Anna Maria Island Sun October 4, 2023

New Pines Trailer Park owners double some rents

The monthly lot rent increases range from $575 to $850 per month depending on the lot type.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH –

Pines Trailer Park mobile home residents will experience significant rent increases that will take effect Jan. 1, in

some cases more than doubling their lot rent, according to a letter sent by developers.

The waterfront mobile park was recently purchased by the Pines Park Investors LLC, which lists developer Shawn Kaleta as the LLC’s manager and attorney Louis Najmy as its registered agent. On Aug. 24, Pines Park Investors entered into an $8.25 million mortgage and security agreement with The Jackson Partnership LLLP

as part of the LLC’s $16.25 million park purchase.

Dated Sept. 29 and sent to all homeowners in the park, the notification letter says, “Pursuant to Florida Statutes and the Florida Administrative Code, this serves as 90-day notice of an increase in the lot rental amount for Pines Trailer Park. This increase in the lot rental amount for base rent will be effective Jan. 1, 2024.”

The letter includes a price increase chart that shows the base lot rent for a standard lot, with the exception of lots #37 and #65, will increase by $575 per month, rising from $625 to $1,200 per month. The base lot rent for lots #37 and #65 will increase $580 per month, rising from $620 to $1,200 per month. Base lot rent for water-view lots will increase by $725 per month, rising from $625 to $1,350

per month. Base lot rent for waterfront lots will increase by $850 per month, rising from $625 to $1,475 per month.

Many Pines Trailer Park homeowners and residents are retirees who live on fixed incomes. The pending rent increases may make it difficult for some of them to remain in their homes. None approached by The Sun were willing to discuss the issue.

Vote could reduce wetlands protection Mayor’s letter addresses consolidation study

Environmental groups are mobilizing for the Thursday, Oct. 5 Manatee County Commission meeting to oppose reductions in wetland buffers.

BY LESLIE LAKE

SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON – In response to a preliminary Manatee County commission vote to reduce wetland buffers on Aug. 17, the environmental community is making it clear that scientific evidence backs up the importance of wetland protection.

In a press release announcing a

Sept. 26 Value of Wetlands Science panel discussion sponsored by the environmental advocacy group Suncoast Waterkeeper, its executive director, Dr. Abbey Tyrna, began with a quote from County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who said at the August meeting, “I’m not being shown any data to back up good intentions.”

Tyrna noted that the Aug. 17 meeting had four hours of public comment and included both passion and logic from scientists, engineers, professionals and residents opposing the change.

“(Van Ostenbridge) is just one of the six Manatee County commissioners

SEE WETLANDS, PAGE 19

BRIDGE STREET hotel, restaurant, retail plan set for hearings.

Anna Maria's city officials support the study, but oppose consolidating the three Anna Maria Island cities.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA –Mayor Dan Murphy has sent State Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Manatee, Hillsborough) and State Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R- Manatee, Sarasota) a written response to their continued push for

a state-funded Island consolidation study, expressing his and the city commission’s partial support.

“We endorse the study and wish to actively participate going forward in its development. We heartily welcome new ideas which can both reduce taxes as well as provide expanded and enhanced services to our community,” Murphy wrote in the Sept. 29

SEE MAYOR, PAGE 26

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Above left, the rent for waterfront lots in the Pines Trailer Park will increase by $850 per month. Above right, the monthly rent for standard lots will increase by $575.

Coast Guard suspends investigation into oil spill

was conducted. Despite an exhaustive effort, a definitive source for the spilled material was not identified,” according to a press release from U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

PALMETTO – Following testing of multiple potential sources, and with no responsible party identified, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its investigation on Sept. 26 into the source of an oil spill at SeaPort Manatee, pending any new information.

The spill was reported by SeaPort Manatee on Sept. 1, launching the Coast Guard’s examination of facilities and ships for evidence of an improper oil discharge.

“A forensic analysis of oil samples from approximately 30 sources, including the spill itself, and subsurface dive assessment of the port seawalls and basin for any irregularities

By Sept. 12, the spill was 99% cleaned, with the remaining oil residue cleaned by Sept. 21. Approximately 20,500 gallons of oil/water mixture and 6.4 tons of oily debris were removed from the site.

“I am pleased that we were able to quickly isolate the spilled material within the port to mitigate impacts to the environment while enabling a focused response and rapid clean-up,” U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Commander Capt. Michael Kahle said. “Our investigators worked tirelessly in search of the spill source and the responsible party.”

Coast Guard environmental response specialists leveraged the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF) to clean up the spill.

“The emergency fund of the OSLTF is used for federal on-scene coordinators to respond to discharges and for federal trustees to initiate natural resource damage assessments,” according to the U.S. Coast Guard website. “The emergency fund is a recurring $50 million available to the president annually.”

Approximately $1.17 million from the fund was spent for cleanup and investigation efforts.

“As part of SeaPort Manatee’s ongoing port inspection efforts, port team members

SUBMITTED

were among the first to notice a visible discoloration within the basin, and immediately notified the National Response Center,” according to a press release sent by SeaPort Manatee Director of Communications and Public Relations Virginia Zimmerman. “The U.S. Coast Guard’s prompt response in deploying boom and initiating its cleanup process has resulted in the complete removal of the material at the port. An endangered species analysis of the area conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

found that no fish or wildlife had been affected.”

“On behalf of the Manatee County Port Authority, I wish to express my appreciation to the U.S. Coast Guard for its tireless efforts in cleaning up and investigating the recent event at the port,” Port Authority Chairman James Satcher said. “While it is disappointing that the investigation could not pinpoint the origin of the material, we are reassured in our proactive response efforts and pleased to learn that it was not identified as coming from a SeaPort Manatee-related source.”

“If anyone has information regarding this spill, please report it to the Sector St. Petersburg command center at 866-881-1392,” Kahle said. “We ask anyone who sees oil or hazardous materials pollution that may impact the water to immediately report it to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.”

No responsible party was identified following oil sample testing of more than 30 sources.

IN BRIEF

Commission to meet once a month

The Anna Maria City Commission plans to meet once a month rather than twice a month for the next three months. The currently scheduled meeting dates are Thursday, Oct. 19, Thursday, Nov. 16 and Thursday, Dec. 7. All three meetings are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Additional emergency commission meetings will be scheduled if needed to address any time-sensitive matters.

Anna Maria seeks resiliency grant

The Anna Maria City Commission has authorized Mayor Dan Murphy to pursue a $75,000 Vulnerability Assessment Resiliency Grant. On Sept. 21, Murphy told the commission the grant money, if received, would be used to study potential locations for, methods of and the cost of installing drainage pumps and pipes in floodprone areas that require more drainage capacity than vertical infiltration trenches and other drainage components currently provide.

Commission to approve holiday events

The Bradenton Beach Commission meeting on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. will include approvals for the Christmas tree lighting on Bridge Street on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 3-6 p.m.; Christmas on Bridge Street and Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon to 10 p.m.; reappointments of Ken McDonough and William Morrow to the Planning and Zoning Board; approval of gift cards for city employees; approval of estimates from West Coast Interiors for $9,690 and Mike Sommers Construction for $9,318; a discussion of turtle-friendly lighting; and resolution 23-968 to use Roberts Rules of Order. The meeting will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

P&Z Board to discuss code revisions

The Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. will include discussions of Draft Ordinance 23-551, revising the Land Development Code to provide credit for permeable paver systems when installed over infiltration systems and clarifying landscaping requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. The meeting will be held at the Katie Pierola Commission Chambers, 107 Gulf Drive N.

Corrections

• The Bortell’s Lounge request for additional exterior signage was not included on the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board’s Sept. 27 meeting agenda. A news brief stated otherwise.

• The Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board currently has four active members. A recent story noted a reduced number.

Board suggests allowing dogs at City Pier Park

Planning and

Zoning

Board member Dusty Crane will make a formal request to the city commission.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Efforts are afoot to allow leashed dogs at City Pier Park.

Section 38-28 of Anna Maria’s code of ordinances addresses domestic animals and currently prohibits dogs and other domestic animals in city parks and other public spaces.

“It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any domestic animal to allow or permit any such domestic animal on any beaches, coastal barrier sand dunes or parks located within the city limits,” the ordinance states.

During the Sept. 21 city commission meeting, Commissioner Jon Crane foreshadowed the pending efforts to allow dogs in City Pier Park while still prohibiting them in other city-owned parks.

During the city’s Sept. 10 centennial celebration at City Pier Park, some event attendees told Crane they didn’t know dogs weren’t allowed in the park.

Crane, a dog owner himself, said to the commission, “Since when can’t we have dogs at City Pier Park?”

Crane said Mayor Dan Murphy provided him with a copy of the ordinance that prohibits dogs in the park.

“I think there’s going to be some movement in this regard, having dogs allowed in City Pier Park. I think it might come from Planning and Zoning, but I’m not sure. It might be something we ought to think about,” Crane told the commission.

Crane said allowing dogs in City Pier Park would be different than allowing them in Bayfront Park, which abuts Tampa Bay and provides space where children and adults can play in and along the water. He noted that if dogs are allowed in City Pier Park, their owners must clean up after them.

“I’m not proposing it this second, but I think it's going to be

coming down the pike. Everyone should think about it,” Crane said.

None of the other commissioners commented on his remarks.

The city ordinance has been in place for a long time but no one seems to know exactly when the “No Dogs Allowed” signs first appeared at City Pier Park. Crane said he and several others first noticed them during the September centennial celebration.

PLANNING BOARD DISCUSSION

During the Sept. 27 Planning and Zoning Board meeting, board member Dusty Crane, Commissioner Crane’s wife, initiated an impromptu discussion on allowing dogs in City Pier Park.

“I think it’s over-restrictive for residents and visitors. Along with that, I’d like to institute two things. One would be a poop station. The other would be a fine if the owner of the dog does not clean up its waste,” she said.

“And of course, no pets in the play area,” she said about the City

Pier Park children’s playground. “And they all have to be leashed and under control.”

Crane said she’d like to see language added to the existing ordinance that would create an exception that allows dogs in City Pier Park.

“I’ve had a lot of people surprised to see the signs go up,” she said.

Planning board Chairman Jose Erbella said he doesn’t own a dog and he didn’t know dogs weren’t allowed in the park. He asked how the Planning and Zoning Board would proceed with such a request.

City Planner Ashley Austin and City Attorney Becky Vose said the board should direct one of its members to attend a city commission meeting and ask the city commission to direct city staff to address the matter.

Board member David Haddox made a motion to delegate Crane to address the city commission on the issue, including leash and clean-up requirements. The board voted 4-0 in support of Haddox’s motion.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Signs placed at City Pier Park note dogs are not allowed.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

City Commissioner Jon Crane is among those who recently noticed the 'No Dogs Allowed' signs at City Pier Park. Planning and Zoning Board member Dusty Crane will present the board’s request to the city commission.

Wanted man found hiding on Holmes Beach roof

After responding to a Holmes Beach rental home for a fraud complaint, officers found a man wanted on an out-of-county theft warrant hiding on the roof.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - In the early afternoon of Sept. 24, Holmes Beach Police Officer Chris Liotti responded to a dispatch call about a possible fraudulent renter with a bad credit card at 210 72nd St.

When the officer arrived at the home, he met with Adrian Johnson, the owner of Seabreeze Vacation Rentals. Johnson said he received a rental agreement for the property and sent the renter the door code by email, but shortly after, he learned the credit card had been declined. An email and phone call to the renter went unanswered, so he called police.

However, an arrest would

be made on an entirely different matter.

According to Liotti’s report, Johnson allowed him and other officers into the home so they could make contact with whoever might be inside. Officers loudly announced their presence, but no one responded. After continuing to order anyone in the home to make their presence known, a male and female came out of a bedroom and said there were more people in the house, but they weren’t sure how many.

Continuing to clear the house, Liotti went to the second floor and found a locked bedroom. A male and female eventually came out, looking as if they had been asleep, according to the report. Officer Jason Higgins escorted the couple downstairs while Liotti continued to the third floor where he found a fifth person hiding beside the bed, who was placed in handcuffs and detained while the officers continued to clear the house.

Liotti noticed the door to the upstairs patio was open,

so he walked outside and saw a spiral staircase leading to a rooftop observation deck, which appeared to be empty at first glance.

“After advising the roof was clear, Sgt. Copeman advised he could see someone hiding on the lower portion of the roof,” Liotti said in his report. “I tried

to walk across the roofline to try to make contact with the subject, but due to the pitch of the roof, along with the slippery texture, I made the determination it was no longer safe to proceed.”

Police determined the only way to safely reach the roof was with a tall ladder, so they called West Manatee Fire Rescue,

which didn’t have a ladder truck available at the time but sent another truck to try and assist. Once firefighters arrived on the scene, the man on the roof, later identified as Eric Woods, 43, of Sarasota, came out of hiding and surrendered. Once he came off the roof, police found there was an active Sarasota warrant for Woods for theft. In addition to being arrested for the warrant, Woods was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest without violence.

No charges were filed against any of the occupants of the home, but Liotti’s report says charges could be issued pending further investigation. None of the other occupants had any warrants and were allowed to get their items and leave the home. While being processed, Woods complained of an injured foot and was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital. Afterward, he was taken to Manatee County Jail by a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

A wanted man was found hiding on the roof of the vacation rental home at 210 72nd St. in Holmes Beach.

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GUEST EDITORIAL

Wetlands decision will determine our future

My name is Brice Claypoole. I’m 15 years old and run the advocacy group Kids for Clean Water. The group was founded in 2020 by me and six other local kids. Our first campaign was an effort to help pass the Manatee County Land Acquisition Referendum. We made videos and wrote letters to the editor, trying to reach Manatee County voters. It was an encouraging experience as the measure passed with more than 70% support from Manatee constituents.

However, another result of the 2020 election was less encouraging. With major financial support from the development industry, particularly developer and political powerbroker Carlos Beruff, multiple new commissioners won seats on the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Under the direction of Beruff, the new board majority immediately fired our highly qualified county administrator and began the unprecedented move of completely reshaping the top levels of county government. It quickly became apparent that this BCC’s main goals were to approve more development and eliminate all barriers to further building. By September 2021, their attention had turned to the land referendum. Instead of implementing the will of the voters, they partially defunded the referendum. I was treated to a harsh lesson; the fight to protect our community is never over.

I hoped that the new BCC’s failure to implement the will of the voters would wake people up to the corruption within Manatee County politics. Sadly, after multiple years, things have only gotten worse. Developers heaped money into the 2022 election, gaining themselves influence over a supermajority of the BCC. Since then, the practice of government officials serving the public has been completely forgotten. No sooner had the new commissioners been sworn into office than they began the process of gutting the county’s wetland protections.

Wetlands are essential to our way of life in Manatee County. They provide a vast amount of wildlife habitat, prevent flooding, reduce damage from hurricanes and keep our water (including our drinking water) clean and healthy. Unfortunately, they are also an inconvenience for developers who want to pave over as much land as possible. This is what drove Beruff to sue the county – twice - over its wetland buffer requirements. The courts ruled in favor of the county – twice - allowing its wetland protections to remain in force.

Once developers had bought a 6-1 majority on the BCC, they were able to attack the regulation from the inside. In January, the president of the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association met with county officials and instructed them to make “changes” to the county’s land use

regulations. Shortly after, the county proposed to delete the very wetland policy they had just finished defending in court.

The BCC voted on the changes on Aug. 17, hearing five hours of testimony from scientists about the importance of wetland buffers as well as passionate pleas from citizens that the board maintain current buffer requirements. Their comments fell on deaf ears, however, as the commission approved the changes 6-1 after almost zero discussion. “What do you do when you can’t beat them in court?” Suncoast Waterkeeper’s Samantha Wassmer asked the BCC rhetorically. “You try buying their government.”

I was unable to attend the hearing and found myself watching online. I noticed that not one kid was present. This decision will have a huge impact on the future

of our community, so it struck me that the voices of youth weren’t included in this discussion.

I’ve watched dead seahorses wash up on our beaches and seen dead sea turtles floating in the waves. I’ve seen mats of lyngbya algae strangle seagrass beds that just a few years ago were lush sanctuaries for bountiful aquatic life. I understand that everything I love about our community is at risk of being lost. I fear that I will never show my kids a seahorse or a lush seagrass bed.

I knew other kids must feel the same way and, as expected, found multiple kids who wanted to get involved with this issue. Together we formed Kids for Clean Water’s latest campaign, which I dubbed Kids for Our Wetlands. For the past month, we have been doing everything we can to raise awareness about this issue. We have written

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

emails and comments, spoken with the press about our efforts, made videos detailing our concerns, and created a letter to commissioners that has garnered over 90 signatures from local youth.

I will be representing Kids for Clean Water when these changes come to a final vote on Oct. 5. In the end, I don’t believe a group of concerned kids can convince this BCC to protect our future. However, there is an election coming up and a large body of constituents showing up to speak out against their plan to remove wetland protections might just be enough to change their minds. That’s why I’m asking you, on behalf of all the kids who will inherit Manatee County, to show up at the hearing on Thursday and tell the commissioners to preserve our environment for the future.

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.

ON THE AGENDA EVENTS

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

Oct. 19, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting

Oct. 4, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board meeting

Oct. 5, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Oct. 18, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting

Oct. 19, 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.

Oct. 4, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification Committee meeting

Oct. 4, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Oct. 10, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow

Oct. 11, 9 a.m. – CleanWater Ad-hoc Committee meeting

Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – City Hall open house

Oct. 18, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

ISLAND-WIDE

Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. – Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting, Bradenton City Hall, 101 12th St. W., Bradenton

Oct. 5, 9 a.m. – Manatee County Commission wetlands buffer meeting, Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 4

Indigenous People of Florida: From First Peoples to Conquest, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 5

AMI Chamber of Commerce

breakfast, Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach, 7:30 a.m., $15 for members or $25 for non-members

Sunshine Stitchers Knit and Crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 6

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.

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 7 a.m.

Cortez Nautical Flea Market, Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, 8 a.m. to noon

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

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

MONDAY, OCT. 9

Gentle yoga, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m.

Boating Safety, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Sunset Tai Chi, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6:30 p.m., $10

TUESDAY, OCT. 10

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. Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island meeting, Bridge Street Bistro, 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11

Off Stage Ladies meeting, Modern Chop, 1830 59th St. W., Bradenton, 11:45 a.m. Call Roe Duncan at 941-932-2798 to join.

Anna Maria Princess for sale

which are sometimes booked months in advance, are still being accepted, she said.

“We have a large party booked for January,” Still said.

Work continues on bridge

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The final local launch for the Anna Maria Princess may be coming soon as the party paddle-wheeler is for sale.

Listed at $499,999 on the Boat Trader website, the 99-foot paddle-wheeler has been on the market for a week and has caught the attention of potential buyers.

“It hasn’t sold yet, but we’ve had a lot of interest,” said Mia Still, Bradenton Beach Marina executive assistant for tours and operations on Sept. 26.

The Anna Maria Princess is owned by Bradenton Beach Marina, which was purchased in January by local developer Shawn Kaleta, Still said.

The paddle-wheeler is visible off the south side of the Cortez Bridge.

After the boat sale, Still said the goal is to replace the boat with a vessel having less seating capacity.

“It’s been a little slow lately with

bookings, so once this sells we’ll be looking at something a little smaller,” Still said. “Probably something for about 80 passengers.”

The potential replacement will not be another paddle-wheeler, she said.

“It will possibly be a large pontoon boat,” Still said. “It will be something that can accommodate everything we’re doing now.”

Reservations for private functions,

The Anna Maria Princess website shows availability for sunset cruises on Wednesdays and Thursdays through October as well as Friday Sunset Comedy cruises. In November, however, sunset cruises are only available the first week, with comedy cruises on Fridays throughout the month.

December offers Friday comedy cruises only, with no online booking available in January 2024.

According to the listing, the 2001 Skipperliner 65 dinner boat has a 36'x17' downstairs dining area with tables and chairs for 80 passengers, an aft full bar with keg cooler and drink cooler, drink dispenser, bottle racks, forward food bar with two coolers, large commercial sinks, a hand sink and two restrooms. Top side can hold 80 passengers under the canopy. The twin diesel engine paddle-wheeler was brought down from Pickwick, Tennessee in 2017.

“It came to us here from Tennessee; who knows where it will go next,” Still said.

Drivers crossing the Anna Maria Island Bridge on Manatee Avenue can expect lane closures to continue across the drawbridge through October. Crews are working through Oct. 6 to complete maintenance on the bridge with alternating single lane traffic nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. with half hour bridge openings scheduled from 3-5 a.m. nightly. Water main repairs are also expected through October with possible lane closures occurring during the day from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Drivers may want to use Cortez Road as an alternate way to access the Island during the construction.

The Bradenton Beach Marina's party paddle-wheeler is on the market for $499,999.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN A sign at the Bradenton Beach Marina directs guests to the Anna Maria Princess party paddle-wheeler.

Public hearings scheduled on Bridge Street hotel

The Planning and Zoning Board will hold a hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The City Commission will hold public hearings on Thursday, Nov. 16 and Thurs day, Dec. 7.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – In the first of what will be mul tiple public hearings about an application for a 106-unit resort hotel at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive, the city Planning and Zoning Board will conduct a hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. at City Hall.

In addition to the hotel, the proposed project includes a 60-seat restaurant, 2,485 square feet of retail space and 99 on-site parking spaces. The project area extends to Third Street South and would require zoning changes.

City Clerk Terri Sanclemente published notices for the Nov. 1 hearing as well as public hearings before the City Commission on Thursday, Nov. 16 at noon and Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. All meetings will be held at City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N. According to the notices, the hearings will be held

regarding an ordinance amending zoning for 1.61 acres at 101, 105 and 117 Bridge St. and 106, 108, 110 and 112 Third St. S., establishing a planned development overlay district within the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts.

City Building Official Steve Gilbert told The Sun in December 2022 that a proposed development carrying a major development designation must be reviewed by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board and then approved by the city commission. Gilbert

said multiple land development code interpretations will be required and multiple land use issues will need to be addressed before the proposed development can be advertised for public hearings before the planning board and city commission.

The Land Development Code application for the project was made on Dec. 2, 2022 by property owners Shawn Kaleta and Jacob Spooner. Kaleta is a developer on Anna Maria Island. Spooner is a Bradenton Beach businessman and

commercial property owner and a member of the Bradenton Beach City Commission and the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. As a sitting city commissioner, Spooner would have to recuse himself from any commission discussions and votes related to the proposed hotel development.

With Commissioner Marilyn Maro absent with excuse for an extended period of time, and with Spooner’s recusal, that leaves only three City Commissioner members - Mayor

John Chappie and Commissioners Ralph Cole and Jan Vosburgh - to consider the application.

According to Bradenton Beach Code of Ordinances Section 10, however, an affirmative “supra-majority vote,” (at least four out of five members) of the City Commission is required to approve any comprehensive plan amendment including map or text amendments, rezoning, special exception, variance or vacation of any city rights-of-way.

“Luis (City Planner Luis Serna) and I agree that a PUD (Planned Unit Development) process should include an ordinance to apply a PUD overlay on top of the zoning map,” Gilbert said. “As far as our understanding is concerned, the ordinance adopting that PUD overlay will require whatever supra-majority vote the city attorney deems appropriate.”

Any interested party may appear at the meetings and be heard. Copies of the proposed ordinance are on file at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N., and may be reviewed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays.

Zoning amendments for a proposed 106-unit hotel/restaurant/retail complex on Bridge Street will be the subject of Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission public hearings.

Sewer pipe work closes 13th Street South

Residents and guests use permit parking on Gulf Drive South with shuttle services to their homes.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Two down and six to go.

As workers make their way down Gulf Drive South for construction on the Bradenton Beach Sewer Improvements Project, a third side street has been closed for sewer pipe installations.

Sewer pipes have been installed and connected to main services, with temporary rebuilding of the roadways on 11th and 12th Streets South. Those roads have been reopened to vehicular traffic.

On Sept. 25, installation of the sewer pipe across Gulf Drive South at 13th Street began.

According to Ogden Clark, Manatee County Public Works Department Strategic Affairs manager, once the installation is completed, the contractor will

continue installing the sewer pipe east on 13th Street South. That road is currently closed to motor vehicle traffic.

For residents and renters on closed roads, permitted parking has been in place along the west side of Gulf Drive South. A shuttle is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. between the parking areas and residences.

Sixth through 10th Streets South remain to have sewer pipes installed and will be closed in turn following the completion of the work on 13th Street.

Phase 1 construction activities will include the installation of a new gravity sewer main in the beach parking area on the west side of Gulf Drive South from the cross streets of Sixth Street South to 13th Street South. These activities will not affect traffic on Gulf Drive South.

The project began in January and has an anticipated completion date of fall 2024.

P&Z reviews sandwich sign ordinance

The proposed ordinance would allow one sandwich board sign per business address.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) has requested modifications and clarifications regarding a proposed ordinance that would amend the city’s sandwich board sign regulations.

City code currently prohibits A-frame sandwich board signs, but in recent years the prohibition has not been enforced. In late July, Mayor Dan Murphy suggested revisiting the sign ordinance in response to a complaint he received. Murphy said then that he was not in favor of prohibiting the signs that help businesses attract customers.

On Aug. 24, City Attorney Becky Vose presented the commission with a proposed ordinance that would no longer prohibit sandwich board signs. Vose noted past city commissions enacted enforcement moratoriums on the sandwich board sign prohibition in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and before that when the City Pier was closed and replaced due to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma. The proposed ordinance would allow one A-frame sandwich board sign per business address.

The signs will only be allowed on commercially zoned and Retail/Office/ Residential (ROR) zoned properties. The signs will be allowed only during active business hours and must be removed at the end of each business day, and also during inclement weather. The signs shall not be located on any city-owned sidewalks or rights of way and shall not impede pedestrian traffic or vehicular sight lines.

P&Z REVIEW

The proposed ordinance is being reviewed by the P&Z members, who will ultimately make a recommendation the city commission can accept, reject or modify.

During the Sept. 27 P&Z meeting, board member David Haddox asked what constitutes a business address. City Planner Ashely Austin said if 307A is one business address and 307B is another business address, and both are located on the same property, each business would be allowed one sandwich board sign. The board members requested further clarification as to what constitutes a business entity and business address.

The board members noted the Pineapple Marketplace features approximately 30 different vendors that share the same address. Board member Lisa Bagwell expressed concerns about not allowing businesses with shared addresses to

display sandwich board signs when there’s enough space on the property for more.

Board Chair Dr. Jose Erbella suggested the number of allowed signs be determined by the available privately owned space on a property.

Board member Dusty Crane said she’s not a big supporter of sandwich board signs and she questioned how the proposed sign allowance would be enforced.

“I’d like to see them all gone to tell you the truth,” she said.

The proposed ordinance currently says a sandwich board sign shall not exceed 24 inches in width by 36 inches in height, including the frame. Haddox noted the standard size offered by many sign manufacturers is larger than that. He suggested the sign’s graphic area not exceed 24x36 inches and the surrounding frame not exceed 27x45 inches.

Haddox noted some sandwich board signs feature a single panel that hangs in

the middle and swings in the wind. He suggested prohibiting signs that move in the wind and requiring them to have two fixed panels.

The board also requested clarification on the vehicular sight distances and visibility triangle referenced in the proposed ordinance.

“You all do a great job of analysis and I want to thank you for it,” Vose said in appreciation of the board’s efforts.

The requested modifications and clarifications will be brought back to the P&Z members before the proposed ordinance is forwarded to the city commission.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Sandwich board signs help businesses attract and inform customers. Separate businesses located on the same property would be allowed one sandwich board sign each.

Drift In hosting Rock Extravaganza

The Drift In in Bradenton Beach will host a Rock Extravaganza on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 1-6 p.m. The event will serve as a fundraiser for local musician Mack Black, who recently experienced some health issues that caused him to miss several gigs and incur some unexpected medical expenses. The musical lineup will include Dos-Macs, the band Black plays with, and several other local musicians and bands including Tommy Balbo, Rob Hamm & The Daily Specials, Lance Biddle from The 301 Travelers, The Cabana Dogs, Mikey Silbaugh from Concrete Edgar and Steve Paradis. The live musical performances will be followed Sunday evening by karaoke with Kelly. The Drift In is donating a lotto board to be raffled off and The Anna Maria Island Privateers are donating a liquor basket to be raffled off. The Renegades motorcycle club will also engage in fundraising. PigOut BBQ and Clancy’s are donating food and attendees are invited to bring a dish to share. Those who share a dish will eat for free. Others who wish to eat will be asked to make a $10 donation.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Mack Black plays bass, harmonica and sings lead and backing vocals with Dos-Macs.

Chamber luncheon at Lazy Lobster

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s October luncheon will be held Thursday, Oct. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. This networking opportunity is for chamber members and anyone interested in becoming a member. The fee is $22 for members and $30 for prospective members. RSVP by emailing ingrid@amichamber.org or by calling 941-778-1541.

AMI Chamber Breakfast at Wicked Cantina

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its next breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 7:30-9 a.m. at Wicked Cantina, 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach. The event is an opportunity to network with chamber members, and, if interested in joining the chamber, get a feel for how they promote businesses on the Island. The fee is $15 for members and $25 for prospective members. RSVP by emailing ingrid@amichamber.org or call 941778-1541 to secure a spot. Don’t forget to bring a raffle prize and have plenty of business cards ready.

Farmers market returns

The city of Anna Maria’s seasonal farmer’s market will resume at City Pier Park on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Featuring fresh produce and more, the market will continue every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May 7, 2024.

Symphony on the Sand to honor veterans

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce invites the community to an evening of culinary delights and world-class music with the backdrop of a Gulf Coast sunset at the Symphony on the Sand Veterans Day salute. The event is scheduled on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S. in Bradenton Beach. Ticket options range from $30 to $250. The event helps foster the development of musically talented youth throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties and funds outreach programs to the community. For more information, visit annamariaislandchamber.org.

Commissioners unanimously approve millage rate, budget

HOLMES BEACH – City commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 26 to pass the proposed 2023-24 fiscal year budget and millage rate. The new fiscal year began Oct. 1. The last budget hearing for this year began with the announcement of the millage rate at 2.05 mills. While Commissioner Terry Schaefer was quick to point out that the millage rate was lower than the previous year’s 2.15 mills, he added that while taxes technically increased 12.18% over the 2022-23 year for property owners, commissioners actually cut taxes. He said the 12% increase is due to rising property values across

the city as determined by the Manatee County Property Appraiser. The rollback rate - the millage rate commissioners would need to use to bring in the same amount from ad valorem revenue as the year before - is 1.8273 mills. The millage rate is the rate that is levied per $1,000 of taxable property value. At 2.05 mills, city leaders anticipate bringing in $6,172,693 from property taxes, a $697,087 increase over the previous year. Commissioners also voted unanimously to pass the proposed budget of $25,121,957, including $10,960,076 in total reserves and carryover.

Artists’ Guild features mouth-watering art Cortez art fair, flea market

also offers classes for beginners and professionals alike. It is not necessary to be an AGAMI member to attend classes.

Saturday

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT

HOLMES BEACH - Whether it’s sweet treats on Halloween or a huge Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family, autumn is a time for feasting, so it makes perfect sense that the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island’s (AGAMI) feature display for October would showcase some mouth-watering art that is not only pleasing to the eye, but may invoke hunger pangs as well.

The display, “Yummy for the Tummy,” features works of art in oil, acrylic, watercolor and other media that leave the observer hungry for more.

“Yummy for the Tummy” is on display in the front window of the gallery through Tuesday, Oct. 31 and all works of art are available for sale.

In addition to works of art from over 100 member artists, AGAMI

The next class being offered is a drawing workshop using graphite pencils with Marge Kelly on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. The only supplies needed are pencils, paper, erasers and a desire to enhance drawing skills. Attendees will explore basic techniques for rendering a subject realistically. Time will be split between instructor demonstration and participating in a practicum with sample materials provided by the instructor. The cost is $30. Register at amiartistsguildgallery.com and click on “classes.”

The Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island, an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 1989 to promote and support creative processes by bringing together all artists to share experiences, and expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community. The AGAMI Gallery is located at 5414 Marina Drive.

SUBMITTED

The Cortez Village Historical Society arts and crafts fair and the Florida Maritime Museum nautical flea market will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road W., and the museum, 4415 119th St. W. Free parking is available at the adjacent FISH Preserve. “We have about 34 vendors,” CVHS member Kris Martinez said, adding that a silent auction table will offer gift certificates for restaurants, fishing charters and art. Food will be available for purchase and the Boatworks boat shop next to the cultural center will be open with three boats showcased for viewing. The events are free.

The Artists’ Guild Gallery in Holmes Beach is all about food, as it presents the October feature display, ‘Yummy for the Tummy.’

| jschaffer@amisun.com

‘Chocolate Covered’ by Anne Abgott is one of many works of art in the ‘Yummy for the Tummy’ featured display at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island in Holmes Beach.

SUBMITTED

‘Tropical Thanksgiving’ by Gwen Kodad is currently on display at the Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island as part of the ‘Yummy for the Tummy’ feature display for October.

County commissioners to vote on wetland buffers

n Sept. 26, Suncoast Waterkeeper hosted a panel discussion of the “Value of Wetlands” that was attended by over 150 concerned citizens. During the discussion, scientists including Tampa Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Ed Sherwood, A.J. Reisinger and Jim Bays provided attendees with the science behind the value of wetlands and answered questions.

Suncoast Waterkeeper is encouraging citizens to take the facts communicated by the invited scientists to the Manatee County Commission on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. when commissioners are scheduled for a final vote on the proposed reduction of wetland buffers. To watch the science panel event, tune into Manatee Education Television or YouTube.

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

The Manatee County Comprehensive Plan is a set of goals and objectives put into policy by the Land Development Code. The proposed changes to the comprehensive plan's element 3 – conservation - will eliminate all but one objective under Goal 3.3. This begs the question, can the county meet Goal 3.3 when most of the objectives created to meet the goal are removed?

Goal 3.3 states its purpose is “to protect, enhance, and maintain the natural flora and fauna resources of Manatee County to aid in the filtration of con-

taminants, provide for the preservation of native species for passive recreational and aesthetic enjoyment, and to provide a healthy environment for Manatee County residents and visitors.”

The proposed comprehensive plan changes will:

1. Eliminate protection for all viable wetlands beyond those deemed deserving of protection by the state of Florida. Currently, one of Manatee County’s objectives, which directs policy, is to protect all viable wetlands, even if they are not protected by the state. This additional protection for wetlands will be eliminated. Therefore, by reverting to the state for wetland protection rules, some of Manatee County’s viable wetlands will no longer be protected and will be open for development.

2. Eliminate the greater than or equal to 50-foot buffer requirement along all watercourses flowing into our drinking water sources. The development pressures around Lake Manatee are very high. This language

change would eliminate protections for streams/creeks/branches that flow into Lake Manatee and other drinking water sources, such as the Peace River. State law does not require buffers around watercourses. Thus, residential developments will be allowed to infringe on the banks of these watercourses, subjecting them to siltation, bank erosion and contamination from multiple sources, including backyard lawn care practices such as applying pesticides and fertilizers.

3. Reduce buffers from greater than or equal to 50 feet to a minimum of 15 feet and average of 25 feet for outstanding Florida waters and aquatic preserves. Outstanding Florida Waters in Manatee County include all the bays (Sarasota, Palma

Sola, Terra Ceia, etc.). Therefore, the requirement for extra mangrove protection around the bays will be lost. Instead of having rows of mangrove trees between homes and the bays, there will just be one row of mangroves. Can a single row of mangroves provide the protections necessary to withstand the next storm surge, abate the next high wind event, or provide the habitat necessary to maintain fish stocks important for commercial, sports and recreational fishing?

The Watershed Overlay Districts indicate where wetlands and watercourses have greater protections than what is required by the state of Florida because they are connected to local drinking water supplies. What can you do?

1. Attend the Thursday, Oct. 5 Board of County Commissioners Land Use meeting at 9 a.m. The meeting agenda is available online at: https://agendaonline.mymanatee. org/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/

RUSTY CHINNIS

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

A.J. Reisinger, far right, addresses a question from the audience as Ed Sherwood and Jim Bays listen.

WETLANDS: Vote could reduce protection

in charge of protecting remaining wetlands and aquatic buffers under the Manatee County Comprehensive Plan who claim there is insufficient science to support current policies,” she wrote. “In the face of outright disapproval from their constituents, the board still voted 6-1 (to reduce local wetland buffers), with the only opposing vote coming from Commissioner (George) Kruse.”

On Thursday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m., Manatee County commissioners will consider adopting an ordinance to amend the comprehensive plan to “achieve consistency with state standards” for wetlands.

The proposed changes include eliminating the 50-foot wetland buffer requirement along inflowing watercourses and reducing wetland buffers from 50 feet to the state minimum of 15 feet and an average of 25 feet for Outstanding Florida Waters and Aquatic Preserves.

“If it’s true that all the Board of County Commissioners need is scientific data, then we are in luck - there are plenty of scientific studies on wetlands and water quality being conducted across the state,” Tyrna wrote.

“This panel is a continued effort to save our wetlands and follows a public petition which has garnered 2,168 signatures and

counting,” she wrote. “Other organizations supporting this fight include ManaSota-88, East Manatee Preservation, Waterline Road Preservation Group, Speak Out Manatee, Florida Kids for Clean Water, Manatee League of Women Voters and Manatee Fish and Game.”

The Sept. 26 science panel at the Bradenton Woman’s Club drew more than 150 people including Kruse, the lone voice of dissent in the 6-1 commission vote.

“All we heard on that board (of county commissioners) was there was no science behind this,” Kruse said. “I knew that wasn’t true. It may be one thing to disagree with the science, but the science is definitely there.”

He said he attended the panel discussion an as audience member to hear speakers with firsthand knowledge of wetland science.

“I know there will be at least one vote against this” at the Oct. 5 meeting, Kruse said, referring to himself. “We just need three more.”

Speakers at the Sept. 26 Value of Wetlands Science Panel at the Bradenton Woman’s Club were Ed Sherwood, executive director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, A.J. Reisinger, assistant professor of Urban Soil and Water Quality at the University of Florida and Jim Bays,

president of Stewards of Our Lakes (SoUL.)

Tyrna moderated the discussion. Each speaker spoke for 15 minutes and the presentation was followed by a question and answer period.

“Tampa Bay is one of 28 national estuary programs established by Congress as estuaries of national significance,” Sherwood said. “We’re interested in protecting wetlands because our estuary is continuing to be urbanized. We only have about 32% of the natural lands undeveloped in the watershed.”

Sherwood said habitats that are key to fish and wildlife have been lost as land development is expected to increase.

“There’s not enough space,” Sherwood said. “A lot of it has already been developed and those opportunities don’t exist. So we need to do our best with what we have now to look at our existing native habitats while looking for new and novel ways to expand our opportunities.”

It’s taking more and more effort to find those restoration opportunities, he said.

“In the past 30 years, we’ve lost about 180,000 acres of opportunity,” Sherwood said. “Development that’s going on has outpaced our ability to restore these key habitats. We’ve converted restorable lands to developed lands. We need to continue to make investments in restoring these key habitats.”

In addition to environmental benefits, Sherwood said the watershed has eco-

nomic benefits.

“In Manatee County alone, there’s about $70 million in flood protection benefits just from the wetlands over a 30-year period,” he said. “There’s both economic and intrinsic value to these habitats.”

Resinger discussed scientific studies showing the role of stormwater systems role in flood control and the enhancement of water quality.

Bays outlined other benefits of wetland buffers.

“It’s not just the wetlands that are important, but the areas around them,” Bays said. “They remove pollutants, provide water storage and preserve habitat for animals that live along the perimeter.”

Other ancillary benefits include opportunities to grow plants that will mitigate the effects of climate change, provide trails for such activities as birdwatching and have an aesthetic value, he said.

“A 30- to 50-foot buffer is needed to achieve nutrient removal and protect wildlife,” he said.

During a question and answer period, Tyrna read a question submitted by an audience member.

“What do you say to people who do not believe in science to guide decisionmaking?” she read.

All three panelists agreed that conversation is key.

BEACH BEAT

HOLMES BEACH

9/17, 6 p.m., larceny, 505 70th St. The officer was dispatched in reference to a complaint of stolen gas from two vehicles. The male victim told the officer when he went to move his SUV at 11 a.m., it would not start and was out of gas. The victim told the officer he had just filled the SUV up with gas two days prior, and it should have been almost full. The victim then checked his other vehicle and found it to be empty as well. The victim didn’t have any security cameras at the home, and a neighbor’s camera did not show any footage of the theft. The officer’s report said the total

stolen was approximately 35 gallons of fuel with a value of about $125.

9/23, 10:10 p.m., Baker Act, 7700 Palm Drive. While on patrol, the officer saw a man walking along the road holding a Styrofoam cup that was on fire. When the officer approached the subject, he said his friend had been lied to and was on the beach in need of a ride. The subject was not making sense to the officer, and refused to identify himself. The officer asked the subject if he had ever been treated at Centerstone, which he said he had but refused to say why. Since he continued to not make sense or answer simple questions, he was taken into custody under the Baker Act and taken to Centerstone for treatment.

Sex offender relocation: Donald Gordon Palmer, 77, 2310 77th St., Holmes Beach

Hazardous waste drop-off scheduled

For any Manatee County resident with household hazardous waste or electronic components that need to be disposed of, a free collection is scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at 4410 66th St. W. in Bradenton. Accepted items include old computers, televisions, cell phones, paint cans, batteries,

fluorescent lightbulbs, insecticides and fertilizers, motor oil and other items. A full list of accepted items can be found online at www.mymanatee.org/hhw. If you can’t make it to the collection point, these items also are accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the county landfill located at 3333 Lena Road in Bradenton.

Where’s Suzi?

Suzi, a female loggerhead sea turtle released from Coquina Beach after nesting and being satellite-tagged on June 27, has been swimming in the Gulf of Mexico near the Yucatan Peninsula for the past several weeks. In a field of 11 sea turtles in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles race, she is in sixth place after having traveled 831 miles. Suzi is swimming to bring attention to the cause of light pollution and how lighting near shore can negatively impact nesting turtles and their hatchlings. She was named in honor of Suzi Fox, the late executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, which is sponsoring her along with the Coastal Wildlife Club and Waterline Marina and Resort. Visit The Sun’s Facebook page for weekly updates in “Where’s Suzi?” and visit amisun.com for weekly updates on turtle nesting activity in “Nesting News.”

Turtle Watch Wednesday renamed in honor of Fox

The annual fundraiser will benefit Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - The 5th Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraiser has a new name.

In honor of the late Suzi Fox, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring’s former executive director, the Wednesday, Nov. 8 event will be the “Suzi Fox 5th Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday.”

A major fundraiser for the non-profit Turtle Watch, the event will be held at Hurricane Hanks and Pour House, 5346 Gulf Drive, from 4-6 p.m. Organizer Sharon Hoatland said 80 VIP tickets are available at $75 each and include indoor seating and a “swag bag.”

“Last year’s VIP tickets sold out two weeks before the event,” she said.

There will be a live and silent auction and music by Mike Sales.

Event sponsors are the Anna Maria Island Sun, A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals, Hurricane Hanks, Caban Up, Mike Sales Entertainment, Harbor Land Court Vacation Rentals, Slicker’s Eatery, Edibles ‘n’ More and the Old Time County Store.

A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rentals will welcome the first 75 guests with a free beer or wine ticket.

“In 2022, we raised $22,000,” Hoatland said.

“We hope to do the same or more this year. The monies will go to aid Turtle Watch for educational materials, development of educational programs and ATVs for the turtle patrol.”

To purchase VIP tickets, call 404-275-9422.

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid: 405 (Record: 544 in 2019)

False crawls: 438 (Record: 831 in 2010)

Nests hatched: 295 (Record: 453 in 2022)

Hatchlings hatched: 22,995 (Record: 35,850 in 2022)

Hatchling disorientations: 89

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring

Anna Maria

SHARON HOATLAND | SUBMITTED

A new logo has been designed in honor of the late Turtle Watch Executive Director Suzi Fox.

Homes are shrinking, but not on AMI

Well, here we go with another everything old is new again story. This time it’s about the size of the average American home.

The homes most of us, certainly my generation, grew up in were small relative to the average family home today. We shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and the whole family sat together in the only family living room to watch the only family TV. According to the census data, some of that is coming back.

Census data shows that the median square footage of floor area for new construction single-family homes in the U.S. peaked at 2,519 during the first quarter of 2015. This has since dropped 13% to 2,191 as of the second quarter of 2023. But don’t think that because the amount of square footage has been declining the cost is also declining. According to John Burns Research and Consulting, the cost per square foot has accelerated to 13% in 2021 and 10% in 2022.

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

So, what are the builders eliminating from their newly-built properties to produce tighter, more efficient living spaces? First, they are axing dining areas, bathtubs and separate living rooms. Secondary bedrooms and loft spaces are shrinking and frequently disappearing. Much of this downsizing is the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and everyone’s focus is on saving energy and conserving our natural resources.

To compensate for the lack of formal dining and living rooms, they are increasing the size of multi-use rooms like kitchens and great rooms. Some families are opting to use the kitchen island as the primary

dining area and expand their outdoor space for entertaining. Shared bathrooms are back in style and bathtubs with all the water jets and seating areas are gone along with the extra expense of building them.

Since formal dining is gone, so is the formal dinnerware, glassware, starched linens and the glass-faced cabinets formerly used to store them and show them off. Your grandmother would not be happy. Instead, builders are giving their customers more practical storage for wine racks, appliance drawers and roll-out shelving.

Unfortunately, most of this type of downsizing is not helping the prices. The overall price may be less, but the price per square foot is not, so you’re paying more for less. Nevertheless, first-time homebuyers are likely happy with the compromise just to be able to get into a home.

Home size may be shrinking but you would never know it riding around Anna Maria Island.

The new construction homes look bigger

than ever, and they are. However, these multi-bedroom fun palaces are not designed for families to live in, they’re designed for investment owners to rent. Homes on the Island are being repurposed and converted into rental properties at the expense of owners who are either full-time or seasonal. Rest assured, Anna Maria Island is not alone in the world with this problem. A recent article I read talks about Venice, Italy being out of control with tourists chasing out residents from the island city. Venice’s resident population is in steady decline, dropping below 50,000 last year for the first time in more than three centuries. This is down from 66,000 two decades ago and 175,000 in the early 1950s.

Smaller homes with fewer bedrooms and baths may not be happening on Anna Maria Island, but families who live in less of a tourist area are reconsidering their priorities. You may not like the demographic change for the Island but at least we’re in good company.

Commissioners consider going vertical in Seaside Gardens

After much discussion, Holmes Beach commissioners have reached an agreement on allowing structures in Seaside Gardens to be raised above the flood plain level.

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

HOLMES BEACH – It’s been more than two months since commissioners first began their discussion on whether or not to allow property owners in Seaside Gardens to raise their ground floor homes above the flood plain level. Now it seems they may have reached a decision.

During a Sept. 26 meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance allowing property owners to raise the ground-level structures that characterize the waterfront neighborhood – the catch is that they can only do so if the home was involuntarily damaged.

If the new ordinance passes a second and final reading at an upcoming meeting, Seaside Gardens owners will be able to raise their

units to or above the current flood plain level, but only if the unit is involuntarily damaged by 50% or more of the townhome’s market value by fire, flood, windstorm or other similar event. Property owners will not be able to simply choose to raise the structure.

If the unit is damaged, when

reconstructed it will have to meet or exceed the current elevation requirements, the ground floor will have to be converted to non-habitable space and the existing floorplan cannot be increased.

The decision comes after work session discussions in which Mayor Judy Titsworth and commission -

ers heard from several residents and property owners in the small neighborhood, part of which fronts a canal. While some property owners felt they should be able to choose to build their properties up, others said it would change the character of the neighborhood and reduce the quality of life for adjoining residents.

All of the properties in Seaside Gardens have at least one wall that adjoins another property, with some being duplex units and others townhouses in buildings with three or more units. During discussions, Commissioner Pat Morton, who lives in Seaside Gardens, said he was not in favor of allowing property owners to choose to raise their properties to a second story because of the issues neighbors would face including construction noise and possible damage to their units. Under the new ordinance, property owners who raise their units must make sure that the construction doesn’t damage adjacent properties or cause those property owners to not be able to elevate their own units at some point in the future if necessary.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

Holmes Beach commissioners have passed the first reading of an ordinance allowing Seaside Gardens property owners to raise their homes to or above current flood plain levels, but only in the event of a catastrophe.

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AME students celebrate Peace Day

Right, Anna Maria Elementary School students paraded with flags of the world as part of International Peace Day. Above, Anna Maria Elementary School students, teachers and parents gathered to watch performances by students, as well as hear speakers including Principal Mike Masiello and Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island President Kathy Rylander, who spoke about peace and getting along with others, regardless of national or ethnic backgrounds.

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AME students enjoy skate park outing

Pizza was the menu of choice as Anna Maria Elementary School students, parents and teachers enjoyed an evening at the skate park in Holmes Beach on Sept. 22. The AME PTO September Family Social featured skating, games and a chance to enjoy the company of other students outside of school.

MAYOR: Addresses consolidation study

FROM PAGE 1

letter. “With that being the stated goal of the study, you have our wholehearted support with this effort. Our city opposes both governmental consolidation or de-annexation (elimination) of the local governments on our Island.”

Murphy’s letter serves as the city’s formal response to the Aug. 21 letter that Boyd and Robinson sent to the three Anna Maria Island mayors informing them that the legislators’ pursuit of a consolidation study conducted by Florida’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) remains active. OPPAGA is a research arm of the Florida Legislature and provides data, evaluative research and objective analyses that assist legislators in their budget and policy deliberations.

STUDY REQUESTED

On Jan. 12, the Manatee County Legislative Delegation that consists of Boyd, Robinson, State Sen. Joe Gruters (R- Manatee, Sarasota), State Rep. Tommy Gregory (R- Manatee) and State Rep. Mike Beltran (R- Manatee, Hillsborough) unanimously supported requesting an OPPAGA consolidation study be conducted before the 2024 legislative session begins in January 2024.

On Jan. 19, the delegation members sent a letter to Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo requesting an OPPAGA study to be completed by Sept. 15.

“The study should focus on the potential benefits of combining the three municipalities of Anna Maria Island, which encompasses the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. The study should analyze the existing municipalities and present any and all options for future government structure on Anna Maria Island,” the delegation letter said.

That letter stated all three Island cities experienced significant population declines between 2000 and 2020, with Anna Maria’s population decreasing by 46%, Holmes Beach’s population decreasing by 39% and Bradenton Beach’s population decreasing by 39% during that 10-year period.

“If all three cities were combined, their population would bring the resident population to a state ranking of 478 out of 950,” the letter noted.

STUDY DELAYED

On Jan. 30, Boyd and Robinson met with Murphy, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie and Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and agreed to give the mayors some time to develop

Holmes Beach mayor responds to consolidation threat

Holmes Beach city leaders are letting state legislators know they’re opposed to consolidating the three Island cities into one.

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

HOLMES BEACH – City leaders are making sure that state leaders know where they stand on the idea of consolidating the three Anna Maria Island cities.

Prior to an upcoming Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting planned for Thursday, Oct. 5, Rep. Will Robinson Jr. (R-Manatee) and Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Manatee) sent out a letter warning the mayors of all three Island cities that if they don’t have a proposal for how the three municipalities can better work together, the state leaders would be seeking a statefunded and run study to determine if the cities should be consolidated into a single municipality.

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth responded individually to both legislators on behalf of the city in letters dated Sept. 26. During a meeting on the same day, she added

that she’d also spoken with Boyd on Sept. 22 and felt that they’d had a productive discussion.

Titsworth said that while city leaders are not in opposition to the study if it is used to find ways to reduce the tax burden on residents, they’re not in favor of using it as a means of paving the way toward consolidation of the three Island cities. While the cities share a single 7-mile island, she said they each have their own character that charms both residents and visitors alike.

She added that during her discussion with Boyd, she apprised him of the steps the leaders of all three Island cities are taking toward making processes more streamlined across the board, such as the building permitting process and the efforts they’re making to work together to consolidate some other processes.

While state leaders had made suggestions such as combining law enforcement, public works and building department efforts into a single department across the Island instead of one for each city, there are currently no plans to integrate any of those departments into one.

ideas on how to consolidate some of the similar services each city provides.

On Aug. 21, Boyd and Robinson sent a letter to the three mayors informing them that the delegation was resuming its pursuit of an OPPAGA study. That letter stated the mayors had not presented any “implementable concepts” regarding the potential consolidation of police, building department and public works department services in order to the help lower the rising property taxes paid by Anna Maria Island property owners.

“We tabled the OPPAGA study in good faith to allow you the time to find better ways of coordination and present such to the delegation. Unfortunately, we have not received any major update so far,” Boyd and Robinson stated in their letter. “Please be assured that the delegation, and the authors of this letter, have not made a decision on consolidation or de-annexation while we await your response. We would like to receive your response prior to our delegation meeting scheduled for Oct. 5. Should we not hear back from you before the delegation meeting, we will move forward with our request to OPPAGA.”

The Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting will take place at Bradenton City Hall in downtown Bradenton on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

WETLANDS: Vote could reduce protection

FROM PAGE 19

“I think we live, work and play in the Tampa Bay region because of certain aesthetics,” Sherwood said. “At the end of the day, I think we can have common conversations about what makes Tampa Bay special.”

“You need to figure out connections and reach people where they are,” Reisinger said.

“I would first ask them what is guiding your decisions,” Bay said. “I believe it’s a matter of education and outreach for those folks.”

Meeting attendees received cards with information about the upcoming Thursday, Oct. 5 meeting at the Honorable Patricia M. Glass Chambers at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton, suggesting that parties meet, call or email their county commissioners to register their opposition and attend the meeting.

MAYOR: Addresses consolidation study

FROM PAGE 26

CITY’S RESPONSE

Murphy first addressed Boyd and Robinson’s letter during the Aug. 24 Anna Maria City Commission meeting.

After noting that he met with Chappie and Titsworth earlier that day, he said, “Unanimously, we agreed that the right thing to do is to embrace this study. If this study can reduce our taxes, and if it could also enhance and improve the scope of services to the residents of this Island, we’re all in. The scope (of the study) should not be the consolidation or the elimination or the de-annexation of the three municipalities on this Island.”

According to Murphy, each of the three Island mayors are submitting their cities’ written responses to Boyd and Robinson.

In his Sept. 29 letter, Murphy addressed the loss of full-time residents referenced in the delegation’s letter to Passidomo.

“Even though our cities are

small in permanent population, our actual population is six- and seven-fold higher in reality. With over 70% of our dwellings being upscale vacation rental homes, our real population continues to grow at a rapid exponential rate while our permanent resident population declines. We struggle to meet the demands and expectations for services to this growing upscale community and we feel this study will help us proactively meet those increased demands and expectations head-on,” Murphy wrote.

“On the other hand, our primary concern with governmental consolidation is a loss of our individuality. Each city on this Island presents a distinctly different environment to fulltime residents and visitors alike. Speaking for the city of Anna Maria, we have long been, and we remain, a cultural and quiet residential bastion on the Island,” Murphy wrote.

His letter referenced the Island Players theater, the Anna

Maria Island Historical Society and historical museum, The Center of Anna Maria Island and the City Pier as Anna Maria-based entities. It also mentioned the city-sponsored Veterans Day Parade, the Memorial Day veterans’ recognition ceremony, the seasonal farmers market and the free movies at City Pier Park that are unique to Anna Maria.

“These differentiators make our city a cultural and residential jewel for locals and visitors. Our concern is that all of these cultural differentiators would become lost through a governmental consolidation process,” Murphy wrote.

“Combining these three unique and culturally diverse communities into one ‘vanilla community’ would result in the loss of the most valuable asset our Island offers, our diverse cultural differences. One size would not fit all in this instance,” he wrote.

Water quality report

Water quality at area beaches is based on monitoring of enterococcus bacteria levels, which can pose an increased risk of infectious disease.

Bayfront Park North Good Bradenton Beach Good

Coquina Beach North Good

Coquina Beach South Good

Manatee Beach North Good Palma Sola Bay South Poor

Source: Florida Department of Health

New member joins clean water committee

Lately the seven-member Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee has been short a couple of members; Jim McDaniel is on a leave of absence and Larry Grossman resigned. With an open slot on the committee, city commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 26 to appoint William Romberger, who was on hand during the commission meeting to introduce himself and thank commissioners for the appointment.

OC TOBER EVENT S

A Ta st e of Freedom Vi llage

Cook in g Demonstr at ion

Th ursday, Oct. 12

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Se nior Solutions: How Freedom

Vi llage Helps Seniors Overcome

Common Issues

Th ursday, Oct. 19

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Fr ie ndsh ip Lu nch Table for Widows, Widowe rs, Si ng les

Welcome to Freedom Village

Freedom Village is a premier Life Care senior living community that features beautiful living accommodations and a full range of health care services at our scenic 34-acre campus located in West Bradenton.

Our community provides financial security and peace of mind in a safe, friendly, and comfortable environment where daily living is stress-free, and friendships come easily Simply stated, we take care of our residents for life.

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from senior living in our community, please join us for a free luncheon to learn more. RSVPs are required by calling 941-231-7434

6406 21st Ave W | Bradenton, FL 34209 | FVBradenton.com

Tuesday, Oct. 24

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Di rector’s Roundt able: Be nefits of Worr y-free Livi ng at ou r Li fe Ca re Commun it y

Th ursday, Oct. 26

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Team Moss Builders leads youth and adult leagues

BY MONICA SIMPSON

ANNA MARIA – Just past the midway mark in the Island’s adult co-ed soccer fall season, the Moss Builders team is on top and undefeated with a 4-0-0 record. Team Moss Builders in the 8- to 10-year-old league is also undefeated with three weeks of play completed.

With a 2-0-0 record and having completed their bye week, Moss Builders has four teams hot on their heels. Teams sponsored by Adrian Griffin Interiors, La Creperie and Isola Bella Italian Eatery all have one win under their belts. Isola Bella has two ties, while their competitors both have a loss and a tie in the season.

Team Solid Rock Construction had the week off, retaining their 1-1-0 record.

The younger Moss team won by two goals against AMI Coconuts last Tuesday night. Isola Bella Italian Eatery captured their first win against Adrian Griffin Interiors. The Porch team goes into week four looking for their first win after a loss against Le Creperie.

Highlights for the league include the 10 saves by goalie Santiago Cantero for The Porch and a hat trick for Silas Whitehead playing for La Creperie.

Cheesecake Cuties leads the 11- to

CENTER NOTES

Healing Strong Cancer Support Group

A free cancer support group meets on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 6:30-8 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. The group is for anyone

13-year-old league by one point over The Gitt Team/KW on the Water with a 1-0-1 record. The Gitt Team has a single win and loss so far in the season.

Solid Rock Construction holds on to third place after a loss to Cheesecake Cuties. HSH Designs continues to work hard on the field despite struggling to get a W.

Jack Zaccagnino, playing for Solid Rock, topped the goalkeeper last week with six saves, but Cheesecake Cuties’ Thomas Holly had five stops. Also with five saves in their games were keeper Austin Guess, playing for The Gitt Team, and HSH’s Cyrus Ryan.

Topping the scoring for the older youth league, Renan Kesten shot four goals for The Gitt Team.

Winning the first game last Thursday night in the adult league, Ross Built Custom Homes got the win from a Sato Real Estate forfeit, the team’s first loss of the season.

Struggling to find their first victory, Pool America lost to Sandbar Seafood & Spirits by one goal. The win was the first of the season for the Sandbar team.

The Gulf Drive Café team won their second game by a single goal against Gulfview Windows & Doors.

navigating cancer or any other difficult illness and is designed to inspire, motivate and equip members with vital information to take action for better health.

Let’s Do Yoga - Youth Yoga with Dana Sky

A four-week yoga after-school program for kindergarteners through fifth graders begins on Monday, Oct. 9 from 4-5 p.m. The cost is $75 for

Also struggling to put a win in the statistics this season, Slim’s Place lost to Moss Builders 5-2.

Adult goalie accolades go to Charles “Tuna” McCracken with 12 saves for Gulf Drive Café. Coming in a close second was Chris Klotz playing for Pool America with 11 stops.

Solid scoring throughout the league, with all of the teams having a roster of strong shooters, resulted in three players with two goals in their games. Pool America’s Murat Akay, Gulf Drive Café’s Eliza Faillace and Moss Builders’ Dean Hinterstoisser each put two points on the scoreboard for their teams.

Island soccer action continues at The Center with playoffs going into November.

members and $85 for non-members. Register by Wednesday, Oct. 4.

Pink week

Wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness from Oct. 9-13 and receive a treat at The Center!

Unleash the Possibilities - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Bring out the best in you and your dog beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 18

from 6-7:30 p.m. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for non-members for a four-week session. Register by Wednesday, Oct. 11.

To register for Center programs, email Morgan Blackburn at customerservice@centerami.org or call 941-778-1908. For more information, email Monica Simpson at culture@ centerami.org.

FUN IN THE SUN

59 Norway's most populous

1 Person in a cast

2 Jim who sang "I Got a Name"

3 Time to celebrate with one's krewe mates

4 First responder: Abbr.

5 First responders, e.g.

6 "Easy on Me" singer 7 Rodeo contestant 8 GIF alternative

9 Land on an isthmus

10 Painter Neel known for nudes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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 & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

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

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

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

CLEANING SERVICE

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931

EMPLOYMENT

EXPERIENCED HAIR STYLIST NEEDED! Take over a full book of Business. Please stop by for an interview. A Hair Day 9516 Cortez Rd. 941-795-5227

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

AMANA 20 GAS STOVE. Electric ignition, very good condition. Oven is off by 20 degrees. $300. Call 516-641-2770

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

RENOVATION SPECALIST

ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.

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.

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

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941

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

ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315

LOST & FOUND

LOST WALLET AROUND Judy’s Restaurant. Please call 313-310-3290. REWARD

LOST KEY FOB at Pickle ball courts in Holmes Beach. Please call 941778-2919.

LOST GOLD RING High School Graduation with PA on Top. Please call 941243-1444

MOVING & STORAGE

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

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING

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

“WIZARD OF WALLS”

Established 1980

Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455

DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING

LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096

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

POOL SERVICES

FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657

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

PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS

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

419 CLARK ,HOLMES BEACH, 2909 sqf Ranch -Weekly rental zone. Boat slip avail. Furnished. Great Price. Christine Kourik, Remax 314-440-7574

104 29th HOLMES BEACH 3BR/2BA, private deck. Furnished. View of the beach. Zoned weekly rental. Christine Kourik, Remax 314-440-7574

TIRED OF HURRICANE SEASON & want to sell? Call Kelly The Kelly Gitt Team Proud Veteran Keller Williams on the Water 941-799-9299

RENTALS: ANNUAL

ANNUAL RENTALS

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

SUNNYSHORES/ SAGAMORE ESTATES

AREA: Annual rental, home with 3BR/1.5BA. Includes washer, dryer, screened in patio, parking under carport, and access to boat ramp and park by Palma Sola Bay. $1,900 per month. Call 941-705-0532

ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH

4BR/3BA $3980/mo (12 month minimum) + utilities. Walk to restaurants, shops, beach. Please Call 860-922-3857.

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 941-201-2190

ANNA MARIA ISLAND

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

SEASONAL RENTALAVAILABLE Jan- March 2024 3 mo min. Westbay Point & Moorings 2BR/2BA ground floor waterfront unit. Beautiful open water views. $6,000/mo + taxes/fees. Contact Fran Maxon Real Estate for details 941-778-2307.

TRANSPORTATION

AMI TAXI credit cards, cash, Venmo accepted. Airport: Tampa $105, Sarasota $50, St. Pete/ Clearwater $105, Orlando $220. Call 941-447-8372, www.amitaxi.com GOLF CART RENTALS

ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $80. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095

Sales Associate

Katie Self

Sales Associate Joey Hutchinson

Sales Associate

Lindsey Leech Strickland Broker Associate Tom Aposporos

Sales Associate

Martha Jones Robel Sales Associate April Green Sales Associate Michelle Laade Sales Associate Cindy Jones Broker- Owner

Darcie Duncan

Roberts Sales Associate Sales ssociate Broker Associate Sales Associate

Paige Rogers Sales Associate Robyn Hawk