Anna Maria Island Sun October 26, 2022

Fall Festival fun

SUBMITTED

There were some very creative costumes at the AME PTO’s Fall Festival at The Center of Anna Maria Island. Page 17

Hurricane Ian brings surge of tourism

Anna Maria Island is looking more like it does in the busy spring season, thanks to Hurricane Ian bringing an influx of tourists.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - Hurricane Ian may not have flooded the Island with water, but there has been a different kind of surge since the storm’s passing – tourism.

Island residents are accustomed to having a break this time of year from the busy summer and winter tourist seasons, which have been returning to nor mal since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in early 2021.

Pre-COVID, September through early December was the slowest time of year, with little traffic and a fraction of the visitors seen in peak seasons. This September followed that pattern, but after Hurri cane Ian passed on Sept. 28, things changed.

“We come this time of year, every year for more than 20 years, except when we couldn’t travel dur ing COVID. Are all these people here because of

Police searching for driver after 100 mph beach pursuit Red tide numbers high south of Manatee County

A suspect is still at large after leading police on a highspeed chase on the beach before hitting the jetty at Longboat Pass and landing in the water.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT jschaffer@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH - Despite multiple police departments, a helicop ter and a K9 unit, a suspect remains at large after a high-speed pursuit on Oct. 15 ended with an SUV crashing into the Gulf of Mexico.

The encounter began as Holmes Beach police observed headlights driv ing on the beach around 2 a.m. and began to pursue the vehicle. Police believe the vehicle drove onto the

beach in Anna Maria, but the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, which patrols Anna Maria, was not yet involved in the chase.

According to a report filed by Bra denton Beach Police Officer Devon Straight, the Chevrolet SUV was driv ing on the beach at such a high rate of speed that Holmes Beach officers in pursuit lost sight of the vehicle. Straight was monitoring the radio, real izing the vehicle would soon enter into his jurisdiction.

“While on scene at Via Roma, I observed a pair of headlights on the beach quickly approaching. The truck then passed by me at a dangerously high rate of speed, at which time I made my way back to my patrol car

TRY CHEESY PUMPKIN PASTA with a good fall feast.

Experts weigh in on the potential for red tide to move north toward Manatee County waters.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While the waters off Manatee County show only background concentrations of Karenia brevis, the bacteria that causes red tide, some areas to the south are expe riencing high levels of the toxic algae.

Two local water quality experts agree that while predicting whether the bloom will reach local waters is difficult, nutrients in local waters would likely exacerbate the red tide if it does arrive.

“The reality is in just a few days, red tide (in the south) went from low

levels to high enough to kill fish,” said Dr. David Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.

Respiratory irritation suspected to be related to red tide was reported in Sarasota County on Oct. 19-20 at No komis, Venice North Jetty and Venice beaches.

“I never predict,” Tomasko said.

“Hopefully, this doesn’t get bigger. The wind is out of the west pushing water toward shore - that’s not going to help us. Water temperature has dropped about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, so that might slow it down.”

Hurricane Ian in late September was an unusual event, he said, creat ing an environment conducive to red tide growth.

CITY REZONING EFFORT fails in Bradenton Beach.

ESTHER MOVES UP IN Tour de Turtle rankings.

Former Holmes Beach commissioner arrested for domestic battery

Former Holmes Beach Commissioner David Zaccagnino was arrested for domestic battery on Oct. 13 at his home.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - A call to police resulted in the arrest of a former Holmes Beach city commissioner after an alterca tion at his home.

The incident happened on Oct. 13 when Mauri Zaccagni no called police in reference to a fight with her husband, former Holmes Beach Com missioner David Zaccagnino, 52.

Officers Chris Bennett and Ryan Welch responded to the Zaccagnino residence in Holmes Beach to get state ments from both parties.

“Mrs. Zaccagnino made con

tact with us out side the residence a couple houses down the street, and advised that she had called,” Bennett wrote in his report. “She stated that the two of them were cleaning out a closet to place things in storage in the attic and began arguing over what was going to be placed where, when Mr. Zaccagnino intentionally pushed her with open hands off a step stool she was standing on.”

Bennett’s report goes on to say that Zaccagnino began to throw items, but not at his wife, and kicked the stool at her.

While police say she was vis ibly shaken and crying during their interview, she admitted there were no physical inju ries, and an examination of her arms and face showed no signs of injuries to the officers.

Zaccagnino told police his wife had been badgering him, and corroborated the state ment his wife made regarding the argument about what to put in storage. He went on to say that he walked away, at which time she followed him and continued to badger him, according to the report. Zac cagnino also denied pushing his wife off the stool, stating he was actually the one who had been standing on the stool during the argument.

After interviewing both parties, police handcuffed Zaccagnino, arrested him for misdemeanor domestic battery and transferred him to Manatee County Jail, where he was released on $500 bond the next day.

If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine for the first-degree misde meanor offense.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Paid parking arrives in Bradenton Beach

Chiles Hospitality, formerly known as the Chiles Group, has installed a paid parking kiosk in the parking lot it owns at the corner of Gulf Drive and Third Street North. Located across the street from the Beach House res taurant in Bradenton Beach, the paid parking lot is available to beachgoers and others and is not limited to Beach House patrons. The parking fee is $5 per hour or $30 for eight hours. The creation of a paid parking lot in that location was reviewed by Bradenton Beach Building Official Steve Gilbert and did not require city commission approval. According to City Attorney Ricinda Perry, similar paid parking

lots could potentially be created by other Bradenton Beach businesses and commercial property owners if they can still provide the number of parking spaces required for their business operations. The city com mission is considering implementing paid parking in city-owned parking areas and parking spaces in several potential locations in and around the Bridge Street business district. Although no paid parking plan has been implemented yet by the city, the commission has stated that it views paid parking as a desired means of generating additional revenues for the city.

Zaccagnino

This privately owned parking lot in Bradenton Beach now offers paid parking to the general public.

ISLAND NEWS

SUBMITTED

Halloween aside, don’t be fooled by this bus

This white van spotted on Anna Maria Island and on the Palma Sola Causeway over the weekend is not affiliated with the Monkey Bus transportation service, and is not a Halloween prank by the company, according to Monkey Bus owner Sally Dirbas. The copy cat van’s driver, James Glenfield, spent the weekend posting photos and videos to his Facebook page of himself and the van, along with a video of Dirbas asking him to remove her company’s name from the side of the van. Island police are investigating.

City supports holiday events

The Bradenton Beach City Commission will provide $1,000 in city funds to the business leaders who are organizing the annual Christmas on Bridge Street and the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade taking place this year on Saturday, Dec. 17. According to Mayor John Chappie, the city’s Community Rede velopment Agency will likely provide $1,000 as well when that board meets in early November.

Anna Maria seeks county funds for inlet study

City officials are seeking $105,000 in county commis sion-controlled surplus beach concession funds for a study of the Lake La Vista inlet. Mayor Dan Murphy pre sented the funding request to the Anna Maria City Com mission on Oct. 13. He said the study would assist the city in its efforts to find a permanent solution that would alleviate the need for the city to pay $250,000-$300,000 every few years to dredge the jetty area that extends into Tampa Bay and connects with the channel that provides access to and from the inland Lake La Vista. The funding request will be made in the form of the city commissionapproved resolution to now be forwarded to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC) advisory board and then the Manatee County Commission, which will approve or deny the funding request. Murphy said the city would contribute $105,000 in matching funds for the Lake La Vista inlet study, which he estimated would cost approximately $210,000. The study would also require input from the Army Corps of Engineers and the West Coast Inland Navigation District, he said. Additional state and county funds would be sought later for the construction or implementation of the long-term solution or solutions identified by the study. The sur plus beach concession revenues are generated by the concessionaires who lease space from the county at the county-owned Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach and the county-owned Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

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IN BRIEFBradenton Beach commission nixes rezoning efforts

Inconsistencies between the city’s future land use and zoning maps could subject the city to land use challenges.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – Commis sioners are abandoning the city’s ef forts to rezone 23 residentially-zoned properties north of Bridge Street and south of the Cortez Bridge.

Instead, to address inconsistencies between the city’s zoning and future land use maps, city officials may redirect their efforts to amending the future land use map designations for those properties instead.

The city commission rejected Build ing Official Steve Gilbert and City Planner Luis Serna’s recommendation on Oct. 20 to rezone those properties from their current Multiple Family Dwelling District (R-3) zoning desig nation to a Mixed-Use District (MXD) zoning designation.

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

A letter sent to the commission and signed by planning board Chairman Ken McDonough noted five potential ly impacted property owners oppose any commercial use in that residen tially zoned area. The letter suggests the city poll all 23 potentially impacted property owners to get their input on these matters.

Working in unison, the zoning and future land use maps designate which type of development is allowed on a property. More than a year ago, the city commission directed Gilbert and Serna to begin addressing long-stand ing inconsistencies that have existed between the maps.

Gilbert, Serna and the planning board have repeatedly discussed and debated city staff’s recommendations to rezone several properties through out the city. In most instances, the planning board disagreed with the staff’s proposed rezoning recommen dations.

City staff’s proposed mixed-use rezoning of these specific properties would have made their zoning desig nations consistent with the existing Retail/Office/Residential (ROR) future land use map designation.

The mixed-use zoning would have allowed ground-level commercial ac tivities in what has traditionally been a residential area. The proposed mixeduse zoning would have restricted residential use for new construction to no more than 50% of a property’s buildable space, while allowing no more than 80% non-residential use of the buildable space.

City Attorney Ricinda Perry told the commission downzoning those prop erties from R-3 to R-2 as proposed by the planning board could be consid ered a taking of existing development rights, which could potentially dimin ish property values and expose the city legal action, including the filing of Bert Harris claims seeking com pensation for the diminished property values and/or loss of future revenues. Perry also said the existing inconsis tencies between the zoning map and the future land use map could expose the city to legal challenges.

The zoning and future land use map issue is further complicated by the plans of the Chiles Hospitality group that owns the BeachHouse restaurant. Chiles Hospitality owns the currently undeveloped property at 109 Third St. N.

The perimeter of that vacant lot is currently used for unregulated park ing. In September, Chiles Hospital

ity applied for a special use permit that would allow that property to be converted into a private parking lot to be used predominantly by their employees. The R-3 residential zoning designation prohibits standalone park ing facilities.

PUBLIC INPUT

When addressing the commission, Chiles Hospitality Facilities Director Brooks O’Hara said, “We strongly urge you to support this rezoning to mixed-use and support giving the property owners more freedom in decisions regarding their property, and not less. We reserve the right to protect our rights legally and could consider a more restrictive zoning as taking, so we would be concerned about that.”

Perry said “spot-zoning” the vacant Chiles Hospitality property with a dif ferent zoning designation might be a potential solution to that concern.

Evelyn Stob owns the singlefamily home at 105 Third St. that sits between the vacant Chiles Hospitality property and the Chiles Hospital ity parking lot to the west that now provides paid public parking. Stob expressed her support for retaining the existing R-3 zoning designation for the residential properties in question.

At the conclusion of Thursday’s lengthy discussion, the commis sion rejected the proposed rezoning ordinance and directed staff to revisit these matters with the planning and zoning board and the potentially impacted property owners.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

This vacant lot owned by the Chiles Hospitality group was referenced during Thurs day’s city commission discussion.

Erosion expected to resolve naturally

Hurricane Ian eroded Anna Maria Island’s north-end beaches.

By LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While the Island missed a direct hit from Hur ricane Ian, the effects of the Sept. 28 storm included beach erosion, primar ily on the north end of the Island.

The good news for Manatee County, however, is that the sands are expected to return over the next several months without county intervention.

“For Anna Maria Island, the majority of beach sands were blown or drawn into a shallow sand bar directly offshore of the beaches along North Shore Drive and are expected to return over the next six to nine months with seasonal onshore winds and wave currents,” ac cording to Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County National Resources Department director, in an email to The Sun.

Hunsicker said the majority of Gulffacing beaches along the Island saw little or no effects of erosion at all.

“Manatee County participates in the state’s critically eroded beach program

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

North Shore Drive beaches at the northern end of Anna Maria Island were eroded by Hurricane Ian.

requiring an annual survey of beach conditions to track how the beach is approaching the time when renourish ment is needed to continue to provide storm protection,” Hunsicker said.

“We have already commissioned this year’s annual survey and will await its

findings to determine how far along in years we are to the next erosion event, keeping in mind that a strong hurricane at any time has the potential to quickly remove vast stretches of beach, sacrificing it and the protec tion it provides to save residential and

commercial structures and evacuation roadways upland from the beach.”

In 1992-93, the first beach nour ishment of Anna Maria Island was commenced to protect upland infra structure. Since then, approximately 6.9 million cubic yards of sand from offshore borrow areas have been placed by U.S. Army Corps of Engi neers contractors.

Only private property owners who have given permission through a stateapproved process that sets a seaward Erosion Control Line (ECL) are eligible for publicly-funded renourishment ef forts, Hunsicker said.

“In Manatee County, property owners from approximately 79th Street North in Holmes Beach all the way south to Longboat Pass have given this permis sion, along with a one-half mile length of beach bordered roughly between Magnolia and Elm streets in the city of Anna Maria. Residents outside these limits in the city of Anna Maria have not given their consent to the establish ment of an Erosion Control Line, espe cially along North Shore Drive, and are not eligible for county, state or federal renourishment programs,” he said.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Nightmare at Gulf Drive and Holmes Boulevard

It’s a scary location and those of us in Anna Maria city and the north side of Holmes Beach who pass through the intersection often should understand. With the City Center road closure on Marina Drive and the still ongoing work on Holmes Boulevard, all traffic (each car) must come to a stop at this intersection. Action to date by Holmes Beach authorities amounts to a fourth stop sign be ing strapped to a telephone pole.

As drivers go through the intersection, the game of whose turn is it is interesting - while also frightening - to experience as unkind gestures and words are ex changed. Add pedestrians navigat ing the intersection on the single crosswalk across Gulf Drive. My wife and I have survived a near miss while I have witnessed more as drivers are now faced with five decisions.

In the morning, several delivery trucks stop on Holmes Boulevard servicing the many businesses in the area. Gridlock occurs, driv ers are out of cars arguing with delivery truck operators, again exchanging gestures and salty language. One would think you were in Manhattan, not our island paradise.

It’s October, a “quieter” time on the island, less traffic and people. This situation will only get worse.

A few suggestions:

1. A cop to direct traffic during the busiest hours;

2. A temporary street light sys tem intelligently programmed to reduce backups and flow traffic;

3. Transition the parallel park ing on the west side of Holmes Boulevard by the Freckled Fin to a Deliveries Only space to assure two travels lanes remain open;

4. Add a much-needed crosswalk across Holmes Boulevard to Vin ny’s Kitchen to connect the many shops on both sides of the street.

Happy Halloween and be safe.

David Barstow Holmes Beach

Thank you, Bayfest supporters

On behalf of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, we would like to take this opportunity to extend a big “thank you” to the many amazing individuals and organizations who helped us orga nize and produce the 21st Bayfest, many of whom are the same indi viduals who continue to help us year after year! Those include, but certainly are not limited to:

CrossPointe Fellowship - thank you for your continued support every year. Your team works tire lessly day and night to make this event organized and successful. We cannot do this event without you!

Surfrider Foundation - thank

you for making this event green!

Working with CrossPointe Fel lowship and Waste Management, beverages were sold mostly in aluminum cans and bottles, which were disposed of in recycle recep tacles at the event, then put into a recycle dumpster. Also, many event sponsors donated koozies to keep these beverages cold!

To our volunteers - thank you for always being there for us, for your continued service with a welcoming smile that our festival vendors and attendees look forward to seeing! You are the force of this free family event!

To our sponsors - thank you for your continued generosity. Through your donations, we have been able to accomplish another Bayfest and to continue providing scholarships for college and technical institute tuitions. We are extremely grateful for the difference you make towards fostering community spirit.

To our vendors - thank you for your dedication to providing exceptional and amazing arts, crafts, products, services and delicious food! We look forward to seeing you again next year!

To our bands - thank you for bringing an unprecedented energy to this event that brings people from all over to hear your music!

And to the attendees - thank you for coming to this event from near and far, and your continued patronage for more than 20 years.

Terri Kinder, President AMI Chamber of Commerce

THE AGENDA

ANNA MARIA

10005 GULF DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130

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

Oct. 27, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting

Nov. 10, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Nov. 11, all day – Veterans Day, city offices closed

BRADENTON BEACH

107 GULF DRIVE N.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005

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

Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m. – Community Rede velopment Agency meeting

Nov. 2, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Nov. 3, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Nov. 11, all day – Veterans Day, city offices closed

HOLMES BEACH

5801 MARINA DRIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800

Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.

Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting Oct. 27, 11 a.m. – Police officers’ pen sion board meeting

Nov. 2, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautifica tion committee meeting

Nov. 2, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting

Nov. 9, 9 a.m. – City Commission swearing in and organizational meeting Nov. 9, 10 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee meeting

Nov. 11, all day – Veterans Day, city offices closed

EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26

Aging Series: Disaster Planning for Older Adults, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 9:30 a.m.

Aging Series: Nutrition, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, OCT. 27

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

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

Wildlife Spotlight: Bats, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Braden ton, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 28

Seashell Shore Walk, Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, 9 a.m.

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.

SATURDAY, OCT. 29

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

Saturday mornings at the NEST, Rob inson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon.

Paper crafting, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2 p.m. Pumpkin carving, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 31

Trail of Treats, AMI Chamber of Com merce, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 4:30-6:30 p.m. with costume contest at 3:30 p.m.

Trunk or Treat, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOV. 1

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

Mayor provides ‘Ian by the numbers’ hurricane report

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy estimated Hurricane Ian cost the city about $190,000.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – Former Anna Maria Commissioner Doug Copeland praised the city’s Hur ricane Ian cleanup and recovery efforts, particularly the efforts of new Public Works Manager Ryan Wieland.

Wieland was promoted to the position in July, after thenmanager Dean Jones accepted an assistant public works director’s position with the city of Braden ton.

“I want to thank the mayor, the commission and the staff for the fine job they did getting Anna Maria back together after the storm. I particularly would like to thank Ryan for the job he did. He was here from sunup almost to sundown. I had contact with him several times. He always had

time to deal with you in a profes sional way. He makes you feel like your problem is his problem and he’d do what he could to solve it. An excellent job,” Copeland said when providing public input dur ing the Oct. 13 Anna Maria City Commission meeting.

“Thank you, Ryan and your crew,” Commission Chair Carol Carter added.

IAN BY THE NUMBERS

During the Oct. 13 meeting, Mayor Dan Murphy provided an “Ian by the numbers” recap of the hurricane’s impact in Anna Maria.

“Debris was the biggest issue we had as a result of Hurricane Ian. We will, by the end of this, have removed 85 truckloads of debris. That’s a huge amount,” Murphy said.

Murphy said the city’s hurri cane-related communications efforts included emails sent to city commissioners and residents and business owners who previously provided their email addresses for inclusion in the city’s database.

Over a seven-day period, the

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

More than 100 street signs in Anna Maria were impacted by Hurricane Ian.

city sent out 65 email blasts that totaled 16,520 emails sent. We did 55 web updates, putting new information on the (city) website,” Murphy told the commission.

Murphy said city staff worked 150 overtime hours. Building department personnel visited 45 active construction sites. The most common storm-related occurrenc es they found were tipped-over portable toilets, storm debris and silt fences that had been knocked down.

Code enforcement personnel also made their rounds and identi fied 18 code infractions, including swimming pools where fences had been knocked down.

“That’s a safety concern,” Mur phy said.

Murphy said 126 street signs and stop signs were impacted by Hurricane Ian and he noted first responders often rely on street signs when responding to an emergency, as do visitors and oth ers. Murphy said many signs were

knocked over or displaced and others disappeared completely. He said some of the missing street signs may have been taken as souvenirs.

Murphy said Hurricane Ian’s total cost to the city to date was $190,000, a figure that includes debris removal, overtime pay, materials and supplies and more.

City Clerk/Treasurer LeAnne Addy is now leading the city’s ef forts to receive FEMA reimburse ment for those hurricane-related expenses.

The property damage through out the city to non-city-owned properties and businesses was estimated to be $300,000, which Murphy said pales in comparison to the damage suffered in the harder-hit areas to the south.

“We were so fortunate, and our staff really stepped up,” Murphy said.

Murphy and city staff engaged in post-hurricane debriefings in an attempt to learn what can be done better before, during and after the next hurricane.

Join in the Old Soldiers and Sailors parade

There’s still time to enter the Old Soldiers and Sailors Parade that leaves Anna Maria City Hall on Friday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. in honor of veterans. All veterans, actively serving military personnel and veteran service organi zations such as the American Legion, DAV and VFW are encouraged to par ticipate. Veterans will lead the parade down Pine Avenue and be recognized at a brief ceremony at City Pier Park after the parade. Civic organizations such as Exchange, Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary, school and youth groups, local businesses, marching bands and drumlines, dance and sports teams and any others interested in participating

Trail of Treats

The AMI Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Trail of Treats at the chamber office at 5313 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach on Monday, Oct. 31. A costume contest for kids ages up to 12 will be judged at 4 p.m. and partici pants are asked to register at the cham ber by 3:30 p.m. There will be four age groups for the contest, with trophies awarded. After the judging, kids will have the opportunity to safely trick or treat at area businesses in Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Any businesses wishing to be a part of Trail of Treats should email becky@amichamber.org by Oct. 27.

in keeping with the spirit of the day are also welcome. For more information visit www.oldsoldiersandsailorsparade. com or call 941-708-6130 ext. 110.

Roser hosting a frightfully good time at Trunk or Treat

Bring your little ghouls and goblins out to Roser Memorial Church for a frightfully good Halloween time. On Monday, Oct. 31 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., kids and their guardians are invited to come trick or treat during the church’s annual Trunk or Treat celebration in the fellowship hall parking lot. There will be candy, treats and coloring sheets for kids along with some fun for the grownups too. Roser is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

FILE PHOTO

Where’s Esther?

With less than a week to go in the Tour de Turtles, hometown girl Esther, a loggerhead sea turtle who was satellite tagged after nesting on Coquina Beach on June 20, has passed Waffles and is now in 8th place. She has traveled 530 miles since the start of The Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 13th Annual Tour de Turtles race that began Aug. 1, remaining off the coast of Boca Grande, a few miles south of the area near Englewood where she spent more than a month. Esther is one of 15 turtles competing in her division in the event with the title going to the turtle that travels the most distance between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31, the end of turtle season, so it’s time for her to get swimming and make up some miles. Esther is competing to raise awareness of light pollution, and is sponsored by Waterline Villas & Marinas and Mainsail Vacation Rentals.

Record-breaking loggerhead turtle season winds down

The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird fundraiser is set for Wednesday, Nov. 2 at Hurricane Hank’s.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT|leslielake@aol.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – And then there was one…

As a record-breaking loggerhead sea turtle nesting season winds down on the Island, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring (AMITW) volunteers say there is just one unhatched nest left. Two records were broken this year - the

NESTING NEWS

Turtle nests laid 531 (Record 544 in 2019)

False crawls 490 (Record 831 in 2010)

Hatched nests 465 (Previous record 447 in 2018)

Hatchlings 37,065 (Previous record: 35,788 in 2018)

Source: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shore bird Monitoring

number of hatched nests reached 465, exceeding the 2018 record of 447, and the number of hatchlings stands at 37,065, beating out the 2018 record of 35,788.

The nesting season ends on Oct. 31.

“Our focus right now is fundraising and education,” said AMITW volunteer Bar bara Riskay on Oct. 18 at the Anna Maria Farmer’s Market at City Pier Park.

To that end, AMITW volunteers will be staffing a booth at the farmer’s market every Tuesday until May. Donations to the non-profit group are welcome, Riskay said, and shirts, hats, books and stickers will be on sale.

Volunteers continue the mission of conservation and education established by

AMITW’s late executive director, Suzi Fox, who died on Sept. 30 at Blake Hospital fol lowing a fall.

The group’s largest fundraiser, Turtle Watch Wednesday, was postponed from its original Sept. 28 date due to Hurricane Ian, and is now scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 4-6 p.m. at Hurricane Hank’s, 5346 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

All proceeds will go to AMITW, which works with local and federal entities to con serve sea turtles, particularly loggerheads.

“The funds raised from this event will help us get what we need,” Riskay said. Those items include gas for the ATVs, tape for the nests, paint and stakes.

The fundraiser is free and open to the

public. The first 75 guests will be greeted by an A Paradise Realty member with a drink ticket for a complimentary beer or wine.

Riskay said on Oct. 18 that there were a handful of VIP tickets left. The VIP package for $75 includes reserved seating, a swag bag, a free drink ticket, a Turtle Watch Tshirt and coupons.

Sponsors are The Anna Maria Island Sun, A Paradise Realty and Vacation Rent als, CabanUP, Florida Underwater Sports, Harbor Lane Court Vacation Rentals, Hurri cane Hanks and Mike Sales Entertainment.

For VIP reservations, contact Riskay at 404-275-9422 or email Snqqpy24@aol.com.

DOH warns against feeding wild animals

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Being a small island, AMI’s wildlife and human inhabitants often cross paths, but due to people feeding animals, they are getting to be a little too comfortable with their human counterparts.

“I had just dropped some people off at Coquina Beach and stopped for a quick snack,” said Randy Lusk, who drives one of the Old Town Tram golf cart shuttles in Bradenton Beach. “I grabbed some trail mix and saw a squir

rel jump in the golf cart by my left foot. Before I knew what was happening, he ran up my leg and grabbed some of the trail mix out of the bag on my lap. I thought he would run away, but he ran up my arm, sat on my shoulder and had a snack; it was crazy!”

Lusk said he was not coaxing the squirrel and not trying to feed it, but obviously it had been fed so many times it had absolutely no fear of humans. While it’s a funny story with pictures that will brings laughs for Lusk and his family for a lifetime, even an innocentlooking squirrel could potentially be dangerous.

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) reminds the public to avoid contact with wild or stray animals out of concern that they could be carrying rabies.

Anyone believing they may have been exposed to rabies, bitten or scratched should contact their health care provider and their county health department im mediately.

In addition, if bitten by a sus pected rabid animal, seek immedi ate treatment to prevent contract ing the disease. Immediately wash animal bites and scratches with soap and water and call Animal Services at 941-742-5933 to report the bite. They will remove the animal for quarantine or testing.

The rabies virus is present in some wildlife in Florida and can spread to unvaccinated pets, which then pose a high risk to the pet owners and their families. Some actions people and their families can take to prevent from being exposed to rabies include avoiding direct contact

RANDY LUSK | SUBMITTED Randy Lusk, who drives the Old Town Tram in Bradenton Beach, stopped at Coquina Beach recently for a snack when, without coaxing, a squirrel ran up his leg, stole some of his trail mix and perched on his shoulder to eat his stolen meal.

with wildlife, not feeding wildlife, consulting a veterinarian to ensure pets are up to date on rabies vac cinations and supervising pets and young children while outside.

5344 Gulf Drive Holmes Beac h (941) 779-BEER

5350 Gulf Drive Holmes Beac h (941) 251-3681

small

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

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County reminds the public to not feed wild or stray animals.

Reclaimed Soul’s beer and wine sales approved

Another Anna Maria business will soon be selling craft beers and select wines on Pine Avenue.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

ANNA MARIA – The city commission has approved a special use permit that will allow Reclaimed Soul to soon sell packaged beer and wine at their retail space inside the Pineapple Marketplace at 425 Pine Ave.

Owners Samantha and Jim Heil presented their permit request during the special city commission meeting on Oct. 20. The couple told the commis sion their intent is to offer several nonmass-marketed packaged craft beers and wines not commonly sold at other Anna Maria businesses. The couple noted Reclaimed Soul’s Snack Shack already offers nostalgic soda brands and artisan-style snacks. Reclaimed Soul also features Jim’s handmade wooden charcuterie boards and many other new and reclaimed items.

City Planner Ashely Austin recom mended approval of the permit request.

She noted the sale of packaged beer and wine is not subject to the city’s code requirement that a business seek ing to sell packaged liquor must be lo cated at least a half-mile away from an existing business that already sells it.

The commission approved the permit request by a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Jon Crane opposed the permit issuance because he felt the public needed more advance notice of the request. Dur ing public input, it was noted the city clerk, on Oct. 13, distributed a public notice of the upcoming special meet ing. Crane’s motion to delay the special permit decision failed after not being

seconded by another commissioner.

Anna Maria General Store owner Brian Seymour said he didn’t mind the competition of another business sell

ing packaged beer and wine on Pine Avenue, but he told the commission that adequate parking remains an issue at that location.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Jim and Samantha Heil operate the Reclaimed Soul retail space, located inside the Pineapple Marketplace.

SAMANTHA HEIL | SUBMITTED

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

Bradenton Beach formalizes beach concession fund request

All three Island cities are seeking $105,000 in county commission-controlled funds.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com

BRADENTON BEACH – The City Commission has adopted city resolution 22-961, which for malizes the city’s pursuit of $105,000 in Manatee County Commission-controlled surplus beach concession funds.

The city seeks the funds to make improve ments to public beach and bay access points located throughout the city.

According to the exhibit that accompanied the resolution in the Oct. 20 meeting packet, the city’s proposal may include, but is not limited to vegetation removal to utilize city rights of way for additional beach parking, installing Geocell grid pavers for parking surfaces, adding ADAcompliant parking spaces, installing additional parking and beach access identification signs, installing trash containers, benches and bike racks, creating a bay overlook at the end of Bridge Street and making pedestrian and bike way improvements. As required by the county, the city will provide $105,000 in matching funds and/or in-kind services for the project.

The city of Anna Maria seeks $105,000 in sur plus beach concession funds for a study of the Lake La Vista inlet. The city of Holmes Beach seeks $105,000 to rebuild or replace trolley stops and to install low-level LED lights in 26 trolley shelters.

According to Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie, the county commission will decide whether to approve or deny any or all of the proposed city projects after the reconfigured county commission is seated following the gen eral election that concludes on Nov. 8. Chappie noted the county also plans to use surplus beach concession funds to help fund a water taxi ser vice between Anna Maria Island and downtown Bradenton.

Sea Hagg to be sold at auction

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

CORTEZ – After 25 years in busi ness, the Sea Hagg, 12304 Cortez Road W., is being sold and an on line auction of some 1,000 nautical, decorative and architectural items is underway.

“This auction is going to be held in two parts and is online only,” said Brian Hollifield, owner of Sarasota-based Freedom Auctions. “This is all because of parking chal lenges at the site, where we would expect more than 200 people to turn out.”

This sale is intended for locals, Hollifield said, as the second phase of liquidation will take place in February in Freedom’s Sarasota gallery, which he anticipates will bring buyers worldwide.

“Locals really won’t want to miss this,” he said.

The iconic blue 1991 Mercury Capri convertible complete with mermaid tailfins parked out front of the shop is a well-known adver tising sign and is up for grabs in

the auction.

Hollifield said it doesn’t run and he’s not sure if there’s even a key, but he said that it’s a landmark on Cortez Road that countless people have stopped to photograph.

LESLIE LAKE | SUN

The Sea Hagg closed its retail op erations on Oct. 8. The online auc tion ends Thursday, Oct. 27. Items must be picked up Oct. 28-30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Items not picked up will be forfeited.

The auction features a large as sortment of items including furni ture, concrete figures and architec tural and decorative pieces.

“This is a very positive sale,” Hol lifield said. “Jan Holman has sold the property after 25 years in busi ness and it conveys on Oct. 31 to the new owners.”

On the Sea Hagg Facebook page, “The Sea Hagg wishes to thank all the folks responding to the news of our closing this week. She has really enjoyed being a special part of family traditions and vacation adventures all these years. We all agree it is sad to say goodbye to this treasure. But the spirit of the Sea Hagg continues, showing up in restaurants, homes and gardens.”

The Sea Hagg will have an online shop and seasonal sales events, according to the Facebook page. Holman will continue to design for homes, resorts and restaurants.

For more information, visit www. freedomauctions.com.

The Sea Hagg’s nautical treasures are being sold in on online auction.

Mote Marine’s City Pier plans reviewed

When the revised plans are approved, Mote Marine can then submit its building permit applications.

BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT

ANNA MARIA – Building Official David Gilson and City Planner Ashley Austin presented their review of Mote Marine’s plans to install an educational outreach center on the Anna Maria City Pier to commissioners last week.

Mayor Dan Murphy received the lat est plans from Mote on Oct. 13. He said the purpose of the meeting was for Gil son and Austin to share their analysis of the plans, with a focus on two pri mary criteria - assessing whether the plans meet the city’s technical require ments and whether the proposed plans meet the city’s quality expectations for a project on city-owned property.

Mote’s educational outreach center will occupy the larger and currently vacant city-owned building at the T-end of the City Pier. The smaller pier build ing is occupied by the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop.

Murphy sought the commissioners’

initial thoughts and comments on the plans, saying that Gilson would send questions and comments to Mote repre sentatives. The revised plans will then be presented to the commission, which will be asked to approve the plans and authorize the building permits needed for Mote to begin the interior buildout of the pier building and the installation of its marine life exhibits.

Gilson said if the plans had been sub mitted as a standard construction project, they’d be very close to being accepted, but with the city being the property owner, the permitting process is different.

“The way the lease is written, the owner (the city) is going to have their fingers in this entire project. The lease puts us right in the thick of it and that’s going to be very helpful,” Gilson said.

Gilson recommended the city specify that Square D electrical breaker panels are used because city staff is familiar with that brand. He also requested ad ditional information from Mote regard ing the invertebrate touch tank exhibit that requires an electrical connection, specifically, who’s serving as Mote’s contracted electrical engineer.

Gilson said the plans include a blanket statement regarding the use of corrosion-resistant hardware. He

recommends the plans specify that the screws, nuts, bolts and other hardware used will be made of stainless steel, similar to what was used for the con struction of the pier and pier buildings.

The plans don’t specify which type of ceiling tiles will be used. Because of the saltwater exhibits to be contained in side the building, Gilson recommends using higher quality ceiling panels that resemble drywall and are more humid ity resistant than normal ceiling tiles.

Austin said the installation of an educational outreach center that offers incidental souvenir sales in an already existing space is considered a tenant buildout rather than new construction,

so setback restrictions and other con struction criteria don’t apply. She noted the plans don’t address signs and said Mote will need to apply for a separate sign permit.

Commissioner Robert Kingan asked if the plans include a backup genera tor. Gilson said he didn’t see anything in the plans about a generator, but that he talked to someone at Mote who said battery backups would be used to keep the live exhibits oxygenated during a power outage. Gilson said the safety of the sea creatures is ultimately Mote’s responsibility.

Kingan asked if Mote had identified a specific contractor. Gilson said Mote has a contractor that they regularly work with but the plans and building permit applications have not yet been officially submitted to the city.

Commissioner Mark Short asked Murphy if the plans he received on Oct. 13 satisfy the deadlines the city commis sion established earlier this year when granting Mote a lengthy extension to complete the long-delayed project.

Murphy said the latest plans com ply, and that the city will hold Mote Marine to the March 2023 completion and opening deadline the commission established earlier this year.

JOE HENDRICKS | SUN

Building Official David Gilson and City Planner Ashely Austin provided their analysis of Mote Marine’s plans.

Fall

Anna Maria Elementary PTO held its annual Fall Festival last Saturday at The Center of Anna Maria Island and hundreds of children and parents came out for the fun. With games, a haunted house, food, arts and crafts, a live DJ, interactive inflatables, laser tag, face painting and a dunking booth, there was something for everyone. All the proceeds from the Fall Festival went to benefit Anna Maria Elementary and victims of Hurricane Ian.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN Vivian Rose Geller admires her new look after getting her face painted at the AME PTO’s Fall Festival at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

fun

PTO’s Fall Festival

have some

The Center of Anna Maria

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IGW featured artist ‘walking on clouds’

Island Gallery West member Charlotte Sorsen is the Featured Artist for October. Her work is on display in the front of the gallery through Oct. 31.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

HOLMES BEACH - Each month, Island Gallery West displays the work of a featured artist prominently in the front window of the gallery, and October of fers striking acrylic paintings by Char lotte Sorsen.

A Massachusetts native who relocated to Florida a decade ago, Sorsen uses bright colors to bring the Gulf coast to brilliant life with works of art that pull the eye into local flora, fauna and nature. Her display titled “Walking on Clouds” is a visual step into the beauty of Anna Maria Island and the Gulf coast she so dearly loves.

“These birds are a continuation of thought,” said Sorsen, speaking about birds in some of her paintings on display that seem to fly off the canvas. “They are birds, but they could be anything you would like them to be. When you take a picture of birds, you see parts of them, but they continue beyond the frame. That’s what I wanted to portray, the continued flight of whatever you want them to be in your mind. It could be the flight of your life, a flight of adventures; it could be anything you want it to be.”

Sorsen studied in Boston at the Mu seum School of Fine Arts and the New England School of Art and Design, using oil as her preferred medium in her early years as an artist, but later switching to acrylic for a very practical reason.

“I started with oil when I was con siderably younger, then I had babies,”

Sorsen said. “Acrylic paint was just starting to become a bit popular, but not really liked. I was painting on top of my washing machine at the time, and having small children around I was worried the toddler could pull the palate - which had turpentine and oil on it - off the machine; it was dangerous, so along comes acrylic paint and it just made sense.”

Like many area artists, Sorsen’s inspiration is drawn from her surround ings. She loves to paint nature, birds and other Gulf coast scenes with vivid oranges, blues, pinks and other colors she says just didn’t exist in her native Massachusetts. While she will always have a fondness for her native home, she has no desire to return to the north, where she says there is much more grey than the vivid colors that continue to inspire her in Florida.

Island West Gallery is located at 5368 Gulf Drive, Trolley Stop 15. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.islandgallerywest.com or call 941-778-6648 for updates.

Artists’ Guild features art by cancer survivors

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is rec ognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by spotlighting the work of member artists who have fought cancer.

All the artworks in the October display are avail able for purchase, and a portion of the proceeds of the sales will be donated to a local cancer patient support organization, ac cording to the Guild.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Satur day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 5414 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island is an all-volunteer 501(c)

Works from Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island members who are cancer survivors are on display in the gallery’s front window exhibit.

(3) non-profit organiza tion formed in 1989 to promote and support creative processes by bringing together artists

to share experiences, ex pertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community.

JASON SCHAFFER | SUN

Island Gallery West’s October Featured Artist, Charlotte Sorsen, with her some of her art on display, 'Walking on Clouds.'

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Applications are available online for artists interested in submitting their works to the juried show.

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | leslielake@aol.com

CORTEZ - The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH) is now ac cepting applications from artists for the 41st Annual Cortez Commercial Fish ing Festival to be held Feb. 18-19, 2023.

“Cortezians welcome the public to their historic village for two days each year to increase awareness of the

FISH Festival calls for artists

commercial fishing issues, regulation and practices,” according to the FISH website.

This year’s festival drew 16,000 people, according to FISH.

Profits from the festival are used to fund the FISH Preserve, about 100 acres on the east side of Cortez village bordering Sarasota Bay.

“There is an ongoing habitat restora tion throughout the entire preserve that will recreate a unique coastal habitat for the public to enjoy, complete with trails and educational signage. We have been very successful with bringing grant money to the effort, but all grants are partnerships and our most impor

Artists’ Guild member wins award for painting

Karen DeLeon, a member artist at The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, was recently awarded an Hon orable Mention ribbon and monetary award at the Art Center of Manatee Gallery in Bradenton for her oil paint ing, “Morning Comes.” The juried show featured more than 100 entries with

the theme “Painting Outside the Lines.”

According to the Guild, this is one of many ribbons and awards DeLeon has received for her work in oils. She also runs an open studio for artists on Friday afternoons at the Trailer Estates Community and is the secretary of the Artists’ Guild.

tant partners are our members, neigh bors, participants and volunteers,” according to the FISH website.

The art show will have 50 juried exhibitors.

Requirements are 2D or 3D work, with 70% of the work reflecting com mercial fishing, historic preservation, the Florida coastal ecosystem, local flora and fauna or traditional craft. Spaces are usually 12' x 12' but may vary slightly depending on location.

All work must be the original design of the exhibiting artist and the artist must be present at the festival. Artists are responsible for the collection of Florida’s 7% state sales tax.

The festival entrance is on 119th Street at 45th Avenue West in Cortez off Cortez Road just west of the Cortez Bridge.

To apply, mail FISH, Attn: Festival Art App., P.O. Box 606, Cortez, Florida 34215. Include:

• Three slides /photos of your work and one of your display. Artists may also submit photos by email to fishfe start@gmail.com.

• Completed application from cortezfish.org/fishing-festival.

• Registration fee of $175 per space; make checks payable to FISH.

For more information, visit cortezfish.org/fishing-festival.

Get a jump on holiday shopping

If the start of November makes you think about holiday shopping, then Roser Memorial Church’s holiday craft fair is just the place to kick off this sea son’s gift-giving. Crafters, bakers and everyone in between will be gathered with their wares in the fellowship hall for a day of fun and shopping. Buy that

one-of-a-kind Christmas gift or stock up on goodies for your holiday guests. Lunch items also will be available so make sure to plan some time to spend catching up with your neighbors. The craft fair takes place on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Roser is located at 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria.

WMFR recognizes Cortez residents among those providing hurricane help

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

BRADENTON – The staff at West Manatee Fire Rescue District is thanking local residents and business owners who lent their neighbors a helping hand in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

During an Oct. 18 board meet ing, Commissioner David Bishop and Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiat kowski presented three Civilian Service Awards, a new award for the district to recognize people in the community who go above and beyond to help others.

Kwiatkowski presented Cortez resident and owner of Swordfish Grill and Cortez Bait & Seafood John Banyas with a Civilian Service Award for providing about 80,000 pounds of ice from his fish house to residents in Myakka City who were without power after the hurricane blew through the area.

Banyas also provided truckloads of ice to residents in Ft. Myers to help with hurricane relief efforts. He said he was very grateful for the opportunity to be able to help people using any means at his disposal.

Cortez resident and owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co. Karen Bell was also given a Civilian Service Award for providing ice to those in need after the hurricane. Kwiatkowski said she was unable to attend the meeting.

Bishop presented a Civilian Ser

Left, Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski congratulates Jim Fitch, who accepted a Civilian Service Award on behalf of Harbor Community Church. Right, Cortez busi ness owner and resident John Banyas accepts a Civilian Service Award for providing thousands of pounds of ice to Manatee County residents who were without power after Hurricane Ian struck the area.

vice Award to Jim Fitch with Harbor Community Church. Kwiatkowski presented a donation to the church to help provide tarps to local families in need. By working together, the district and the church were able to cover damaged roofs for four families. Fitch said that the church also was able to send people to south Florida to help clear storm debris and provide water to those in need, among other storm relief efforts.

WMFR staff also helped with hurricane efforts, not only coor dinating some community ef

forts through the fire prevention division, but also sending strike teams - including the district’s fire boat and Chief Ben Rigney - to Ft. Myers and other heavily damaged areas. The firefighters assisted with emergency response, debris marking and removing people from heavily flooded areas. Deputy Chief Jay Johnson said he was also onsite in Myakka City to help with recovery efforts and the distribution of supplies after the area flooded due to the storm.

Fire district welcomes new training chief

Administrative Assistant Kaitlyn Wright swears in new Training Chief Mark Tuttle on Oct. 18 during a West Mana tee Fire Rescue District board of commissioners meeting.

Family fun at the fire station

Come out to West Manatee Fire Rescue Station 1 on Saturday, Nov. 5 for a day of food, fun and music at the district’s annual open house. Every one is invited to tour the station, climb aboard a fire truck and check out a fire boat as well as enjoy food, drinks, a live DJ and more. Try your hand at dunking the chief in the dunk tank, jump around in the bounce house, try out the wreck ing ball and run an obstacle course or just enjoy Domino’s pizza, barbecue, hot dogs and drinks. The fun starts at 11 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. at Station 1, 407 67th St. W., Bradenton.

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

KRISTIN SWAIN | SUN

OUTDOORS

Join cleanup, win prizes

Reel Time

RUSTY CHINNIS

ant to get dirty and have a ter rific time in the process? Meet like-minded people and go away knowing you’ve left the bay better than you found it? You have the opportunity at this year’s Suncoast Aqua Venture’s Sixth Annual Reef and Beach Cleanup on Nov. 12-13 at the Bradenton Yacht Club, 4307 13th St. W. in Palmetto.

Suncoast Aqua Ventures was formed in 2016 when a few friends were scuba diving. Upon surfacing, the divers all com mented on the amount of trash they had seen underwater, trash that most people aren’t aware of. That day, they made a pact to get some friends together and “clean this stuff up.” Three months later they had

their first Reef and Beach cleanup.

According to Cheryl Huntsinger, who heads the event, “Over the years, we would add an interesting twist to a typical cleanup up event. Knowing how competi tive the human spirit can be, we added a little cash to the equation, gearing this like a fishing tournament with cash and prizes.”

During the inaugural event in 2016, 40 people recovered over 1,800 pounds of trash. In 2022, 142 participants recovered just shy of 21,321 pounds of trash and de bris from Manatee County waters during the two-day event.

The event is free and kicks off Saturday, Nov. 12. Registration is from 8-10 a.m.

After registration, there’s a free breakfast and cleanup supplies will be distributed.

“Weigh-in” is on Sunday, Nov. 13 from 1-3 p.m. Food will be served, and there will be parking lot vendors, kids’ activities and more.

The cleanup encourages volunteers as well as spectators to come to the event.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN Suncoast Aqua Venture’s Sixth Annual Reef and Beach Cleanup is set for Nov. 12-13 at the Bradenton Yacht Club.

“Come see what’s found out there that shouldn’t be in the water,” Huntsinger said.

Participants are eligible for more than $5,000 in cash paid in 18 categories, including fishing tackle, nets, rope, recy clables, chain and other metals, trash and anchors. $300 will be awarded for most tires, and $300 will be awarded for the most unique item on land and sea.

Tournament organizers encourage

participants to register online in advance at www.suncoastaquaventures.com to ensure there is adequate food, supplies and T-shirts.

For more information, call Cheryl Hun tsinger at 941-962-1488 or Troy Brown at 941-737-3165, or email suncoastaquaven tures@gmail.com. Follow them on Face book for posts leading up to the event.

Cold, wind stifle fishing

CAPT. DAVID WHITE

The fishing directly after that big front has been tough. Unless you’re targeting gag grouper, our fish don’t respond exceptionally well to the 11-degree drop in water temperatures in a 36-hour period. Although we’re still catching our share of Spanish mackerel and a few redfish, the snook bite has shut down quite a bit. The hard north winds have us a bit limited

when it comes to Tampa Bay. So, pick ing your spots gets tricky while trying to avoid the winds. The upcoming fore cast seems to improve significantly in comparison to what we’re seeing here now. The temperatures increase and the winds will start to subside a bit.

Recreational anglers still have upcom ing weekends at the end of November to use, so hopefully conditions will allow it.

Capt. Jason Stock and Capt. David White show off a mixed bag of red snapper, margate and gag grouper caught in a recent recreational outing.

CAPT. DAVE WHITE | SUBMITTED

High

RED TIDE REPORT

(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)

Medium

(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

Low

(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

Very low (possible respiratory irritation)

Background (no effects)

None (no red tide present)

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters holds fly fishing school

October skies

Pelicans fly home to roost at sunset on Anna Maria Island. - Cindy Lane | Sun

CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, 1249 Stick ney Point Road, Sarasota, will hold an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing school on Saturday, Nov. 12. The course, de signed for beginning and intermediate fly casters, will focus on basic fly cast ing principles, improving casting skills and correcting faults. Instructor Capt. Rick Grassett will also cover saltwater fly fishing techniques, leader construc

tion and fly selection. The cost for the class, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., is $225 per person and includes the use of Orvis fly tackle, workbook and lunch. Optional instructional guided fly fishing trips are also avail able for an additional fee. Contact CB’s Saltwater Outfitters at 941-349-4400 or info@cbsoutfitters.com to make reservations.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED

CINDY LANE | SUN

Brian Mathae

HURRICANE HANKS

ne of the reasons we moved here was to enjoy the warm weather Florida offers. But I do miss the change of seasons and the chance to put on some comfy clothes! Needless to say, the recent freshness in the air has been a welcome change from the searing summer heat. Walking our dogs in the morning has been a pleasure for them and me alike. I enjoy seeing how they react to the cooler temperature - they act just a little more goofy, don’t tire as quickly on the walk and seem to be happier. They bring a smile to my face.

During a conversation with some customers the other night at Fifty Three Fifty The Pourhouse about the refresh ing weather, we got on the subject of comfort food. I mentioned that cottage cheese is a comfort food to me. It has always been a go-to snack for me. In fact, I enjoy it so much that it often becomes my breakfast or lunch. My un derstanding is that a high-fat breakfast has certain metabol ic advantages over a high-carb one. High-fat meals fill you up more, keeping those mid-

Fall is in the air

morning carbohydrate crashes at bay. That’s because a meal relatively high in fat and pro tein and low in carbohydrates can improve blood sugar con trol throughout the day.

So what better way to enjoy the fall season than a recipe that calls for cottage cheese and pumpkin! Being high in fiber and including key vita mins and minerals, pumpkin is an excellent food choice to make a regular part of your diet. This recipe does include a carbohydrate as well, so por tion control is important. Con sider serving grilled chicken alongside this recipe. There are many readily available blackening seasonings that will give your grilled chicken a nice contrasting heat to the luxurious pasta.

I would be remiss if I didn’t include a wine pairing for this wonderful meal. A light Pinot Noir or several different white wine varietals would pair well with this dish. I’m thinking the Villa Wolf Pinot Gris would pair very well. The wine is from Germany and made in a full-bodied, dry style with fresh, unoaked fruit and a crisp texture. A 5-ounce serving only has 1.2 grams of carbohydrates, so don’t hold back on the wine! It’s available at Hurricane Liquors for only $11.99 a bottle.

We do hope you enjoy.

Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Ingredients (4 servings)

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 cup cottage cheese

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Dried basil to taste

Dried oregano to taste

Cooked pasta of choice

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Put all ingredients except, basil, oregano, pasta and parsley in a

food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until heated through. Add basil and oregano to taste. Cook sauce on low for about 5 minutes, stirring oc casionally. Add the pasta and stir until the pasta is heated and well coated. Immediately portion onto plates. Top with optional grilled chicken, chopped parsley and a pinch or two of grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

Two locations to s erve you better Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key

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CHASE: Police searching for driver after 100 mph beach pursuit

FROM PAGE 1

and attempted to catch up to the ve hicle,” Straight said in his report.

After activating his lights and siren, Straight pursued the SUV on Gulf Drive before entering the beach at the beach access in the 1300 block of Gulf Drive. Even though the vehicle could only con tinue down the beach or cross back over to Gulf Drive at some point, stopping the fleeing truck and arresting the driver would prove to be incredibly difficult.

“The truck appeared to be traveling approximately 100 mph down the beach, and it stayed at least 15 blocks ahead of me,” Straight said. “I then lost visual on the truck around the 300 block of Gulf Drive South, believing it had pos sibly gotten back on Gulf Drive or had blacked out their headlights.”

Straight then left the beach and got back on Gulf Drive heading southbound towards Coquina Beach, attempting to get a visual on the vehicle. After about 10 minutes of searching, witnesses that were fishing in the area said they saw the vehicle driving recklessly on Coquina Beach, according to the report.

Straight then returned to the beach in his patrol car and continued to Longboat Pass, following the tire tracks of the suspect vehicle, which he found located more than 15 feet off the beach partially submerged in the Gulf of Mexico.

“I notified dispatch of my location and called out perimeter positions for responding units,” Straight said. “I

then held the vehicle at gunpoint until a Holmes Beach officer arrived and we confirmed the vehicle was unoccupied.”

A possible suspect was detained at the scene and released because police were unable to positively link him to the vehicle at the time.

The search for the driver of the SUV intensified as the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office assisted with a K9 unit and a helicopter. The K9 alerted to a man crossing over the Longboat Key Bridge into the town of Longboat Key.

The driver was described as a His panic male in a camouflage long-sleeved shirt. Witnesses fishing on the bridge said someone matching that description crossed the bridge on foot shortly after

the crash, complaining of a back injury, confirming the escape route the K9 unit detected. The witnesses also had an answer for how the vehicle managed to end up so far out in the water, saying it hit the rock jetty at a high rate of speed, went airborne and landed in the water.

The vehicle was towed from the scene by Bullet Towing about three hours after landing in the water, at which point a full inventory search of the vehicle was conducted by police, who say multiple alcohol containers were found, along with personal belongings of the driver.

Bradenton Beach police say that a man matching the name of the suspected driver called them to report the vehicle stolen in the following days. The suspect

was told the vehicle had been involved in a crash, hoping he would come to the station to answer questions, but he didn’t, and further efforts to contact him have been unsuccessful.

The suspect vehicle’s path was back tracked to look for any damage the ram page may have caused. Police found that a small wooden fence and hitching post by lifeguard stand #8 was obliterated in the sand with vehicle parts from the suspect vehicle scattered around it. Two signs that were posted on the Coquina Beach south jetty had also been run over. Police say it could have been much worse and were thankful nobody was taking a late-night walk on the beach when the incident occurred.

A hit-and-run crash report remains open as police continue to try to locate the suspect. Additional charges will most likely be added when and if he is cap tured. These could include attempting to elude police, statutes that ban driving vehicles on Florida beaches where it is not expressly permitted, leaving the scene of a crash and possibly more. Bra denton Beach police are not commenting at this time on exactly what charges will be filed if they make an arrest, but say it was a serious and dangerous incident that they are hopeful will result in an arrest.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 941778-6311.

SUBMITTED

An SUV rests in the Gulf of Mexico about 20 feet from the beach after leading two police depart ments on a 100 mph pursuit down the beach.

RED TIDE: High south of Manatee County

FROM PAGE 1

“We’ve never seen a storm as big and widespread. It’s hard to tell what’s going to happen,” he said. “We loaded a huge amount of nitrogen into the eastern Gulf. We can make it worse by adding nutrients.”

He said that high levels of bacteria are in the southern part of Sarasota Bay due in part to wastewater dis charges following the storm.

“If you have nutrients in the water and red tide comes toward it, you get a bigger red tide,” he said.

Tomasko said that red tide origi nates offshore and sometimes will stay offshore.

“The lesson learned from Ian is that we have to get our water quality to gether and if we do, we’ll be experienc ing a lesser red tide,” Tomasko said.

Dr. Robert Weisberg, USF professor of physical oceanography and codirector of the Coastal Ocean Modeling and Prediction System, said depending on currents and winds, red tide may or may not impact Manatee County.

“Right now, the cells observed are showing up in the southern part of

Sarasota Bay through Venice,” he said. “The circulation is taking it southward.”

Weisberg said the origin of this red tide is offshore about 100 miles on the continental shelf and the next few months will determine how much the bloom will take off.

“The bad news right now is we have a lot of runoff from land,” Weisberg said. “Once there is a red tide, it makes use of nutrients. If red tide is large enough, it kills fish and the decaying fish feed red tide.”

Weisberg said that with Ian driving offshore red tide inshore in southwest Florida, northern counties could be spared.

“The next period of months will deter mine how much offshore it is and how the bloom takes off,” Weisberg said.

The USF College of Marine Science and Mote Marine Laboratory have each deployed gliders equipped with sensors to better understand conditions offshore, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis sion Center for Red Tide Research. The information collected will help direct future forecasting efforts.

Anna Maria

REAL ESTATE

Mortgage rates scary

“Boo!” all you ghost and goblins. If you’re afraid of what’s lurk ing behind those Halloween masks, I’ll give you something to really be scared of – the 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate has cracked 7%. I bet I have your attention now.

According to Realtor.com, as higher mortgage rates have thinned out the competition for homes, properties are now sitting on the market longer. That has led to a 26.9% national increase in inventory in September. However, that doesn’t mean buyers will have an easier time finding a property.

The housing shortage, which caused home prices to spike, isn’t even close to be ing filled. The nation still has 42.6% fewer homes for sale than in 2019 and it doesn’t look like the situation will get much better anytime soon. Even builders are spooked during the month of Halloween and are slowing down construction.

However, not much of this applies to

Castles in the Sand

LOUISE BOLGER

Florida where real estate prices are hold ing their own. The state emerged as a housing hot spot during the pandemic, attracting retirees, remote workers, as well as those looking to leave more expensive parts of the country. Home prices in Miami increased the most among the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas in September, jumping 28.3% year over year. Home prices also were up 18.2% in Orlando and 17.2% in Tampa.

Time to see what Manatee County’s sales statistics are for the month of Sep tember as recorded by the Realtor Associa tion of Sarasota and Manatee:

Single-family closed sales are down

37.5% from last September. The median sale price is $517,193, up 20.3% from last year, and the average sale price is $624,142, up 7.6% from last year. The median time to sale is 62 days. Last year it was 48 days. The month’s supply of inven tory is 2.7 months.

Condos closed 35.9% fewer properties when compared to last year. The median sale price was $337,000, up 18.2%, and the average sale price was $401,183, up 24.7%. The median time to sale was 57 days compared to 41 last year, and the month’s supply of inventory is 1.9 months.

The trend of fewer sales is continuing, and prices are leveling off somewhat every month. However, prices continue to be strong compared to last year and inventory has not significantly increased. We’re still in a sellers’ market, although it appears that everyone is having a wait and see at titude regarding the economy.

Gone are the days of bidding wars and multiple offers on a property as soon

as it comes on the market. Realtor.com reported that nationally 19.5% of sellers cut the price of their home in September. As previously stated, some buyers can no longer qualify for loans and others have thrown up their hands and given up or are switching to adjustable-rate mortgages.

As of Oct. 20, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 7.25% per Forbes, the average 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 6.47% and the average 5/1 ARM was 5.42%. A 5/1 ARM means the rate is fixed for 5 years and then can adjust each year after that. With a lower rate offered for an ARM, buyers have a better chance of qualifying for a loan but have to worry about the rate readjusting in 5 years to one they may not be able to afford. There are no good choices for the average buyer.

Hoping you have a fun Halloween in spite of soaring interest rates. Relax, some things you can’t control, so drink the witches' brew and steal the kids’ candy. I guarantee you’ll feel better.

OBITUARIES BEACH BEAT

Travis Johnson

Travis Johnson, 42, entered his heavenly home on Dec. 26, 2021. He was a pedestrian on Christmas Day and was struck by a vehicle as he was attempt ing to cross Manatee Avenue West in front of Christ Episcopal Church. He succumbed to his injuries the following day with his parents at his bedside.

Travis was born in Sarasota, Florida, on Feb. 5, 1979, to parents Melanie Woodland Johnson and Tim Johnson. He attended Anna Maria Elementary and King Middle School before the family moved from Anna Maria to South Carolina in 1991. While living in South Carolina, Travis graduated from Hillside Christian School in 1996. In 1999, the family moved back to Bradenton and Travis at tended Manatee Community College. Grow ing up, Travis played a variety of team sports including little league baseball, Pop Warner football, basketball and floor hockey. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman and surfer. He was also a gifted art ist. In his early 20s, he played ice hockey with a traveling amateur team. Travis loved Anna Maria Island and the saltwater life. He also

became a master at surfboard repair.

He worked on crab boats and charter boats and had the experience of a lifetime work ing as a first mate on a private 130' luxury yacht, traveling throughout the Caribbean and Virgin Islands for two years, often rub bing shoulders with the rich and famous. Travis also loved animals and animals loved him. We often referred to him as "the animal whisperer." Travis was kind and gentle, strong yet sensitive, thoughtful and compassionate, and always willing to help someone. He had a great sense of humor, was a hard worker, a deep thinker and generally a man of few words. He was most importantly a humble Christian with a strong faith. Travis was loved by all who knew him. We look forward to a great reunion in heaven with him one day.

He was predeceased by maternal grandparents,Max and Marguerite Wood land; paternal grandparents, Marshall and Muriel Johnson; uncle, Christopher Wood land; and cousin, Scott Woodland. Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Melanie and Tim Johnson; brother, Hunter (Lacie) Johnson; brother, Cole (Ariel) Johnson; niec es, Kara, Tanna, Lydda, Claire and Makkaya; nephews, Cason and Cooper; cousin, Jason (Meghan) Woodland; uncle, Dale Woodland; and close friends and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at West Bradenton Baptist Church, 1305 43rd St. W. in Bradenton on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. with reception to follow.

BRADENTON BEACH

10/14, 12:45 a.m., towed vehicle, 1800 Gulf Drive N. While on patrol, the officer saw a grey Nissan block ing the bicycle lane and partially blocking the roadway. It was also in a dark area and partially blocking the entrance to a condo complex. The officer said while he was on the scene, he saw several cars swerve to get around it. The registered owner could not be contacted, so the ve hicle was towed from the scene.

10/15, 11:27 p.m., noise complaint, 2314 Ave. B. The officer was dispatched to a loud noise complaint. When he arrived, the officer could hear very loud music coming from the pool area and people talking loudly. The renter was contacted and said she was not aware of the city noise ordi nance not allowing music outdoors after 10 p.m., and was told any fur ther violation would result in further enforcement action.

HOLMES BEACH

10/13, 1:51 a.m., Code ordinance viola tion - marijuana, 100 52nd St. The officer saw a black car parked in the beach parking spaces that was unoccupied. While on the scene, five subjects walked up from the beach smelling of marijuana. The officer made contact with the subjects. The driver of the vehicle said she believed there was marijuana in the car, but it wasn’t hers, but belonged to a female passenger. After the driv er consented to a search of the car, the officer found a bag of marijuana which appeared to be less than 20 grams. She was issued a citation for possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana, and three juveniles who were present were not cited, but their parents were contacted.

10/13 11:30 p.m., Code ordinance viola tion - camping, 5300 Gulf Drive. While on patrol, the officer saw a man sleeping on a bus bench. After waking the subject, the officer real ized the man was intoxicated. The officer said he had previous dealings with the subject, then ran his ID for warrants, which came back nega tive. The man was issued a violation of city ordinance ticket and was told he could not camp in Holmes Beach. No further action was taken.

Food donations accepted at Chamber, Wagner Realty

The Food Bank of Manatee is collect ing donations of non-perishable food on the Island. Joann Baker with Ameris Bank is collecting food at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce of fice at 5313 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

Wagner Realty also has a collection bin at its office at 2217 Gulf Drive N. in Bra denton Beach. For more information, call Baker at 941-526-1735 or 941-720-4445, or Wagner Realty’s Branch Manager Becky Smith at 941-773-1954.

IAN: Hurricane brings tourism surge

FROM PAGE 1 the hurricane, we wonder?” said Margaret Hatch, who is here with her husband from Brighton, England. “We don’t rent a car when we visit, but we’ve noticed that pub lic transport takes much longer due to the increased volume of vehicles on the road.”

While data on how much of an increase the Island is experiencing since Ian hasn’t been aggregated yet by agencies such as Tampa-based Research Data Services,

which gathers tourist and visitation data for Manatee County, traffic is an indicator.

An Island resident told The Sun she sat through four traffic light cycles at the in tersection of East Bay Drive and Manatee Avenue last Saturday afternoon, the kind of traffic the Island normally doesn’t see outside of March and April at the peak of the winter tourist season.

“Some of the people coming here are from down south and have been dis

placed,” said Lisa Varano, property manag er at Wagner Realty. “However, a lot of the calls from people who have been displaced are coming here around Christmas time.”

Most of these visitors are not residents of the affected area in Ian’s path, but rather people from north of the area and the rest of the U.S. who had planned trips to places like Fort Myers, Captiva, Sanibel Island and other areas hit hard by the storm, she said. Tens of thousands of rental units and hotel rooms are no longer available due to hurricane damage.

“We have definitely seen an uptick in bookings from this time next year, but we won’t have the data on where everyone’s coming from until the end of the year,” said Marianne Norman-Ellis of Mike Nor man Realty in Holmes Beach. “We don’t know for sure, but we think the increase from last year is from people who were displaced from where they intended to travel.”

It’s not just casual vacationers coming to the Island after Ian. For two weeks fol lowing the storm, there were power trucks from around the country that had come to restore service to the Island, Cortez and Bradenton.

“There are 12 of us dirty, smelly guys staying in this house, so while it’s the fan ciest and probably most expensive home I’ve ever slept in, we’re not exactly on va cation,” said Dale Miller, a power company line worker whose crew came here from

New Jersey and was staying in a luxuri ous bayfront home in Holmes Beach. “We have it good though, a lot of these guys are sleeping in their trucks - at least we have beds. We have to say though, people down here are so friendly and appreciative. We get high fives, and more people driving by yelling thank you out of their car windows than we can count. I see why people want to live here, and I may bring my family down to enjoy it properly on vacation.”

Varano confirmed what Miller said, saying her office had not gotten calls for rental units for the line workers, but calls were coming in asking for places to park the trucks.

In addition to vacationers and workers, love is in the Island air.

Sally Dirbas, owner of the Monkey Bus, said she was told by some of her custom ers that weddings that had been planned south of the Island in places affected by Ian had been moved to AMI, and wedding planners were traveling here to fulfill their obligation to their customers despite the added distance.

“We have five wedding rides booked this weekend, this is crazy for this time of year,” she said. “Before the storm, things were really slow and we had a few char ters, but nothing like we are seeing in the weeks following. This weekend it will be one wedding after another.”

NOTES

Help clean up the beach

The Center of Anna Maria Island is hosting a beach cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9-11 a.m. Everyone is wel come to join in and get to know your neighbors while you help make our Gulf beaches more beautiful. Partici pants are asked to meet at The Center where everyone will walk to White Avenue to start the cleanup. Trash bags, gloves, water and a light snack will be provided. No signup is required. For anyone who wants to help clean the beach but can’t make this cleanup, additional beach cleanup days are scheduled for Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 1 and May 6. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

Learn to use your iPhone like the professionals

Come out to The Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9-10:30 a.m. and learn how to take professional-looking shots with your iPhone’s camera. Teens and adults will learn all of the best tips and tricks to make their photographs look great from professional photographer Jim Rimi. Students can expect to learn composition, lighting and more during the workshop. The cost is $55 for Cen ter members or $65 for non-members. The last day to register is Friday, Oct. 28. For more information, or to register, contact The Center at 941-778-1908.

Improve your hearing health

Make your hearing a priority by learning about how to improve your hearing health, dealing with hearing loss and what aides are out there at Yes Hearing’s Healthy Hearing education seminar. The talk takes place on Friday, Nov. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to noon and is free to the public. Yes Hearing’s staff also will hold earwax removal days on Nov. 11 and Dec. 9 with a cost of $70 per ear. Hearing test days also will be held on Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. The hear ing tests are free of charge and open to walk-ins from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment until 4 p.m. Reservations for all tests and earwax removal can be made online at www.yeshearingsrq. com. All talks and testing will be held at The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria. For more information, contact The Center at 941-778-1908.

Assist families in need by donating used coats

Help families in need keep warm this winter by donating your gently used hats, scarves and coats at The Center of Anna Maria Island Nov. 1-18. Adult and kid sizes are all welcome as are new items in addition to those that have been gently worn. All donations will be taken to Turning Points in Bra denton to help keep local community members warm as the temperatures drop. The Center is located at 407 Mag nolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

in Manatee

Manatee County community level of COVID-19 transmission

Top real estate producers for September 2022

FRAN MAXON

DUNCAN

EDGEWATER

REMAX ALLIANCE GROUP

WAGNER

Team LaPensee Plumbing remains undefeated

BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN

ANNA MARIA – With only one game left in the regular season, the U10 competition is heating up with the LaPensee Plumbing team going into week six undefeated.

After solidly defeating Cloud Pest Control last Tuesday, LaPensee will face the number two ranked team, Sato Real Estate, in the last game before the start of playoffs.

In the 7-0 game, TJ Hagey and Preston LaPensee each had a hat trick in the game, scoring six points. Luca Rosen krans made a solo goal for his team, helping to secure a solid win.

On the Cloud Pest Control side of the field, goalkeeper Salvatore Vera made six big saves. Vera’s counterpart for team LaPensee, keeper Asher Patel, contributed to the team win by making three critical stops, keeping the opponents scoreless through two halves of play.

Despite neither team getting on the scoreboard, the AMI Coconuts versus Island Real Estate proved to be an excit ing defensive game with both goalies kept on their toes.

Island Real Estate’s Oliver Barr had five big saves in the game, while Sophia Kerr made seven huge stops for AMI Coconuts.

Hoping to make a move

in the standings, team Solid Rock Construction lost to a determined Sato Real Estate squad. With his four saves and a strong defense, Sato Real Estate prevented Solid Rock from scoring. Gunnar Maize’s four saves helped to ensure the shutout.

The hot feet of Sato Real Estate kept the Solid Rock goalie, Luke Willing, on his toes throughout the game.

Willing had seven saves in the game as his opponents sailed

rocket shots his way.

On offense, the Sato brothers, Dylan and Brandon, worked the pitch. Younger brother Brandon scored three goals, with an as sist by Dylan, to help take their team to victory.

In U14 play, team Progres sive Cabinetry won against Mac Parkman with a final score of 2-1. Dominik Zupa scored the single goal for team Mac Parkman, while Mason Moss had two goals for the Progressive squad.

Charlie Serra was credited with four stops as the Progres sive goalkeeper. Keeping the game close despite the loss, Xane Flores made three saves to close out the night of soccer at The Center.

SUN SCOREBOARD

OCT. 17

RED CUP KICKBALL – WEEK 1 Paddy Wagon (1-0-0) 16 Capt. Ron’s Crew (0-1-0) 14

General Bums (1-0-0) 20 The Salty Dolphins (0-1-0) 11

OCT. 18

YOUTH SOCCER – WEEK 5 U10

LaPensee Plumbing (4-0-1) 7 Cloud Pest Control (0-5-0) 0

Island Real Estate (3-1-1) 0 AMI Coconuts (1-1-3) 0

Sato Real Estate (3-0-2) 3 Solid Rock Construction (1-31) 0

U14

Progressive Cabinetry (1-2-0) 2 Mac Parkman (0-3-1) 1 HSH (3-0-1) Bye Week

OCT. 20

ADULT SOCCER – WEEK 5 Wash Family Construction (31-1) 5 Gulfview Windows and Doors (2-3-0) 4

Servis First Bank (1-3-1) 4 Ross Built Construction (1-4-0) 1

Sato Real Estate (2-2-1) 5 Pool America (2-3-0) 4

Moss Builders (2-1-2) 2 Slim’s Place (4-0-1) 2

MONICA SIMPSON | SUN

Parker Ross, for team Wash Family Construction, leads the pack to gain possession of the soccer ball last Tuesday night at The Center against team Bins Be Clean.

CLASSIFIED

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.

COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE

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

CLEANING SERVICE

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

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

ISLAND RESORT LOOKING for Resort Assistant. 32 to 36 hours per week. Experi ence a plus, will train. Re sumes or Letters of intent can be sent to islands58@ aol.com

PERSON OR PERSONS for home maintenance. 2 days per week,4 hours per day,$20/hr Clean furniture, deck ,windows, etc Call 941-713-1586

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. $100 or Best Offer. Call 941-705-7560.

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

GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Re models & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-962-1194

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 Interlock ing brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & In sured. Call Rafael 941-7784823 or Veronik 941-5267941

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. Pres sure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315

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

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, CA NAL 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

REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experi ence & USAF Veteran. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 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 bro ker@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. 1BR/1.5BA, fully furnished. $3,000/ month. 2BR/1BA, fur nished. $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@satoreal estate.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

AIRPORT RIDES Sarasota, St. Pete, Tampa. Call/Text Vita 941-376-7555.