigating this new market, call us today for a confidential appt. Kelly Gitt The Gitt Team AMI KW on the Water 941-799-9299

HOUSE FOR SALE

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

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full man agement or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.

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

ANNUAL RENTALS – AVAIL ABLE NOW. 2BR/1BA, furnished. $4,500/month. 3BR/2BA, unfurnished. $5,000/month.1ST, Last, and Security Deposit required. Call Sato Real Estate, Inc 941-778-7200 or Email monica @satorealestate.com

RENTALS: SEASONAL & VACATION

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

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

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

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