- Named Best Florida Newspaper In Its Class -
VOL 21 No. 52
October 6, 2021
Environmental groups to sue over deep well injection plan A third lawsuit will soon be filed over Piney Point, this one opposing a plan to store its contaminated water in a deep injection well. BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
Bishop Museum takes in manatee struck in Anna Maria Sound THE BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE | SUBMITTED
A manatee rescued from Anna Maria Sound in January after being injured by a boat strike has a new temporary home at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s rehabilitation facility in Bradenton. Page 20
Anna Maria, Mote Marine reach pier lease agreement The interior buildout and exhibit installation is expected to be completed by March 2022. BY JOE HENDRICKS SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA – The city of Anna Maria and Mote Marine Laboratory have entered into a 10-year lease agreement for the installation and operation of the Mote Educational Outreach Center on the City Pier. The city commission approved the lease agreement by a 4-1 vote during a special commission meeting on Thursday, Sept. 30, with Commissioner Mark Short casting the only opposition vote. The Mote facility will be located inside the larger of two city-owned buildings at the T-end of the City Pier; and next to the City Pier Grill & Bait Shop that
INSIDE NEWS 4 CALENDAR 7 OUTDOORS 18 REAL ESTATE 22-27 OBITUARIES 25 CROSSWORD 29 CLASSIFIEDS 30-31
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Mote Marine facility will be located inside this city-owned building on the Anna Maria City Pier. operates in city-owned space leased to business partners Brian Seymour, Vic Mattay and Nick Graham. SEE PIER, PAGE 27
SEE PINEY POINT, PAGE 26
HOLMES BEACH commission
BAYFEST IS BACK! Here’s
what’s happening and who’s playing. 8
Anna Maria Island, Florida
PALMETTO - Five environmental organizations notified Manatee County on Sept. 30 that they intend to sue the county over its plan to inject contaminated water from Piney Point into an underground well. The groups previously sued Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Secretary Shawn Hamilton, Piney Point owner HRK Holdings LLC and the Manatee County Port Authority in June over the dumping of 215 million gallons of contaminated water into Tampa Bay in March and April from a storage pond on a compromised phosphogypsum stack at the closed fertilizer plant. FDEP approved the discharge to avoid the stack’s collapse and potential for flooding area homes and businesses. The contaminated water spread throughout Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay, transporting nitrogen and phosphorus that spurred a red tide bloom in April that caused fish kills and respiratory irritation, according to the plaintiffs. Red tide remains in medium concentrations in Manatee County waters, as well as Sarasota County to the south and Pinellas County to the north, according to the latest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report. FDEP sued HRK on Aug. 5 asking the 12th Judicial Circuit Court for injunctive relief to prevent any more discharges of wastewater from Piney Point, claiming that HRK failed to safely operate the gyp stacks and protect surface and groundwater. The state agency then issued a draft permit on Sept. 1 for Manatee County to build and test an underground injection well and a monitor well at 3105 Buckeye Road up to 3,300 feet deep to hold the wastewater. The monitor well to test drinking water would be up to 950 feet deep; the permit states that drinking water in the Floridan aquifer at the site is located at about 900 feet.
candidates discuss issues. 3, 15 BRADENTON Beach candidates present their platforms. 4
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
THE SUN
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Holmes Beach candidates talk water quality issues Candidates for the Holmes Beach Commission share views on water quality. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – Campaigns are heating up ahead of the Nov. 2 election and before voters take a trip to the polls, The Sun is talking with each candidate to find out what they think about some of the issues facing the city. Here, they answer the question, “How do you feel about water quality?”
RENEE FERGUSON
“Our habitat depends on our water quality and this is certainly a hot topic for our island and Manatee County. We need to mitigate and close Piney Point, Ferguson and work with the other local, county and state groups and organizations to reduce algae and bacteria including red tide. Continuing to establish oyster
reefs is part of a positive solution. Sewer line breaches are a huge problem and this definitely needs more attention from both county and state. We need to work with our neighboring cities to control pesticides and fertilizer runoff. Holmes Beach is currently working to establish a committee to review and determine answers.”
JOHN MONETTI
“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am Monetti not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident. This is an issue that I don’t see how it is even considered an issue. I haven’t run across many folks here on this Island that don’t care about our surrounding water. It is why we chose to live on an island.”
PAT MORTON
“Water quality is one of our biggest concerns.”
TERRY SCHAEFER
“I ran for election two years ago with a focus Morton on the environment and water quality. I have been proactive since then suggesting methods to address those concerns. My sponsorship of creating a Water Quality Committee was Schaefer unanimously approved by the commission along with strong support from Mayor Titsworth and staff. We are in the final stages of initiating that committee with the intent of startup this fall. The committee will be charged with coordinating efforts with other local environmental groups and hopefully with representation from both Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach with the objective of creating means and methods of improving water quality with recommendations of potential new ordinances, if appropriate. In addition, I recently suggested draft-
ing a resolution concerning the city’s recommendations to Manatee County and the state concerning strengthening the vetting process of phosphate mining and consideration of new mining sites by the county and state. This was unanimously approved by our commission and our city attorney has been asked to proceed with drafting the resolution. The tragedy of Piney Point must never be repeated.”
CAROL SOUSTEK
“Water quality is in trouble. The discharges going into our bays is out of control. Your city has for the last seven years focused on flood and stormwater discharge. We have replaced aging Soustek pipes, no pipes, valves and so much more to clean the water before it gets to our bays. We have protected our wetlands and purchased property to develop watershed areas. Much more needs to be done and everyone needs to lighten their footprint on this Earth.”
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THE SUN
ISLAND NEWS
IN BRIEF
Commissioners pass property donation regulation Holmes Beach commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 28 to pass the second reading of an ordinance requiring that any charitable donations, raffles or other stays at vacation rental properties during which the owner is not compensated must be for at least the minimum stay required in the zoning district. In Holmes Beach, residential properties zoned R-1 have a 30-day minimum stay requirement while those in R-2, R-3 and R-4 have a seven-day minimum stay. The new requirements do not apply to anyone using their own property or having friends or family stay at the property.
Anna Maria seeks commission applicants The city of Anna Maria is now accepting applications from city residents interested in filling the Anna Maria City Commission seat to be vacated after the November elections. The month-long application period for those interested in serving a full two-year commission term ends on Sunday, Oct. 31. Applications can be downloaded at the city website, www.cityofannamaria.com, or obtained in person from the city clerk’s office. Commission applicants must have been residents of the city of Anna Maria for at least two years prior to seeking office. Anna Maria commissioners earn $400 per month. The city commission will make the appointment in November and the appointee will take office in December.
Farmer’s market returning Tuesday Taking place at City Pier Park, the city of Anna Maria’s seasonal farmer’s market will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 12 and continue each Tuesday through May 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. With a focus on produce and fresh food, the city expects to have eight to 12 vendors participating in the market each week.
Beach Market returns After closing for the rainy season, the popular Beach Market at Coquina Beach will resume operation in November. The Beach Market offers a little bit of everything from local vendors, from artisan jerky to all-natural insect repellant and everything in between. The Beach Market will take place on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in November; Wednesdays and Sundays from December through March; and Wednesdays and Fridays from April through July.
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
Bradenton Beach mayoral candidates discuss city issues
Both candidates have long and differing histories of public service.
Administration (FAA). Galuszka retired from the Air Force in 2005 and retired from the FAA in 2019.
BY JOE HENDRICKS
WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE AS THE BRADENTON BEACH MAYOR?
SUN CORRESPONDENT | jhendricks@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH – Voters will soon decide whether incumbent John Chappie or challenger David Galuszka serves as the city’s next mayor. Chappie The mayor’s race will conclude with in-person voting at the Bradenton Beach Fire Hall, 201 Second St. N., on Tuesday, Nov. 2. The deadline to register to vote in the 2021 elections was Galuszka Monday, Oct. 4. Vote by mail voting in the mayor’s race is already underway and Saturday, Oct. 23 is the deadline to request a vote by mail ballot. Commissioners Jan Vosburgh and Jake Spooner are running unopposed and will automatically earn additional two-year terms in office.
CANDIDATE BACKGROUNDS
The Sun recently interviewed both mayoral candidates at their Bradenton Beach homes. Chappie has lived in Bradenton Beach for the past 48 years. He spent nearly 20 years in the construction business, working his way up to a foreman for Westra Construction, where he led a crew whose duties included repair work and testing water and sewer lines. Chappie seeks his third consecutive term as mayor and his sixth mayoral term overall. After serving three full or partial terms as mayor, Chappie served two four-year terms as a Manatee County commissioner. He returned to the city commission in 2016, was elected mayor in 2017 and, running unopposed, was reelected in 2019. Galuszka has lived in Bradenton Beach for about two and a half years. He’s a retired air traffic controller whose career began as a member of the United States Air Force and continued as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation
Galuszka: “I think it’s time for a change. I’ve had many voters encourage me to run for that specific reason. I may not have a political science degree, but what I do have is the desire, the energy and the commitment to serve the people of Bradenton Beach to the best of my abilities. I would bring a fresh perspective, new ideas and a long history of public service. I was a public servant as an air traffic controller and of course as a member of the military.” Chappie: “It’s my hometown. I love serving. I want to help out where I can with the neighbors and with our community. I fell in love with Bradenton Beach in 1974 and decided this was where I wanted to live the rest of my life. I’ve served the community on various boards for 37 continuous years. Working together, we’ve been able to make a difference. Through those years, I’ve learned so much more about the community – and that doesn’t happen overnight.”
WHY SHOULD BRADENTON BEACH VOTERS VOTE FOR YOU?
Chappie: “I’m in my 48th year as a resident. I know the community and they know me. They know if I say something I mean it. Promises made, promises kept. Over the years, I’ve developed friendships and developed a tremendous number of contacts on the local level, with the other Island cities, at the county level and at the state level. I know who to go to, and that’s key to getting things done for our community and our residents. You just can’t get that overnight. That takes experience and longevity; and it’s proven beneficial with all the funds and appropriations and grants we’re getting – about $8 million in recent years.” Galuszka: “Just because you have a long résumé, that doesn’t make you a better leader. As an air traffic manager, I had 12 employees working under me. I had to negotiate with the union, I was
the quality assurance rep, I had to schedule medical exams. That was similar to running a small city. I want to improve on some things, like the imbalance of single-family homes and annual rentals versus vacation rentals. Maybe we need to look at general obligation bonds, using the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and TIFF funds and working with private investors to address the affordable housing shortage. Overall, some residents feel their voices aren’t being heard, and, of course, parking is an issue.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THE CITY FACES NOW AND OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS?
Galuszka: “Affordable housing, parking, traffic, drainage and expediting the city’s permitting process and the time it takes to permit a simple project like putting in some stairs. I have to resort back to the affordable housing, especially for the service industry employees. Most of them can’t afford to live here. I realized there’s limited space, but I still believe there’s something we can do about that.” Chappie: “It hasn’t changed in the last several years: Tallahassee’s home rule attacks and how the state Legislature’s actions have changed the course of every city, especially tourist communities like we have on Anna Maria Island. It’s destroyed our residential neighborhoods. We thought our residential areas were protected, but Tallahassee doesn’t consider a party house to be a business. You can build them in residential areas and the state ties your hands with regards to how you regulate them. You can’t single the party houses out. Undergrounding our utility lines and continuing our drainage improvements are also very important.” Note: During their recent interviews, the mayoral candidates discussed several other city issues and further expounded on their desires to serve as Bradenton Beach’s next mayor. These matters will be addressed in a future story or stories as the mayor’s race continues toward its November conclusion.
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
THE SUN
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Red tide remains ‘medium’ off AMI BY CINDY LANE SUN STAFF WRITER | clane@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local waters showed medium concentrations of red tide again last week, according to Friday’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission weekly report. The toxic algae began appearing in mid-April after 215 million gallons of contaminated water was discharged into Tampa Bay from Piney Point, a former phosphate plant. The water contained the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, which act as fertilizer for red tide. The discharge was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to prevent contaminated water in a holding pond on top of a compromised gypsum stack from flooding the area. Piney Point is the subject of three pending lawsuits and is in receivership. Red tide dissipated briefly in Manatee County waters during September, but returned by Sept. 21.
High
RED TIDE REPORT
(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)
Very low
(possible respiratory irritation)
Background
Medium
(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)
(no effects)
None
(no red tide present)
Low
(possible respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills) Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Last week, on Sept. 27-28, medium concentrations were detected in water samples taken at the Rod n’ Reel Pier in Anna Maria, the 10th Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and the Longboat Pass boat ramp. Low concentrations were detected at Key Royale (School Key), according to the report. Fish kills and respiratory irrita-
tion related to red tide were reported in Manatee County and Pinellas and Sarasota counties, among others. Red tide produces a neurotoxin called brevetoxin that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and more serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema
or COPD, according to the Florida Department of Health. Health officials recommend that people experiencing symptoms stay away from the water and go inside to an air-conditioned space with closed windows and a clean A/C filter. Wearing masks, especially during onshore winds, is also advised. Health officials warn against swimming near dead fish, and advise keeping pets away from dead fish and seafoam, which can contain high concentrations of red tide. Pets are not allowed on Anna Maria Island’s beaches but are allowed on the Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue. Officials also warn that consuming shellfish exposed to red tide can cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. Updated red tide forecasts are available at habforecast.gcoos.org and at visitbeaches.org.
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OPINION
The Anna Maria Island Sun newspaper 3909 East Bay Drive, Suite 210, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217 Phone: (941) 778-3986 email: news@amisun.com | ads@amisun.com | classifieds@amisun.com
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
The Anna Maria Island Sun Staff Publishers Mike Field Maggie Field Editor/CEO Mike Field Layout Ricardo Fonseca Reporters Cindy Lane Joe Hendricks Kristin Swain Jason Schaffer Columnists Louise Bolger Outdoors Editor Rusty Chinnis Advertising director Shona Otto Ad assistant Pamela Lee Classified ads Bob Alexander Graphics Elaine Stroili Ricardo Fonseca Digital/Social Media Editor Cindy Lane Accounting John Reitz Leslie Ketchum Distribution Bob Alexander Tony McNulty Connor Field Contributors Tom Vaught Steve Borggren Monica Simpson
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Renee Ferguson - residents first Five candidates are asking for your vote for Holmes Beach City Commission. First, we need to look at voting records in terms of being for or against the residents. For example, some thought that residents were not worthy of one $15 permit parking pass, and some voted in favor of amplified music in a residential zone. Some have supported an exorbitant budget which has increased 40% in 3 years, 100% for the police budget since the chief took office, and 247% for the code budget in five years. Renee Ferguson is fiscally responsible and knows that we need to get this under control and make taxes more affordable. One telling sign of whether or not a non-incumbent truly cares is meeting attendance. Renee has attended probably over 95% of the commission meetings either in person or via Zoom. How many meetings have the non-incumbents attended while not in office? Renee’s credentials are extensive. She has served on the Code Enforcement Board, Ad Hoc Committee to research forms of government, Parking and Traffic Congestion Committee, ULI Study, Dog Park Committee, and served as AMI Elementary School tutor and member of Roser Church, AMI Historical Society and Friends of the Library. She is acutely aware that the city is losing one of its most important resources, and that is YOU the resident. Renee knows we need quality of life
with balance between rentals and residents. She knows how important vision is for addressing water quality and infrastructure. She has always been concerned with action items being delayed and unattended for years. Renee is a communicator, and unlike some of the other candidates, will answer constituent phone calls and emails because she encourages transparency. She realizes the importance of working with the sister cities and the county if we are going to improve the quality of life for residents. Yes, that is why we need Renee Ferguson, because she is definitely putting quality of life for us, the residents, first and foremost. This is why I feel that Renee Ferguson is the one best qualified candidate for Holmes Beach Commission. Richard Motzer Holmes Beach
Anonymous police calls discouraged? Recently I returned home around 11:40 p.m. one night and heard noise coming from a few houses down, but was unable to pinpoint the exact location. The adult voices and vulgar language were so intense it permeated all closed windows and doors inside my house. I was unable to sleep and called Holmes Beach Police Department Dispatch at 12:15 a.m. I wasn’t willing to give my name and wanted to report the issue anonymously due to fear of retaliation. The dispatcher said that officers could CHOOSE whether or not to respond... very odd considering I had just seen two police
vehicles sitting in parking lots on my way home. At 1:15 a.m., still unable to sleep due to excessive noise and profanity, I called again. Chief Tokajer has stated on numerous occasions that he instructs his officers (none of whom live here) to treat our neighborhoods like their own. However, after subsequent inquiry, he confirmed, “We did not have any response to calls that I can find for the time period requested.” Police CHOSE not to respond. The dispatcher cited Statute 162.21-31 where identification is required for city response to CODE calls. Bill sponsor, Sen. Bradley, wrote in an email, "This bill does not apply to calls to the police." Furthermore, the bill states that it does not apply to issues of "public health, safety, or welfare." You can check the box for all three when you can’t sleep and live in fear of retaliation. If you cannot relate, you are fortunate. Many residents can, especially in the R-2 district. I hope police are not standing behind law misinterpretation with intent to discourage and frustrate residents, making way for a total resort island. It would be prudent for city leaders to address 1) community policing and 2) safety/privacy issues of anonymous calls. Officers could easily patrol this small city, especially being aware of "hot spots" with habitual issues. Residents shouldn’t have to call and leave their name, address and phone number for a response from the Holmes Beach Police Department. Melissa Rash Holmes Beach
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
ON THE AGENDA ANNA MARIA
10005 GULF DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-6130
City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. cityofannamaria.com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 14, 2 p.m. – City Commission meeting Oct. 18, 2:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning meeting Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – Historic Preservation board meeting
BRADENTON BEACH
107 GULF DRIVE N. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-778-1005
City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www.cityofbradentonbeach.com or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m. – Community Redevelopment Agency meeting Oct. 6, 2 p.m. – Scenic WAVES meeting Oct. 7, 6 p.m. – City Commission meeting Oct. 11, 10 a.m. – Swearing in of new police chief Oct. 20, 1 p.m. – Planning and Zoning board meeting Oct. 21, noon – City Commission meeting
HOLMES BEACH
5801 MARINA DRIVE FOR INFORMATION, CALL 941-708-5800
City hall is open to the public with limited capacity and safety protocols in place. Please visit www. holmesbeachfl.org or contact city hall for more information. Oct. 6, 10 a.m. – Parks and Beautification committee meeting Oct. 6, 5 p.m. – Planning Commission meeting Oct. 12, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting with work session to follow Oct. 20, 10 a.m. – Code Compliance special magistrate hearing Oct. 26, 5 p.m. – City Commission meeting
ISLAND-WIDE
Ukulele Instruction for Beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8315406
Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m. Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required. Thrift shop yard sale, Roser Guild Thrift Shop, 511 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Origami Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8255394 Chickee Hut Jammers, Florida Maritime Museum, 11655 Cortez Road, Cortez, noon to 2 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 7
SUNDAY, OCT. 10
Oct. 19, 6 p.m. – West Manatee Fire Rescue board meeting, administration building, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton Oct. 25, 2 p.m. – Island Transportation Planning Organization meeting, Holmes Beach City Hall MARKYOUR CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 6
RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunshine Stitchers knit and crochet, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 2 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/7996412 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 8
Fore the Environment Charity Golf Tournament with Keep Manatee Beautiful, Rosedale Golf and Country Club, 5100 87th St. E., Bradenton, 7 a.m. registration, $150 for individual players including lunch and awards ceremony. Register online at www.manateebeautiful.com Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7958988 Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996690
SATURDAY, OCT. 9
Robinson Runners, Robinson
Master gardener volunteer mobile plant clinic, Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https:// parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac. wsc/search.html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information.
TUESDAY, OCT. 12
Farmer’s market, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tortoise Talks, Robinson Preserve Valentine House, 1704 99th St. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations are welcome. Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/8303015 Mahjong Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996691
THE SUN
Tech Help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 2-4 p.m. Register online https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/7996154
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13
Off Stage Ladies luncheon and meeting, Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, 11:45 a.m., $26. Ukulele instruction for beginners, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 1 p.m. Register online https://www.manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/7996368 Island Time Book Club, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 6:30 p.m. with Zoom option. Register online https://www.manateelibrary.libcal. com/event/7996246
THURSDAY, OCT. 14
RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. AMI Chamber members luncheon, Slicker’s Eatery, 12012 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 11:30 a.m., $18 for members or $30 for prospective members. Reserve to 941-778-1541 Thursdays in Paradise Stroll featuring local art, music and food, Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, 5 to 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 15
Forty Carrots, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. Reserve to https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7958989 Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/7996692 20th Annual Bayfest kickoff event, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 5-8 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 16
Robinson Runners, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 8 a.m.
7
Saturday mornings at the NEST, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 9 a.m. to noon. Face masks required. 20th Annual Bayfest, City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Meditation, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11 a.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996389 BardWired: Much Ado About Nothing, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m. BardWired: Much Ado About Nothing, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCT. 17
Farm stand, Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., $10 fee payable online. Bring your own yoga mat. Register at https://parks.mymanatee.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search. html?primarycode=110006 or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6042 for more information. BardWired: Much Ado About Nothing, Robinson Preserve Mosaic Nest, 840 Ninth Ave. N.W., Bradenton, 2 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 19
RoserRobics, Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9:30 a.m., no cost but donations welcome. Family story time, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach 10 a.m. Reserve to https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/8303016 Mahjong, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary. libcal.com/event/7996693 Tech help, Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 3-3:30 p.m. Register online at https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/ event/7996156
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THE SUN
Bayfest is back BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
ANNA MARIA - One of the most anticipated events on the Island is back for 2021. Bayfest will take place Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Pine Avenue. There will be a kick-off event at the City Pier on Friday, Oct. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring food, beer, wine and live music from the Karen & Jimmy Band. 2021 will mark the 20th Bayfest and after a year with nearly no live entertainment, residents and tourists alike are excited to get out and enjoy this event, which is an Island favorite. “We are so happy Bayfest is back. There have been live events since they eased up on COVID restrictions, but this is the big one,” said Stephanie Spangler of Boone, North Carolina, who is on vacation with her husband until November. The Spanglers come to the Island every year and have attended Bayfest at least four times. The free, family-friendly event is presented by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and includes delicious food, arts and crafts, vendors, a classic car show, beer, wine, rum, soft drinks and live music all day long.
After being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Bayfest in Anna Maria is back and packed with fun, food and entertainment. Artists performing this year include: • Mike Sales (emcee) - 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fuse band - 11 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. • Memphis Rub - 1:45 p.m. - 4 p.m. • Jack’d Up - 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. • Dr. Dave Band - 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
OCTOBER 6, 2021
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
THE SUN
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Turtle Watch Wednesday raises funds, spirits After being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday raised more than $16,000. BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH - After a year off due to COVID-19, the community flocked to the Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraising event on Sept. 29 at Hurricane Hanks to show their support for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring's mission. The not-for-profit group monitors sea turtle and shorebird nesting on AMI, keeping tabs on population trends. “We collect scientific data for the scientists in the state of Florida to analyze and see how we’re doing with the turtles,” Director Suzi Fox said. “We do a lot, but in essence, we are data collectors.” The event has been held at Hurricane Hanks since its inception in 2018, but
TURTLE TIPS During sea turtle season, May 1 – Oct. 31, please follow these tips: • Turn off lights visible from the beach and close blinds from sundown to sunrise; lights confuse nesting sea turtles and may cause them to go back to sea and drop their eggs in the water, where they won’t hatch. Light can also
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
The Third Annual Turtle Watch Wednesday at Hurricane Hanks brought the community together to benefit sea turtles and shorebirds. was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first year, they raised $3,000, with a large increase to $13,000 in 2019 and a grand total of $16,000 at last week's event. Money was raised from a silent auction of
more than 80 items donated by local artists and businesses as well as T-shirt sales, a 50-50 raffle, a $1 donation from each food and beverage sale at Hurricane Hanks during the event and a live auction hosted by Bob Slicker that
attract hatchlings away from the water. • Don’t use flashlights, lanterns or camera flashes on the beach at night. • Remove all objects from the sand from sundown to sunrise; they can deter sea turtles from nesting and can disorient hatchlings. • Fill in the holes you dig in the sand and level sandcastles before leaving the beach; they can obstruct or trap nesting and hatching sea turtles, which cannot live long out of the water.
• Don’t use wish lanterns or fireworks; they litter the beach and Gulf. • Do not trim trees and plants that shield the beach from lights. • Never touch a sea turtle; it’s the law. If you see people disturbing turtles, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
raised thousands of additional dollars. “This year we came up with a VIP package. It’s a $75 donation, but it’s a 100% donation to Turtle Watch; just another way to add to the fundraising,” said Brian Mathae, owner of Hurricane Hanks. “This organization and the turtles need all the money they can get. This is truly an Anna Maria Island community event. It’s small businesses supporting it by donating all these prizes and the community coming out that makes it successful.” Proceeds from the Turtle Watch Wednesday event will help purchase a much-needed ATV to help the volunteers move around the beach more efficiently. The event was well-orchestrated with free parking provided by nearby Hancock Whitney Bank, food and drinks thanks to Hurricane Hanks and great live music by Mike Sales. Sponsors included A Paradise Realty, Mike Sales Entertainment, J n’J Graphics, Florida Underwater Sports, CabanUp, Harbor Lane Court Vacation Rentals and The Anna Maria Island Sun.
NESTING NEWS Turtle nests laid: 421 (Record: 544 in 2019) False crawls: 556 Nests hatched: 221 Hatchlings hatched: 15,465 (Record: 35,788 in 2018) Nest disorientations: 33
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
Annie Silver Community Center seeks new president The Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach is seeking a president as plans are finalized to begin bingo games in January. BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
BRADENTON BEACH - The Annie Silver Community Center board met last week for the first time since Oct. 19, 2020, when COVID-19 put a stop to board meetings. The Sept. 27 meeting would be the last with Linda Yarger as president. Yarger decided to step down, making her official last day Sept. 30. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss who may want to take over as president of the center, a 501(c)3 non-profit overseen by a board consisting of a president (currently vacant), vicepresident (Jim Hassett), treasurer (Dianne Coates) and secretary (Judy Pruitt). Although the center is in need of a new president as soon as possible, since no willing candidate was in attendance, a vote was delayed until at least the
next board meeting, which will take place Monday, Nov. 15. Kaye Bell, Peg Miller and members of Senior Adventures were also on hand to discuss upcoming outings for the group. Annie Silver Community Center works directly with The Center of Anna Maria Island, which provides vans and drivers to assist in getting Senior Adventures members to and from activities. The relationship between the two centers is made possible in large part due to the work of Christopher Culhane, executive director of The Center. “They’ve gone on trips up to Tampa, Sarasota and Siesta Key; they do a lot of really great stuff,” said Culhane, speaking of Senior Adventures. “Whatever we can do to help facilitate senior programming, we’re here.” Annie Silver Community Center has served the Bradenton Beach community for more than 65 years and is named for its founder, Annie Silver, whose life and accomplishments adorn the walls of the center in honor of her many contributions to the Island and its residents. The center can be rented out
JASON SCHAFFER | SUN
The Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach hosts an evening wedding reception. for just about any event free of charge, although a charitable donation is requested to offset operating costs. Wedding receptions, youth activities and a meeting spot for the AMI Privateers are common at the center. Island residents will also be happy to hear that bingo will be returning to the center in mid-January. Bingo is not only a favorite pastime in Bradenton Beach, but it is the primary source of income for Annie Silver Community Center. Due to COVID-19, there hasn’t been any bingo for more than a year. More details on exact dates and times will be determined at future meetings.
2021
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
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COVID-19 on the decline in county schools Anna Maria Elementary remains free of COVID-19 cases among students and staff, and Manatee County reports the fewest cases since the first week of school.
COVID-19 PROCEDURES IN MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOLS
BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH - Almost two months into the 2021-22 school year, Anna Maria Elementary School is now reporting three consecutive weeks with no COVID-19 cases among students or staff. AME is also one of only two schools in Manatee County that has had no staff member test positive for the coronavirus this school year, the other being Jain Middle School. Anna Maria Elementary has reported 13 student cases this school year. As of Friday, Oct. 1, there were seven students reporting COVID-19 positive tests in Manatee County and no staff cases. In contrast, more than 200 students were positive on Sept. 1. A total of 2,468 students and 358 staff members countywide have tested positive since the start of this school year. While there is a mask mandate in
FILE PHOTO
Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach has no COVID-19 cases for the third week in a row. Manatee County, it offers an opt-out clause that allows students and parents to make the choice to wear masks while in school. This opt-out clause keeps Manatee County in compliance with a Florida law that bans mask mandates without an opt-out clause. As of Sept. 26, Sarasota County Schools dropped its mask mandate –
5346 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941) 778-5788 | hurricanehanks.com
which had no opt-out clause – due to a decline in students and staff testing positive for COVID-19. Sarasota County saw the positivity rate drop below 8%, but if it rises beyond 10%, the county’s policy calls for mandatory masks to resume.
• All students and employees who are sick or who have symptoms will be sent home until they are symptom-free. • Temperature checks will be taken daily for all employees and randomly for students. • Reinforce and practice proper handwashing techniques among students and staff. • Provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. • Deep clean and disinfect schools and school buses daily, or in between uses as needed. • Make every effort to social distance as much as possible in schools. • District employees visiting schools, other than their own, must wear masks during the school day. • Provide plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias where possible. • All employees will answer COVIDrelated questions daily upon arriving at work. • Limit non-essential visitors and volunteers to school campuses. • Everyone eligible is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
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Guild to hold grand reopening The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island will be holding a grand reopening Friday, Oct. 8 from 6-8 p.m. See the Guild’s newly-renovated gallery, new artists and artwork by local artists. The Guild will also hold its annual fundraiser, during which a 10x10 cradleboard original artwork will be auctioned. The gallery is located at 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. For more information, contact gallery director Anne C. Abgott at annecabgott@gmail.com.
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AMI Chamber to hold networking luncheon The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking luncheon Thursday, Oct. 14 at Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez. Attendees will enjoy a delicious meal from Slicker’s and a great opportunity to network with business owners and managers. The Chamber encourages businesses to bring a raffle prize donation, and will announce all businesses who make a prize donation. The cost is $18 for Chamber members and $30 for future members. Slicker’s is located at 12012 Cortez Road W. RSVP is required by Monday, Oct. 11 and can be made by calling 941-7781541, or email becky@amichamber.org.
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AMI Chamber offering gift certificates The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is offering gift certificates for purchase at the Chamber. All gift certificates will be in $25 increments and include a list of member businesses where they can be redeemed, including business name, address, phone number and website. The gift certificates will be valid for one year from the date of purchase. For more information, call the Chamber at 941-778-1541.
Music on the Porch gets a name change “Music on the Porch” is now the “Chickee Hut Jammers.” This free music event series is held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month in the Chickee Hut between the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center in Cortez. The jam session begins at noon and continues until 2 pm. Children and adults are welcome. Audience members are encouraged to bring a chair, umbrella and a musical instrument to join in. Park in the museum lot at 4415 119th St. W. and follow the music through the field to the thatched hut.
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August 2021 tourist tax collections
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Manatee County’s 5% resort tax, or tourist tax, is collected from owners of accommodations rented for six months or less who charge the tax to their renters, in most cases, compared to August 2020 tourists. About 50% of the tax proceeds are allocated to Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism efforts, with 20% allocated to beach renourAnna Maria 1% marketing ishment. The tax also partially funds tourism-related Bradenton Beach 8% attractions such as the Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Holmes Beach 12% piers. Amounts shown were collected in August and paid Manatee County Total* 35% to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office in September. Manatee County totals include Anna Maria Island cities, Bradenton, the portion of Longboat Key within Manatee County, unincorporated Manatee County and Palmetto. To *(Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat anonymously report a rental owner who may not be payKey, unincorporated Manatee County, ing the tax, call 941-741-4809 or visit http:/www.taxcollector. Palmetto) com/tdt-evader.cfm. Source: Manatee County Tax Collector
OCTOBER 6, 2021
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
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Commission candidates weigh in on noise The five Holmes Beach commission candidates voice their opinions on noise in residential neighborhoods. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – The November election is almost upon us and five candidates are competing for three seats on the city commission. To help Holmes Beach voters make an informed decision at the polls, The Sun asked each candidate to express their opinion on several issues facing the city. Here, candidates answer the question, “How do you feel about noise in residential neighborhoods?”
RENEE FERGUSON
“Noise continues to be a concern for our city. We have had excellent discussions on this subject in regular commission meetings and work sessions. Our city has been success- Ferguson ful in implementing some valuable ideas suggested
by both commissioners and residents. We are a resort destination and suffer some of the same pains as other resort cities and can look to them for ideas. I am convinced that as long as we continue to listen to our residents and resort housing managers and work together, we will make further progress on resolving this issue to improve quality of life.”
JOHN MONETTI
“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on Monetti the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident. Noise is an issue that has been divisive for decades. It is a subject that lends itself to having certain folks never being satisfied. I would be more inclined to be centrally positioned. We have codes that can be utilized to create compromise.”
PAT MORTON
“Unfortunately, the only issue we are really having is daytime noise of children swimming in pools. These families may someday be our residents. I do not believe in ticket- Morton ing children in pools. A friendly visit by code compliance seems to do the trick.”
TERRY SCHAEFER
“This subject has been studied for in excess of six months and recently acted upon by passage of an amended ordinance providing the Code Compliance and Police Schaefer Departments further tools to regulate the issue. In addition, I suggested and the commission unanimously approved retention of our magistrate hearing attorney to research defendable methods utilized by other Florida communities proven to be effective addressing nuisance properties. The results will be submitted to the commission and staff for consideration
within the forum of open meetings allowing for public input. Our departments responsible for monitoring and enforcing these measures have done an effective job addressing the issue with a spirit of fairness and protection to neighbors while educating visitors to the rules of conduct required. Excessive and repeating violating properties are well known by staff with additional efforts extended, in order to maintain compliance and hopefully harmony between residents and visitors. When citations and fines are warranted, they are issued.”
CAROL SOUSTEK
“Respect for each other is key. Renters and residents love the Island and just want to be here for as long as they can. Islanders want to show off their paradise and visitors wish they lived here. Soustek For the most part, I see a good balance on the noise and we have very good practices and laws in place to handle any overly happy visitors.”
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OUTDOORS
OCTOBER 6, 2021
Join the CLAMpaign For Clean Water Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
R
eaders of this column appreciate the importance of clean water. From the glass we put to our lips and extending to the waters that surround the islands, water is literally and figuratively life! When I got the news from Sarasota Bay Watch Program Director Ronda Ryan that they were kicking off a new phase of their clam restoration project, I was eager to learn more. When I heard that my friend and fellow advocate Nanette O'Hara had coined the term "CLAMpaign," I was assured of the success of the program and eager to help. The current CLAMpaign is working to raise $100,000 to purchase and release 1 million clams into Sarasota Bay. A reason SBW chose clams was their resilience to red tide, their long life span and their water filtering capabilities. Sarasota Bay Watch plans to extend its impact
with the filter feeders to the north and the south of Sarasota Bay. Experimental test sites are being utilized to determine new release sites. Scientist recommendations and historical local maps of shellfish presence are assisting in the site locations. The release sites have also supported ongoing research into marine species activity and predation. Local students have utilized the project for additional studies and research. Community involvement raises water quality awareness and reinforces personal responsibility to take care of our water. Sarasota Bay Watch is community-supported and volunteer-fueled. With the extraordinary decrease in seagrass, SBW feels it is important to act now to improve the water and benthic condition of the bay to aid in seagrass recruitment. Clams filter water and help to remove excess nitrogen, the major cause of harmful algae blooms like red tide. Sarasota Bay Watch is an organization built upon action. They are taking action now before the situation gets any worse. Throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, SBW
had to cancel many activities but was able to get clams into the water to improve the quality and health of the bay 24/7. Sarasota Bay Watch is currently awaiting approval for a local lease to grow the clams for their projects, which will make the cost of restoration cheaper while reducing stress on the shellfish. The goal is for the clams to start spawning, increasing their numbers and repopulating a depleted bay. “These are native clams that use to be abundant here. There are many stories of people clamming for their dinner. Our clams are not being restored for commercial purposes,” said Ryan. CLAMpaign for Clean Water aims to improve the health and resilience of our water. A healthy bay will support abundant fish populations and the economy of a community that depends upon its water. The monetary benefits of protecting and supporting Sarasota Bay are immeasurable. To join SBW in their CLAMpaign for Clean Water, go to www.sarasotabaywatch.org. Ryan can be reached at 941232-2363.
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Volunteers prepare to plant clams during a 2020 release.
OCTOBER 6, 2021
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19
Hot end-of-summer action in Sarasota Bay CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT
Anglers fishing with me out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key had some action catching and releasing trout, jacks, blues and Spanish mackerel in Sarasota Bay with flies and DOA Lures on several trips recently. Spin fishing anglers scored on trout and jacks on CAL jigs with shad tails and DOA Deadly Combos. Fly anglers Pat Beckwith, of Sarasota, and Lyle Beckwith, of Alexandria, Virginia, caught and released trout to 24” and blues and Spanish mackerel in the 4- to 5-pound class on Clouser flies fished on sink tip fly lines. On the reel and into backing fast! Look for reds in shallow water. Fishing deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay is a good choice for action with a variety of species including trout, jacks, blues and more. Since heat is still an issue, fishing dock lights for snook and juvenile tarpon before dawn is also a good option. Our natural resources are under constant pressure from red tides fueled by industrial, agricultural and residential runoff, toxic spills, freezes, increasing fishing pressure and habitat loss and degradation; please limit your kill, don’t kill your limit.
CAPT. RICK GRASSETT | SUBMITTED
Pat and Lyle Beckwith, of Alexandria, Virginia, had great action catching and releasing blues, Spanish mackerel and trout on flies while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett recently.
City leaders appoint water quality committee members
Water quality report Water quality at area beaches based on monitoring of enterococcus bacteria levels, which can pose an increased risk of infectious disease: Bayfront Park North Bradenton Beach Coquina Beach North Coquina Beach South Manatee Beach North Palma Sola Bay South Source: Florida Department of Heath
Good Good Good Good Good Good
HOLMES BEACH – The first members have been added to the city’s new water quality committee by a unanimous vote of city commissioners. Commissioners agreed to appoint everyone who had applied for the Holmes Beach Water Quality Committee by their Sept. 28 meeting. The new appointees include Ron Huibers, of Holmes Beach, Bob Carter, of Anna Maria, Jeffrey Drinkard, of Holmes Beach, Nancy Flynn, of Holmes Beach, Scott Ricci, of Holmes Beach and Jim McDaniel, director of development at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The committee members are charged with researching ways to improve the condition and purity of waters surrounding Anna Maria Island, look at the existing environmental codes and ordinances from all three Island cities, research what other beach cities are doing to address water quality issues and work with local organizations to potentially assist in research. They also will look into grant possibilities and coordinate with leaders from the three Island cities and Manatee County. Committee members will be tasked with determining their own meeting schedules and frequency.
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
Bishop takes in manatee struck in Anna Maria Sound A manatee rescued from Anna Maria Sound in January after being injured by a boat strike and suffering from cold stress has a new temporary home at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s rehabilitation facility in Bradenton. Nicknamed Aria, the young manatee received initial treatment at ZooTampa at Lowry Park in Tampa. Estimated to be about 1½ years old, Aria will join Janus and Iclyn, the manatees already being cared for in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Aria weighed just 220 pounds when she was rescued in January. When she arrived at The Bishop on Tuesday, she was just over 6 feet long and about 340 pounds. “It’s likely that Aria was struck by a boat and subsequently orphaned,” said Virginia Edmonds, Director of Animal Care at the Museum. “And, since she was injured in January and may not have known where to find a warm-water refuge without her mother’s guidance, she also suffered from cold stress. We’re glad we’re here to help care for this young manatee and get her ready to return to the wild.”
The Bishop has been rehabilitating manatees since 1998 and was a founding member of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) in 2001. As one of only three Stage 2 rehabilitation facilities in Florida, The Bishop cares for recovering manatees, freeing muchneeded emergency space so that seriously ill and injured animals can be treated in critical-care units elsewhere. Spending time in the Museum’s Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat allows manatees time to finish the recovery process, grow and prepare for their return to the wild. It’s a service that is needed now more than ever, said Museum CEO Hillary Spencer. “This year has been especially tough for manatees throughout Florida,” she said. “More manatees have died in 2021 than in any other year in the state’s history — making rescue and rehabilitation programs like ours more important than ever.” To support the program, The Bishop is unveiling a new monthly support program for manatees: Bishop Foster Friends.
BISHOP MUSEUM | SUBMITTED
Aria was likely orphaned after being struck by a boat, and was picked up in Anna Maria Sound suffering from cold stress. “You really will become manatees’ BFF when you become a Bishop Foster Friend and make a monthly donation that directly supports things like food and the specialized care and habitat that manatees need so we can help them successfully return to the wild,” Spencer said. “We’re also honored to share that donations made through Bishop Foster Friends will be matched by Florida Power & Light Company’s charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation.” Manatees seek out warm water out-
flows such as those at power plants during the winter months. “FPL is committed to conserving Florida’s unique ecosystems and native wildlife,” said Kate MacGregor, FPL vice president of environmental services. “We’ve worked closely with regulatory agencies and environmental organizations for more than 30 years to ensure that manatees are protected. That is why we are pleased to support The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s efforts to raise funds to increase their capacity for manatee rehabilitation during this critical time.” FPL will match up to $20,000 of donations made to Bishop Foster Friends. Monthly donations will provide guaranteed support for manatee care and will ensure that the Museum can meet the needs of one of Florida’s most beloved - and threatened - species. Bishop Foster Friends receive special benefits, including a quarterly newsletter focused on the rehabilitating manatees, exclusive programs and unique merchandise. More information is available at www.BishopScience.org/BFF.
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FDOT advises drivers of road construction The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) advises motorists that Gulf Drive (SR 789) from Avenue C to Ninth Street in Bradenton Beach is undergoing construction. Crews will be replacing the east sidewalk with permeable pavers to improve drainage, provide natural water absorption and relieve pressure on the current island drainage network. Expect lane closures and noise from construction equipment throughout the project. Variable message signs and
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flagging operations will guide motorists through the construction zone. The project contractor is AF USA Construction Corp. The project is expected to be completed by late 2021. On Cortez Road (SR 684) at 119th Street West in Cortez, crews are installing landscaping on the west corner of the intersection. Occasional shoulder and lane closures may be required. The project is estimated to be completed this month. The contractor is Superior Lawn and Landscaping.
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REAL ESTATE
OCTOBER 6, 2021
Get ready for sticker shock with flood insurance 2.0
I
t’s October, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) new program, called Risk Rating 2.0 Equity in Action, went into effect on Oct. 1. For many homeowners, this may be the annual October surprise, even though it was well-publicized by FEMA. This overview of flood insurance premium rate increases was delayed from last year after the agency received pressure from Congress to delay the increases because of COVID-19 and other financial considerations. Remember that Florida is in the crosshairs of FEMA, which always runs a deficit, since approximately 35% of their policies are in the state of Florida. FEMA is responsible for the National Flood Insurance Program, which is sold through individual insurance brokers. Generally, properties with mortgages - especially federally backed mortgages - are required to carry flood insurance based on the home’s flood zone. FEMA’s new pricing methodology is
Castles in the Sand LOUISE BOLGER intended to create a more equitable way to share the risk. Since the 1970s, a home’s flood insurance cost was based on its elevation and zone within a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. FEMA says a one-sizefits-all rate policy means that policyholders with higher-valued homes are paying less than their share of the risk. Conversely, policyholders with lower-valued homes are paying more than their share of the risk. FEMA says that Risk Rating 2.0 will work similar to existing property insurance policies in which every homeowner receives an individualized price quote. In addition to elevation and flood zone, FEMA says a 2.0 coverage quote will also consider flood frequency, multiple flood types and
distance to a water source along with other property characteristics such as the cost to rebuild. Although when first announced FEMA did not provide specifics relative to rates, they have given an overview of the changes to Florida residents. One out of five Florida homeowners (19.8%) should see a decrease in their yearly insurance cost. One out of 25 (4.2%), however, should see a yearly rate increase greater than $240. Also, FEMA says homebuyers don’t have to suffer sticker shock after closing since the new system will be more transparent. And the National Flood Insurance Program premium can still be transferred, including discounts from a seller to a buyer when the home sells. Southwest Florida has some of the highest numbers of homes in the 100-year flood zones in the state. Monroe County leads the state with 89.1%, Sarasota has 26.3% and Manatee has 15.7%. Sarasota and Manatee numbers don’t, however, segregate the barrier islands. In addition,
Pinellas, Miami-Dade, Charlotte, Lee, Brevard and Sarasota counties also appear in the top 10 nationally for the total value of real estate at risk. What FEMA is trying to do is put more responsibility on those choosing to live in flood zones and then continuing to do so as the ramifications from global warming intensify. Their goal is to compensate for five decades of mispriced insurance. The way FEMA calculates flood insurance premiums is historic in its concept, going back to 1968. There are also new FEMA flood maps that took effect in August. This could potentially change flood insurance premiums further in addition to the FEMA 2.0 changes. The bottom line is there are a lot of flood insurance changes going on, and it’s important that homeowners who live in a flood zone be aware of how it will affect your insurance premium at renewal time. At least we’re almost done with hurricane season.
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
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Final budget hearing gets heated Holmes Beach city leaders narrowly escaped fiscal catastrophe when the proposed 2021-22 budget had trouble passing a final commission vote. BY KRISTIN SWAIN SUN STAFF WRITER | kswain@amisun.com
HOLMES BEACH – City leaders hit a snag during the final hearing for the 2021-22 fiscal year budget when two commissioners voted against approving the proposed budget. When commissioners met on Sept. 28 for the final public hearing of the budget, Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash voted against adopting the proposed budget, causing an issue requiring a quick amendment to get the budget passed before the new fiscal year began Oct. 1. Rash, who voted against the budget in the first hearing earlier in September, reiterated his position that he and some of the Holmes Beach residents he’s spoken to feel that the city’s budget has ballooned out of control and is too large for the size of the city. During discussion, Christenson said she was voting against the budget because she
didn’t support the proposed budget for the Holmes Beach Police Department, which includes funds to support the hiring of a new officer and all of the equipment that goes along with a new hire. A new hire in the department would bring the total number of sworn officers, including Chief Bill Tokajer, to 18. Tokajer had previously stated that hiring a new officer is essential to policing the city and its growing number of visitors along with planning for the future of the department. Since Tokajer came on board nine years ago, there hasn’t been a deputy chief in the department, which would be standard and something that he wants to remedy as he begins to look toward retirement. Christenson said she wasn’t in favor of approving the budget as presented and made a motion to exclude the funding for a new officer that ultimately failed to win approval from the majority of her fellow commissioners. When it came time to vote for the budget as presented, Christenson and Rash voted against it, causing the measure to fail for not receiving a supermajority vote of a minimum of four to one. The police department budget represents $4,200,339 of the total $22,226,872 budget, including carryover and reserves. During discussion, Tokajer was given
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the opportunity to reply to the concerns Christenson raised about the police department budget. He said that in his opinion, the department with 18 sworn officers including himself, one detective and a school resource officer for Anna Maria Elementary School, is adequately staffed for the number of residents in Holmes Beach, not the number of visitors the city hosts, which his officers are tasked with policing. Typically, he said there is one sergeant and two officers on each shift with a mid-shift officer working afternoons during shift change. “This budget has been discussed between department heads and individual commissioners since May of this year,” Tokajer said. “To drop this bomb at the final hour is wrong and a slap in the face to the entire department. This has also put our city treasurer who has been open and transparent and readily available to all commissioners in a challenging position as revenue is at risk if budget deadlines are not met. I wouldn’t have brought this forth this year if I didn’t feel succession planning was necessary. Prior to my arrival, there was a deputy chief in the lieutenant position. I gave up this position to put more boots on the ground and to develop my team.” “I would hope that after nine years as
your chief of police, the professionalism your officers show every day and the significant reduction in crime we have shown that I would have the unconditional support of the entire commission. I know that I have the support of the community at large,” Tokajer continued. He added that he had hosted one-on-one meetings with commissioners throughout the budget process and had not received any negative feedback concerning the hiring of a new officer. Tokajer went on to say that if the funding for a new hire was not approved by commissioners that the department’s overtime budget would have to be adjusted. “For this to happen at the last minute is not responsible governing,” he concluded. Christenson said that she felt Tokajer’s comments were “bullying” and that he was attempting to use intimidation to get what he wants, in this case, funds for a new officer. She also said that she didn’t see how her decision to not vote for the budget as presented was “dropping a bomb” because Tokajer had given a prepared statement on the matter. Mayor Judy Titsworth spoke up and said that she had been alerted to Christenson’s objections just before the meeting by city SEE BUDGET, PAGE 24
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BEACH BEAT BRADENTON BEACH
9/25, 8:21 p.m., reckless driving, 1400 Gulf Drive S. The officer stopped a BMW in the middle of the road. While a second officer arrived on the scene, he observed the first officer order the driver to shut off the engine and exit the vehicle. When the driver did not comply, the officer approached the vehicle and reached in to turn it off. At that time, the driver rolled up the window on the officer’s arm causing the officer to have to use pepper spray on the driver. The driver then sped away from the scene. The officers were able to stop the vehicle a second time about six blocks north of the original location and the man was removed from the vehicle. The suspect said he was suffering a panic attack and was trying to get to the hospital. The driver was transported to Blake Medical Center. 9/25, 10:29 p.m., noise complaint, 2412 Gulf Drive N. An officer was dispatched to a loud noise complaint at Club Bamboo. A guest at the hotel advised the officer that they could not leave their door open to enjoy the crashing waves due to loud conversation coming from the balcony above
their room. The officer went to the room in question and found three women who were talking loudly on the patio. The officer said their conversation didn’t violate the city’s noise ordinance, but was close, and if it got louder the officer would have to return. The women agreed to take the conversation inside for the rest of the night and no further action was taken.
HOLMES BEACH
9/21, 10:36 a.m., contempt of court/ not answering summons, 4900 Gulf Drive. The officer conducted a traffic stop after the vehicle’s license showed an active warrant. When the driver was asked for his license, he said he was not required to show it. After dispatch confirmed the warrant, the suspect was arrested and taken into custody. 9/24, 1:36 a.m., property hold, 700 Manatee Ave. The officers initiated a bicycle stop on a man operating a bike without proper lighting equipment. The man was confused and thought he was still in Bradenton. He also said he hadn’t had food or water for more than 24 hours. The man was also unsure of what day or month it was, so the officers contacted EMS who took the man to Manatee Memorial Hospital for further evaluation. The bike was taken to the HBPD
OCTOBER 6, 2021
“bike barn” and secured until the owner could return to pick it up. 9/25, 10:16 p.m., Marchman Act, 5300 Marina Drive. An officer who was originally dispatched for a 911 hang-up call was flagged down by several pedestrians pointing to a subject passed out in the parking lot of Jesse’s Market. The subject was so intoxicated the officer could not wake him up, so EMS was called to the scene. The parents of the subject were contacted and said they could not handle their son and requested the officer complete a Marchman Act. The subject was transported to Blake Medical Center and a Marchman Act was completed. 9/28, 2:44 p.m., misrepresentation of insurance, 5701 Marina Drive. While on patrol, the officers observed a vehicle with homemade paper tags that said “Alabama tag applied 4.” After stopping the vehicle and making contact with the driver, he stated he purchased the vehicle in January from a man in Alabama but did not receive a title so he had yet to receive valid tags. When the officers asked the man for proof of insurance, he gave them a card that was no longer valid. The driver was issued a summons to appear for misrepresentation of insurance and the vehicle was towed from the scene.
BUDGET: Final hearing gets heated FROM PAGE 23
Treasurer Lori Hill and had told Tokajer, to allow him approximately 45 minutes to come up with a response. Hill and Christenson had met earlier in the day to discuss the commissioner’s concerns over the budget. Christenson added that if the department needs additional officers or if more policing is needed that it shouldn’t be on the residents of Holmes Beach to supply funding through taxes for that, that Manatee County leaders should contribute more funding to the department or help out with policing. When Commissioners Terry Schaefer, Carol Soustek and Jim Kihm all agreed that they supported the budget as-is with the police budget as presented, Christenson amended her suggested amendment for the budget to allow the police budget to remain intact but to require Tokajer to receive commission approval before being able to hire a new officer. That amendment passed and then the budget with the amendment passed with unanimous support from commissioners. For Tokajer to hire a new officer for the HBPD, he will need the support of three of the five Holmes Beach city commissioners, or a simple majority.
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
City seeks contractor to assist with engineering services The Bradenton Beach City Commission will meet on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. beginning with a proclamation about Manatee County’s “Love It Like a Local” tourism campaign. The consent agenda includes a special event permit request for the Bridge Tender Inn’s annual Halloween party, four invoices from LTA Engineers totaling $21,321 and two invoices from Sunshine Law lawsuit attorney Robert Watrous totaling $1,132. Under new business, the commission will discuss a proposed $8,500 expenditure for roof repairs for the city hall and the Tingley Memorial Library buildings. Under attorney business, the commission will discuss the issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) seeking an independent contractor to assist with various tasks associated with the general services required of an engineering firm, including assistance with securing grants, stormwater control and mitigation matters, armoring and resiliency measures, ordinance drafting, development and building permit review, SWIFTMUD and FDEP review, and traffic and roadway expertise. The RFP also cites a preference for responders with expertise as coastal engineers and certified as floodplain managers.
OBITUARIES Shirley Van OstenbridgeEsposito Shirley Van OstenbridgeEsposito, 71, of Parrish, Florida was called home to her Lord and Savior on September 23, 2021. Born October 27, 1949 in Paterson, New Jersey, she moved to Anna Maria Island with her family in 1957. When Shirley was 15 years old, she was crowned “Teen Queen” of the AMI Youth Center. She loved growing up on the island and remained close with her island friends throughout her whole life. Shirley lived in Manatee County her whole life. She and her late husband, George Esposito, owned the popular “Mario's” restaurant. After the restaurant sold, she found her passion in teaching while working at Oneco Elementary School. Two years after Shirley was widowed, she was blessed with the love of her life, Bob. They enjoyed life to the fullest. They went air boating, duck hunting and gator hunting. In 2016 they started putting together a “bucket list”
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 607, 609, 611 Fern Streets & 610 Rose Street 12 Beds 6 Baths 1,568 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4497933 $5,900,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 112 Mangrove Avenue 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,577 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4502423 $4,350,000
BRADENTON 5948 Riverview Boulevard 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,091 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4504528 $2,195,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2719 Gulf Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,119 Sq. Ft. Melinda Alvarez 941-704-0633 A4506596 $1,599,900
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $7,250,000
BRADENTON 1523 1st Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,500 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4505327 $1,050,000
LONGBOAT KEY 1701 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,551 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4503585 $875,000
ST PETE 400 4th Avenue S 1004 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,384 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts & Cathy Palmer 941-266-1450 A4512905 $789,000
THE SUN
after her cancer diagnosis. Trips included going cross country twice with their tiny home visiting many of the national parks and family. They also spent time at her “happy place” - her cabin in North Carolina. She was preceded in death by husband, George Esposito; parents, Aaron and Jule Van Ostenbridge; and son, Todd Aaron Connick. She is survived by the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Opdyke, Sr.; beloved daughter, Dawn M. Brown; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald (“sister-in-love” Jackie) Van Ostenbridge; two nieces (“Bonus” daughters), Stacie and Liz (Josh); “Bonus” son, Robert (Tia); and seven “Bonus” grandchildren; she also had several “surrogate” nieces, nephews and grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave. Anna Maria Island, FL 34216. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209 is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
BRADENTON 1510 Scarlet Oak Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,825 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4511677 $499,000
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Mary Ellen Reichard Mary Ellen Reichard, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, and formerly of Holmes Beach, Florida, passed away on September 15, 2021 at the age of 70. Reichard served on the Holmes Beach City Commission for a twoyear term starting in 1993, and on Save Anna Maria (SAM), a citizen’s group formed to fight the Florida Department of Transportation’s initial plan to replace the Anna Maria Island drawbridge with a high-rise, fixed-span bridge. Born in Queens, New York, she was the daughter of the late George W. and Martha V. Reichard. Mary Ellen was raised in Rockland County, New York and after her high school graduation, she went on to earn her Bachelors’ Degree in Early Childhood Education. She enjoyed being a teacher and loved taking care of children. Mary Ellen was a bit of a free spirit and loved the sand and surf of the beach and ocean. She loved to make everyone laugh and her kind, generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 102 Cedar Avenue 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,290 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4507978 $4,200,000
ANNA MARIA ISLAND 867 N Shore Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,507 Sq. Ft. Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4512601 $3,250,000
LONGBOAT KEY 3540 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 303C 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,568 Sq. Ft. Sean Clark 941-312-1146 A4512315 $1,390,000
LONGBOAT KEY 370 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 423 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,350 Sq. Ft. Debra Pitell-Hauge & Lisa Sebastian 941-356-0437 A4511785 $1,200,000
BRADENTON 5820 2nd Avenue Drive NW 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,149 Sq. Ft. Judy LaValliere & Megg Faillace 941-504-3792 A4512792 $475,000
BRADENTON 4421 19th Street Circle W A & B 1,259 Sq. Ft. Louise Hollander 941-224-4483 A4507731 $240,000
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PINEY POINT: Environmental groups sue over deep well injection plan FROM PAGE 1
INJECTION WELL CONCERNS
In its forthcoming case, plaintiffs say they oppose the county’s plan to inject the 271 million gallons of wastewater remaining in the gypsum stack pond into a deep well, claiming that “Piney Point’s radioactive waste would be injected underground into the fragile, porous karst geology that holds the groundwater supplies millions of Floridians depend on for drinking water.” The Center for Biological Diversity, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Suncoast Waterkeeper, ManaSota-88 and our Children’s Earth Foundation explained the reasons for their lawsuit in a press release. “This risky, shortsighted plan would be a dangerous experiment and set a troubling precedent for how we handle failing phosphogypsum stacks,” said Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The phosphate industry and FDEP continue to fail to ensure safe disposal of the industry’s polluted waste,” said Justin Bloom, Suncoast Waterkeeper founder and board member. “There are many problems associated with deep well injection; wells are subject to failure and there are too many unknown hazards with injecting phosphogypsum wastewater,” said Glenn Compton, chairman of ManaSota-88. “Florida’s officials are gambling with our water quality and our chil-
“This risky, shortsighted plan would be a dangerous experiment and set a troubling precedent for how we handle failing phosphogypsum stacks.” Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director at the Center for Biological Diversity dren’s futures,” said Annie Beaman, co-executive director of the Our Children’s Earth Foundation. “There are too many unknowns for this to be our way forward,” said Megan Eakins, board chair of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. “We need more clarity about injection well risks, the composition of the waste stream, and alternatives to be sure that this is the best way to protect our vulnerable environment and communities from this toxic, radioactive waste.” “It is both unlawful and unwise for Manatee County to inject Piney Point’s hazardous waste into the ground simply for the sake of expediency,” said Daniel Snyder, an attorney with the Law Offices of Charles M. Tebbutt, P.C., who is representing the groups. “For too long, Florida regulators have stood by while the situation at Piney Point deteriorated. Now, instead of directly cleaning up this environmen-
tal disaster and abating the endangerment it poses, regulators decide to sweep the problem under the geologic rug, putting Florida’s groundwater at risk of significant contamination.”
PUBLIC COMMENTS SOUGHT
A public meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 4-7 p.m. at the Manatee County Central Library Auditorium, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton, to allow an opportunity for citizens to provide input on the draft permit for the well and ask questions and obtain information about the draft permit and permitting process. Anyone unable to attend the meeting in person who wishes to provide public comments in writing can mail them to: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Aquifer Protection Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3530, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400.
OCTOBER 6, 2021
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OCTOBER 6, 2021
THE SUN
27
PIER: Anna Maria and Mote Marine reach lease agreement FROM PAGE 1
Earlier this year, the Manatee County Commission supported the Tourist Development Council’s recommendation that the county contribute $500,000 toward the initial buildout and exhibit installation costs. With the lease agreement now signed, the city must still finalize the $500,000 funding agreement with a county commission-approved interlocal agreement. The city will reimburse Mote Marine for its initial buildout and installation costs and then be reimbursed by the county.
LEASE NEGOTIATIONS
Thursday’s discussion began with Mayor Dan Murphy stating he and Mote Marine Vice President of Communications and Strategic Initiatives Kevin Cooper engaged in “lengthy and productive” discussions that led to the final lease agreement presented. “This is something we have been working on since Feb. 10th – the first time we made a formal presentation of a proposal to put Mote Marine out on the City Pier. We’ve had an incredible amount of public input over this issue of what should be out on the pier. I believe this is in fact – for the city, the residents and the visitors – the very best choice to put on that pier,” Murphy told the commission. Murphy noted each commissioner was previously provided an earlier version of a proposed lease agreement that was then modified based on that initial input received from the individual commissioners. “Kevin and I worked diligently to put together the best product we could,” Murphy said.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commission Chair Carol Carter said she spent many years
working with large research universities and she noted lease agreements with large research institutions usually present additional challenges. “I know the mayor and our attorney and our treasurer/clerk have worked really hard because this is a different animal to deal with. I would just like to acknowledge all the work they’ve done,” Carter said. Short then shared his views on the proposed lease agreement. “On behalf of the city, I want to thank the TDC and the Manatee County Commission for approving the $500,000 that will be used for the buildout of the education outreach center. A lot of energy and effort went into this and I wanted to thank the mayor and staff for everything they did. I want to thank Mote for their interest and willingness to operate this educational outreach center for the pier,” Short said. “I recognize – I think we all do – that this is not going to improve the bottom line of Mote. Based on the preliminary operating budget they provided us back in February, to operate this center is going to cost Mote somewhere between $200,000 and $400,000 a year. I don’t think having Mote on the pier is a bad thing. Although, to be honest, I’m not necessarily convinced it’s the best thing,” Short said. “The $500,000 estimated cost has been funded. Any costs incurred above that will be paid by Mote unless the city decides there are certain things it wants done outside the scope of what Mote will do. The city will pay for all the utilities to operate the outreach center and the city will not receive any rent for the use of this facility for a period which could be up to 10 years based on the agreement,”
CITY OF ANNA MARIA | SUBMITTED
Presented earlier this year, the rendering illustrates in a general sense what the exhibits inside the Mote Educational Outreach Center will look like when completed in 2022. Short said of the pier building originally offered for lease for the operation of a full-service restaurant. “In spite of what we all believe is the educational benefit of operating this center on the pier, the fact remains that there will be no rent the city will receive,” Short reiterated. He also expressed concerns about the potential 10-year agreement providing Mote Marine, and not the city, with the option to extend the lease for an additional five years. With no more commission or public comment offered, Carter sought and received from Commissioner Jon Crane a motion to accept the lease agreement. Commissioners Deanie Sebring, Doug Copeland and Carter supported Crane’s motion. “I very much appreciate the partnership growing between Mote and the city of Anna Maria,” Cooper told the commission. Copeland asked Cooper when he expects the buildout and
exhibit installation to begin and be completed. “Because we deal with multiple campuses across the state of Florida, we do maintain an internal team for facilities, exhibit design (and) habitat maintenance. With labor shortages and supply chain shortages, we still maintain that we’ll do a six-month buildout. We expect to wrap up construction in March,” Cooper said.
POST-MEETING COMMENTS
After the meeting, Murphy signed the approved lease agreement, which Cooper took to Mote Marine President and CEO Dr. Michael Crosby, who signed the agreement that afternoon. When contacted Thursday afternoon, Cooper said, “We’re excited to grow the partnership with the city of Anna Maria. It aligns very well with our mission to educate the public on the importance of coastal conservation and marine habitat resource management; and I think it aligns with what Anna Maria wants to
do with the pier.” Cooper said Mote Marine will select any additional contractors or subcontractors needed to supplement the work done by Mote’s in-house staff. “Mote is operating as the contractor. We’ll be doing the conceptual design elements and also some of the installation. When subcontractors are necessary, we will be sending them out. The first phase for us is concept and design, and that has to be approved by the city before we’re able to start construction. We’ll start on that almost immediately. We will open the facility in close proximity to the completion of construction, assuming there’s no other challenges or issues that arise. We can make a pretty quick turnaround from the completion of construction to the opening of the facility itself,” Cooper said. According to Cooper, the current working title for the facility is the Mote Educational Outreach Center at the city of Anna Maria Pier, but that could change. “That’s been the name in theory, but that’s a mouthful, so I don’t know if that’s going to be the name of the facility once it opens. As we begin to build out the design and go through the approvals with the city that may very well change,” Cooper said. When contacted Thursday afternoon, Murphy said, “I’m very excited that we came to an agreement with Mote on the lease and can move forward with bringing this important addition to our city. The Mote outreach center will be both educational and entertaining for people of all ages and our pier provides the perfect backdrop for this facility. I thank our commission for having the foresight and good judgment to recognize the value of having this type of venue right here in our own backyard.”
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THE SUN
SPORTS
OCTOBER 6, 2021
Catalyst takes flag football championship BY MONICA SIMPSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
ANNA MARIA - The championship adult flag football game last Thursday night may be the beginning of the new era of Moss champions. The victory for team Catalyst, captained by Jon Moss, sets the stage for the possibility of new dominance on the gridiron at The Center. For years, Moss has played in the recreational league either alongside or against his brother Ryan Moss, who has a number of championships and accolades to his credit. This season, after defeating his sibling and team Rays Ramblings in the semifinal game, J. Moss took his team all the way. Coming into the game as the second-ranked team, Catalyst was the team to beat. Their opponents, team TBT, finished fifth in the regular season. After beating the top-seeded team, We The Best Lending, TBT came into the championship game determined to prove that their win the prior week was not just a fluke. TBT started the game with 20 minutes on the clock, getting close to midfield on the second down play. Octavious Cole caught the first down throw by Matt Briley, to give TBT three more snaps of the football. Looking to score on second and goal, TBT’s throw to Zach Routh was intercepted by J. Moss to deny the touchdown, leaving the score at 0-0. Catalyst made quick work of the offensive possession with a throw by J. Moss to cousin Greg Moss. In addition to being teammates with his cousin Greg, the team captain packed his team with two additional family members, father Ed Moss and cousin Brent Moss. On the next snap, J. Moss found B. Moss running down the sideline with a defender right on him. In a beautiful diving catch, B. Moss caught the ball with his body laid out near the TBT 5-yard line. B. Moss was the target in the back left corner for the first score of the game. With the point after attempt unsuccessful, Catalyst led the game 6-0, heading into TBT’s second possession of the game.
TBT failed to make the first down due to pressure by the Catalyst pass rusher, giving the football back to Catalyst with 11 minutes left in the first half of the game. In addition to the Moss family influence on the Catalyst squad, the representatives from Solid Rock Construction rounded out the team’s roster this season: Zach Long, Evelyn Long and Jesse Skipper. Getting the first call to action, Z. Long made the catch for Catalyst only to be quickly pursued by Melissa Acevedo, who made the flag pull. Moving the football down the field, Z. Long took his team just short of the first down at midfield. On third down and long, J. Moss could not find an open defender downfield and turned the ball over on downs to TBT. With 8:30 left on the scoreboard clock, Skipper made a huge stop with a flag pull behind his backstopping Cole from reaching the first down marker. The next play went to Routh and Catalyst was called for holding as the defender tried to prevent him from gaining more yardage. Consistently throughout the game, Acevedo found herself open, but not seen by the TBT quarterbacks. Tying up the game, Routh held the ball, waiting for the right person to get free in the endzone. With Acevedo all by herself, Routh went to Briley, scoring the TD. Z. Long thwarted TBT’s hopes of taking the lead in the game with an interception in the endzone, leaving the score 6-6. With five minutes to play until halftime, J. Moss smartly hit B. Moss for short yardage just to get him into TBT territory, earning three more plays. E. Long, who in 2020 was named Inspiration Academy’s head coach and director of volleyball operations, was the intended receiver for Catalyst for the first down play. The play was broken up by Acevedo who cunningly read the play and batted down the ball before it could reach the receiver’s hands. The fourth snap of the football resulted in a gain of significant yardage by Skipper, getting Catalyst ever closer to the go-ahead play.
MONICA SIMPSON | SUN
Second-ranked Catalyst earns the adult flag football championship win last Thursday night at The Center. From left are Brent Moss, Greg Moss, Jesse Skipper, Ed Moss, Jon Moss, Zach Long and Evelyn Long. On third down, Catalyst had the option to run or throw the football. J. Moss hit Skipper, who ran it into the endzone. Converting on the point after play, Catalyst widened the lead to seven points. Cole got the first throw for TBT, looking to score before the end of the first half, only to be stopped by E. Long. Time appeared to quickly tick off the clock as each team scrambled on the field to get into position and make critical plays. With 16.9 seconds on the clock, E. Long put the pressure on the TBT quarterback, who was able to get the football to Cole, who gained yards past midfield. TBT got the snap-off with no time left on the game clock and the Catalyst sideline calling for the end of the half. The ball was overthrown to the defended receiver in the endzone, taking both teams to the halftime huddles. After discussing strategies for the next 20 minutes of play, both teams took to the gridiron with Catalyst leading by seven points. Catalyst started on offense with a play to B. Moss that was quickly stopped by Acevedo. J. Moss’ next throw to G. Moss was solid, but bounced off of him for no catch at midfield. On a third down and long play, the undefended G. Moss made the reception and ran the ball before being stopped, nearly scoring. After less than two minutes of play with immense pressure by the defense, J. Moss connected
once again to G. Moss for a touchdown in the back of the endzone, advancing the score to 19-6. J. Moss threw another catchable ball that bounced off the receiver, leaving the Catalyst lead at 13 points. A flag pull by E. Long stopped the forward progress of TBT’s Cole. Briley followed up with yardage on the next play. Cole got the first down after the third snap, moving TBT further down the field and into Catalyst territory. E. Long showed her volleyball skills by batting down the TBT QB’s throw, taking it to second down and goal for TBT. After a critical defensive move by G. Moss, batting down the football in the endzone and preventing the TBT score, Catalyst took over on offense. A crossing route by B. Moss gave Catalyst positive yardage with 11:30 left in the game. All alone, Z. Long made the catch and ran the football across the field avoiding TBT defenders. With the spot near first down, Catalyst failed to make the first down giving TBT another chance with plenty of time left in the game. Finally finding Acevedo, the TBT QB capitalized on the undefended teammate. Acevedo made the catch past midfield and took it down the field before finally called for flag guarding. Despite losing yardage, the TBT squad started the next set
of downs past midfield. On first down, G. Moss sacked Routh who took the snap. Routh held onto the football too long while looking for open players downfield. TBT could not make their plays work for them, giving the football back to Catalyst with only four minutes on the scoreboard. In a possible tide-turning play, Donnie Deitch sacked the Catalyst QB in their endzone for a safety, giving TBT two points for a score of 19-8. For the next two minutes of the game, TBT fought hard and Catalyst maintained. The efforts of the fifth-ranked team was just not enough and the underdogs lost a hard-played game. In the end, Jon Moss and his Catalyst crew earned the victory and the title, “champions.”
SUN SCOREBOARD MONDAY, SEPT. 27 ADULT CO-ED BASKETBALL Moss Builders (4-1) Slim’s Place (2-2)
53 19
Paddy Wagon (4-1) Beach Bums (4-2)
64 49
Solid Rock Construction (3-2) 65 Blue Lagoon (0-5) 35 Sandbar (1-4) bye
TUESDAY, SEPT. 28 YOUTH SOCCER – WEEK 4 8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE
Beach Bums Solid Rock Construction
2 3
Shady Lady Tidy MD
3 2
Moss Builders The Gitt Team
1 1
11- TO 14-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE
Anna Maria Island Wines Blalock Walters
3 6
HSH Miz & Hiz Biz
2 4
THURSDAY, SEPT. 30 ADULT CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME #5 TBT #2 Catalyst
8 19
OCTOBER 6, 2021
FUN IN THE SUN
Across 1 Fisherman's __: waterfront district in San Francisco 6 Police HQ alerts 10 Sushi bar sauce 13 Swiss mathematician 14 Soft palate dangler 15 "t," in "btw" 16 Golf tournament won by Shane Lowry in 2019 18 Cavity-fighting org. 19 "Easy Rider" actor 21 eharmony profile part 24 Entry point 25 With 31-Across, "The Aviator" Oscar nominee 26 Maxim 28 Pequod crew 31 See 25-Across 32 Tidy (up) 34 Stocking experts, and what 16-, 19-, 51- and 57-Across literally are Answers to 09-29-21 Crossword Puzzle.
38 Give as a task 39 Office notice 42 Govt. drug bust, perhaps 45 Post-workout refresher 47 __ mater 48 TriBeCa neighbor 50 "__ Blinded Me With Science": 1983 hit 51 Baltimore-based medical school 56 "Sands of __ Jima": 1949 film 57 "Fingers crossed!" 61 Country star McGraw 62 Gas brand BP relaunched in 2017 63 Less prevalent 64 Had chips, say 65 Fail to notice 66 Washington, e.g.
Down 1 Spider's creation 2 "Ben-__" 3 Baba in a cave 4 No longer working: Abbr. 5 Curly-haired "Peanuts" character 6 To have, in Paris 7 Baby seals 8 "Yuck!" 9 Twins infielder Miguel 10 Rice, in Chinese cuisine 11 "My goodness!" 12 Hankers (for) 14 "Hmm ... not likely" 17 Winter flakes 20 Capital of Sicily 21 Fluffy wrap 22 "__ be darned!" 23 Vegas calculation 27 Like most of northern Africa 28 Little songbird 29 Drillmaster's syllable 30 Opening day pitcher, typically 32 Icy road worry 33 Cribbage piece 35 Mama bear, in Seville 36 Omega preceder 37 Puts a Singer to work 40 "Not really a fan" 41 Mined metal 42 Sizzling Tex-Mex fare 43 Fail epically 44 Shout from the foyer
45 __ Tzu: toy dog 46 Advanced student's course 48 Contractor's parameters 49 "Yeah, and ... ?"
THE SUN
52 Fancy pillowcase 53 Prefix with sphere 54 Gold medals, to Spaniards 55 Quarrel 58 Nest egg acronym
59 "Nothing but __": "Swish!" 60 College sr.'s test
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CLASSIFIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMPLOYMENT
WANTED TO RENT. Golf Cart for 1 person & small dog. March 6, 2022 to April 1, 2022. Call 616644-7598
HELP WANTED FRIENDLY, Experienced Esthetician’s and Front desk help wanted. Leah Chavie Skin Care and Spa 6646 Cortez Rd W. Call Leah 312-513-3772
BEACH YOGA ON Saturdays & Sundays at 8:30am at the end of Pine Ave by the Sandbar Restaurant by donation. www. thriveyogafit.com AMI TURTLE WATCH needs donations & silent action items for our FUNDRAISER. Accepting Donations at Holmes Beach City Police Department at the back door. We can pick up! Call or text Linda 863-287-1133 THE BEST VOLUNTEER position on the island. The AMI Historical Museum needs docents and bread makers. Call Kathy Primeau at 989-560-6381. ROSER FOOD BANK needs donations of cash and non-perishable food, PAPER & PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. Donations boxes are located at the Church, Moose Club, and Walgreen’s.
CARPET CLEANING QUALITY COUNTS. CARPET cleaning. Upholstery cleaning. Tile & grout cleaning. Island's favorite cleaner. Manatee Chamber Member. Great price/free estimates. Call 941-7561082
CLEANING SERVICE THC CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Rentals, VRBO. Professional and Reliable. Call 941-756-4570 or 941565-3931
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
Call us today! 941-778-3986
WE’RE HIRING: Housekeeping Manager, Quality Inspector, and Marketing. Salty Mermaid Real Estate & Vacation Rentals. Apply Call or email info@ saltymermaidami.com or Call 941-254-6131 Ask for Brandon
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 941-778-1115 GET’R DONE DRYWALL, INC Specializing in Remodels & Repairs. Island Resident for 18 years. Call Neil Cell 941-962-1194
AWARD WINNING, BUSY PET grooming shop on AMI hiring Dog Groomer and a Dog Bather. Well established business/ busy year round. Part or full time. Please provide description of your experience, your Name, place of residence, phone # and email address. 941-7780885 thepawspaami@ brighthouse.com
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.
FOR SALE
“HAMMERED HOMES” (SAVING HOMES SINCE 1984) Handyman services, renovations. Free Estimates & Consulting. Call before making decision, save money. 941-778-3206
RADIAL ARM SAW for sale. Good condition $100 Call 941-778-2676
FISHING CHARTERS CAPT. MAC GREGORY Fishing Charters. Full Day, Half Day, Night, Inshore & Near Shore. 941-809-5783 U.S.C.G. Certified/Insured
GARAGE, MOVING, RUMMAGE & YARD SALES ROSER THRIFT SHOP YARD SALE,Sat.OCT,9th 9a,m1pm Lots of items to be sold, golfing stuff, kitchen stuff, clothing , Jewelry, Halloween & Thanksgiving items. Located 511 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, across from the ROSER CHAPEL
HEALTH CARE HOME CARE PROVIDER with Dennis Church a nursing assistant. 8+ years of experience. Licensed in Florida. SAFER at HOME. Call 815-519-3993
HOME IMPROVEMENTS TILE! TILE! TILE! All variations of tile supplied and installed. Quality workmanship. Prompt, reliable, many Island references. Free estimates. Neil 941-726-3077
KITCHEN CABINET DOORS & REFACING - Made in USA products - AMI Local - call 941-713-0661.
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
LOST & FOUND FOUND TURTLE INLAYED silver/platinum ring with inscription ( Pease identity text to confirm). Found on Palm Harbor Dr near Manatee Public Beach. Call 540-312-5299. LOST ON MANATEE BEACH. 18" herringbone chain (4mm thick, square link, round clasp, 10k) with 3/4" Spanish gold coin pendant. Please call 585-755-3894. Contact Dennis LOST MEN'S GOLD wedding band in shallow water just south of new rock groin on beer can island. Very sentimental. Reward, call 941-504-0526
OCTOBER 6, 2021
MOVING & STORAGE MARTIN’S MOVING YOUR Island movers! Offering dependable, competitive rates. No hidden costs. 941-809-5777.
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. Paperhanging/removal Faux finishes. Interior painting. Mary Bell Winegarden 941-794-0455
40-YEAR PAINTER from Kentucky. Hourly rate guaranteed savings over contractor price. Neat, dependable, equipped, insured. Highly productive. A+ rated by Better Business Bureau for 40 years. 502-817-6786. aapressurewash.com DONALD PERKINS PAINTING LLC fully insured. 30 years experience. Many Island references. Call 941-7057096
POOL SERVICES FOUR SEASONS POOL SERVICE AND CHEMICAL SERVICES. Certified Pool Operator. 10 + Years Experience. Residential/commercial. Chemical Service Licensed & Insured. Call Dennis Clark 941-7375657 COLE'S TROPICAL POOL SERVICE Call Cole Bowers for all your pool maintenance needs! Affordable and Dependable!! 941-7131893
PRESSURE WASHING & WINDOWS AUTHORITY ONE CLEANING : Residential, Commercial, Construction, Vacation, VRBO Rentals . Also available Pressure Washing, Roof Cleaning, Paver Sealing and Windows. Call 941565-3931.
REAL ESTATE HOMES & CONDOS FOR SALE Have you been thinking of selling? We NEED properties to List for SALE!!! GULF FRONT, CANAL FRONT, BAY FRONT CONDOS or HOMES ASK for BIG Alan Galletto of Island Real Estate to get it SOLD 941-232-2216 LOOKING FOR A highly motivated real estate broker to buy or sell your next home? Darcie Duncan, Broker Duncan Real Estate a lifelong island resident bringing success to her customers for 30 years. Proven track record brings you results! 941-725-1589
REALTOR FOR HIRE. BUYING OR SELLING on AMI? 17 years experience & USAF Veteran. Call Kelly Gitt Keller Williams Realty today 941-799-9299.
RENTALS: ANNUAL ANNUAL RENTALS WANTED! We have well qualified tenants for beach and mainland annual rentals, Full management or Finders fee. Call today for details. Ask for Paige DUNCAN REAL ESTATE 513-3821992.
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 $700/$800/$900 a wk. redekercondosonami. com Tim 941-704-7525
TRANSPORTATION AMI TAXI metered-on-callcards accepted. Airport: Tampa $95, Sarasota $40, Clearwater $85, Orlando $195. Call 941-447-8372 or 941-447-8376. amitaxi4u@ gmail.com, www.amitaxi. com ANYTIME TRANSPORTATION to all Airports, Casino, etc. Tampa $70. Sarasota $35. Pets welcome. Very dependable. Reasonable rates. Contact Jeanne. 941-779-5095 AIRPORT RIDES- Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota. Reasonable rates! Call or text Anna 941-932-1600
www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 6, 2021
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME IMPROVEMENT
PAINTING
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Call today to place your ad: 941-778-3986 TRANSPORTATION
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www.amisun.com
OCTOBER 6, 2021
