Manatee Beach open, county working to restore all Island beaches
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – With dozens of beachgoers soaking up the sun at Manatee Beach as the backdrop to a Manatee County press conference, county officials announced the progress in reopening all of Anna Maria Island's beaches.
The conference on Oct. 25 was held to discuss the timeline and progress in beach clean-up and featured speakers were Manatee County District Three Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Manatee County Director of Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Deputy Director of Parks and County Grounds Carmine DeMilio, State Rep. Will Robinson, State Sen. Jim Boyd and businessman Shawn Kaleta. “It’s so important that everybody knows the great strides that we are making in our recovery efforts. Our island and surrounding communities
continue to exemplify what it is to be real, authentic and resilient in the face of adversity,” Van Ostenbridge said.
Manatee Beach is open and part of Coquina Beach will reopen next week, according to Van Ostenbridge.
“The sand is safe, the water is safe,” he said. “In about 30 days’ time we believe the entire 7 miles of Anna Maria Island beaches will be open. The beaches will be safe and that includes dragging the sand multiple times with smaller nets to catch all the debris that we can and magnets for pulling any metal we can out of the beach.”
He said the website www.bradentongulfislands.com/recovery will list businesses that are open.
“It’s so important we get the message out that these restaurants and these businesses are back open for business so people will come back out to their favorite places,” he said.
Gulf Island Ferry service resuming
The ferry service will initially be free for Island residents and employees.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry service between downtown Bradenton, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach is expected to resume on Friday, Nov. 1.
The county’s installation of a temporary ferry landing in Anna Maria was nearly completed as of Thursday, Oct. 24. The hurricane-damaged floating dock in Bradenton Beach, next to the Bradenton Beach Pier, has been repaired by Duncan Seawall to the point where it, too, can accommodate the ferry service.
Regarding the resumption of service, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Elliott Falcione said, “The objective is to start service for the residents that live on the Island and the employees that work on the Island.
FERRY, PAGE 11
Hurricane Hank’s, Operation BBQ Relief provide free meals
Hurricane Hank’s is back in business as hurricane recovery efforts continue.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – On Friday, Oct. 19, Hurricane Hank’s provided free lunches for city of Holmes Beach employees, members of the Holmes Beach Police Department and other first responders.
From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Hurricane Hank’s owner Brian Mathae and his staff handed out the free lunches.
“Today we are offering the city of Holmes Beach employees and first responders a thank you lunch from Hank’s. We thank them for keeping our community safe and rebuilding it as quickly as possible so we can get more people back on this Island and
get back to normal,” Mathae said.
“Today, we’re offering folks our infamous chicken tenders and our grouper tacos,” he said of the free lunch offerings that also included soft drinks.
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and Mayor Judy Titsworth were among those who stopped by to grab free lunches.
“Hurricane Hank’s called me a couple days ago and said they wanted to provide meals for city employees, police and first responders,” Tokajer said. “We’re here getting meals to bring back to city hall and I’ve got my officers on the way over here to grab some food from Hurricane Hank’s. Hank’s is amazing and their positivity and smiling faces are part of the solution as we continue our recovery.”
“Everyone loves Hank’s,” Titsworth said. “This is a local go-to and the
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
A temporary Gulf Island Ferry landing has been installed near where the Anna Maria City Pier was. The walkway was destroyed by Hurricane Milton.
Kaleta expected to release statement on Pines Island Players offer hurricane refunds
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Since receiving the news from the city building official on Oct. 17 that FEMA guidelines triggered a city ordinance requiring the Pines Trailer Park mobile homeowners to either vacate or elevate their structures, they have been waiting for a statement from the ownership.
Developer Shawn Kaleta, manager of the Pines Park Investors LLC that owns the Pines Trailer Park, said on Oct. 25 that he will issue a statement about the future of the Pines once the city makes all details available to him.
Kaleta was invited by Manatee County officials to speak about the state of the hospitality industry at a press conference at Manatee Beach. He touched briefly on the Pines during his presentation and following that, he spoke to The Sun.
“I have not confirmed anything, there’s not much I can say until I have the details,” Kaleta said. “I’m committed to get something out as
soon as possible. We all don’t like a state of uncertainty. Give us the answer, give us the resolution. I want that so I know what step two and three is.”
Kaleta said the plan for the park was, and still is, to have it remain as a mobile home park for the next generation.
“The deal, when I bought it, is public. I have to keep it like that, with no intent to develop; nor do I have that intent,” Kaleta said. “Now I have to figure out what it will be - RVs, mobile homes or something else?”
Kaleta said the property purchase by the LLC took place on Sept. 30, 2023 and since then there has been water in the units three times.
“At the end of the day, it’s Florida and it’s ground level,” he said. “I’ve been an advocate of making sure all the buildings we’ve built meet all the codes. Again the plan for this park is to remain what it was for the next generation. I can’t make determinations or statements until I have all the facts.”
Kaleta said he has yet to get anything in writing from the city of Bradenton Beach.
“I’m in the dark as to what will be done,” he said. “My understanding is once water has reached the floor, that FEMA does not allow those to be on the ground. They need to be elevated to a certain standard with pilings.”
He speculated that given the age of the Pines mobile homes, he didn’t know if it would be structurally feasible to raise them.
“My heart just goes out to everyone that’s affected, whether this is their first, their second or their third home,” Kaleta said. “Obviously we would prefer to have those residents there and be able to have that as the business situation we planned on having for 20-3040 years down the road. This was not a short-term investment.”
He said his representative Sam Negrin will be releasing a formal statement.
“Sam is the one leading it and I want to make sure he gets the message out," Kaleta said. "I’ve told him I would like it out today, but we have to have the details and the facts so we know what we’re talking about.”
Visit amisun.com for updates.
The Island Players are offering refunds for tickets purchased for their productions of Crimes of the Heart and A Doublewide Texas Christmas.
The theater received some impacts from both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, including the cancellation of the end of the Crimes of the Heart run and the planned production of A Doublewide Texas Christmas. For previously purchased tickets, the theater’s staff is offering three options – donate the ticket price, transfer tickets to an upcoming show or request a refund.
Patrons with tickets for the Sept. 25-29 dates of Crimes of the Heart and those with tickets for the full November 14-24 run of A Doublewide Texas Christmas have until Nov. 23 to contact the theater with their choice. If no response is received by Nov. 23, the price of previously purchased tickets will be considered a donation to assist in defraying the cost of repairing the historic playhouse.
Remaining performances in the Island Players’ season include Birthday Suite, playing Jan. 9-26, Death by Design, playing March 13-20 and Grace and Glorie, playing May 8-18.
To request a refund, transfer tickets to a future production or confirm the donation of the ticket price to the theater, email boxoffice@theislandplayers.org. Please include your name and phone number in all correspondence.
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Anna Maria mail service resumes
Due to the efforts of Mayor Dan Murphy and the assistance of U.S. Senator Rick Scott and the U.S. Postal Service, the temporary Anna Maria Post Office at City Pier Park is now open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Mail and packages can be retrieved during those hours. Outgoing mail can be dropped off but it must have the proper postage affixed because stamps and postage are not being sold at the temporary location. It’s not yet known when the hurricane-damaged post office across the street will reopen. “We’re happy to be here for the community,” Anna Maria Postmaster Sheila Brunger said while working at the temporary location. As an added bonus, local musician Mike Sales has been performing in the park during the late morning and early afternoon hours, providing some soothing musical sounds during these challenging times.
Perico medians workshop scheduled
Manatee County leaders are considering renovating the medians along Manatee Avenue on Perico Island and the Palma Sola Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity wants to get the public’s opinion on the proposed changes. The group is holding a public workshop on Monday, Nov. 18 from 10-11 a.m. at the Perico Bay Club Association Clubhouse at 11701 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton. Attendees are asked to come with their thoughts, ideas and concerns about the project for members of the corridor management entity, Mayor Gene Brown and Darryl Richard from the Florida Department of Transportation. Reservations are required by Thursday, Nov. 14 to attend. Please contact infoscenicmanatee@gmail.com or 941-7131763 for more information or for reservations.
Olight, family donates 150 flashlights
When Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted Anna Maria Island, Michael Smith, a 43-year resident of Holmes Beach was in contact with his brother in Raleigh, North Carolina. His brother, a long-time customer of Olight Flashlights, reached out to the company to see if there’s anything they could do to help Smith’s community. The company responded by sending 150 flashlights to Smith, who in turn took the donation to Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer to distribute the flashlights. Smith said he’s so thankful to Olight for the generous donation and for both the company and his brother for their support of the Anna Maria Island community.
Scan this code with your smartphone to go there.
County inspectors conduct damage assessments in Cortez
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ - Manatee County inspectors were scheduled to conduct individual damage assessments of properties in the Cortez zip code, including mobile home parks, from Oct. 25-27.
The inspections were announced at a Tuesday afternoon town hall meeting at Sara Bay RV Park by Manatee County Floodplain Management Coordinator Cheryl Bagby. In addition to Bagby, who outlined FEMA and county guidelines for storm-related damage to mobile homes, Manatee County Building Official Bill Palmer, Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Manatee County Director of Development Services Nicole Knapp were on hand to answer residents’ questions.
One resident asked, “Are you going to do an inspection of each individual mobile home in the park and record the damage each unit has?”
“We do have a substantial damage assessment team that will be out in this zip code, starting tomorrow over the next few days,” Bagby said. “They are going around and they have a checklist. They are looking at your foundation, they look at your electrical, they look at different components and just basically collect data on how much everything is damaged. We do have teams out over the next few days doing that.”
If no one is at the residence, inspectors will leave a door hanger with contact information, she said.
She said the damage assessment teams will not assess the value of the damage or the structure.
One resident asked the panel to address rumors that the county has condemned both Cortez Park and Sunny Shores.
“This is not Bradenton Beach, this is Manatee County,” Van Ostenbridge said.
Two mobile home parks in Bradenton Beach, The Pines Trailer Park and Sandpiper Resort Co-Op, were recently deemed uninhabitable based on FEMA guidelines for substantial damage that triggered a city ordinance requiring 10- to 12-foot elevation.
“We have not condemned anyone, correct?” Van Ostenbridge said
“That is correct, we have not condemned anyone. Every structure in the park will be individually assessed,” Palmer said. “It will be assessed for either substantial improvement or if it’s an unsafe structure, but as far as condemnation, no ,we’re not going in, and just across the park, that’s not going to happen.”
Mobile home parks in Cortez are Sunny Shores, Cortez Park, Sara Bay RV Park and Paradise Bay Estates.
FEMA
50/50 RULE
Bagby outlined FEMA and county guidelines for storm-related damage to mobile homes.
“There is a federal regulation of substantial improvement and substantial damage, it is commonly known as the FEMA 50/50 rule,” Bagby said. “If there is damage or improvements that exceeds 50% of the value of your structure, the entire thing has to be brought up to current flood plain compliance, which for most of the older mobile homes means elevating.”
She said FEMA options would be either to elevate or replace.
“The replacement would also be elevated as well so we’re not saying that you can’t build back, you can, but if you exceed the 50% you have to build back compliant with the regulations,” Bagby said. “On top of that, Manatee County also has a one year cumulative so if you’ve done any work on your mobile home in the last year, that can count toward your 50% already.”
She said that damaged components such as drywall and insulation can be removed.
“But before you put it back you need to check with us,” she said. “The important thing is don’t build back before you check with us. I would hate for anyone to start putting money into
a repair only to find out you now have to elevate your structure.”
One resident asked, “If you are repairing damage and you are repairing it for less than 50% are you still required to elevate or is that only for someone who’s 50% or more?”
“The requirement is if it is 50% or more you have to elevate, if you’re under that 50% threshold - and this is why it’s so important - the community gets audited by FEMA and we have to have records of your bill backs. If you’re under your 50% please follow up with us, because we have to have records,” Bagby said. “If it’s under 50% we have to prove that to FEMA when we get audited. You do not have to elevate if you’re under 50% but it’s recommended.”
She said FEMA has a base flood elevation requirement ranging from 8-10 feet, and the state of Florida and Manatee County require it to be 1 foot higher than that.
“Unfortunately, based on your location, you’re very low lying,” Bagby said.
She said the value of an individual structure can be found on the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s website, www.manateepao.gov.
“Go to property card, on the second page it’ll have two columns and it’ll say development value, that is the value we use to assess the value of your structure. We do add an additional 15% to that value,” Bagby said. If you exceed 50% you have to bring the entire structure up to current regulations.
“Whatever the structure value is, and we do take private appraisals, it should be reproduction minus deterioration and it must be the pre-damage condition,” Bagby said.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
A temporary post office is now in service at City Pier Park.
Annie’s Bait and Tackle working to rebuild
County officials say the purchase date of the Seafood Shack property that includes Annie’s is not yet set.
BY LESLIE LAKE
SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
CORTEZ – Back-to-back hurricanes may have left Annie’s Bait and Tackle badly battered, but its ownership expects to be back up and running soon.
“I’m hoping we can be back open by Thanksgiving,” Annie’s co-owner Bruce Shearer said.
Annie’s, a waterfront landmark just north of the Cortez Bridge, first sustained water damage from Hurricane Helene and high wind damage from Hurricane Milton.
The docks are gone and a blue tarp covers an opening on the west wall where part of the docks came through.
A red tag on the building from the Manatee County Building Department is posted on a window and states in part: “It is unsafe and its use or occupancy has been prohibited until all required repairs and inspections are complete.”
“I’m working on getting any permits
we need,” Shearer said. “We are definitely going to reopen.”
Annie’s, which has been in existence since the 1950s, and owned by Shearer and Kim Shepherd for more than 20 years, sells bait and tackle, beer, ice, gas and food.
“Our motto is, ‘If we don’t have it, you don’t need it,’” Shearer told The Sun in May. “There really is nothing else like this. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Annie’s is part of the Seafood Shack
parcel that Manatee County is in the process of purchasing for $13 million.
That property consists of seven upland parcels of approximately 5.9 acres and two submerged land leases of 2.9 acres.
Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved the purchase at a Sept. 5 land use meeting with anticipated use of the property as a public boating access facility with a boat ramp, dry storage facility and marina.
“I assume the board will act as a land-
lord and essentially create a revenue source by leasing slips and continue to lease space to those businesses that are already there,” Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said at the Sept. 5 meeting.
Prior to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the scheduled closing date for the sale was Oct. 7.
“That closing had to get pushed back because of the hurricanes,” Shearer said.
Manatee County spokesperson Bill Logan stated in an Oct. 23 email to The Sun he could not confirm a closing date for the Seafood Shack sale.
Eviction notices from current owner Vandyk Properties advised business owners that the properties, including Annie’s, must be vacated by Sept. 30. Hurricane Helene, however, struck the local area on Sept. 27.
“The current landlord (owner Vandyk Properties) would not agree to a sale date extension to allow the buyers (Manatee County) an opportunity to evaluate the current leases prior to closing, so the current tenants must vacate their locations per the current landlord’s requirements,” Logan wrote in a Sept. 20 email to The Sun.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Annie’s Bait and Tackle sustained water and wind damage from two hurricanes.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Encouraging words
Hello, I'm Hunter Cloud, a reporter in Brookhaven, Mississippi. My mom vacations at Anna Maria Island each year. She loves the Island, the food and the sunrises/sunsets. This year I came down with my family for a week and read some great publications by the AMI Sun newspaper. I appreciate the efforts of this paper to keep people informed, especially in the wake of two hurricanes. I encourage y'all to keep up the good work. I am sure it is not easy but the work you are doing is so valuable.
Hunter Cloud Brookhaven, Mississippi
Thanks to our extraordinary community center
I think our entire island community owes The Center of Anna Maria Island many accolades.
When we were desperate not knowing what to do or how to get something that we needed to fix our homes, The Center started a focal point where we could all turn to get help. The Center has always been a gathering point for events on the Island and our kids, never has it been used in the way it was. ALL three cities took advantage of it, and I hope we remember that next year during our budget cycle. For the first time ever, I went to The Center to get cleaning supplies. I met many
Got an opinion, a complaint or a compliment? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Send us a letter to the editor and have your say. There are a couple of ways to do it. The easiest and most direct is to email The Sun at news@amisun.com. Remember to put Letter to the Editor in the subject field. Or you can snail-mail
nice Islanders that were in the same predicament I was in. The entirety of Manatee County recognized what they did and, thanks to the TDC, a Lynyrd Skynyrd benefit for The Center and service workers will be held in November. Hopefully all media remembers what our Center did during the Cat. 3 hit we took and thank them with more than just thank you. An Island nonprofit stepped up that has to raise their own funds to stay open. It will need our help now.
a letter to us at The Anna Maria Island Sun, P.O. Box 1189, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Letters should be kept to 300 words or less and must contain your name and the city in which you reside. Personal attacks and obscene language will not be printed. The Sun reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.
Hon. Carol Whitmore Holmes Beach
ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
Please visit www.cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information.
Nov. 11, all day – City offices closed in honor of Veterans Day
Nov. 19, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information.
Nov. 6, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting
Nov. 7, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting
Nov. 11, all day – City offices closed in honor of Veterans Day Nov. 20, 1 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
Please visit www.holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information.
Nov. 11, all day – City offices closed in honor of Veterans Day
Nov. 12, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow
Nov. 13, 9 a.m. – Clean Water Ad-hoc Committee meeting Nov. 19, 2 p.m. – City Commission organization meeting
ISLAND-WIDE
Nov. 4, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Anna Maria City Hall
Nov. 5, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Election Day
Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m. – ManaSota League of Cities meeting, Town of Longboat Key, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Nov. 19, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton
Moose kids celebrate Halloween
The Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Moose Lodges teamed up to host the Moose kids’ Halloween party on Oct. 19. The annual party was held this year at the Bradenton lodge because it could not be held at the hurricanedamaged AMI Moose Lodge in Bradenton Beach. Upon arrival, the youngsters received candy and gift bags. They played a variety of games and the party concluded with the kids smashing two candyfilled piñatas. While the youngsters celebrated, AMI Lodge Administrator Byron Dalton said engineers are evaluating the significant hurricane damage to the AMI Moose Lodge #2188 and the lodge will reopen at some unknown future date.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN The Moose kids celebrated Halloween in the wake of two recent hurricanes. Left, dressed as an angel, 12-yearold Hailee Buckley broke the first piñata.
Elections office changes Island voting locations
The Election Day polling locations have been changed for Anna Maria Island voters.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
MANATEE COUNTY – The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office has taken measures to help minimize the hurricane impacts on the general election that concludes on Nov. 5, with mail voting and early voting already underway.
On Oct. 18, Supervisor of Elections James Satcher announced the reloca tion of Election Day (Nov. 5) polling places for Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach voters. Precinct 301 voters in Anna Maria and Precinct 305 voters in Holmes Beach will vote at the Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach, at 5701 Marina Drive. Precinct 307 voters in Bradenton Beach will vote in Longboat Key at the Longboat Island Chapel at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Voters can visit the supervisor of elections website to verify their polling location.
Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. G.T. Bray Park, at 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W. in Bradenton, is the closest early voting site to Anna Maria Island and Cortez. The Supervisor of Elections Office at 600 301 Blvd. West, Suite 118, is also an early voting site. For a complete list of early voting locations, please visit www. votemanatee.com.
Taking place at eight non-Island locations, in-person early voting began on Oct. 21 and continues through
Oct. 24 was the final day to request a vote-by-mail ballot. Nov. 5 is the last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot for in-person pickup at the elections office. Before picking up a vote-by-mail ballot
in person, the elections office asks that you call in your ballot request ahead of time, if possible, at 941-741-3823, to help expedite the process. Completed mail ballots can be mailed back or dropped off at any early voting location or at the Supervisor of Elections Office. Regarding vote-by-mail ballot postage requirements, the supervisor of elections website says, “The postage required to return a vote-by-mail ballot is $1.01. It is the voter’s responsibility to apply accurate postage on all mail, including vote-by-mail ballots. However, vote-
Our priority is to make sure you can exercise your right to vote in this important upcoming election.”
James Satcher, Supervisor of Elections
by-mail ballots are coded by USPS as special mail and will be delivered to the elections office without delay, no matter the postage applied.”
In the Oct. 18 press release, Satcher stated: “Despite these challenging times, we know that Manatee County is a resilient community. Our priority is to make sure you can exercise your right to vote in this important upcoming election. For those committed to voting in person, we encourage you to take advantage of our eight early voting locations.”
For more information, visit www. VoteManatee.gov, the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Facebook page, call 941-741-3823 or email info@votemanatee.gov.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach will serve as the Election Day polling place for Anna Maria and Holmes Beach voters.
Condemnation at mobile home parks explained
BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – City Building Official Darin Cushing addressed condemnation questions and outlined the next steps for homeowners at the Pines Trailer Park and many at the Sandpiper Resort Co-Op who received letters assessing their mobile homes with substantial damage due to hurricane-related flooding.
“People are throwing the word condemned around, but no trailers have been condemned, yet,” Cushing wrote in an Oct. 25 email to The Sun. “There are a few in the Pines that are pretty wrecked, so we will cross that bridge when we get to it.”
“We’re doing this part first but then we’re going to be looking at the ones that are going to be condemned completely, those where the walls are gone,” he told The Sun.
At an Oct. 17 city commission meeting, Cushing outlined FEMA guidelines and city ordinances about hurricane-related flooding of mobile homes.
On Oct. 24, letters went out to unit owners at the Pines and owners of affected units at Sandpiper Resort Co-Op stating his initial assessment indicated that their homes may meet substantial damage guidelines.
"It just happens that in the Pines, that was every unit, as they all took on some level of water inside,” he wrote. “In Sandpiper, there are some units that do not indicate this, as they are elevated above the level of the floodwaters that were incurred citywide.”
The Oct. 24 letter reads in part: “As a result of a ‘substantial damage’ assessment, the City of Bradenton Beach believes that your structure lies below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and may have received damages exceeding 50% of the pre-damage structure value as a result of the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton that struck Anna Maria Island on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9, 2024. This assessment is being made for all structures within the city, as the entire city lies below the required Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The assessment was based upon a ‘windshield survey,’ an assessment of the extent of visible and determined flooding. It is not however absolute, as the city did not assess the extent of damage inside of the structures identified.”
The letter continues: “The City of Bradenton Beach participates in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and has adopted a floodplain ordinance through which it regulates new development, maintenance and improvement of existing structures, and instances of catastrophic impacts such as these two consecutive hurricanes. After destructive, flooding events such as Hurricane Helene, the City is required to initiate a “Substantial Damage” assessment of impacted structures. In this context, the term substantial damage means, “damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure would equal or
exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.”
Cushing said he will be conducting in-person substantial damage assessments of the mobile homes.
“This is standard operating procedure for floodplain management. Similar letters will also be going to any and all building owners in the city where the initial assessment indicates that there may be substantial damage to their building,” Cushing wrote in his email. “The next step will be a more detailed assessment, where dollar values of damages will be compared to the replacement cost of the unit.
Cushing said the difficulty in assessing the value of mobile homes is that the county property appraiser does not assess the value of mobile homes.
“Owners, if they wish to contest our initial assessment, will be afforded the opportunity to have the more detailed assessment done, but they will have to have a private appraisal done, by a licensed appraiser,” Cushing wrote.
Permits are required for all repair, maintenance, and/or redevelopment of damaged structures. Failure to comply with permit requirements may result in fines through the City’s Code Compliance Department, Cushing advised in his letter to homeowners.
“A precise determination of the extent of damage is essential through the city’s permit processes and a substantial damage determination package can be provided,” his letter stated.
City
leaders address hurricane recovery
BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Debris cleanup following Hurricanes Helene and Milton is a sore subject among residents and city leaders, with one group saying it’s not going fast enough and another that it’s going faster than expected.
In the three weeks following Milton’s rampage on Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach residents have taken to social media to express their frustration that city leaders are not moving quickly enough to remove debris from city streets. While Mayor Dan Murphy in the neighboring city of Anna Maria is saying their debris cleanup is almost done, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth is noting that the first of three debris pickups in that city is almost complete.
Titsworth and other city officials addressed the ongoing cleanup efforts during a city commission meeting on Oct. 22 where she said the cleanup from both Helene and Milton is going better and faster than anticipated. At that meeting, Director of Public Works Sage Kamiya said that the city’s temporary debris field at the City Field complex at that time had about five 3-foot deep football fields worth of debris collected from city streets. He said he anticipates the amount of debris collected from these storms will be several times more than what was collected during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Kamiya also noted that while Anna Maria may be finishing up with their debris collection, the city of Holmes Beach is much larger than its sister cities.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN Hurricane debris is delivered to the Holmes Beach City Field temporary debris field and crushed by heavy machinery.
SUBMITTED
Lynyrd Skynyrd headlining local hurricane relief concert
Marcus King will be the opening act for the hurricane benefit concert.
BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
PALMETTO – Legendary southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd is coming to Palmetto to assist local hospitality workers impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. And they’re bringing blues, rock and southernsoul influenced singer/lead guitarist Marcus King with them as the opening act.
The Rock ‘N’ Support Bradenton Gulf Islands Hurricane Relief Concert will take place on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. Tickets go on sale on Monday, Oct. 28 at noon, with ticket prices ranging from $75 to $500. The $500 VIP tickets include exclusive access to a meet-and-greet party with the band, including a commemorative photo opportunity and prime seating in the first two rows. To purchase tickets, visit https://centerami.org/ concerts/.
Hosted by The Center of Anna Maria Island and supported by the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC), 100% of the proceeds from the Rock ‘N’ Support benefit concert will support Gulf Island hospitality workers who’ve been displaced due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
All proceeds from the Rock ‘N’ Support concert will benefit two local non-profit organizations: Shuckin’ Good Cause and The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Hurricane Relief Fund.
Displaced hospitality workers will then be able to apply for grant assistance through the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. For information on grant assistance, visit www. centerami.org/rocknsupport/.
The concert doors will open at 7 p.m., with King taking the stage at 8 p.m. and Lynyrd Skynyrd hitting the stage at 9:30 p.m. The convention center is located at One Haben Blvd. in Palmetto.
In the concert press release posted at The Center of Anna Maria Island website, Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Johnny Van Zant said, “When we got the call, we were happy to jump on board. The band is a Florida band and our manager lives in Sarasota County as well. So, we have family, friends and many fans affected by these storms. If we can raise some money for those in need and also take people away for a night of great music, then hopefully that is a ‘win-win’ and brings a little comfort to the community, then, Let’s Go!”
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s critically acclaimed debut album, the current Lynyrd Skynyrd line-up features Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke (Blackfoot), Damon Johnson, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone (Damn Yankees), Keith Christopher, Peter Keys, Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle.
“It’s about the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, what it stands for, what the fans are all about. There’s nothing like getting out there playing a great show with Skynyrd and seeing people love this music,” Van Zant said in the press release.
Lynyrd Skynyrd will rock the Bradenton Area Convention Center on Friday, Nov. 15.
FERRY: Service resumes
FROM PAGE 1
We’re aware that some people lost their cars in the hurricanes and we’re going to waive the ferry fees until further notice because of the situation. We feel this is a good opportunity to serve our community until people get back on their feet. I don’t know if there’s going to be demand for this so we’re going to take it one week at a time.”
Non-residents and others can also utilize the ferry service.
The temporary ferry landing in Anna Maria was installed due to the extensive damage Hurricane Milton inflicted on the City Pier that also served as a ferry landing. Located near the Lake La Vista Jetty, just north of the hurricane-damaged City Pier, the temporary landing consists of a large
barge anchored in place by spud poles, with a metal gangway and wooden walkway providing access to and from the shoreline.
The temporary landing is located within walking distance of the restaurants, retail shops and other businesses on and around Pine Avenue. It’s also near an Island Trolley stop from which ferry passengers can travel to other destinations Island-wide free of charge.
The Anna Maria commission-approved temporary landing is expected to remain in place until the City Pier is repaired and reopened.
For ferry updates and scheduling information, visit the Gulf Island Ferry website at www. bradentongulfislands.com/gulfislands-ferry/.
MEALS: Hurricane Hank’s, Operation BBQ Relief provide free meals
FROM PAGE 1
fact that he’s opened his arms and is helping our recovery effort is just awesome. It’s so important that these businesses survive these trying times and we are doing everything we can to get our visitors back.”
Titsworth said she plans to soon propose ending the city’s vacation rental moratorium that was recently adopted for 45 days.
BACK IN BUSINESS
“Hurricane Liquors, Fifty Three Fifty: The Pourhouse and Hurricane Hank’s are now all open, as well as our two businesses in Longboat Key,” Mathae said. “Hank’s was the last one to open, but we’re glad it’s back now. The curfew’s been lifted and our kitchen hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week; and our bar will remain open after that.”
“It feels great to be open again and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone. We opened Hank’s Wednesday night. We had to close on Thursday because of a water main break, but on our opening night we saw people experiencing sheer happiness, and
that made all our hard work worth it,” Mathae said. “And Fifty Three Fifty’s open at 8 a.m., serving coffee, great breakfasts and beer and wine in the afternoon.”
When asked what’s it’s like to be the owner of multiple businesses impacted by two consecutive hurricanes, Mathae said, “It’s a lot, because there’s so many things that we can tender out and there’s other things that we need to do personally in terms of meeting with the adjusters and ascertaining damage. I also have a house here on the Island that had almost 4 feet of water in it. We got everything ripped out but we haven’t been able to spend any time on our personal living conditions because it’s more important that the businesses are open for the sake of our employees. We have 50 employees that need this income,” he said.
The owner of the S&S Plaza that houses Hurricane Hank’s and several other businesses recently installed a new roof, new exterior overhangs and new hurricane impact-resistant windows and doors.
“We’re appreciative of that and it was very helpful. We didn’t have to board up this time,” Mathae said.
OUTDOORS
Suncoast Waterkeeper’s Brunch for the Bay
uncoast Waterkeeper is holding its annual brunch for the bay fundraiser at a different venue this year. Get ready for an inspiring and impactful event featuring a powerhouse lineup of expert speakers at the Sarasota Yacht Club! Here's what you can look forward to on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m.
Justin Bloom, Esq. – Founder of Suncoast Waterkeeper and leader of the Sick of Sewage campaign, Justin will reveal how grassroots action has begun to turn the tide on pollution (including their suit against the City of Bradenton) and share critical lessons learned from the 2024 hurricane season.
Dr. Gary Mitchum – Associate Dean of USF's College of Marine Science, Dr. Mitchum will
shine a spotlight on extreme weather events and sea level rise, offering insights on what the Suncoast can expect now and in the future.
Dr. Colin Polsky - Founding Director at FAU's School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability, will explain how the Florida Wildlife Corridor is a vital model for intentionally designing regional spaces for climate resilience.
Alexis Meschelle – Executive Director of Organized Fishermen of Florida, Alexis will talk about her work to ensure commercial fishermen and women are represented at all levels of government. She will discuss the impact of extreme weather events on Florida fishermen, their livelihood and the fisheries we depend on.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading voices on climate action, water protection, and environmental resilience. This fundraising brunch will also include delectable food, drinks, and the chance to connect with fellow advocates committed to protecting and preserving the waters of our beloved Suncoast!
Suncoast Waterkeeper’s mission is to ensure the Suncoast has swimmable, drinkable and fishable water for all. Their mission, which has never been more important, is to defend our coastline through advocacy, monitoring, community engagement and legal action.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn about Suncoast Waterkeeper’s work, get involved and help insure that current and future generations can enjoy a healthy environment. Let's join forces and fight for our beautiful coastline! If we don’t do it, who will?
Learn about the event and purchase tickets at www. suncoastwaterkeeper.org/brunchforthebay2024.
Henrietta finishes ninth in Tour de Turtles
Henrietta, a female loggerhead sea turtle, finished in ninth place in a field of 10 in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles Race, which began on Aug. 1. She traveled 288 miles since her release on June 24 from Coquina Beach, where she laid a nest and was fitted with a satellite transmitter. She later laid a second nest on AMI beaches. Henrietta swam in the race to draw attention to the cause of light pollution and how lighting near shore can negatively impact nesting turtles and their hatchlings. Her participation in the 2024 Tour de Turtles was sponsored by Hurricane Hanks and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring.
RED TIDE REPORT
High (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)
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT
‘Tis the season for flats fishing
Since our area has had several storms recently, fishing may be affected due to water quality. You may find blues, Spanish mackerel and pompano mixed with trout on deep grass flats this month. You should also find larger trout in skinny water along with reds. Snook will stage around bars and on shallow flats as they make their move towards winter areas. Action in the coastal Gulf with false albacore, tripletail, Spanish mackerel, blues and more should explode! This a great month for fishing the flats or the coastal Gulf. Since the action is seasonal
and will end when it gets cooler, I like to fish there when conditions allow it. However, if that’s not for you or if conditions won’t allow it, there will be plenty of action for a variety of fish on shallow and deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay.
Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by agricultural, industrial and residential runoff, toxic spills and discharges, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation. Please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit!
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED There should be good action with seasonal species during November. Kirk Grassett, of Middletown, Delaware, with a false albacore (little tunny) caught and released on flies while fishing with Capt. Rick Grassett in a previous November.
REAL ESTATE
Title insurance and storms
Hopefully, Debby with her rain, Helene with her surge and Milton with his wind are in our rearview mirrors by now, not forgotten, but we survived. Next, we can look forward to more mundane real estate issues like insurance.
What if you were ready to close on a new property and the possibility of a named storm is on the horizon? This situ ation could be the ultimate inconvenience since there is a very good chance you may not close your sale on time, costing money and delays with movers, utilities and possibly short-term living arrangements. This is an important thing to keep in mind when you live in a hurricane zone like we do. Since both buyers and sellers are in a real estate transaction together, they both should be motivated to give allowances if this is happening.
Castles in the Sand
aren’t taking out a mortgage, you will not be required to purchase title insurance, but most buyers do and all lenders insist on it and expect buyers to pay. The premium for title insurance is a one-time charge and the policy protects the lender. You also can purchase owner’s title insurance to protect yourself but that is optional.
This sometimes-little-known insurance issue is called moratoriums, also known as binding prohibitions. They are issued by insurance companies for certain high-risk
areas. During hurricane season, insurance companies wait until 24 to 48 hours before the impact to issue a moratorium on buying new policies. This could delay a closing since the insurance companies will not bind or cover the property in question until the storm has passed. If this happens to you, there is almost nothing you can do about it short of closing the property without property insurance - a non-starter if you are financing any part of the sale. Since we’re talking insurance, there have been some recent problems in the area of title insurance. Just to review, when you take out a mortgage, one part of your closing costs will be title insurance. If you
Title insurance covers third party claims on a property that don’t show up in the initial title search and arise after the closing. The title company searches for public records related to your home to try to find any title defects that could affect the lenders or buyer’s property rights such as liens, including tax liens or unpaid bills; easements that give others the right to use your property; and encumbrances like zoning laws and covenants imposed by homeowner associations. A “cloud” on the title can usually get resolved with the cooperation of the previous owner and/or the entity placing the lien.
In the wake of the National Association
of Realtors settlement over real estate brokerage commissions, government officials are looking at compensation paid to real estate professionals who recommend the title companies. This is happening without the knowledge or disclosure to the buyers who are paying the fees, therefore, potentially elevating the fees charged for the title insurance. The title insurance industry is under scrutiny by the federal government in an effort to lower the upfront costs of obtaining a mortgage.
The crackdown on partnerships with title companies is the same general trend as addressing brokers’ commissions. Just to be clear, this partnership arrangement with title companies is not happening all over and carefully analyzing the title fees before you close a property is a wise thing to do.
Title insurance is just one more type of insurance a property owner needs to be aware of. We’ve turned the corner and it’s time to pick up the pieces and move on.
LOUISE BOLGER
4
BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Solid Rock Construction on top
ANNA MARIA – The adult co-ed soccer league at The Center of Anna Maria Island started last Thursday night’s play with the two undefeated teams going head-tohead. Teams Pool America and Solid Rock Construction played 40 minutes of regular time with only one squad on top.
Starting the game off with a strong 2-0 lead at halftime, the Solid Rock team managed to hold off their strong opponent, letting them score twice.
Team captain Dean Hinterstoisser and Sam Parker shot the goals for Pool America, with assists by Parker’s husband, Eduardo Schlueter, and Octavious Cole. Cole, known for his flag football talents, joins the Island soccer family on the pitch this season.
Solid Rock’s win came off the boots of Julio Cantu, Leo Gonzalez, Raul Loera, Erica Nielsen and team captain Keith Mahoney. Loera and Mahoney are credited with a total of three assists in the team’s victory.
Currently ranked seventh, team Bubble Binz received a notch in the win column thanks to a forfeit by the Sato Real Estate team.
Winning by two goals in the second game played, Moss Builders defeated team AMI Dolphin Tours. Alex Villanueva scored the solo goal for the AMI Dolphin Tours team.
Also finding his footing on the soccer field as a transition from flag football, Karri Stephens is credited with a goal in the Moss Builders’ win. Teammates Stephen Adair and Greg Moss scored the remaining two points.
The Ross Built Custom Home team beat Gulf Drive Café 2-1. James Noblett and Jake Moss each got a strike past the Gulf Drive goalie.
Tyler Brewer put the single point on the scoreboard for team Gulf Drive Café. The loss drops the team to eighth in the team rankings going into week four play.
Finishing the night in a tie, Hampton Painting and Language Services Associates each scored five points, earning each team a point in the standings.
Alex Quintero had the only hat trick of the week, while teammate Juan Rodriguez scored two goals for the Language Services squad.
Leading the scoring for Hampton Paintings was Ethan Hampton. Team captain Danny Hampton, Moises Martinez and Austin Nutting each put
BEACH: Manatee Beach open, county working to restore all Island beaches
Hunsicker talked about the efforts being made to restore the all the Island beaches.
“This was a significant event and that’s a huge understatement,” he said. “When hurricane Helene came in, that’s when we had an overwash of the Island and we now have sand throughout the Island.”
He said crews have been working to move sand to appropriate locations.
“We have a lot of sand out here that came right from the beaches, but we also have areas that were taken from parking lots and private homes and it’s a dark color,” Hunsicker said. “We’re going to be sorting and sifting beach sand at the county reception site at the end of Coquina Beach.”
He said the dark sand, which is not suitable for the beach, will be brought to an inland location in Manatee County and will be used for road building materials.
DeMilio said many county staff
members have been working 29 straight days, 10-12 hours a day to clean up the beaches.
“We have removed 4 feet of sand from the rest rooms, the sidewalks and the parking lots,” he said. “We have removed truckloads of debris from these beautiful beaches. We have cut up and removed over 80 trees and two to three beach rakes daily to keep the beaches clean.”
He said safety is at the forefront of their efforts.
“Manatee Beach is clean, clear and safe and we invite all of you to come out and enjoy our beautiful beaches,” DeMilio said.
Before introducing State Sen. Jim Boyd and State Rep. Will Robinson, Van Ostenbridge said, “Remarkable help from the state level has helped us to rebound as quickly as we have.”
“It’s nothing short of remarkable to see what we see in front of us here today. Four weeks ago, this place was destroyed,” Boyd said. “Do we still have work to do? Yes we do. One thing
I think is important is not to take our foot off the gas.”
“It’s truly remarkable to be standing here when four weeks ago water was over my head,” Robinson said. “Two weeks ago a Category 3 hit our area, and the pure devastation that we saw was not just on the Island but inland as well.”
He said the work is ongoing.
“I’m proud of the county and the state and our federal partners to get us where we are right now. To see folks bring out beach umbrellas and chairs is one step, we have many steps to take over the next few years,” Robinson said. “We will be there with you. It warms my heart to see the great beautiful sand is returned to our shores and we will always be here for our community as we recover the right way.”
In introducing Kaleta, Van Ostenbridge said a heavy responsibility is to get hospitality workers back to work.
“We employ directly hundreds of people, indirectly thousands of people,” Kaleta said. “We’ve kept
all our employees and staff, maybe their job titles have changed a little bit in the short term, and we’re doing whatever we can do keep our employees with jobs.”
Kaleta said he works with an organization called amistrong.org.
“That’s a community organization led by community business owners that is a great resource,” Kaleta said. “Over the last couple weeks, we’ve been keeping our heads high with all of our staff and making sure we maintain all of our employees. They’re a vital part of our community and the tourism business as a whole.”
Kaleta said many businesses have been working around the clock to open their doors.
“We have natural resources here that we’re very fortunate to have - probably some of the best on earth. It’s impressive to see what has been done in the matter of less than 30 days,” Kaleta said. “We’re here and we’re offering tourists to come back as quickly as possible.”
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
Pool America’s Lucas Wilson tries to make a move on Solid Rock’s team captain Keith Mahoney in last week’s opening co-ed soccer game.
FUN IN THE SUN
CLASSIFIEDS
CARE GIVER
ELDER CARE by Longtime resident. Many References. Part time to help with shopping, companionship, cooking etc. Call Cheryl 941-685-0045
COMMERCIAL SALES, RENT & LEASE
HAVE YOU BEEN thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! Duplexes, multi family, small resorts? Call BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216
CLEANING SERVICE
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941-565-3931
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
RENOVATION SPECALIST ALL carpentry repairs, Wash Family Construction, locally owned and operated CBC 1258250 Call 941-725-0073.
KERN & GILDER CONSTRUCTION, INC New Homes & Remodel. Design/Build. Since 1968. License # CBC 1261150. Call the Office. 941-7781115
CENTER NOTES
DBTB Juice Bar & Bakery
GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 20+ years. Call Neil. Cell 941-9621194
JSAN CORPORATION
Renovations Construction & Handyman Services 941-243-0995 Lic# CRC1332505 jsancorporation@gmail. com Flooring, Drywall, Painting, Repairs, Kitchen and Bathrooms, Trim & Doors Free Estimates. Credit Cards Accepted.
GORILLA DRYWALL REPAIR, LLC. 15+ years of experience. Free Estimates. Let’s solve your Drywall problems together. Call 941-286-0607.
BMF INTERIORS Home repairs and more, No job too small. Please call 786318-8585
A.R.E. Renovation’s WHOLESALE KITCHEN CABINETS DIRECT., Remodeling, Bathrooms. Trim Flooring and Decks Tile and more Free quote, references available. Lic. # CRC.1334176 941-4653045.
The Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria, brings back regular programming in November, including Fridays with Dev’s Bevs and Ted’s Breads Juice Bar & Bakery (DBTB) from 9 a.m. to noon. Start your day with scratch-made breads, pastries and desserts using organic flour, juices, coffee and smoothies and produce on sale in The Center’s café. Tuesday nights with DBTB provides homemade pizza and juices during youth soccer.
CCS DRYWALL REPAIRS
We are local. Family owned & operated since 1991. Free Estimates. Licensed/Insured/Bonded. License # SCC131149803 Call 941-713-6531.
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
R. GAROFALO’S Interlocking brick pavers, driveways, patios, pool decks. Free estimates. Licensed & Insured. Call Rafael 941-778-4823 or Veronik 941-526-7941
ISLAND RESIDENT. TREE/ BUSH Trimming, removal. Sweeping, blowing, and weeding. Weekly, bi-monthly or monthly schedule. Pressure washing. Call Bill Witaszek 941307-9315
SHORTDOG TREE & LAWN SERVICE Free Estimates. Remove trees; trim palms, yard work, hauling everything. Call 941-746-3373 or 941-730-2694
MOVING & STORAGE
MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-8095777.
Ice Bath Wednesdays with Dev
Drop in and experience the benefits of ice baths on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon with Devinne Whittaker of Devs Bevs. Ice baths can reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve sore muscles, improve exercise recovery, improve mental health and support immunity. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. No pre-registration required.
Yoga Nidra and Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Bath
Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, promotes deep rest and relaxation and is designed for all levels. The guided somatic, meditative experience including a body scan,
PAINTING & WALLCOVERING
PAINT! PAINT! AND MORE 28 years of experienced interior/exterior custom painting. Pressure cleaning, drywall repairs and texture finishes. Many Island references. Please call Neil for free estimates. 941-812-0507
“WIZARD OF WALLS”
Established 1980 Prompt quality service. Wallpaper installation/ removal. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
DONALD PERKINS ABRACADABRA PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-705-7096
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES. Prompt & Reliable. Island Resident. Quality Workmanship. Interior/Exterior. Minor repairs & carpentry. Free estimates. Bill Witaszek 941-307-9315
mindful breathing and visualization, along with a crystal singing bowl sound bath to bring your experience full circle and cultivate a greater sense of wholeness and well-being. The class will be held on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. starting on Nov. 5. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Registration the Monday prior to class is required.
Making Sense of Medicare & Medicare Enrollment
Join Christopher Alesevich, licensed Medicare broker, for an educational presentation and interactive Q&A session. Find out about the components of Medicare and the enrollment process, broken down to help
POOL SERVICES
FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 18 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657
COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-713-1893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS
TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING: Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941-5653931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE
Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD
people make sense of Medicare, on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at noon.
All-Day Camp for kindergarten through fifth grade
When school is out, the fun begins at The Center on Monday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy games, crafts and a visit from Mote Marine at the full day camp with hands-on, interactive science activities that make learning fun and exciting. Pre-register by Thursday, Nov. 7. The cost is $65 for members and $75 for non-members.
Youth Basketball Training with AMI Hoops
Group or private training in
941-232-2216
LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
BRADENTON CONDO FOR SALE end unit 55+ community. Pet friendly. Split 2BR/2BA. Walk in shower in Master, newer paint, laminate flooring, white travertine tile, new blinds, bonus room, W/D, central air with heat, carport, patio. Close to heated pool & community building. 8 miles from AMI. Available now, immediate possession. $179,900. Call 616648-1648 or 616-340-5669
TRANSPORTATION
ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa/St. Pete $85. Sarasota $40. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-7795095
youth basketball is available for kids from kindergarten through ninth grade. Elementary school age children train on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Older kids hoop it up on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The cost is $100 for members and $125 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Private training with the founder of AMI Hoops is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and 5:306:30 p.m. The cost for a threeweek session is $145 for members and $185 for non-members. Pre-registration required.
To register for Center programs or for more information, email The Center at hello@centerami. org or call 941-778-1908.
BUSINESS & SERVICE
DEBRIS: City leaders address hurricane recovery
FROM PAGE 9
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Holmes Beach covers 1.91 square miles, while Anna Maria is .86 square miles and Bradenton Beach covers 1.19 square miles of which only .52 square miles is land.
Titsworth said she understands how hard it is for residents to see debris piled up along the streets, debris that used to be their belongings. It’s a pain she said she felt too, after losing much of the contents of her own home to flood waters from Helene and wind damage from Milton. She urged residents to remain patient with the process as ongoing debris pickups continue throughout the city.
“Debris removal is a process,” she said, noting that there are options for people who don’t feel removal is going fast enough and commercial properties whose debris cannot be picked up by the city due to FEMA regulations. Tipping fees are waived at the Manatee County landfill located on Lena Road. The county also has set up a temporary debris field for residents to drop off debris at 4700 66th St. W. in Bradenton. Due to living on a private drive, Titsworth said
her neighbors got together and opted to contact Waste Pro for pickup and pay any associated fees themselves. After Hurricane Milton, she said FEMA regulations have changed to allow for the city to pick up debris on private drives in the city and still get reimbursed.
As of Oct. 26, city leaders said nearly 50,000 cubic yards of debris had been cleared from city streets with an emphasis on picking up discarded furniture, drywall and other items that would mold and cause a health problem first. Future passes through the city of debris pickup will focus more on yard waste and sand as well as any additional household debris. A hazardous waste disposal site for paint, batteries and other potentially dangerous materials has been set up adjacent to city hall for residents to dispose of those items safely. Kamiya said sand is to be taken to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach per Manatee County guidelines. The county is using the area to test and filter sand to see if it can be safely placed back on Anna Maria Island beaches. He noted that sand can only be disposed of at the site by the city and is not open to residents or private contractors.
